What do you do after visiting every country? RTW in First with NH, TG, SQ, QR, EK, LH
Feb 24, 2017, 4:13 pm
#61
Join Date: Nov 2009
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. Glad you made trip up there!
Feb 24, 2017, 4:51 pm
#62
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Thanks for the inspiration. If you'd like the hi res version of the photo for your background feel free to shoot me a message.
Feb 26, 2017, 6:34 pm
#63
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5. Hong Kong to Singapore in Singapore 77W First
I'd planned ahead the night before, and knew exactly what time the first airport express train headed for the airport. Got there five minutes ahead of time, no problems at all, and was at the airport with almost 90 minutes to spare before my flight. Unlike my previous few experiences there was absolutely zero wait at immigration and security (Hong Kong doesn't have priority security for business/first class) and I had plenty of time to spare. Quick stop at Starbucks for my fix, and then into the lounge.
Nothing says good morning like a glass of Veuve, a nice large cold brew, and a bottle of pretentious French water.
Decided to eat a light breakfast before boarding, and some maple smoked bacon and poached eggs did the trick nicely.
Very excited for my first flight in Singapore Suites! The first class section of the lounge wasn't very big, but plenty big for the five or so people that were in there, including two couples in transit from San Francisco. I had really wanted a window seat, but they were all gone when I booked. I was kind of surprised both couples preferred windows to being together in the centre.
Short walk to our gate, where my chariot awaited. Normally I find the Hong Kong airport to be a bit of a furnace, but it was nice and chilly at this hour in the morning. So far everything was going great!
There was already a long queue forming at the gate, but I just held up the boarding pass, and someone ran over and walked me to the front of the line. Now this is the Singapore service I remember!
Singapore Airlines Flight 1
Hong Kong (HKG) to Singapore (SIN)
Depart 8:00, Arrive 12:00, Flight Time: 3:00
Boeing 777-300ER, Registration 9V-SWY, Manufactured 2014, Seat 1D
Miles Flown Year-to-Date: 12,411
Lifetime Miles Flown: 2,376,812
Once boarded, a super wide seat, although I'm not a huge fan of the leather. It can get kind of sticky if it's warm. Fortunately, the cabin temp was perfect on this flight.
This morning's menu:
There were still three seats open in first when I checked in, but they all filled at the last minute. Not sure if it was upgrades, OpUps, or what, but my seatmate decided the whole world needed to see his bare feet. Taking the "class" out of "First Class."
After takeoff, more champagne was offered. It's always Krug O'Clock somewhere!
Since I wasn't interested in seeing bare feet the entire flight, I built a wall...and made my seatmate pay for it!
Best fruit plate I've ever had on a flight. Not a large portion, but every fruit was perfectly ripe and sweet.
Cereal with strawberry greek yogurt. I didn't ask for them combined, and when it came like this I asked "how did you know I wanted the yogurt on the cereal?" I got "Well, Mr Jason, we know all your preferences of course!" I doubt it's really true, but nicely done...
Braised beef rib. Phenomenal dish! Just the right amount of savoury and sweet, protein and fat, everything about the dish was perfect.
Next to my Krug and caviar scrambled eggs on Cathay, this has to be the best airline breakfast I can remember. Singapore really hit a home run with this flight. Down to every little detail, like the signature chopsticks:
The short flight passed very quickly, and soon we we in Singapore and ready for my 12 hour layover. More to come on that in the next post, but I was really curious to see if Singapore could keep this up for 12 hours in transit as well as the Suites class flight to Sydney.
Nothing says good morning like a glass of Veuve, a nice large cold brew, and a bottle of pretentious French water.
Decided to eat a light breakfast before boarding, and some maple smoked bacon and poached eggs did the trick nicely.
Very excited for my first flight in Singapore Suites! The first class section of the lounge wasn't very big, but plenty big for the five or so people that were in there, including two couples in transit from San Francisco. I had really wanted a window seat, but they were all gone when I booked. I was kind of surprised both couples preferred windows to being together in the centre.
Short walk to our gate, where my chariot awaited. Normally I find the Hong Kong airport to be a bit of a furnace, but it was nice and chilly at this hour in the morning. So far everything was going great!
There was already a long queue forming at the gate, but I just held up the boarding pass, and someone ran over and walked me to the front of the line. Now this is the Singapore service I remember!
Singapore Airlines Flight 1
Hong Kong (HKG) to Singapore (SIN)
Depart 8:00, Arrive 12:00, Flight Time: 3:00
Boeing 777-300ER, Registration 9V-SWY, Manufactured 2014, Seat 1D
Miles Flown Year-to-Date: 12,411
Lifetime Miles Flown: 2,376,812
Once boarded, a super wide seat, although I'm not a huge fan of the leather. It can get kind of sticky if it's warm. Fortunately, the cabin temp was perfect on this flight.
This morning's menu:
There were still three seats open in first when I checked in, but they all filled at the last minute. Not sure if it was upgrades, OpUps, or what, but my seatmate decided the whole world needed to see his bare feet. Taking the "class" out of "First Class."
After takeoff, more champagne was offered. It's always Krug O'Clock somewhere!
Since I wasn't interested in seeing bare feet the entire flight, I built a wall...and made my seatmate pay for it!
Best fruit plate I've ever had on a flight. Not a large portion, but every fruit was perfectly ripe and sweet.
Cereal with strawberry greek yogurt. I didn't ask for them combined, and when it came like this I asked "how did you know I wanted the yogurt on the cereal?" I got "Well, Mr Jason, we know all your preferences of course!" I doubt it's really true, but nicely done...
Braised beef rib. Phenomenal dish! Just the right amount of savoury and sweet, protein and fat, everything about the dish was perfect.
Next to my Krug and caviar scrambled eggs on Cathay, this has to be the best airline breakfast I can remember. Singapore really hit a home run with this flight. Down to every little detail, like the signature chopsticks:
The short flight passed very quickly, and soon we we in Singapore and ready for my 12 hour layover. More to come on that in the next post, but I was really curious to see if Singapore could keep this up for 12 hours in transit as well as the Suites class flight to Sydney.
Feb 26, 2017, 11:18 pm
#64
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
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Posts: 71,422
Enjoying the report ironmanjt
A minor nitpick. First class is only referred to as suites class on SQ A380 aircraft. On 77W it is just first class. SQ even has different coloured boarding passes for first class and for suites class.
A minor nitpick. First class is only referred to as suites class on SQ A380 aircraft. On 77W it is just first class. SQ even has different coloured boarding passes for first class and for suites class.
Feb 27, 2017, 12:13 am
#65
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Stay tuned...
Feb 28, 2017, 7:48 pm
#66
Original Poster
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6. 12 Hours in Singapore and Singapore to Sydney in Singapore A380 Suites
After landing, I had initially planned to head to the office for a few hours to get some work done, but it was absolutely pouring outside and the Private Room was beckoning. Had a rather long walk from my gate today to the lounges, but once inside and after showing my boarding pass, one of the agents insisted on escorting me to the Private Room.
What I've personally always loved about Singapore is they manage to deliver perfect service without ever coming across as "hovering" over you or being at all pretentious. It's the perfect combination of letting you know you're a valued customer, but giving you the space and amenities to enjoy your time with them how you please. This was my first visit to the Private Room and it was nice to be walked to my seat, asked what I want (Coke Light, still water, and a cold towel please) and then left alone for a couple of hours to get some work done on the laptop.
It was about 2pm by this point, and I was starting to get hungry, so I wandered over to the dining room to check out some lunch. I had the entire place to myself. In the entire lounge at this point it was just me and one other couple. View from my table:
Panoramic of the Private Lounge dining room. I can't imagine people eat from the small buffet often.
Glass of bubbly and some delicious mixed satay to start. The peanut sauce was fantastic. I would quite literally come back to the Private Room just for another helping of this!
Main course of lobster and asparagus. Skipped the potatoes - don't want to fill up on empty starches!
Ice cream? I really shouldn't..you insist? Fine, for research purposes, of course...
At this point, it had stopped raining outside, so I decided to walk off the calories and head into the city for a bit as I had almost nine hours left before my connecting flight. Here's the one thing I didn't like about the Private Room - nowhere to store luggage. I asked...and then I asked even more nicely, but was sent away to the main terminal left luggage. Got there, and of course the T3 left luggage was closed today. Seems they alternate every day, and today only the T1 terminal left luggage was in service. Seriously?
Took the tram over to T1, found left luggage where a very friendly gentleman patiently weighed my bags and took my money, and then I was able to head through immigration. Just going to the city for three or four hours? Apparently that's not suspicious at all in Singapore, passport was stamped and I was on my way. Quick train ride into the city, and a great walk through Bugis and and the Downtown Core. I resisted stopping for an overpriced touristy Singapore Sling, and was content to just wander and have some Starbucks. (Again, research purposes of course.)
On my way back to the train I ran into a special Valentines Day outdoor concert where people were having an Adele lip synch contest. It was all at once the most culturally fascinating and disturbing thing I think I've ever seen! Made it back to the airport around 7pm and had a quick walk through the terminals before heading back to T1 to retrieve my bags. Tried for 20 minutes to get a good shot of a butterfly in the butterfly garden, but no luck, so finally settled for a picture of people taking a picture of butterflies:
Back to the Private Room, showed, my boarding pass, and as it was a new shift the desk agent wanted to walk me back to the Private Room. I told her I knew the way and could show myself since I was returning from earlier in the day, and she was happy to let me go. Again, service offered, declined, and no "are you REALLY sure?" Perfect service. The real kicker was when I got back to the Private Room desk, the agent greeted me by name - despite the shift change. I had to ask her. "My colleague from earlier today told me you would be coming back and what you looked like, so I've been expecting you." Now THAT is service.
Couple more hours of work, and it was time for some dinner. I had heard the couple earlier in the day mentioning that the Thai mango salad was delicious, and they were absolutely right!
The satay was so good earlier, and I didn't want a huge meal, so I ordered it again. Unfortunately, it wasn't mixed this time - so wasn't quite as good, but still excellent.
Back to my seat to do a little more work, and immediately the attendant was over suggesting I should have more champagne. Well, if you insist...
"You're not having desert? I can't convince you? How about some chocolate ice cream?" Well, how can I resist that. "Maybe some red wine with that?" I swear, these people are enablers...
With that, my lovely day in the Private Room was over, and it was time for the short 10 minute walk to the gate.
Singapore Airlines Flight 231
Singapore (SIN) to Sydney, Australia (SYD)
Depart 00:45, Arrive 11:40, Flight Time: 7:55
Airbus A380-800, Registration 9V-SKD, Manufactured 2008, Suite 3F
Miles Flown Year-to-Date: 16,319
Lifetime Miles Flown: 2,380,720
Upon boarding, I was met at the door with "Good Evening Mr. Jason, we've been expecting you." I asked how they knew my name - was I the only one in Suites tonight? "There is one other, but they have an Asian name." Again, impressive personalized service.
It was noted that I ordered Book the Cook, but "you may like to look at the menu regardless"
The suite from above:
Yeah, this is a horrible way to fly.
Looking across the plane at the empty suites:
If this suite is a'rockin...don't come a'knockin!
Tasty macadamia nuts and cashews with a glass of Krug.
Very shortly after take off my Boston Lobster Thermadore was delivered. From research online, the difference between the Boston and the classic seemed to be that the Boston is the full lobster, and indeed it was:
Clearly, it was awful:
I would post more about the time I enjoyed in suites, but, well, right after eating I fell asleep and was out for fix straight hours, landing just 30 minutes out of Sydney. The crew seemed very disappointed I wasn't up for any breakfast, but was happy to make me some tea when I asked.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and now I have to find an excuse to fly Suites on a much longer daytime route to enjoy all the service (and hopefully get some caviar!) With that, a couple of outstanding flights in Singapore First were behind me, and it was time to enjoy a couple of days in Australia!
What I've personally always loved about Singapore is they manage to deliver perfect service without ever coming across as "hovering" over you or being at all pretentious. It's the perfect combination of letting you know you're a valued customer, but giving you the space and amenities to enjoy your time with them how you please. This was my first visit to the Private Room and it was nice to be walked to my seat, asked what I want (Coke Light, still water, and a cold towel please) and then left alone for a couple of hours to get some work done on the laptop.
It was about 2pm by this point, and I was starting to get hungry, so I wandered over to the dining room to check out some lunch. I had the entire place to myself. In the entire lounge at this point it was just me and one other couple. View from my table:
Panoramic of the Private Lounge dining room. I can't imagine people eat from the small buffet often.
Glass of bubbly and some delicious mixed satay to start. The peanut sauce was fantastic. I would quite literally come back to the Private Room just for another helping of this!
Main course of lobster and asparagus. Skipped the potatoes - don't want to fill up on empty starches!
Ice cream? I really shouldn't..you insist? Fine, for research purposes, of course...
At this point, it had stopped raining outside, so I decided to walk off the calories and head into the city for a bit as I had almost nine hours left before my connecting flight. Here's the one thing I didn't like about the Private Room - nowhere to store luggage. I asked...and then I asked even more nicely, but was sent away to the main terminal left luggage. Got there, and of course the T3 left luggage was closed today. Seems they alternate every day, and today only the T1 terminal left luggage was in service. Seriously?
Took the tram over to T1, found left luggage where a very friendly gentleman patiently weighed my bags and took my money, and then I was able to head through immigration. Just going to the city for three or four hours? Apparently that's not suspicious at all in Singapore, passport was stamped and I was on my way. Quick train ride into the city, and a great walk through Bugis and and the Downtown Core. I resisted stopping for an overpriced touristy Singapore Sling, and was content to just wander and have some Starbucks. (Again, research purposes of course.)
On my way back to the train I ran into a special Valentines Day outdoor concert where people were having an Adele lip synch contest. It was all at once the most culturally fascinating and disturbing thing I think I've ever seen! Made it back to the airport around 7pm and had a quick walk through the terminals before heading back to T1 to retrieve my bags. Tried for 20 minutes to get a good shot of a butterfly in the butterfly garden, but no luck, so finally settled for a picture of people taking a picture of butterflies:
Back to the Private Room, showed, my boarding pass, and as it was a new shift the desk agent wanted to walk me back to the Private Room. I told her I knew the way and could show myself since I was returning from earlier in the day, and she was happy to let me go. Again, service offered, declined, and no "are you REALLY sure?" Perfect service. The real kicker was when I got back to the Private Room desk, the agent greeted me by name - despite the shift change. I had to ask her. "My colleague from earlier today told me you would be coming back and what you looked like, so I've been expecting you." Now THAT is service.
Couple more hours of work, and it was time for some dinner. I had heard the couple earlier in the day mentioning that the Thai mango salad was delicious, and they were absolutely right!
The satay was so good earlier, and I didn't want a huge meal, so I ordered it again. Unfortunately, it wasn't mixed this time - so wasn't quite as good, but still excellent.
Back to my seat to do a little more work, and immediately the attendant was over suggesting I should have more champagne. Well, if you insist...
"You're not having desert? I can't convince you? How about some chocolate ice cream?" Well, how can I resist that. "Maybe some red wine with that?" I swear, these people are enablers...
With that, my lovely day in the Private Room was over, and it was time for the short 10 minute walk to the gate.
Singapore Airlines Flight 231
Singapore (SIN) to Sydney, Australia (SYD)
Depart 00:45, Arrive 11:40, Flight Time: 7:55
Airbus A380-800, Registration 9V-SKD, Manufactured 2008, Suite 3F
Miles Flown Year-to-Date: 16,319
Lifetime Miles Flown: 2,380,720
Upon boarding, I was met at the door with "Good Evening Mr. Jason, we've been expecting you." I asked how they knew my name - was I the only one in Suites tonight? "There is one other, but they have an Asian name." Again, impressive personalized service.
It was noted that I ordered Book the Cook, but "you may like to look at the menu regardless"
The suite from above:
Yeah, this is a horrible way to fly.
Looking across the plane at the empty suites:
If this suite is a'rockin...don't come a'knockin!
Tasty macadamia nuts and cashews with a glass of Krug.
Very shortly after take off my Boston Lobster Thermadore was delivered. From research online, the difference between the Boston and the classic seemed to be that the Boston is the full lobster, and indeed it was:
Clearly, it was awful:
I would post more about the time I enjoyed in suites, but, well, right after eating I fell asleep and was out for fix straight hours, landing just 30 minutes out of Sydney. The crew seemed very disappointed I wasn't up for any breakfast, but was happy to make me some tea when I asked.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and now I have to find an excuse to fly Suites on a much longer daytime route to enjoy all the service (and hopefully get some caviar!) With that, a couple of outstanding flights in Singapore First were behind me, and it was time to enjoy a couple of days in Australia!
Mar 1, 2017, 4:01 am
#68
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: Krisflyer
Posts: 9
Sleeper Menu
Hi there,
I'll be on the same SQ suites flight from SIN to SYD and have some questions regarding the meal service.
Since you were only 2 pax on board, did they cater a dinner and a breakfast for you?
Or did you only have one meal?
I'll be on the same SQ suites flight from SIN to SYD and have some questions regarding the meal service.
Since you were only 2 pax on board, did they cater a dinner and a breakfast for you?
Or did you only have one meal?
Mar 1, 2017, 4:16 am
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,519
Mar 1, 2017, 8:10 am
#71
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
Mar 1, 2017, 8:49 am
#72
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: Krisflyer
Posts: 9
This will be our 2nd suites flight but first time on the infamous sleeper service. As such am wondering whether we could BTC a full meal for breakfast and just have something light for supper.
I know we would probably be full from what we ate in the private room...but always good to know if theres a backup plan.
Mar 1, 2017, 8:53 pm
#74
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
7. Can You Hear, Can You Hear the Thunder? Three Days in Australia
This one is going to get a little long. Yes, it's only two days in Australia, but there's just that much to see and enjoy that I can't do it justice without at least a few dozen pictures.
Australian immigration is super easy now that ePassports can be scanned at the gate and you don't have to deal with an immigration officer. Through the gates, straight to customs, and hand my slip to the customs agent. After asking how long I was here for, and hearing three days, he asked why so far for three days. Told him it's been a rough few months at work, so decided to take a bit of a trip around the world to get away from all the drama in Washington DC lately. His response was so typically Australian: "yeah, that President's a bit of a ......, isn't he?" Perfect welcome to Australia!
On to the Airport Express Train and off to my hotel - the Westin Sydney. I've always stayed at the Four Points Darling Harbour before, but it's in the process of rebranding so it was time to check out a new part of the city. I'm very glad I did, because although it wasn't on the water I was very happy with my stay here. Yes, I had the perfect storm of problems with my room (bad air conditioning, a door lock that froze in the locked position and needed a manual key to open, etc, etc, etc) but major kudos to hotel management for doing their best to make things right in the end. Suffice to say, for a stay with so many problems, I will definitely be giving them another chance.
Check in, quick shower after sleeping on a plane, and given it was already mid-afternoon it was time for a walk. Strolled down to The Rocks, and on the way stopped at a small pub I like for a couple of beers and an emu, crocodile, and kangaroo pizza. Lunch al fresco, ahhh....
Got down to the waterfront just in time, while it was still full daylight, and enjoyed playing tourist a bit. The Harbour Bridge:
Sydney Opera House just as the sun was beginning to set:
Bridge selfie:
Harbour panorama:
Opera House just before dusk:
Late afternoon Harbour Bridge:
I definitely stayed around the water for a couple hours just walking around and people watching. Even after having been to every country there's something I really enjoy about going to the World's great cities and just tourist/people watching. It's amazing to see people who are still excited about the vacation of a life time, and watching the joy as they discover new places.
Opera House just after sunset:
The next morning, I ended up sleeping in a bit later than planned (thanks jetlag and finally catching up - I think this was my first full night of sleep since I left DC) so by the time I headed out it was just afternoon and already approaching 40C / 105F. I was convinced it would be cooler by the water, so decided to head out on my planned excursion regardless.
My friend Ryan had suggested heading to Coogee Beach to do what is known as the Bondi to Coogee Walk. He suggested, however, doing it in the reverse direction, because finishing the walk in Bondi has great views and drops you in a much more happening area where you can celebrate and enjoy a long walk better. Bit of googling seemed to agree with this, and a couple pages suggested actually starting the walk even further down the coast in the the town of Maroubra.
Only problem was - how do I get there? Those of us over 35 remember when traveling meant maps, guide books, etc, but now things are easy. You tell google maps where you are, you tell it where you want to go, and it gives you bus directions. It works like a charm. I had already purchased a local transit card and loaded fare onto it, so it was an easy matter of finding the bus stop, waiting for the bus, tapping on, and getting off and tapping the card in the right place. Couldn't be easier!
Even the busses in Sydney are sports-crazed:
Near the bus stop in Maroubra, getting read to head down the South Coogee Stairs towards the water:
After about 15 minutes of walking Coogee Beach appeared:
Fantastic view of the water against the beach:
After Coogee Beach I had to stop. I was already baking 30 minutes into the walk, and severe sunburn was imminent. Fortunately every little corner store sells 100 types of sunblock, so after stopping for a can of spray-on SPF 50, water, and red bull, I was back on my way. A short while later, I rounded the corner again to Gordons Bay:
Looking back towards Coogee:
Next up was Clovelly Beach, with an ocean pool. Didn't get pics of the pool, but did manage a selfie up against the small inlet:
After walking around Shark Point, with some serious elevation gain and fall, I came upon Waverley Cemetery. The main walk along the water had been washed out in storms the pervious summer, so a detour straight through the cemetery and a bit inland was in order.
Path right through the cemetery:
Gravestones with Ocean backdrop:
Rounding the next corner after the cemetery brought me to Bronte Beach. Time to stop for a bit, reapply sunblock, before continuing on my way.
Local kids contemplating some cliff diving:
Tamarama Beach - the last beach before Bondi, and the fourth beach I'd passed on the walk already:
Rounding Tamarama Beach to Mackenzies Point:
Coming around the bend, Bondi Beach was in sight:
Rock overhangs on Mackenzies Point:
Bondi Beach:
Great view of Bondi:
By this point I was starving, and found a great little Italian place for a late lunch/early dinner thanks to Tripadvisor. Highly recommend checking out Bondi Trattoria if you're in the area. Burrata, figs, and balsamic. Outstanding.
Angel hair pasta, raw tuna, and chili oil. Again, outstanding, and makes me wonder why such simple, fresh dishes are so hard to find in the US:
After stuffing myself post-walk, headed back to Bondi and sat down on the hill overlooking the beach to watch the sun go down:
Sunset:
Found a fun little Star Wars-themed bar near my hotel when I got back, which had several great local NSW craft beers and was a fun way to close out the evening. All the walking had tired me out, and it was a relatively early night. I had nearly a full day the next day, but wanted to be sure I could get up at a reasonable hour and make the most of it.
Despite that, slept in a bit longer than I wanted, so hurried back towards the water to catch the ferry to Manly. Great view of the Harbour Bridge heading out:
After docking in Manly, a quick shot of the beach. It was a gorgeous, although slightly hot, morning:
Manly's fierce and fearless avian inhabitants:
Still wasn't really hungry, but decided to stop by the 4 Pines Brewing Company to sample their beers. Definitely a great selection!
The clouds were starting to gather, so I rushed back to the ferry to head back to Sydney and get my bags before the weather looked too bad. Of course, a quick stop at Starbucks first to re-caffeinate for the long night ahead. About five minutes into the ferry ride the clouds started looking ominous, so I went to the railing and put the camera on rapid fire mode, hoping that I would catch something exciting. Just a few minutes out from Sydney, I got this amazing shot! Perfect way to end the trip!
Had to wait about 30 minutes at the pier for the super torrential rains to let up, and grabbed another crocodile pizza on the way back to the hotel and then it was time to check out and catch the train back to the airport. It had been an amazing few days in Sydney, and I can't wait to go back.
But first, the Qatar A380 in first class to Doha...
Australian immigration is super easy now that ePassports can be scanned at the gate and you don't have to deal with an immigration officer. Through the gates, straight to customs, and hand my slip to the customs agent. After asking how long I was here for, and hearing three days, he asked why so far for three days. Told him it's been a rough few months at work, so decided to take a bit of a trip around the world to get away from all the drama in Washington DC lately. His response was so typically Australian: "yeah, that President's a bit of a ......, isn't he?" Perfect welcome to Australia!
On to the Airport Express Train and off to my hotel - the Westin Sydney. I've always stayed at the Four Points Darling Harbour before, but it's in the process of rebranding so it was time to check out a new part of the city. I'm very glad I did, because although it wasn't on the water I was very happy with my stay here. Yes, I had the perfect storm of problems with my room (bad air conditioning, a door lock that froze in the locked position and needed a manual key to open, etc, etc, etc) but major kudos to hotel management for doing their best to make things right in the end. Suffice to say, for a stay with so many problems, I will definitely be giving them another chance.
Check in, quick shower after sleeping on a plane, and given it was already mid-afternoon it was time for a walk. Strolled down to The Rocks, and on the way stopped at a small pub I like for a couple of beers and an emu, crocodile, and kangaroo pizza. Lunch al fresco, ahhh....
Got down to the waterfront just in time, while it was still full daylight, and enjoyed playing tourist a bit. The Harbour Bridge:
Sydney Opera House just as the sun was beginning to set:
Bridge selfie:
Harbour panorama:
Opera House just before dusk:
Late afternoon Harbour Bridge:
I definitely stayed around the water for a couple hours just walking around and people watching. Even after having been to every country there's something I really enjoy about going to the World's great cities and just tourist/people watching. It's amazing to see people who are still excited about the vacation of a life time, and watching the joy as they discover new places.
Opera House just after sunset:
The next morning, I ended up sleeping in a bit later than planned (thanks jetlag and finally catching up - I think this was my first full night of sleep since I left DC) so by the time I headed out it was just afternoon and already approaching 40C / 105F. I was convinced it would be cooler by the water, so decided to head out on my planned excursion regardless.
My friend Ryan had suggested heading to Coogee Beach to do what is known as the Bondi to Coogee Walk. He suggested, however, doing it in the reverse direction, because finishing the walk in Bondi has great views and drops you in a much more happening area where you can celebrate and enjoy a long walk better. Bit of googling seemed to agree with this, and a couple pages suggested actually starting the walk even further down the coast in the the town of Maroubra.
Only problem was - how do I get there? Those of us over 35 remember when traveling meant maps, guide books, etc, but now things are easy. You tell google maps where you are, you tell it where you want to go, and it gives you bus directions. It works like a charm. I had already purchased a local transit card and loaded fare onto it, so it was an easy matter of finding the bus stop, waiting for the bus, tapping on, and getting off and tapping the card in the right place. Couldn't be easier!
Even the busses in Sydney are sports-crazed:
Near the bus stop in Maroubra, getting read to head down the South Coogee Stairs towards the water:
After about 15 minutes of walking Coogee Beach appeared:
Fantastic view of the water against the beach:
After Coogee Beach I had to stop. I was already baking 30 minutes into the walk, and severe sunburn was imminent. Fortunately every little corner store sells 100 types of sunblock, so after stopping for a can of spray-on SPF 50, water, and red bull, I was back on my way. A short while later, I rounded the corner again to Gordons Bay:
Looking back towards Coogee:
Next up was Clovelly Beach, with an ocean pool. Didn't get pics of the pool, but did manage a selfie up against the small inlet:
After walking around Shark Point, with some serious elevation gain and fall, I came upon Waverley Cemetery. The main walk along the water had been washed out in storms the pervious summer, so a detour straight through the cemetery and a bit inland was in order.
Path right through the cemetery:
Gravestones with Ocean backdrop:
Rounding the next corner after the cemetery brought me to Bronte Beach. Time to stop for a bit, reapply sunblock, before continuing on my way.
Local kids contemplating some cliff diving:
Tamarama Beach - the last beach before Bondi, and the fourth beach I'd passed on the walk already:
Rounding Tamarama Beach to Mackenzies Point:
Coming around the bend, Bondi Beach was in sight:
Rock overhangs on Mackenzies Point:
Bondi Beach:
Great view of Bondi:
By this point I was starving, and found a great little Italian place for a late lunch/early dinner thanks to Tripadvisor. Highly recommend checking out Bondi Trattoria if you're in the area. Burrata, figs, and balsamic. Outstanding.
Angel hair pasta, raw tuna, and chili oil. Again, outstanding, and makes me wonder why such simple, fresh dishes are so hard to find in the US:
After stuffing myself post-walk, headed back to Bondi and sat down on the hill overlooking the beach to watch the sun go down:
Sunset:
Found a fun little Star Wars-themed bar near my hotel when I got back, which had several great local NSW craft beers and was a fun way to close out the evening. All the walking had tired me out, and it was a relatively early night. I had nearly a full day the next day, but wanted to be sure I could get up at a reasonable hour and make the most of it.
Despite that, slept in a bit longer than I wanted, so hurried back towards the water to catch the ferry to Manly. Great view of the Harbour Bridge heading out:
After docking in Manly, a quick shot of the beach. It was a gorgeous, although slightly hot, morning:
Manly's fierce and fearless avian inhabitants:
Still wasn't really hungry, but decided to stop by the 4 Pines Brewing Company to sample their beers. Definitely a great selection!
The clouds were starting to gather, so I rushed back to the ferry to head back to Sydney and get my bags before the weather looked too bad. Of course, a quick stop at Starbucks first to re-caffeinate for the long night ahead. About five minutes into the ferry ride the clouds started looking ominous, so I went to the railing and put the camera on rapid fire mode, hoping that I would catch something exciting. Just a few minutes out from Sydney, I got this amazing shot! Perfect way to end the trip!
Had to wait about 30 minutes at the pier for the super torrential rains to let up, and grabbed another crocodile pizza on the way back to the hotel and then it was time to check out and catch the train back to the airport. It had been an amazing few days in Sydney, and I can't wait to go back.
But first, the Qatar A380 in first class to Doha...
Mar 1, 2017, 8:58 pm
#75
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Washington D.C. via Sao Paulo via Houston via Washington D.C. via Boston via New York
Posts: 1,172
Ah yes, the Roundhouse, I send everyone that goes to HK there. The only time we were there we met the chef who happens to be from Austin and if I'm not mistaken his name was Austin. We told him that we were from Texas and then they just brought out food for us to compare it to back in Texas. It was some of the best BBQ I've had outside of Texas and after being in Asia for a few weeks at that time it really hit the spot. We actually went because they have a pretty good beer list but wound up eating there.
Edit, just read the last post, we must have crossed. Four Pines in Sydney was amazing too, my last experience in Manly certainly wasn't as fun as yours however.
Edit, just read the last post, we must have crossed. Four Pines in Sydney was amazing too, my last experience in Manly certainly wasn't as fun as yours however.