Across the globe in 35 days with CRTWSTAR (with pics)
Nov 9, 2009, 10:10 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Palaces!
Gyeongbokgung - The place is very big and took a few hours to carefully look at all the rooms, definitely fit for a king.
Changdeokgung
For this palace, it is mandatory to participate in a guided tour, except for Thursdays. With 3 English tours offered everyday, it was not surprising that our tour group was HUGE. Throughout the tour, I just kept on thinking “I LITERALLY feel like a cow, about to moo.” (guess which reality TV show that this line came from.) The tour was extremely informative, however some of the jokes in the tours were kinda corny. But, as a previous college tour guide, I completely understand (and I was probably guilty for the same crime).
Secret Garden
The tour was nonetheless highly recommended. This palace is more scenic than Gyeongbokgung, with the secret garden. Also, with the tour guide, there was a bit more details included in your tour. So, it was certainly educational. Of course, a big disadvantage is that if you are interested in taking photos with not a lot of tourists in it, it is just not going to happen because the tour is simply way big. I had to stay ahead of the tour group and snap pictures swiftly in order to avoid the majority of the tour group.
Insadong has quite a bit of stores offering different kind of ethnic snacks. The atmosphere was great with everyone walking around and checking things out. Since it was just 5 minute away from Changdeokgung, it is definitely a nice little place to check out after a visit to the palace.
IC Grand Seoul
A junior suite, upgraded from a club room.
Night view of Seoul from the room
Nov 9, 2009, 10:26 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
DMZ
We have signed up for the USO operated tour. The tour only operates a few times a week and they leave downtown Seoul very early in the morning (7:30am). Once we arrive to the DMZ (demilitarized zone), our passports were checked and we were brought to Camp Bonfire, where we were briefed by a US soldier about some background history of the DMZ, and also things that we need to be aware of during the tour into Panmonjom (the joint secured area). For example, there were no pointing and any types of communications (verbal or non-verbal) with the North Korean soldiers. We also got to sign some kind of waivers acknowledging that risks involved in visiting the Panmonjom.
Then, we were driven into the Panmonjom. They first lead us into this area where we can stare at the North Korea side. You can definitely see the North Korean side sent some soldiers out to monitor our every move. We were allowed to take pictures as long as we remained in that area. Then, we were led into the room where talks between both sides have been taking place. There were two South Korean soldiers, one guarding to the door to North Korea, while the other guarding the conference table. Since the room actually occupies both sides of Korea, if you are in the far half of the room, you are technically in North Korea!
North Korea in sight.
Inside the conference room. The South Korean soldier is standing at the border between the N/S Korea. So, we were technically in North Korea at that moment
Another soldier guarding the way out to North Korea. Their sunglasses certainly made them look very serious as you cannot look them in their eyes.
After the visit to Panmonjom, we were led to the Dorasan observatory and also the third tunnel. Unfortunately, it was really foggy that day, so we could not see much from the Dorasan observatory. But, the third tunnel was a very interesting experience. When you reach the end of the tunnel, the feeling was certainly eerie,especially for being a few feet away from landmines and danger. I swear people can just develop claustrophobia through this experience because of the limited space in the tunnel too.
On the way back to Seoul, plenty of barbwire and watch towers to make sure that no one can get in illegally
Then, we were driven into the Panmonjom. They first lead us into this area where we can stare at the North Korea side. You can definitely see the North Korean side sent some soldiers out to monitor our every move. We were allowed to take pictures as long as we remained in that area. Then, we were led into the room where talks between both sides have been taking place. There were two South Korean soldiers, one guarding to the door to North Korea, while the other guarding the conference table. Since the room actually occupies both sides of Korea, if you are in the far half of the room, you are technically in North Korea!
North Korea in sight.
Inside the conference room. The South Korean soldier is standing at the border between the N/S Korea. So, we were technically in North Korea at that moment
Another soldier guarding the way out to North Korea. Their sunglasses certainly made them look very serious as you cannot look them in their eyes.
After the visit to Panmonjom, we were led to the Dorasan observatory and also the third tunnel. Unfortunately, it was really foggy that day, so we could not see much from the Dorasan observatory. But, the third tunnel was a very interesting experience. When you reach the end of the tunnel, the feeling was certainly eerie,especially for being a few feet away from landmines and danger. I swear people can just develop claustrophobia through this experience because of the limited space in the tunnel too.
On the way back to Seoul, plenty of barbwire and watch towers to make sure that no one can get in illegally
Nov 9, 2009, 10:29 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Bye bye Seoul. Hello Hong Kong
ICN is also a pleasure to fly to/fro. It gives a very airy feeling. The check-in agent from OZ cannot be any more efficient. With us having 3 suitcases to check, the whole process still took less than 3 minutes, with her showing us expertly where the suitcases were being checked to. The OZ lounge was very busy at the early evening hours with a lot of flight departing at this time. There were 4 warm food selections, along with some salads and sandwiches. Since the lounge was quite crowded, the food and drinks area were just swamped with people at all times.
ICN lounge
It was a huge disappointment to find out that those books were fake
OZ 723 (ICN-HKG)
This flight is operated with a 3-class B744, but sold as a 2-class service. When we booked the ticket a few months prior, the flight was shown to be operated by the one B744 with old seating arrangements. But, when we arrived in ICN, I noticed that our seat assignments have been altered, as if the flight was operated by the new seating arrangement. So, I boarded the flight with hope that I got to sample to the First seat by OZ. Imagine my excitement when I boarded the aircraft to find out that I was now seated in the only pair of seats in the F cabin (seat 4E and 4F). I could feel the spaciousness of the cabin with a high degree of privacy. The attentive cabin attendants offered some reading material and pre-departure beverage before pushing back.
New First class on OZ
New First class seat
Once we were airborne, we were asked of our choice of beverage and meal choice. However, I was really in need of a wet towel to clean my face after a full day in Seoul. It seemed like the crew had completely forgotten about the towel service. But, it was rectified after requesting for one. The appetizer then quickly arrived at our seats.
Western
Appetizer
Smoked duck and Grille Mero Fish
Mixed Salad
Served with Italian Dressing
Main course
Berr Tenderloin Steak
Served with Red Wine Sauce, Topped with Herb Crust
Accompanied with Fried Red Potato, Red Onion and Cooked Broccoli
Or
Seafood Brochette
Cooked Prawn, White fish and Vegetables
Served with Saffron Cream Sauce
Accompanied with Boiled Fusilli Pasta and White Cream Sauce
Korean
Nutritious Korean Cusine, ‘Ssam-Bab’
Steamed Rice wrapped with Various Kinds of Vegetables, Topped with Grilled Beef ‘bulgogi’ and Bean paste
Assorted Cheese and Fresh Fruit
Cel Paese, Gruyere
Dessert
Pumpkin Cream Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Coffee and Tea
Assorted Petits Fours
My last experience with OZ showed that they perform very well with both their western and Korean selection. Once again, the meal was spectacular. The beef was juicy and tender. The Korean meal was very delicious. The crew was very professional, courteous, and polished. Service was always provided with a smile. However, the only problem was that the crew seems to get a meal on this flight too. So, if you are a slow eater (e.g. +1), you are pretty abandoned towards the end of the meal service as they were eating too. That was the only flaw that I found on this flight. However, everything was perfect and they definitely deserved the “airline of the year” title.
ICN lounge
It was a huge disappointment to find out that those books were fake
OZ 723 (ICN-HKG)
This flight is operated with a 3-class B744, but sold as a 2-class service. When we booked the ticket a few months prior, the flight was shown to be operated by the one B744 with old seating arrangements. But, when we arrived in ICN, I noticed that our seat assignments have been altered, as if the flight was operated by the new seating arrangement. So, I boarded the flight with hope that I got to sample to the First seat by OZ. Imagine my excitement when I boarded the aircraft to find out that I was now seated in the only pair of seats in the F cabin (seat 4E and 4F). I could feel the spaciousness of the cabin with a high degree of privacy. The attentive cabin attendants offered some reading material and pre-departure beverage before pushing back.
New First class on OZ
New First class seat
Once we were airborne, we were asked of our choice of beverage and meal choice. However, I was really in need of a wet towel to clean my face after a full day in Seoul. It seemed like the crew had completely forgotten about the towel service. But, it was rectified after requesting for one. The appetizer then quickly arrived at our seats.
Western
Appetizer
Smoked duck and Grille Mero Fish
Mixed Salad
Served with Italian Dressing
Main course
Berr Tenderloin Steak
Served with Red Wine Sauce, Topped with Herb Crust
Accompanied with Fried Red Potato, Red Onion and Cooked Broccoli
Or
Seafood Brochette
Cooked Prawn, White fish and Vegetables
Served with Saffron Cream Sauce
Accompanied with Boiled Fusilli Pasta and White Cream Sauce
Korean
Nutritious Korean Cusine, ‘Ssam-Bab’
Steamed Rice wrapped with Various Kinds of Vegetables, Topped with Grilled Beef ‘bulgogi’ and Bean paste
Assorted Cheese and Fresh Fruit
Cel Paese, Gruyere
Dessert
Pumpkin Cream Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Coffee and Tea
Assorted Petits Fours
My last experience with OZ showed that they perform very well with both their western and Korean selection. Once again, the meal was spectacular. The beef was juicy and tender. The Korean meal was very delicious. The crew was very professional, courteous, and polished. Service was always provided with a smile. However, the only problem was that the crew seems to get a meal on this flight too. So, if you are a slow eater (e.g. +1), you are pretty abandoned towards the end of the meal service as they were eating too. That was the only flaw that I found on this flight. However, everything was perfect and they definitely deserved the “airline of the year” title.
Nov 9, 2009, 10:33 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Intercontinental Hong Kong
We booked a room at the Hong Kong Intercontinental through Vitruoso. The rate they provide is quite fantastic. We have reserved a Harborview room and got upgraded to the Harborview Junior suite, along with lounge access. The view from the room is simply spectacular.
Junior suite
Shower/Jacuzzi. The shower can generate steam so that you can have a mini-sauna in your own room. I can literally spend hours there.
Amazing mini-bar. But, some of the higher shelf liquor was not replaced after consumption
View from bed in the morning. Certainly a great way to wake up
View from the room at night.
Club lounge with amazing snacks. You almost don't need dinner after this. We had to exercise a lot of self-control because all we do in Hong Kong is eating...
The service offered by the hotel is amazing. Loved all the amenities offered. The staff just could not be more helpful in fulfilling requests. With this kind of amazing view, it was very hard to say bye-bye to the hotel.
Junior suite
Shower/Jacuzzi. The shower can generate steam so that you can have a mini-sauna in your own room. I can literally spend hours there.
Amazing mini-bar. But, some of the higher shelf liquor was not replaced after consumption
View from bed in the morning. Certainly a great way to wake up
View from the room at night.
Club lounge with amazing snacks. You almost don't need dinner after this. We had to exercise a lot of self-control because all we do in Hong Kong is eating...
The service offered by the hotel is amazing. Loved all the amenities offered. The staff just could not be more helpful in fulfilling requests. With this kind of amazing view, it was very hard to say bye-bye to the hotel.
Nov 17, 2009, 1:46 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Yup! There were a total of 3 tickets. We went to Bali a few months ago and we finished out the return at the beginning of this trip. There is also a OW AA award that carries us from CGK to ICN.
Nov 17, 2009, 1:53 pm
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
HKG
Anyways, thank you for waiting (totally picked that up from SQ). Turns out that getting free internet from European IC/CP is not as common as I thought it would. So, thanks to the free internet at CP ZRH, here is the next installment.
There was almost no wait at the check-in at HKG. Our boarding passes were provided swiftly and we were heading to security and immigration. The immigration queue in HKG sometimes does look quite daunting. But, they are always able to process everybody with amazing efficiency. We were in the Silver Kris Lounge soon enough. As the Silverkris lounge has been recently remodeled, the décor is now matching the style of the lounge in T3. There were six warm food selections, along with many cold snacks. However, one big downside, as previously reported, is that they don’t have any lavatory facilities in the lounge.
Entrance of the SKL
Seating area
Warm food selection
Eating area
Sneaking a picture of First class before the F pax arrived
Pre-departure champagne
A nice wide seat at row 11, a little bit more space offered, however, there is no under-seat storage.
SQ863 (HKG-SIN)
When we reserved our seat on this flight, it was operated with an old-style 777. However, due to the A380 now serving HKG, SQ reshuffled their schedule to HKG and our flight was switched to a 77W. We were even able to snatch the coveted row 11 seats, which has a bit more extra legroom. Although the seat definitely provides a lot of space to move around, I always find it hard to capture +1’s attention because she is simply too far away. I almost have to do a “Kate Gosselin trying to get Jon’s attention in Toys ‘r Us” waving gesture to get her attention (and if you have no clue on what I am talking about, please ignore me, it is a good thing not to be exposed to “Jon and Kate”)
Soon after taking off, a lunch is provided.
Starter
Marinated Prawns with spicy kong choi-pomelo salad
Lime dressing
Main
Roasted lamb loin in black pepper-lemon jus, java bean with lemon, eggplant puree and baby spinach
Soya sauce chicken with steamed rice
Beef fillet in red wine sauce with sautéed spinach, glazed carrot and mushroom
Braised cod fillet in garlic sauce, seasonal vegetables and Shanghainese noodles
We have previously ordered the Book-the-Cook. The entrée that we ordered were
Braised Tofu
Chirashi Sushi
Finale
Choice of chocolate ice cream or macadamia ice cream with mango coulis
Gourmet cheese with garnishes
A selection of fresh fruit
Gourmet coffees and selection of fine teas, with pralines
After watching an episode of “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” during the meal, I somehow got super sleepy. So, I set the fully flat bed and slept until landing. The service provided by the crew was excellent. They were quite warm and friendly, with lots of smile throughout the flight.
There was almost no wait at the check-in at HKG. Our boarding passes were provided swiftly and we were heading to security and immigration. The immigration queue in HKG sometimes does look quite daunting. But, they are always able to process everybody with amazing efficiency. We were in the Silver Kris Lounge soon enough. As the Silverkris lounge has been recently remodeled, the décor is now matching the style of the lounge in T3. There were six warm food selections, along with many cold snacks. However, one big downside, as previously reported, is that they don’t have any lavatory facilities in the lounge.
Entrance of the SKL
Seating area
Warm food selection
Eating area
Sneaking a picture of First class before the F pax arrived
Pre-departure champagne
A nice wide seat at row 11, a little bit more space offered, however, there is no under-seat storage.
SQ863 (HKG-SIN)
When we reserved our seat on this flight, it was operated with an old-style 777. However, due to the A380 now serving HKG, SQ reshuffled their schedule to HKG and our flight was switched to a 77W. We were even able to snatch the coveted row 11 seats, which has a bit more extra legroom. Although the seat definitely provides a lot of space to move around, I always find it hard to capture +1’s attention because she is simply too far away. I almost have to do a “Kate Gosselin trying to get Jon’s attention in Toys ‘r Us” waving gesture to get her attention (and if you have no clue on what I am talking about, please ignore me, it is a good thing not to be exposed to “Jon and Kate”)
Soon after taking off, a lunch is provided.
Starter
Marinated Prawns with spicy kong choi-pomelo salad
Lime dressing
Main
Roasted lamb loin in black pepper-lemon jus, java bean with lemon, eggplant puree and baby spinach
Soya sauce chicken with steamed rice
Beef fillet in red wine sauce with sautéed spinach, glazed carrot and mushroom
Braised cod fillet in garlic sauce, seasonal vegetables and Shanghainese noodles
We have previously ordered the Book-the-Cook. The entrée that we ordered were
Braised Tofu
Chirashi Sushi
Finale
Choice of chocolate ice cream or macadamia ice cream with mango coulis
Gourmet cheese with garnishes
A selection of fresh fruit
Gourmet coffees and selection of fine teas, with pralines
After watching an episode of “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” during the meal, I somehow got super sleepy. So, I set the fully flat bed and slept until landing. The service provided by the crew was excellent. They were quite warm and friendly, with lots of smile throughout the flight.
Nov 17, 2009, 2:00 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
SIN transit, part 2
Although I felt like the flight to SIN was excellent, +1 would beg to differ (in fact, she felt like most of SQ staff seems to not notice her). As we were walking into the terminal, +1 just had that look that she was so thirsty that she could just hop into the koi pond and drink out of it. So, instead of heading to T3 immediately to catch our flight to PER, we stopped by the T2 Silverkris lounge quickly to grab some beverage.
Being quite used to the T3 Silverkris lounge by now, T2 lounge is just shy by comparison. The lounge is just dark and dowdy, with a slight hint of cigarette smoke in the background (as a good Los Angeleno, I can smell cigarette smoke from a mile away). While +1 was gulping her sparkling water down, she commented on the fact that this SKL just gave her the feeling of a RCC (I know… I know… the amenities provided by an SKL can never be compared to a RCC, but if any lounge can give someone the feeling of a RCC, that cannot be good, right?)
T2 SKL
Bar at T2 SKL
After a quick beverage, we moved ourselves to the T3 SKL, where it was quite deserted at the early evening hours as there were not quite that many flights leaving T3 at this moment. I was even able to snap a few pictures of an almost empty food area (try that in the early morning/late night hours)
Seating area of T3 SKL
Dining area of T3 SKL
Food area of T3 SKL
SQ 215
This flight was actually quite empty in the business class section. The crew was extremely relaxed and the service provided was quite polished and excellent.
Seats on A330
Cabin view of the A330
Prelude
Satay
With onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce
Starter
Pork lassler with cous-cous salad and vegetables
Main
Steamed fillet of cod with bean sauce, sautéed mushroom in oyster sauce and fried fish noodle with bean sprout
Panfried fillet of beef and veal sausage in light grany, sautéed mushrooms, roasted romatoes and potato gratin
“Ayam Penyet”
Indonesian flatten fried chicken with sambal belachan, stirfried beancurd and chicken rice
Sauteed seafood with shellfish sauce, buttered vegetables and linguine pasta
BTC - Wild mushroom and chorizo risotto in natural jus with arugula
BTC - Chicken curry Peranakan style with bread rolls
110
Finale
Vanilla ice cream with berry compote, crispy tuike
Ice jelly with fresh fruit
Gourmet cheese with garnishes
A selection of fresh fruit
Gourmet coffees & selection of fine teas, with pralines
Being quite used to the T3 Silverkris lounge by now, T2 lounge is just shy by comparison. The lounge is just dark and dowdy, with a slight hint of cigarette smoke in the background (as a good Los Angeleno, I can smell cigarette smoke from a mile away). While +1 was gulping her sparkling water down, she commented on the fact that this SKL just gave her the feeling of a RCC (I know… I know… the amenities provided by an SKL can never be compared to a RCC, but if any lounge can give someone the feeling of a RCC, that cannot be good, right?)
T2 SKL
Bar at T2 SKL
After a quick beverage, we moved ourselves to the T3 SKL, where it was quite deserted at the early evening hours as there were not quite that many flights leaving T3 at this moment. I was even able to snap a few pictures of an almost empty food area (try that in the early morning/late night hours)
Seating area of T3 SKL
Dining area of T3 SKL
Food area of T3 SKL
SQ 215
This flight was actually quite empty in the business class section. The crew was extremely relaxed and the service provided was quite polished and excellent.
Seats on A330
Cabin view of the A330
Prelude
Satay
With onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce
Starter
Pork lassler with cous-cous salad and vegetables
Main
Steamed fillet of cod with bean sauce, sautéed mushroom in oyster sauce and fried fish noodle with bean sprout
Panfried fillet of beef and veal sausage in light grany, sautéed mushrooms, roasted romatoes and potato gratin
“Ayam Penyet”
Indonesian flatten fried chicken with sambal belachan, stirfried beancurd and chicken rice
Sauteed seafood with shellfish sauce, buttered vegetables and linguine pasta
BTC - Wild mushroom and chorizo risotto in natural jus with arugula
BTC - Chicken curry Peranakan style with bread rolls
110
Finale
Vanilla ice cream with berry compote, crispy tuike
Ice jelly with fresh fruit
Gourmet cheese with garnishes
A selection of fresh fruit
Gourmet coffees & selection of fine teas, with pralines
Nov 17, 2009, 2:05 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Intercontinental Perth
The hotel is connected to the Burswood complex, which is a gigantic casino. We arrived the night before the Melbourne Cup, so the place was just insane. We were upgraded to a club room, equipped with a Jacuzzi and a nice view of downtown Perth. The place is adequate, but it was certainly a let-down after staying in IC HK. I mean, they definitely had their service lapses. For example, it would take them 1-hour to get room service delivered.
Hotel at night
Jacuzzi
The room, quite spacious
Minibar
View from the room
Club, it is an alright club. Only went there for one happy hour. There was some pre-plated snacks. The staff also comes around with some hot finger food and tops off drinks
View from the club lounge
Next: Patting koalas and kangaroos.
Hotel at night
Jacuzzi
The room, quite spacious
Minibar
View from the room
Club, it is an alright club. Only went there for one happy hour. There was some pre-plated snacks. The staff also comes around with some hot finger food and tops off drinks
View from the club lounge
Next: Patting koalas and kangaroos.
Nov 29, 2009, 6:44 pm
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Caversham Wildlife Park
The place is quite far from anywhere. We ended up taking hours to get there through public transportation. It is doable but it takes a while. But, it is totally worth it. The whole place is like a massive patting zoo. They also have a farm show where they demonstrate how a sheep get sheared. You also get a chance to milk a cow and pat a baby sheep.
Sleepy koalas
Mama kangaroo with baby kangaroo
The Qantas Logo
Dingos, they do look part dogs and part wolf
We also signed up for a wine tasting tour in the Swan valley. The tour included four wineyards. So, by wineyard number 3, most people in the group already had enough. All the wineyards are quite small scale, unlike the ones in the Margaret Valley.
Sleepy koalas
Mama kangaroo with baby kangaroo
The Qantas Logo
Dingos, they do look part dogs and part wolf
We also signed up for a wine tasting tour in the Swan valley. The tour included four wineyards. So, by wineyard number 3, most people in the group already had enough. All the wineyards are quite small scale, unlike the ones in the Margaret Valley.