flashman181

And on the 7th day he rested . From alliteration. If its good enough for Old Whiskers then its good enough for Young Stubble. A tad seedy today but not from alcohol per se but maybe the smoking. Have a sore dry throat which could be start of usual vacation cold or just response to the smoke. Hope it is the latter but as someone who doesn’t mix much with the GU I fear it is the former. Couple of flights in next couple of days which are never pleasant if not well. Time will tell but for today time to get out in fresh air and walk around as seems a nice day has dawned. The washing and packing await this afternoon 😰 Oh joy.

First up is usual Cortado and then a quick check in for tomorrows morning flight. Hoping to be able to leave bags at hotel near LAX and then head down to Santa Monica for afternoon. Would be a real knobber of course if could actually get into my room at 11 am but lets not set bar too high

I shall declare today an alcohol free day just to freshen up for the next journey. Lovely walking around in sun down on waterfront but certainly seems cold is developing

The place does get busier on weekends and one thing we know for sure is Americans love their big meals especially if pancakes may be involved

That’s it for me today folks. Not well so time to settle in for some golf from just up the road at Pebble. Mind you they did have a hail storm this morning 😳 Farewell San Diego

To be truthful only two of those are guaranteed but have so fallen under the spell of alliteration I cant help myself. A 3 hr brewery tour is booked for 10 am and does include a BBQ lunch. Forecast not as good for today but at present just cloudy . We are in a covered Pinzgauer apparently which is a Vintage Swiss Safari Vehicle built for an ultimate beer exploration. Let’s hope the roof is not made of Swiss cheese 🧀. If I don’t get a complimentary block of Toblerone on boarding going to be well pissed off. Not a lot of walking expected except to loo and back on several occasions. Breweries we visit are still a pleasant surprise much as it will be for the staff when I rock up. It’s a 12 seater and tour is full so seems another 11 Yanks are about to get a lifetime memory to share. Would be nice if one day another Aussie fronted on one of these tours just to lessen the burden

Ah nope

A quick trolley to Santa Fe station had me ready to board and hook in

First up a quick check

Babes 👍🏻
Partners 👍🏻
Chances 😰

Looked like a great group and even had two “buses”including a bucks party. What could go wrong? First stop Ballast Point

4 good samples and back on transport. Things were rocking. Next stop Bay City Brewing and also some BBQ lunch. For some reason someone brought along Jenga which was good fun

That was pretty well end of tour as advertised at 1pm. Not surprisingly we kicked on. Great group of people. We had some beers at Stone Brewing Taproom then ended up somehow at a cigar/hookah place . Then, apparently , we had some dinner at Werewolf. So they tell me

Great day but officially half cut and already 7 pm. Help

The weather has cleared to a cool clear day and thus faced with second scariest task on solo travel – the first use of Public Transport. Most scariest of course is first use of washing machine! First up plan is to catch ferry to Coronado to see the famous Hotel Del Coronado of movie fame and then loiter around for some other attractions. At least two main points of interest that linger in memory of a young boy……

Stop for requisite Cortado on way of course and then gaze in awe once more at USS Midway in morning glory. The ferry before 9 am is free which is a great service and again simply stunning views all around the waterfront. The similarities to a similar trip from San Fran wharf to Alcatraz come to mind but hope I am not locked up this time

Once on Coronado thought would use my Compass day pass and catch the 904 local bus. Ah no, doesn’t start until 0930 Tourist Clown and not wasting any of this glorious weather. Time for Uber which sadly had to come from SD but still at the hotel 20 minutes later. What a stunning place and a superb beach out front as well. Strangely no yachts in the harbour either

Then caught the local 904 bus back down to the Ferry Landing area but more specifically the Coronado Brewery 🤓 It was after 10 am after all. If buses can run I can drink ok. Quite peckish after a light breakfast so basically had to go with burger so lets call it an early lunch. Only ate 13 fries honest

Was keen to travel over the famous bridge that is quite high and scares some people . Probably the same idiots that like it hot. Now I knew I needed the 901 and bus stop was on Orange and 3rd. Given how well first few days went I just assumed the fact it arrived 7 mins early was another knob kiss. Ah no. By the time the Hotel loomed on horizon I fronted up and asked driver “Is there any chance I am going the wrong way and not ending up in downtown SD” “Well, yes and no sir. You will end up there but in about 90 mins u idiot. You wanted the bus stop across the street back at Orange and 3rd” . Thanks Chauncey I will get off here now . Hello Uber? $11US and I was back in apartment in 15 minutes although how he parked in living room I will never know 🤠 I see a lot of Uber in immediate future.

Time to chill for a little bit and a quick FaceTime with CLP and plan out afternoon. I have an active day pass that cost $5 and don’t want to waste it. That’s almost another beer after all. Let’s see this park they named after Rocky. Odd, thought he was from Philly ? Bit of a walk and then a bus had me at Balboa Park entrance lickety split. What a massive park it is. A cut lunch had me at the first “museum” which was tres impressive. Was keen to climb to top of tower if only to finally let my hair down in SD but you had to join a guided tour that went for 40 mins. Pass. So walked around the area and crumple my sheets if I didn’t stumble across a craft brewery outlet near the 17th museum. I decided to give the zoo a miss as, although am sure it is great, have seen enough zoos this decade. Time to catch a different bus home and a slight detour on walk home to pick up dinner

So another great day in SD with simply glorious weather . Just about ticked off main tourist attractions , and certainly most of the population, apart from Golf Course which will do tomorrow. A bit of planning then required to explore some more neighbourhoods and also have two tours lined up mostly involving drink, walk, drink, eat, drink. Luckily there is a day in between

Remember the 1970s, that time of innocence when you could believe what you were told . Sadly, another myth shattered

It’s a gloomy day only brightened by the enthusiasm of the weather presenters on Good Morning San Diego! To be fair they probably don’t get to slosh around in puddles much in SoCal. Well at least back in 1972…..

Now little optimist moi shan’t be deterred (speaking of which I am now , thanks to all the fruit I ate yesterday – ya with me 🤠). As a noted Seinfeld man I always hark back to the Even Steven episode. Was very lucky yesterday with the flying caper so saw two attractions had pencilled in this morning. Just as well really. Only concern now is Segway planned at 2pm. Always use this in a new city early on to get lay of land . Mind you after walking 5 kms yesterday I would suggest it is flat

San Diego, like San Fran, does seem to have a significant homeless problem made more distressing I imagine by the lousy weather. The waterfront area and convention centre seems a lovely area but not far away is the less salubrious Gaslamp district and I am a bit piggy in the middle. Speaking of which, time to check out the local cafe scene. I assume there are some nearby . Hard to see at 6 am in the dark and rain. And to think, I even packed my dick stickers for this first week . Damn, have to work on my sickenly positive outlook on life . My Accuweather forecast says break in the rain in 11 mins for 3 mins 27 s and when was the last time they were wrong. Ah yeah, in 11 mins time. Fair call

So turns out about a 3 min walk to Cafe 22 and now I remember I am in the US – massive meals and lousy coffee. Staff were great though. Then it was time to walk the streets for a while as weather not too bad at all. Also an opportunity to catch up with some old girlfriends….

Now to walk that off. Great walking city with wide streets and wide footpaths. Makes you wonder why so many wide women? Ah yes of course the massive meals duh. Headed in general direction of waterfront with a detour via Conference Centre and Petco Park. Man, that conference place is enormous. May book that for the next Fans of Flash annual shindig.

Of course by now I was thinking of going back for the dick stickers as rather warm and bright and here am I in wet weather gear and no sunglasses! It’s a great marina and very strong Mexican influence in many buildings . Very pleasant walk and before you knew it I was back at the USS Midway. Does that I mean it was going to take me as long to walk back …… here all week try the tacos.

Time to head back sadly as ankle was giving me grief now but not sure why. Oh yeah thats right

On way back found a great coffee place that serves Cortado and also a massive supermarket all within easy limping distance. Rest of week sorted , knobber knobber

Back home now for a couple of hours before Segway to see if can get the swelling down. To be fair, I probably should rest the ankle as well eh.

I know I went to Sunday School a few times as a youngun but someone on high is certainly looking after me so far on this holiday but doubt it’s Old Whiskers. The weather cleared for Segway and was only one on it. Um, I mean tour not the actual Segway itself which of course is a one man ride 😏 And it pissed down 5 minutes after returned to store. As suspected SD is perfectly suited to Segway and was a smooth ride around downtown. To be truthful had seen many of the areas already but there was some good history thrown in. SD is scooter crazy with same Lime ones as Brisveags uses but about 2000 more on streets . They are everywhere and likely hurt the Segway trade. There was even a Golf conference on in town so can now claim whole trip on tax. Oh, thats right I don’t pay any. Carry on.

So, another full day and already seen so much in just over 24 hrs. Plans for next couple of days will depend on weather but forecast is looking good. Really? Did I just put faith in a weather forecast. I need a beer.

Hey there’s one. Later dudes and dudettes

When last we left our hero he was heading off to mix briefly with the GU fully expecting to be disappointed and trudging back to Admirals Club for several hours. Flight was at 0940 so thought would wander down early around 0830 to get lay of Gate 52 G at LAX. Just as well. The 52 alphabet terminals may well be closer to SD than LA and require a shuttle from main terminal and this was not an efficient process. Not surprisingly big planes take precedence and so had the odd prospect of 3 shuttles ready to pick up the almost 100 passengers now but keep about 30 m away because one plane was still at gate! Finally got on board one and after literally crossing up and down in front of oncoming planes we got there ! It was about 0910 now and the plane was actually boarding. Is that a green tick against FerD I see on the monitor? Sweet. Not only did I get on early flight but got a bulkhead seat with great legroom. It is literally only 20-25 min flight but actually getting out of LAX makes it closer to an hour. Arrived in SD just after 10:15 and then bag was first off and taxi waiting. Got to unit just after 10:45 and thus had gained almost half a day really. I tell ya some times it seems like always bent over the bonnet and then there are those days when the pants are around the ankles with bed flute pointing north and getting plenty of attention 🤠 Of course a bit Shaggis O’Murphy by now but with worse weather on way for next 36 hrs time to get out and about

The unit looks great and in a quiet area even though near to Gaslamp District. Showers were coming and going but first chore always is get that AT&T sim for next few weeks. Works very well and makes it very easy to check in out and about

Research had shown that Kansas City BBQ was a filming location for Top Gun and was close to USS Midway museum to boot. In fact San Diego was used for several scenes from movie. It’s cheesy sure but these are the quirks you look for in cities . I had a beer to be sociable only honest

A short 5 min walk, admittedly in rather heavy rain, had me saying well hello sailor rather quickly. What an impressive sight indeed, especially the flight deck. It is simply massive and dominates the area around Navy Pier and the Embarcadero. Of course the real joy on days like this are the extras you find like the Unconditional Surrender Statue and Bob Hope Memorial

So on what was lining up mostly as a long day of flying and sitting around airports ended with 2 memorable highlights already and haven’t been here a whole day yet .

And of course always drawn to the quirk that amuses moi on way home. They had me at Pussy Playpen. Then the penny dropped….

And the day before to be honest but realistically first day covers about 43 hrs so what is another 24 between friends

So day before departure travelled down to Brisvegas from Flashman HQ Sunshine Coast to see Ferguson Matriach and then onto first birthday party for the booteeful Eloise . Filled in day nicely before decamping at Novotel Brisbane Airport for last night at under 100 kg . Apparently. CLP is along for ride at present so any last minute washing and ironing is covered. She is heading off for a week at Straddie as well. I don’t understand how some people can afford a holiday like that every year . Had a quick look at DFO which I only NOW realise does not stand for David Ferguson Outlet. Still able to get a new pair of quality Brooks shoes to take away if no signed images of the famous one.

In case you were wondering about the smile and the beer was notified earlier of a business class upgrade ( points) for long haul to LAX. 🍆👄 Devoted followers would know that this is first time on the Dreamliner and of course Premium Economy is base level entry now for reduntirees. However the PE on Qantas does not get great reviews from a leg room point of view whereas BC is uniformly well regarded. As a last day upgrade to get the bassinet position so should at least get a good sleep and just hope Hostie remembers to burp me before putting me down for sleepy byes byes. Really don’t know if any impact really (unlikely) but i reserve the right to whine later just in case. Right at the pointy end of plane, if any further forward would be wearing a cap and epaulettes.

So out early of course and left the batmobile in long term parking for month and proceeded to check in a mere 5 hrs before departure. Or not, doesn’t open until 4 hrs as you have to talk to security . Ok so had some breakfast and then CLP and I went our separate ways but first she did have to go to the ladies to dry her eyes. Simple enough check in and “express” security lane had me bar adjacent by about 7:45 . And the bar was open………later from LAX dudes.

Good flight and of course arrived on time having cancelled my earlier flight to SD with only the 3 hr window. Food was excellent as was service and comfort. At end of day it is still 13 hrs but this is probably as good as it gets excluding first class of course

Customs is still a nightmare but really seems slower than actually is and still terminal adjacent just after 7:15 pm. I asked for any earlier flights and am on standby for my original 09:40 flight but don’t like my chances 😏 . On the glass half full front was surprised that Qantas Club still gets you into Admirals Lounge. My research had said otherwise. It’s not the greatest lounge by any means and always crowded but the beer is cold and free. Still rather full after food on flight so imagine will have a brew and then go down and see how this Standby caper works and fails and then return to AC for a more serious go as will then have a few hrs to fill in. Meanwhile

One of the best ways to see more of USA each time is a day trip from the main city you have decamped in. This has worked well in past with trips to Salem, Fort Worth, Philly etc. Not all the same day natch 🙂 In some cases , like with Baltimore, a day trip one visit has led to a full week stay on subsequent visit. Of course as each trip passes the main cities have been seen and day trips become more limited from less populated areas. As is case this year

First up is San Diego. A day trip into Tijuana appealed initially but knowing my luck I would get an ugly donkey. The most popular google search for Tijuana also includes “safety” as well so when you throw in have to cross the border, either legally or through randomly placed slats, the appeal dims. Will just grab a bottle of Tequila and watch the AT&T Pro Am from Pebble on TV instead that weekend. Plenty to do in SD really anyway. Of course I do have a kinda day trip to LA, or LAX surrounds to be fair . Have done LA before and dont really want to go anywhere near Hollywood again after last visit. People kept throwing Nespresso Pods at me which was confusing until I realised they thought I was Clooney, G. So after speaking to Sheryl Crow ( I am an Instagram influenza A) I came around to her kinda thinking.

The Yanks do seem to love their Ubers these days but there is the Rapid 3 bus from near hotel which takes me down to Santa Monica in about 40 mins, traffic not withstanding. Mind you, better not still be there when the sun does come up over Santa Monica Blvd or could be in a bit of bother for NYC flight. For $1.25 each way, officially interested. I think that is about $7.50 AUD 😦 On a side note, and a little tease for devoted followers, CLP and I are in initial stages of planning our Africa Soujourn for 2020 – Call Me Bwana The deposit for this trip requires sending plenty $US to a Hong Kong Bank. Not only are you bent over bonnett with chili on stick but then they spray mace in your eyes at the HK end! Not as if all Hope is lost I guess

Next stop is NYC of course and previously done day trips to the main cities nearby. This time thinking of Atlantic City but could be a gamble in winter……. It is a rather long and boring bus ride actually but the boardwalk does appeal especially when not crowded. Put chances at 50:50 for now and will just depend on how week pans out. By then the Govt probably closed down again and all the TSA workers will be in the casinos trying to get money for food. May just opt to spend more time exploring New Jersey as have been rewatching Sopranos lately but already done “The Tour” last trip.

Finally we get to Baltimore and appears options limited. Looking at Annapolis so I can finally be Up Where I Belong ? Once again its a bus ride but shorter than the AC one and less to do in Baltimore than NYC after all. I would say 80:20 chance at present. Apart from men in uniform can get my fill of crab cakes and look at boats. Once again on Instagram asked Gere, R what was the best take away u can get there but think he misunderstood….

Getting close now and just a matter of days until Qantas contact me to say I have been upgraded to BC for free. Or not. As Gloria Gaynor said though I Will Survive. Maybe more appropriately when it comes to USA simply

With one week to go until lift off its time to start thinking of a weather report that includes a temp of < 20 degrees celsius in any 24 hr period! Darool Darool. Of course weather is a mixed bag and one needs to be careful what one wishes for. #beastfromeast When it comes to Winter in America am always trying to recapture the magic of February 2015 when the skies were blue, the ground was white, and the President was black. After all

So the acronym, which I thought was clever at the time and now stuck with, refers to not only the weather but also final destination of Baltimore, home of much acclaimed The Wire TV series. Ok not my best but then also included one warm and two cold destinations so not too smart in the clothes needed department either. I blame the Qld heat.

First up is San Diego. Have always wanted to go but basically California is Qld with the fan set on low so not great appeal but SD itself has a lot to offer and is not La La Land. Sadly still have to land at LAX of course and in what can only be described as late onset common sense cancelled my flight out with 3 hr window to a later flight with 6 hr window. This was before the Govt Shutdown and the prospect of dealing with pissed off, and deservedly so, TSA agents. Even when everyone is happy and clapping their hands 3 hrs is a bit toight. Of course now Qantas will arrive early, will fly through customs with my natural charm and wide eyed innocence and only have a mere 5 hrs to fill in. Frequent US travelers like moi would know that US airport lounges, and entry requirements, are very different to Aussie ones and think you have to be the pilot or at least first class to access the Admirals Lounge at American. My Ruby One World status wont cut it. First World problems, at least Govt is back open for a few weeks. SD has many attractions like USS Midway, Balboa Park and Zoo etc For me top of list is Hotel Del Coronado (Some Like it Hot) and Torrey Pines Golf Course. SD is not known for its public transport so will take some research to get to golf course in particular. Farmers Insurance Open is sadly on this weekend which is both good news and bad. Access would have been difficult but then may have seen The Striped One lurking on various hotel floors late at night. Will do a segway as is my go on Day 2 to get lay of land. Weather should not be an issue as rain is as rare as a republican majority in California

After a week of shorts and TShirts ( yeah duh) its up to LAX once more to waste time and money with an overnight stay at LAX hotel as Qantass only flies one service daily to NYC and it leaves at 8 am! If I can dump my bags early (with all my winter gear!) at airport may grab the thongs ( both foot and bot bot variety) and head to Santa Monica for afternoon. It a Piers there is plenty to see there. Here all week, try the veal, but then I fly out ok…..

Given the continual warnings about short term rentals in NYC have gone the Hotel option as really only choice. Its bent over the bonnet and chili on stick time but what can you do. Apartment rental problems are becoming an issue in many US cities now. Staying at The Beacon at Upper West Side or UWS as the cool dudes call it. Good location and of course NYC has excellent subway system although invariably walk most places anyway, weather dependent. As my 4th visit have done most of the tourist stuff but this time around have lined up for a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden on Valentines Day and then straight up the Empire State building to wait for Meg. With my luck, King Kong will turn up instead. Chances with either are about the same to be fair. Also have tickets to Daily Show and on wait list for Colbert Late Show. Throw in a full foodie tour through Brooklyn with the famous Ziggy and the days just fill themselves in. And still on prowl for Tina Fey sightings

After 8 nights time to train it down to Baltimore. Many ask why Baltimore? Why not I say. Did a day trip a few years ago and was tres impressed. Sadly it was a Monday so a lot was closed but this is the birthplace of Babe Ruth, the home of John Waters and resting place of Edgar Allan Poe. Thats an interesting golf foursome straight up. Plenty of great museums and now they have the only Guinness Brewery on mainland USA, admittedly a bit out of town. Throw in the Dentistry Museum with George Washingtons teeth and you soon realise a week really isnt long enough! Of course not planning on wandering the streets alone late at night as not the safest city in the world but then the last time I was up past 8 pm at night was with Meg on top of the Empire State building last week. Then it is the old train to NYC and two flights home deal to land in Brisvegas 4 days later or something

Am on the Qantass Dreamliner for all 4 flights and as is norm Premium Economy is the base plan these days. As have a few FF points accumulating have requested a few business class upgrades but doubt will have any success on the two long flights as they tend to be busy. Would be nice to try BC at least once on the Dreamliner as by all accounts is a very good product. As opposed to the PE which is not very good in the leg room caper apparently. All will be revealed. Please dont fret for me fans. Try and get some rest now because February will be an exciting month for y’all following my adventures