01.03.2004
QF 086 HKG-BNE
seat: 2A
Boeing 767
23:00-09:40+1
I checked in already in Kowloon station and I got my pre-assigned seat as well as an invitation to the shared QF-BA lounge. As one my friend from Hong Kong was leaving the same evening to the US, I met him at the airport and we went to have dinner in the fast-food area. I never made it to the lounge as my flight was announced pretty soon. Once at the gate, the gate crew was forming two queues for the passengers. I was directed to the business class queue and after waiting for five minutes we were asked to board the aircraft. On board, a very friendly all-male crew was directed passengers to their place. My pre-assigned seat was a good choice as it's a solo seat with both windows and aisle (1-2-2 configuration). This flight was also full in business and probably also in economy (or should I write WHY as this is QF flight). Before take-off amenity kits and menus were distributed, as well as pre take-off drinks (water, OJ or champagne).

After take-off, dinner was served. I really enjoy Qantas service, which is more individual than Finnair. No trays, nice food presentation and attentive FA's. After the heavy dinner, I didn't really manage to sleep and only doze off for a short time. Breakfast was served in the same nice way as dinner. The FA serving me was almost overly friendly, but very nice.

Menu:
Supper:
Beef Fillet with Broad Beans, Aspargus and Red Wine Jus
or
Snapper with New Potatoes and Zucchini Sauce
or
Chinese Style Barbecue Pork and Wonton Noodle Soup
---
Selection of Seasonal Cheese and Dried fruit
or
Italian Apple Cake with Grand Marnier Mascarpone
or
Sliced Fresh Fruit
---
Chocolates

Breakfast:
Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs on Toast with Lemon
or
Breakfast Sausages with Potato Cake, Sauteed Mushrooms and Braised Beans

Champagne:
Charles Heidsieck, Mis En Cave 1997
Arrival in Brisbane was on time. While trying to find my way forward through customs, an officer asked for my ticket and wanted to check that I also a had a ticket out of Australia (he was as well interested in the whole RTW journey and the fact that the ticket was originally issued in Cairo). My friend was waiting for me at the airport (he had arrived from SIN a few hours before) and we took a taxi to our hotel on Wickham Terrace (Goodearth Hotel).

In Brisbane on the first day, we visited Lone Pine's Koala Sanctuary and I had a picture of a koala in my arms. On the second day we went to Moreton Island. We were booked for the dolphin feeding which usually takes place in late afternoon, but it had to be cancelled due to a predicted storm on the same evening. We also had a view of Brisbane by night on one of the riverboats.

04.03.2004
QF 541 BNE-SYD
seat: 3A
Boeing 737
15:10-17:40
After a couple of days in Brisbane, it was time to fly to Sydney. Check-in was efficient and we had some time to visit the nice QF lounge in BNE. On board we got a cold snack composed of cheese, antipasti and dried fruits. I also tried Australian sparkling wine. Nothing special on this flight. Business class was full with some QF staff. We had an on time arrival to Sydney, where our friends were waiting for us

During our stay, we had a tour south of Sydney to visit small cities on cost such as Kiama and Berry. I also went swimming in the Tasman Sea from a beach near Kiama. During our stay, we also visited the NSW Art Gallery and a few very good restaurants. This was my third time in Sydney, and I always enjoy staying there.