The Derm conference I attended was very interesting, with Dermatologists from around Asia attending. Not much variation in the trade display with the latest laser products available.

My boss joined me from Singapore a day after I arrived and we spent some time over the next 3 nights after work wandering through both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, getting a real taste of the best that HK has to offer. I really enjoyed the dining in some of the locals favourite spots thanks to advice from our distributor.
Our last day at the conference was Sunday and we were very tired by this point.
The last thing I had to do was to purchase the two things I had been told that Hong Kong would have cheaper than Australia. A Motorola V3 razr phone for a mate, and a set of Shure E3c in ear head phones for me. Both came out at under half it would cost me at home. I love Hong Kong.

We had a Qantas flight leaving HK direct back to Sydney leaving that night at 10:00pm so we headed to the airport in a taxi at 6pm. Traffic wasn’t bad and I really love the drive. Best road to an airport in the world bar none.
We checked into the Qantas Business class counter and asked for the exit row again if possible. We were told an outright and very definite NO. Plenty of QF Plats ahead of us apparently. Oh well. Worth a try.
We headed up to the QF/BA lounge which was right above the gate we were to depart from. I was keen on going to the CX lounge but we were both tired and couldn’t really be bothered to walk to/from the gate.

We checked in at the club and again very politely asked if we could try for an exit row. Again, we were told no.
After ½ hour we decided to wander over and grab a burger from one of the sports bars.
With only 30 mins to boarding, we headed back to the QF club and one of the attendants called me over and gave me two new boarding passes!!!
Brilliant. 58 B & C.

Big exit row, windows and lots of leg room.
Can’t ask for more than that.
I slipped the attendant some of our celebrated, patented, super expensive plastic ball point pens.

We went straight down to board and got the essentials out for the overnight run back to Sydney. We had to go to work as soon as we landed so it was essential we got a least a couple of hours sleep.

The flight took off on time and I grabbed a bottle of water to wash down a Stilnox (Ambien).
The flight was very full but everyone seemed keen to sleep. The cabin was very quiet.
There were no dramas at all during the night and I got about 3-4 hours sleep. Not great but better than nothing.
We landed in Sydney about 8:30 am and grabbed our gear. I had already rung through to the hotel asking if we could have an early check in. They had advised that they would do what they could.
We arrived at the Kirketon Hotel in Darlinghurst after only 15 mins in the taxi. This is my first stay here as I would normally stay at the Hilton Sydney. We had our reps all flying in from around the country for our first meeting for the year, and I wanted to keep the budget under control. The Kirketon had a rate of $139 each for two nights which is quite reasonable by Sydney standards. It is one of the “hippest” hotels in the world according to Conde Naste, but this also means that the rooms are small and there is no lift to the second floor.
My boss suggested we try for a couple of hours sleep, then meet up for lunch.
Great idea.

Not 30 mins into my nap, a jackhammer started up and that was the end of that.

My boss texted me and said we should head to our corp. office meeting room to try and get some work done and we would try for sleep later.

Although this was not my favourite idea, there was no way I could get any sleep. At least they were good enough to let us into the rooms early so I cannot complain too much.

We finished our meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and headed back to Sydney airport for the final part of out trip.
Check in at Syd was easy and we hung around the gate not bothering to go to the Qantas club.

We boarded on time, but after a small wait, we were told there was a “mechanical” delay.
I closed my eyes and had a very quick power nap. I didn’t wake up until we were starting our takeoff roll.

We got back to Brisbane about 8pm local time and my wife was waiting for me.
I fell into the car and was very grateful that I didn’t have to wait in line with my boss for a taxi.

When I got home I checked the AA website and the first of my flights from Bne to Syd to Hkg had posted.
Halfway to AA Plat.
Not two days later, the return trip posted and there it was.
Platinum.
From one trip.
Big thanks to the QF board’s resident Candy Thief challenge expert, Mr. Dave Noble. ^ ^ ^ ^
I think under the circumstances that I shall grant Dave an honorary Knighthood.
Sir Dave it is.

I was home for all of two days then it was off to Mackay in North Queensland for three days. I am now home again for three days then off to Melbourne for an overnighter, back to Brisbane for two days then heading to Singapore via Sydney for 48 hours in WT+ on BA. Further reports to come.