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Wow… thats all i can say… what a weekend! I had the most amazing time in Sydney. After not being able to go last year (was out of sales for 6 months so didnt qualify) it was so good to get the chance to go this year.

I will give you a bit of a run down of what happened over the last few days.

Friday
Really early wake up. Off to the airport to meet up with the guys at 6am. Man i hate early starts but this was going to be worth it. Once everyone was there we checked in and made our way through security with about 5-6 mins to spare till boarding and then it was all onboard. Pretty empty flight so it was nice and spacious on the flight. Watched some NCIS LA on my ipod (god that function is awesome, gonna have to use it more). The flight was pretty uneventful really. Remembered to Twitter to @virginblue as i got off to thank them for the flight and it was onto the Bus and on our way to the hotel once all the Melbourne guys joined us. We did a bit of a walk through Circular Quay as it was nice and sunny and not to hot (it was getting hotter though) and we had lunch at the Shangri La Hotel. After lunch it was off to Bridgeclimb. Things were looking good at this point. I was having an awesome time, meeting new people, catching up with old friends and just enjoying myself (apart from getting Chewing gum on my new Patriots jersey… dammit!). We got to Bridgeclimb and this is where the biggest dissapointment happened. After going through all the set ups and stuff, i couldnt get in. Because the suit was to small and they couldnt get the next size up in time i wasn’t allowed to climb. I was pretty dissapointed but i will manage to get over it… eventually. I ended up walking up to the bridge pylon (god those stairs almost killed me!) and decided to then walk back to the hotel. By the time i got back a few of the people who didnt climb were at the bar so i joined them.

After a few drinks and getting ready we all headed off to the Novotel for dinner and then a quick walk down to Star City. When we got down there we headed to the Lyric Theatre, where we were gonna go see Mamma Mia. Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the occasional musical. I like getting dressed up and going to the theatre. what i dont like is Abba. That being said, it wasn’t to bad. After the show we headed up to the roof top bar for a night cap… awesome!

Saturday.
Woops set the alarm wrong, forgot to change to Sydney time, so rushed wake up and breakfast before meeting the group and walking to Circular Quay. We hopped on the Taronga Zoo ferry and with a good view of the harbour we crossed over and got ready for our walk. We were to walk from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach. A distance of 8km. Now it has been years since ive walked a distance like that. I remember hiking when i was a scout. PRetty sure we did distances like that, but it was with a 20kg pack on your back. I didn’t even walk that far in the USA. But i was determined to do it. The views were lovely, got to chat heaps with the girls from melbourne and also the owner. It was a good morning. There was one killer hill that almost broke me but i made sure i did it. After the walk we headed back to the city for a Harbour lunch cruise. What i didnt realise till we got there was that the boat was just for us. A private harbour lunch cruise onboard the “Sydney Showboat”. How cool. Nice and relaxing. We were meant to go out to Bondi after that, but everyone was kinda wanting a relax and a good drink by the pool. So hung out in the room, had a drink, watched some TV, had a good chat. It was a good relaxing arvo.

We met up around 7pm to head off to dinner. Off to Circular Quay to have dinner by the waterfront (near the cruise terminal). We had an amazing dinner and awards ceremony. Everyone was dressed up, looking hot and having a good time. We had plenty of awards to present (as everyone that went was the best of the best) and we had an enjoyable evening. After dinner it was back to the hotel to hit up the Club Lounge Bar on the 31st floor overlooking darling harbour. Wow… what an awesome view. It is gonna be so easy to sell that club now that i know how good it is up there. We had a number of drinks and got booted out some time around 1am ish and tried to hit up the Ice Bar in Circular Quay but it was closed.

Sunday (today!)
Alarm set correctly, slow wake up with time to pack, eat and pay my bill (room charging is a bad bad concept for a drunk man). Things were looking good. We headed off to the Sydney Fish Markets for the morning, grabbed a coffee, checked out some awesome looking knives (gotta love japanese knife makers) and checked out the crazy seafood offerings. We then headed to QVB (Queen Victoria Building) to where we were planning on doing some secret santa shopping. Everyone was given $100… im serious $100! to do secret santa shopping for someone else in the group. We had to use the full $100 and couldnt give cash or vouchers. So things were tough for some people. Sneakyness abounded and it was awesome! I was a bit confused. I had taken notes on what to get my person (had a melbourne staff person so it was a bit difficult as i didnt really know the person… hence good way to meet other staff).

We headed up to the top of Sydney Tower for lunch (wasnt hungry so didn’t eat) and we all had a good time handing out presents. We then had to rush to get out of the tower and to the airport in time for our flights. We barely made the flight and not to long later we were heading home… flying our way back through the sky to brisbane!

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Monday 26th October

After the rough landing in Tokyo I was glad to be on solid ground. I found my way between terminals (had to wait a little bit) and headed for the QP (Qantas Club). The Qantas club looked pretty good, just how I expected it. Was good to see VB in the fridge (good little touch of home). Really didn’t want to drink anything after that flight. Was pretty Jittery and it was getting to me. I jumped online and started writing the trip report for the HNL-NRT leg and I was all over the place. I managed to get myself a shower and try and calm myself down but looking out the window at the weather did not help. Eventually I just had to suck it up and get on that plane. We boarded late as the plane we were meant to have went to Kansai instead.

Tokyo Narita to Brisbane (NRT-BNE)
Qantas/JAL/Jalways – QF390/JL761/JO761
Boeing 767-300 – JA620J
2115-0715
Business Class – Seat 2G

Boarding: 2135
Push Back: 2155
Take Off Roll: 2215 – Runway 34L
Top of Decent: 0705
Touch Down: 0735 – Runway 01

Was at the front of the boarding queue so was about 3rd onboard (stuck behind old slow people). No pre departure drinks (must be a JAL thing) but everyone was seated quick enough. We pushed back and taxiied out. It was a bit all over the place as the wind was pretty heavy. I was able to watch the take off from the nose camera (which has to be the coolest thing on board). The take off was not as bad as I expected. We were up out of the crap pretty quickly. We had the drinks service once in the air and I didn’t feel like drinking so just had a sprite (what a waste of the possibility of good booze). Started watching transformers 2 while dinner was being served (food was really good, way better than delta) and by the end of the movie my eyes were closing. I think i may have dozed off for about an hour or so. By the time i came to we were about 4 hours out, and this is where we hit the turbulence. It was a bit rough (not as bad as the landing into tokyo) but you could see that we were flying through a thunderstorm with the lightning striking in the distance.

After it calmed down I started watching “Bucket List” and before you knew it the breakfast (snack) service was coming out. Pretty soon we were skirting down the Queensland coast and starting descent into brisbane. The flight attendants kept saying we would get turbulence coming in but it was very light. Pretty soon we were flying over brisbane and I was able to watch the landmarks go past on the Nose Camera. Touching down had never felt so good, to be home in my own town (even if only for 2 days).

We landed on 01 which meant a nice long taxi to the International Terminal and the gate. By the time we pulled up to the gate, people looked antsy to get off. We pulled up to a gate right next to duty free and right in front of immigration. Managed to pick up my duty free without to much hassle since I managed to lose the collection receipt (somehow). Used the express lane cards to get through Immigration quickly but when I collected my bag (which thankfully made it through Tokyo much to my doubt) and tried to use the express lane for Quarantine and Customs, they wouldn’t let me. O well i will keep the express cards for next time ;). Since i was declaring the Candle Nut Lei i was given in Hawaii I had to go through all the lines and then I find out because its Candle Nut it will cost me $30 to get it fumigated, so i told them to dump it, I couldn’t be bothered paying that for something worth $7 and for something that was given to me (the quarantine guys are probably wearing it right now).

Soon enough I was out through the doors and in the waiting arms of my loving parents who came to pick me up! Gotta love a warm welcome. It was good to be home!

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Sunday October 26th 2009

A decent wake up this morning for a pick up at a decent hour. The shuttle was a touch late which was ok in the end as I made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Check in was a bit of a riot as there was people everywhere and as I approached the Priority line, their computer went down so she sent me to the main line. Problem!! I have to interline my bags. So i found a supervisor and he put me to the front of the line.

Checked in and it was off through the Loss of Dignity line again. Belt off, shoes off, watch off, laptop out. Getting used to it, thankfully the 2nd last time I have to do this on the trip. Through security, and its off to find the lounge, took ages to find it as their was not much signage and it was tiny. Very very small. While in their one guy was fully going off at the ladies in the club saying how shit it was etc etc. I didn’t really have much time before I had to go to the gate. And they do things wierdly in Hawaii. They board you into a big gated room, then shut the gates, then let you on the plane. Wierd.

Honolulu to Tokyo Narita (HNL-NRT)
Northwest/Delta – NW323
Airbus A330-300 – N818NW
1235-1650
Business Elite – Seat 2A

Boarding: 1200
Push Back: 1230
Take Off Roll: 1300 – Runway 8R – Reef Runway
Top of Decent: 1545
Touch Down: 1700

We boarded through Door 1L and it turned out this was the only door open, so it was gonna be a free for all for everyone getting on and blocking the aisles in J class as they passed through. I originally had a seat mate but after a little while he moved over to an empty seat.

We taxied out to the Reef Runway and we had a long taxi with a big line up behind us as well. Passed the Golf course which runs through the airport and also saw the Hickham parking bays but they were on the other side of the plane 🙁

As we took off we made a right turn heading west with a good view of Waikiki. Seatbelt sign stayed on for quite some time (most of the flight actually). I had to have the Japanese meal due to my allergy and that meant that i had to eat eel. So i really only ate the rice. It was a bit of a dissapointment. So instead, I reclined the seat (when i could) and watched a movie.

Several movies later, we were on our descent into Tokyo. It was a long descent with almost 45 mins in a holding pattern due to weather on the ground. It was also one of the worst decents I have been in. We were all over the place getting thrown around. I was not feeling so happy by the end of it. My stomach was fine but the jitteryness was up pretty high.

After getting off the plane, I managed to find my way across the airport and hopped on the shuttle to terminal 2.

Current Location: Qantas Club Narita Airport

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Wednesday October 21st

I am really starting to hate early mornings. A 545am pick up this morning and i thought it would be a private transfer… nope. had to share a van with someone. Which was wierd cause the price was the same as what a private should of been. It was a quick ride to SeaTac and I was dropped off near the Delta check in and within moments i was checked in and headed towards the Dignity loss area. I had planned ahead though. I was wearing shoes that did not have laces.

Security was pretty painful today. I beeped. So off came the belt to and the watch, next thing you know they will ask me to remove my pants. Once i finally cleared TSA i went looking for my gate. What i had forgotten was that SeaTac has two Satellites the “North” and “South” So hear I am walking towards the A gates thinking im going in the wrong direction till i see a sign pointing towards the Train and the “S” gates. I was like wtf. Then it dawned on me. I need to get a train. So I jumped onboard and headed off to my gates. First time that I have had to get a train inside the airport to get to my gate.

So once I am at the S gates ive got about 90 mins till boarding so rather than do much as I am really tired, i just find the nearest seat, plonk my butt down and relax. I managed to keep reading my book which was good and pretty soon they gave the boarding warning.

Seattle to Honolulu (SEA-HNL)
Northwest/Delta – NW219
Boeing 757-300
0815-1115
First Class – Seat 4A/3A

Boarding: 0735 – Gate S8
Push Back: 0815
Take Off Roll: 0830 – Runway 16L
Top of Descent: 1055
Touch Down: 1120 – Runway 8L

This was my first time in Delta’s domestic first class. We boarded the 757 into the 2nd door so i got to be all elite and turn left at the end of the walkway.. not right. I had been originally sitting in seat 4A and was just getting settled when a flight attendant asked me to move to 3A so a couple could sit together. I didn’t mind as it was still a window and it was going to be full anyway so might as well.

Once I moved over i was offered a drink. Orange Juice or Mai Tai. Hello MAI TAI’s! This would be the first of many for this flight. My seat mate for the flight turned out to be a Deadheading pilot. For some reason he was dead heading out to hawaii rather than flying the aircraft out. We had a little chat about my traveling and it was pretty good.

Once boarding was finished the doors were shut and we pushed back quickly. Not much of a taxi and soon enough we were off the ground, out of the seattle rain and up above the clouds. We had the seatbelt sign on for quite some time (as it would turn out it would barely come off during the flight). Soon enough the drinks cart was rolled out first (hello 2nd Mai Tai). I had read plenty of complaints on flyertalk about First Class meal service and how poor it was becoming. When breakfast service started, I was pretty impressed. I was given a choice between a hot or cold breakfast. I was hungry so hot it was. I was given a cheese omlette with two sausage looking thingys and some potato wedges. O and a bagel. I am going to miss bagels (but thats for another time). I couldn’t complain about that. Add in some coffee and you have yourself a decent breakfast.

The movie for the flight began and thankfully they use only single prong headphone sockets so I just plugged in my own headphones and started listening to the movie. The movie was called Imagine this. I had not heard of it before, turned out to be an Eddie Murphy movie.

The flight was pretty uneventful. Watched a movie, finished my book off and had 3 more mai tais (and a 2nd cup of coffee). As we decended into Honolulu I could see the islands off on my side of the aircraft. What i missed out on was the view of Waikiki on the other side of the aircraft. However what i missed out on I more than made up for as we flew in over Hickam AFB’s strips. For me this was better as sitting their on the ramp were two F-22 Raptors. I was ecstatic and I snapped quite a number of pictures of all the aircraft on the ramp.

We landed nice and softly and taxied off to our gate. I forgot to read the rego off the door as I hopped off the aircraft so that was a bit of a bummer but then as I was walking down the long walkways at the airport I realised there was no glass. All of the walkways are fully open. How awesome!!! Gonna enjoy that part of spotting on the way out 😀

After the long walk to the baggage claim I saw someone holding a sign with my name. I knew I had a pre booked and paid for transfer to my hotel, but didn’t know it was meet and greet. Then I saw it. The purple lei… o no!! It was a little embarrasing that I was travelling on my own and with a guy putting a lei around my neck. I grabbed my bag off the carosel (eventually) and then it was off to the hotel.

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Saturday October 17th.

Early morning wake up and pick up for the departure out of LAX. 615 am pick up from my hotel in Anaheim (blergh i hate early wake ups) and i hop into the Supershuttle van for the ride into LA. There was like no traffic on the freeway so we were there in no time.

Check in at Terminal 3 was painless and i was through TSA in no time after the Dignity shuffle. I still swear that someone at the TSA is standing there saying “i wonder how we can make people lose more dignity” Once in the terminal i then realised it was rather spartan for what I was used to and it was pretty boring. So out came the book. Soon enough though it was time to board.

Los Angeles to Seattle (LAX-SEA)
Virgin America – VX781
Airbus A319 – N522VA “The 1-Year-Old Virgin”
0915/1155
First Class – Seat 1F

Boarding: 08:45
Push Back: 09:12
Take Off Roll: 09:16 – Runway 24L
Top of Decent: 10:50
Touch Down: 11:30 – Runway 16L

Pre departure drinks were offered.. didn’t feel like hitting the hard liquor at this hour of the morning so just decided on a beer and got a very wierd look from my seat mate (haha). We were soon ready for push back as everyone boarded. It was a 100% flight so no chance of getting some decent photos.

Once pushed back we were quickly on the active and the traffic seemed light so we were straight on and out of LAX. No time to Taxi and get extra drinks (damn). As we took off and climbed out we turned out over the ocean and headed north.

Once lights went off out came the TV and i had a good play with Red (although the food ordering options are switched off for First Class). We were soon offered some food and i didnt really have much of a choice either a cold cheese plate or a chorizo quesadilia. Took the chorizo and it was a pretty good breakfast (washed down with a beer of course).

Managed to watch two episodes of NCIS while in the air (didnt think i could get a movie in) and soon enough we were on our descent into Seattle. It was a bit of a bumpy descent with heaps of cloud about but soon enough we were on final approach and with wheels touching down we were at the terminal minutes later.

Made my way down to the baggage claim and after finding a rest room my bag was already out and then it was a quick call to the limo company and I was out of the terminal into the cold.

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Tuesday 15th September

Woke up a bit earlier than my alarm but not by much and packed up my things and checked out. It was time to wave goodbye to a beautiful hotel. Dragging a suitcase turned a 5 min walk into about 10 mins (it was slightly uphill and the lights were against me) from the hotel to Union Station.

I picked up my prepaid ticket and was then told they dont allow checked baggage to New York 🙁 There was not a single red cap in sight either so that meant I couldn’t even pay someone to take my luggage for me. I ended up having to drag it round while I picked up a coffee and a danish at Au Bon Pain before finding a spot to sit down.

When the train was finally called for boarding I was “randomly” screened for security. Which prompted the usual questions “so your australian” “its so expensive to get there right?” So tired of those same questions now but then again thats about all they can probably think of!

Washington DC Union Station to New York City Penn Station (WAS-NYC)
Amtrak Acela – Train 2158
0900/1145
Business Class

Boarding: 0845
Depart: 0900
Arrive: 1155

As they don’t allocate seating on this train I decided I would head to the carriage furtherest from the entrance as this is where there should be the most amount of seats as if anyone is like me, they are lazy. The decision was right as when I got up there, there was only 3 other people in the carriage. I was surprised at just how much leg room there was. I was expecting maybe just a tiny amount of leg room like onboard a flight but there was a very decent amount. The tray tables were a touch annoying as you had to pull them all the way up and they did that with a very loud noise.

Seats reclined enough to make the journey comfortable. It was nice and quiet and as we pulled out of the station we quickly picked up speed. Not quite sure what speed we were at but it was quite good. I had read online that all passengers get a complimentary beverage (but this was false) so a few dollars later I had a bottle of water to keep the journey going.

The train was quiet and quickly smashed through the miles. With heaps of leg room, I can see why people would take this over the DC Flight Shuttles any day. Being dropped off right in the centre of the city would certainly have its benefits. I guess its probably part of its benefits.

After passing through Baltimore, Philadelphia and Newark we were soon enough in New York and it meant I was off the training and dragging my bag to find a cab rank to find the hotel.

A Short, comfortable journey with plenty of leg room, no real security or check in or baggage lines. What more can you want in a trip!

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Saturday 12th September

Woke up fairly early. I was very happy to of slept 10 hours and was hoping to get out and check out the Narita temple or the aviation museum. Unfortunately as I looked out the window… Rain.

So spent most of the morning holed up inside my room as it did have a good view of one of the taxiways and got some good spotting in.

Around check out time, I decided to go and try my luck at check in and see if they would let me check in, way to early. Got some weird looks from a couple I had been chatting to the night before who knew I departed at 4:30 and here I am sitting on the 11am shuttle.

When I finally got around to Terminal 1 (most people get off at Terminal 2 as that is where JAL is located). The airport was much, much bigger than I expected and it felt like a small city! When I found the Skyteam area at Terminal 2 (which was a large section actually), I rocked up to an empty business elite check in, and they let me check in, no questions asked. The check in agent asked me what sort of seat I wanted so I must have been fairly early in the check in numbering. I just said I wanted a Window seat, didn’t mind where. Whoever that girl was, she is awesome because she gave me Seat 10A which according to Seat Guru is like the BEST seat on the Lower Deck of the Delta 747’s.

Once checked in, I went up to check out the Observation Deck. I was trying to avoid the rain but it wasn’t really around at that point. I did manage to get a heap of awesome photos of stuff I had never seen before, like Finnair, KLM, SAS.

The rain started again so I decided to go through security and go in search of the Skyclub. From what I could see from the Observation Deck one of the lounges had a fantastic view down the active runway.

Turned out it was the Skyclub near gate 21 that was the perfect spot and this is where I sat, for several hours, with a pc in front of me and the camera next to it. I managed to get even more good stuff like Aeroflot, Aeromexicana, heaps of Delta, The SQ A380, Continental and much much more. I had to change sky clubs after a little while as the gate my flight was going from, was at a different side of the terminal.

Boarding time rolled around and it was a mad house at the gate. It was packed solid and there were people everywhere. This was obviously a full flight.

Boarding commenced as they pre boarded Business and I made my way down the business class air bridge.

Tokyo -Narita to Minneapolis St Paul (NRT-MSP)
Delta/Northwest – NW 20
Boeing 747-400
1625/1320
Business Elite – Seat 10A

Board: 1540
Push Back: 16:20
Take Off Roll: 16:45
Top of Decent: 1235
Touch Down: 12:57

Pre Departure drinks were offered and I had decided I would at least partially pay attention to doctors orders still, so took the Orange Juice over the beer. Amenity kits where already at the seat and Slippers and Menus were soon distributed (all went straight into my bag mind you). A very long taxi to the active and we had a very bumpy climb out. Seat belt sign was on for quite some time as there was a bit of turbulence about. Unfortunately the IFE was not working at all to begin with so for about 2 or so hours, no IFE. I was expecting a very very long flight with no IFE but it did eventually come on line.

We had a very big tail wind which seemed to speed us across the pacific quite quickly. I was really happy with the seat. The Northwest World Business Class seat (now Delta Business Elite) was actually pretty comfortable. It was good to watch movies with the recline right back.

Managed to get in only a couple of movies in between bumping the AVOD remote a number of times and the late starting of the system. We tracked over Alaska and Canada for the arrival into Minneapolis. We were in a holding pattern for like 15 minutes which destroyed the advantage of the Tail Wind. The reason the flight deck gave for the holding pattern. Well it seems President Obama had just landed at MSP.

I had been joking earlier in the day about what would be my plane spotting catch of all time and I joked Air Force One with Obama on board. I was just joking, but now it seemed possible!

We landed nicely into MSP and made our way to the gate. We arrived pretty much on time (love schedule padding) and I made a mad dash into the Security to get through asap. I made it through and was one of the first people waiting for bags. That’s when I lost my timing, my bag (even though tagged “Priority” came out fairly late so I still had to then make the mad rush through the TSA screening point which took a good 20 mins.

Managed to walk all the way across the airport to the gates I needed, found a good vantage point to shoot some really nice shots of AF1. As I was waiting at the gate I could see a whole heap of limos pull up to AF1… Obama was on his way out! What a score!! Got AF1 taxiing out just before boarding commenced.


Minneapolis St Paul to Washington DC – Dulles International (MSP-IAD)
Delta/Northwest/Compass Airlines – NW 5665
1500/1828
Embraer E175 – N635C7
Coach – Seat 5B

Boarding: 1435
Push Back: 1505
Take Off Roll: 1520
Top of Descent: 1750
Touch Down: 1815.

Boarding commenced with First class and elites first, then the back half of the plane, then everyone else. Again the awesome girl in Narita had gotten me a great seat. Again if you check out seat guru apparently a great seat. I wasn’t expecting much on this flight. I was really about this time ready to pass out. I had my ipod ready in hand, plenty of trance and was planning on resting.

We spent a good time at the gate while person after person brought in oversize suitcases. That stuff would not fly in Aus, I don’t know why they let the get away with it over here in the USA. It was a full flight and as soon as everyone was set, we were off. It was a bit of a taxi to the active but since this was the first time I had ever been on an Embraer aircraft I was a little excited. The take-off was violent as it felt like he was trying to do a burn out.

Up in the air quickly and climbing up, again more bumpy stuff as big cloud base but soon we were pointed towards DC. Did get offered a drink, which I took just a coke and then just tried to rest my eyes. Next thing I know we are at Top of Descent and we are heading down. Not having been in an Embraer before you can really feel the movements on descent in this thing, its crazy!

We touched down on the far side of Dulles and had to taxi all the way to the B gates. Since we went to the B gates I was ecstatic, that meant one thing. MOON BUGGIES!!! The one thing that is unique to Dulles and no where else are the iconic Moon Buggies that you use to go from terminal to terminal.

It was about 1830 when we stepped off the flight and the time taken to get to the moon buggies, wait for the next one, get my bag then wait for the Super Shuttle it was about 1930. 25 minutes later I’m at my hotel, checked in quickly and about to get straight into that king size bed. It has been a very long 24 hours.

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Friday September 11

Early morning wake up so i can make my way to the airport. I managed to get picked up early in the morning by Murray’s Coaches who i had won a 2 hour hire of their “9 Seat Executive Limo” which is in reality, a 9 Seat Mercedes Coach that could easily fit 15 sets but only has 9. It was awesome. Clear run through to the airport and i was actually there a good 20 mins early than i expected. After the last few days of sickness i was just glad to be feeling ok and managed to walk around the terminal a bit as I was to early for check in.

Check in was a breeze, first J class person checked in and I was off to the lounge. But was beaten there by someone else. Just sorta chilled around in the lounge, waiting for TRS and Duty Free to open so i could go and get some money back and do some shopping.

After sitting in the lounge and trying to while away the hours by taking a walk. it was time to Board.


Brisbane to Tokyo – Narita (BNE-NRT)
Qantas/Japan Airlines/Jalways – QF389/JL762/JO762
0845/1705
Boeing 767-300 – JA621J
Business Class (Executive Seasons) – Seat 2K

Board: 0820
Pushbank: 0845
Take Off: 0905
Top of Decent: 1615
TD: 1700

Boarding was right on time, and they preboarded business, so i strolled past the massive queue for economy. However because this was only a single door aircraft (JAL don’t have a second door for their 767’s) so it was pretty much then a continuous flow of peopl e heading to the back. No pre take off beverage though 🙁

Once everyone was seated. Doors were shut, and we pushed back. The safety demonstration was a lovely cartoon which i couldn’t help but chuckle at. Taxied the long way to Runway 19 and it was good to see that JAL have a nose camera fitted. It was great to watch the taxiing from a nose camera, and the nose camera actually pans down once the wheels are retracted so it was a great view of Brisbane as we took off.

As the seat belt sign came off, the FA’s were up and out came the menu’s drink orders, then i spent a good 5-10 minutes trying to work out the IFE. Since i couldn’t drink (although i am breaking that rule right now as we speak) it was just water for me this morning. I did eat some of the food keeping it light and taking it easy and it was good food.

Skipped the desert and just ate the fruit and then settled back to watch the IFE. As we flew north over PNG and the Solomons we also passed over Guam and Iwo Jima. I managed to finish watch almost 4 movies (being X-men Origins, Monsters Inc, Star Trek and Back to the Future 2).

As we started the decent we took forever and must of been in a holding pattern, cause we did quite a number of circuits. We finally came around and i could see the runway in the nose camera. We touched down on 16R and took a long time to taxi round to terminal 2. Thankfully we were not out on the Satelitte so was quickly off the plane and to immigration. Bag was about 5 or 6 minute wait (still in the priority set though) and then I was off to the hotel. Was chatting to a few people while we waited for the coach and it was suprising to see just how many people were being overnighted at JAL’s expense, on their way to Europe.

Checked in nice and easy and just chilled out in the room for a bit. The room was tiny but I wasn’t going to complain. I was REALLY tired and just wanted somewhere to pass out. Managed to find a convienece store inside the hotel and bought some water and was dumbfounded at all the different foods etc. Japan is so wierd!

So after a little while i managed to pass out and sleep my way into the next day!

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Ok from where I left off so urgently….

So after the March and the quick Train trip back to the starting point, I joined the Unit for Lunch at the Menzies Hotel for the annual luncheon. It was a good lunch (although service was appallingly slow). With lunch completed I caught up with a friend for a few beers and ended up winning $10 on Two Up.

With the day winding to a close I passed out around 930pm after two nights of little sleep.

Sunday 26th April

Awoke early again and headed to breakfast. Unfortunately this time the Pancake machine was broken but I did manage to get a photo of this glorious machine. After checking out it was a day of spending time with the family before jumping on the train back to the airport about 3:15pm.

Arrived at the airport with no effort and after the short walk from the Station to T3, I used one of the quick check terminals to grab my boarding pass. As I was heading home in whY I had to join the rather large Bag Drop Queue and waited around 15 mins.

After dropping my bags and being told it was a ¾ full flight (this turned out to be false) I headed for security. Not wanting to repeat the incident regarding belt and watch I decided to dump everything I had into my carry on and let it go through that way. Walked through the metal detector… no beep… Thank god. Then it happened. A security guard says “Can I see the contents of your bag please; we suspect you have a knife in there.” If this was the US, I’d probably have like a million TSA guys all over me right now. I advised them I didn’t have any knives but I am more than willing to show them what it is. Opened my bags, pulled out my keys and gave it to them.
They had seen a metal key ring that is a Night Club membership and assumed it was a knife. Idiots! So during this process I also got swabbed for Explosives! More embarrassment!! After finally being able to leave the screening point I moved away and found some internet located conveniently near my gate!

QF540 SYD>BNE
Scheduled 1705>1835
Boeing 737-400 – Seat 22F
VH-TJR – “Cockatiel”

This time we boarded early actually as the boarding announcement was a surprise to me. This time no staggered boarding like in previous flights just a free for all… which doesn’t help. This plane also had the new Domestic Interior, apart from the Business class seats. These were the old ones but maybe that had something to do with this aircraft having convertible seats not proper J class. I had not been on a 400 in 3 or 4 years so forgot about the TV’s that hang low in the middle of the cabin and almost smacked into one.

Boarding was completed and it was a full flight, safety demonstration was played again but as there are no side monitors I couldn’t really see it as the overhead bins cut off half the screen. It was a full flight and I was seated next to two very different seat mates. Both quite annoying! Making fun of anything they could. Luckily the Earplanes I have to wear cut out a lot of their noise

Long Taxi through to 34R and then a very quick and spirited departure. As we climbed out we headed out over the ocean first, saw the Pacific Dawn as it departed Sydney Harbour and we crossed land at Stockton Beach near Newcastle. That was about all I could tell as the sun was setting on the Port side of the aircraft.

After a quick snack service of Chips, Salsa and drinks (I only got a Bundaberg Ginger Beer because I wasn’t hungry) It was a very slow decent into Brisbane. The Bogans kept me annoyed the whole way down and even managed to trap me in my seat for as long as possible… Bastards. We landed on 01 with a very big bounce and was wondering if the Captain and First Officer were experienced, as they sounded quite young. Being that I was right up the back of the Aircraft had to wait a very long time to get off the aircraft and make my way to baggage. Once I had managed to get off made a quick call to my friend Jeremy who I had conned into picking me up with the promise of a 6 pack. Quickly made my way down to Baggage and grab my bag, stepped out to the ring road and waited for Jeremy to make his way up from the Memorial stopping point. Quick side trip on the way home to the Bottleshop (picked up a 6 pack of Big Head the new No Carb beer, tasted pretty good) and was home shortly there after.

A painless weekend…. lots of sleep needed to catch up. Next holiday… USA!

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Every year on anzac day i make my pilgramage to sydney to pay respects to my grandfather and those he served with. A few years ago i was invited to join the 2/2nd MG ascn and attend their annual anzac day lunch. This year with no annual leave available to me as all booked for my US trip in september it meant running the work flight gauntlet i so much hate and meant also an early start (im not a morning person). I managed to secure a J class upgrade on the trip south on a 73H which is one i havent been in the pointy end of.

Friday 24th April.

Managed to escape work at 1520 after a 7am start, was all ready feeling the pain of the early morning wake up as was now mega tired but it was only just beginning. Scammed an almost expired airtrain pass for free through work and made my way to the station for the 20 min rude to the airport.

Pulled up at the domestic airport realising why i stopped using the suit bag i was taking with me as it was really heavy walked down to the J class check in and used the quickcheck machine. Quick through the routine and it spat out my boarding pass.. On paper! Damn wanted one of the old card type. Move forward drop my bag and onto security. See a wet tray and think this is a convienient way to get my bp replaced so grab it and stick ,y bp right on top of the water…. Score! Dump the usual in the tray walk through,… Beep.. Dammit! Guard tells me to lose the belt and watch.. Damn get to embarass myself… Woo. Go through again no beep this time collect my mountain of stuff and redress myself and off to the lounge.

Get my first experience of the dragons when I get to the main entrance and ask where to get my bp reprinted. The dragon sees my lolely bronze card and says i shouldn’t be in here till the second dragon actually looks at my pass and points me in the right direction. Into the J lounge proper and i get my bp reprinted on real card stock! Then venture inside and see that the place is packed not many seats left so i find the first free seat and dump my stuff. While I enjoy the lounge and have a couple of beers, use the net and read my book a little. Glance up to see the board announcing my flight is delayed… O yay as I wait the lounge fills more and the hot food vultures arrive. Ponder to myself why i didn’t bring the laptop on this trip.

QF549 – BNE > SYD
Scheduled 1815>1950
Boeing 737-800
VH-VXS – “City of St Helens”

Finally get tired of the lounge and head to the gate about 10 mins before boarding,. Apparently. The gate is packed as the other flight just arrived. Looks like it will be a while. Boarding wasn’t really announced when they opened the doors everyone rushed the gate. Had a chuckle at the people in line behind me who were joking about who was closest to business. As I walked down was greeted by the lovely staff and showed to my seat. Although this was an older 73H with old colours it did have the new light grey interior. There was not as much room as i thought there would be but still plenty of space.

Settled in and the boarding stream never seemed to stop till Mr 1F decided to cram his oversize carry on into the overhead bins. It was funny yet annoying as he constantly held up the boarding process till he finally surrendered his bag to be gate checked. As more people streamed on board i got a few dirty looks by what i assume were WP members…. O well. With everyone seated it seemed there are three QF FA’s dead heading down to Sydney and i thought i would of been getting dirty looks. They did help out with the pre flight service taking peoples coats etc

We finally pushback at 1840, 25 mins late. We go through the usual safety drills but i notice the Safety Video is different to the last time i flew. A quick taxi to Runway 01 and as EK435 lands, we turn onto active and the captain doesn’t even look at slowing as he guns it. A good easy takeoff roll and a right turn headed for Sydney. Not to long after take off seat belt sign comes off and we are told of a few lumpy bits but nothing to bad.

Captain comes on tells us we should make good time but after his quick speech get a taste of what ch9 would be like as he accidently hits the pa to make an atc call. If only we had that here, id probably never turn it off. I somehow don’t think that QF uses the FEBO rules as i was served last on an odd flight. So i waited my turn and it was either chicken or a salad, i took the chicken but should of had the salad. One good thing i did enjoy was the can of James Squires Golden Ale served to me. Ive moved away from wine these days and drinking more beer. Knowing i can get golden ale on a flight is a god send.

Watched the news while eating and soon enough we are at TOD, heafing into YSSY. a long decent as we circuit towards 34R. As i finish my 2nd beer we are told to stow tray tables and raise our seats as we come in for finals. An easy touch down and then a long long taxi all the way to T3. We stop near the jetbase waiting for a 767 to clear our taxi path. as we head to the gate we pass EBH and OQC we pull into gate 2 and almost get knocked over as the airbridge is slid into place.
As we deplane i enjoy the benefits of being in the pointy end as I am quickly out of the plane and down the jetway, i make a quick pit stop and as i get to the baggage area our bags spit out and then quickly heading to the train! Hit the train about 4 mins before a train is due to arrive and within 15 mins I am at Wynard Station with a quick walk up to my hotel.

I managed to get 2 free nights out of work at the Amora Jamison Hotel and as I arrived here was no staff about, which is really unusual. But check in was a breeze and I set my wake up call for 3:45am and head up to the same room I had last year!

Saturday April 25th – Anzac Day

So after awaking to my phone ringing and the words “wake up call” kinda seemed to me that things were not quite right with the hotel. Seemed things had gone down in the last year… but maybe it was just the staff on shift that day. Got changed and met Mum and Dad (who were joining me in Sydney) for the Dawn service at Martin Place. Kinda regretted not bringing a decent jacket (didn’t have the room) as it was pretty damn cold but for once… no rain. Mum stayed a lot longer than i expected (10 mins) as Anzac day is never easy for her as it always reminds her of my Grandad. So with just me & Dad at the ceremony it went well. Same as last year pretty much but this time the Air Force had the band and the catafalque party where as last year it was the Navy.

I made my way back to my hotel and lounged around reading and watching TV for a while till around 7ish when I headed down for Breakfast. First time I have had breakfast at the Jamison as it was included in my freebie. Pretty standard hotel buffet although the automatic pancake machine was different. After that it was time to start getting ready. I was meeting mum & dad again at 9am for the march. I passed on the suit jacket as it was getting a touch warm and decided to go with the Polar Fleece Vest I had instead.

Walked round to the Menzies where Mum & Dad were staying and they gave me a hand with my Grandad’s medals. Its a bit difficult to do alone as they never end up straight, and they are a touch heavy. We walked up to O’Connell St and waited as this was the meeting point for the group. Slowly but surely people started arriving (kept an eye out for the association tie) and it all seemed to go well.

The March was held up for quite a while but while we waited just kept chatting to people as we went along. Once we finally got moving I tried to keep in line and in sync with everyone else but it seemed not everyone cared to much! The old guys had a Land Rover to go along in and they seemed to love it! We walked past Dick Smith and one of the other people was telling me he is in the same spot, every year, with the same sign. I didn’t manage to get a photo of him though, it turned out to Blurry!.

Anyway i best finish this off as my flight boards in 15 mins! back home I come!