Day 4 30/9/07 - Africa

Victoria Falls

Highlight

• Woke up early, had a leisurely breakfast, then sat around waiting for the tour to start. Since the agreed time was 9:30 it wasn't long enough to do anything, so I was feeling bored already.
• Our pickup was 20 mins late, I tried some dried fruit that tastes like Chinese sour prunes.
• Finally met most, but not all, the people on the tour. Most had been on a tour before and already know people, except me. I already felt like the odd one out.
• Weather has been quite hot, especially in the sun.
• Our truck was smaller than I expected, and not very comfy, all the people who knew each other all sat together.
• Got to campsite, which was quite nice. Then I found out about the upgrade, which they didn't tell us about before. At most campsites, you can pay a little extra to stay in rooms instead of camping. Since I was bunking with Lynne, and she wanted to upgrade, I spent my first day in a room.
• Had some general chit-chat with the girls while they went about doing their laundry. We had to hang around the campsite until after lunch to venture out. I can feel it's going to be a very slow tour.
• Since there was no time to do any activities, went to walk around Vic Falls with the girls. The USD 20 entry fee was worth it. The Falls was supposed to be in dry season, so there were only patches of water, but they still put out this spectacular spray and a thunderous roar. We walked from one end to the other, but didn't go down the 76 steps. I wanted to, but no one else did, so I didn't go by myself. we walked all the way to the bridge, where I just missed seeing someone bungy off it.
• took heaps of shots, I guess partly to justify the entry cost.
• Watched another a Capella group, and had to give away more money.
• The tourist police took us via a "short cut", by walking through teh trees to this "really good" market. The sellers aren't as pushy as the Asian ones I'm used to, but they always talk to you, but the other girls were fully into it, buying lots of stuff.
• We tried going to the "supermarket", but it was closed, we went to 7/11 instead. As I was soon to find out, going to a shop doesn't actually mean there will be anything on sale.
• Came back for more chilling. We have to do chores every night, consisting of either cooking, washing, or truck cleaning.
• Dinner was pretty bland, but the other people were really into it...
• Argued our way out of paying for an expensive room 'cos of some misunderstanding.
• Our tour guide finally arranged to change some Zim dollars for us, so we didn't have to pay some extortionist prices for stuff. The currency actually had expiry dates, and we found out that they were changing it again at the end of October.
• A pretty uneventful day really, where I didn't get to do what I wanted. I hope it gets better when the tour proper starts.

Food

• Sprayview breakfast:
  • sausage
  • baked beans
  • fried egg
  • tomato
  • grapefruit and tamarillo
• wholegrain bread with salad and salami
• dried fruit
• spaghetti bolognese
• squash with cheese and corn
• tea

Day 3 29/9/07 - Africa

Johannesburg -> Victoria Falls

Highlight

• Checked out without a problem, the airport ride was smooth.
• The VAT was such a joke. They only half looked at your goods, I actually managed to get the VAT back for all the food I'd already eaten, but then the guy refused to refund it on my credit card, and made me cash a cheque at the bureau de change next door, which I had to pay R20 fee, on top of the R11.22R processing fees. So I ended up getting R60.40 back from my R807 worth of spending. I reckon they must have some arrangement going on. if I didn't have so much time I wouldn't have bothered. What a riot!
• I looked through the whole of Jburg airport. At least there weren't much people so I didn't have to wait.
• Read about my horrible BA experience here
• The flight itself was quick. Victoria Falls airport had no air-conditioning, and we had to wait in the heat for the very long visa process, but the non-visa line was even worst.
• Then had to wait in the heat for the airport transfer. Pickup was no problem this time.
• Met a NZ girl, Fiona, who was a travel agent, lived in London for 2 years, and on another Kumuka tour, so we hung out for the day.
• We booked a "cruise" on the Zambesi river, but because we had to be back by 6pm for the pre departure meeting, we missed out on the booze cruise.
• I had a dip in the pool, which was kinda cold and had lots of bugs, and read a bit.
• We had a driver and a "guide", who of course, turned out to be the salesperson of course. She was ok though. The whole thing was very basic, but at least it was only the 2 of us on the boat, and beer and "snacks" were included. 55 USD is not too bad for Vic Falls.
• We sailed along, looking for animals, and saw some hippos and baboons. We also got out the fishing rods and did some pretend fishing.
• Managed to see some monkeys and warthogs on the road back.
• Met my group, which turned out to be mostly Aussies. They had all been on previous trips before, so I befriended an English lady, Lynne, from Manchester.
• Since it was so late and dangerous to go out, ate an expensive dinner at the hotel, where there was a choice of curry, steak or fish only. They had also run out of soft drinks AND beers by the end of the night.
• Some a Capella group came to perform for us, and instead of tipping, I bought their CD. I didn't really want it, but I didn't really have the change for tipping.
• I didn't like having to tip for everything.
• Already spent most of my cash today, at least I don't need to carry it around.

Food

• banana
• coffee
• apple juice
• sparkling grape juice
• chicken sandwich
• breath mint
• mixed plate: beef, sausage/wrust, meatball, cheese pastry, samosa, spring roll
• Pilsner from Harare x2
• bream with chips and vegetables (USD 20)

Day 2 28/9/07 - Africa

Abu Dhabi -> Johannesburg

Highlight

• Landed on time again, but the entertainment system was broken so I didn't get to watch much.
• Took ages to get my bags.
• I didn't see my airport pick-up, so loads of taxi drivers were trying to pick me up.
• Finally got transferred to the airport, all their drivers are very nice, although they like to speed and drive while talking on their mobiles.
• After I sorted out the confusion with stupid expedia at the Mercure, had a quick rest, then took another transfer to Sandton City Shopping Centre.
• I was really disappointed as everything was exactly the same as Oz and UK or some equivalent of them.
• People dress exactly the same too, with the exception of their hairs I suppose.
• They certainly hire a lot more people per shop but all the shop keepers were friendly and helpful.
• There were no food that you couldn't get elsewhere too, probably the only exception was biltong, so that's what I got to eat.
• I got bored of Sandton really quickly as the products and the prices were the same, but to waste time, I spent from 12pm to 6pm there and walked almost every single shop. It's really kinda like Westfields Parramatta. I couldn't even buy any clothes as most shops only get 1 or 2 things in small sizes so there usually isn't anything. My shopping consisted of a hat, insect repellent stick, a water filter. I had a hell of a time trying to claim the VAT back. The information was so confusing, but hopefully it will work out, as the girl put the prices of all my food on the receipt.
• Nelson Mandela Square was also not that interesting. There was that big statue, but the restaurants were not interesting and there was nothing else to see. There wasn't even any seats at the square.
• I went to the library there just to waste more time. It was interestingly designed, but they had no internet.
• Called up Slokky and found out he was going to Turin.
• Watched Friends and a Van Damme movie to pass the time.
• Went to bed pretty early before Slokky decided to ring me up in the middle of the night.

Food

• Etihad snack:
  • chicken roll
  • Mars bar
• Etihad breakfast:
  • orange juice
  • fresh seasonal fruits
  • egg shashouka, baharat potatoes, feta cheese, foul medames
  • fruit bun
• savory biscuits
• sesame seed bagel (R2.39)
• mango atchar (R6.13)
• banana (R5.99/kg)
• smoked Jagwurst (R79.99/kg)

Day 1 27/9/07 - England

London -> Abu Dhabi

Highlight

• Well, everything went very smoothly, for London that is. There was a short way for the tube and crowds. Heathrow was doing its usual slow crawl. The weirdest thing is probably that they make you take off your shoes for a security check. Two hours is just the right time to get through all that security. I'm also happy that you can fill up on water at the airport.
• The flight was great. The service was excellent and I got to sit next to a pretty Romanian girl. There was plenty of food and drink, loads of GOOD magazines and the in-flight system was excellent. So the 7 hour flight passed in no time.
• Got to Abu Dhabi international. The airport is smaller than I thought and quite crowded for 12 in the morning...at least they have some free internet for you to pass your time here.

Food

• Etihad snack:
  • pineapple juice
  • apple juice
  • savory biscuits
• Etihad lunch:
  • soft bakery roll
  • "raw living" green salad with smoked salmon and Phily cheese roulade, fresh lemon
  • Lamb Balti - mildly spiced balti jus, yellow and white rice, vegetable korma
  • chocolate and pistachio mousse cake with passionfruit coulis
  • cheese and crackers
• Hagan-Daaz Belgium chocolate

Africa 2007

Simple Plan:
England -> South Africa -> Zimbabwe -> Mozambique -> South Africa -> England

Expanded Plan:
London -> Johannesburg -> Victoria Falls -> Bulawayo -> Matobo National Park -> Antelope Park -> Vilanculos -> Bazaruto Archipelago -> Inhambane -> Ponta da Barra - Maputo -> Kruger National Park -> Johannesburg -> London

Date:
27/9/07 - 15/10/07

Flying:
Etihad + Comair

Cost:
$$$

Things you see everywhere in Africa

Johannesburg

• cars
• different nationalities
• Australian stuff
• new housing developments
• new suburbs

South Africa

• green farmland and rolling hills

Zimbabwe

• animals
• dry arid land
• roadside markets
• people carrying babies on back and loads on their heads
• empty shops and supermarkets
• bars with no beers
• beer ads
• black market money exchange
• lines for bread, ATM...etc

Mozambique

• rural huts
• streetside markets
• land mines
• beaches
• water
• houses with no roof
• palm trees
• M Cel advertisements
• garbage on the streets

Etihad Airways Flight EY11

Time

The airport was much less crowded on this transit, and I managed to grab a free Internet straight away, so the time passed quickly. We took off 30 minutes late because we were waiting for some passenger for some baggage? Anyhow, it all worked out well, we arrived back to London on time.

Rating - 4

Comfort

This Airbus A346 was the most crowded I've been on. Granted, it still wasn't full and I sat next to this lovely (but old) gentleman who got my bags and graciously moved for me anytime I needed to go to the loo! I didn't do too much, just finished watching Invisible (strange but compelling), and The Wendell Baker Story (I still don't know what that was about).

Rating - 4

Service

Well, they weren't very good at delivering the drinks, so I actually had to press the call button twice to get some sort of juice. Besides that, the usual friendly Etihad service I have now come to expect.

Rating - 3

Allowance/Gifts

The usual.

Rating - 3

Food

Well, it's the same menu as the Abu Dhabi to Jburg flight, so I got to try another item on the menu. If I were trying with them all the time, you could get bored with the menu. Fortunately, my breakfast was pretty nice. I still don't like the dry bread they serve, but apart from that, all good and plenty of it too.

Rating - 3

Value

Part of my 439 Pound flight deal.

Rating - 3

Jumbo Points - 20

Info

Abu Dhabi -> London
15 Oct 07, 02:55 - 07:40
Website

Etihad Airways Flight EY601

Time

There was a short wait at check-in, but otherwise the fligth was very on time. In fact, the captain informed us that there was absolutely no wind and the weather was great, so we would arrive right on time. Great! More time for me to go on the Internet on my stopover!

Rating - 5

Comfort

This Airbus A332 was like the others. I was originally seated next to this woman, but she wanted to sit next to her lover, so she wanted me to swap seats with her. I happily obliged as it was another relatively empty flight, so I was able to move to an aisle seat. Well, this out that didn't do much good as the selfish guy on the row of four decided that he would take up 3 seats to sleep on, leaving me squashed on one anyway. Plus, he kept farting the whole way!

I was disappointed they didn't have the v-cam on, but I watched Mr Brooks (excellent), License to Wed (lame), He was a Quiet Guy (weird but compelling).

Rating - 4

Service

I couldn't understand the guy at the check-in counter at all. I had to ask him all sorts of information about my flight and transfer. I asked if I had to pick up my own luggage and he didn't answer properly, so I just hope things are like last time, and my stuff will get to London. Good thing it's the end of my trip so I don't really care that much. The staff on board were great as usual, but they didn't bring around as much drinks as I liked, plus there were no ice-creams. The captain was informative and clear as usual.

Rating - 3.5

Allowance/Gifts

I checked in again with only 15kg of luggage, and got the same eye patch things. The only difference was they had the blankets all wrapped up - I wonder if I can take one of those?

Rating - 3

Food

Well, the hot meal was better than the other flight, so maybe I just chose correctly this time. No ice cream so I was disappointed. The snack of sandwiches were very un-exciting.

Rating - 3

Value

Part of my 439 Pound flight deal.

Rating - 3

Jumbo Points - 21.5

Info

Johannesburg -> Abu Dhabi
14 Oct 07, 10:30 - 20:15
Website

British Airways Flight BA6281

Time

I checked in nice and early, Jburg airport was very efficient, so I spent a lot of time at the airport. Luckily the airport is quite nice. The staff warned you at check-in that they don't have boarding calls so you just have to be at the gate. So, they got us on the bus, transferred the 10 or so of us out to the plane, only to be fold by the captain that the flight would be delayed because of a missing part, but that we could have a free coffee on the airline. I was fine with it since I had nothing to do at Vic Falls anyway, so they decided to take us to the BA lounge. I got a drink and started using the Internet, I wasn't interested in eating anything. Anyway, I was typing away, and next thing I know, I was the only one in the lounge. It seemed that the ground crew knew the plane was ready and didn't bother to inform me. If I had not looked around, I would have missed my flight. I was told when I asked the staff at the BA Lounge that I had to run to the gate (which was very far away) as quickly as possible or I would miss the flight.

Rating - 0

Comfort

Well, the BA Lounge was nice enough. It's quite small but then again there weren't any people there anyway. Everything seems to be serve yourself as it was minimally staffed. I was there for such a short time I didn't even get the chance to use the toilets.

There were so little people on the flight that we were spread out all throughout the plane, there were heaps and heaps of legroom for some reason too. In fact, there was so much space between the seats that I actually had to lean forward off my seat to use the tray table. The flight was pretty comfy for a small plane. The coat hook was very useful, but there was no footrest (not that I could've reached it anyway!).

Rating - 4

Service

Well, you can definitely see the difference. The captain was very nice, apologetic and informative. The cabin crew were ok, below the SA standard I was getting at the hotels and shopping malls, but they were pretty rude to me when I asked for a drink. Gees, there were 3 of them serving like 10 people! And don't get me started about those idiotic ground crew...hmmm, maybe I should file a complaint...people always seem to get free stuff out of them.

Rating - 1

Allowance/Gifts

Well, as usual, I had nothing to check in anyway. You don't get any comforts for such a short flight.

Rating - 3

Food

The food was terrible! A very bland and dry pita bread that had a whole in it and wasn't cut properly, so the filling was already falling out before you started eating it.

Rating - 1

Value

This was ZAR 1288. About 210 AUD.

Rating - 1

Jumbo Points - 10

Info

Johannesburg -> Victoria Falls
29 Sep 07, 09:15 - 10:50
Website

Etihad Airways Flight EY600

Time

I didn't have to check in or get my luggage again, so it was a very easy transit from the airport. They didn't really provide any information though, so I had to find it all out by myself. We had to line up for ages for the X-ray machine, and all these other people pushed in because their flight was leaving.

Once I got to Jburg, our bags took AGES to arrive, and there was this confusion with the luggage belt, so we were running around everywhere.

Rating - 3

Comfort

Airbus A332. I had to sit next to some really fat guy, just my luck, especially when more than half the flight was empty. I moved the first change i got and nabbed a 2 seater, so I was able to have a semi lie down.

The In-flight entertainment system was not working properly, it keeps not working after seeing 1 movie, on both of the seats I was on, but luckily this flight was at sleeping down so it wasn't too bad, but I still can't sleep on the plane. I only managed to fit in The Ex (much better than I thought).

Rating - 3.5

Service

Well, maybe because it was a night flight? But the staff definitely didn't deliver as much water. Other than that, they were great. The captain wasn't as informative than the other flights, but better than all the other airlines anyway.

Rating - 4

Allowance/Gifts

The same eye-patch thing.

Rating - 2.5

Food

Food was not that great again, but there were lots. We got a small meal before we took off and an ok breakfast, but no ice-cream.

Rating - 2.5

Value

Part of my 439 Pound flight deal.

Rating - 3

Jumbo Points - 18.5

Info

Abu Dhabi -> Johannesburg
28 Sep 07, 02:25 - 08:20
Website

Etihad Airways Flight EY12

Time

The check in didn't take as long as expected. I got on with no problems at all. Well, my luggage was only a bit over 10kg, so it looks like I can buy much more stuff on the way back, hahaha! All the delays is because of BAA, so I can't fault Etihad at all.

We took off 30 minutes late, but arrived only 10 minutes late. Since I had to wait 3 hours for my next flight anyway, what time we landed actually didn't matter with me. In fact, the flight was so comfy I wished we'd spent more time in the air.

Rating - 3

Comfort

We flew in an Airbus A346. The seat configuration was 2,4,2. It was a pretty empty flight, so people were pretty spread out and there was no queues for the toilets! The seats - has the bend back head rest which I like, had a footrest which I like, but the length is quite short - which I don't care about at all!

There are many things to occupy your time. They provided an excellent range of newspaper and mags at the waiting area. Their inflight magazine is not bad at all. The best thing though is definitely their in flight entertainment. I managed to finish off all the movies I started on the Cathay flight. Fantastic 4 - Rise of the Silver Surfer (crap), Paris, Je T'aime (very French), Fracture (very gripping), Chaos (an EXCELLENT movie). The screen was big, has all the usual controls, and it even operates as a touch screen. There are loads of videos on demand and the remote is really good. The headphones they provide are excellent. Well padded and comfortable, and most importantly, not too big.

The time flew by in a flash. I didn't sleep so I'll report on that the next flight. And if that's not enough to keep you occupied, you can watch the takeoff and landing on the screen as they have a vi-cam attached.

Rating - 3

Service

The check in desk was quite good. They checked that I had the right visa, assured me about my luggage for my transfer, and adviced me that it took awhile to get to the gate.

Once on board, the staff were very polite. I didn't need them much as my in-flight entertainment was very good. They constantly brought us drinks, took away rubbish and stuff. They cater to all the people who are fasting for ramadan, and served their meals when they could eat too.

The best thing though, is actually the information they provide you. The co-pilot was so informative about EXACTLY what was happening, and spoke in very clear English.

Rating - 4.5

Allowance/Gifts

Well, the magazines at the boarding gates were great. You also get socks, earplugs and a mask, so that's all the stuff you need and none of the stuff you don't. I don't know how lax they are with extra allowance, but I don't think I will try to find out.

Rating - 4

Food

Well, since they won the Skytrax award this year for best in-flight catering, I was expecting big things. My meal was pretty good, don't get me wrong, but I didn't think it was better than other meals I've had. I think they were pretty generous with their food though, and I love their constant supply of drinks, so I never felt I was thirsty or anything.

Rating - 3.5

Value

My London to Jburg return costs me 439 booked online. As I booked at pretty much the last minute, I think it was an ok deal. However, considering the plane was half empty and I am sure I received much better service and a lot more miles, it was great. I've also decided 7 hours is probably the ideal time for a flight, so having a break instead of going direct is probably not a bad idea!

Rating - 3

Jumbo Points - 21

Info

London-> Abu Dhabi
27 Sep 07, 13:05 - 23:15
Website

Day 1 31/8/07 - Australia

Sydney -> Hong Kong

Highlight

• With nothing to do, we arrived at the airport a little too early. The check in wasn't actually open so we had to wait in line. It seemed thought that everyone else had the same idea, so there was a huge line at check in by the time they opened.
• We ate our weight's worth at the Qantas lounge - which was quite boring btw, then ate some more on the plane.
• Business class - it's definitely better, and the service on Cathay is ten times better than Qantas.
• Arrived at the airport, with our boxes of apple, and had no problems getting out. The airport was so busy and the crowds were so huge, but we only had a short wait.
• Got to uncle's house, observing the night views and all the new buildings that have been built in the last couple of years.
• No more food for us, off to bed.

Food

• Qantas lounge:
  • roast beef sandwich
  • turkey cranberry roll
  • tomato roll
  • apple juice
  • champagne orange juice strawberry
  • peas and potato curry salad
  • caesar salad
  • asparagus soup with croutons
  • pea and ham soup
  • chicken nuggets
  • falafel
  • cappuccino
  • chocolate biscuit
  • cheesecake
  • chocolate tart
  • blue, brie and cheddar cheese
• Cathay dinner:
  • Starter
    • seasonal mixed salad served with palm sugar dressing
    • mustard marinated prawns with roasted zucchini and salsa Verde
  • Main course
    • Grilled beef fillet iwth green and yellow beans potato and leek gratin and red wine thyme jus
    • lamb tagine with mixed fruit cous cous
  • Cheese and Dessert
  • Fresh seasonal fruit
  • chocolate cake with King Island cream
  • cappuccino
  • praline
• Cathay refreshment:
  • Starter
    • fresh seasonal fruit
  • Noodle Soup and Savouries
    • Wontons in noodle soup served with chilli sauce
    • chicken and lamb satay on fried rice with satay sauce
  • Dessert
  • lemon tart
  • chocolate brownie
  • cappuccino
  • praline

Hong Kong & China 2007

Simple Plan:
Oz -> Hong Kong -> China -> Hong Kong -> UK

Expaneded Plan:
Sydney -> Hong Kong -> Beijing -> Hong Kong -> London

Date:
31/8/07 - 14/9/07

Flying:
Cathay Pacific Business Class!! + Air China :(

Cost:
$$$$$$

Things you see everywhere in Australia

Hayman Island

• blue water
• sandy beaches
• trees
• resort staff
• conference guests
• American tourists
• kids
• people in swimming costumes
• alcohol
• wedding

Day 6 11/8/07 - Australia

Hayman Island -> Hamilton Island -> Sydney

Highlight

• Our last day. We got up this morning with a bit of apprehension, not only because it was actually going to be 26 degrees, the warmest it has been all week, and sunny too, but also because we ha to contemplate the thought of packing.
• For our last breakfast, we didn’t even stuff ourselves, but I did have another champagne cocktail.
• The weather was nice enough for us to enjoy some last minute catamaraning. It’s certainly better here than Thailand, as there is actually wind and the area is much bigger, plus the water is so much cleaner.
• One last dip in the pool, before we checked out.
• We managed to play the golf driving range, pool, racquet ball and croquet before our transfer back, this time on a luxury charter boat instead of the normal boat.
• The flight back went smoothly, we didn’t miss our check in, didn’t go over in our luggage and the flight was not delayed.

Food

• Azure breakfast:
  • croissant with strawberry jam and smoked salmon and cream cheese
  • almond Danish
  • apricot Danish
  • chocolate muffin with melted chocolate chips
  • omelette with everything except cheese
  • zucchini and onion
  • eggplant with Napolitana sauce and cheese
  • mushrooms
  • duck sausage
  • bircher muesli with stewed prunes, cherries and berry compote
  • champagne cocktail with blue cheese and fig
• champagne
• orange juice
• carrot cake

Day 5 10/8/07 - Australia

Hayman Island

Highlight

• Slokky said the weather was going to be horrible today, so I planned a slow day with nothing to do, little did I know it was just his ploy to do nothing, as the sun was shining and the weather was the warmest it had been all day.
• Watched the fish feeding frenzy around the lagoon
• A late breakfast was in order after the excesses of yesterday’s dinner.
• A slight change of plans because of the weather, we decided to take a dingy out to visit a few of the island. Unfortunately the waves were too rough so we couldn’t go either, so onto Plan C, we got a boat transfer to Blue Pearl Bay 2.
• The boat transfer was lots of fun in itself actually, if you like riding huge waves at high speed and getting your face splattered with water.
• There was still glimpses of sun when we arrived on the spectacular Blue Pearl Bay, so we bit the bullet and dived straight into the snorkelling. The water was spectacular, there were so much fish everywhere, and they would just swim right up to you. We snapped lots of pics so hope they turn out.
• Unfortunately, the sun went into hiding again, so the water turned cold very quickly, and we had to leave the water.
• 2 pieces of misfortune greeted me. 1, I managed to scratch my leg against some coral, resulting in some pretty bad stings. 2, the speed boat ride back was even more exciting. We were going really fast and actually overheated, meaning that we were stranded in the middle of some wavy water for over 5 minutes. I was glad nobody threw up.
• Went to Spa Chakra to try out the steam room and plunge pool. For novelty value only really, it was nothing exciting.
• We wanted to grab a sunset cocktail at the Beach Pavilion, but it was closed early because of yet another wedding, so we walked along the beach to take advantage of the low cloud cover, to try to watch the sunset. However, the tide beat us to it, and we couldn’t actually walk out enough to see the sunset. Still, watching the sky change colour is magical enough.
• Had a quiet night in, to give our stomachs a good rest, and to actually eat some of the food we brought with us. Some instant noodles, cake and chocolate later, our load was lessened, but we were bringing a bit of chocolate home.
• Finally tried out the War of the Rings board game that we borrowed. It took forever to set up, had a million rules, even though we only used the "simplified rule". It could potentially be a very good game, if you remember all the rules that is…

Food

• Azure breakfast:
  • mocha
  • strawberry Danish
  • peach Danish
  • raisin scroll
  • smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel
  • scrambled eggs
  • baked beans on poppyseed bun
  • eggplant Parmigiana
  • bacon and leek frittata
  • eggs Benedict with salmon and bacon
  • roast tomato
  • spicy beef sausage
  • mixed fruit with 4 cheeses
• palmier
• kim chi ramen
• banana
• English breakfast tea
• seashell chocolate

Day 4 9/8/07 - Australia

Hayman Island

Highlight

• After the decadence of last night, we went for a very light breakfast, as we were going for a feast tonight.
• Today they decided to tidy our rooms nice and early, so the room was already all made up after breakfast.
• The sun decided to stay hidden today, so that stopped everyone else from going on the sailing trip with us, so we had the boat, Lady Dee, all to ourselves.
• Lady Dee is the ultimate luxurious vessel. There are 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchen area. We didn’t stay inside for very long though, taking in the scenery of lush green island and blue water.
• Our crew were Beth, from the Hawkesbury, and Christian from Germany. They were really nice, and let us go wherever we wanted. It was like having a private charter. I got to drive for a bit – it was easy as they did everything else and all I had to do was turn the wheel.
• After some trouble negotiating a path between the coral, we were dropped off on Langford Island, with a long stretch of beach sticking out, where we had lunch. Besides a few snorkelers also out on a boat, we had the whole place to ourselves. Probably a good thing that the sun decided to stay hidden though, otherwise we won’t want to leave.
• We had better luck finding deck chairs at the lagoon pool today, as most guests were probably holed up inside, away from the wind. We only lasted about 5 minutes in the pool before we gave up.
• What else to do on a overcast, windy day? We had a go on the 9 hole putting green, borrowed a board game, browsed the retail shop, took a door of Spa Chakra, and played a long game of snooker.
• The highlight of our dining experience is The Chef’s Table, prepared by Glenn Bacon, the executive chef at Hayman Island Resort, which is held twice a week and has only 18 spots. We dined in the hotel kitchen, on a long table, and enjoyed being spoilt by the top quality food and wine on offer. The highlight of it though, was definitely touring the kitchen, including the chocolate room where free samples of Valhona chocolate truffles were on offer, and watching all the bakers at work for the next day’s breakfast.

Food

• Azure breakfast:
  • mocha
  • peppermint tea
  • grapefruit juice
  • blueberry Danish
  • raspberry Danish
  • cheese scroll
  • mango and natural yoghurt with dried fruit and nuts
  • poached egg with hollandaise
  • Sicilian lyonnaise (pork) sausage
• lunch on Lady Dee:
  • orange juice
  • apple blackcurrant juice
  • carrot cake
  • fruit platter
• Chef’s Table dinner:
  • Don Perigon champagne
  • kingfish tartare
  • steamed Brunny island oysters with sake
  • mud crab and reen papaya salad with plantains
  • 2006 Henschke "Coralinga" Sauvignon Blanc
  • Guinea hen, savoy cabbage, black pudding and pork hock compression
  • 2006 Haan "Prestiage" Viognier
  • Hiramisa kingfish with baby abalone, enoki and pearl barley “risotto”
  • 2005 Dog Point Chardonnay
  • Pave of wagyu nine score with snail tart and Montpellier butter
  • 2001 D’Arenberg "Coppermine Road" Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Purple carrot gelle and sherbet
  • Variations of orange
  • 2004 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon

Day 3 8/8/07 - Australia

Hayman Island

Highlight

• Our waterskiing plans didn’t eventuate as the kinds were too strong, so we ended up having a long breakfast.
• We did our hike around Hayman Island. The walk is on a pretty gentle, well marked path. The views were amazing, but the highlight was definitely landing on Blue Pearl Bay 1, while looking over to Blue Pearl Bay 2 (can't be reached on foot) with its crystal water, pebble beach, and the moored yatch around.
• Tried to go swim at the lagoon pool, but all the deck chairs were taken, so we had to go back to the main pool instead. Slokky jumped into the big pool for about 1 minute before deciding that it was too cold.
• We were curious what paddle skis were, but turned out to be some very nice kayaks. Paddled around in some very rocky water for awhile.
• Dinner at Azure again, this time for the seafood grill. I tried to eat my money’s worth with oysters, but only managed 18 before I was defected.
• Too full to even move, we retired to watch Zodiac in our room, one of the best movies to come out this year.

Food

• Azure breakfast:
  • champagne cocktail
  • pineapple juice
  • latte
  • hot chocolate
  • smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel
  • raisin bun
  • miso soup
  • chicken sausage
  • spicy beef sausage
  • beef steak
  • smoked salmon and spinach egg pot
  • French toast
  • pancake
  • fried potato
  • hash brown
  • grilled mushroom
  • Bircher muesli with berry compote and strawberry yoghurt
  • fruit and cheese
• marble cake
• seafood grill dinner at Azure:
  • oyster
  • prawn
  • crab
  • squid salad
  • pumpkin and sausage salad
  • salmon and potato salad
  • bean and egg salad
  • roast beef salad
  • couscous and fish salad
  • sushi
  • salt and pepper squid
  • chilli prawns
  • chicken and sweet corn soup
  • lobster and clams paella
  • Thai fishcakes
  • vegetable tempura
  • steamed whole fish
  • deep fried yabbie
  • fried salmon
  • fried kingfish
  • fish skewer with lemon
  • curry octopus
  • roast beef
  • chocolate mousse
  • passionfruit cheesecake
  • tiramisu
  • flourless chocolate cake
  • coffee slice
  • chocolate raspberry slice
  • crème caramel
  • orange poppyseed cake
  • carrot cake
  • fruit tart
  • fresh fruit
  • blue cheese

Day 2 7/8/07 - Australia

Hayman Island -> Knuckle Reef -> Hayman Island

Highlight

• Had a very enjoyable breakfast at Azure, sitting by the window looking right on the beach. It was a bit too cold to sit outside though. Only tried a small selection of food as we were going diving!
• Boarded Seaflight, run by Cruise Whitsundays. The oat was top class, and Hayman guests get special treatment (but we have to pay more than everyone else). Met Anne and Britney from USA, who were here for a birthday trip.
• Lots of activities on board, but we couldn’t actually fit everything in!
• Glass bottom boat – quite enjoyable, the marine biologist explained a lot of stuff, like what all the corals are called and what you were likely to see.
• Was looking forward to the "Subsea Adventure", a submersible. But it turned out to be not very exciting, we couldn’t see very much.
• Got suited up for diving, had a 1mm long suit with a 5mm short suit, but it was still freezing cold. We dived for 45 minutes but I couldn’t stand the cold. There were some pretty fish and coral, but much much less to see than The Similans and even our first Cairns trip, so in that sense was disappointing. The highlight was probably seeing (and touching ;p) Wally the giant wrasse again. I actually still had 90 bars of air left when we came up.
• We wanted to do a 2nd dive, but because of bad planning by them, we actually could not fit it in. Never mind, it was way too cold for me anyway, and it meant we could actually eat lunch.
• Lunch was not very exciting. We only got the leftovers of everyone else, and they actually packed up while we were trying to eat anyway.
• We only had about 15 minutes for lunch before we were whisked away for the next activity, which was a helicopter flight back to Hayman, visiting Heart Reef, Langford Island, Whitehaven Beach. The view was spectacular and was definitely worth the money ($349). We also saw a few whales on their migration from Antartica.
• Swam in the famous Hayman pool, but only the inside pool as nothing else was heated.
• Listened to the jazz and piano player in the Club lounge while Slokky ordered a girly mocktail.
• Watched them replace and wipe everything at turndown even though they only cleaned the room not too long ago.
• Had a quiet night in, looking at wedding photos, watch TV, read Harry Potter and of course the laptop. The free wireless access has to be the best feature of the resort.

Food

• Azure breakfast:
  • smoked salmon
  • assorted cold cuts
  • blueberry muffin
  • apple danish
  • rye bread
  • smoked salmon baked egg pot
  • hash brown
  • chicken sausage
  • chipolata sausage
  • croissant with strawberry jam
  • chocolate croissant
  • skim cappuccino
  • apple juice
  • pineapple juice
  • omelette with mushrooms, cheese and tomato
  • bacon
  • poached egg
  • brie with dried fruit
  • assorted fruit
• Lunch on Seaflight:
  • apple juice
  • bread roll
  • tortilla wrap
  • cold cuts
  • prawns
  • steamed mussels with tomato
  • crab stick salad
  • pasta salad
  • rice salad
  • potato salad
  • chicken
  • pineapple and melon
• tutti frutti mocktail ($12)
• English breakfast tea
• hot and spicy instant noodles ($1.50)
• chocolate seashell
• palmier

Day 1 6/8/07 - Australia

Sydney -> Hamilton Island -> Hayman Island

Highlight

• Things didn’t start off on a good note. For some reason, my usually reliable dad was late. It took him over 10 minutes to get ready to leave. Because he was usually so good, we didn’t factor in that it would take him so long to get ready, so we ended up missing our plane by 2 minutes, as all the Jetstar check in all “automatically” closes exactly 30 minutes before the flight is scheduled to leave. We knew the plane was still here, but they refused to let us on, even if we were on our honeymoon. The guy at customer service was quite helpful, but he just kept stressing that he had no power to actually get us on even if he could. He booked us on the next flight, but that was not for another 6 hours, and we had to pay $120 in late fee, which he tried to waive, but didn’t manage to.
• Defeated, we tried not to let that ruin our day, and spent the morning at Oatley with my relatives, looking at our wedding video and photos, and opening all the cards and presents.
• We made our way to the airport for the second time, we were 1 hour early, but still managed to be one of the last people to check in.
• Once we arrived at Hamilton island airport, things went very smoothly. From the seamless transition to our luxury cruise transfer, to the checking in process and the huge welcome cocktail that was served.
• The Resort was as we expected. After being in Asia, Hayman Island Resort certainly does not beat them in service, but I believe it is the best resort in Australia (not that I have the authority to say of course, more of a gut feel kinda thing). Our room was very nice, not as big as Aspasia, but good enough that I can spend the whole week there.
• We did an orientation of the resort where we found out all the Internet was free, and we could get wireless everywhere, all the restaurants, the club lounge, our room, and hence my consistent blogging 
• Since we were up at 4am this morning for that flight we missed, we were dead tired, and retired early for bed (after the fantastic turndown service) after our beautiful dinner at La Trattoria.

Food

• cornbread, marble cake, palmier
• Hayman cruise:
  • champagne
  • bacon and chicken quiche
  • fruit skewers
• midori cocktail
• dinner at La Trattoria:
  • foccacia with balsamic oil and tomato salsa
  • zuppa minestrone ($17)
  • pappardelle allo scoglio ($34)
  • tuscan pizza ($27)
• camomile tea