Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to explore

[Pushka]

It is July, must be time for another Pushka trip. Travel is my escape - if I don't have a trip in planning then, well, I will be forced to watch football, or cricket, or some such nonsense. Or even work! :shock:

Where is it this time? Europe again. But not to worry, my next trip in planning is Alaska, 2016. Which will come after Dubai for the New Year. When did that happen? Oh yeah, I read about American Airlines points and experimented, and booked two F fares on the A380 for a very nice amount. Well, the points were on sale and I never miss a bargain.

Enough, back to Europe. Still a week to go before launch time so this is in preparation. And so I can subscribe to this thread because otherwise I will lose it with the new App. Sorry admin, the new App makes travelling life a bit more frustrating in trying to keep up with AFF.

We leave Adelaide for Sydney connection next Saturday (because Adelaide doesn't exactly rate highly on the Qantas International list anymore :evil:. ) Our original booking was straight through to Hong Kong via Sydney, leaving just 60 mins between Sydney arrival and departure. Clearly that wasn't going to cut much time into the lounge with bus transfer, and immigration and little or no FLounge. Not the way to start the trip at all. So the booking was separated and we now are spending Saturday night at Rydges and off to an early start at the FLounge before our 10am flight to Hong Kong. Much better.

The Itinerary -

• Sydney - Yay!
• Hong Kong 2 nights (almost fluffed that booking with the 0005 departure on the third night! ) Staying in a Club room at Langham Place. Pre paid for at a great rate given all the extras that the club provides there. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon high tea, canapes and champagne....
• Paris 6 nights, and on the Sunday will be lining up on the Champs Elysees to watch the lycra wearers finish La Tour - assuming there are still some of them left riding after all the crashes
• Barcelona 4 nights - and a return to the 1992 Olympic City where MrP first went there. Can even see his bedroom window as part of the Athletes Village at the time - right here:

• Then a 13 night cruise - commencing in Barcelona and ending in Rome

Barcelona
Provence
Cannes
Florence
Ajaccio (Corsica)
Valetta (Malta)
Kotor (Montenengro)
Corfu
Messina (Italy) - Mount Etna
Salerno (Amalfi Coast/Positano)

• Rome for 2 nights then off to Singapore (12 hour layover) then direct to Adelaide.

Lots of good times in store.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

The flights.

Planning started 12 months ago - just after I returned from our last trip.

I had never thought I could even look at booking Business class as I wimp out at the paid cost. And then I discovered this forum, and the mish mash of the Taxation by Credit Card, Woolworths, Optus, Qantas and Black Westpac card collided beautifully to allow me to book most of the trip for "free" less taxes, and in J.

• Adelaide Sydney - Y - might sneak in for a points upgrade ( ) as a starter.
• Sydney to Hong Kong - Y+ - yep, I had to PAY :shock: for this flight so no J. But a points upgrade made months ago as soon as MrP hit WP seemed like a thing to do. Exit row seats in Y+ anyway and not during school holidays, with a day flight and Y+ will be fine.
• Hong Kong to CDG - a Classic reward booking on CX in J. A midnight flight of 12 hours, arriving at 6am in Paris. So pleased to be able to enjoy CX flat beds on this flight, if not the service so much
• FCO - Adelaide - J on SQ. The flight leaves Rome at lunchtime, and into Singapore at 6am. A weird time for sleep but a 12 hour flight so those Princess inspired Melatonin tablets and liberal dose of Champagne will be needed. Then a day in Singapore, then J on a quickish flight on SQ to Adelaide. These flights were courtesy of my Westpac redemption and booked the day the flights were released.

The burning question - do I wear Qantas J jammies or Emirates F jammies on CX and SQ? :shock:

 

[Alanslegal]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

The burning question - do I wear Qantas J jammies or Emirates F jammies on CX and SQ? :shock:

Whatever you feel comfortable with. I BYO my own, often it is my favorite LH F jammies. It looks modern, light enough but still very discreet and nobody would even know it's LH F. I personally don't like QF J jammies as its too obvious.

 

[love_the_life]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Looking forward to this. We were in Paris a few years ago (well quite a few if the truth be known) for the finish of the TdF. It was mad; people everywhere waiting to get a glimpse of the riders as they sped by. We actually were arriving on the day so with the road closures and crowds, the taxi had to drop us off quite some distance from the hotel. Having no map I think we were lucky to actually find it. I do remember the excitement of the crowd.

Barcelona has some great walking tours through the tourist board - we did a foodie one to the market and chocolatier etc. Great value and tasting along the way to boot.

Expect to see lots of pics and read about the great experiences

 

[Flying mermaid]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Looking forward to the trip

Ps suffering a severe case of travel envy, mixed with Itchy feet syndrome just thinking about this trip. Looks heap of fun and warm.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

My next plan is what to tell my mother. Everytime there is an aviation incident she assumes I am on that plane and calls the brother/sons to see if I am still alive. Thinking I might just say we are in Singapore for work. The safest place I can think of unless a typhoon strikes. Last year the Ukraine incident happened. I knew as soon as I heard it she would fly into a panic. I did wonder if that panic contributed to her heart attack a week later. I dont plan on stopping travel because of this panic so have to limit the info.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Do you have a photo that you reckon is the best photo you will ever take? This is mine taken at Chamonix in the French Alps and I use it as my PC screensaver. The row of trekkers on the crest just finishes it off. Unfortunately a cable slightly messes on the right but I dont want to crop. At this height (6000 metres from memory, I experienced slight altitude issues due to rapid ascent on the lift. This trip is very similar to the one we took in 2012.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Do you have a photo that you reckon is the best photo you will ever take? This is mine taken at Chamonix in the French Alps and I use it as my PC screensaver. The row of trekkers on the crest just finishes it off. Unfortunately a cable slightly messes on the right but I dont want to crop. At this height (6000 metres from memory, I experienced slight altitude issues due to rapid ascent on the lift. This trip is very similar to the one we took in 2012.

Subscribing.

That photo looks good enough for a "Beacon of Gondor" submission.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Subscribing.

That photo looks good enough for a "Beacon of Gondor" submission.

Im subscribing to my own thread so I don't lose it with this new App!

Have you been to Chamonix? It is simply stunning. Shame we aren't going there this time.

More favourites of Chamonix

This looks like he is walking into the Abyss. He was!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

My next plan is what to tell my mother. Everytime there is an aviation incident she assumes I am on that plane and calls the brother/sons to see if I am still alive. Thinking I might just say we are in Singapore for work. The safest place I can think of unless a typhoon strikes. Last year the Ukraine incident happened. I knew as soon as I heard it she would fly into a panic. I did wonder if that panic contributed to her heart attack a week later. I dont plan on stopping travel because of this panic so have to limit the info.

I think I have a lot in common with your mother - my kids all have to txt me on arrival, when they are travelling by car, so I don't worry. Prior to last year I didn't worry about air travel as I perceived it as safe, but after going into a panic when I heard about MH17 and then finding my friend and her husband had died, I have added air travel to my worries for them (although I still perceive it as safe).

What helps me is knowing their exact itinerary and flight numbers and then I can check arrival times. Might that work for her as well?

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

I think I have a lot in common with your mother - my kids all have to txt me on arrival, when they are travelling by car, so I don't worry. Prior to last year I didn't worry about air travel as I perceived it as safe, but after going into a panic when I heard about MH17 and then finding my friend and her husband had died, I have added air travel to my worries for them (although I still perceive it as safe).

What helps me is knowing their exact itinerary and flight numbers and then I can check arrival times. Might that work for her as well?

I used to supply her with a complete itinerary, and she did have one last year, but I suspect with age it has gone into some kind of irrationality, so even though my sister in law (who was rung at 6.30 am!) told her I was on a cruise ship the day before, somehow I had morphed into being on a plane. If I suggest she worries too much she rationalises by saying she cant help it if she loves us. Mmmm. It cant stop me travelling - my grandmother lived until she was 92 which is five years away, so I can't put off my life now just to stop her worrying. Harsh maybe but at my age she was travelling all over the world!

Anyway, back to pleasant things.

The Lounges.

Adelaide, Qantas Club, nothing fancy here at all, not even a Business lounge.
Sydney - the glorious F Lounge for breakfast and champagne.

In Hong Kong I am keen to explore the new First Pier, or is it Wing? Pier I think and as it is a midnight flight then we shall experience a nice round of dinner, drinks and more drinks. A massage. And pictures, lots of pictures of this nice new lounge.

In Rome - a midday flight and so will try out the Singapore Lounge in Rome. I have no idea of what this will be like.

In Singapore - the SQ lounge, again a late night flight so dinner will be nice.

Lovely!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

, so I can't put off my life now just to stop her worrying

In Rome - a midday flight and so will try out the Singapore Lounge in Rome. I have no idea of what this will be like.

In Singapore - the SQ lounge, again a late night flight so dinner will be nice.

Lovely!

I do agree and deception works. Miss FM and partner went to Koh Samui last year and I extracted a promise out of her that she wouldn't go to a Moon party. Of course she did go, was totally safe, but I am both glad she went and glad I didn't know.

looking forward to the SQ report - we will almost definitely be using them for a trip to Singapore/Langkawi next year, so very interested in your perception.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

I do agree and deception works. Miss FM and partner went to Koh Samui last year and I extracted a promise out of her that she wouldn't go to a Moon party. Of course she did go, was totally safe, but I am both glad she went and glad I didn't know.

looking forward to the SQ report - we will almost definitely be using them for a trip to Singapore/Langkawi next year, so very interested in your perception.

Indeed. Mr and MasterP went parasailing over the Himalayas. They told me after the event. And in Noosa where they went on seakayaks and paddled over a bronze whaler shark. They told me on the way back home. Ignorance is bliss and we really don't need to know unless something goes wrong.

The full moon parties - a friends son and his girlfriend were booked by a TA to attend one in Phangan. They arrived and no one was there. The TA booked them for the wrong week

 

[love_the_life]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Bet you can't wait to get on the plane quick enough after the weather of yesterday. Think of the warm weather of the Med and while there do try and spare a pitying thought for us left back here in winter.

 

[Tooner]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

• Paris 6 nights, and on the Sunday will be lining up on the Champs Elysees to watch the lycra wearers finish La Tour - assuming there are still some of them left riding after all the crashes

Lots of good times in store.

I like it Pushka! I did that last year with a Bikestyle package for one of the stands. It was well worth it as you don't have to queue for hours to get a good spot, and you get fed and watered in company with a fair few Aussies. Do forget La Course the women's race prior to the men's.

Enjoy!

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Our first stop is in Hong Kong. The Langham Place is my home in Hong Kong, isn't Dame? who stayed there with me last year for a couple of nights. As we arrive at around 7pm I am trusting they will allow us a few quick drinks of Champagne and tasties before they close the premium bar - the normal bar stays open. They have a fabulous kids room next to the club which has huge jars of M&M's - my favourite.

I plan on hitting the huge designer discount mall near Tung Chung. This is also the last stop on the airport train. Last time I saw a lot of people with suitcases, thinking they were going to the airport - but they didnt get off - they were going to the discount mall too! While I am doing this, MrP will be chilling in the gym and spa. Might join him for a swim later.

Today I have a list of things to do - end of financial year and business stuff. Which is why I have drifted here . That and checking out all the last minute bookings etc.

No word of an upgrade yet for Sunday - could happen as early as tomorrow. Still seems to be a few J class seats left on expert flyer. At least 9! 1a and 1b please? Come on Upgrade Fairy!

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

I've also arranged a few excursions along the way.

Palace of Versailles. I know we can do this by train but just decided it would be cruisy to sit on a bus and be guided. MrP watched the movie - A Little Chaos - which is about designing the gardens, on a NZ flight recently. Came back wanting to see the Gardens even if I dont want to. Mmmm - I wanted to do this last trip fella and you didn't! It also comes with the 2 day Museum pass which gets you in quickly to most places of interest.

And groan - the Paris Ho Ho. So so tourist but we are just using to save on energy this trip.

On the cruise, we have organised some private shore excursions in a limo with a group on Cruise Critic - two couples from Britain, and us. This will be a tour of Provence, Cassis and Calanques. I think this is good? Provence certainly is.

Kotor - kayaking the beautiful Montenegro coastline.

Sicily - Taormina and Mount Etna. Lunch with wine.

Salerno - the stunning Amalfi Coast, Positano and the like.

Florence - just catching a bus from the Port and wandering this fabulous place.

We have also booked the Ship Package of a Reidel Wine tasting - this will also give us four Reidel glasses each to keep, paired to the usual 'colours' plus we will be provided with Reidel glasses when we purchase wine by the glass onboard.

We have the celebrity 123 package - basically our beverages up to $15 are included. Last time this saw us enjoying wine with lunch, Baileys on ice around the pool for afternoon tea; an alcoholic slushie when it got too hot, a pre dinner wine, then a pre dinner coughtail or three (one night they served MrP straight rocket fuel - he needed some assistance getting to the buffet ; french wine for dinner, then a post dinner coughtail. I dont think we will last 13 nights of this....

 

[amaroo]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Have you been to Chamonix? It is simply stunning.

Not yet, it does look stunning.

More familar with Seefeld, Austria. Family friends own a fair chunk of the hotels in Seefeld - good reason to visit

 

[love_the_life]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Ah Langham Mongkok; that was a wonderful hotel even though I had less time there than you Pushka but I can see why it is your HK base. Pity the pool was closed with the thunderstorm. Enjoy and don't eat too many of the kiddie's M&Ms.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

I have reconciled to not getting the flight upgrade on Sunday to Hong Kong from Y+ (I am impatient ) and will instead use the points to book jetstar J back from Honolulu next May. Currently I have three trips in Progress. Life is good. Work is frantic as I tie off all the financials for the business.....Pinged off I would say thirty emails this morning - they will be glad to get rid of me.