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Jamier45 visits the colony down under!
Hello everyone, this is going to be my attempt at a TR of my journey to OzFest!
I'll try to keep it entertaining but I tend to be a really rubbish tourist and forget to take pictures, I've managed to get quite a few but missed a lot out so I apologise for that and can only write about some experiences. The next post will feature the back story of how my trip came about, after that it will be: Lincoln to London with an FT night out in London Sofitel T5 and LHR-SVG-LHR T5 CCR LHR-SIN-SYD (BA A380 & 77W) Sydney and the Novotel Sydney Central SYD-BNE, Brisbane and the Hilton Brisbane Brisbane to the Gold Coast and a little diving expedition OzFest 13!!! OOL-SYD and the QF F lounge at Sydney SYD-SIN-LHR-SVG-LHR (BA 77W & A380) London to Lincoln I hope you all enjoy it. |
Back Story
I had always wanted to head 'down under' after several of my friends moved and have decided not to return to the motherland. I was even further wanting to go after meeting JohnSydney2000 at the Leeds FT DO. On my return from that DO several of us FTers discussed over Sunday dinner about attending OzFest and eventually they all dropped out or had other commitments until there was only me left! :( Alas having spoke with John and finding out the dates and location that OzFest would be held I set about getting the required time off work and finding what I considered to be a 'good' fare. At last it was there, my leave was booked, I would also be GGL and Hilton diamond so had decided on all Hilton properties and flying in to Sydney with BA and then on to Brisbane with QF before a train to the Gold Coast and a flight back with VA to Sydney for my return journey home. At this point I still hadn't found a decent fare until one day while randomly searching ITA the price dropped from £2200 to £1700 for an exEU flight from Stavanger to Sydney via LHR and SIN. This would give me another chance to fly on the A380 and my first trip on a 777 as soon as this happened I rang the BA gold line and booked up! I realised that with trips booked I would achieve GGL on about the 6th January so could use a joker (gold guest list redemption) to open up a seat in first and use a GUF1 (gold upgrade for 1) to put myself in first for the trip there and back. Unfortunately as I landed at Oslo after a trip to Thailand and connected my phone to the lounge wifi I saw that the UK government was to vote on extending strikes against Daesh to Syria. Knowing this would mean a requirement to increase the amount of aircraft operating out of our base I waited to hear more news. Upon landing at LHR from OSL I turned my phone off flight safe mode and within 30 seconds I had a call from someone at work telling me I was heading away for an undetermined amount of time and only had 12 hours to return to base and be ready to move. This I knew immediately put my trip to Hawaii over new year with KARFA under threat as well as another trip to JFK with KARFA. I deployed and soon realised both trips would need to be cancelled and handed it over to my travel insurance (AXA) to sort out who may I add were absolutely excellent in dealing with it and paid up within 10 days of me cancelling and sending the required documents. This then put a spanner in the works as I wouldn't achieve GGL and also wouldn't get Hilton diamond so I then started looking for another hotel in Sydney and Brisbane. An Accor sale presented me wit the opportunity to save £200 on my Sydney hotel however the rates in Brisbane were favourable so I settled on: Novotel Sydney central Hilton Brisbane Hilton surfers paradise Enlisting the help of another BAEC FTer I was able to 'borrow' a joker and use my GUF1 to upgrade my flights into F :D :D I returned from my deployment after a long and tiring 4 1/2 months and the excitement started to build for my impending trip to Sydney and OzFest 13!!!!!!! |
Part 1 Lincoln to London with an FT night out in London
I woke up on a fresh May morning excited about my upcoming trip to Australia. First things first was that I needed to get a taxi ordered to take me from RAF Scampton to Lincoln train station. I had decided to ring early and book one for 10am as my train was at 1036 an dknew that I'd need probably 90 minutes to walk there carrying my bag should no taxis be available. As I feared the first 3 taxi companies I rang had no availability until at least 1010 which even for me was cutting it too close, thankfully the next company I rang had a taxi available and it was arranged for me to be picked up at 1000 from the main gate. The next 2 hours was spent taking my battery pack off charge, topping up my ipad to 100% then my phone to 100% and just generally getting excited! I had already checked in for the LHR-SVG and SVG-LHR sectors however I couldn't check in for LHR-SIN which didn't concern me as it was still T-35 hours till my flight (little did I kow how potentially serious this would turn out to be) At 0950 I left my block and walked to the main gate and found the taxi already waiting for me result! Leaving the camp at 0955 I was at lincoln train station for 1010 and paid the cheap taxi fare of £8 and trotted off to get my train tickets from the machine. Tickets in hand I waited for the train from Lincoln to Newark Castle, then a short 15 minute walk to Newark Northgate where I hopped onto the 1154 Virgin Trains East Coast service to London Kings Cross. We arrived bang on time at 1324 from where I jumped onto the Picaddilly line and off to drop my bags at the Sofitel T5. I was warmly greeted and welcomed back at reception (having only stayed here 2 weeks previous) and quickly checked in. I'd managed to get this room on lastminute.com for only £88 including cashback which is an absolute steal. Quick phone call to Stevied to let him know I was heading back into London and I should be good to meet him in about 60 minutes. I made good time on the tube and met Steve at the Tate Modern so he could attempt to 'culture' me. After being very sceptical about bits of steel etc that they had in there and calling it 'art' we retired to the members bar where we had a cold beer. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psaw4gzyt1.jpg At this point Calchas rang and informed us that he was heading towards our next rendezvous and would be there shortly. Me and Steve headed off to Bar Fifty Nine somewhere in Mayfair to enjoy the free bar tab I had won 2 weeks earlier in a competition Steve had advised me not too enter. We settled into our seats after giving my name and being escorted to our table that had been reserved. We waited for Calchas to arrive before ordering a pint each, at this point our attention turned to the champagne menu and it was decided we should spend most of the tab on a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, this was quickly delivered to the table and just as quickly consumed as all good FlyerTalkers do. After about an hour in the pub we then headed off to meet Chris1979 at a different pub before heading for food. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psuldat6tm.jpg Chris1979 had just landed at LCY so had case and hand baggage in tow. We had a few more pints before deciding on chinese food, the food was delicious although the name of the restaurant eludes me. After several more beers and it already being past the time I wanted to be back at the Sofitel by we decided to call it a night, Chris1979 and Steve headed off one way and me and Calchas headed off the opposite, somewhere along those lines a nasty person forced us to visit the Hippodrome casino where after a drink and 30-45 minutes of gambling I was still evens and after horridly looking at my phone and noticing the time decided it was about time I headed back to LHR as I was due to meet a fellow FlyerTalker in the Concorde Room at 0530. I arrived into the Sofitel somewhere between 0100 and 0200 ready to get a few hours kip. |
Part 2 Sofitel T5 and LHR-SVG-LHR
Arriving back at the Sofitel much later than I had planned so I was quickly in the land of nod. Unfortunately all too soon my phone alarm went off...snooze, then again...snooze, then my wakeup call from reception...back to sleep, then my phone alarm...turned off...uh oh, then the lovely lady from reception who remembered me from 2 weeks ago rang back saying she remembered I struggled to get out of bed 2 weeks previously and had noticed me coming back to the hotel even later so she would stay on the phone until I reached the phone in the bathroom and I was up and out of bed....otherwise I was getting another phone call. These pictures are of after I've woken up, not how I found the room :) Lovely comfortable bed. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psyst8acmk.jpg Didn't really watch the TV or use the desk as I didn't spend much time in the room. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pstpipjrm3.jpg The bathrooms are very nice and more than adequate for a short stay. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pspxyer9ab.jpg Apart from the really comfy bed the shower with the waterfall kind of shower head is my favourite and really helped me to wakeup after one too many shandys the night before. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psh4rm3ba6.jpg Suitably showered and refreshed I took a few quick pictures and darted off to drop my bag at First checkin and get through to the CCR to meet nufnuf77. Arriving at the first checkin in a very good mood considering the lack of sleep I'd had I was immediately challenged, 'Excuse me sir, are you a gold card holder or travelling in first?' 'I'm a GCH and travelling in first, can I please come in?' With a big smile and realising my friendly sarcasm/joking tone she replied with 'well maybe this one time we can bend the rules' Unfortunately this is where the fun stopped and things started to go south very quickly. The time was 0510 and I was informed that the lady at checkin couldn't check me in for any of my flights on my exEU - SVG-LHR-SIN-SYD. After approximately 20 minutes of trying she tagged my bag and told me to go to ticketing as she could see I had a ticket and seating reservations but computer was saying NO. Thankfully off my bag went as I explained to her about the SVG back to back. I was escorted to ticketing and explained the problem, unfortunately the lady here was completely useless and out of her depth. She couldn't do anything with my ticket and hadn't ever heard of the GGL line or YouFirst. After managing to get the numbers for both GGL and YouFirst and then the ticket lady handing me the phone as she honestly didn't know what to do I spoke to James who thankfully realised as my ticket had been jokered and GUF'd, BA had failed to take the extra taxes off the card. He asked me if I was happy to pay the extra £27 it now was at which point I told him just take whatever you need to but I need a boarding pass for the return journey. By this time it was now getting on for 0700 and I had been stood there for nearly 2 hours (not exactly first class) and in constant contact with nufnuf77 he said he couldn't reissue the ticket until 0730 and I should proceed through to the CCR. The ticketing lady wrote on my boarding pass Eligible for CCR access and also rang through for me which I thanked her for. Anyway, through to the CCR and I found nufnuf77 and quickly ordered my breakfast and some champagne, I believe he commented that I seemed very relaxed considering I still didn't know if I would be able to travel back from SVG. 0730 came and went with still no phone call so I went to the CCR desk and Pat who was a superstar immediately started ringing all kinds of numbers, it was at about 0750 we were told we had to go to the gate due to us being the last passengers to board. Pat said she would take personal charge of the issue and ensure I had a boarding pass waiting for me at the gate. True to her word as I arrived at the gate I was greeted with 'Ah Mr Jamier45 I believe this is for you' and I was handed my boarding pass for SVG-LHR, at which point I also checked in using my the BA app for LHR-SIN-SYD. Onto the flight, we were quickly onboard and warmly welcomed onboard after a short bus ride to C54. After taking my seat in the emergency exit row I was informed I should make my way to 1A after nufnuf77 had got talking to the CSM James and told him about my palarva that morning and he onboard upgraded me :D The flight was uneventful and only had me and nufnuf in CE with approximately 30-35 Y pax. We ate breakfast and slurped champagne before a on time arrival into SVG. Exiting the aircraft we said a 'cya in 35 minutes' to the crew and went to take our seats in the departure lounge. The return flight boarded on time and were warmly/sarcastically welcomed back on board which made us both laugh, taking up 1A & 1C again we had a small bite to eat and more champagne. Again a rather uneventful flight and 2 hours later we were back on the ground and heading for the CCR again. Approach into LHR. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pscifexrr1.jpg Spotting the cricket pitches knowing the season has just started. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psgkwpaovm.jpg |
Part 3 T5 Concorde Room
After arriving back at the CCR nufnuf went off to the bar while I decided to put my belongings into my cabana. The cabanas in the CCR are a great idea and are almost like mini hotel rooms albeit without a real bed. I put my belongings in there and trotted off to find nufnuf. Surprise surprise he was sat at the bar sipping champagne but had also gone to the trouble of getting me one as well :) Day Bed in the CCR http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psy8jwafpt.jpg We chatted about our upcomings trips, how he was going to Seattle and I was off to Australia to visit Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast for the OzFest 13 DO. Not too long before he headed off we had a small bite to eat at which point I headed off to my cabana hoping to catch up on some sleep while waiting for Chris1979 to arrive. Handily they have room service so I ordered a bottle of LPGS in an ice bucket to my cabana and switched on the TV. LPGS in a bucket :) http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pska82oecz.jpg Around 1530 Chris1979 woke me up and commented 'Don't you think you should lock the door?' I replied that I'm in an airport lounge and wasn't expecting anyone to come swanning in and if they did they would see me fast asleep anyway! At that I got up from my short slumber and headed back into the main part of the CCR to have a chat and have some dinner with Chris1979. We ordered food and I had a glass of champagne whilst discussing my trip and where he was going and where we thought we should go next. Chris1979 ate considerably more than me as I was still quite full from eating earlier. We chatted some more until chris realised his flight to (Madrid? I think) was leaving from C gates and as I know he doesn't like to leave things too late we quickly said our goodbyes and off he went to catch his flight allowing me to head back to the cabana via the quintesential desk to arrange a 1830 wakeup call to catch some more sleep. I woke up at what I thought I saw was 1800 and headed off to get showered and refreshed ready for my trip on the big bird (A380). Normally I take ages in the shower but the excitement was getting to me so I was in and out rather quickly and dressed, it was only when I took pictures of the room I realised the time was 1920 and the time I'd seen on my phone was 1900 not 1800, not to mention the quintesential guy had forgotten to give me a wakeup call! At this I quickly threw my phone charger and Ipad into my bag and darted off quickly checking and seeing my aircraft was leaving from C gates. On the way out the quintesential guy came running after me and apologised profusely about not waking me up however I didn't have time for a chat. The ensuite wetroom/shower area in the Cabanas. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pszknw5jpy.jpg The Concorde Room Bar area. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psqivhc1b7.jpg The outside terrace area (This can be a great place to relax) http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps5xt5gzq1.jpg View from the terrace with ongoing building work http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psntghbadm.jpg |
Part 4 LHR-SIN-SYD
I was hoping to have a gentle stroll through the walkways to the aircraft and arrive in plenty of time but the previous set back obviously made this null and void. I had decided that should a transit train have just left or be more than 2 minutes away I would get my tab on and head for the walkways, thankfully a transit train was just arriving so I jumped onto that and arrived at the gate with boarding well under way. I was welcomed back and escorted to my seat. The crew asked me if I'd had a short connection and had to run but after explaining the mixup in the CCR they suggested I take a seat and they would bring me some much needed champagne (theres a trend here can you tell?) I settled into my seat and set up 1K (my favourite seat on the A380 in F) how I like it. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps0wk5wo6v.jpg Champagne has arrived http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps3kpfeehu.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps6kmwvbgt.jpg This is where something that I've never had happen before happened. We were in a long line for takeoff when the aircraft suddenly steered left and the SCCM asked for an rear upper deck ready signal. I'm assuming it was received as approximately 20 seconds later the captain came on the PA and announced 'Cabin crew seats for immediate departure' I can only assume we managed to jump the queue as they all strapped in and we were off about 20 seconds after that. After receiving my amenity kit, PJs and champagne it was time to completely relax and look forward to the next 13 hours onboard my favourite BA aircraft. The crew were already working hard and scurrying about tending to everyones needs. The menus were soon handed out and seeing as this would be my penultimate trip on an A380 and the tasting menu would be disappearing I decided on that which consisted of: http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pspytewxyk.jpg After takeoff orders were taken when I asked to eat about 3 hours into the flight after consultation with Tobias-UK. I began to watch the IFE but about 20 minutes in it crashed so I had to ask for it to be reset, with the champagne flowing and myself watching the fascinating program 'The Hunt' before I knew it the crew were along to ask if I was ready to eat, responding in the affirmitive they set my table and began the service. Table Set http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psakg2uncq.jpg Unfortunately this is where I got a bit carried away and forgot to take pictures of some of the courses. With my normal meal film selected (Bonus points if you can name it) I had the salmon first course which was delicious, I then asked for the white bean soup off the main menu which they were happy to serve. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psucksimgz.jpg The cream of forest mushroom soup followed next. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psigxioajx.jpg Not too far behind was the shrimp which unfortunately didn't last long enough for me to take a picture of. The fillet of lamb was absolutely to die for and I just remembered to take a picture of it. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psb6qorffc.jpg I didn't get the dessert as by this point I was feeling quite full and wanted to be able to enjoy the champagne. The service was excellent and the crew excellent. About 5 hours later I asked to have my full english breakfast, I slammed that down and decided to sleep for the last 4 hours. Before I had time to put my seat flat I had fallen asleep so the crew didn't need to disturb me as I was already in the landing position, very surprised to be woken up telling me we were in Singapore and I needed to go catch my connecting flight onto Sydney! The crew handed me a bottle of water and thanked me for being a great laugh and having some great banter with them on what could be a very very long flight. Quickly leaving the aircraft I headed for the QF lounge and decided to sit down for something else to eat. They had fried Dorey on the menu with fresh seasonal salad leaves. It arrived and it was absolutely lovely, the fish was great and the freshness of the salad leaves was just brilliant, I asked for another bowl just of salad which I ate before heading to the Concorde Bar in the BA lounge. I was greeted at the entrance to the lounge and escorted to the CCB upon production of my F boarding pass. The room is quite small and not exactly what I expected. It's very dark and it was at this point I rang home using facetime audio to speak to my mum to help keep me awake as I was feeling very tired after a long day. Managing to almost drink the lounge dry of water I decided to head down to the gate early so I didn't have any chance of missing my onward connection to SYD. The security is at the gate in singapore and there is one queue for Economy pax and one queue for F/J and status pax. The queue moved quickly and I was soon heading down to the aircraft, what was pleasantly surprising was that there is a dedicated airbridge for first class passengers. I believe this is where not looking like a first class passenger causes me some problems, I was checked at the desk which is fair enough, I was then checked at the air bridge, checked at the door of the aircraft and again once I was in my seat. After all the checking had happened and the MF crew had accepted I was allowed into 1A I collected my amenity bag and PJs, told the crew what food I would like as I was going to sleep straight from takeoff I then sat down with a champagne. We had a small 20 minute hold on the ground due to the fact we would have arrived into SYD 15 minutes before the curfew is lifted so more champagne was in order. As soon as we departed I began to put my seat flat but must have dropped off before then as I woke up in a sloped position about 2 hours out from SYD. The crew came along and set my table ready for the service. Amouse bouche of smoked duck and some kind of jelly? http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psij5rvzkf.jpg A seasonal salad with vinegaretee. This was lovely and refreshing. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psddilma10.jpg The main was beef with king prawns ala surf and turf. Amazingly the beef was lovely and rare and very easy to cut through. Whatever sauce was on it was also really really nice. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psyrggynze.jpg Not much after we were descending towards Sydney and were the first international flight to land. Having watched border security on TV I was expecting immigration to be a zoo but it was as simple as put your passport into a machine, get a ticket, fill out a form and hand it in to the immigration officer and off I went. My bag was one of the first out on the carousel and I was heading for the train into Sydney before all of the economy passengers had even entered the baggage hall. Overall these 2 flights were really great and why I continue to fly BA. The crews on both were excellent and I find the seat really easy to sleep on or sit for prolonged periods of time. |
Part 5 Sydney and the Novotel Sydney Central
I caught the Airport train into Sydney's central station. The price was $17.40 and if I remember correctly only takes about 20-30 minutes. I was at Central station and using google maps managed to locate the Novotel Sydney Central within 5 minutes of stepping off the train. The staff said I couldn't check in till 1400 so I had just about 8 hours to kill. Thankfully they gave me a towel and allowed me to use the shower in the pool area to freshen up. I left my bag at reception and headed out into Sydney. My plan was to walk as much as I can which is exactly what I did. First off I headed down to the opera house, it had always been an ambition of mine to see it in person. I got down to the harbour area just about 0730 as the sun was starting to rise, I checked into Sydney Harbour on facebook with this picture and the caption 'not a bad way to start a sunday morning! Watching the sunrise with a bottle of water and a breakfast sandwich I'd bought was an amazing way to start the day, the adrenaline and excitement from it got me full of energy and I set off to walk round the bridge and the surrounding areas. Sunrise over the opera house http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pstn1efyqm.jpg Later that day I was meeting my mate Dave who had emigrated to Oz several years before so I only walked round the botanical gardens to chill out. After meeting Dave we walked around for hours and hours. Dave showed me all parts of Sydney that I would never have found by myself. We visited the 2 oldest pubs in Sydney, one claims to be the oldest and the other counter claims. The really interesting part was looking at the buildings which are 'old' but aren't even as old as some houses or pubs in the UK! After a good 8 hours of walking we headed to china town and got some grub. After saying goodbye to Dave and Matty I headed back to my hotel to checkin. After a shower and freshen up I fully intended to head out somewhere and get some tea but fell asleep and that was that for my first day in Sydney. Novotel Sydney Central http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psmc7dxeli.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pswuz7wpu3.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psoqmpxpxg.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psiy4dg8qy.jpg I woke up at 0600 feeling extremely fresh and headed out for breakfast again, after a small bite to eat and walking back down to the opera house to watch the sun rise again, such a beautiful sight. The Opera House again, sunrise from a different angle this time. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pshryfkuxj.jpg The Sydney Harbour Bridge http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psetb1pbyo.jpg After watching the sunrise and walking round for a bit longer I headed back to the hotel to get changed and go for a run. I was determined to see more of the city with the extra energy this trip seemed to be providing me before heading to the SCG for a tour of the ground and to tick it off my bucket list. A quick 6 miles later round the botanical gardens and other roads stopping for a selfie at the opera house and I was back to the hotel, showered and off to the SCG! My ugly mug at the opera house mid run. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psp4y55dhm.jpg I loved sitting near the opera house and just watching the ferries come and go. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psglreb4ld.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps5oqwsna9.jpg I set off to the SCG using google maps to find my way there. Walking up some steep hills and through residential neighbourhoods. I passed a hotel called Captain Cook Hotel, with him being a local hero back home I made a mental note to call in on the way back after the tour. Out of the morning sun I could see the Sydney Cricket Ground coming into view. I was again at this point getting excited as it was a ground I'd always wanted to visit and there it was and I could almost touch it! I went straight to the ticket office and purchased my tour ticket. This morning there was only 12 of us on the tour which made it much more personal and I was literally like a kid at christmas. The ground is underground a multi $m upgrade modernising alot of it however some of the older parts of the ground have been saved and incorporated into the new design such as the old clock tower and the long room. All that can be said is I'll let the pictures do most of the talking for me. Old Clock tower http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps6uwkvyoo.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pszqxipjr0.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pskuhzolc6.jpg At this point we got to see out onto the field, unfortunately some heathens were running round playing a stupid sport! A cricket pitch is for cricket only! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psvlfocsq8.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psao6zotye.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pssdadk0i3.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psip3ynro7.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psqg8f6xob.jpg A fitting memorial to a up and coming player for Australia, it was a major shock and tragedy when on 25th November 2014 Phillip Hughes was hit on the back of the head by a 'bouncer' he stumbled and collapsed a few seconds later before dying 2 days later. Because of his death cricket helmets have been improved and hopefully such a tragic event won't happen again. He today remains '63 not out' and will remain that way forever. RIP Phil. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps90kieqs8.jpg One of the best cricket players ever to grace the field of play! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psth3oxftl.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psrf27pcsc.jpg After seeing the inside of the ground we headed to the museum and got to see a replica of the famous 'Ashes'. This really topped off the tour and I hope to one day be able to come and watch an ashes test in Oz. Leaving the SCG thrilled at seeing it but also disappointed to not have got to go onto the grass (due to the heathens) I headed back towards my hotel ready to call into the Captain Cook Hotel. Upon entering I ordered a beer and spotted the special they had on steak. $22 for a 12oz steak! That was quickly ordered, it came lovely and rare. I had a chat with the barmaids and discovered it was a hostel. After another 2 pints it was time to head back down the hill as I was due to meet Tom911 and Penegal later that evening so headed back to the hotel to freshen up. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psb5w8xkbw.jpg Having freshened up I headed to Tom911's hotel and we had some beers in the hotel bar for happy hour ^ After that we managed to find Penegal in a different pub where we settled down for food. After several pints we moved to a different pub and Tom then left us to headback to his hotel. I'd arranged for another friend to meet up with that night so he joined me and penegal in a decent little pub. This is where penegal explained to me about the stupid lockout laws abound in Sydney, it's a good way to put pubs and clubs out of business though if that's what your into. Needing to call it a night as I had a flight the next day we said our goodbyes and I headed off to my hotel for some much needed sleep before heading to Brisbane the next day to continue my tour of the colony! |
Part 6 SYD-BNE, Brisbane and the Hilton Brisbane
I woke up at 0800 and ready to head to Brisbane, after having a leisurely shower I checked out of the hotel and headed to Central station to again get the train to Sydney Airport. This time I was only heading to the domestic terminal but again it cost me $17.40. I arrived and quickly found where I needed to check in my luggage. Emerald checkin was quick and painless. The staff pointed out where I needed to go and how to find the lounge. The domestic lounges at Sydney are ok, they have a small selection of snacks but the bar doesn't open till after 12 by which point I was going to be onboard the aircraft. I had some soup and bread then selected a load of fruit and made them into a smoothie. Soup and Bread http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps5ohsjwgp.jpg View of the QF A330 in from Perth http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pstyobjic4.jpg Boarding was on time and efficient, business class and OWE called first to board. I had booked a cheap $45 fare in the QF sale and managed to get an emergency exit seat. I struck up a conversation with the lady who was sat next to me and she gave me plenty of ideas of what to do in Brisbane and how to get to the city from the airport. The crew served efficiently and we got a bacon & egg bun for brunch. This is well above what you get on BA and even better after buy on board is introduced. As we landed I headed off to collect my hold luggage when as I was buying my bus ticket to go into Brisbane the lady I had been sat next to turned up with her son and offered me a lift to my hotel which I graciously accepted! Friendly bunch of convicts these lot! Brunch onboard http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psdigvpwma.jpg After being dropped at the Brisbane Hilton I was informed that the room I had selected wasn't ready (I had checked in online) but if I was happy to accept another one I could have it straight away, this wasn't a problem and I gladly swapped. The lift upto the rooms in this hotel is fabulous and the bar area also is really pleasant. When I found my room I walked in to find a maid cleaning it, as I stood there a bit puzzled a supervisor came to see me and immediately phones the desk, at this point I was then shown to another room which was ready! The room was really nice and the supervisor insisted on pointing out certain landmarks, where I could go for a run and also brought some literature for me to read up on various trips that could be taken. Hilton Brisbane Bed http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psvtwoaglf.jpg Shower, again a waterfall head! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psqikxdspi.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pslfkjmcng.jpg I went down to the pool area to have a look before heading out into Brisbane for a walk and to plan a route for a run later. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps0mvfrgih.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psupt6iakn.jpg I went out for a walk and found the river, walked along it for a bit and crossed some of the bridges. Having found what I thought would be a good route I headed back and got changed before going out and doing a 6 mile run. The heat was killing me at this point so after finishing it was shower and lots of water consumed. I'd been told about a place in Brisbane called the pig and whistle which did a 'Middlesbrough Parmo' so I was eager to give it a try and see if it matched up to the parmo's back home. I found the pub and proceeded to purchase it with a nice pint of lager. The parmo arrived and I can honestly say it was pretty good considering I was 8000 miles from home. For anyone interested a parmo is the signature dish of Teesside. Its chicken breast flattened, covered in bread crumbs then deep fried. Bechamel sauce is then put on top with a coating of cheese served with chips and salad or chips and cream cabbage. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psvdjz5znx.jpg By this point it was 2000 and I was feeling pretty knackered. I headed back to the hotel and got my head down by about 2100. I woke up about 0600 and headed out to find some breakfast, a quick snack and it was time to walk round the shopping area while it was pretty much deserted. I got back to the hotel and changed and off I went again for a run, it was pleasantly cool at this time of the morning. I got back and decided I would get the 1030am sailing of the boat tour along the river. I boarded the M.V Neptune and was greeted with scones with cream and jam plus a cup of tea. Scoffed down 3 scones and a further cup of tea before we were under way. It was at this point I realised there was only me and 4 other people on the boat who were english speaking, the rest were chinese tourists enjoying the sights on the upper deck of the boat. I proceeded down to the bar and acquainted myself with a beer or 4 whilst listening to the commentary. The sights and commentary were great and the beer was cold, what else could I ask for? The commentator explained how each time Brisbane had gone through hard times or a recession they would build a new bridge and that is one of the reasons why there is so many bridges across the river in Brisbane. The water traffic was immense with commuters coming and going on the river ferries and there was also lots of commentary about the massive floods Brisbane suffered a few years back where people had unfortunately lost their lives. We stopped at a point down the river where you could get off and have some dinner then catch the afternoon boat back however I decided to stay on as there was plenty more walking to be done. The M.V. Neptune http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psx8hg3snz.jpg Mid morning snack http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psdonouxwl.jpg Few pictures of my trip down the river. http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psdr48n2qj.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pstqqbokjq.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psze6ef8qo.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psa0gq8o5h.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps62box7sv.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pswuoz6vbq.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psgagzjbfp.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pscr1m9aog.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psfee1sq5o.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pscu2ojvpe.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pszcw9ruv7.jpg After getting off the boat I headed to a local pub I'd found on the map for some dinner and another beer or 2. The food was ok but not the best for the money paid. I'd then been told about a backpackers bar to go to so headed off to find that for later that night as I was intending to meet up with some other FTers that evening. I got back to my hotel and freshened up before heading to meet the other FTers at a bar we had arranged, I can't remember the name of it for the life of me but I eventually found them and we had a few beers. We chatted all sorts including about points and deals that were ongoing plus the upcoming Oz Fest. After several hours we parted ways and I found my was eventually to the back packers bar, safe to say this was an eye opened and I would certainly be back again if I'm ever in Brisbane again but for now it was time to hit the hay and get ready to head to the Gold Coast tomorrow for Oz Fest Gold Coast! |
Part 7 Brisbane to the Gold Coast and a little diving expedition
Waking up about 1000 I was feeling very sluggish so dragged myself out of bed and headed down to the pool to wake myself up knowing I wanted to catch a train to the gold coast around 1230, after 30 minutes in the pool I headed up to my room, showered and headed down to check out and head to the Gold Coast. On the way to the train station I noticed the back packers bar I had been in the night before! I jumped on the train and sent JohnSydney2000 a message to let him know I had survived so far without my usual chapperone Chris1979. The train journey was quick and painless then I was at the train station, from here I needed to get a bus so jumped on that and then got dropped off about a 5 minute walk from where the Hilton Surfers Paradise was. I found the hotel and checked in, quickly went up to my room and although it was compact it was a nice room for the relatively cheap price I'd paid $158/£75/night at the exchange rate when I booked it. The view from my room was really good looking onto the beach! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pst0vaaaqx.jpg Never noticed anyone using the pool at any point http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psg9czppil.jpg In the hotel I met up with JohnSydney2000 and krazykanuck. We moved upto the executive lounge and met many of the other Oz Fest attendees. As soon as I had started drinking and putting them away it was commented on by several people that I was living up to the reputation they had been told that I have. The thursday was a great night of meeting new people and chatting all sorts. I headed to bed ready for scuba diving the next morning with krazykanuck. I was up bright and early for breakfast with JohnSydney2000 before heading diving. We took a bus from the hotel to the harbour and were fitted out with wetsuit, fins and a mask plus weight belt. I could tell krazykanuck was nervous being his first ever dive but I was relishing being back in the water and was essentially using this as a 'check dive' due to not having been under the water for almost 7 years! We took the boat out to the dive site, roughly 25 minutes. We filled out safety questionaires and upon finding out I was already qualified I was left to go through my own drills and preperation by our instructor. Having succesfully passed the safety test we were ready, Sitting down on the edge of the boat I strapped on my kit and into the water I went. It was a great feeling to be back in the water being held up on the surface by my bouyancy control device. While krazykanuck and a girl who turned out to be exMF BA crew were taken through emergency drills I played about in the water, when we were ready to scuba we went off and began descending slowly reaching a maximum depth of 10 metres. During the dive I took the camera off krazykanuck and took some pictures. At one point I was swimming loops round him which made me giggle. It was good just to be back diving. The dive only lasted about 35-45 minutes before it was time to surface and get back onboard the boat before the evening activities were to begin for Oz Fest 13!!! krazykanuck being taken through emergency drills http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pskny5jqdw.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pslfoud34i.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psjnuotto4.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psohavxp2p.jpg Everything is A okay! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psppovz2pg.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psgtidfceb.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psosseiz6j.jpg Fishes! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps3skzxith.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psulyfsmvn.jpg A successful first dive for krazykanuck and a tick in the box for me! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pscfteqoqk.jpg http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psxd1wv3oz.jpg A good dive all in all! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps0ysjnrwj.jpg |
Part 8 OzFest 13!!!
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Part 9 OOL-SYD and the QF F lounge at Sydney
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Part 10
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Part 11
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You've finally taken the plunge ;)
Looking forward to reading it. |
By this time next week the first page of the TR forum is going to be filled with us Oz Festers!
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