One of my good friends, Mel, picked me up and took me into town to have breakfast (turned out to be brunch) at Zuma’s in the Central Market. Their big breakfast included two eggs on toast, bacon, tomato and mushrooms – all washed down with some of the finest coffee Adelaide has to offer. Marvellous start to the day.
Once we’d finished that off it was time to go for a wander around the markets, which weren't too busy considering it was a Saturday.
Mel said she’d show me the Bay and all that had changed there over the past couple of years, so we drove down Anzac Highway to the beach. I used to work down there during the summer when I was a uni student so it was great to see that they’d finally got rid of the Magic (Turd) Mountain, only to replace it with another funhouse!
The other changes were interesting – a couple of old buildings had been replaced and the café quotient had been upped rather considerably. We were still full from brunch so just chatted and wandered about. We ended up spending a lot of time in the bookshops instead.
The weather was absolutely brilliant – hardly a cloud in the sky and delightfully warm. Perfect Summer’s Day!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
It’s the Barossa, Baby!
Yup, went up to the mighty Barossa Valley. I spent a night up there with Matt, Adam and Jodi.
We drove up on the 28th and had time to squeeze in a stop at the Penfold’s winery before checking into the Novotel Resort and jumping into our chauffeur driven Statesman for an afternoon tour through Epicurean Tours. Our driver was Tom and he took us to some more out-of-the-way places (Adam and Matt’s choice) to try out some merlots (my choice) and some fortifeds (Jodi’s choice).
Were we disappointed? Not likely! Lots and lots of tasting and I bought quite a few bottles to top up Mum’s cellar. I discovered I quite enjoy ports and muscats, to add to the range of drinks I already enjoy. We also stopped at a couple of food places to purchase some of the local delicacies – cheeses, meats, olives, dips etc. We listened to the Aussies obliterate the Poms on the radio in between stops and Tom also topped off our tour with a short stop at a couple of good sightseeing spots to grab some photos. Not bad for a three-and-a-half hour tour!
That evening we found a little place for dinner and I enjoyed a BIG steak for under $20. Try doing that in Japan! Afterwards we played Buzz in Adam and Jodi’s room and then taught Jodi how to play Texas Hold ‘Em. Matt and I finished on top so I think I’m starting to get the hang of it now. I think I’ll need to get a set for back in Japan!
A monstrous thunderstorm moved in as we were playing so we spent about an hour enjoying the lightning show. Some flashes lit up the whole valley and all of us wished we had better cameras to capture it since our view from the Novotel was so good!
Next morning we enjoyed a BIG cooked breakfast with all the trimmings. Keiko would have loved it.
After checking out we went to a couple of other wineries, including the Seppelt Winery at Seppeltsfield, which is one of the oldest and biggest wineries in the Barossa and home of some very famous ports, which we sampled – naturally! We eventually caught up with Matt’s girlfriend, Amanda, and had lunch at the Roaring 40s Café in Tanunda. While we didn't sample their award-winning pizza, what we had was extremely satisfying, so much so we didn’t feel like seeing any more wineries that afternoon and just came home with our plunder in tow.
We drove up on the 28th and had time to squeeze in a stop at the Penfold’s winery before checking into the Novotel Resort and jumping into our chauffeur driven Statesman for an afternoon tour through Epicurean Tours. Our driver was Tom and he took us to some more out-of-the-way places (Adam and Matt’s choice) to try out some merlots (my choice) and some fortifeds (Jodi’s choice).
Were we disappointed? Not likely! Lots and lots of tasting and I bought quite a few bottles to top up Mum’s cellar. I discovered I quite enjoy ports and muscats, to add to the range of drinks I already enjoy. We also stopped at a couple of food places to purchase some of the local delicacies – cheeses, meats, olives, dips etc. We listened to the Aussies obliterate the Poms on the radio in between stops and Tom also topped off our tour with a short stop at a couple of good sightseeing spots to grab some photos. Not bad for a three-and-a-half hour tour!
That evening we found a little place for dinner and I enjoyed a BIG steak for under $20. Try doing that in Japan! Afterwards we played Buzz in Adam and Jodi’s room and then taught Jodi how to play Texas Hold ‘Em. Matt and I finished on top so I think I’m starting to get the hang of it now. I think I’ll need to get a set for back in Japan!
A monstrous thunderstorm moved in as we were playing so we spent about an hour enjoying the lightning show. Some flashes lit up the whole valley and all of us wished we had better cameras to capture it since our view from the Novotel was so good!
Next morning we enjoyed a BIG cooked breakfast with all the trimmings. Keiko would have loved it.
After checking out we went to a couple of other wineries, including the Seppelt Winery at Seppeltsfield, which is one of the oldest and biggest wineries in the Barossa and home of some very famous ports, which we sampled – naturally! We eventually caught up with Matt’s girlfriend, Amanda, and had lunch at the Roaring 40s Café in Tanunda. While we didn't sample their award-winning pizza, what we had was extremely satisfying, so much so we didn’t feel like seeing any more wineries that afternoon and just came home with our plunder in tow.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
The Mighty Mullet!
Yesterday was the gathering of the celebrated souls from around the globe to unleash musical mayhem on the masses. Pretty much everyone was there; Myself, Skopal, Lucas, Gregory, Clarks Phil and Dave, Pringle and Lundberg (flown in for the occasion as special guest muse). The venue was the Fish Shop Studios in Port Adelaide (where else!?) and at noon the magic started to unfurl.
The classics were revisited. 'Fat Man In A Little Coat' was given the slow and chunky treatment, 'Je Suis Un Hypercolour T-shirt' was given a new lease of life through the use of acoustic guitars, and later through disco and reggae versions. 'Egging Pedestrians' was resurrected through the latest in medical technology, and a drill to the back of Phil's skull. 'Seagull In A Suitcase' was merged with 'Ode To Feedback' in a combination which is still ringing in my ears this morning.
Four(?) new songs were liberated from the collective creative depths of the participants' minds, celebrating various band members or the famous food styles on offer in the wonderful city of Adelaide (the AB in particular). After five hours of earth-changing music, it was time for a feed.
Where else but North Adelaide for an AB. Our favourite place, the Blue and White Cafe was shut so we had to go for second best and get one from the Red and White (original names eh!) up the street. Needless to say, the AB was massive and devoured in about as much time as it takes to sing the theme song from The Banana Splits.
Next, it was back to Skopals place where much home brew was consumed, much wood was smoked (rather than burnt) in the fire and stakes were raised in a Texas Hold-em tournament that at one stage threatened to realign magnetic North. Phil was the eventual winner and I am proud to say that I was the first who had to bow out!
Never quite a day was had - and never shall again.
Yes, pictures were taken. Yes, they will be uploaded for your enjoyment once I get hold of a computer which has a USB port and decent internet access! (sorry mum...)
The classics were revisited. 'Fat Man In A Little Coat' was given the slow and chunky treatment, 'Je Suis Un Hypercolour T-shirt' was given a new lease of life through the use of acoustic guitars, and later through disco and reggae versions. 'Egging Pedestrians' was resurrected through the latest in medical technology, and a drill to the back of Phil's skull. 'Seagull In A Suitcase' was merged with 'Ode To Feedback' in a combination which is still ringing in my ears this morning.
Four(?) new songs were liberated from the collective creative depths of the participants' minds, celebrating various band members or the famous food styles on offer in the wonderful city of Adelaide (the AB in particular). After five hours of earth-changing music, it was time for a feed.
Where else but North Adelaide for an AB. Our favourite place, the Blue and White Cafe was shut so we had to go for second best and get one from the Red and White (original names eh!) up the street. Needless to say, the AB was massive and devoured in about as much time as it takes to sing the theme song from The Banana Splits.
Next, it was back to Skopals place where much home brew was consumed, much wood was smoked (rather than burnt) in the fire and stakes were raised in a Texas Hold-em tournament that at one stage threatened to realign magnetic North. Phil was the eventual winner and I am proud to say that I was the first who had to bow out!
Never quite a day was had - and never shall again.
Yes, pictures were taken. Yes, they will be uploaded for your enjoyment once I get hold of a computer which has a USB port and decent internet access! (sorry mum...)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Scenes from Christmas Day
Going to collect my brother yesterday there was a burst water main on Greenhill Road. Merry Emergency Call-out.
On the way back we saw something fall off a car pulling out on a side lane alongside us. It was white and disc-shaped, splitting apart as it rolled along. It was a Tupperware container and the contents - a large Christmas Cake - started rolling alongside the car as it stopped on the road. Didn't see what happened next, but we wonder - if the cake was intact - did the occupants of the car try to pass it off at the family gathering as if nothing had happened? "Tastes a bit gritty....."
It snowed in Melbourne yesterday while my cousin in Toronto had no snow at all. What's up with that??? She was NOT happy at all!
R.I.P. James Brown
On the way back we saw something fall off a car pulling out on a side lane alongside us. It was white and disc-shaped, splitting apart as it rolled along. It was a Tupperware container and the contents - a large Christmas Cake - started rolling alongside the car as it stopped on the road. Didn't see what happened next, but we wonder - if the cake was intact - did the occupants of the car try to pass it off at the family gathering as if nothing had happened? "Tastes a bit gritty....."
It snowed in Melbourne yesterday while my cousin in Toronto had no snow at all. What's up with that??? She was NOT happy at all!
R.I.P. James Brown
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
It started out as a sunny day but it's just started raining - not much but it's pretty dark outside right now. Cool and breezy.
Already had a chat with my aunt and uncle and one of my cousins on the phone and about to call my wife in Japan before she goes to work. Yes, people do work on Christmas Day in Japan - it's not a 'Christian' country but Christmas is a big deal since there are gifts, dinners and cake involved. I would be working today if I was there right now. (Onya Pav!)
Plans for today are to pick up my brother and enjoy a long lunch with him and my mum. That's it! I think that may be the quietest day I've had so far!!
Yesterday afternoon one of my friends had his birthday lunch (Decemebr 24th - yoiks!) so I went down to his mother's place and met up with him and his family. His daughters are excessively beautiful children. There were other family and friends so it was a great chance to catch up and see other children running around and find out what everyone's been up to.
Last night it was just mum and me but my firend Phil dropped by with a couple of his brothers in tow. The shortest brother is six-foot and the youngest is taller than me - so that gives you an idea what tall timber was lurking in the house last night! It was great to see them all and a good hint as to the carnage that will happen tomorrow for the long-awaited Mullet get-together.
Once again, Merry christmas, peace to you and a happy day!
Already had a chat with my aunt and uncle and one of my cousins on the phone and about to call my wife in Japan before she goes to work. Yes, people do work on Christmas Day in Japan - it's not a 'Christian' country but Christmas is a big deal since there are gifts, dinners and cake involved. I would be working today if I was there right now. (Onya Pav!)
Plans for today are to pick up my brother and enjoy a long lunch with him and my mum. That's it! I think that may be the quietest day I've had so far!!
Yesterday afternoon one of my friends had his birthday lunch (Decemebr 24th - yoiks!) so I went down to his mother's place and met up with him and his family. His daughters are excessively beautiful children. There were other family and friends so it was a great chance to catch up and see other children running around and find out what everyone's been up to.
Last night it was just mum and me but my firend Phil dropped by with a couple of his brothers in tow. The shortest brother is six-foot and the youngest is taller than me - so that gives you an idea what tall timber was lurking in the house last night! It was great to see them all and a good hint as to the carnage that will happen tomorrow for the long-awaited Mullet get-together.
Once again, Merry christmas, peace to you and a happy day!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Basketball, Bands and Beer
Last night...
We went to Danny’s Pizza for dinner. Adam convinced me to order a large Danny’s Special to save some money but I couldn’t finish it! I really do have a Japanese stomach these days.
Well, if you want to check it out, the 36ers lost. They just didn’t have the consistency to get ahead and stay ahead. Time after time they’d draw a few points clear but then the Dragons were always allowed back into the game. The Sixers couldn’t buy an offensive rebound and in the end that probably made the difference. It was fun sitting next to Adam, enjoying the atmosphere and trading comments about the game while quaffing Farmer’s Union Iced Coffee just like the old days – sharing the elation and eventual frustration.
After that Matt drove Amanda’s car down to Semaphore so he could pick up his car from his new job’s Christmas party the other day. That must be a good sign when your new boss invites you to the Christmas do before you’ve worked a single day – especially when he’s buying! Matt’s car is an old XF Falcon station wagon which is a great tank of a thing – and it’s so funny to see Matt owning one after his years spent ripping into Ford cars and owners – but like he said; the car was free.
We dropped Matt’s car off at Amanda’s place then headed into town to see Special Patrol play at a pub there. (They may be the only band in the world named after a hamster...) The bands were good and I was able to meet Matt’s bandmates from Collider, John and Che. As Special Patrol were playing a young fella came over and introduced himself as one of my old students from my teaching days! He must be nineteen by now as I taught him six years ago! He was the guitarist in the band that played before Special Patrol so it was interesting to have a chat to him and catch up on what we’d both been doing.
Finally Matt, Amanda and I ended up at Vili’s Café De Vili’s in Mile End and I was able to have one of their famous Goulash Pies. That’s another essential knocked off the gourmet’s tour of Adelaide!
We went to Danny’s Pizza for dinner. Adam convinced me to order a large Danny’s Special to save some money but I couldn’t finish it! I really do have a Japanese stomach these days.
Well, if you want to check it out, the 36ers lost. They just didn’t have the consistency to get ahead and stay ahead. Time after time they’d draw a few points clear but then the Dragons were always allowed back into the game. The Sixers couldn’t buy an offensive rebound and in the end that probably made the difference. It was fun sitting next to Adam, enjoying the atmosphere and trading comments about the game while quaffing Farmer’s Union Iced Coffee just like the old days – sharing the elation and eventual frustration.
After that Matt drove Amanda’s car down to Semaphore so he could pick up his car from his new job’s Christmas party the other day. That must be a good sign when your new boss invites you to the Christmas do before you’ve worked a single day – especially when he’s buying! Matt’s car is an old XF Falcon station wagon which is a great tank of a thing – and it’s so funny to see Matt owning one after his years spent ripping into Ford cars and owners – but like he said; the car was free.
We dropped Matt’s car off at Amanda’s place then headed into town to see Special Patrol play at a pub there. (They may be the only band in the world named after a hamster...) The bands were good and I was able to meet Matt’s bandmates from Collider, John and Che. As Special Patrol were playing a young fella came over and introduced himself as one of my old students from my teaching days! He must be nineteen by now as I taught him six years ago! He was the guitarist in the band that played before Special Patrol so it was interesting to have a chat to him and catch up on what we’d both been doing.
Finally Matt, Amanda and I ended up at Vili’s Café De Vili’s in Mile End and I was able to have one of their famous Goulash Pies. That’s another essential knocked off the gourmet’s tour of Adelaide!
You Know You’ve Been In Japan Too long When…
…you’re taking an elevator from the 7th floor and you press the ‘1’ button instead of the ‘G’ for ‘Ground Floor’, get off at the first floor (Japanese second floor) and spend a few seconds wondering why this isn’t the floor with the exit from the building!
Thankfully no one else was in the lift to witness my confused looks!
Thankfully no one else was in the lift to witness my confused looks!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Marvellous Day
Started out a bit gloomy but it warmed up to be a perfect sunny summer's day. Lovely.
The blood tests went well this morning.
Before the tests Mum dropped me off at a guitar shop nearby and I had a bit of a daydream. Ran into a friend there too. The (welcome) curse of Adelaide struck again. It's nice to meet random people that you know.
After they syphoned some of my blood (the nurse said it was the right colour, so that was a good start!) I wandered into town to another guitar shop and ended up buying an acoustic guitar there. No electronics - just a basic acoustic - but it has a lovely deep tone and is a blue sunburst on black. Looks very nice. With a case too and very good value. Happy! The Mullet gig is shaping up to be even more fun!
After that I wandered into town to the Central Markets. I had a prawn and wanton laksa in the Asian Food Hall there, which was simply lovely. The soup was hot but not overwhelmingly spicy. The noodles were the thicker egg-based kind you never see in Japan, so that was refreshingly different and the prawns were big and sweet. Just as I finished up Adam called. He and Jodi were on their way into town so they arranged to meet me at the markets, which left me enough time to buy a souvenir for Keiko and have a drool as I wandered around the place. I picked up some olives and roast capsicum for to have with lunch tomorrow, which was remarkably restrained of me. EVERYTHING looked so good and it was hard to fight the urge to take pictures every five metres.
After the markets we all went to Rundle Mall to finish off Adam's Christmas shopping. I picked up a couple of things for mum and Stuart but it was fun to follow those two around and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. We ran into Grigor and Liz and had a good catchup - another instance of the curse of Adelaide rising. If you know the Lord of the Rings movies, Grigor is the splitting image of the dwarf character - just more jolly!
After all that shopping and lunch at Billy Baxters (I had a mandarin muffin and a coffee) it was time to come home for a lie-down!
Next is the basketball...
The blood tests went well this morning.
Before the tests Mum dropped me off at a guitar shop nearby and I had a bit of a daydream. Ran into a friend there too. The (welcome) curse of Adelaide struck again. It's nice to meet random people that you know.
After they syphoned some of my blood (the nurse said it was the right colour, so that was a good start!) I wandered into town to another guitar shop and ended up buying an acoustic guitar there. No electronics - just a basic acoustic - but it has a lovely deep tone and is a blue sunburst on black. Looks very nice. With a case too and very good value. Happy! The Mullet gig is shaping up to be even more fun!
After that I wandered into town to the Central Markets. I had a prawn and wanton laksa in the Asian Food Hall there, which was simply lovely. The soup was hot but not overwhelmingly spicy. The noodles were the thicker egg-based kind you never see in Japan, so that was refreshingly different and the prawns were big and sweet. Just as I finished up Adam called. He and Jodi were on their way into town so they arranged to meet me at the markets, which left me enough time to buy a souvenir for Keiko and have a drool as I wandered around the place. I picked up some olives and roast capsicum for to have with lunch tomorrow, which was remarkably restrained of me. EVERYTHING looked so good and it was hard to fight the urge to take pictures every five metres.
After the markets we all went to Rundle Mall to finish off Adam's Christmas shopping. I picked up a couple of things for mum and Stuart but it was fun to follow those two around and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. We ran into Grigor and Liz and had a good catchup - another instance of the curse of Adelaide rising. If you know the Lord of the Rings movies, Grigor is the splitting image of the dwarf character - just more jolly!
After all that shopping and lunch at Billy Baxters (I had a mandarin muffin and a coffee) it was time to come home for a lie-down!
Next is the basketball...
Friday 22nd December
In the morning I managed to have two cards snipped up - but actually I wanted that to happen! I closed one bank account and cancelled one of my credit cards. A very satisfying experience watching the cards go the way of so many others. In one bank there was a fellow getting very steamed up at the teller over somethingor other. I bet she was grateful there was a large screen between her and him!
Gourmet Extravaganza
Not bad for my internal check-off list yesterday.
Lunch was a proper steak and mushroom pie and a sausage roll covered with Berenberg Tomoto Sauce. Ooooh yeah!
Dinner was stretched out over 4 hours. A job well done if I do say so myself! A few Coopers at a tavern filled with pre-Christmas revellers. The tavern was a true old Aussie Hotel which was decked out in the traditional way – lots of red brick, brass and wood. The Coopers was, of course, delicious! My dinner-buddies for tonight were Matt (with his new girlfriend Amanda – she had to wiz off after drinks to another function), Adam and Jodi, Marc and his girlfriend, and a couple other of Adam’s workmates.
From there we wound our way to ‘Ciao’ in Pirie Street. I had a vegetarian lasagna filled with spinach, cheese and coated with neopolitan sauce. Oh, and real garlic bread! I managed to wash that down with a glass of McClaren Vale red. Our musical accompaniment was courtesy of the Metropolitan Fire Service who rocketed down the street as we were about to leave with all lights blazing. We passed them on the way to our next stop but it looked like it was a false alarm. Fire engines are shiny.
We made a pitstop at the ‘Bull and Bear’ (which was playing some gloriously funky music!) on our way to ‘The Pancake Kitchen’! I’m going to need another section entitled ‘Making Keiko Jealous’ since that was one of her favourite places on our last visit two years ago. I had a hot chocolate along with the ‘Bavarian Apple’ dessert which really finished me off entirely.
We wandered up Rundle Mall and met Amanda on our way. A lot of the shops were still open for the pre-Christmas trade. It was surprising to see so many places having large sales – some with signs saying "50% OFF" in their large street-front windows. These are the same places that will be advertising their ‘huge’ Christmas sales in the papers on Christmas Day.
Plans for today are to get blood tests done in the morning, followed by a wander around town and perhaps do some shopping. Tonight involves dinner followed by watching the Adelaide 36ers game live. Hope they win.
Gourmet Extravaganza
Not bad for my internal check-off list yesterday.
Lunch was a proper steak and mushroom pie and a sausage roll covered with Berenberg Tomoto Sauce. Ooooh yeah!
Dinner was stretched out over 4 hours. A job well done if I do say so myself! A few Coopers at a tavern filled with pre-Christmas revellers. The tavern was a true old Aussie Hotel which was decked out in the traditional way – lots of red brick, brass and wood. The Coopers was, of course, delicious! My dinner-buddies for tonight were Matt (with his new girlfriend Amanda – she had to wiz off after drinks to another function), Adam and Jodi, Marc and his girlfriend, and a couple other of Adam’s workmates.
From there we wound our way to ‘Ciao’ in Pirie Street. I had a vegetarian lasagna filled with spinach, cheese and coated with neopolitan sauce. Oh, and real garlic bread! I managed to wash that down with a glass of McClaren Vale red. Our musical accompaniment was courtesy of the Metropolitan Fire Service who rocketed down the street as we were about to leave with all lights blazing. We passed them on the way to our next stop but it looked like it was a false alarm. Fire engines are shiny.
We made a pitstop at the ‘Bull and Bear’ (which was playing some gloriously funky music!) on our way to ‘The Pancake Kitchen’! I’m going to need another section entitled ‘Making Keiko Jealous’ since that was one of her favourite places on our last visit two years ago. I had a hot chocolate along with the ‘Bavarian Apple’ dessert which really finished me off entirely.
We wandered up Rundle Mall and met Amanda on our way. A lot of the shops were still open for the pre-Christmas trade. It was surprising to see so many places having large sales – some with signs saying "50% OFF" in their large street-front windows. These are the same places that will be advertising their ‘huge’ Christmas sales in the papers on Christmas Day.
Plans for today are to get blood tests done in the morning, followed by a wander around town and perhaps do some shopping. Tonight involves dinner followed by watching the Adelaide 36ers game live. Hope they win.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Making Cait Jealous
Cait works with me and has told me to make her jealous.
OK, here goes. Today has been in the low 30s. The evenings have been in the low 20s.
I notice Himeji will have MAXIMUMS of 11 - 13 for the next few days and LOWS of about 1-3 degrees.
Stick THAT in your little pipe of jealousy and smoke it!
(I might be killed when I get back to work.... I think I'll chance it!)
OK, here goes. Today has been in the low 30s. The evenings have been in the low 20s.
I notice Himeji will have MAXIMUMS of 11 - 13 for the next few days and LOWS of about 1-3 degrees.
Stick THAT in your little pipe of jealousy and smoke it!
(I might be killed when I get back to work.... I think I'll chance it!)
Differences #1
Things that are more expensive in Japan than Adelaide: pizza, beer, petrol.
Things that are more expensive in Adelaide than Japan; dentists (oh my god!), glasses (oh my god!!!), public transport, flat whites...
To be continued....
The Aussie dollar is worth 93 yen right now! Boo! Hiss! (FYI - when I first came to Japan it was 66yen to the dollar!!)
Things that are more expensive in Adelaide than Japan; dentists (oh my god!), glasses (oh my god!!!), public transport, flat whites...
To be continued....
The Aussie dollar is worth 93 yen right now! Boo! Hiss! (FYI - when I first came to Japan it was 66yen to the dollar!!)
Made it!
Touchdown in Adelaide!
Actually, I must say that both flights went pretty well, all things considered.
The flight to Singapore was delayed. It was supposed to leave at 4:35pm but at 4 pm the flight arrived. What happened next was the chance to watch the crews get to work in a frenzy of activity.
The passengers started coming off at 4:01. The caterering vans and freight crews were already hooked up and starting to do their stuff. At 4:10 the cleaners went on board. At 4:15 the flight crew for our flight were milling at the check-in gate - chomping at the bit. Soon afterwards the flight crew from the previous flight came off. What followed was all sorts of hand gesture communication and lip reading. I can only guess what they were saying, but if you've read Air Babylon then you could probably guess what was going on...
The flight staff were let on board at about 4:30. The cleaners got off at 4:40pm. We were let on at 4:50 and the plane finally got off the ground at about 5:10. Not bad turn around eh!
The flight was a little bumpy but dinner was satisfying (I had the fish) and I had a row to myself. Watched both Pirates of the Carribean movies back to back which was interesting... (young Orlando, old Orlando. young Keira, old Keira) Johnny Depp was better in the first one if you ask me.
We had a good tail wind on the way to Singapore so we were able to make up some time. I had enough time to take my brisk walk over to the other side of the terminal without any hassles. I even allowed myself to get distracted by the shops along the way, but didn't buy anything.
The Adelaide flight was already boarding and I was not the last straggler to get on - pleased to say! The flight was chokas though - not a spare seat in the house. Had a couple of drinks and was able to get some sleep. The flight was smooth and the landing a little bumpy but no problems for my flighty stomach.
Had no troubles getting through Immigration, my bag was waiting on the carousel as I came down the stairs, I had nothing to declare so they waved me through and I was one of the first out of the place!
Met Mum (nice haircut - VERY short! She had neglected to tell me about that....) followed by my brother, Stuart and my best mate, Matt - who's sporting a very fetching beard ladies, if you're into that sort of thing!
So there's the first part fo the saga successfully negotiated!
Actually, I must say that both flights went pretty well, all things considered.
The flight to Singapore was delayed. It was supposed to leave at 4:35pm but at 4 pm the flight arrived. What happened next was the chance to watch the crews get to work in a frenzy of activity.
The passengers started coming off at 4:01. The caterering vans and freight crews were already hooked up and starting to do their stuff. At 4:10 the cleaners went on board. At 4:15 the flight crew for our flight were milling at the check-in gate - chomping at the bit. Soon afterwards the flight crew from the previous flight came off. What followed was all sorts of hand gesture communication and lip reading. I can only guess what they were saying, but if you've read Air Babylon then you could probably guess what was going on...
The flight staff were let on board at about 4:30. The cleaners got off at 4:40pm. We were let on at 4:50 and the plane finally got off the ground at about 5:10. Not bad turn around eh!
The flight was a little bumpy but dinner was satisfying (I had the fish) and I had a row to myself. Watched both Pirates of the Carribean movies back to back which was interesting... (young Orlando, old Orlando. young Keira, old Keira) Johnny Depp was better in the first one if you ask me.
We had a good tail wind on the way to Singapore so we were able to make up some time. I had enough time to take my brisk walk over to the other side of the terminal without any hassles. I even allowed myself to get distracted by the shops along the way, but didn't buy anything.
The Adelaide flight was already boarding and I was not the last straggler to get on - pleased to say! The flight was chokas though - not a spare seat in the house. Had a couple of drinks and was able to get some sleep. The flight was smooth and the landing a little bumpy but no problems for my flighty stomach.
Had no troubles getting through Immigration, my bag was waiting on the carousel as I came down the stairs, I had nothing to declare so they waved me through and I was one of the first out of the place!
Met Mum (nice haircut - VERY short! She had neglected to tell me about that....) followed by my brother, Stuart and my best mate, Matt - who's sporting a very fetching beard ladies, if you're into that sort of thing!
So there's the first part fo the saga successfully negotiated!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Kansai!
Made it through customs OK. Aside from the road being busy near Kobe, there have been no troubles at all to speak of... my wife is going to hate me. Something always happens whenever we travel together so the fact that there have been no delays, no stopped transport, no hassles, crowds or technical issues at all so far will really annoy her!!
Sorry Sweetheart...
But my flight out of Kansai to Singapore has been delayed 30 minutes. That'll mean my brisk walk between flights will now be more of a jog. Ah well - it'll get the blood moving - just the ticket to stop any notion of DVT occurring - hopefully!
Bought a couple of books to tide me over too. Give the brain something to do during the flights. I doubt I'll be sleeping much.
Time to go to the gate and get started on the first one.
Sorry Sweetheart...
But my flight out of Kansai to Singapore has been delayed 30 minutes. That'll mean my brisk walk between flights will now be more of a jog. Ah well - it'll get the blood moving - just the ticket to stop any notion of DVT occurring - hopefully!
Bought a couple of books to tide me over too. Give the brain something to do during the flights. I doubt I'll be sleeping much.
Time to go to the gate and get started on the first one.
And there it is - what I'll be living out of for the next three-and-a-half weeks.Got:
clothes (socks, jocks, shorts, shirts, t-shirts, boardies, sandals, PJs)
electronics (PC, mp3 player, chargers, cables, adapters, batteries, etc.)
travel docs and money
Chrissie pressies
travel literature (Lonely Planet Thailand)
toiletries
Carry on is good!
One sleep to go!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Two sleeps to go!
Bag half packed on floor? - check!
Washing needs doing? - check!
Tickets? - check!
Panic attacks about forgetting things? - check!
I think I'm almost ready!
Washing needs doing? - check!
Tickets? - check!
Panic attacks about forgetting things? - check!
I think I'm almost ready!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Stages
Well, things are progressing.
Got the insurance forms and they're filled out. Getting money changed tomorrow. The way the yen is descending against the world's currencies this could turn out to be a good thing to do now rather than later...
Paid for the accomodation in Thailand and I've been busy reading websites for advice and views about Thailand. I can't believe I'm only going for six nights. The amount I've reading you'd swear I was going for six months instead!
Reports range from the alarmist (don't eat, drink, touch anything that isn't packaged inside plastic and don't talk to anyone!) to the libertarian (Thailand is paradise on earth - fruit ripe for the picking), as well as sites by everyone from the hippies to the whoremongers. Why play Russian Roulette on a daily basis in the bedroom? Do people really hate themselves that much?
The weather in Thailand looks on track to be typical for the new year period. Australia looks like it's going to be a long hot dry summer. Not good for farmers but good for travellers.
I'm REALLY looking forward to escaping the Japanese winter for nearly a month though. Things are starting to get really cold here. Even the Canadians are complaining about the cold!
Got the insurance forms and they're filled out. Getting money changed tomorrow. The way the yen is descending against the world's currencies this could turn out to be a good thing to do now rather than later...
Paid for the accomodation in Thailand and I've been busy reading websites for advice and views about Thailand. I can't believe I'm only going for six nights. The amount I've reading you'd swear I was going for six months instead!
Reports range from the alarmist (don't eat, drink, touch anything that isn't packaged inside plastic and don't talk to anyone!) to the libertarian (Thailand is paradise on earth - fruit ripe for the picking), as well as sites by everyone from the hippies to the whoremongers. Why play Russian Roulette on a daily basis in the bedroom? Do people really hate themselves that much?
The weather in Thailand looks on track to be typical for the new year period. Australia looks like it's going to be a long hot dry summer. Not good for farmers but good for travellers.
I'm REALLY looking forward to escaping the Japanese winter for nearly a month though. Things are starting to get really cold here. Even the Canadians are complaining about the cold!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Movement...
Yep, finally things are starting to move along for my trip at the end of the year.
I've been in touch with some good friends and already have some chances to catch up lined up.
Airplane tickets have been booked and paid for. I'm flying Singapore Airlines this time. I've much preferred them to JAL/Qantas in the times I've flown. I also get to arrive direct in Adelaide this time, rather than having to divert through Brisbane and/or Sydney airports.
I've also finalised my bookings for accomodation in Thailand. I've been using a webpage called sawasdee.com to book and pay for the hotels. It's been pretty easy to use and moderately painless. I've have no troubles with being in contact with them as well as having them deal with any troubles booking hotels swiftly.
I'm leaving Japan on December 20th, arriving in Adelaide December 21st. Leaving Adelaide January 5th and arriving in Bangkok that evening. Finally leaving Bangkok January 11th and arriving back in what will likely be a VERY chilly Japan on the 12th.
Stay tuned for the ensuing saga....
I've been in touch with some good friends and already have some chances to catch up lined up.
Airplane tickets have been booked and paid for. I'm flying Singapore Airlines this time. I've much preferred them to JAL/Qantas in the times I've flown. I also get to arrive direct in Adelaide this time, rather than having to divert through Brisbane and/or Sydney airports.
I've also finalised my bookings for accomodation in Thailand. I've been using a webpage called sawasdee.com to book and pay for the hotels. It's been pretty easy to use and moderately painless. I've have no troubles with being in contact with them as well as having them deal with any troubles booking hotels swiftly.
I'm leaving Japan on December 20th, arriving in Adelaide December 21st. Leaving Adelaide January 5th and arriving in Bangkok that evening. Finally leaving Bangkok January 11th and arriving back in what will likely be a VERY chilly Japan on the 12th.
Stay tuned for the ensuing saga....
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
This is where the story begins
I like travelling, and writing about it.
For a number of years I've subjected friends and family to my attempts at travel writing, so it's about time I also inflicted my amateurish prose of the seething masses of the 'Internets'.
No travels for now. The next major trip is scheduled for December and January, taking in my glorious hometown of Adelaide as well as my maiden voyage to Thailand. Should be interesting!
Links on the right should be helpful, hopefully, into unveiling the fnersh universe. Peruse, if you like.
For a number of years I've subjected friends and family to my attempts at travel writing, so it's about time I also inflicted my amateurish prose of the seething masses of the 'Internets'.
No travels for now. The next major trip is scheduled for December and January, taking in my glorious hometown of Adelaide as well as my maiden voyage to Thailand. Should be interesting!
Links on the right should be helpful, hopefully, into unveiling the fnersh universe. Peruse, if you like.
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