We did some secret trials in NSW
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday - Singapore Fun - nearly the last post
We thought we had successfully overcome jet lag. Sleeping in until after 10am was not part of the plan.
John doesn’t even know if he has ever slept in that long.
Getting back on the bike in Brisbane will be tough. Getting up after 10am with a minimum temp of 24 is a little different from a 4am start in Brisbane where the minimum temp is well below 10 at the moment. Perhaps John will hold off on calling his cycling buddies until it is warmer ;-)
The good thing about the church we attend is that it is air-conditioned. No excuses for non-attendance there.
We eventually drifted out of our hotel room by lunchtime. Then it was off to shop.
After that we met up with our friends Eugene and Jenny. Eugene healed John’s hip last time we were in Singapore. He hasn’t had a problem with his hip since.
Anyway, we went out for dinner to the East Coast Lagoon Food village. All was good and we were trusting their choices in food.
The satay chicken was fabulous. The banana, apple and orange juice was refreshing, particularly given how hot it was.
The sugar cane drink with a lime twist was a delight. Even the stingray was OK. Yep, we allowed ourselves to be talked into stingray. It was actually very good.
This our last night in Singapore. Tomorrow night we fly to Brisbane, with arrival Friday morning.
There will be a post on the weekend to wrap things up. This blog is important to us as it is an important record of all our experiences. (the ones we could publish anyway - some stories can only be revealed verbally )
To those who have ready any of the blogs, thanks for coming along on our journey. We trust it provided some education, inspiration, entertainment, and insight into what we got up to.
John doesn’t even know if he has ever slept in that long.
Getting back on the bike in Brisbane will be tough. Getting up after 10am with a minimum temp of 24 is a little different from a 4am start in Brisbane where the minimum temp is well below 10 at the moment. Perhaps John will hold off on calling his cycling buddies until it is warmer ;-)
The good thing about the church we attend is that it is air-conditioned. No excuses for non-attendance there.
We eventually drifted out of our hotel room by lunchtime. Then it was off to shop.
After that we met up with our friends Eugene and Jenny. Eugene healed John’s hip last time we were in Singapore. He hasn’t had a problem with his hip since.
Anyway, we went out for dinner to the East Coast Lagoon Food village. All was good and we were trusting their choices in food.
The satay chicken was fabulous. The banana, apple and orange juice was refreshing, particularly given how hot it was.
The sugar cane drink with a lime twist was a delight. Even the stingray was OK. Yep, we allowed ourselves to be talked into stingray. It was actually very good.
This our last night in Singapore. Tomorrow night we fly to Brisbane, with arrival Friday morning.
There will be a post on the weekend to wrap things up. This blog is important to us as it is an important record of all our experiences. (the ones we could publish anyway - some stories can only be revealed verbally )
To those who have ready any of the blogs, thanks for coming along on our journey. We trust it provided some education, inspiration, entertainment, and insight into what we got up to.
Tuesday - Singapore Snoozing
We knew we were tired. Didn’t realise that we were so tired that we both slept for 12 hours.
John hasn’t slept for that long since his ‘lost in space’ days back in 2001.
So much for the early start to the day.
Headed off to the Botanic Gardens. The orchids were very impressive.
Had a wonderful lunch in the gardens. We were keen to try local delicacies. However we thought the ‘blue fin tuna belly’ was pushing the friendship a little.
Then it was off to shop, shop, and shop.
Some of the shops had some classy walkways
Then Narelle did some study. And it was lights out shortly thereafter.
John hasn’t slept for that long since his ‘lost in space’ days back in 2001.
So much for the early start to the day.
Headed off to the Botanic Gardens. The orchids were very impressive.
Had a wonderful lunch in the gardens. We were keen to try local delicacies. However we thought the ‘blue fin tuna belly’ was pushing the friendship a little.
Then it was off to shop, shop, and shop.
Some of the shops had some classy walkways
Then Narelle did some study. And it was lights out shortly thereafter.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday - arrival in Singapore
We are coping with the Europe to Asia long haul flights much better now.
The entertainment options are quite good, and the seats were very comfortable. The fact that we had kids in front of us who didn’t put their seats back did help.
John had no interaction with the people behind them except when it felt like they were drilling for oil via John’s seat. The other highlight was when they went to get out of their seat. A common method is to reach up to the top of the seat to help lift one up. John was not amused when the person behind him got it wrong and accidentally dug their finger nails into John’s head, and then dug them in further as they lifted themselves up. Don’t try it at home kids, because it really really hurts.
The flight to Singapore was OK, except for the fact that we only had about an hours sleep. By the time we had arrived at our hotel, it had meant nearly 24 hours of travel with only an hours sleep. Jet lag was going to hit at full throttle soon.
But we went for wander around where we were staying, and took in some pretty good sights, whilst trying to do all the right things to offset jet lag.
We had considered this for dinner, but weren’t really in a sushi mood.
We realised the sun sets a lot earlier here than where we have been. Late meals in daylight are now a thing of the past.
There were some other great night time sights near where we were staying.
We expect it will be a deep sleep tonight.
The entertainment options are quite good, and the seats were very comfortable. The fact that we had kids in front of us who didn’t put their seats back did help.
John had no interaction with the people behind them except when it felt like they were drilling for oil via John’s seat. The other highlight was when they went to get out of their seat. A common method is to reach up to the top of the seat to help lift one up. John was not amused when the person behind him got it wrong and accidentally dug their finger nails into John’s head, and then dug them in further as they lifted themselves up. Don’t try it at home kids, because it really really hurts.
The flight to Singapore was OK, except for the fact that we only had about an hours sleep. By the time we had arrived at our hotel, it had meant nearly 24 hours of travel with only an hours sleep. Jet lag was going to hit at full throttle soon.
But we went for wander around where we were staying, and took in some pretty good sights, whilst trying to do all the right things to offset jet lag.
We had considered this for dinner, but weren’t really in a sushi mood.
We realised the sun sets a lot earlier here than where we have been. Late meals in daylight are now a thing of the past.
There were some other great night time sights near where we were staying.
We expect it will be a deep sleep tonight.
Sunday - London to SIngapore, via Paris
It was a 6.15 am flight from Heathrow airport to Paris, and from the dreaded T5 terminal.
That meant a ridiculously early departure to cater for :-
Returning the rental car
Catching the shuttle bus to T5
Printing our boarding pass
Checking in luggage
Getting through security
Once John had calculated a departure time of 3.30am, he mentioned it to Narelle and she wouldn’t speak to John for quite some time after that. Mornings are not really Narelle’s thing. To make the morning even better, John woke early and decided to wake Narelle at 3. You’d think John would know better by now.
The drive to T5 was straightfoward. Dropped off the hire car just before 4.30.
The shuttle would be there at 4.30. So we even had time to watch Stephanie Rice’s medal ceremony.
This was special for Narelle as Stephanie had been a Clayfield College student. Recently Narelle swam in a relay team with Stephanie at a swimming competition.* Needless to say that their team won, mainly because of Narelle’s efforts.
* This is a true statement. Facts that lessen the drama of the story have been left out.
The original plan was to be at the airport by 5, to allow time to put in the baggage, and get through immigration and security.
We had printed our boarding pass and were at baggage drop at 4.45, and all was looking good. Until we saw the T5 terminal signs that said baggage check in would not open til 5.15.To say we were a bit miffed is an understatement. Narelle could have had an extra 40 minutes sleep!
But we checked in the baggage. We must give good credit to British Airways. Our bikes went for free! i.e. They weren’t included in our weight allowance.
Speaking of weight allowance, we had collected more stuff in our travels, and our bags were getting full. So full in fact that we were now wearing our bike helmets on to the plane as it saved space in our bags. Not really a good look, but very effective from a functional perspective.
So we took our bikes to the ‘oversize’ baggage area.
The operator asked if we knew anything about computers because he couldn’t log on. The pear shape was developing quickly.
John dived behind the counter, and based on some scraps of paper, tried a number of account name and passwords until he was logged in. The operator was very thankful. John was amazed that he had logged on so easily. John was not sure security would be too impressed with a tourist jagging a successful login.
Narelle wished she had a camera at this moment. The sight of John behind the airline check in counter, hacking away , whilst in a rugby jersey and wearing a bike helmet was an interesting sight.
Then it was time to cover the substantial number of kms to our boarding gate. Escalators, lifts and trains were all used.
The flight to Paris was uneventful. Getting through Charles De Gaulle was pretty much straight forward as well. The airport was operating much better than when we first arrived there at the beginning of July.
One of the duty free shops had a nice display of cheeses. This was to be our last chance to see and smell these wonderful cheeses whilst in France. We savoured every moment.
So then it was case of getting through the 13 hours to Singapore.
That meant a ridiculously early departure to cater for :-
Returning the rental car
Catching the shuttle bus to T5
Printing our boarding pass
Checking in luggage
Getting through security
Once John had calculated a departure time of 3.30am, he mentioned it to Narelle and she wouldn’t speak to John for quite some time after that. Mornings are not really Narelle’s thing. To make the morning even better, John woke early and decided to wake Narelle at 3. You’d think John would know better by now.
The drive to T5 was straightfoward. Dropped off the hire car just before 4.30.
The shuttle would be there at 4.30. So we even had time to watch Stephanie Rice’s medal ceremony.
This was special for Narelle as Stephanie had been a Clayfield College student. Recently Narelle swam in a relay team with Stephanie at a swimming competition.* Needless to say that their team won, mainly because of Narelle’s efforts.
* This is a true statement. Facts that lessen the drama of the story have been left out.
The original plan was to be at the airport by 5, to allow time to put in the baggage, and get through immigration and security.
We had printed our boarding pass and were at baggage drop at 4.45, and all was looking good. Until we saw the T5 terminal signs that said baggage check in would not open til 5.15.To say we were a bit miffed is an understatement. Narelle could have had an extra 40 minutes sleep!
But we checked in the baggage. We must give good credit to British Airways. Our bikes went for free! i.e. They weren’t included in our weight allowance.
Speaking of weight allowance, we had collected more stuff in our travels, and our bags were getting full. So full in fact that we were now wearing our bike helmets on to the plane as it saved space in our bags. Not really a good look, but very effective from a functional perspective.
So we took our bikes to the ‘oversize’ baggage area.
The operator asked if we knew anything about computers because he couldn’t log on. The pear shape was developing quickly.
John dived behind the counter, and based on some scraps of paper, tried a number of account name and passwords until he was logged in. The operator was very thankful. John was amazed that he had logged on so easily. John was not sure security would be too impressed with a tourist jagging a successful login.
Narelle wished she had a camera at this moment. The sight of John behind the airline check in counter, hacking away , whilst in a rugby jersey and wearing a bike helmet was an interesting sight.
Then it was time to cover the substantial number of kms to our boarding gate. Escalators, lifts and trains were all used.
The flight to Paris was uneventful. Getting through Charles De Gaulle was pretty much straight forward as well. The airport was operating much better than when we first arrived there at the beginning of July.
One of the duty free shops had a nice display of cheeses. This was to be our last chance to see and smell these wonderful cheeses whilst in France. We savoured every moment.
So then it was case of getting through the 13 hours to Singapore.
Saturday - London
The day started with a focus on packing and getting ready for Sunday’s flights. Just the stuff you have to do.
Then we caught up for lunch with our good friend Farhanna, who lives in London.
Great restaurant, great company, and great conversation. It was a wonderful time.
The restaurant was only a few minutes walk from our apartment, so it was easy to get home.
Once home we finalised stuff for the trip the next day.
There is something that should have been added in Friday’s blog. Narelle has had many ‘without a trace’ moments with John on these holidays.
A quick explanation. There is an American crime drama called ‘Without a Trace’, starring an Aussie Anthony LaPaglia.
Anyway, most episodes start with a character walking somewhere and then they are just no longer in the scene. The next scene has the police investigating because the character has ‘disappeared with a trace’. Narelle would often be walking somewhere, look around, and John was no longer there. Quite freaky in the middle of a big city where you are not entirely sure which direction home is.
Anyway, Friday had quite a number of ‘without a trace’ moments where John stopped to take a photo, or look at something, and forgot to warn Narelle. Narelle had no idea what had happened to John. Poor form on John’s part really. Doesn’t do much for Narelle’s blood pressure either.
Then we caught up for lunch with our good friend Farhanna, who lives in London.
Great restaurant, great company, and great conversation. It was a wonderful time.
The restaurant was only a few minutes walk from our apartment, so it was easy to get home.
Once home we finalised stuff for the trip the next day.
There is something that should have been added in Friday’s blog. Narelle has had many ‘without a trace’ moments with John on these holidays.
A quick explanation. There is an American crime drama called ‘Without a Trace’, starring an Aussie Anthony LaPaglia.
Anyway, most episodes start with a character walking somewhere and then they are just no longer in the scene. The next scene has the police investigating because the character has ‘disappeared with a trace’. Narelle would often be walking somewhere, look around, and John was no longer there. Quite freaky in the middle of a big city where you are not entirely sure which direction home is.
Anyway, Friday had quite a number of ‘without a trace’ moments where John stopped to take a photo, or look at something, and forgot to warn Narelle. Narelle had no idea what had happened to John. Poor form on John’s part really. Doesn’t do much for Narelle’s blood pressure either.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Friday - London
Cruisy start to the day. Enjoyed our time with Kirsten’s parents. They are pretty cool.
Then we watched a little of the Olympic opening ceremony.
Late afternoon we headed off to the centre of London. At Trafalgar square there was a large screen showing the opening ceremony.
In the large crowd there was a substantial Chinese contingent. Not sure what preparation they had, but they all clapped in unison at the right moments. In fact they started clapping even before one knew what was happening. Very surreal.
Then we had a light bite before seeing a musical ‘Marguerite’. The meal was delicious at this Italian restaurant.
The musical was awesome. Great singing, great story set in France in WWII.
Some may have heard of the ‘low talker’ from Seinfeld. We had the ‘loud clapper’ sitting near us. In fact he clapped so loudly I expected some people to lose their hearing.
It was entertainment in itself, especially when he was the only one clapping.
Another day of great conversation, great food, and great experiences. It was effectively our last full day in London.
Then we watched a little of the Olympic opening ceremony.
Late afternoon we headed off to the centre of London. At Trafalgar square there was a large screen showing the opening ceremony.
In the large crowd there was a substantial Chinese contingent. Not sure what preparation they had, but they all clapped in unison at the right moments. In fact they started clapping even before one knew what was happening. Very surreal.
Then we had a light bite before seeing a musical ‘Marguerite’. The meal was delicious at this Italian restaurant.
The musical was awesome. Great singing, great story set in France in WWII.
Some may have heard of the ‘low talker’ from Seinfeld. We had the ‘loud clapper’ sitting near us. In fact he clapped so loudly I expected some people to lose their hearing.
It was entertainment in itself, especially when he was the only one clapping.
Another day of great conversation, great food, and great experiences. It was effectively our last full day in London.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
