Drron takes to cruising.The Arctic here we come.

[drron]

Well the time is already here for our next trip.This is a long one and we will be away for 2 months.Of course the only reason is to attend a Medical Conference in San Diego.Just couldn't find an easier way to get there.:shock:
The basic trip is a DONE4.We start however with a BNE-SYD sector that is the last of our recent Circle Asia trip.Another example of how AFF helps you get extra value out of your travel.So from SYD it will be BKK-HEL-OSL.Then a side trip OSL-LYR where we board the PA11 for a 10 day cruise arouind the Svalbard hopefully seeing a Celebration of polar bears(yes the official word for several polar bears together is a celebration)walrus and whales.Depart the cruise at TOS and fly back to OSL for a 3 day stay.
Then OSL-HEL-SVO-BUD.All places that will be for the first visit.Also first flights on AY,SAS and MA.From BUD it is FRA-ORD-SFO-LAX-BNA-DFW.Back to the good ole USA for shopping.Most of our clothing,footwear comes from here.So much better value.Whilst in the USA we will visit Bill clinton's Presidential Library,visit Big Tex(the Texas State Fair) and take in a baseball game(Padres v Giants).
Then straight back home-DFW-LAX-BNE.Tacked on the end of our DONE is a BNE-ADL sector for a local holiday in March 2011.
So from Wednesday I will start the travel and hopefully keep up to date(but will hopelessly fail again).

 

[RB]

Sounds like you have another magical trip coming up. You will find plenty of drinking mates in Hel & I am sure you will enjoy the goulash in BUD.

 

[markis10]

Sounds like an awesome trip, been over the top of the Arctic many times and would love to see if its more spectacular at ground level, I suspect like anything you get a better appreciation of something the slower you take it in!

In your first post you have managed to give me a clue as to why Bundy use the bear, if you have two bundys does that mean a celebration?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Well the time is already here for our next trip.This is a long one and we will be away for 2 months.Of course the only reason is to attend a Medical Conference in San Diego.Just couldn't find an easier way to get there.:shock:
The basic trip is a DONE4.
So from Wednesday I will start the travel and hopefully keep up to date(but will hopelessly fail again).

lol!! There was me thinking I wouldn't go to a medical conference in San Diego next year due to the lousy SC from SYD. I think I'll take the lead from you, looking forward to the TR. Enjoy

 

[drron]

Well it has been a fortnightus horribilus.Not only the death of my father but also my brother-in-law.Another unsung hero who was the first manager of Woolworth's first supermarket.Yes in the old days Woollies was a variety store.
On top of that Mrsdrron had a skin cancer removed and had to go back for a second go.Then at the beginning of last week I awoke with pus draining from my ear the day before having to fly to SYD and back.
However Tuesday this week reversed the trend with the birth of a new granddaughter.And boy is she beautiful.
Tonight looked up our booking for QF1 tomorrow and although no points removed our booking now says-Class-First(P).Looking forward to it.
Hopefully will post in earnest from this weekend.

 

[drron]

Prior to leaving home we received our Silverseas tickets.Delivered in a silver box-

So 9am Wednesday finally arrives and we are picked up by our limo.An easy drive down on a perfect SEQ morning.The wattle is in full bloom.An hour and we pull up beside QF domestic departures.Have done OLCI-originally given 1E,F but mrsdrron doesnt like row1 or the middle seats so we have changed to 4J,K.
Delightful lady at bag drop-wonderful experience,why I dont want to go to New Generation check in.Bags are 19.8kg(wonderful) and 25kgoops.The second is our Russian doll bag.Some thinking to do before we reach OSL.So now off to Jlounge.
QF522 BNE-SYD.ETD1215.ET boarding 1155
Actual boarding 1210.Pushback-1232.
ETA-1350.Actual-1350.
Bags are in first dozen off!To Avis and we have been upgraded to a Holden Cruze.So we are at the 4 Points by 1450.Given a choice of a deluxe room now or a Darling Harbour suite in 45 minutes.Mrsdrron says the suite.So we leave our bags with the concierge and off to the hospital to see our grandaughter.when we arrive back~2100 we pick up the keys and our bags are there in our 14th floor room.Once again great service from the 4 Points.
Next-Sydney.

 

[Alanslegal]

looking forward to your TR drron

 

[tgh]

sigh.. have very fond memories of the PA11.. just the best little ship.
The expedition staff that guided us through South Georgia and the Antarctic last year did a fantastic job.
Have a great trip.. looking forward to the reports.

 

[drron]

Thursday night we have dinner at the Centennial Hotel Woollahra.They have a very good dining room but tonight we just share a couple of their gourmet pizzas-and very nice they are.now a tip if staying at the 4 points.Plenty of free street parking from 10pm-8am but virtually outside there are 3 free spots from 9pm-where we parked both nights.
Thursday and we were babysitting our other 2 grandchildren to 2pm.A delightful job but tiring so we had a couple of hours off at Westfield Bondi.A good place for retail therapy.Several good eating places there too.We have enjoyed Kam cough which do a really good daily yum cha.But today was just to Max Brenners for capuccinos and a delightful trio of chocolate mousse-

For dinner that night we got fish and chips from De Costi bros who have just opened in Queen street-unfortunately forcing out the old fish and chippery which IMHO was better value.
That night awoke with severe pain in my right hand.Had been present for 6 days since being spiked whilst pruning a palm.2am and the penny dropped.After 4-5 colchicine over the day the pain and swelling resolved and undoubtedly was gout.The treatment would cause a minor inconvenience later as the physicians on this board may realise.
Friday and checkout from the 4 Points.Once again a good stay and we are 4 out of 4 for suite upgrades whilst always on cheapest rate-this time a Z2H rate~$160.Off to the hospital for a final visit to our newest grandchild.Boy do NSW public hospitals know how to charge for parking!
So now back to SYD,drop off our rental,walk to the F checkin-once again a delightful agent then proceed to the tax rebate office(they do hide it) before making our way to the Flounge.
That excitement next.

 

[drron]

We arrive at the Flounge about 1430.Decide to have a late lunch.We both start with Alaskan King Crab salad-mrsdrron without chilli,mine with.Mrsdrron then has the Waygu fillet-absolutely beautiful and so tender.I have the braised Moroccan lamb with couscous,yoghurt and harissa-fantastic flavours.All washed down with a Nelson SB.
For desserts mrsdrron has the cherry chocolate fondant-very rich.I had the ricotta fritters-think little pieces of donut with ice cream and Persian fairy floss.Also a cheese platter as it has a Stilton-washed down with a Morris muscat.
It is then Mrsdrron notices I haven't got my jacket-it is still on the back seat of the Avis rental car.I go to the deask and explain the predicament.Fortunately at about 1545 the agent comes over to tell me they have found my jacket and that there has been a spa cancellation and mrsdrron can have her manicure-just in time as she was about to head off to the opal shop.
10 minutes before boarding my jacket is returned.A QF staffer went landside and collected it.Boarding was on time.As we approached the gate the staffer who went landside is on the premium lane.we both get acknowledged by name as we approach.
Have to acknowledge great service.
Next QF1 in F.

 

[drron]

QF1 SYD-BKK ETD-1700.Pushback-1700
ETA-2315.Actual-2315.
We are in the middle seats Row4.Crew very friendly and get 2 glasses Taittinger before takeoff.However I dont find the ambience of the F cabin appealing-brown and grey just doen't do anything for me.Decide on the tasting menu.

Spencer gulf prawn toast + tartlet of cauliflower puree and truffle oil.Acceptable.

Cream of broccoli +parmesan.Visually unappealing and bland.

Salad of Kurobota leg ham +celeriac remoulade.An ordinary ham salad.

Chemoula encrusted kingfish + Moroccan eggplant salad,cous cous.At least the fish was cooked perfectly.Best of the dishes.

Ranger Valley dry aged sirloin.Tough as old boots and sent back.
Passed on the cheeses.

Trio of desserts.Good tastes,nothing outstanding.
Had to remind staff there were chocolates.
Sorry Neil but if this were a Masterchef challenge you would be facing elimination next week.
Next BKK

 

[drron]

This will be the last post for 10 days at least as going closer to the North Pole around Svalbard.Virtually no internet.
So after dinner a visit to the loo.This was impressive in size and fittings.again the browm colour scheme doesn't add to the experience-

Then tried to sleep.The bed although long enough to stretch right out I found hard and lumpy and not conducive to sleep.The entertainment program was not really my taste this time so watched Wog Boys 2 and Sex in the City 2.Mildly enterytaining.
Then another minus for QF-no Thai arrival cards loaded.Got the fast track cards but as had to walk further to that and absolutely no one else at the plebs Immigration went through there instead.
Arrived at 1115.Had to wait as all the J bags came out before the F luggage but in car by 1140 and checked in by 0015 at the SGS.1800 checkout confirmed.Again upgraded to suite.In our welcome fruit bowl were mangosteens-the first time we have seen this but our favourite fruit so appreciated.
Breakfast the next morning was a little down on previous selections but still amongst the best hotel breakfast buffets.After that up to the Paragon Mall on the Skytrain.Decked out in orchids and sale time.

Then lunch in the food court.They usually have some temporary stalls often the best of street food.It was on again and we had a great oyster omelette.Also Turkish ice cream which was chewy!
Then back to the SGS for a nanny nap.More of BKK when I return to civilisation.

 

[Grooba]

...More of BKK when I return to civilisation.

Looking forward to the next instalment!

 

[drron]

Went to happy hour at the Living Room but no live music until 2130 on Saturdays now.a little disappointed.The Bar manager recognises us though and gives us a warm welcome.Then off to Basil for Dinner-I had emailed the F&B manager as Basil had been closed.Received a reply on the Monday that they were reopening that night.F and B manager came to the restaurant soon after we sat down.We congratulated him on the mangosteens in our fruit basket saying they were our favourite fruit.The next 2 mornings at breakfast there were mangosteens-not seen that before-and as soon as I walked up to the fruit station the woman offered to peel me a few-didn't see anyone else get that offer.No doubt the SGS is good for us.For dinner that night we had 2 serves of soft shell crab,mixed satays,pork neck with mushrooms and ginger plus a seafood pad thai-all fantastic.
Sunday-Had a stroll around Robinsons over the road and it was obvious Thailand is relying more on Middle East tourism.Then down to the Emporium-this was because mrsdrron found out there was a Na Ra Ya store next door-she can always find something to buy there.Staff informed us that their store in Central World would be reopening in 2 months.
Happy hour and Bar Su is closed on Sunday,thunderstorm renders Sala unusable so back to the Living room.again no live jazz on Sunday.But we meet up with KenF and Willard bear from FT and keep talking.By the time he leaves for dinner the musicians arrive.Shaun and Randy come over and have a chat so dinner is soft shell crab eaten whilst listening to the music.

Next last day in Bangkok.

 

[drron]

Breakfast on Monday was a lot quieter than the weekend.The fellow sitting next to us was with a different granddaughter to Sunday.:shock:After breakfast went to the front desk to confirm 6pm checkout,told them we would like to have dinner in Basil.A quick check and was told could you just drop off the keys at 6pm and we will formally check you out at 2030.No problems.
Went to Siam Square,had lunch in the Paragon basement and checked out the damage at Central World.Back for my nanny nap,handed in the keys at 6pm and we partook of Happy Hour again.The music started early tonight.Once again chatted to KenF.My goodness that Willard Bear is a chick magnet(Does Mrs.Skyring know that?).Cheekily I made Willard a member of AFF for the night-

During happy hour the Asst.Manager came over to talk with us.Again made a comment on how good it was to have mangosteens for breakfast.We were told it was on our profile and as long as we were here in season mangosteens would be available.Fantastic service.
Our last dinner in Basil-Pandan chicken,seafood Pad Thai and each had a coconut creme brulee-served in a young coconut.
Checkout at 2030,into car,no traffic and at airport in 30 minutes.No lines at checkin or security and soon in the QF Flounge.I think the J lounge looks better.Very little selection of wines and food so i ended up having a 90 minute nap.Off to the gate early-looks like a full plane and lots of kids-fortunately none in J cabin.
Through the gate check,turn left and disappear into Finnair-alright not original.
I really liked the ambience of the new J cabin on the A330.On the A side rows 1,3,5 have 1 seat.Rows 2,4,6 have 2.@ seats in the centre but staggered and only a single seat on F side.I found the seat comfortable and could fully stretch out.So I will end with the obligatory leg shot-

The seat slides under the side console of the seat in front hence the staggered nature of the cabin.
Next AY96.

 

[drron]

AY96.BKK-HEL.ETD-0015.Pushback-0020
ETA-0640.Actual-0620.
The J cabin was reasonably full.2 women were op upped on board.One of them put on a performance saying she wanted their husbands to sit with them-there were 2 other empty seats.The purser was called and in no uncertain terms told them they could certainly sit with their husbands-in Y and if they wished that then 2 other pax could have the J seats.They decided to stay.The husbands did try to come up during the flight but were quickly sent back.
After having eaten at the SGS we were not hungry.The food was not great though generally OK.Started naturally with some smoked salmon,the other choice was a vegetable soup.

Everyone got a salad-

The cheese was also served with the starter-

The pasta though for main course was terrible-nearly an inch of oil in the bottom-fortunately they only had 2 serves so other pax missed out on the disaster-

The other choices were a beef tenderloin or a red curry.Wines were reasonable.Passed on dessert and went to sleep.Unfortunately woken by mrsdrron as she climbed across me-couldn't get back to sleep.No movies interested me so listened to albums by Bob Marley and Tina Turner before watching a few episodes of the Big Bang Theory-a show i like.
Breakfast was reasonable and at least hot unlike the QF flights I take as well as orders being taken in the morning.

Next-a few hours in HEL then off to OSL.

 

[drron]

We arrived in early so we would have made the early plane to OSL however i still felt better being sure.We now had a 5 and a half hour transit.We wereQuickly through security and stayed in the non Schengen part of the airport.The Finnair lounge here is large and was quite empty for most of the time we were there.Even at 7am the white wine and champagne were out and free.Yes there is more upmarket alcohol for sale as well.Not a great selection of food in the morning.There were 3-4 macs there for internet use.if you use your own computer though they only give you 2 hours free and you need a password.There is a spa but it costs.As a J pax we got a coupon for 40% off but did not investigate prices.
First thing on the agenda was a shower.Nice.

I enjoyed the ambience-

As you can see you get a good view out over the gates.This is the bird that bought us from BKK-

By 11am we were the only 2 in the lounge.So we wander off to the gate early and stop by a few shops.Light weight Rimowa luggage at half the Aussie price.Had to go through Immigration to access the Schengen part of the terminal.No one else in line.Passports stamped and the fellow realised the door through to the Schengen terminal was locked and he had to go around and unlock it.
In the Schengen terminal see things such as bear and reindeer meat products for sale.At gate boarding is called soon after we arrive but nobody moves.We therefore get on first.Our first flight in an E170.That next.

 

[drron]

AY655.HEL-OSL.ETD-1215.Actual-1210
ETA-1240.Actual-1230.
We are the only 2 in J.But when on the plane we thought why would anyone pay a J fare-except like us on a DONE.There is absolutely no difference between the seating in J and Y cabins.Only a curtain seperates them-

That is the J cabin.

Looking to Y cabin.
And the leg shot-

The only difference is that you get served a hot meal and complimentary drinks.It wasa a very tasty pork dish-

And a rather nice Alsace white that you could keep drinking-

Plus an OK sweet-

A little more on this sector next.
New Posts

 

[tuapekastar]

Enjoying the TR drron, keep it coming. (I know it's difficult, I have conked out on my own TR, will have to make a determined effort to re-start it).

 

[drron]

These AY short haul flights and the next SAS flights really were like LCCs.For those down the back you got free tea/coffee or a soft drink.Anything else was for purchase.

Believe me that roll was pretty small.

Also a new slant on whether you should use the WC in a different cabin-

Yes toots only down the back.So crossed my legs!
So just a couple of shots in flight and on descent to OSL-

Next OSL.