From Noosa to Vegas and a bit of a Gamble.

[drron]

We are due on our next trip starting Friday 28th.This was planned as a simple trip as I was due to have a Knee Replacement in early july.That did not happen due to a simple pimple.However since I have developed sciatica in my good leg so I am thankful this was planned as an easy trip.
BNE-SYD-BKK-HKG-NRT-DFW-MCO-DFW-LAS-LAX-BNE.
What could go wrong?
Well apart from my mobility problems there is of course the QF strikes.The news today is encouraging so hopefully that is one problem out of the way.
Next the Thailand floods.Had planned 6 days at the SGS to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.Due to arrive November 1st.Now we had planned on just relaxing and shopping up and down Sukhumvit.However if water does make it into Central Bangkok we may have to have a Plan B.Currently that will probably be Changmai.

Naturally I always start with a little taster before a trip.On this occasion it was off to Noosa for a 1 night mattress run so that I requalify SPG Plat.Then a night in Hervey Bay as we had a meeting there saturday.

First Noosa.A night at the Sheraton.Arrived~ 1700.Upgraded to a suite on the top floor with river views.Would have made for good sunset pictures apart from the black clouds obscuring everything.Walked up Hastings Street.Could not get into Berardos or bistroC-though we do think they are a little overrated.So settled for Rococo.Mrsdrron had the Carpaccio with dried olives(very nice)followed by the mushroom risotto.I had scallops on the shell and the suckling pig(this was nice).Washed down with a bottle of Leeuwin Estate SB.All up $174-expensive for what it was but typical of Noosa.But they did accept Amex with no surcharge.

Friday I had to go back to Buderim for a hospital round.Took a little longer than expected so i was not going to get back to noosa for the RAAF flyover.So stopped at Point Arkwright which turned out to be a great viewing spot.Unfortunately it was glary so i just pointed and hoped with my camera.I did get a good shot of the accompaning Hawk though-

Whilst waiting for the flyover we were entertained by a mother whale and her calf playing about 600m offshore.
Back to noosa,checked out and went and had lunch at Harvey's Corner Eatery in Noosaville.Had been reccomended by Matt Moran in a travel mag.It was good for lunch-I had a Waygu burger and mrsdrron a spanner crab salad and a side of fries.with 3 glasses of wine it was $41 so good value.however no Amex.

next-Hervey bay.

 

[Simo]

Have a great trip...

 

[TonyHancock]

Excellent, another drron special!

I like to read these during the evening with a bottle of Chateau Dan Murphy.

 

[drron]

An uneventful trip up to Hervey Bay and staying at the Mantra at the Marina.We last came here some 2 years ago and the place was obviously suffering.It is now even worse.Quite a few shops,restaurants we have patronised are gone.For sale signs up everywhere.So much for the strong Aussie economy.However there were 2 new restaurants that have opened that receive reasonable reviews on TA so we tried them out.

For dinner we went to Pavilion at the Pier-at the Urangan Pier!Nice setting,good service.But 3% surcharge on Amex.I started with the scallops(of the 4 scallop dishes over the weekend this was in equal 3rd place with Rococo whose presentation was better but they were considerably more expensive).The problem probably was that they were on a bed of broccoli-

Ithen had lamb on Israeli cous Cous.It was very nice-

Mrsdrron started off with the soft shell crab.The crab was nice and meaty but she felt the ****take salad just didn't go with the crab-

She then had roast pork belly-lovely but too big a serve-so I can attest to the quality.It was served on potatoes which added nothing to the dish-

We had a Pinot Grigio to wash it all down.Total cost-$120.
So a better restaurant than we are used to in Hervey Bay but just falling down in the combinations of foods used IMHO.
Next-a real find.

 

[TonyHancock]

mmmmmmm the pork belly looks rather nice!

 

[drron]

After our meeting we decided to have lunch at another new Hervey Bay restaurant-Coast.On the Esplanade.Glad we did.We shared the scallops for an entree-the second best of the weekend-the best is yet to come.For mains mrsdrron went again for a crab salad and I had the whiting-really very good.A glass of wine and a beer(Tasmanian of course) and the bill was $71.And they accept Amex without surcharge.

The drive back home was more frustrating than the drive up.Why when you are behind a slower car for several kms do they speed up when you come to an overtaking lane.Then the mad P plater who obviously was insulted by my overtaking and who then had to get back in front every time only to slow down.fortunately he turned off north of Gympie.

Our final meal out on the weekend was at Harvest at Coolum with our dentist!Now this is a reccomendation for anyone visiting the sunny coast.A committed owner who is out front and very personable with really great food.As entrees we always have the scallops-stuffed with prawn meat and wrapped in a thin Greek pastry and flash fried.If not on the menu just ask as often they can be had anyway.mrsdrron had the fish of the day(snapper and I had the duck.Here we also have dessert-I the pistachio souffle with turkish delight ice cream,mrsdrron jus has a plate of the ice cream-it is delicious.

now to prepare for the trip.Everything is conspiring against us.10 weeks ago I developed sciatica in my good leg.The ortho says I should not lift our bags of the carousel.but mrsdrron says-yeah,right.Major problem is when I am just standing around-and you tend to do a lot of that at airports.
Next the QF strikes which are back on for today.The Bangkok floods.HKG workers threatening to strike when we transit.
Well here's hoping.

 

[Major]

Since I am now a recent Maroochydore property owner, I am taking serious note of these restaurants. Look forward to the rest of the TR

 

[KitKat]

Congratulations on the 40th!
Hope all goes well (and I may see you both in the QF Flounge in SYD for a toast) with the QF,BKK and HKG situation

 

[drron]

Well we will definitely be Flounging on Tuesday KitKat.We have a booking on BA10 if QF1 is cancelled.
However I am coming to the conclusion that this trip is jinxed.Flew down from BNE on friday at the time of TWU strike but no problems.In fact exemplory service from ground staff in BNE.
Then the Bangkok floods-though Central Bangkok has got through todays high tide without problems and the high tide levels go down from here.
Then HKG staff are threatening strikes and we transit through there when leaving BKK.
Then on the personal level dropped the Sulo bin on my foot last Tuesday and still a painful and bruised toe.On friday got the result of my MRI and I have severe spinal canal stenosis at L4.good enough reason for the pain I have had.But for all the clinicians on here I can attest the efficiency of an older antidepressant for control of neurogenic pain.And at least i can say I am on my medication if any one feels i am mad!

 

[drron]

back to the TR.Finally on Friday the 28th we started our journey.First it was our limousine transfer to BNE.Only $50 more expensive than the bus but so much more comfortable and an hour shorter.
At the BNE check in their were definitely more visible QF staff than previously.One of whom seeing the limp of drron raised the barrier so a shorter walk to the service desk.Another friendly agent their so soon on our way to the J lounge.No celebrities of note.Mrsdrron felt a poor selection of food on offer for lunch-the hot item was a Burmese curry-and she does not do curry.
So off to the gate for QF533.BNE-SYD.ETD 1315.Actual pushback 1317.ETA-1605.Actual at gate-1605.Only 5 J pax with 5 QF staff and 2 JQ staff.This flight also had a JQ codeshare.The CSM definitely looked older than mrsdrron.All the staff were presented empty lunch trays and only had their meal selection after the 5 of us had been served.Again mrsdrron was upset.The Oceamn Trout salad sounded nice-but smothered in a very hot horseradish made it inedible for her.I of course didn't mind.
Then another of QF failings.2 of the J pax exited the terminal leaving just 3 J pax with premium baggage.Of course we all waited until the majority of bags had come through.Note to Tony Sheldon-if your union could do their job properly I may be a little more sympathetic.
Off to Avis and the preferred system broke down.Name not on board-result-triple upgrade.Fair enough.
Then to the Westin.For this trip it was the cheapest of the SPG properties.Upgraded to an Executive room on 29th floor.Decent lounge.Quite adequate breakfast but limited night time snacks-didn't worry us unduly as we were on grandparents duty for 3 of the 4 nights.
To be continued.

 

[wallaby1]

First it was our limousine transfer to BNE.Only $50 more expensive than the bus but so much more comfortable and an hour shorter.

Just wondering which limo service you use?
And thanks for all the restaurant info. Got to get to Harvest.

 

[drron]

Just wondering which limo service you use?
And thanks for all the restaurant info. Got to get to Harvest.

Hi Wallaby1 - mrs.dr.ron here - its easier just using rons sign in - rather than my own - on our little travel laptap !! We have been using Little mountain limos for years - Tony and his team are super reliable and all round nice people and we have no hesitation in recommending them.

Sunshine Coast Limousines :: Little Mountain Limousines


as to Harvest, I have been 3 times now and it is fantatic, another couple of regulars we go to are Stillwater in Maroochydore - an excellent japanese, and Cala Luna - a fantastic itialian just near the Sebel - you have to book on a friday or saturday.


NOW BACK to reguLAr PROGRAMMING ............

There is NO water around the SGS and I have had no problems doing what I do best .... SHOPPING.


Ann

 

[drron]

As I said previously our main activity in Sydney was grandparent duties-and very enjoyable too.We got to eat out occasionally.Lunches with friends at the new westfield on Pitt street Mall.Enjoyed the Sushi Train-very good,and the Yum Cha on 6th floor though there are much better alternatives in Sydney.also dinner with my sister and nephew at a Spanisg Restaurant on Glebe point rd.Very forgettable with overcooked seafood.
A couple of pics now from the Westin.

Tuesday-a late start then off to the airport.Arrived ~1330.Good tip-being on BA meant we could checkin 4 hours before departure meaning more Flounging.So enjyed a good lunch there and met up with Kitkat from AFF.Mrsdrron had the spanner crab and fennel salad,then went for a massage,came back and had the pavlova in a glass-so good she had another just prior to leaving for the gate.I had the salt and pepper calamari and whilst mrsdrron had her massage the chicken laksa then a cheese plate.Before leaving for the gate I also had a quite decadent chocolate dessert.Mrsdrron has now christened the lounge the NPPK-Neil Perry Party Kitchen.We both had the Screaming pig SB and with my cheese plate a glass of Noble 1.
When we checked in were a bit worried with having BPs with 61 A&B.However this is BAs upstairs J cabin.ReaLLy dont like their backwards and forwards seating.I had to take the window and felt trapped.More of the flight next

 

[drron]

BA10/QF301.ETD-1735.Pushback-1725.Take off-1746.
ETA-2245.Landed-2254.At gate-2301.
So this is my view in 61A,mrsdrron wont ever travel backwards so the window is mine-

Good storage space though-

The problem is that when 62B reclines you are trapped.And when the fellow in 62B is tall and sleeps with his legs sticking out into the aisle effectively doubling the distance you have to step over.And you have the odd glass or 3 of Ayala Brut Majeur and step over you must...well mr 62B's sleep is going to be interrupted.However to the important part of flying-the food.I started with the seafood entree.A prawn,a scallop and a piece of smoked salmon covered with a heap of shaved fennel-exactly as mrsdrron's crab salad was in the NPPK(see previous post).

Mrsdrron had the shiitake mushroom rolls which really were quite bland.We both then had the tasty beef stir fry-

We both had the strawberry maccaroon for desserts-

All washed down by a French Chablis.

Tried to sleep but the seat when fully reclined was too short,too hard and just uncomfortable.So watched Horrible Bosses and Friends With Benefits.Both easily watchable light entertainment that I wouldn't have paid to see.About an hour out had a snack of sandwiches and a lemon tart.
Next-Bangkok.

 

[docjames]

As always, enjoying the TR.

Sorry to hear about your back, but pleased to hear effective neuropathic relief on board! 10mg or 25mg?

 

[drron]

Already up to 50mg Doc and have the dry mouth to prove it!
But back to the TR.we were through Immigration very quickly.Didn't have to use the express pass as no one at Immigration.Our bags were out numbers 1 and 4-beat the crew and F bags.So we were out and into the SGS merc very quickly-I know not the cheapest or best vaue way into town but arriving late at night it works for us.Very quickly into the SGS.Night manager meets us at door and escorts us to room for check in.Presses level 10 in the lift and you could see mrsdrron's eyebrows lift.I knew what was happening.As it was our 40th wedding anniversary on our last night in Bangkok I had booked the last 3 nights in the Rachada suite on a Z3R rate-I had not told mrsdrron-she had a dummy booking for the 6 nights.I had booked the first 3 nights on the cheapest Z3R rate but we were upgraded to the suite for the whole 6 nights-I love this place.
Pics of the room here on posts 20,21-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nd-reviews/sheraton-grande-bangkok-18007.html

Wednesday and it was down to the Jim Thompson outlet on Soi 93.They have now extended the BTS past On Nut and the next station is very convenient for the outlet.Spent a few Baht,well more than a few.Had lunch at their cafe-prawn and pork spring rolls,chicken and cashew nuts plus a lychee mint and lime juice and a straight lime juice-600B.Yes more expensive than you can get but very nice and we are not all in a race to the bottom.
Back to Terminal 21-the new mall just across the road from the SGS.Went to their spa and we each had a 30 minute back and shoulders massage-300B($10)-certainly expensive but was good.We decided our next massage though would be in the basement of Robinson's which is half the price.Great time in the Living Room -welcomed like family by the girls and the pianist before dinner in Basil-great tasting food-more of that later.

Thursday and the BTS to Sala Daeng and the second Jim Thompson outlet plus their main store.Patpong is very seedy in the morning and no other tourists.Back the to the Paragon for some more retail therapy.then back to the SGS,the Living Room before dinner in Rossini's.The Foie Gras with raspberry is fantastic but the mains fell well short of our liking.My suckling pig had been suckling far too long.Mrsdrron had a crab and broccoli ravioli-comes a very unapealing green colour-like overcooked broccoli.1 bite and she decided it was not for her and sent it back.
Unfortunately when back in the room there is a screaming rug rat next door-fortunately checked out the next day.

Next-Drron learns to cook Thai.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Loving the TR so far. I seem to have been struck with the same dodgy discs as you.
Will check out the Noosa recommendations on our visit after Christmas. I love Bistro C but need to expand my horizons a little

 

[drron]

Friday in flood free Central Bangkok.Went across the road to the basement massage place and we both had an hour's pressure point Thai massage.1000B for the 2 of us including tip.Did a little shopping and went back to the hotel for a rest.Woken by room service-now that we are paying for the suite we get a complimentary bar-

Yes 6 bottles of spirits and a French red + all the mixers,more choccies and fruit.
But 1 day in Bangkok makes a big man hungry so it was off to the Basil restaurant and our Thai cooking school.All the ingredients are ready-

Drron is ready-

No problems handling the satays on the grill-

Meanwhile back in the kitchen the real staff are busy-

A large place-

And that lovely chicken in pandan leaves ready for tonights lucky diners-

But then our plated pork satays-

Not bad if I say so myself.
Next-more of our cooking.

 

[drron]

Well on with the show.The cooking was on a show one do one basis.Which meant we got to eat each dish twice.First Kissinee would cook the dish then on of us had a go.The next 2 courses were cooked by mrsdrron.First was Tom Kha Gai.The first was done very spicy then mrsdrron was allowed to do it without fire.Both were good.For some reason I forgot to take pics of the soup-but dont worry there are still enough to bore you.
The next dish was Pad Thai-mrsdrron's favourite.First the ingredients-

Next mrsdrron's dexterous cooking technique-

And the finished dish-

Then I took over.My dish was a spicy beef stir fry.Completely look the part-

But cause much amusement,even to mrsdrron taking the photo-

But class comes through-

And the finished dish.Just look at those chillies-

Dessert is next.

 

[drron]

Well the final part of the cooking school was dessert-fake p[omegranate seeds in tapioca and coconut milk.First cut up your water chestnuts.Coat in red colouring and tapioca-

Then boil with coconut milk.Then throw in a heap of crushed ice and enjoy a refreshing dessert-

Finally drron gets his certificate-

We are quite full so only get to Happy Hour at 6.30.It is to end early at 7.30 tonight because there is a show with a couple of Brits pretending to be Peter Lawford and Frank sinatra.We stay for the show as all guests are getting complimentary tickets.Not too bad and we keep getting our complimentary wine until the show ends.The girls in the Living Room are fantastic.Have a good chat to one and find out the SGS is putting up staff and their families affected by the flood-2 floors have been given over to them.A huge pat on the back to the GM.No wonder the staff are always happy.Now does anyone want to send
AJ over here to learn a thing about staff management?
Next-A little more retail therapy.