What I See with Peter Fiorenza: The wonders of travel and reality of putting your faith in Siri for directions

I just love travel. I reckon going somewhere different for a period is great for relaxing and an opportunity to clean out the cobwebs. Just spending time in a different location often creates new perspectives and reiterates why we like living where we live. For me, it is all this — along with a firm recharging of the batteries. For the past few weeks, I have been spending time in beautiful Tasmania, more specifically, the northern city of Launceston. Launceston is a pretty hilly part of the world situated on the banks of the Tamar River. From Launceston, the Tamar winds through the Tamar Valley, home to Tasmania’s wine industry, and it is a beautiful part of the world. My cousin Sandy and I travelled up from Hobart, before checking into our little Airbnb, which was full of historical character, for our 10-day stay. After a lay day, we decided it was time to head for adventure. I thought a little 30-minute drive up the Tamar would be a nice introduction. So, jumping into our reliable hire car, we headed off with the confidence we had Siri taking care of us. Or so I thought. “Siri, please take us to Tamar Valley?” After a brief pause, Siri replied, “Directions to Deloraine.” We looked at each other, thinking Siri had misheard. “Directions to Tamar Valley?” Another pause. “Finding directions to Deloraine.” After another failed attempt, we came to the conclusion that perhaps, Deloraine was located in the Tamar Valley — so we elected to put our trust in Siri. About 20 minutes later we arrived in the township of Deloraine. Soon, we came across a large road sign “The Lakes”. This looks promising, I thought, and we continued. In retrospect, we probably should have stopped and worked out where we were. But I really thought we were on the right track. It all started fine, as we drove through lush farm fields and steadily up into the hills towards what I believed were the lakes. Steadily the road became windier and windier, and the hills became steeper and steeper . I continued to talk away to Sandy, as though I knew what I was doing. But, in reality, I had no bloody idea. Soon the trees started to get smaller, and rain started to hit the windscreen of the little MG. I can tell you; panic began to set in when we drove past a sign that read: “Take care, possible slippery road and ice.” I’m sure by this time, Sandra was questioning my decision to follow Siri, but she was remaining quiet. We both were. I continued to drive on. And soon, thankfully, the road started to descend. Down and down, it went. The trees began to grow and, before we knew it, we were on the banks of the Great Lake and driving into the carpark of Great Lake Hotel. We relaxed over a lovely lunch before heading back to Launceston. Instead of investigating the Tamar Valley, my great sense of direction had seen us climb into the Tasmanian Central Highlands. A little off course, you could say. Peter Fiorenza is a host and commentator on Radio MAMA and City of Greater Geraldton councillor