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Which of course in these grim times means the one saving grace – cool weather – is about to evaporate like an Aussie’s chance to win the Fed Ex Cup. It has been the usual glorious, if dry, short winter here and even had a grey nomad – in disguise – drop in last Friday so showed her the sights of the region. Yes both of them.

What was a glorious afternoon at the Bay did end on a disappointing note, much self inflicted to be fair. As it was approaching 4:45 pm it was time to seek out our fish and chippery for dinner. Our usual one, where we had parked, was closed. In the car and head to the Pier. On the way passed Madigans and even at that time had a crowd with a likely 15 minute wait so continued down to the Pier to the apparently only other FC open and lined up for order. After 5 mins of watching a 10 yr old completely stuff up order in front we got back in car and drove back other way. Lets stop in at Dan and Stephs. Parked car, got out and it was closed. Drove back to Madigans and only waited 30 minutes this time! By then it was dark and mossies out so we drove home and reheated the food to eat while watching I Am Woman. What a piece of crap. At least then we were able to sleep in comfort of single digit temperatures so as usual good weather can save most scenarios.

On the travel front no news is bad news. Still waiting on refunds from Qantas from March(TA booking) and June (Direct) Its tough times sure but if they ever want my business again stop bombarding inbox with emails to earn points to use who knows where and work on the bloody refunds! A planned trip to Victoria in October is dead. About now would have been getting a tad excited about Vegas 21 – DOA. Africa 2021, previously known as Africa 2020, is firmly in the “too hard” basket. USA 2021 grounded like a Qantas A 380. Two years ago we booked a cruse for Sept 2021 and then promptly forgot about it. As we now approach the 12 month countdown even that is looking dicey. Not to be de turd 😉 we booked a River Cruise for 2023 on the Mississippi River for my 65th birthday.

Heart of the Delta

The thought of becoming an old man on the river was too much to resist. Of course planning doesnt always work out perfectly and to avoid Mardi Gras in New Orleans our trip starts day after birthday. As we will be in Memphis for my actual birthday I see a trip to Graceland a distinct possibility. Still eh…..

When it comes to future travel have been saying if international travel isnt open by –/–/– then the world is screwed. Lets acknowledge the world is screwed and we are just haggling over the degree. A determining factor in that of course will be Nov 3 in USA. Dont be fooled, Buffoon Bob is a realistic chance of being re elected mostly due to the 3 most notable characteristics of many Americans – simple, arrogant and patriotic. As unbelievable as many things that happen are they just dont seem to resonate much with many Yanks. Its a different country now for many reasons and one never really sees it returning to any degree of normality ever with so much obvious division and corruption.

In sporting news the PGA Golf is the shining light and now smack bang in middle of Fed Ex playoffs. So great to have a tough course last weekend. Too tough for Scotty obviously. NRL mostly seems to be whoever stays healthy will win but would be surprised if Roosters dont three peat. Cricket is very much in the who cares category

TV land is busy as usual. Yellowstone is Dallas without Victoria Principal sadly but after a good 3rd season had a ludicrous ending 5 minutes. Ted Lasso is ok in small doses which is all you get anyway. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark was a good story not told particularly well. Perry Mason was a good period piece and will be better in second season methinks. In these quiet times have finally bitten the bullet and got the kitchen redone. I do hate having Tradies on site but they did a good job for a good price. Also got some Carpet and Lino replaced which is certainly less value for money

When one cant spend money flying overseas one has to do something with it I guess. Here is one I prepared earlier. At least I can look at the fridge magnets and dream of better times…..

Wednesday dawned clear and warm as predicted . Quite warm in room even with AC set to 18 and fan on high. The fact I was walking around in singlet and socks (3 to be fair) supports my theory that many hotels fiddle with the controls to save on power😏 Good nights sleep all things considered had us ready for our first buffet breakfast of our stay after a short walk

Buffet breakfast was intriguing . No self serve but rather ask the masked avenger to fill your plate with a,b,d,f and a dash of q please. Works well enough but coffee was cold as just filled from a communal flask. Sated though it was time to start a leisurely river cat up to UQ and back because we can and it’s free for the premium class. Booteeful morning on the river but almost 90 mins was enough so hopped off at North Quay for that first hot coffee. You would think Coffee Club was a safe bet but nope. Service was slow and coffee cool on arrival. Simply left it there and walked on . The sign was misleading to say the least . One out of two at best

It was tempting to head straight back to pool to beat the hordes but did need some more Nespresso pods so stopped in and when offered a coffee well why not. It was good and hot and easily best of day so far. Then back to the pool and a few rays . The sun had a bit of bite trust me

Back to room for a brief respite and organised a plan for next hour. It involved food and drink and not much walky walky. Kabuki on the Go adjacent to , and part of Stamford, fit the bill perfectly so we rolled up for some sushi rolls and Jap beer. The sushi was great but the beer same temp as first two coffees of the day sadly 😰

Speaking of Kabuki Teppanyaki we were keen to try it again but did not think it was open before Thursday . When did enquire yesterday did find it open but only free spot was at 530 pm. Given the fun nature of this dining experience quickly thought who else has a dull social life similar to us that could join at such short notice. When Matt and Quinn RSVP’d in the affirmative within 5 mins we knew we chose wisely grasshopper. So having had a beer for lunch the first half of the afternoon would naturally include a sleep for CLP.

We still had those pesky free drink vouchers to use so headed to Pav Bar on site at 5 pm for pre dinner beers as you do . Not sure how Pav Bar stays open even before COVID times as there is always a service problem there and tonight was no different . Kabuki on the other hand was excellent again. We even had same chef Neil which was great . Not only is the food superb but it is a total experience. Of course I was the goose in the group and dropped both the egg and the fried rice. Meanwhile the 5 yr old in the next group nailed both ! Smart ass

Thursday was pretty much same start as Wednesday but spelt different . Like the red sea today we parted which is spooky as people say each day I look more like Moses . Same non self serve full buffet breakfast had us looking for a pleasant walk followed by a hot coffee. Much more of this fine dining would have my belt going kabookie but tomorrow it is back to “ work” at Maryhole. Originally spending another whole day in Brisvegas by myself but pulled pin on that last week. About now am wondering why I am even staying tonight 🤔

Saw the little lady off on her train to Cleveland to catch Water Taxi to Straddie for the week. This quickly exposed the next major flaw in my plan – I have to take my own washing home with me and do it myself ! Back to pool and gym for a bit and then look at afternoon stretching ahead . It’s an impressive gym for a hotel and of course, like the pool, very quiet at present

Well that’s the morning sorted , now for that tricky next 6 hrs. Did someone say Pub Crawl? Ok, but with ankle at present it could be more of a pub limp. Let’s check the local area and not get too adventurous.

Mr Edwards Ale House was across the road so fit the bill perfectly for a quick couple . Then onto Buffalo Bar a mere shanked wedge away. By now better eat something and attach wobbly boot. Spent some time in shop land and got that pesky travel clock been chasing before finishing off at Winghaus where they grow em big brother

So a fun few hours really only leaves one question. Do I really need to leave tomorrow …… later dudes