A glass half full

 Today was an auspicious day as it's:

1. A pupil free day for school students in my state;
2. An RDO for me; and
3. The day 'Salina returns from the USA.

To this end, I had a plan to drive down from Paradise to the big smoke to collect her - given her car is my current set of wheels and she had performed such a service 3 weeks ago for us, it was the least that I could do.

Her plane was due to land at 6.30 in the am, so I sought accommodation.

It seems that we have a habit of choosing weekends of high demand in the big smoke whenever we descend - football matches (of various codes), concert events and the state agricultural show have affected our last 2 sojourns.

I did however find a "new listing" when asking for my 2 bedrooms for 3 people (2 adults+ child aged 13) that ticked all boxes (parking, wifi, kitchen) and was reasonably priced in a tight market, so I booked Thursday - Sunday.

The drive went well and we arrived just on 6 hours after leaving paradise (including a drive through the car wash and toilet/gathering of food from a fine fast food establishment).

My problems started when Google maps had me in the vicinity of the accommodation as I had completely forgotten about parking issues while booking in - and so I panicked and failed to read some very fine print regarding the requirement for a scavenger hunt.

Luckily a lovely young couple (with a lovely giant poodle cross) came by and he had vast international experience in such scavenger hunts, and after finding every lockbox eventually cracked the code on the correct one and I had my key.

My next hurdle was to access the free parking - and the fob proved to be non-compliant in the opening of the parking garage. Another resident came behind me in her car as I was starting to breakdown and offered me a lifeline (after checking that I was legit) and not only let me in to the garage but got me onto the correct floor as the fob also failed there.

(The designated park? Between two concrete pillars on a corner in the underground carpark!)

Finally we were in - but the problem now became how I would be able to (a) get back to the car and/or the unit when I was to collect 'salina early next morning. Not the relaxing night that I had envisaged.

On top of that, the "two-bedroom apartment" actually only had one bedroom and a sofa bed on the lounge. And only 2 towels because apparently the phrase "your 13yo can stay for free" means that she won't need to shower.

Many texts and emails were exchanged and I was told that a solution would be sought by the time I had to get her.

Luckily her plane was delayed and I eventually found an email in my spam folder that gave the right option.

On the upside, there are views - and apparently the event that I have inadvertently clashed with is Riverfire, so we will have front row seats tomorrow night.

There is a pool, so 'Salina, Paris and their younger cousin E have killed an hour (and some energy) wisely.

And there is a kitchen, so I can make Spaghetti Bolognese with salad and garlic bread as a welcome home feast for 'Salina.