The South Australian waters are home to friendly dolphins Photo: Temptation Waters
One of the benefits of being a part of the FEI HSBC Classic Series is the involvement of visiting international officials in the Australian International 3 Day Event. Obviously it is good for our sport and the riders in Australia to have high calibre visiting judges and also great that the visiting officials get to experience Australian eventing at its best.
For some of the Ground Jury and other officials, there was also the benefit of being able to enjoy, if only briefly, some of the delights that the host city of Adelaide and other areas of South Australia have to offer.
We chatted to Catrin Norinder, Director of Eventing for the FEI about her visit to Adelaide, outside of her FEI duties and found that, for her, it was a joy just to feel the sun on her face. Catrin travels a lot with her job but had this year flown from her home base of Switzerland to Adelaide
“it’s a real treat to come here and enjoy the weather” she said “Coming from the European winter, it is lovely to just sit in a cafe in Glenelg, drink in the sunshine and a glass of South Australian wine and enjoy the sea breeze on your face. That is such a bonus”
Catrin is no stranger to Australia, having been heavily involved with Sydney Olympics and her first visit to Adelaide was in 2001 when she visited the Barossa Valley. She didn’t get a chance to visit the wineries this time but did love her trip to the Adelaide Zoo where she saw the famous pandas.
Breakfast time for the Pandas at Adelaide Zoo Photo courtesy SATC
“It was so nice to watch the pandas eat their breakfast as well as getting to see all of the native animals – except for the wombat that refused to come out!”
Despite her tendency for seasickness (luckily overcome by the right medication), a boat ride to watch the dolphins was also very enjoyable for Catrin and Christian Landolt, also from Switzerland and a member of the Ground Jury officiating at the Australian International 3 Day Event.
This was Christian’s third trip to Adelaide, having previously been there in 2005 and 2008 and he is particularly impressed by Adelaide as a sporting venue.
“It is totally unique due to the location in the middle of the city. It gives the event a wonderful feel which is available no-where else in the world. The atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming yet professional, and there are plenty of activities on offer as well besides the event.”
The visit to the Zoo to see the Giant Pandas was also a big highlight for Christian as well as a trip to Kangaroo Island.
“We spent a day on Kangaroo Island (above) which was just fabulous but all too short a time to spend there; we loved the wild life”
Back in Adelaide Christian enjoyed walking around the city centre, looking at the architecture and the jacarandas which are SO Adelaide!
"I loved my stay in Adelaide. I was very lucky with the weather and the beaches are stunning, the food delicious, the overall atmosphere everywhere we went was relaxed, very friendly, and one feels safe”
John Kyle hard at work interviewing eventing stars at the side of the water jump before his relaxing few days
When we asked John Kyle – the voice and face of FEI TV about his few days in Adelaide his response was “I think I might be your perfect candidate for this!”
He certainly was, having been the perfect tourist during his brief stay; not only did he fulfil all of his duties at the event but also managed to fit in the cricket test, the Museum of South Australia, the State Parliament, a Haigh’s chocolate factory tour and visits to Glenelg and four wineries in McLaren Vale.
As John explains, “To be in Australia during a test match and not visit would be a crime! Through the generosity of a South Australia Cricket fan I was given a member’s pass for the last day of the Test which, although slightly turgid, was a great experience in the beautiful grounds.”
The beatutiful grounds of the Adelaide Oval Photo courtesy SATC
“If, like me, you ‘collect’ Parliaments, the free tour is a must. The history of the building works on North Terrace and the mechanics of State Government are fascinating to the travelling psephologist”
Although John didn’t mention the Pandas, he was a big fan of Haigh’s chocolate, which certainly has its links to the Pandas. In 2009 Haigh’s joined forces with Adelaide Zoo to help bring Wang Wang and Funi to live permanently in the southern hemisphere. Visitors like John on the Haigh’s free factory tour get plenty of chances to try the chocolate pandas and frogs which help to raise money for wildlife projects.
Whereas Catrin enjoyed Glenelg in the daytime sunshine, John thinks that the best time to hop on a tram to the landing spot of South Australia’s first Governor and colonists is in the evening.
The Glenelg jetty is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down Photo: Michael Smith,Word of Eye Photography
“It’s great to watch the sun go down in Glenelg whilst sipping your favourite poison or walking on the pier before making dinner plans in one of the many restaurants in this sea-front gem “ he says
However, once the heat was turned up later in the week, the winery area of McLaren Vale proved the perfect spot
The Cellar Door at Shingleback's Winery Photo: courtesy Shingleback's Winery
“Hot weather in town made me take to the hills of McLaren Vale where it’s cooler to sample the local produce. Starting with an excellent lunch at The Elbow Room – the restaurant attached to Shingleback’s winery and we then visited four different cellar doors. The area is well known for its Shiraz but there are a few other bottles you should definitely try. At Shingleback itself try the John Foolery Viognier and down miss the locals’ favourite – Sparkling Shiraz – as well as a fun Chocolate Wine.”
John concludes by saying “Overall I was touched by the generosity and hospitality of all the South Australians I met”, a sentiment which will hopefully be echoed by the many visiting officials, riders and spectators to the Australian International 3 Day Event in the future
Front photo of Glenelg Beach by Michael Smith,Word of Eye Photography
