flashman181

Last full day at Sable Alley and it has been fantastic. Another early start on another glorious day . Went with a light breakfast as trying, but failing, to be smart . It’s overrated anyway

Our last Sunrise Game Drive with the wonderful Molls. It’s a little cool but wanted shorts for later on …. you know 630 am 😏 Grabbed a blankie and stood next to a Hippo to feel better about myself . I love a dead tree .

We slowly made our way to the Mokoro cruise which is like Fairstar without Pokies. We didn’t see a lot of animals on way and today is Giraffe day afterall . We did see some Zebra and never tire of them

Didn’t realise it was a two boat affair but the first guy is the Hippo spotter 😯 Not sure what happens if he sees one but suggest we may be screwed . It was good to try but quite tedious for me after 40 mins . Pole Boy 1 made a beautiful necklace for me but CLP grabbed it

Then the Giraffe hunt started but as you know when looking for an animal like an elephant it takes days . Once you see one they are everywhere

Time to stop for morning cuppa and having seen the elephant reminded me I need to take a Jimmy in the bushes . Needless to say the elephants were embarrassed. Well they were laughing anyway 🤓

Back on the road and came around a corner and voila , two magnificent Giraffes . Don’t believe me, check this out . Some striped bastard was trying to block our view though .

That pretty well concluded a very successful morning so said to Molls that maybe this arvo for our game drive we could just drive out for 5 minutes , find a tree , open the esky and hook in ? He wasn’t Game . We may go looking for lions it seems as some were sighted in Botswana . Whether we can get there and back for a slightly special dinner may be the issue . Either way it will be another great few hours waiting to take more sunset images . 🕺🏻 Remember no internet for 3 days after this so you better enjoy them now .

Another great lunch and a couple of hours by the pool,had us set up for late afternoon shenanigans . Pretty quiet first couple of hours so took some photos of birds .

Eagle Eye Molls noticed an old Hippo jaw on the ground which was rather fascinating to see

Not a lot else happened on what was becoming a disappointing last drive. At least there was sunset piss up to look forward to at our favourite watering hole

Enjoying last drink together with Molls when word came over radio lions had been spotted 15 mins west . Guzzled our drinks as racing Sunset now and headed off. Sadly within shouting distance we came to a crossing that was too deep to cross and too far to drive around in time. Sitting there cursing a golden opportunity word came out that a leopard had been spotted …. Yep you guessed it, back near our watering hole ! Quickly converting to Rally driver we sped off in the dark and luckily another truck was there . As was Ms Leopard just strolling along road without a care in the world . Stunning

Then it was back for our special dinner but wasn’t sure the night staff were in on the caper . They asked for our drink order so had to quietly pull the lead aside and ask about the Champers offered. Ah ok . So we sat down and luckily CLP was distracted by a squirrel chasing a hippo and didn’t realise we still didn’t have a drink. Chef took our orders and then the champers arrived in a bucket and away we went. Then we get to dessert and though did order cheese platter didn’t really want to because cake was expected 😏 Accepting maybe it wasn’t going to happen when I saw most of the staff talking at bar I was fine as full as a goog . Then this happened

Simply amazing and a fitting way to end our stay here . Both camps have been amazing but different in their own way. Expect different again at Kalahari.

Be off the grid now for a few days . If we don’t resurface in Johburg by Sunday assume we were Malled by Meerkats. Oddly enough only the third most common cause of fatality in Kalahari after Salt Poisoning and Lack of Wi Fi 😏

Molls came and collected us at 530 am for breakfast before our Sunrise Game Drive started. I was Game for an omelette so hooked in. Sadly the coffee options are a bit limited here , probably catering for Yanks 😏 Still you wouldn’t be dead for $USD eh

There are a few more guests around but basically still have run of place. Simply glorious day to set out just as the sun rose . We saw a few of the cod ordinary variety of four legged friends to start with and a few flighty ones

To his credit Molls has been trying to find a leopard that is known to be in area but we have probably spent 2-3 hrs on the hunt. Shouldn’t be hard to SPOT – here all week try the hippo hamburger . We have seen plenty of tracks but starting to think maybe another guide goes out early with an imprint shoe and lays them😏 We have constantly mentioned we want to see Elephants but they seem to hiding with the bloody Zambian Giraffes ! Molls has amazing ears and eyes though and quickly did spot a grey mass . I thought maybe he saw me in rear vision but no it was an elephant . Hopefully we see more this afternoon

We then. Tracked down the Hyena den and were suitably rewarded with plenty of sightings. Laugh laugh laugh

We also mentioned would love to see Zebras up a bit closer and almost within 10 minutes he heard their distinctive sound and Lo and behold a herd appeared before us. Magnificent

We also got a great educational tool . As you know kiddies always look to left before using a Zebra crossing . Watch the experts

We then were happy to head home after we had stopped for morning tea . Molls simply insisted we take his photo and friend him on Facebook .

It was quiet a pleasant day actually and the pool all to ourselves was very inviting and even did a bit of fishing . Then it was time for a quenching ale as you do

Time for lunch then before a few relaxing hours before afternoon Game Drive at 4 pm. There could be sunset photos involved 🕺🏻

Lunch was another treat . We could have had the local specialty of Baboon Skewers but you had to skewer your own baboon and I didn’t trust those Hippos. We went with pizza instead and then ambled back over to the watering hole 🐘

Before you could say “where the fakari “ it would be 330 pm and time for some High Tea and Game Drive number 3 . Sitting by the pool chilling and watching the baboons frolicking .

Then Kasigo comes over and asks where our passports are . In the room safe, why ? Well, the baboons can tear through the screen doors and enter the rooms ! Maybe passports aren’t only concern then pal . What about that box set of Phantom comics I bought at Victoria Falls 😵‍💫

Set off on the Elephant hunt at 4 pm and a pretty dull first hour and then way off in the distance we saw an elephant so decided to drive around the clump of trees and catch him on the other side . Well, hello big fella as we almost ran into to a different one . What a sight rumbling towards us

Before too long we came across a group of elephants with a couple of younguns , the smallest only a few days old

Sated we then started on the Giraffe hunt but no luck . We still have a couple of game drives tomorrow so may crack it but have to say have been a bit disappointed in the lack of the big animals here. I know it’s not the best viewing season but people told us we would see more than we have certainly . Anyhoo it’s still been fantastic .

Back then for another superb dinner and we had the best table near the stage . The stage being where hippos parade back and forth . Another early morning tomorrow so it’s goodnight from him

Me sad. But it’s a relative term . The River Club has set the bar high. Luxury may drop off but there will be more animals and more real Africa so swings and round abouts . I hope they have swings 🤞

From here on in the ability to “check in “ daily will start to recede and by Kalahari there will be zero for 3 days. There could be a big blog after that ! One last breakfast then and a chance to try the traditional Nshima which is eaten every day by the locals.

Then it was time to bid farewell to our main staff member Ophelia who was simply wonderful for our stay . She also has a young 6 year old named Cathy. It’s the much older Cath in the picture though. Ouch 🤜🏻

The staff formed a guard of honor to send us off. They asked are all Aussies wonderful like you and we had to be honest and say sadly no. Not certain but think a couple did cry as we got in the van. What do you reckon the chances are that fucking Giraffe will be roadside as we head off and blow us a raspberry 😏

It was a pleasant if somewhat boring drive to the border but the drivers were great and immigration very quiet . Another driver then continued our journey. We arrived at Kasane International airport in good time by 10:30. Sadly our glider doesn’t leave until 11:50 . Just hoping we can get a seat in waiting area 🤞

We did . Didn’t realise plane would make 4 stops but luckily we were second and it was a 60 minute trip all up. Our new best friend for next 3 days – Molls – was there to pick us up in Safari car and away we went. Seems we have Molls as our guide all 3 days and just the three of us in a 7 seater 👍🏻

Sable Alley is certainly a bit more rustic and very hot . The communal area is great and often has a breeze but the tents are very hot and only have one fan over bed. We had lunch which was fine but it was 230 pm when we started . Plan it seems is morning wake up at 5 followed by breakfast and a 4 hr Game drive. Then lunch and free time in the blazing sun and the warm room and then back for afternoon drive at 4 pm

We went back at 4 and started our first drive. Not a raging success despite his best efforts . We saw some animals of course but none of the big 5 .

Had a very pleasant Sunset and drinkies session before heading back for dinner.

By now still full from lunch so didn’t do justice to an excellent meal in a beautiful setting .

Then it was back to room. Slept ok under a blazing fan until 4 am. Yes there were animal noises but nothing compared to the ignorant assholes in the tent next door who started yabbering from yes you guessed it 4 am !

Starting to sleep a bit better but was awoken by a bellowing elephant I think. It seems they can cross the Zambezi early morning looking for water holes . It was an impressive sight

I got about five feet out and suddenly the great beast appeared before me. I tell you he was ten stories high if he was a foot. As if sensing my presence, he let out a great bellow. I said, “Easy, big fella!” Only when he reached the watering hole I realised I had been looking through binoculars 😏 #costanza

Elephant Sightings. 1
Major Disappointments 1

I recovered quickly and made my way up early to the pool area and wifi so I can enthrall my fans once more. A stunning morning of course

Usual solid breakfast and then a quiet day lay ahead. Our only goal really was to see the 3 Giraffes that do live locally on the attached land and visible via the “nature walk”. They are pesky little buggers who you would think would stand out a bit eh. Not so, so we were to wait for the call that the ranger had spotted them. At 9 am we set off in the heat of the day through the at times thick brush towards the spot they were seen 10 mins ago. An hour later we still didn’t find them even though we outdid Livingstone, Burke and Wills exploring the area. Oh well, our ranger will spot them and shoo them closer to the complex. We then waited 30 minutes before deciding may as well have a swim . By 1145 we decided let’s order a beer. Of course that did it and the ranger has spotted them before the cap came off. Another 30 minutes of our life fritted away before our eyes before in the distance one was spotted. Took a couple of photos in case even though fully expected to be riding one soon. Ah no, got within 60 m and they bolted . Giraffes need Air Tags , just saying. We spent another 15 minutes but that was enough. My beer wouldn’t drink itself Son.

So back for lunch out by the Gazebo this time . One pesky monkey was hanging around but no issue . I got to the banana first.

A quite afternoon ahead then with another swim before some more Firepit frivolities and dinner. Will certainly be sad to leave tomorrow

On cue we headed to the Firepit at 530 where once again the lovely Ophelia would serve us. There is another couple now – bloody tourists eh 😏 – they were on Sunset cruise.

Then it was on to our last dinner which of course was again superb

We leave at 9 am tomorrow in what could be an arduous few hours. An hours drive to border, immigration joy, another hour drive to airport and then a glider or something to Sable Alley in Okavango Delta. Once we get there it will be great of course. Maybe not River Club great but we shan’t suffer. I know you guys worry .

Got a bit more sleep but don’t want to waste too much time snoozing at this wondrous place .😏 Sadly wifi doesn’t work in room so got my torch and iPad and headed off to common room . Next time will change out of PJs as well 😏 What a stunning morning

Spent a lovely hour up there now as the only guest in the place ! I did wake up the security guy but of course he was fine. Some quite loud noises and not sure if my stomach rumbling or Hippos making their presence known. After all the food recently I suspect the latter 😏 Breakfast at 7 am and then a full morning starts at 830 with pick up for trip to helipad

It was a two prong attack on The Falls with helicopter first and then the circuitous walk around the Zambian side for a darn good soaking. Suffice to say the Falls are simply breath taking and very hard to cull the photos. So I didn’t

After a few circuits was time to do our Maverick thing and fly through the gorge . Great fun up the front

Then it was back in bus for short trip around to the Park. Out great driver suggested hiring a pair of crocs and taking a poncho. Right on both calls

After a busy morning and an early start I was so tired I couldn’t scratch myself . Luckily there is always someone around for that 🕺🏻

Time to check out our lodgings for the night . Spooky with a rerun planned

Only joking. Time to try and swim from one pool to the other before lunch . Just made it

The club like to move you around for meals so today our lunch was served by the pool and another great meal and presentation

Time for a relaxing afternoon now before fire pit drinkies around 5 pm and dinner after 7 pm . We may even squeeze in an afternoon tea in between if I can squeeze into any clothes ever again …..

Fire Pit Frivolities was a great idea as a simply stunning sunset unfolded before us. Luckily no real mossie attacks yet . Our new best mate Kosta was in the full gear and as with all the staff here simply sweet and engaging people who light up the room. Normally I carry a fire with me for that reason. Here is one I prepared earlier

I looked at the drinks lined up and luckily started from the right

When I got to to the middle luckily it was dinner time . We sat by the pool this time and had a simply superb beef Mignon . Then it was time to say goodnight to Mr Zambezi . What a magnificent day

The hotel is great but another rough nights sleep will make for a long day again. The body clock is out of whack of course with the little hand on 6 but the big hand stuck on 3 ? Of course, it could be those new French PJs I bought 🤦🏻‍♂️

First impressions of South Africa is they don’t charge like scrub bulls. Two beers last night for $8 AUD was good value. They do like tips though of course. We are checked in for our flight to Victoria Falls at 1120 but as an international flight we have to be there 3 hrs before hand and no Qantas Club folks. However when we get to The River Club salubriousness will abound. It will be 35 degrees however so may have to push aside a hippo and jump in the Zambezi river. Mind you I just may blend in after last two days 🥹 The Doxycycline anti malaria drugs warn to avoid excessive sunlight . Why not just avoid mossies 🤔

Great breakfast at Mondior and again reasonably priced. As we are coming back here after Safari we are storing our large bags at hotel and just taking the baby one because of the light plane regulations . Here is one I prepared earlier.

It was a beautiful morning and have to say felt I was back in Las Vegas

Out to airport in plenty of time and it’s a fair hike to our gate on the lower level. Plenty of shops to browse and Morgan Freeman was there to greet us so that was special

Flight left on time and arrived 10mins early which was just as well as immigration was a nightmare as we knew. Forewarned we flew of plane quickly . It’s crazy you can’t fill in form on plane before you arrive. Of course $30 USD to spend 5 mins in Zimbabwe

Our driver was waiting and took us to border at Victoria Falls to enter Zambia. Took some photos of Victoria Falls but doing a Helicopter Tour tomorrow so won’t bore you with average photos. Eh ? Well ok

In and out a few more times with passport and Street hustlers to avoid had us Zambezi River adjacent for trip to River Club. What a river

As luck would have it we are the only 2 guests for first two days ! I tell ya there are 20 staff hovering , I feel like Eddie Murphy having his bath in Coming to America 😂 Here is one I prepared earlier

Our lodgings were a luxury riverside suite – The Livingstone I presume – with 4 poster bed and deck pool as you do . Stunning

We just made it back in time for afternoon tea and the Sunset cruise with our new best friend Mack. What a beautiful way to end the day

Then it was on the the first of what I am sure will be amazing meals

While it is great to have run of place some company at dinner would be nice and as it turned out some of the senior management dropped by for a chat and maybe the most senior ? owner Pete sat down and joined us for an hour . Then back home for a dip in the pool to cool off before bed. It is hot

This is simply a stunning pace and will fill us with lifetime memories. We always knew this was going to be the most luxurious stay and maybe the least animals seen but was planned that way

#IBF #Amazeballs

And so it begins and only been waiting 3 years so what is another 3 hrs in Business Lounge . Could be dangerous with a 14 hr flight ahead in business class. I’ll drink to that

Rydges last night was fine and quiet. Nice and easy this morning and maybe got here a bit early but made for easy check in and in business lounge in time for breakfast at leisure. It’s a good lounge certainly and could do some damage later in day

Of course all this is leading up to our Safari hopefully kicking off on Thursday . That’s when you can

At this stage flight is “on time” at 0935 but always seems to be a bit late and than make it up in the air 😏 #Seinfeld. And only 2.5 hrs to go

Boarded on time and of course business class is excellent on Dreamliner from the start

One tries to pace one self but pretty soon you are hooking in because you can. The food is excellent as well of course

I did strike up a conversation with a mystery passenger but I have my suspicions I know who it was 😏

The first 3-4 hrs are great but then the reality of 14 hrs kicks in especially after a very poor nights sleep last night . Lovely to see the coastline of South Africa for the first time

Arrived about 20 minutes late and immigration not too bad. Got the shuttle to hotel and room is great and very spacious .

Then it was time for the first drink in SA as we saw a nice bar next to reception

Officially shagged now but thought we would walk next door to Casino complex and food emporium and glad we did. We have two more stays here in next few weeks and will spend more time here am sure. For now a short stroll and some great photos

So, not a lot to say today folks as completely knackered and time for early bed. The real fun starts tomorrow

Always good to pad out a holiday with a few extra days at the start even if not all partying and thrill seeking. For this example let’s add a visit to my Slice n Dice guy at Sunshine Coast Private Hospital. He did a good job last time and Ultrasound and Flashiesmarts suggest same injury. For $200 he could tell me yes my shoulder was fucked and you are now 65. For $300 he will also guess your weight 😏 The significance of age is that the rotator cuff repair I had when a pup of 61 doesn’t tend to work as well at 65. While we both agreed I was a supreme physical specimen he did want an MRI to check on condition of remaining Flashville to see if two rubber bands and a paper clip would work again. There is another option of course. After 65 years of rubbing your shoulder the one way the shoulder will take reverse swing so they do a shoulder replacement called “ Reverse Shoulder” in old farts over 65. Looks an interesting op and does involve a replaced joint and a bank loan so time will tell. I have the MRI booked for Thursday before Easter and if all works then should know by time I rise again on Easter Sunday .

Back to thrill seeking and let’s sneak up on it at our age. We fly out , hopefully , on Wednesday to Johannesburg from Sydney. As a relatively early flight we have to travel to Sydney day before so do that on Tuesday – do the math people. This then means we need to be in Brisvegas on Monday to allow us time to get to airport etc. As luck would have it CLP had a voucher (RJER thanks) for a night at Stamford , our preferred Brisvegas hotel. Also an opportunity to drop in to low security Twilight home to see Ferguson Matriach before we jet off. Once in South Africa there will be times of no contact as no signal or wifi in some camps. I tell devoted followers now so there will be no wrist slashing if there isn’t a blog everyday 🕺🏻

After a pleasant visit with Mum we slowly made our way to The Stamford . Was able to check in at midday which is always good . It’s a great room with nice views as usual .

Then headed into CBD for lunch and a few last items . We have checked in for flight to Sydney tomorrow so one less thing to worry about . At this stage . Got our supplies and then had a big lunch at Stanton which certainly filled us up . Luckily could wash down with a cool ale on what was becoming a hot day

Officially full as a goog so while a sherbert later on appeals we may just have a quiet one this arvo as plenty of partaking will ensue in coming weeks and do have that 100 kg weight limit for light planes to consider. Mind you my response would be “ we booked as a double act fella which means we have paid for 200 kg . Took a while but I found a waif that only weighs 62 kg so I figure I am good up to 130 kg? Do the math fella “ Not confident it will work of course so better ease up just in case. We won’t starve in France of course anyway 😏 And it’s goodnight from him

Pleasant nights sleep until 4 am . Ding Ding. “Your upgrade for business class to Johburg on March 8th was successful. We messaged now because you will get plenty of sleep on flight now “ 😏 It’s great news of course but why tell us at 4 am in the morning almost 30 hrs before we fly out? Had a good walk around gardens before hooking into our included hot breakfast. Then it was time to head to airport …. via Toowoomba apparently 🤦🏻‍♂️ Look at 8 am am sure the cab driver knows traffic better than me but we were certainly heading out to Coro drive from Edward Street maybe to hook up with airport link. Anyhow we got there and is comforting to know Taxis rip you off here as well as USA . $60 ! The Qantas Premium entry at Brisvegas is great and we breezed through security in 2 mins after bag drop. Of course that leaves us 2 hours in Qantas Club but we will cope . Here is one I prepared earlier.

Flight delayed a bit but no big deal when only a 90 minute flight and staying at an airport hotel 😏 We chose Rydges at Sydney International Airport so can just walk across to terminal in morning .

Arrived in the land of daylight saving so lost an hours drinking time already 😡 Seems like a good choice of hotel. Self serve kiosk let us choose room and floor . Quickly went down to Smithy’s Bar for a sherbert before checking out the neighbourhood. Ok there is Smithy’s and a bloody big airport 181 steps away. Actually there is also a roof top bar for some late afternoon shenanigans I am sure . Memo sent

Start our anti-malarial drugs now in case some rogue mossies attack on the Zambezi. Done so now it’s off to the bar to target some women. I have the scuffs for it after all 🧑🏻‍🦯

Fair to say the rooftop bar was cod ordinary with all the ambience of a caravan park. Very small and would struggle with more than 10 people. There were 12

Time to sign off and try to get some sleep tonight before the real fun kicks off tomorrow. Let’s hope our current run of luck holds for our flight and landing in Johburg and we don’t hit a slow moving Elephant on the tarmac

Third time is the charm but not with only one arm? Lets recap

3 years ago in March 2020 we were about to fly to Brisvegas to catch a plane to Sydney for a flight to Johannesburg the next day for a 9 day safari to celebrate CLP 60th birthday. SCOMO – remember that clown? – stepped up to microphone and said “Its not a race, but you cant leave the country. Well, you can leave but you wont get back in ” #hillsonghumour . So cancelled our trip and postponed 12 months because Buffon Bob assured the world it would be gone by Easter and The Wall would stop it spreading. It became clear early on that 1)BB was a bigger clown than SCOMO and 2) the world was in lockdown for a long time. 2021 and then 2022 passed and finally some light was seen at end of tunnel so we settled in for 2023 Safari which now is planned to start in 6 weeks. Apart from seeing some amazing animals we also hope to learn more about some unique species

In the last year another opportunity arose to extend our holiday and tack on a week at end in France , as you do, with John and Lorraine. Too good an opportunity to pass up eh. Due to the vagaries of international travel we fly from Johburg to Lyon via Dubai and back with Emirates while the South African flights are with Qantas. Given the tight schedule of Safari we had planned to fly in 2 days before to allow for usual Qantas incompetence but of course they screwed us early this time , and hopefully for only time, by cancelling that flight three months ago! We now fly in the day before – what could go wrong….?

Having already had one holiday severely hampered by a slowly recovering ankle was happy to see some improvement now where can actually walk around the neighbourhood without a Bex and lie down. Of course there is still some pain but it is manageable. After all have been living with ankle pain for 40 years and mostly smiled my way through except in ’97 when I took that nail to my chin that left a hole there for a year or three.

As ankle has settled down a bit so has knee. Again , its not great but certainly bearable. I even had my first game of golf for 7 months and had been so long forgot to get dressed first but at least was sunsmart and wore a hat. My friends were LIV id with envy when they saw my trimmed down body but couldnt help but comment that I had become a bit of a tosser…..and a hooker and slicer. Unlike my general appearance it was not pretty

So in general things were slowly on the improve. And then the boom was lowered again. I am no doctor , although on a first name basis with plenty now, but I know rotator cuff injuries and almost 100% certain that left one has gone now having already had the right one done a few years ago. At that time was surprised when surgeon informed me that “bicep tendon was also off the bone ” and had to be reattached as no symptoms of that. I mention that now because while rotator cuff pain is classic – cant put a shirt on easily, hurts to place a bag in overhead storage!……., this time already have significant bicep pain which is very restrictive. The biggest issue in last 7 months, apart from pain, has been inactivity which combined with a 64 yr old Ferguson metabolism means the kgs are going to sneak on and have. Just turning the corner with walking and gym and now gym is off the table again 😦 Having already got significant pain dont want to risk further damage with trip 6 weeks away. A trip I might add that involves light aircraft and strict passenger weight limits!

So will start the slow process of seeing a surgeon about my shoulder but wont start the serious stuff until April at earliest and just hope can get through the holiday ok. Of course , apart from everything else these surgeries and rehab cut a fair hole in the old wallet. I will see my local GP next week as also have to get booster shots for typhoid etc because – yes you guessed it – they only last 3 years! Some malaria tablets too. Mind you, last visit did not go well

So, given my general pessimistic nature I wont relax until am actually in that Johburg hotel the night before our Safari starts. If we get to SA in time for Safari then can deal with any subsequent delays in my usual carefree way. Will have to pack a bit lighter of course because if CLP has to carry two suitcases everywhere I want her to be able to manage it as best she can.

I am thoughtful that way.

I was hobbling before Halloween and will be Hobblin long after I fly over the Hudson. This, sadly, is the major takeaway from this holiday. Despite assurances from so called experts the ankle was not ready and is in fact worse than any previous holiday prior to surgery 😡 It has clouded an otherwise enjoyable holiday although some cities better than others. NYC was included because of a significant credit still in play but that won’t happen again. For a couple of trips now have tried to recreate the magic of NYC and Philly in Feb 2015 and it just has not happened for two main reasons this time at least – the weather was too warm and the cities are not the same as they were 7 years ago. It’s not that there haven’t been some highlights the last two weeks – Atlantic City and Hudson Yards stand out – but they have been too few. Some of that of course is self inflicted as have not gone on beer or food tours like I usually do. Have been very conscious of costs this time with the shocking exchange rate and my changed financial position but maybe also got too old to be the “ only single Aussie guy on tour”. It can border on creepy when everyone else is under 30 😏 It’s hard to imagine another solo US holiday with two big holidays with CLP planned for next two years . Hard to imagine me saddling up again at 67 years of age and 3 more years of deterioration . Let’s not forget ,the knee is fast catching up to ankle 👨🏻‍🦯 I also rarely ate out which of course is a travesty when you visit these great cities and you don’t do them justice .

The last day in NYC started out gloomy and rainy but at least cooler. It did clear to a better afternoon and of course the coolest and best morning of the whole holiday was Monday morning when I flew out.

Flashies

Best Flight.

The Qantas flight from Melbourne was best simply because it was the only non economy flight. It left on time, good service, bag received . AA certainly run a efficient no frills service at least in my class level.

Best Lounge

Admirals Flagship in LAX is a step above anything else and still not sure how I got in . Admiral Clubs are more like Qantas Clubs so nothing special but better than nothing. The business lounge at Brisvegas was actually very good but the QC at Melbourne is cod ordinary

Worst Lounge

Las Vegas – because there isn’t one !

Worst Flight

No real bad ones but 14 hrs in economy is 14 hrs in economy even with good service so Qantas LAX – Brisvegas is the “loser” . All flights left pretty well on time and didn’t lose any bags

Best Accomodation

They all had their strengths and weaknesses but all very comfortable and safe. The winner is MGM Signature because on high floor and the best bath of any hotel have stayed in that I recall. Very important after a day of walking . Tower 3 not ideal with extra walking

Chicago – bar fridge in middle of room , small bath , no laundry

Philly – the stairs , the creaks . Every amenity you could ask for though

New York – hopeless TV in room . No streaming, no ON Demand just crap . Great room though, good location

Best Pool

Las Vegas . Wish I had discovered earlier . Great way to spend an hour

Best Tour

Much like the pool, only one entry so a clear winner . Trip to Grand Canyon was very comfortable if a bit long. Glad you saw it and Hoover Dam but not a lot else to fill in time

Best Beer

The Cloudburst IPA at Twisted Tale in Philly mostly because it was actually a bit of a session with a stranger and you got Popcorn

Worst Beer

Miller Lite at Paddy Whack also in Philly. It was flat and tasted odd. Only drank 100ml

Best Coffee

Had plenty of good Cortado but the best was La Colombe in Philly

Worst Coffee

Anything non Cortado basically. A small field again but a tie between Starbucks Latte at MGM and Latte at Pretty Mangy in 30th Street Station

Geek Tourist Moment

You can’t go to Vegas and not get a picture with Elvis even if you have to dig him up

Best Day Trip

Again a small field but the trip to Atlantic City was great on a glorious day . Bit dead perhaps but that means less crowds.

Best Bar

Clear winner – Club 2212 . Handsome bartender, generous pours , no crowd , American Honey , great views

Best Public Transport

Buses in Chicago and NYC were great . Modern and clean . Subway in NYC was ok….it’s old and a bit dirty but efficient and relatively safe during day. Philly and Chicago were a bit rougher. Good Police presence in NYC

Worst Transport

The taxi ride to JFK on Monday was a nightmare. $100 USD flat rate and a very dangerous driver. She had one accident on the way and could have had 3 more

Biggest Disappointment

Scaffolding is everywhere in NYC. Detracts from some wonderful buildings and also makes it that bit harder to walk around.

Biggest Surprise

I didn’t break my ankle in the 3 weeks or catch the lurgy

Best Partner

Well, look who turned up at airport to drive me home 😘

And that’s a wrap. The ankle is a shocker after last 36 hrs of mostly sitting . Be good to get home to Maryhole tomorrow and back into my boring routine