The Kronikles of Tony and Ruth
Day 21 - Thursday 20 July 2006
Castle Hill disappears behind a curtain of drizzle and cloud. Soon it is raining steadily. What to do? We’ll go to the movies. “The Three Burials of
Melquaides Estrada” is selected and by 12.30 we are seated in what appears to be a mum and dad arthouse theatre. The film starts on time – no ads nor trailers. The seats are hard and the place has a worn down look but the film is riveting. Ruth and I can’t take our eyes off it. The films theme is “betrayal, forgiveness and redemption” set on the TEX/MEX border examining the relationships between the American locals and the Mexican wetbacks (see Appendix 11). The story haunts us and we discuss it during the day although our hosts are less than thrilled by it.
It is still raining so we adjourn to a cozy pub for fortification (in moderation) Back at 41 Martinez Drive for an arvo nap thence dress smart casual for our nosh up at “Michelle’s” in Palmer St.
The street is lively on this wet Thursday night and the resto is warm and inviting. Our order: Laura has a huge steak, Brad and Nicholas decide on penne pasta, and Darlene likes the salty calamari. Instead of a main, us Kulas decide on two small entrees. Ruth has 10 oyster shots followed by mussels. I enjoy duck crepes followed by beef cheeks. The wine; Gramps 2004 Shiraz. The food is excellent and so is the service. Great dining experience.
Ruth goes next door to the “Blue and White”, a Greek resto, to seek out an ex-pupil - they’re everywhere. No luck – she has moved back to Melbourne. The place is full of beefy blokes who appear to have no necks. Ah! Rugby players, the NRL North Queensland Cowboys in fact. The Coach “Muzza” Murray is pointed out by Nicholas. I go to collect a famous handshake and get a grim look as I approach Graham with my hand outstretched. This changes to a wide grin as I explain my intention and I get a warm and generous shake. (The following weekend the Cowboys give the Broncos a bath and I feel I have a part in the unexpected victory)
At 41 we have a nightcap and enjoy listening to Meatloaf.
Dobranoc at 12.10AM
APPENDIX
Wetbacks – illegal Mexican immigrants entering the U.S. They are called wetbacks because a common method of entry is by swimming across the Rio Grande.
The illegals are welcome by some sections of the community because they provide cheap labour. Others view them with disfavour to put it mildly.
