Any guidebook will tell you that the heart of Adelaide is in the city grid where an evolving multi-ethnic population mix. But the soul belongs to the Kuarna people, the land, and the culture they infuse. Facing these stories in various museums, may give you an urgent desire to apologise on behalf of your ancestors, but everyone here is way too dignified for emotional outbursts, so instead buy the unique artwork and think of those origins shaping all current inhabitants, the English settlers merely dented the landscape albeit in a genteel way.

Adelaide is a city for relaxing, the more you relax, the more you see. Relaxation must be the reason for the many parklands, beaches and hills. Yes excitement outside of organised events, is pretty much off the menu, but hey, do you notice any of the million plus population whinging about it? I recommend, that you catch their disease and value it for what it is, a non-pretentious, no worries, no drama, city. For example, spread yourselves over the miles of pavement bistros and cafes come evening time, or laugh out loud running along the very long shoreline, or find the city vein, the Torrens river, very soporific and atmospheric on barbie day (Sunday).

Take a closer look at the suburbs, Norwood, Unley and North Adelaide are the best for getting a pinch of Colonial days. I have noticed some convivial guides peppering rundle mall, they look like your auntie and uncle and will answer any questions just like them. But you will only need a day in the city if truth be known, wiser to use your time aquainting yourself with the real winery etched on your bottle of shiraz from Tesco. So get to the Barossa or Mclaren vale, or if collecting dusty bottles is not your scene, tram your way to Glenelg, where you can have the Rodney Fox experience of a great white at the shark museum, shortly before taking a dip in those infested waters for yourself (trust me you will be fine between the flags).

Because this pretty much sums up Adelaide, any real danger is below the surface and probably miles away, what more reason to live in the moment and enjoy?