And so we slowly edge towards the end of my experimental stay and would deem it a success. Melboring is a great city especially on booteeful days. Less must see attractions than say Vegas but certainly plenty of great bars to partake in and around. With some great sport on next few days – Test Cricket and US Open golf – won’t be rushing out in the 4 degree mornings. Will still rush down to breakfast at 6:31 of course .
Once again a morning with nothing much planned turned into a wonderful few hours. First up a slow walk down to Shrine of Remembrance on a simply glorious day . It was brisk
Decided to check out Fed Square as some drums were beating. I felt a slight warmth on my forehead and a red laser focused there. Wow, CLP had upgraded her Find My app with the Find my Flash update and it works a treat. Apparently.
My dazzling smile reflected the laser like a mirror and quickly ducked away. Caught a tram up to Lygon Street even though only 0930. Pleasant walk with one or two cafes opened but no restaurants yet of course.
Time then to walk home in a leisurely stroll. Walking past State Library decided to stop and go in, sign a few of my unauthorised biographies, show Ned my tatt etc. Glad I did as very impressive place
It was now a tick past 11 am and thought rather than head home just yet why not check out the Duke of Wellington pub on Flinders as recall it has a rooftop bar. Once again, what an amazing place to have a drink . Even had a light lunch before heading home for a couple of hours chill. Do have my repeat visit to Fleet ( for happy hour ) at 4 pm after all
Duly arrived at 3:55 pm but lass was sticking to the rules so bye bye tip. To be fair do forget to tip much in Aussie and probably should in a Happy Hour
Went with the Holy Trifecta of cocktail, wine and martini because beer is so 2003. Threw some bread in to soak up the alcohol and worked a treat. Feel almost sensible as I swim across the Yarra to get home. Ahh……yes you could be right. I remember there was a bridge earlier
So another great day comes to an end . Loose plans tomorrow but will certainly be slower start as want to watch some golf. Then maybe check out the MCG precinct and see if any pigeons shitting on my statue .
Gave the gym a miss this morning as still a little seedy after last night 😏 Plan then will be to head down to St Kilda after breakfast for some fresh air and walking. The temperature at night in the room really is a pain despite AC etc.
Simply glorious morning especially down at the seaside. Not too clever catching an 8 am train with all the school kiddies but we live we learn. It was worth it to be at the beach nice and early. Very pleasant walk along esplanade and jetty
Ackland Street not quite as good as remember. Still plenty of cake shops but no great coffee outlets. Looking at the cafes would suggest the Italians have moved out. The locals did come out on the balcony to wave at least. Wouldn’t go there at night, enough druggies wandering around at 9 am!
Now I can take the thick jumper off and move to Tres Chic Golf attire to head back out . Not wasting this weather. Have changed my plane back on Saturday. For some reason booked a 13:20 flight out but have now switched to a more sensible 10:20 flight. Still allows for one last breakfast 👍🏻
Caught the tram down to Docklands to see some quirk and then plan was to walk back home and maybe a quick poke and a drink at Crown. You need a Crown Card to play and it took longer to sign up then to lose $30 😏
Afternoon plan then is to check out a couple of rooftop bars. Some don’t open until late so see how we go .
Love it when a plan comes together. Again
I do my research and the first factor is opening times duh. Then we look at mud map .Had 3 lined up within about 4 blocks . Sweet . First up is Morris House . Great start
Second choice was Imperial Hotel. Did I mention these places don’t tend to have lifts. Walked up 3 flights only to find it closed 😡 Ok , as number 3 didn’t open to 3 pm, back to maps. Ah good heavens there is one close by. Worth a go at the signature cocktail Blue Heaven.
Ok so it’s 3 pm , time for a spirit methinks at QT Rooftop. Then I saw the $15 cocktail special and couldn’t resist .
A sensible fellow would probably say well that was a good run. But really you are only young once . And that was 50 years ago so let’s rock. Dr Google gave some faint praise to Fleet Rooftop at the Vibe and was on way home honest Your Honour. What a stunning find. 22nd floor overlooking The Yarra and place to myself. Well apart from bar staff luckily. It’s just The Vibe man.
4 by 4 was quite impressive and wobbly boot firmly attached. The he bought out the Happy Hour Menu
I stayed strong but only being a 10 min walk max so said book me in for 4:01 pm tomorrow Chauncey. The problem then will be staying sober tomorrow until then. It’s been a magic 24 hrs really
Melbourne has been great and would suggest The Experiment has been a success. Truth be told though may be hard to fill in next 48 hrs productively. Pub Crawls are fine but not day after day. The other issue , as occurs overseas as well, is I am a morning person and nothing opens before 10 am. Maybe try Lygon Street tomorrow. Time will tell . There will certainly be a gym visit first up
Not quite as good sleep last night – mostly a mix of temperature and sacks of hay impersonating pillows. Do like how most TVs in hotels now have stream cast so just cast Netflix et al from iPad and settle in. Hopefully weather starts to ease today with last of showers and also dwindling crowds. No one in gym again at 530 am so that is good. Bunch of Woosies. Usual breakfast at 630 am and stand guard on the Toaster 😡 Was impressed yesterday when lady at entrance remembered my name and took me to my usual seat in the lonely loser section. Light breakfast again today and then it’s off to the the museum to get my blocks off
Mix of walking and trams as up near Lygon street. After being enthralled for 27 mins no doubt will then head into Lygon Street for a coffee methinks. Other plan today is the Whiskey Wobbler Wander at 5pm which leaves a lot of day to fill in . The longer I stay out in any one hit the harder to dress correctly. At least last time I looked there was no National Guard on the street shooting at reporters so Melbourne is winning over my usual LA at present😏
A truly glorious morning and a tad brisk initially. Caught tram up to Museum and nearly fainted when I saw the crowd mingling. Turns out the Uni across the quadrangle from museum was starting exams . In a sign of times all phones were being checked on entry
Rather poorly organised in the Museum but maybe because first timed entry for day. They book in every 15 mins so had about 20 in my group I guess. Had to sit through a 5 min video and then let loose. Truly amazing work – 8 million bricks and 25000 man hours. Surely they wouldnt miss a couple 🥸It’s a very interactive display and you are encouraged to build models as you go which seems odd if next crowd only 15 mins behind you. Pass. It is impressive how easily you recognise someone like Adam Driver in Lego.
The Star Wars chess set in the gift shop was brilliant . Overall a very impressive display but glad I went in first group. Nerds and Geeks everywhere. While close to Lygon Street it was a bit early to do justice and as an easy tram trip will do another day. Instead did a 10 min walk to old fave Seven Seeds in Carlton
Another 10 min walk to Queen Victoria markets but really zero interest. Did pick up a nice roll for lunch and then caught tram back to Flinders Street. 3 hrs on feet , even if not walking, is limit for ankle and toes. Back to chill for an hour or two and then maybe back across the river to check out a roof top bar. Cloud is rolling in but no rain likely.
Me always do research – things don’t just happen. Seems the best rooftop bars don’t open until Wednesday so move to Plan B – the old Holmes Watson double act . First up Sherlock Holmes is an old style British Pub downstairs so sadly no soap in bathrooms 😏Located on Collins street it was quite crowded which is the norm I imagine at 130 pm . Went with the Badger Fursty Ferrett amber ale and was fine
Remembering the Whiskey Wobbler ( WW) is still upcoming time to head upstairs to Dr Watson bar for a cocktail as they have less alcohol right 🤔 Spicy Margarita hit the spot and then a pleasant walk home and relax for a couple more before heading out.
Let’s lighten the mood with a John Oliver /John Stewart double
Well the Wobbler was memorable. Glad I took a lot of photos so I can remember tomorrow. Pretty good value really at $120 as each cocktail alone is around $26. First up was Pearl Diver which only found out today opened at 4 pm. A Festivus miracle. Sadly Muff Diver next door was closed but had an oyster so you know……🤓Ouch.
Friendly staff and nice and quiet at 4:03 pm. Took my time as next one didn’t open until 5 pm but in another Festivus miracle it was open at 4:50 pm as I stumbled in. All of these bars have a Speakeasy feel certainly but could be worth a return visit. The cocktail here was amazing with the preparation. Nick and Nora’s is a keeper
Lordy Lordy it was almost dark as I approached the last one Eau de Vie behind a non descript brown door. The alcohol was great again including a spooky Deerstalker which you can drink like a baby’s cup . As it was getting busier the attention was less forthcoming or else probably could have kicked on. Not sure be across the river at night much but wisely headed home. Reckon I will find my hotel sooner or later
And so another great day with some booked events . Rest of stay more relaxed and if weather good may head down to St Kilda tomorrow. It is Wednesday so that does mean full hot breakfast of course
Wow , looks like I shaved off my beard without realising….oh well. The Showgirls approve
Better nights sleep – less alcohol on board – but still leaves you with problem of what to do at 430 am on a drizzly dark morning. One advantage of travelling solo is can get up whenever you want , tell the showgirls to go home, and turn some lights on . Downside of course is laundry seems to keep piling up for some reason 👀 Let’s have a laugh…..jeans could be worth a go for $16.
Did someone say gym🤔 Probably full of yuppies but worth a look . Yay only one yuppie and a handsome devil as well. And some cricket on as well. Side note – watched Channel 7 News last night and sport didn’t even mention NRL games played yesterday🤦🏻♂️ . Keep SOO in Brisbane and Sydney and leave the other clowns with their nonsense. Rant over. For now.
Thoughtful to have a bowling alley down the middle. Well, that filled in 35 mins . Let’s check that radar again .
Screenshot
Well, this just feels personal now. Anyhoo it was predicted and should start to clear out tomorrow. Today also being a public holiday may be restrictive. There are plenty of events on each month in town and easy to find a lot of info. Arranged alphabetically so let’s start with A. Alcohol . Spooky .
So, plenty of themed events and the first one that stood out was a Peanut Butter flavoured Espresso Martini at any of the 5 Riverland locales along the Yarra for $16 . Now that is spooky . Clean jeans or Clean tonsils 🤓Now I have applied a stringent mathematical formula for this taking into account location, ambience, food options, showgirl availability and it finally came down to The Boatbuilders at South Wharf . Why you ask? Well it was the only one that opened at 10 am duh 🕺🏻
“All day every day from Sunday, June 1 to Monday, June 30, you’ll be able to order and sip classic espresso martinis (made with Absolut vodka, Kahlua and fresh espresso) and the shaken-up spin of peanut butter espresso martinis (Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Kahlua and fresh espresso) or a Baby G Shot (made with Kahlua and Bumbu cream). No matter the venue, the martinis are $16 each and $30 for two, while the shot is $10.”
Who knew G Spots could reproduce 🤓 Time for some breakky then but going light today. 2 pieces of toast and some Bircher muesli. Put the toast on the slow toast rack and get my bowl of muesli ready. Back to toaster and only one piece🤔 Look around and some clown loading up bacon and eggs …… on a piece of nice brown toast. Hey pal did you take my toast ? Oh sorry yes. FMS . Always amazed at how the little old Asian ladies can load and empty massive plates of food all the while yabbering to each other . Back to room and chill for an hour and watch end of Canadian Open golf.
And it went to a 3 hole playoff! Have a self guided walking/wobbling Whiskey tasting tour lined up for Wednesday night so thought would check out the 3 locales. About a 20 min walk but all close to each other. Glad checked them out as quite obscure little places. Of course half way through the rain came back so ducked into a nearby coffee shop owned by Top Gun himself. Forgot the old PH trick…
Then it was time to head over to DFO . Not many people realise that stands for David Ferguson Obviously. Time to catch first tram of the day as still bleak and ankle a bit testy . Went past my stop but maybe should not have pulled the Emergency Stop. Fair call Your Honour
Shop first or drink 🤔 Sometimes I crack myself up. It was 10:01 afterall
Ya cant go wrong with Kahlua eh. Actually the EM was a little strong but me no complain. Then into my own Outlet as looking for some new jeans. Not sure what CLP does with them in the washing but they always seem to shrink over time. 🤓 Now I know da ladies complain about body shaming etc but seriously went to Just Jeans and biggest size they have is 38. I am usually a 40 with a tail wind so said that was odd. She suggested I go next door to Johnny Big . Well you can get fucked sweetheart . Went down to Levi’s and found a pair of 40 . They were in a glass case marked 1980 exhibit but still bought them. Then I got Richard Gere ( in town for the footy ) , my new hat and went back to Just Jeans ….
Speaking of the footy big crowd in town for AFL blockbuster today. Looks like weather may be clearing a bit too. Looked for a Big Freeze beanie but haven’t found one yet . Does make me realise afternoon sun does come streaming through my window.
Rather quiet afternoon then as let the crowds move on and the weather fully clear. Hit the ground walking tomorrow and building an itinerary block by block starting with…..wait for it…. The Star Wars Lego exhibition at The Museum of Boring Crap at 9 am. Have moved the Whiskey Wobbler forward a night now so just have to fill in the day but will have to visit animal refuge at some stage. Finally found that Sheila so now I need a cunning plan
So we have a salad in fridge for dinner , must be time for today’s cocktail at Aria. Not my best choice – a rather bland Mohito
Down to $46.50 left . Time to look forward to rest of today
No big hassles noise wise with guests but Southbank rocks early evening especially on a Saturday night. First night always tough as usually lousy pillows ✅ soft bed ✅no sheets just one doona ✅and cant get AC right ✅ It’s just lucky I am an easy going relaxed kinda guy. Who said ya can’t do a city justice on 3 hrs sleep. At least it is a relaxing room for sitting with very comfy extended chair. Shan’t give away the room number in case lurking lasses but will give a clue
I am the one on the right smart ass 😏 5 am update
First plan today then is to check out my free daily breakfast in on site Melba Restaurant. Sadly not open until 630 am . If was not raining would go for a walk first but for now let’s get the lay of the land. Now what was her room number again….
On my short walk yesterday found an entrance/exit on 10 th floor that comes out in Southgate under cover rather than the front entrance out in the open. Could come in handy with weather forecast. The real problem – am I right ladies – is dressing oneself. The room is positively toasty, the restaurant warm bread , outside is brisk , and as for Kyneton well who knows especially as an hour train ride first . Layers is the go as one does in NYC etc unless Trump has banned layers thinking it was related to bird flu. I have heard of 4 seasons in one day but not just to leave the hotel 🤔
You will shocked and amazed to know I was first at breakfast. Luckily there were no “ eating soon” announcements to get the morons lining up. Singapore breakfasts were great but this is right up there and feel very comfortable because once again all the staff are Asian 😁Will be interesting to see if busy earlier on work days. This could get dangerous after 7 days and not easy to walk it off in this weather . Have to go back to room for another layer for starters 😏
Good walk considering but rain always threatening . Hope it goes away by 10 am for walk to railway station . And it did. Now how to dress . Let’s check current temp , especially that pesky “ feels like” number. Hmm, some gloves and beanie would have been a smart pack
Crowded train but trip only just over an hour. Must be some event like a Comic Con on in Melbourne today because there were a lot of folk heading away from station and every second one in an outfit . Weather for the most part held off. Certainly brisk and dank but we even fitted in a short walk after a little swallow. Probably a rude joke in there but I am too mature to say it . Lovely catch up with JL and a very tasty lunch in a very crowded little town
Even though crowded there did appear to be a GQ shoot going on in the Main Street. Now ladies , have to warn you not to stare too long and of course don’t scan the code because that removes the clothes…….hey it was 3 degrees ok !
Train trip home a bit quieter and back in a dry Melbourne by 3:30 pm. The 20 min walk home will be good after a lot of seating and a lovely lunch. I suspect there could be a cocktail in near future and a very light dinner in room.
Damn I am good . Had a mango rumbo at Aria on site as have $100 to spend and with what they charge should run out Tuesday . Then went for another walk in light drizzle and picked up some Sushi for dinner
And that is Day 2 done and dusted. Have a couple of things lined up during week but tomorrow will still a bit free and easy as public holiday and still some rain around.
As USA continues under the Orange Junta any plans to visit USA this year , or indeed next 3 years, were shelved for time being. With my tatts and Trump with a magic marker I could end up in El Salvador as an MS13 member. I certainly wouldnt give them access to my social media – not that I could stop them of course. How will my fans cope let alone moi. ?
So while enjoying recent trips to Brisvegas with CLP always still the lure of a solo trips to big cities in cool weather. Melboring in June seemed like a sensible start. Of course prices in Aussie major cities are quite close to USA really especially for accommodation. That is before you factor in the exchange rate of course. Mind you , could stay in Las Vegas in a great room for same AUD as Sydney or Melbourne. Just have that pesky 14 hr flight and US customs and Showgirls knocking on my door at 3 am to deal with 🕺🏻.You could even argue crime is certainly on the rise in Melboring but as with USA some common sense usually is all you really need. You cant even grow sugar cane in the suburbs anymore due to the draconian machete ban @betootaadvocate
Part of logic also is to try and maintain Qantas FF Silver status although with limited future travel plans not sure why . So a return trip to Melboring in June in BC and another to Sydney in September will achieve that. If I get to keep my business fares of course. 🤞
Staying at usual go to in Melboring – The Langham at Southbank. Weather forecast for first few days is not great but you know what they say about Melbourne weather. Its crap. Got a good deal with Qantas Hotels with daily breakfast and a bottle of champers on arrival – at hotel not airport I assume 🤓 Of course will see what actually is the deal when arrive. At this stage just hope still have my BC seat on way down as have been shafted before and not in the good way. Will wear long sleeves so dont look like a gang member. Last gang I belonged to was the Pathology We Aint Working at Hervey Bay Pal back in the late 90s. No tatts just attitude….
Of course as I decide to head south for the winter Maryhole starts to turn on QLD winter days at last . Single digit overnight, clear blue skies and 22 max daytime. Next week it will likely be cooler overnight in Maryhole than Melboring !
Down to Flashman Inc on Friday to grab some clothes and tell CLP the bad news – I am only gone for a week. The Ponderosa is having some internal woody type stuff done for next 3 weeks or so and she will need to be out of house during week so she is heading to Coolum for first week. Think she is just trying to be a little closer to me really . Lovely weather so let’s crank up the first fire of the season
Good run down and easy park had me at airport in plenty of time. Some renovations at Brisbane Domestic but Qantas still has premium entry bag drop and screening so in Business Lounge with just over 3 hrs to fill in and bar is closed 🕺🏻 Must be breakfast time then
Clearly 3 hrs is too long to spend in a lounge with a closed bar. Time for a slow walk. Plane boarded on time and am at the pointiest end of a pointy plane. Group 1 boarding…. But still 17 people lined up as soon as boarding soon sign went up 🤦🏻♂️. Have one of those chatty Cathy type flight attendants so even though in first row still waited 20 mins after trolley came out for service. Could fly a man to drink.
So I did. Only did 2 of the trifecta – beer and spirits no wine -because as you age you get wiser. Not sure why mind you with a car booked when I arrive in Melboring
in the category of let’s complain because I can – seems odd on a 2.5 hr flight with lunch no tea or coffee served 😏 Landed on time and good run into city had me decamped on the 19 th floor by 3 pm. Thought I would at least get a room. Boom Boom. Room is fine , just suspect could be a rowdy night, already seen one wedding party on my floor and the hotel is buzzing. Will be glad when weekend is over.
I went for a walk to get some supplies like milk. It is great area but just starting to sprinkle. It is great to be back in an old style hotel with drawers and bedside clock ! Might settle in now with my Champers and a take away easy dinner. Plenty of good channels on the TV. Wonder where that Sheila went to though 🤓
Off to Kyneton tomorrow by train for lunch with John and Lorraine. Guess it can’t hurt to check weather although much the same as Melbourne I guess …….
Weather seems quite changeable. Certainly fooled the forecasters. Shocked I tell ya. Morning looks ok for now and maybe worst weather now tomorrow afternoon. Time then for morning walk and coffee. Excellent choice of El Cafe off Commercial Road.
Fairly loose plans today and will head over to Gasworks – and hope it does 😏 – for a more substantial breakfast before heading back into CBD for more relaxed wander. A light lunch today and then a quiet afternoon before heading off for our dinner tonight. There could be some laundry involved but don’t want to get my hopes up early.
Oddly enough a suitable breakfast place was difficult to find but ended up down near Teneriffe at Caffeine Espresso. Very tasty Turkish breakfast treats and a couple of refreshing smoothies. We refused caffeine or espresso just to be contrary. Living life on the edge baby
We then caught Glider into town for a moderately successful shopping trip but by now ankle was giving grief and no tattoo parlours were open. Headed home for a relaxing afternoon with some sushi for lunch. Public transport in Brisvegas is excellent . Weather was excellent rest of day so pleasant walk up to Ros Marino after our last free drink at Kaz Bar of course 🕺🏻
We were having Degustation and it was excellent . Didn’t go with matching wines but we didn’t miss out . Service superb too of course . Thanks Rick and Jess, it only took 18 months but we got there.
Once again supposed to be raining again today but morning looks ok. A tad seedy so quite morning before heading over to Munchkin Town after checkout at 11. One last continental breakfast then. With any luck will be served by 11 am 😏. One last walk and coffee around Teneriffe while weather holds and then time to hit the road . Hopefully pick girls up from school if not raining
Smooth checkout and overall a highly recommended hotel. Quick trip to RJER to decamp for night and then head out for lunch nearby. A relaxing couple of hours then before up to school to collect girls. Then a lovely few hours with girls to tire them out so we can get them to bed early 🙌🏻 Well that was the plan. I know I was tired 👨🏻🦳
That reminds me, must be time to get Rubes down off roof. No wonder she has been quiet. Once again not a drop of rain.
Early start on road to Woomby on Saturday to spend relaxing day with family. First up was to watch Ryan go through some basketball drills . I wore thongs to give him a chance . Organised chaos maybe best explains young kids all shooting at same time.
We then travelled 100 m down road for a late breakfast and coffee at Urban Grounds and Tony joined so good chance to have a chat . Then we walked across road to some more beautiful gardens as weather had cleared nicely. Toowoomba has always been a beautiful city.
Unfortunately kids soccer was off due to overnight rain so we all headed over to Tonys for lunch. But first was the Pictionary Playoff to decide washing up duties . Great fun. Plates go in which cupboard then ?
Rest of family then arrived for a lovely BBQ lunch and some more hoops . The food may have slowed me down . For letting them win they had to pose for a photo so were thrilled of course.
Time then to check into our hotel for a relaxing few hours before dinner on site in restaurant. It’s a great room but as feared does seem a bit close to range Highway. Hopefully noise settles a bit at night. To be fair it is all double glazed but am sensitive to noise. No I’m not .
Perfectly acceptable meal at hotel restaurant and a short walk home. Basic Counter Meal fare even if they think they are a bit fancy
Sleep was ok, enough that not a zombie today but wouldn’t really recommend this particular room noise wise. Off for breakfast then with a 15 min stroll to Cafe 63 and then one last quick visit with Tony and family before heading down the range to Burbank, not California , for lunch. Coolish morning of course with once again threat of rain later . Filling breakfast and then headed over to Tony’s for one last visit . Good run down had us ready to hook in. So we did
Good run home to Flashman Inc as the sun sets on a great week. Just leaves drill baby drill tomorrow to look forward to and then straight home to Maryhole.
Autumn is a pleasant time in Qld as temps start to drop but not very quickly! Of course constant rain on and off doesnt help. Big birthday coming up for Claude (95) this year so thought we would spend a few days in Brisvegas around a couple of birthday events and also squeeze in a day trip and overnight stay in Toowoomba to catch up with some of six pack. Seems like about 17 birthdays in Ferguson family in May so great to catch up. General plan than is down to Brisvegas on Tuesday and stay at Ovolo in The Valley for 3 nights . Have lunch with birthday boy on Wednesday and then some Munchkin Minding on Friday night before out to Toowoomba for Saturday. Then it’s back to Burbank, not California, for family lunch on Sunday. Icing on the cake then will be Dental visit on Monday:)
Down mid morning on Tuesday and room ready at Ovolo in The Valley. Knobber Knobber. Trying something a bit different this time to usual CBD. First impressions are good. Quiet in a good location. Simple but spacious room. Again no drawers for clothes !
Weather still holding so out for a reconnoiter and some lunch. Plenty of options close by but opted for Sushi and Technology. Love the little robot servers and no tariffs yet.
We also receive a couple of free drinks each night in bar so this afternoon plan will revolve around that. Just have to shake CLP so I can have both – ooh look honey, a scrapbook emporium 🤓. Much like free “continental” breakfast each day – give it a go eh. Plenty of coffee places nearby of course as well.
Good walk around Teneriffe this afternoon before hooking into our free drinks at Kaz Bar adjacent. Then we started the Italian theme this week at Tartufu next door and it was excellent. Figs in Prosciutto, Pizza and Tearifimissu. Separate plates for each would have been smart in hindsight. A couple of Italian reds to wash it down of course.
Good effort for first day . Time for some sleep before a full day tomorrow with La Famiglia. See, Italian theme.
Not great nights sleep but certainly a quiet room at this stage. As weather still holding off time for morning constitutional. Nah, nothing….ok let’s go for a walk 😏Its a great area to walk around and plenty of coffee shops to choose from so after walking for 30 mins we settled on the one next to our hotel serving Campos coffee.🕺🏻 Tasted more like Compost, a different option tomorrow looms. More of a walk and then into our free continental breakfast. When we walked into Tartufu last night we knew service would be excellent and we were correctum. Walking into on site breakfast room just knew exact opposite and were right again. Our clown waiter seems to struggle with concept of our included breakfast deal . Eventually it clicked in and then we waited at least 20 mins for chef to open packet. There were only 8 people in the restaurant and 4 of them were staff. I did see our breakfast ready to be delivered for at least 5 mins but again nothing. Eventually came out and it was fine for the deal. We probably won’t come back. As about to leave two more diners came in , keeping total number at 8 😏 Waitress arrived with menus and said there was “a 20 min wait on food “ 🤦🏻♂️
The deal here is great though through Qantas Hotels. It was $330 pn – cheap for Brisvegas trust me – and included daily breakfast and two drinks free, roughly $70 per day free.
Head into town then around 9 am for a little light shopping and then onto Claude’s for lunch. Expecting Italian people and food this time. Forgot how long the river cat takes to get to North Quay so by time we got there basically walked down town to Central and on train to Claude’s. Did pass under the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge while looking at Bluey on a Gray day. Spooky .
Lovely lunch at Claude’s with some Italian food , a few beers and some red stuff. Must be time for a lie down but probably should go back to hotel first.
Still no rain to speak of so a couple of quite hours before heading out to Wild Legs and back on Wobbly Legs. It’s a local new wine bar which tickled our fancy on our wander yesterday . But was closed Tuesdays…
Bit of a disappointment to be fair. Tables are small and “ wine by the glass “ options – its main advertised feature – limited. The Chacuterie board was fine but small. We only had one glass and then headed back to Kaz Bar for our freebie. Light rain had started and so we danced home under our twirling umbrellas.
And so the first two jam packed days conclude. Main highlight tomorrow is a fancy schmancy dinner at Ros Marino Ristorante courtesy of RJER. Don’t mean they are cooking it but we are using their gift voucher at last !
Well it’s Easter time again which means Fergella 25 is about to kick off at Flashman Inc, Plenty Sunshine Coast. Think pushing Easter back a couple of weeks has confused Old Whiskers as looking like a ball tearer weather wise this weekend. I took the deluxe 4 night package with undercover parking , box of tissues and pool view. I came down a day early to help with all the work and preparation. Here I am testing pool temperature for the girls and of course will have to test throughout day for subtle variations. It’s the little things that count
CLP of course was whipping up a storm in the kitchen but first time to prepare the old Pass the Parcel not forgetting the old trick of wrapping the best present in alfoil so the girls pick it.
Not suggesting they will be happy when find out it is a beetroot but they will certainly be surprised 🤓This year the theme is Halloween. Apparently
Ruby’s favourite colour is orange so I suggested we cut up pieces of pumpkin and leave them out on Sunday rather than Easter Eggs. Talk about a laugh. At this stage CLP needs a bit more convincing. And so, on Friday most of the gang arrive for the 48 hrs of festivities. Main event is lunch on Saturday where we will be joined by Claude and Michael to bring grand tally to 10 adults and two munchkins.
Fair to say not top of my game but slowly improving each day. It will be fist bumps all round am afraid ladies. Been sick since two days after Singapore so basically two weeks now. Of most concern is a lack of taste ! Friday has dawned booteeful again as predicted so out to pool soon to soak up some rays which does help. Then there is only job left – get to the good chair before that darn dog goes 😏
Gang started arriving mid morning and TB are past masters at van set up . RJER spent morning at beach but all arrived by lunchtime to start festivities with a lovely relaxing lunch and a couple of cold ones. Well can’t hurt eh
CLP wanted to get a jumping castle for the girls but I suggested a cheaper alternative that served two purposes – free rides and pick some fruit. Tomorrow we turn on the blades as well 👀
By now it was getting a bit chilly so of course Rubes wanted to go for a swim and Old Muggins lined up again 😏
First night drinkies of course are Aperol Spritzers for starters
Being Good Friday it was seafood night. I saw food so I ate it . Yummy prawns and Parrot fish. The feathers were interesting must say. Ricky Boy supplied the Tear a Missyou for dessert which was also yummo. I could see a pattern developing here . Late onset Diabetes.
And then they bought out the Rum liqueurs. Not sure how many I had but an Angel appeared by the pool 👀
Think there may have been an overflow effect as well as sure I saw an Easter Bunny in my room next morning and it’s only Saturday ! And she didn’t bring any chocolate! Just what the world needs, a health conscious Easter Bunny
Another glorious morning saw some more pool time while some guests were more adventurous and went to gym or for a run. Out last guests arrived by 11 am for midday lunch but a couple of cold ones first before usual wonderful spread
Some new entertainment this year with egg and spoon race of the seated variety. Well some of us are 94! It was the younguns that took out the prize – their very own plastic spoon.
A leisurely afternoon then before we settle in for a drink and left overs later . Hopefully an early night as big morning tomorrow.
Woke up early next morning and back in Africa it seems as there was a herd of elephants in room above. The stampeding herd ran down the steps and the hunt was on as first light was detected . My ankle held me back but did alright.
Pretty good haul for elephants in pink pyjamas. Just leaves a leisurely breakfast and then a pack up and decamp. Now some merch to shift. Sadly as they are painted by penguins on Heard Island there will be a 10% tariff this year. $33.75 signed and delivered.
Actually it wasnt a wrap but a very tasty breakfast pastry at 5 am over Birdsville but I digress.
When last we left our hero he had the Wobbly Boot adjacent and nearly as full as a State School hat rack. Then some sanity kicked in. Well I felt a shoe on my ass from somewhere 🤷🏻♂️
Was a bit concerned about the security screening at gate and possible boarding group 6 as in last with no group listed on our pass . Fell for that trick before and didnt mean they bought you out a wheelchair for early entry 😏 Instead we arrived at 7:45 pm boarding time, screened in 10 mins, boarded by row so actually seated at 8 pm. Flight backed out around 840 pm and then longest taxi to our runway I have ever experienced had us being whacked in the back about 9:03 pm. The service and food on flight over was excellent but this was a different story and mostly due to time of flight I suspect. You get a bottle of water after 15 mins and then they start dinner 15 mins later with no round of drinks first which of course makes sense. We were in economy exit row so leg room was great but tray table unstable. I called it my Trump Tray and wish he could be folded away so easily. On trip over beef was tender and moist, this time we got the shoe leather . The dessert was rubbish and altogether a tasteless dinner was a difficult eating proposition. And no ice cream 20 mins later . Next thing was the breakfast pastry about 6 hrs later. Of course all this makes sense in a way but does remind me dont fly economy at night over >3 hrs and maybe just dont fly at night if possible. Not possible of course with long flights eg USA and Orange Dipstick just added a 20% tariff on our flights so will take 2 hrs longer now anyway 🤔. Of course no trip to USA planned anytime soon. So in summary todays decree is never going to NYC again and never flying in USA in Economy ever. So next trip will probably be to NYC in Economy in 2026 🤓
Rough flight where you doze off for 10 mins fully seated and wake up with a start. Leads to a very sore neck for this LBD. Arrived on time in Brisvegas under leaden skies and immigration easy. Do like the digital declaration Qantas and Brisvegas are trialling. Car was still there so home to Flashman Inc for a break and unpack and make sure CLP knows which clothes need starch etc. Am thoughtful like that. Plan was to have a rest or even a daytime sleep as quite fuzzy headed by now with headaches but that never works so back on road about 930 am for drive home to Maryhole in persistent light rain. Of course when i say road…..
Rest of day spent mostly in lounge chair where probably caught 75% of shows in between drifting in and out of sleep. Finally in bed by 6:15 pm and slept pretty well until 430 am so got up and went to gym and then a good coffee at last. I have my routine that I like . Will be another 24 hrs before my full routine will be back if ya get my drift and then I wont feel so full hopefully. Still raining on and off here for another day I imagine.
So, wont bother with Flashies on such a short trip but just general comments and heaps of photos 🙂
Singapore is an impressive city – very clean and safe. Weather is a shocker but you know that going in
Hotel was great location and impressive structure . Rooms quite basic for the price but functional. Pool was great and breakfast buffet superb as was service there and maid service. All other service poor
Singapore Flyer worth the money for the views alone. The area by the Esplanade is a beautiful place to spend some time and do a few laps in the bay
The walk around Marina gave some magnificent vistas that will never tire off and a few quirks which will never forget
Of course the trip was planned around surprise birthday for brother Freddo turning 70. It was a massive achievement by his better half Lorraine to organise all this and look of surprise on his face was priceless. He couldnt believe I was only 3 years younger! Then we made him wear the shirt . We had 90 mins at Portmans bar which allowed for one drink but nothing else and then walked around for some dinner before returning to their room for some Scotch as you do
As is always the case by the time you leave the place you have all the transport, eating and shopping down pat and have to say the below grounds malls and walkways were great especially in this weather. Luckily always plan the drinking before arriving. An unexpected highlight unfolded on Saturday as we looked to have a drink anywhere but on site. I proposed Excise Man Whiskey and Wine Bar across the road near the esplanade and the rest is history. Legend Status granted. Simply wonderful couple of hours in relaxed comfort and luxurious surroundings. Service was superb
We had a couple of trips to Bay of Gardens during stay and certainly an impressive place up close. The double ticket for Flower Dome and Cloud Forest was especially good value. Easy access by MRT although did walk first day mostly under a trance as approached the amazing Marina Bay Sands.
Of course the main event was Sunday Brunch at The Fullerton , about a 15 min walk from our hotel on a warm day. Its a great spread and always enjoyable spending time with family and friends around a lunch table with endless alcohol . The dessert bar in particular impressed
We did a van tour on the last full day there and saw some interesting cultural areas of town you probably would normally miss as well as the always excellent Botannical Gardens. Informative driver in a comfortable van made for a pleasant and relaxing day . Visited some great and varied temples – Indian, Arab and Chinatown. The trifecta of fascinating cultures from countries have no interest in visiting. Spooky
The final highlight was somewhat unexpected as we headed off in general direction of Esplanade for dinner on Monday and someone suggested Gluttons Bay on Pissed Promenade so thought why not. Basically upmarket Street Food stalls in clean and comfortable surroundings . The Tower (s)of Beer was a particular highlight and a perfect ending to our time together as a group
In classic holiday style you feel ready to come home after a busy 5 days and as soon as you arrive home you miss the place and the company. Would I go back ? No. Am I glad I went? OATH .
I’ll drink to that
Oops wrong photo
Oops wrong photo
Ahh…..
CLP is taking me to NYC for my 70th (in business class) but I don’t really expect anyone more distant than 3rd cousin to attend 🕺🏻
flashman181 