flashman181

Weekend at Bernies

Posted: May 23, 2016 in Travel

Back in my productive era, and especially in the 80s, we regularly interacted with Company Reps as they traveled the state peddling their wares. These were good times with no FBT or Drink Driving laws. Ok, one of them is a sensible law true. No work was done after 5 pm but plenty of play and so originated the best morning after diet – TCTS and a quart of strawberry milk around 10 am the next day. Of course back then, like with most things sadly, could go again the next night …….. One such rep was Bernie Cooper and so when planning a weekend touring the South Burnett Wine region with CLP were pleasantly surprised to see he and wife Judy now run a Winery and B&B. If you are going to do justice to a winery visit then I think a bed on site is a must. And a short walk downhill to such lodgings

http://cranewines.com.au/

Of course first up was a visit to the Grandsprogs and there is a smattering of them in Toowoomba. It was Jessica’s birthday last week and Pat the Lad’s this week. Caught up with D2 as well and then started the trek with a sadly sick (and getting worse) CLP as my tour guide and navigator. She was so sick that she was my Girl Friday but didnt turn up until Saturday! So ensuring she only coughed to the left we headed off to first stop Bunnyconellen where there was not a rabbit in sight. Low energy place but lovely hosts and so hooked into first wine for the day. And an olive for the protein value. Then onto Kingaroy and the Taste South Burnett store in town. Sort of a multi cellar door for those that cant be half assed to drive down a dirt road to an actual cellar door. Our host Shannon could talk under wet cement if only to highlight the year and texture of the gravel but we had a very enjoyable ploughmans lunch. Bet he was pissed off when he came back to his table and saw his lunch gone but this is the country fella. Then onto our winery and our wonderful hosts. Unpack and hook into the cellar door as you do but had to take it easy as had a special dinner (with hosts) planned that night and given our location driving would be involved. However I am a gracious guest if nothing else so when Bernie suggested we have a drink before we head out I could hardly say no. Let alone speak. So our little group of 4 shared two bottles of the local bubbles and then headed off for dinner at the rather amazing Cassis at Booie. If you ever get the chance go there, it is simply excellent fare and great value

http://www.cassisrestaurant.com.au/

Next morning we woke up. Surprisingly. Today was a driving tour of wineries on da loop through Moffatdale but first a visit to the Lavender Farm. Prince would have been happy and we did see the only gay in the village. And we had lavender scones for some reason. Still picking it out of my teeth but my breath is to die for. Then onto our first winery – Clovelly Estate – which despite big signs on main road saying “OPEN” it was in fact closed once you drove down obligatory dirt road. Ok, early on. Next onto Bridgeman Downs with clear sign stating “Cellar Door Open”. Sounds promising. “Ah no sir we can only sell wine with food”. What is this?? Have I passed through a wormhole and entered the fucking cheese shop sketch from Monty Python? This crap could drive me to drink. If only I could find one! They say the third is the charm and for once they were right. We went onto Dusty Springfields Winery on a Hill and had a great time at cellar door and then onto lunch at Prendergast’s Irish Tavern on site. All that was left then was complete the loop back through Wondai et al and a last stop at the Peanut Van. I naturally assumed it would be in the shape of a cashew but was sadly disappointed. Time then for a relaxing few hours back home before we ate our hot breakfast pack from that morning for dinner as you do when you have a big one the night before. BBQ on site and even had some left over for breakfast next morning before hitting the road and heading home to Flashman Inc @ Sunshine Coast

Was a lovely weekend and would highly recommend visiting the region and both staying at winery and eating at Cassis. This will become a regular weekend retreat for us methinks when time, money and liver allow. Sadly CLP did not improve over the weekend so had her put down the next day

And by down I mean tucked up in bed with butter menthols and a box of tissues. All I needed was ear plugs.

The Week that Was 15.5.16

Posted: May 14, 2016 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Winter is coming. Actually it has come and gone. Two cool nights were enough to suck this LBD into getting the flanno sheets and PJs out so now we have a sauna at night. Still it was glorious while it lasted especially early in the morning out on the golf course. Speaking of which I now have to relearn the SFM handshake having come into 9, if only momentarily

In other sporting news the field was cleared for Parra to come storming home . And then they tripped over the first hurdle. 12/15 suddenly became 12/14 but suggest they really start worrying when it becomes 9/7 because maths has never been their strong point. Apparently. Barnyard Nodick pulled out early from the Olympics and Australians rejoiced. If only his father had done the same 24 yrs ago. Mind you the Rio Olympics site at present looks like the municipal dump after a heavy downpour so cant expect our millionaire “amateur sportsmen” to risk it just for the glory. Then they have the chance of getting a little prick from something of the small and flying variety and one thing we dont need is any more pricks causing nuisance in our national sporting teams. Golf moves to TPC Sawgrass this weekend with the final 3 holes coming a close second behind Augusta Back 9 as the must see viewing event for the plaid pant clad brigade. Jason had a Day out in round one – yep I can do the corny one liners with the best of them

In TV land Good Wife ended with a slap more than a bang. General consensus was it was not a great series finale but not Dexter bad. A few loose ends left hanging but it was a great 7 season run with some of the best recurring guest characters going around. Locally Stan released their first original with a 6 parter Wolf Creek yarn. It was more a “tough girl” story than the original two movies but a worthy addition to the catalogue and will always applaud Stan and Netflix for original material, especially when a local flavour. Certainly 10 times better than all the reality crap that keeps getting served up as “new programming” I would suggest a crossover show that would be a massive hit. The loser each night on The Bachelor et al has to go on a date with Mick Taylor. To the Outback. One Way. The Americans is currently the best drama on TV and even had a dragon until Martha left 🙂 GOT continues its slooooooooow build for the season. With the third episode HBO indicated they were getting serious about the piracy issue. Luckily your average pirate is a lot smarter than Johnny Depp and certainly less arrogant.

Always looking for an excuse to tap into Ant’s cellar and this weekend we came up with Claude’s Birthday bash. The gang gathered and drank and ate and then drank some more. Started with the Penfolds Bin 389 circa 1997. It was so old that my LFTs were still normal when first bottled. In what was becoming a theme then moved on to the 2000 vintage and then 2006. After 3 bottles I thought I better leave the cellar and actually join the party upstairs or else people may notice. Always up for a laugh with Bruce so we decided to substitute the next offering with a Bowlers Run 2014 Shiraz. Yep I was surprised too as assumed they automatically imploded after 1 year in a bottle. The look on Ant’s face when he took the first mouthful was worth the price of admission. Which was free by the way so do the math – but dont ask the Parra board for help. When he spat the mouthful out over the railing and it landed on the roof of Bruce’s car thus stripping the paint off one could say justice was served I guess.

The rest of the day was a blur but was in bed by 7 pm after a bread roll for dinner. As the old adage goes ” Early to bed and early to rise makes one dull as batshit and not very wise” .May have lost something in the translation. Still, driving home this morning as the sun rose over the horizon was indeed glorious. Once you get past the fog at Gimpland of course. Old Whiskers should get a big vacuum cleaner and just suck up all the fog. Or for that matter all of Gimpland. Just leave the Maccas behind ok . So another weekend comes to and end , not that weekends mean a lot in my life. But something that does took place on Friday which of course was the 13th. Harry had his first disco at Kindy with a spooky theme. Seinfeld sent over some excess puffy shirts and he went as a ghost. Actually an excellent sewing job by Jas was involved #sewimpressed.

BOO

Well I did warn ya

Thank Me Its Friday

Posted: May 5, 2016 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Speaking of a fake Deity worshipped by many, Trumpy Von Trumpster has defied all the critics and naysayers. Yes he kept that wig in place for 12 months. Which is surprising given the amount of hot air emanating a mere 3 inches below and every man with small hands knows that magic number. Like Big Mal will likely find out in a couple of months its not so much that the masses love you but rather they dislike the other guy more. This will of course be a contest between two candidates with the highest “unfavourables” in recent history. Most things are black and white for your average Yank so this is not that surprising. Two critical issues will impact on The Donalds run in my view. His choice of VP and voter turnout. Will the “never Trump” brigade vote for HillBilly or just not turn up? Trump’s unpopularity with women was of course confirmed by lack of endorsement from the Bushs or anything Bush related 🙂 Maybe he should stick to Mexican hairless for next wife ? Many folk, especially offshore, cant accept that DT could ever be elected to President. Did anyone really think Arnie would get the California gig? Now Arnie and DT are similar in a way except you can understand everything DT says – which of course is a big negative to him! That is naturally different to accepting everything he says as fact. In news involving an actual believable POTUS, BO again showed he is the coolest cat in town at the Special Correspondents dinner. Yes it is scripted but the man can deliver a line and gives the sense he could handle the odd heckler or two – that is if the 130 kg SS guy standing off to the side didnt first. My fave putdown of his involved Kendall Jenner given its subtlety and the look on her face.

In TV land finished the 4th season of Vikings and it was very good again although not as good as previous seasons with Ragamuffin wandering around half dazed for most of the season. Line of Duty Season 3 was excellent of course and as with any six pack can be knocked off in one session if dedicated and no life. Tick. Tick. Have held off starting The Americans season 4 as long as humanly possible but finally gave in and not disappointed. Have been catching up on some old Julie Rafter episodes of Halifax FP which certainly shows its age both in the acting and actors. Turning down a young Hughy J?? Come on girl. Does also confirm the long held view that Deborah Lee Furnace is also gay apparently. Movie wise caught the Netflix “production” of Special Correspondents. Gervais is a one trick pony for me and if u like that you wont be disappointed. Norma Bates almost saved it but not quite

Sport has been dominated of course by the slippery Eels. Most seem to think it is fair, I would suggest they got off lightly. The Todster didnt want to see anymore souls destroyed which is ok for fans and maybe even some players but some assholes do need to be destroyed. Watching Choc try and keep a straight face while saying he would fall on his sword for his team mates was fun. I mean the guy would have to be held up by said team mates before he could fall on anything. I was sent out to pasture early for a lot less money but at least could still walk. Well, 9 holes anyway….. The merry go round of which spoilt tennis brat to hate the most took a sharp turn this week when everyone thought Kyrgios was home and hosed but then Tomic flashed down the outside and won by a half head. Which is kinda appropriate. On the local front am approaching a unique and somewhat embarrassing possibility. Have been stroking it quite well lately – golf you naughty folk! – and so handicap is a very respectable 10. For a laugh also play 9 holes on Fridays which has an individual and specific “handicap” system based on whether you win a ball each week in sweepstakes. If u do, drop 2 strokes on handicap; if you dont blow out 1. This afternoon will stand on the first tee with a 9 hole handicap of 9 with a dicky back from hand raking bunkers this morning. Next week then has the real possibility of my 9 hole and 18 hole handicap being the same especially if second shot this afternoon is played from the 10th fairway!. It could be worse I guess, I could go off like a frog in a sock next Wednesday and my 18 hole handicap drop below my 9 hole !

On the home front today actually marks 14 yrs with CLP. Given its easy divisibility by 7 there could be a joke about dog years in there but I am above such trite nonsense. A lot has happened in that time and I can remember most of it. Facebook tried to suck me into Pastbook app last night where you can get a printed copy of a years memories for as little as $29.95. Ok , so when 2015 ran to 595 photos and a price of $70 US I knew I had plenty of memories to cherish but if I am going to get ripped off by US currency conversion I am going to be sitting on the beach in San Diego, not leafing through a photo album in Maryhole. More memories will no doubt be created when we head off in a couple of weeks for a weekend drive around Kingaroy Wine district. On second thought we could probably walk it 🙂 Been a great 14 years kiddo. May is a busy month indeed with many birthdays for kids and grandkids of the Ferguson persuasion and hope to catch up with them all. A simple visit from Grandad is enough in these hard economic times right ?

Life is good. At least until something better comes along.

Friday on My Mind

Posted: April 21, 2016 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

As yet another music legend passes seems only appropriate to remember an earlier loss with Aussie flavour. Not sufficiently endowed (!) with music knowledge to fully appreciate the impact of someone like Prince on the music world but can easily accept it was significant. One of a kind . If I was Paul McCartney I would look both ways before crossing the street now.

My Financial Advisor has asked to be introduced as an “old Polo mate” , and not my Financial Advisor, at any future social gatherings as infrequent as they may be. I think he was trying to subtly imply something so time to review my capacity in the wallet lightening caper. As expected I was very good at it. Surprising then to find out this is not a good thing. Almost as surprising as realising you cant be #internationalbarfly on $35 k a year and expect to maintain an adequate lifestyle for the other 11 months. As such future solo trips to USA are on hold for now or at least until I hit 60 or die of boredom before hand. I will still some travel in Australia as I have a loyal and devoted fan base who , at times, derive a single purpose for waking up the next day in hope there will be a new blog. It will also give me a chance to test a well worn excuse ” but dear its just as cheap to travel overseas as in Australia” . All joshing aside this is actually true once you factor in currency conversion and of course ignore cost of flights. Major cities in Aussie land are a rip off for accommodation et al . First trip will be in August this year down around Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley way. International may be removed but the barfly will get a workout trust me.

Looks like the Hillary Trump show coming up although still may be a twist in the tail. I just love watching Trumpy Von Trumpster try to act “all presidential” now for 95% of the time but doesnt take much to release the Kraken. Its not a convention you want to miss. Interesting , as Spacey pointed out, that once again House of Cards foresaw a real event (contested convention) in their recent fourth season. Fun times ahead and Jon Stewart must be kicking himself

In TV land the excellent Better Call Saul finished its second season with the looming question being how soon does Jimmy become Saul? It may not have the scope of Breaking Bad but it certainly has great story telling and superb cinematography. Girls was a good season while Broad City is an acquired taste maybe but well worth the effort. Brooklyn 99 continues to mostly amuse and Good Wife winds down to its inevitable end. Blacklist gets sillier every week but still strangely watchable but only because of Spader. Some great shows like Americans and Line of Duty percolating along and waiting for season end watches

Great to see the first hint of winter coming and no I dont mean GOT Season 6 next week! The first hint for me is shoulder pain usually starting early in morning followed by an increasing difficulty in getting out of bed. I think my “arthritic meter” would be way more accurate than any weather forecast. Maybe an app there ? Qld winters are of course glorious ,if brief, so enjoy it when it comes because it wont be hanging around for long. That reminds me of a great meme saw this morning and how some things hang around while the best are taken from us

Monday Musings

Posted: April 11, 2016 in Uncategorized

And so the greatest sporting theatre of the year has once more come and gone and did not disappoint even if most people had to google the winner. Those last 9 holes at Augusta eh. The critical 10 minutes of course was Spieth who , as returning champ gets to choose the Champions dinner menu, but instead chose to make a meal of the short 12th. It gladdens the heart of all hackers to see a pro stuff up like that while at the same time feeling some pity momentarily. Cant really take to Spieth though as he seems to be the good old boy off course but does whine a lot on the course and has the charisma of a limp flag. Not too many limp flags at Augusta mind you over those first few days. Day shot his load in the first round losing those 5 shots. Even though he hung around you dont get over that momentum stopper. Scott was always going to struggle on these greens. Oost’s hole in one was simply unbelievable given its ricochet off another ball at first pushing it away from the hole

In other sporting news the Broncs continue to dawdle along by making few mistakes. Interesting to hear King Wally saying they are still doing 90% defensive work at training so lets hope their attack kicks in soon. The QT man of Rugby League clearly has a plan and not a big sharer. Of course what do we do if we are the NSW media and the QLD teams are daylight ahead of everyone else ? – flog the death out of the “rat “story. zzzzzzzzz The cross team circle prayer at end of Tigers Knights game was an interesting sight. Very American in a way and beyond my realms of comprehension but can’t be a bad thing really . Maybe the Tigers were in no rush to get to the dressing room….

In other theatre news we have of course the US elections. I think Trumpy Von Trump’s bubble has burst and while he will win NYC he wont get the 1237 needed and so we have a “contested convention” where there is a strong move to allow guns to be carried. What could go wrong ? The GOP contest of course sounds like you went in for that vasectomy reversal but there was a cock up (literally!) and you came out with a circumcision reversal instead. You just know there is a lot of pain ahead. So anyone rejoicing the downfall of Trump , as we all should, just take a closer look at Cruz. In other media commitments have already highlighted he has to be Eddie Munster grown up doesnt he ?

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during a “Celebrate the 2nd Amendment Event,” Saturday, June 20, 2015, at the CrossRoads Shooting Sports in Johnston, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Kasich seems ok but then it is easy to be casual and free wheeling when no chance 🙂 On the other side Hil’s biggest problem could well be her last name while the one email she forgot to send was to Bernie telling him he’s dreamin! They let Slick Willy off the chain last week and it may bite them and her strong support amongst African Americans. Seems the strength behind Hillary, despite losing the last 7 primaries, are the famed Super Delegates. It would appear that like most men his age Bernie is only on Unleaded. You only have to listen to Obama speak though to know that whoever wins there will be an intellect void by comparison at 1600 Pennsylvania for next 4-8 years

Speaking of USA, CLP is nagging me to go back to USA one more time. She must have got two messages stuck together because it ended with “and dont come back “which of course does not make sense. So an idea is forming based on a famous Mamas and Papas song and no it does not involve the Mardi Gras in Sydney. But u r right , that is a great song to end on and does remind me time for some new clothes. But Im keeping the beanie ok…..

Easter 2016

Posted: March 27, 2016 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

There is a lot more to Easter than just eating chocolate. The pubs are also open. But first , a chance to catch up with the Fab Five in Toowoomba for Great Friday. Not too often get all 3 children and 5 grandkids together so was indeed a Festivus miracle come early . An early morning trip from Flashman Inc , Sunshine Coast had us sitting down to a very passable breakfast at Esk on a glorious clear morning. Luckily the traffic was all heading the other way or I had got stuck in reverse. Again. There must be something in the area where you can float a boat and pitch a tent on but am happy for it to remain unknown for this little black duck. Camping is right up there with Prostate exams and root canal work in the pleasure stakes for me . There was that one time I got both done and just hope like hell he washed his hands in between. Don’t need floss down there! Sent the grand kiddies well on the way to juvenile onset diabetes before tucking into a lovely lunch

Headed back to Brisvegas early afternoon where CLP is house sitting in Windsor for a couple of weeks. Just hope the owners don’t find out . Lovely location and perfect for some late afternoon drinkies and nibbles on verandah overlooking the poor people . Then a night of sport . On TV ok! Went to bed secure in knowledge both Broncos and Cricketers had lost so got pleasant surprise in morning . The bed was dry ! Then back to verandah for relaxing breakfast and planning of day . Wonder if any beer serving establishments open on Easter Saturday ? Of course they do but if you really want to enjoy that first drink wander around for an hour on a simply glorious, but hot , day and grab some culture at GOMA first. Hey it’s free, but still a rip off 😎

Then onto Tipplers Tap to arrive precisely at 11:59 , mouth open, for advertised midday opening. Hey here is a TIP ya clowns. If you want to close on Easter Saturday by all means but how about a heads up online! Shan’t be back . Ok back track to The Charming Squire (named after me apparently) and settle in for beer and fat food in equal portions. Great set up and very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours . The rest of the day was less productive but hey needed to rest up for the Della feast on Sunday . Apparently Grange was involved . Early to bed early to rise makes one….. well 58 I guess.

The Easter Bunny came and went rather quickly . Another noice home cooked breakfast on verandah while we waited for the guaranteed storms to arrive. Well at least it is a bit cooler . Morning tea with Mum and a catch up and then onto the Della residence at Burbank. Grange is red eh ? Apparently 😉 The usual MASSIVE amounts of food and wine from our gracious hosts ADJG while MEAGRE amounts of rain fell. Could well have settled in for my nana nap but more family alive still so off to Strathpine to see Anne and John for dinner and tres nice fried rice (with fresh prawn) before heading back to Sunshine Inc , the land of no showers . Maybe there is a clogged pipe somewhere and trust me after these last 3 days I know what that feels like …..

It had been a wonderful Easter enjoying the Holy Trinity on this religious occasion – Family, Chocolate and Alcohol. And still a day to go. Which could only mean one thing . Time for a sing along

Lets Pray All Together Now

Posted: March 10, 2016 in Midlife Crisis in Maryhole

Back in the land of bananas and winning State of Origin teams for almost a week now and the body clock almost back to normal. Sadly it is a Grandfather clock so still wakes up at 4 am, looks at the body and realises it wasnt just a nightmare and wonders what the little hand is doing.

Speaking of little hands , what about Trump, D eh. Now, when in USA and watching this nonsense on TV it kinda makes sense because you then head out and mix with The Walking Braindead on the streets. Back home, twice removed you just scratch your head and wonder how can this be. Anyone who ever complained about ABC bias needs to watch Fox News in America. It seems almost impossible to get unbiased reporting but the difference I see is most of the Democrat fans are the satirical programmes like Colbert, Noah, Oliver so they are usually taking the piss anyway. Every now and again though you see that even they cant see any humour in this try as they might and frustration bubbles to the surface. FNC just has a line up of Stooges with maybe O’Reilly the least insufferable but Hannity the worst. Caught a bit of his interview with Trump last night but couldnt see his face as he was on his knees with his head in Trumps lap doing something. It was a town hall with the faithful – as happens on both sides – but he just never answers a question with any detail. “Oh they will pay for the wall trust me” Rapturous applause, no follow up. “We will have the strongest military ever and wipe out every enemy” Rapturous applause, no follow up “I will get smart people in and we will fix the economy” Rapturous applause, no follow up. It is both amusing to a degree but scary because whoever is running USA does impact us and the rest of the world. While most still never see him getting to the final prize I have watched House of Cards so know what can happen at national conventions! Really would be an FU. Start praying now

Which is the segue of course for the genuinely sad news of the week. Nancy Reagan only made it 94. No, not that and I do get sick and tired of the angst expressed when someone, regardless of how significant their achievements may have been, is mourned day and night when they were basically just wasting oxygen anyway at that age. By all means celebrate their life – ala George Martin – but spare me the prolonged sadness or at least save it up because there are plenty of things in this world to grieve over and celebrity deaths are very rarely included. However , the passing of Jon English at 66 was sad. Not baby seal sad but still enough to take pause as you grew up with him to a degree. From early days in JC to any number of memorable songs. He toured regularly too, even to Maryhole and obviously loved performing on stage. But the strongest memory was the show All Together Now which if nothing else introduced the world to that amazing weather guy on the Today Show. Rebecca was still looking hot too and some fun supporting cast. Not sure if still holds up today so will track down an old episode on You Tube and see. In the meantime, enjoy

ABD – The Final Washup

Posted: March 7, 2016 in Travel

Qantas flight left NYC a little late but I was feeling no pain and we made up time in the air.

There are 36 PE seats available of which only about 10 were occupied. Including the one next to me of course! BC was full, so dont really understand why more people dont upgrade to PE for the trip as far superior product to economy and relatively good value. Anyway as soon as left ground could move around but the guy next to me was quicker and got up first 🙂 Arrived in LAX on time and so went to lounge and even had a shower. Next time I will use the designated cubicles. Didnt need anything to eat or drink at that time of night trust me. The Qantas flight to Brisbane is always a full one and boards early and then sits on tarmac for 60 minutes. Had a Chatty Cathy (MALE, the worst kind) next to me and that was ok for a start but 20 minutes is my limit so then opined “Gee with the Qantas safety record one of these has to fall out of the sky soon eh” with my most hopeful grin. He shut up. On a side note, it is pretty clear that the old days of chicky babes as hosties are long gone – as is that term no doubt. This is not a complaint as the service and attitude is generally excellent although pretty sure I saw my mother serving in Economy and she was still dishing out the LA Dinner as we flew over Straddie at 6:45 am! Arrived in Brisvegas on time and it is a fairly smooth move through Customs etc. My sweet CLP was there to pick me up and before you could say “Straighten my Banana” I was first in Nambour and then sweating in Maryhole before afternoon tea. So some final thoughts on USA as may never return. Yeah right

1. USA is a great destination although one needs to factor in conversion rate. The people are generally friendly and helpful and service uniformly excellent

2. Dallas was an interesting place and would love to explore Texas more as realise Dallas is not all that reflective. Dealey Plaza was one of those surreal places to visit

3. Washington has some of the most iconic monuments to visit but not a lot else so about 5 days is enough. I do not get to explore the dining options much as a solo traveller

4. Boston is a great town to walk around and a great drinking/eating town with plenty options.

5. May finally be over NYC but really it is a must visit for any first timers and a very high energy city with its own vibe. I had no energy left by time I got there

6. The three day trips I did were great and the commuter rail works very well. Always consider a day trip when visiting a big city for several days

7. All public transport is very efficient in all cities and first thing one should do is download the local official “Transport app”. The next thing to check on is a the place you are staying at has a functioning shower as sometimes you get up close and personal for extended periods

8. Segway still remains the best way to see a new city and have to say never had a bad “foodie” tour either

9. See as many sporting stadiums as you can in the cities as they have so much history

10. Weather is totally unpredictable. Do your research but prepare for all possibilites. In winter dress in layers because they have THERMONUCLEAR HEATERS everyfuckingwhere.

11. VRBO remains an excellent option for accomodation (if legal in said city) but they do gouge you with fees and conversion rates. If you can deal directly with owner do so

12. Pubs are easy places to sit at if solo traveller and often get a very reasonable, if slightly unhealthy, meal.

13. The “sales tax” system and currency in general is a pain. Follow Aussieland and drop the small stuff. Best to use cards I suggest but always been a cash man. Just like the bulge in my pants of a big wad.

3 solo trips have been great but maybe enough. Time to see a bit more of Australia methinks but like an old woman I retain right to change my mind

Afterall we have great coffee and still serve beer last time I checked

Later dudes and dudettes

ABD – Day 19 – Homeward Bound

Posted: March 4, 2016 in Travel

Me and Little Marco feeling reflective

( On a side note the GOP debates are embarrassing for mankind period)

So the time has come to bid farewell to USA once more and while I never say never at this stage do not see another solo trip here in my future . I love all things US and have enjoyed all trips but maybe Old Whiskers is trying to tell me something. I have been sick the whole 3 weeks, not totally debilitating but certainly annoying. At my sickest on my birthday in lousy weather .I missed out on the central goal of visiting White House. Weather has been nothing like last year with no snow at all .( Thanks Al Gore ) And the icing on the cake so to speak was that my half hearted effort to upgrade to BC on first leg failed miserably. No wrist slitting though please fans as still have Premium Economy to struggle through 🙂

As always it is a long day until you actually fly out at 6 pm. Did wake up to a very light powdering of snow which at this stage simply limits options for filling in the few hours before catching the LIRR train at midday. It was very cold so the on site diner appropriately called Tick Tock seems like the sort of place trakkies would not look out of place at 630 am . Sweet .

Damn I was overdressed . Mind you the elastic waist will not be wasted after that breakfast . Back to room for a bit and see if can get out for a walk a bit later. Ok, how about a quick walk around the block

Did pick up my LIRR ticket and metro card so have the routine down pat to get to JFK. Main reason for picking this hotel was proximity to Penn Station. All went smoothly and Simply best way to get to JFK from downtown for $12. Arrived way to early so sat for an hour before Qantas opened check in. No late surprises with late upgrades 👴🏻 . The security check here is very slow but not because of over vigorous checking which I understand but because ” workers” always slip in before you . 8 people in front of me and it took 15 minutes to get through . I was lucky to get to the BA lounge with only 3.5 hrs before boarding! Now from memory, which could be blurred, this is not great for eating but is for drinking. I especially like the help yourself beer taps. The food is still ordinary but I shan’t miss out . Better sign off from USA now as this could get ugly . As always there have been many highlights and in a month or two will no doubt start pining but will try and stay strong .

I could live to 100 after all with all the preservatives I take on board !

ABD – Day 18 – Boston to New York

Posted: March 3, 2016 in Travel

Cold morning for a walk to train station ! Train left on time as is usually the case with Amtrak. Scenic ride for first hour or so and not too crowded on train

Arrived on time but room wasn’t ready so stored bags and went for a walk. NYC is the type of place you want to see at start of holidays when energy levels are high . The difference walking the streets here compared to Boston and Washington is significant. You feel like Croc Dundee always walking against flow . Everyone is impatient and simply ignore pedestrian crossings and green lights ! I found The Australian pub which was quaint but did enjoy the meat pie. Did love Chapelli on the toilet wall . Checked in just before 3 pm and got upgraded to a high floor room. Headed back out again for one last look at Times Square et al. And maybe a beer….

Have a full morning to fill in tomorrow before starting trek out to JFK for 6 pm flight . Looks like my bare bones offer to upgrade to business class was not accepted 😉 Try and find a good coffee place for breakfast. Night all