Of the Scalene Variety. More to come
So, another wonderful Xmas spent with family in quite pleasant weather. Down to Flashman Inc Sunny Coast for a couple days of R&R before RJER festivus. Even squeezed in an early morning beach stroll. I see more in coming years. Then down to our AIRBnB at Burbank for 3 nights with wonderful hosts ADJG (do any of these people have full names he wondered? I will ask CLP…..). I should note that the lack of mints at night turn down on pillow could affect final rating. First up though a game of golf at Keperra with 2 of the 17 people on the rungs above me on Claude’s Will ladder. I suggested a rung a hole but no takers sadly . Pity, would have been looking good about now. Next day off to Naldham House in city for a thank you lunch to our hosts. Sadly JG of ADJG fame was not well which just left Larry, Moe and Curly. Your call.
Then back for a relaxing evening with some prawns and beers. Ok ya got me, a bottle of Red too. First up though was a Xmas Eve mass wisely held outdoors in case I combusted spontaneously on entering a church I assume. Clever move to cat proof the Xmas Tree. Hope I get the present I asked for
Putting that disappointment aside it was time to head over to RJER camped out at Camp Hill spookily enough. I was on Munchkin Lifeguard duty while there was work to be done upstairs. The gang all arrived and frivolity ensued. The centrepiece was a glazed Ham . I imagine there will be leftovers. A lovely gathering once again and then a quiet night back at Burbank. Next morning we headed off to see Anne and John at Strathpine before a short trip – in heavy traffic – to Beechmere to see Jas and Family. And another Xmas lunch. A wonderful few days with family and alcohol.
Back home to Kureelpa then and then I headed back to Maryhole Boxing Day because some of us have to work ya know. Well for 2 more months which brings us to the important stuff.
My New Years resolution is to wipe out all previous Travel Proclaimations. Yes baby, he’s going back! Devoted fans/Premium Subscribers may recall the Feb 2025 Trip planned to New York was thrown out like a ridiculous Snicko cockup 🙂 Despite youthful appearance turn 67 (need new tattoo!) in Feb 2025 and apart from other factors seemed smarter to wait until after that when I become a Pensioner. No financial savings mind you but certainly less hassle travelling OS. It was time to consider an SMS but not of the usual variety but rather Save My Status. Now, only a lowly Qantas Silver but the sweet spot there is Ruby OW status with AA which has some benefits including not having to stand on short flights. The task was to accumulate 190 status and 2 flights before Oct 31, 2025 as have 2 flights and 60 status banked. Oct is not a bad month but not ideal especially when looking at somewhere new like Phoenix. Basically 40 degrees C early October. Las Vegas was a lock of course as need that other tattoo and no one does them in Australia honest. With Vegas – being a quasi expert now – dates can be tricky especially in 7 night blocks at my go to MGM Signature. The only full week at reasonable price was Oct 20 – 27 . Now fill in the blanks. Non Vegas fans probably dont realise that you can stay 7 nights in Vegas in a great room for same price as 4 nights any other US City – or 3 in Phoenix! Luckily I could catch up with my HPFA (Honorary Personal Financial Advisor ) in Brisbane and told him my cunning plan. Spend $20,OOO ( on a credit card) on US holiday to get an extra $91.74 pf in pension next year and only take 8 yrs and 14 days to recoup the outlay. He couldnt see a flaw in plan…….over beers and prawns. Should add he has retired and maybe with good reason:)
So, 3 nights max after Vegas to fly home not ideal. Where is pleasant all of October in USA. Mar-a-Lago? Shocking reviews on Reddit and have to wear a red hat all day. How about old faithful – Santa Monica and even same VRBO? Lock it in Eddie. Now a few more days before Vegas . Hmm, lets get the protractor and ruler out and get that triangle going. Last trip spent a few hours in Long Beach and loved it so why not. Easy to get to from SM and can even fly direct to Vegas from their airport rather than back to the nightmare of LAX. Both “cities” are an easy 1 hr train trip to LA for any day trips if needed like Universal Studios. Also a day trip to Catalina from LB and finally hop on board Queen Mary – the boat not the monarch. Golden you ask? Well its California baby.
The other sign was return of Dreamliner – and thus Premium Economy – 3 days a week Brisvegas to LAX so dont have to go via Sydney. Only downside – as with all Qantas flights to US now – is you leave at night and arrive late afternoon / early evening. I know sleepers like it. I dont . Much prefer leave around lunchtime, hook in, arrive early LAX and have a whole day to play. Get the calculator out . 90 +90 = 180 status. Damn , 10 short. Think Think. Ok fly first leg via Sydney after short flight, get 110 status for that leg and also arrive in LAX at 230 pm not 530 pm. As SM is first call easy Uber from LAX late afternoon removing any stress about flight delays. Now just wait for some sale fares and maybe AUD improve exchange rate and will book it all. Always been good with numbers
Now, only 2 questions remain. What tattoo do I get and what will I do for NYE?
One down…..
flashman181 