flashman181

Friday was another stunning day in Hobart but did drag a little. Still, wouldn’t be dead for quids eh

Hobart is a great place to visit and the Salamanca area perfect locale to stay . However if not prepared to travel further afield like Bruny Island etc than 5-6 days is max really . Only so many times you can walk around the Waterfront even on glorious days. On that point late Feb does seem a great time weather wise. Plenty of eateries and drinkeries near by to satisfy anyone. The coffee culture is very good with plenty of good cafes in easy walk . Special mention should be made of Jackman and McRoss, an easy 5 min walk . Simply one of the best cafes ever eaten at – range of simple tasty food, service etc. Didnt even try the shelves of bakery items but would have been superb I suspect.

The whole Battery Point area is great to walk around with almost an English feel with the houses and quaint streets . The Lenna was a very good choice . Was lucky got my high floor request maybe but really no point paying more for mountain or water views – the view from my room was wonderful any time of day.

Noise levels are probably standard for this size hotel but does seem to be two issues – running water during times of day and night ( AC maybe ?) and the central lift is noisy and for everyone I imagine. The strange image of so many cleaners around and yet very hard to get your room cleaned in the designated time slot let alone dirty dishes taken away from night before until 11 am ! Reception staff were great and would certainly stay here again given location.

The reality on all these solo trips, much like solo life at home, I am a morning person and the earlier the better. If the sun beats me up I am devastated. Love to walk the streets , get a coffee, take in the sights etc. Bonus of almost zero people around. On that point, Hobart and maybe Tassie in general seems to attract a lot of old farts all in the same get up as if they have just walked down from the mountains and herding sheep. Almost tempted to go on the Tall Ship on Friday arvo until I saw the people lined up . I would have dropped the average age by 20 easy. And so fookin slow getting on and off…..🤪 Anyhoo the point is the afternoon can drag a bit and then usually have an easy dinner and bed early even if sun doesn’t go down until 3 am. Damn, later again. Having a few drinks in afternoon is fine and dandy but have to know when enough is enough and find other ways to fill in time rather than just looking for the next amusing photo to entertain you clowns 🥸 I have a great Victoria holiday lined up for 2 weeks with honeybuns in May but then also have 10 days booked in Sydney in August at my go to Grace Hotel as had a great time last year and extended 3 days at end which was an expensive option. Today have changed flights for $80 and shaved 3 nights of accomodation which saves $1000. As great as Sydney is I would struggle with 10 days again 12 months later . One has to know one’s limitations. Did head out for a beer Friday afternoon in the Battery Point area at the very acceptable Shipwright Arms

Saturday morning comes with its particular issues eg no cafe opens before 7 and the Salamanca Markets take over the world from 6 am but don’t open until 830 am . Research has told me no point getting out to Airport early even in Business and QC member as lounge is beating upgraded so currently running out of a very small area. Little Anal Annie of course will still head out early just in case…..

Another glorious morning dawned so checked out the ruckus in The Place. Certainly impressive size wise but even after setting up for 90 mins no Coffee truck/tent/well open🤦🏻‍♂️ Missed opportunity folks. Couldn’t even get me a Wallaby Burger

So, did my usual circuitous walk until ended up at fave Breakky place at 6:59 am. Another treat and then back to pack before checking out markets .

Time to check out the famous markets but as Roy and HG would say ( must be back soon 🤔) it was a “ bunch of old tatt”. In a stroke of luck though, a herd of Mustangs was gathering. Get Billy Jack stat !

Certainly an impressive line up of Fords , old and new. Especially loved the Bullit one

And I think that is Ho Ho BART done and dusted , now just have to leave as smoothly as arrived . Another experiment was a success and was a great week.

Well it’s official – Hobart is a third world airport . After waiting 30 mins for bag on arrival because no one was loading conveyor now get out here just after 11 as had to leave hotel to find you can’t drop bags off until 2 hrs before flight ( 12:35 pm) ! Nothing on booking at all. Qantas group all of their major flights together I suggest – nothing for 3 hrs and then Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane all fly out within a 10 min period meaning everyone is dropping bags off together, security screening and no doubt trying to get into lounge as well . Suggested you can walk outside, across the ride and put bag in locker ! Why the fuck would I do that – there is nothing to do here until you get through security. One lousy coffee shop

Finally got into what passes for a lounge in Hobart at present. They have alcohol and it’s self serve so what could go wrong. Basic food but that’s fine and is comfortable enough. Plane should be roughly on time as simply return on the one in the air now from Brisvegas. Over and out