flashman181

And so we come to the long last day that always happens on holidays . A night time flight home may be not best idea but only option with Qantas. Looks like a usual day weather wise so will spend morning casually around neighbourhood as check out is 2 pm and leave hotel at 4 pm for airport and 830 pm flight. Changi airport itself is well worth an hour checking it out

First up though one last superb breakfast . Bid farewell to most of gang but will see JL this afternoon before going to airport. When they are 70 you never know if you will see them again 🤓

Headed out for a walk around neighbourhood with a slight plan of checking out possible short river cruises . That plan fell over quickly when dockside and nothing open but certainly a lot of folk around. Very pleasant walk around but already sweating so back to the pool by 0930 . There was a GQ photo shoot on the bridge apparently.

As we wind down our short trip a few observations. The city is very clean and very safe . Fantastic public transport . Service levels are poor in most cases although certainly maid service is excellent. Expensive although bargains can be had. Some sneaky taxes appear out of nowhere at times. The biggest takeaway though is going to sound racist but really the “Asians” ( Chinese, Malay ,Indian etc) are a rather arrogant and ignorant bunch in my limited experience. Have had a few experiences of them expecting special treatment in “their country” like pushing in front of you at a food line. Of course the constant posed photo taking is very annoying when in crowds and don’t get me started on the fucken umbrella brigade almost poking eyes out at will 😡 Of interest it is hard to get a glass of cold water as default is always served room temperature which seems odd in Sweatalot. Beer ain’t real cold either. The hotel itself has been great and in perfect location with easy access to underground malls and walkways. 5 days seems about ideal time although could have seen more like a river cruise I guess. At this stage ready to head home and also keen to check on both houses as been some bad weather for several days now. Plane on time at present so head out at 4 pm fingers crossed.

First up a last hour with JL and a sneaky G&T in the room as you do . Of course when you leave plenty of time everything happens quickly. Taxi waiting , no traffic, easy check in yada yada yada. And taxi was only $17 all up . Oddly we went through two passport stations but no security check? We went to Jewel first which is stunning to say the least

Before you could say “ I’ll have a Stone and Wood “ thanks son we were in business lounge at 435 pm for an 830 pm flight. Luckily I am a sensible drinker. As in get a beer and wine while CLP is out shopping so don’t leave seat . I should write a travel book eh

At this stage flight is on time and will have at least 8 hrs to sober up before a two stage road trip with me driving – weather permitting – from Brisvegas to Flashman Inc , NoSunshine Coast and then later onto Maryhole if roads are open . If not will stay with CLP a couple more nights

Wow first time she has cried this week….. later dudes, it’s been a blast and a very special occasion ❤️

Edit: Couple of interesting observations at Changi. They do the security screening at the boarding gate “ to allow more time to enjoy the shops “ and they are ok with female cleaners in male toilets . They do post signs at least 😂

Today we play Tourist on Tour as we Van up en masse to see some sights we haven’t seen and may be some we have glanced at with passing interest but vague commitment. Usual breakfast before 8 am kick off. Meanwhile I may have had too much to drink yesterday as appear to have woken up in the jungle

Being a morning person like to get up early and if not enthused for gym will go down to the Portmans Bar area and do iPad stuff until reasonable to engage with folk . Oddly , the level of service at Portmans is same even with no staff on, just quieter. Spooky. I did see a couple of staff getting ready to move

Last full day in Singapore although tomorrow is late flight . Am impressed with being able to fill in Passenger Declaration for arrival in Aussieland in Qantas app. Ain’t technology wonderful. Also our hotel gave us complimentary late checkout at 2 pm if we promised not to come back.

Our driver Justonce was ready and waiting and headed off in comfortable van under leaden skies. A fair bit of rumbling also but to be fair I did have a curry last night. First up then was an arrangement of colourful weeds strung up from trees aka Orchid Heaven at Botannnical Gardens. Excitement levels were reaching fever pitch folks

Always one to follow signs I duly sought shelter as skies darkened and was lucky to blend in with a grey statue

I asked our driver what happens if we are late coming back and he said I will wait first time but next time I am gone . Ah, I said that is how you got your name. He laughed and muttered “you Aussies”. I was lucky to find my favourite orchid as well, the Little Aussie Battler.

Then it was time for some kulcha and first up was Little India. Certainly different to the clean wide streets of Singapore. Very noisy too of course and the first of several impressive temples . I think there must be a cruise ship of Geriatrics landed as saw a group walking along street. The tour guide always has the umbrella so easy to pick.

Back in Van and onto the Muslim area near Arab Street just around corner from Camel Crescent. Today was a public holiday for Malay New Year and also end of Ramadan.

We were seeing more culture than a Penicillin factory by now and still had Chinatown to go. Also time for a drink and some food. But first I prayed to find a toilet and was truly blessed. The locals were a little ticked off when at first I sat on the wrong throne assuming it was modelled on Trumps toilet.

Graham decided to do some dental work so I decided to look around for a drink and was surprised to see all the Guinness signs so thought when in Rome. Think I got the translation wrong but it was cold at least . Then I thought Forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown.

Our last stop then was Merlion district . Having already visited a few days ago when not 5000 Asians around I said I would just find a place to rest. I fell asleep and the bastards left without me ! Luckily it was close to our hotel

Back in room by 2 pm so time for some pool stuff. It had turned into another warm dry day so very pleasant in the water. Only issue is pool is only 1.2m deep so doesn’t even cover the Dicksonia really. I’m here all week try the chilli crab

Speaking of which after a few hours of relaxing the Gang will meet up again around 6 pm for a stroll and dinner and seafood is looking good. Will sign off now then for our last full day but not last day of being full….

Actually had to add some photos from a simply fantastic last dinner together

Well there has been a new highlight each day so far but now we come to the crème de la crème. It’s time for the snouts in trough extravaganza 3 hr buffet lunch eatndrinkathon (Patent Pending) at The Fullerton. Did I mention all alcohol is included. Did I mention it was 3 hrs …

This will take some planning. Off to gym at 530 am for starters. That’s the first 10 mins of indulgence countered. Then down for usual superb breakfast but need to be done by 8 am ( not an issue trust me ) to allow 4 hrs digestion before the feast. Once again the weather is hot and steamy but yet to be impacted by storms or rain despite the daily forecasts of same. Not a complaint, an observation. Would like any rain to hold off until 4 pm if possible. Must be time for some pool time then

Only issue see with Buffet Bonanza is dress code – no shorts ! What asshat came up with a no shorts policy on Sweatalot 🤦🏻‍♂️ . Be fine inside but is a 15-20 min walk first and 45 min crawl home 😏. Some great sights along the way

For such a well known buffet the organisation seemed typical Singaporeeee as now come to expect. Can’t get in until midday but really no organisation or line up so at midday just approached and we walked in behind all the fucken clowns in shorts ! FMS . Breathe Breathe. Duly sitted at our table with 8 water glasses and 4 with water in them. No other glasses in sight. Then someone offered us tea or coffee. Piss off son , Bring the Champers. Eventually someone came out with glasses and Veuve Cliquot so I settled down . The spread was magnificent of course.

The one thing to know is last drinks order is at 230 pm so load up Chauncey at 2:29 pm. Also always order Rum and coke separately. And then order another Rum🤓

Now this will sound like a complaint on what was a wonderful occasion but is more of an observation. Service in Singapore is crap. Apart from Excise Man. At every meal we have had or drink at a bar we are constantly getting wrong drinks delivered. Now I understand English is not their first language and that is cool but man it has been hard at times to get a simple answer. I tried to organise a round of Port at end. No one had a clue what Port was even when explained.

Weather was a bit hit and miss now but made it home ok . I went to pool to cool down and while thunder around still no storm. May get together later tonight but will be a quiet one. Have a tour organised tomorrow so better get some beauty sleep.

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Wonderful night last night with family , or what I remember of it …..🕺🏻Some shenanigans ensued back in the party room.

Time to be a tourist again today with a relaxed approach as have seen so much already. I can see breakfast starts getting a bit later each day and no gym today! Plenty of walking though will help. The breakfast buffet truly is amazeballs.

Lucky with weather so far really wrt storms and rainfall. In fact sounds like Maryhole is copping it for a change . Never get tired of this vista

After breakfast time then for gang to head over the Gardens by the Bay in hot and sweltering conditions. You know, Saturday😏

It’s a fair trek but finally snuck into Marina Sands looking for AC . Truly an architectural wonder

As body temp returned to 38 degrees we headed back out. You have heard of Gorillas in the Mist?

We headed down then and into expanse of the Gardens. If we can work it out may come back later in day for a light show up close but it is a long walk

We then decided to split up and go separate ways as we were keen to see Cloud Forest and Flower Dome in opposite direction. Both very impressive and quite crowded

It was still hot and steamy and a cool pool beckoned so we headed to MRT for home base . Really is a great system . Up to the pool then where JL already were . We swam around and then ordered some lunch as you do. A few spots of rain was enough to raise humidity another 10% . I’ll drink to that

A relaxing afternoon then as wait arrival of 4th couple to conclude the surprise. We have been using Signal Group chat so of course Pete Hegseth may turn up ! At least he drinks I hear

We all met up at Portmans Bar onsite which site which was convenient but not again. Woeful service and pricey . We had a round of drinks but then it was my turn to suggest a place for drinks and maybe dinner. I suggested the Excise Man Wine and Whiskey bar about a 10 min walk. Let’s just say I am now officially a legend. Stunning place with old world elegance and superb service

A truly wonderful night with a couple of extra highlights. An Aussie winemaker from Langmeil in Barossa was doing a tasting and came out for a chat. After dinner and drinks we were given a tour of the tasting rooms and the range of wines on show. I tell ya if Freddo wasn’t 70 he would have been barring up 🤓

We then went for a short walk along esplanade as a beautiful night and a slightly different aspect for us .

Short walk home then and time for rest as another big day tomorrow

Why a media blackout the fans scream? Well, we arrived in Singapore on Thursday as part of a covert operation undertaken by 3 couples ( but only 5 folk in “the know”) to celebrate 70th birthday of brother John aka Freddo. Let me tell you da ladies love men in uniform.

Luckily in Singapore they like boys in sailor outfits. Go figure

Anyway Operation Seventy the New Sixty was organised by Lorraine and had the three couples arriving at different times in Singapore hereafter called Sweatalot. It’s March, it’s Storm season yada yada yada. We took the 5 night package arriving on Thursday, the day before guest of honour. We “surprised” him at the bar on Friday night as all staying at same hotel The Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay . I did warn Lorraine that big surprises at 70 could be dangerous but she just had a wistful look on her face.

So we began in Brisvegas on Wednesday. Qantas only have one flight from Brisvegas to Singapore a day and leaves mid morning so safest bet was to be down there night before and stayed at our usual goto airport hotel – the Novotel Airport Hotel:) Its nothing special but makes for a stress free start next day hopefully although plenty of plane issues around the world of late. There is a large DFO next door which I naturally assumed was a David Ferguson Outlet but sadly mistaken. Rainy day as predicted so was glad to arrive early afternoon and then found out we had a room upgrade , 2 free drinks a breakfast thrown in. Ok, cool. “ Well you are a Platinum member Sir” . Really? Can I see your card again please. Sure. Ok let me get back to you . Anyway we kept the nice room and we have our drink vouchers and no interest in breakfast anyway.

Wandered down at 5 pm for a brew at the hotel bar. Always a solid performer

Then back into the DFO complex for dinner at the Transit Tavern. Very passable indeed

Next morning it was an early trip out to airport as have long term parking booked and can have breakfast at Qantas Club. Luckily its the International terminal as Domestic a bit of a mess at present

Quite crowded but all moved along and still in Qantas Club with plenty of time to spare and plenty to eat and drink. At present all still seems on time, a relative term with airlines of course

Excellent service all round by Qantas with great food and drink on plane although of course it is still 8 hrs in Economy. Arrived 20 mins early and immigration was ok and then found out my honeybuns had paid for limo service 😘 It’s a very impressive hotel and rooms are fine with good views but for the price a bit simple like no drawers for clothes or hooks in bathrooms etc. It is basically a nice hotel room in a beautiful hotel

Time then to head out for a walk but man the heat and humidity is a killer even at 630 pm. Walked around to the Singapore Flyer and decided to wait a little until it got darker and the light show started at the Hanging Gardens or whatever they are called. It’s a stunning vista by day or night

Not a bad nights sleep in the sauna. Why do hotels in the jungle only have a doona and no sheets. FMS. Sweatalot is 2 hrs behind so my body clock said 4am was the new 6 am so we got up and went to gym. I was sweating on the elevator

When we get to 9 am it will be 35 degrees with feel like 40 ! There is an exercise outdoors warning in place ! Nice time of day and great gym

Back to room for 7 showers before heading down to breakfast and a catch up with Couple 1 to plan arrival surprise for Couple 3 this afternoon. Couple 1 were a non starter but will meet later so decided to head out for a walk around marina on cloudy but dry day . Turned into a wonderful morning with plenty of great sites , a couple of subway rides on an excellent system and even a cable car home from Sentosa Island

We were keen to try original Singapore Slings at Raffles in the Long Bar . The line up was ridiculous but luckily found another bar on site that also served them. The price was ridiculous but we knew that going in $41 ea. The $16 tax on top was the shocker .

We achieved heaps in the last 24 hrs so now time to relax in the pool and wait for the birthday boy to arrive

Then the fun starts. Here is one I prepared earlier

Now back to more normal ,less crowded posts as media blackout lifted. There was dancing in the streets folks. Well at least crowds gathered

Or maybe it did and was just too much. The scalene triangle is flat baby like a straight line from Brisvegas to an Australian capital city. Hint Hint. Yes another USA trip cancelled but unlike Fred Trump, sadly, I pulled out early. With all this changing of mind lately I could become a DEI hire soon 🙂 Ouch

So the reasons are multifuctorial .

The USA is a shit show and likely to stay that way for forseeable future with the Orange Clown in charge and doing what he promised. Well duh. Suffer in your shorts Yanks. Ye reap, ye sow. The exchange rate is very poor and a likely trade war wont help little old Aussietown. USA was already getting more expensive every year . Buffoon Bob has warned of some “economic pain” to come but it will be worth it . Because he will get very rich of course.

Love Las Vegas and Santa Monica and if could teleport there for a couple of weeks every year certainly would but transport dont work that way yet. You listening Elon? Pull your finger out son. ( Do love the Swastica moniker for Teslas now ). The fires have certainly ravaged the LA area in general and that wont recover soon and imagine some of the highlights had ticked off around Malibu for example are simply gone. Rebuilding will also impact costs etc. October was never ideal time as do love me some chill but that was driven mostly by trying to maintain Qantas status. Not sure of the need for that but seemed a good excuse at the time.

Qantas is not as reliable as many would think as I do monitor these things. For example QF11 (my option for Sydney-LAX) simply cancelled twice in 3 days. There is always a flow on effect with all airlines. If the A 380 from Joburg to Sydney is a few hrs late and is then used for QF 11 it takes days to catch up for example. The necessary flights (for status) to USA and back required Premium Economy minimum at a cost of around $4000 on sale. Can do two trips to Melbourne and back in Business class for about half that money and earn more status and laugh at cattle class loading late. And dont land at LAX 🙂 If flight to Melbourne is cancelled you catch the next one an hour later. Dont work that way with international of course. Even in BC , 14 hrs is still 14 hrs. I checked. As you get older you look for less stress in life.

Speaking of which this month represents a significant change with switching over to Well Aged Pension hopefully but not sure how much will get each fortnight now despite best efforts to spend my savings over last 10 years. One does need to keep an eye on finances because despite some clear signs I could have another 10 years to get through. Man my arm will be sore by then . Why, you ask? Well if not going to Vegas have to do my own tattoos now each year. Here is one I prepared earlier

One thing have slowly learned is never say never so who knows what the future holds travel wise . It will be nice not to wake up every morning and first thing is check exchange rate and Super balance and then any emails from Qantas about flight delays 🙂 Ok, first 3 things! In the meantime will flit down (ie a short flight) to Melbourne for a week in June as they also have cafes and pubs and cool weather apparently . And no excessive tips or poor exchange rate. Maybe another trip to Sydney in September, time will tell. I will miss USA certainly but things change and that place certainly has. Have been very lucky to see what I have seen over the years and eventually it had to end. It may not have yet but it will one day. In the meantime while can still produce a good stream after 2L of water

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…..

And so it all ends . As far as 36 hrs of travel and sitting around goes it was ok but has raised some questions about future trips specifically the planned ( and somewhat paid for ) last hurrah in New York next February. Not sensible making rash decisions today but really over travel and mostly the morons you deal with and the expense. Canada was very expensive in the end . It was a good choice to visit and some wonderful memories as it was a new country to see and experience. The flight home on Qantas was quite ordinary really with poor service in general but of course still good food and reliable flights etc. Never experienced such infrequent interaction with flight attendants in a “ premium” cabin. Qantas was great as always in getting us on an earlier flight then booked so back in Brisbane by 9 am. Will elaborate at a later date on future travel plans if any but for now……

Best Flight

QF 75 on way over. Left late as can happen but all efforts made to make up time and top level service on board. Air Canada was fine for an economy service and then West Jet a rung further down. All what you pay for but it does enforce the extras you get use to with Qantas. Sydney lounges really piss all over Brisbane counterparts. Qantas remains a reliable product

Best Accomodation

Surprisingly would go with Le Square Phillips in Montreal which surprised . Very comfortable layout , perfectly acceptable free breakfast and good location. One King in Toronto disappointed for the price – classic small hotel room. Castel in QC certainly had its attractions not the least being superb breakfast but those stairs were killers . Vancouver suited purposes fine, good location.

Best Meal

St Lawrence was certainly the best meal we had and a memorable experience. Of course comes at a price. Very impressed with Fairmont Royal York in Toronto for eating and drinking and The Keg Steakhouse was a pleasant surprise for a “franchise” chain.

Best Tourist Attraction

Well you cant go past Niagara Falls of course but have to say Montmorency Falls were impressive as were early morning strolls near the Chateau da FrontnBack. We were lucky that weather was great when needed including first scoot around Stanley Park

Most Canadian Thing

The workers dont know when the business starts! At least 6 times in different cities asked someone during the day at counter or cleaning table “What time do you Open in morning” and they had to go and ask! And also maybe the general indifference of bar staff and getting acquainted with the concept of service. And they work for tips!

Best Poutine

The last one. Basically chips and gravy and some chunks of cheese. Fills the stomach and then the bowel.

Best Breakfast

Castel da FrogYank. Simply the perfect breakfast – apart from coffee of course. It helped move the Poutine along if ya get my drift

Best Public Transport

All good really but we used most in Vancouver so Compass wins – bus, metro, ferries etc. The surprising aspect really was lack of transport apps except for Toronto – the rest were cards purchased and loaded. The PATH in Toronto is a brilliant system for connecting trains and streetcars but the streetcars themselves seemed a bit unreliable. Of course cant beat fun on a scooter. VIA trains business class were great

Best Observation Deck

CN Tower wins but having a drink in the Vancouver Revolving one was rather special. All helped by glorious days and in QC it was free for old farts day

Best Coffee

Good coffee culture in Canada with > 90% serving Cortado. Quality varies of course and size does matter but in this case smaller the better:) Would say the best were in Vancouver as was able to get up early and have a stroll at sunrise. Worst was Second Cup in Montreal who thought he knew how to make a cortado. Big mistake

Worst Coffee

Some brown swill a passing Moose had pissed in from Old Historic Town. We bought, we sat, we threw out all in under 2 mins. A new record

Of course could include the Starbucks coffee I had when desperate in Montreal but really when one is in a mentally deranged state it shouldnt count

Best Beer

No bad beers of course and often a time and place thing but remember a beer at Jacapo in Montreal that went down like a Broncos Defensive(relative term) Backline. A lot of walking on a warm day made it sweet and small. Apparently

Best Cocktail

Had a lot of great cocktails including the spectacular Sacred Beast but also from same Library Bar in Toronto would have to go with Voodoo Child. The back story, the service, the taste ……..its just The Vibe man. One “interesting” aspect of Library Bar was amount of ice in your drink!

Worst Cocktail

Much like the Second Cup Barista the hostie on QF 76 thought she could make a Bloody Mary. Newsflash – ah nope you cant. I know there was pepper, tabasco, one cherry tomato and maybe alcohol in it but it tasted like cough medicine only harder to swallow. A bit like a Trump speech

Best Zombie Apocalypse

A clear winner. Vancouver. Early in holiday so could still outrun them. In Toronto would have been toast

Biggest Surprise

A dead heat maybe. Slash performing live in Montreal and also finding out Bill Hunter isnt dead but has been living in Toronto!

Biggest Shim Sham

The extra taxes on meals in restaurants ! Seriously. The meals are not cheap and then you add on taxes and tips and a $170 meal is $230 before you know it. Canada is an expensive place. Only slight saving grace is a good exchange rate with AUD.

And now we come to the big news . The Snow will not go on. Well it might but not with me. NYC 25 is Dead Zed. Not a rash decision but a timely one. If I wait until a months time and start looking at photos etc then would be yearning for more travel and forget the negative things. Its human nature and I am bordering on Human at times. I was not completely sold for some time – when had not even renewed ESTA 4 months out knew the heart not completely in it. The saddest part maybe is probably signals end to solo travel trips OS which have enjoyed now for 10 years. Eventually it comes to an end whether now of Feb 2025 or whenever. Simply too many morons in the world and without the possible exception of Veteran Golfers they are the most ignorant people on this flat earth 🙂 . Its like a MAGA rally on loop. Airports, Train Stations, Tours, Attractions….. Now my growing intolerance also plays a part of course and a lot of this wouldnt bother many. It bothers me a lot. Ask CLP 🙂 Speaking of whom I know she struggles when I am out of the country and cant see me weekly so there is that. Ouch….that hurt.

If a new city and not NYC may have been different. I love NYC but have seen it a lot. Was chasing one last snowy winter but no guarantee. Luckily my “friends” at airports etc tell me there is no such thing as Climate Change. And its all bloody expensive. Something grates about paying overs for everything and then getting poor service with it. Now in the realm of first world problems anything under Business Class is a struggle on long flights now and even that is no guarantee of fun and frivolity for 14 hrs. PE is not the same product it was 5 years and yet more expensive now. Cant afford BC fares upfront and on popular routes chances of upgrade slim.

And so not all doom and gloom. All things come to an end. Except crap reality TV it seems. There will still be holidays in Australia and maybe even NZ but that will be as far as I go methinks. One thing probably accepted towards end of Canada trip is it is great to afford some luxury in life like paying $80 for two blocks of ice with food colouring added so see maybe some short trips in Australia with a dash of luxury included. After all will be a pensioner in a few months . With age comes increasing medical issues and costs. The joints are mostly repaired for now so we move onto the crowning glory – dental work! Imagine if had to tip them on top of the exorbitant fees.

Oddly one of the joys of OS travel is doing the daily blogs

I also like writing these posts……….

Come on, what did you really expect as a sign off after all these years 🤓

Rough nights sleep as expected but we did wake up in plenty of time for our Uber ride to airport at 6 am. Didn’t realise we would have Verstappen driving us ! Not what I call a pleasant ride with speed and random lane changes but he did help with luggage 😏

Check in was smooth enough as not very busy yet . We grabbed a breakkie burger at first place after security but bit of a rookie mistake as better options near our gate . Now we wait for the WJ version of boarding and in flight service in cattle class booked with Qantas points . 🤷🏻‍♂️One strange thing at gate is only about 10% of chairs are for sitting and relaxing. The other 90% are comfortable stools with charging ports .

Boarding was quite civilised with just the usual number of morons . In zone 4 we were mid herd and found overhead space easily enough . Economy is a bit cramped here for a 5 hr flight but you get what you pay for . Its crowed but have my two presentation faces ready

Don’t bother me

Is that the drink cart ?

You pay for any extras of course and all tap and go at 30,000 feet over Canuckistan. What could go wrong😏 . We got a drink and a snack and some cheese pack to tide us over. We sit in aisle seats on these flights so pot luck who we sit next too but CLP lucked out with Bill Hunter 🤓 And yes he smelt like he had been dead a few years ago

Arrived on time of course . Bag retrieval a bit slow but who is in a rush. Walked towards international terminal knowing Qantas didn’t open for 4.5 hrs. We stopped short and fell for the old domestic terminal crap food court shim sham. Asked Ryan and he said we needed to go further down into the ACTUAL INTERNATIONAL Terminal and better options there. True , may have also seen a bar. Will investigate shortly. Of course all the good stuff is post security …..in 4 hrs.

Not much of a bar – pre security afterall – but had some Stanley Park beers so why not. Got some pesky Canuck Coinage to liberate myself from anyway. Y , you may well ask

Beer makes ya clever. If I set watch back to Toronto time only 30 mins til bag drop 🤗

It was a long afternoon certainly but thought we would line up a bit early and glad we did as Qantas let us in just after 4 pm. Easy through security then try and get into a tight lounge. Turns out being a Qantas Club member paid off as even had lounge access printed on my boarding pass and they had sign up many “ lounge passes” not accepted today . It’s a small lounge but comfortable if not private . Plenty to eat and drink so time to hook in. Also asked Ryan about the shower scene and he said I put you on the list ….and your wife ? Sure , as long as not together 🤓 Some fresh clothes and a shower really brightened up the day

So basically time to sign off from Canuckistan methinks . There will be some Flashies later but it’s been a great trip. Don’t expect any surprises with Qantas Premium Economy. It will be a long but comfortable trip. We allowed several hours in Sydney before flight home but past experience tells us they will gladly put you on an earlier flight

Later dudes.

Last real day of “holiday” today even though the packing starts . The 36 hrs from hell tour starts at 6 am tomorrow with Uber to airport for first flight to Vancouver, sit around 9 hrs and hopefully catch Qantas flight home 🤞

Relaxing day then with one last Poutine the likely highlight. Yes folks that is how exciting plans are for today. Mind you we have done and seen a lot in last 3 weeks. Time then for last early morning coffee run on a cool dark morning . A tad breezy too, looks a nice day for sock drawer rearranging

Glorious morning first up and we entered the bowels of Toronto AKA The Path. Rather impressive and very useful in lousy weather I imagine . We got a coffee but shall return. Too nice above ground to hang around with GUU. (Great Underground Unwashed ) Off to market we went . Impressive array of fresh food but if not buying lose a bit of interest by Aisle 27

We have checked in with West Jet for flight tomorrow at 9 am. Dealing with that process confirms we are on a budget airline . Back home then after some last minute souvenir shopping. Refocus and then catch a couple of slow moving streetcars out to Poutine Paradise. Apparently.

Wouldn’t say the TTC is most efficient public transport system have used. When you desire a Streetcar none turn up and then 3 in a row . The old Streetcar Shim Sham and I fell for it .We finally caught first of two out to Nom Nom Nom the top rated Poutine place in Toronto as voted by one Toronto Blog. More of a Street Food Van with no wheels – you know , fixed. It was tasty enough but maybe Poutined out by now. And then it started to rain

Then waited 15 mins for a promised streetcar which never appeared so we walked home . We walked back to Toronto Sign and then entered Path which eventually brings us up right in our hotel lobby . It’s a great system . A bit of quirk along the way

Guess clothes won’t pack themselves so that may be first afternoon job. Ready to go home now methinks but will head out later for a drink and dinner.

And we did. Just as about to leave we really get the hang of PATH- what a brilliant system to connect so many areas below street level. You just come back up when needed or as with One King West and Fairmont you come up in middle of place you want. First night here CLP did some research and found out that Reign in Fairmont Royal York opened at 630 for coffee. As turns out it doesn’t – only for breakfast – but what a find . We have been every day whether for breakfast or drinks. Today we started with cocktails at Library Bar and as I prefer sat at the bar and bartender was great . He explained about the Voodoo Child cocktail and it was great especially with the Sasquatch pepper thingy that turned your tongue a tingling first. Much like my women don’t care how they look if hot and smoky. This cocktail was ✅✅

We made a booking at Reign for dinner so went for a bit of a walk around CN Tower via Path. Some more things of interest bordering on quirk worthy

Then back to Reign for another superb dinner. Yes you pay for it but the service was excellent and the food delicious. The ambience was first class as well and to round it off they had a Cab Franc. Only sad note for CLP was when our server referred to us as Mr and Mrs Ferguson and she realised she had let a golden opportunity at Niagara Falls pass yesterday 🤓 Ouch, that baguette hurts

And so the high life ends for a while but it’s been a blast . It’s the 36 hrs from Hell tour kicking off tomorrow but this is part of the deal when you travel OS. All we ask for now is flights to be relatively in time and actually take off

Farewell Canuckistan 🏒🥞🇨🇦🍁🦌🐿️