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  • David Coles

DC heads Far East!

9-dniowa przygoda według David Czytaj więcej
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    1 marca 2025
    David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Early
    A good startThe BeachesFitzroy Island sunriseBrekkie in 2ABNERoom view2Cool runway like carpet in hotel12Lunch1Pullman Club3

    On my way

    1 marca, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Away at last - reading all the penguins recently has made my feet very itchy so finally leaving is good. I was a lot less polished this morning getting underway - out of practice! My packing skills deserted me and I left thinking I hadn't done something - hope it's not the fridge door left open!! Qantas came good with my upgrade request so an enjoyable first leg in BC. Brekkie with an Aussie fave Lois from The Lane Vineyard. Transit through BNE was effortless - in fact both flights left early and arrived even earlier. I trained to Mascot and checked in the Pullman (2nd time this week!). My room wasn't ready but they said I could have a better one on the top floor if I wanted to check in now - no worries! Changed into shorts as it is very sunny and 29o then back to the station to go to Circular Quay. Always takes my breath away particularly when it is a cracking day. A new queen was visiting - Queen Mary. She is on her maiden voyage and a world tour at that. The Rocks is what it is but I cannot resist a beer at the Fortune of War - a traditional pub that defies change. I then had a delightful lunch of perfect bread and the best olive oil with a glass of Taittinger Cuvee Prestige at Le Foote Wine Bar a few steps away - again a surprising genuine offering in a usually nasty tourist trap - I am going well so far! Back to Mascot and a relax in the club lounge. I have secured a bottle of NSW wine for the room and it is a treat - a Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz. This is an icon wine and one I am looking forward to trying. Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    It's earlyThis is goodAlso very goodI am on the boardI had forgotten how good these can be1Leaving Australia1New GuineaLocal sweets/cakes?1Room view1Cheers!

    International

    2 marca, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Quite a civilized start but I did want to get through security early just in case. I was able to check in on line and add the boarding pass to the digital wallet - that's a first! Security was a breeze and I hardly broke stride. First was busy without being chaotic. Tables were on a wait-list so I breakfasted at the bar. Eggs Benny as usual and they were perfect. Very pleased to see they're still pouring Lallier Reflexion RO19 - it's very good. A nice relaxed wait in my favourite lounge. The gate is a bit of a hike but I have time. I did decide to move half way through as my section was selected by a couple of families as an ideal place for a creche. My new location was next to one of those iconic departure boards - the click clack noise I can handle! Boarded at Gate 51, in a new (to me) part of this big terminal - it's an 8 1/2 hour flight but in daylight and with an empty seat next to me! Arrived to a line up at security - the locals get e pass but we get a stamp! Caught a Grab to the Novotel Manila Suites at Aqua where I am staying. The ride in was chaotic but not scary. A bit like Saigon - no lanes or rules but everyone is super aware of each other. The hotel appears to be very nice and as the name suggests, riverfront. I am not going out tonight but the area looked to be heaving with restaurants in the street and along the river front. I shall check it all out tomorrow. A long but good day. The hotel restaurant has some interesting dishes but I will make do with my (2) welcome drinks - more tired than hungry Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Omelette - they had chilliesIconic Jeepney1SardinesThe wall is thick and completely surrounds the compound still1Callos - brilliantThe pool beckons - after my apres lunch Chilean Cabernet

    Mandaluyong and beyond

    3 marca, Filipiny ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    A good night's sleep then up early to see what the running track was like. I wanted to be early before the traffic. I could follow the river for quite a way on a clear and clean walkway - no problems at all! Sun rises and it looks like a hot one today - not too smoggy. Mandaluyong is where I am staying and the big buildings across the river is Makati. I noticed a ferry stop below my hotel and the old Spanish Fort is at the end of the line so I jumped on for a pleasant water ride. The river (Pasig) is very similar to the Bangkok river - fast flowing with chunks of vegetation floating along. Not many pics as my phone camera stopped working. I rebooted and it took forever to reload. I got to the end of the line (the fort wasn't in sight and probably the other side of the river) and the phone was still inert. Well - talk about 1st world panic. I had no idea where I was - no maps, no Google, no Grab! I sat there for about 1/2 hour and the phone just remained stuck on the start up screen. I went back into the ferry terminal and asked an employee if there was a phone shop nearby. He said at the market - a 3/4 hour walk away. On roads without footpaths and 32o already I must have looked in despair. Anyway he said he would take me on his scooter if I wouldn't mind making a small contribution. Off we went and it certainly wasn't walkable to the market. He said he also wanted to buy a charger while we were there. We found the shop and of course my phone had kicked in and was working again! He suggested I pay for his charger - $100 pesos ($2.78AUD) as a contribution. Went out of his way and saved what could have been problematic. I left him at the market and had a good look round - it was a cracker. Couldn't help myself and bought some chillies - 2 lots for a total investment of 80cents! Then to Intramuros and Fort Santiago - quite well preserved and interesting. Hot going so a watermelon juice was in order. A Grab back to the hotel and a nice lunch there. Callos is slow cooked tripe with chorizo and chickpeas - amazing! The pool is next to the restaurant and an afternoon there is the plan! Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    My Novotel is centre top
    Crossing the riverFinancial centre - and looks it!Lots of national heros who mostly came to messy endsThe National MuseumSolid goldNice place to wait for this to coolCouldn't be more different than where I just wasThe tall white building is the Novotel

    Makati gold and a tour

    4 marca, Filipiny ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    After another nice brekkie I decided to walk into Makati and visit the National Museum. I left early as it could have been a hot walk. It was heating up but mostly foot paths and somewhat shady. A pleasant stroll as the museum opened at 10am. Makati itself has a population of 5.3 million (!) and is itself only one of the many boroughs of greater Manila. The city is a lot cleaner than I imagined and street sweepers everywhere. It is also not noticeably smoggy or smelly. The people are very laid back and pleasant. I decided to be a senior to get in - half price is worth the effort of getting to my age! Skipped lunch because the street food tour started at 3pm and had a lazy couple of hours pool time. Arrived at the meeting point just in time for the tour intro. He said we would be able to enjoy it with the early start rather than later as we would see how busy it could have been when we were finished. The tour was truly in a neighborhood with locals - not a tourist (other than us) to be seen. It truly was street food and my photos are light on because most places were literally standing on the footpath. We had 18 different tastes - ranging from safe to difficult, savoury to sweet. He was extremely informative and a heap of fun. I paced myself and only had a taste of each rather than hoeing in and suffering after. IT.WAS.AMAZING! Kerry will remember the Filipino market in Kota Kinabalu - the grilled sticks were a highlight - 2 types of lumpia (one with plantain that took me back to Africa). Cassava coconut jelly with cheese on top (works!) - quail eggs in batter and it went on. All heart attack material but very interesting and some very good. The stories behind pulled it all together. We then went to a bar for the last 'pub' meal of fried pork and tofu with battered chillies. He put on two icon street beers and then because we were all getting on - threw in a third! He also sent us home with an ice cream and local pastry. A great food tour and the best I have been on - throw in the ride in both a tuk tuk and a Jeepney.... The drive home was through a heaving mass of good natured neighborhood existence as predicted. A great way to end my visit. An early start tomorrow as I want to make sure I get past the morning traffic and security in time to enjoy some Cathay Pacific lounge time. Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Airside
    Bernard Lonclas Selection Brut1Cathay Pacific First/Business Lounge1Dim sum kitchenSuper congeeCondimentsRoom viewIt's been foggy all day apparentlyTherapy

    Goodbye MNL, hello HKG

    5 marca, Filipiny ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    I did go to the hotel bar after the tour but it wasn't a late night. After a good sleep and nice run along the river I packed and caught a Grab to the airport. I was anticipating Jakarta like traffic at 7.30 am and possibly a chaotic airport - there was neither, the traffic flowed and the check-in/security was empty. Terminal 3 is where most of the One World flights use but it isn't particularly memorable The Cathay Pacific combined First/Business Lounge is a lovely elegant space with a number of sections including a separate cafe/bar area. Given my hassle free arrival I have plenty of time here. I was very pleased to see they are pouring Bernard Lonclas here - I haven't had it before but noticed it at my hotel - it is elegant and a good morning fizz. The food is light on for euro tastes but strong on Hong Kong. The dim sum kitchen was full on with any manner of dumpling and noodle but I couldn't pass up the congee. It was superb and I mixed up my condiments in the Filipino way - as I learnt last night (flavored vinegar, light soy and Singapore limes). A good lounge. I have enjoyed my few days in Manila. It was a surprise even though I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't expecting it to be so big and yet so clean (relatively), friendly and accommodating. If I was to compare it would be a cross between Jakarta and Colombo with a bit of KL thrown in. I liked it and can only imagine what the island beaches are like. This country is not a place to let your guard down though - everyone had a safety first message. After the very good CP lounge the flight was completely ordinary - like a second rate domestic flight. It was in economy for sure but for 3 1/2 hour international flight to have a lunch with one dish, no options, no add ons (ie bread/cake), water only - no soft drinks, wine or even tea or coffee is very underwhelming and surprising - nothing even available for purchase. Not much competition for Cathay on this leg it suggests. HK airport was Hong Kong at its efficient best - quickly through everything only pausing to buy an Octopus card. A quick train trip to Hong Kong Station then a walk to Central for the Island Line for one more stop to Sheung Wan. I managed to make what really was a simple stroll from the station into an epic fail - too hurtful to relate so I shall ease the pain with an Asahi Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Iconic
    Just like LisbonSad lookJust like Lisbon21Rewarded2Take me homeClearingHK island appears out of the murk

    Monsoon and scarf in Macau

    6 marca, Makao ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    Headed off on an early ferry to Macau - easy 5 minute walk from my hotel. No dramas today. Just left the wharf when the monsoon storm rolled in - quite a ride with captain telling us to "hold on tight!" The storm was passing when we arrived but it was very cold (for me) -13o! I eventually found a bus into town - no helpful signage and so kept going until I recognized the old town. Very meh I know but it is why I wanted to go - oh, and the egg tart! I had to buy a scarf to survive. I enjoyed fossicking around the back streets and found a wet market and veggie shop with chillies. I bought a flat white that was quite good and had it with an egg tart that was triumphant! Mission accomplished so I found a cab back to the ferry wharf. I was offered a seniors ticket (I can be old) and then a short wait for the ferry. Had time for a browse in a duty free shop and the wine selection was mind boggling - if you were in the market for the best Bordeaux can offer! All of the first growths and a great selection of others including my favourite Ch Palmer were on offer. While I can still drink fine champagne these are now completely out of reach. Onto the ferry with a window seat - academic in this weather - plus bar service! Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Clearer early
    2Late lunch HK style11One of the little pockets gardens HK does so wellCraft IPA

    Hong Kong

    6 marca, Hongkong ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Daylight brought a clearer view of the beautiful harbour city - but goodness - 13o with a biting wind is just nasty. I have had to supplement my tropical kit! Just some pics to add for the HK bit. The day just became drizzly - eating drinking weather tbh. Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Central
    Ding ding1ASeats for the queue1Bahn Mi of courseWeather clearingCentral Pier - with my most favourite building photo bombing!Iconic Star ferryFrom Tsim Sha TsuiHeading back1After dinner treat

    HK - After Noon!

    7 marca, Hongkong ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Another excellent breakfast after a cold damp run. Unfortunately the weather deteriorated from there with constant drizzle and a dramatic drop in the temperature - my app said 9o! It wasnt until midday when I could at last venture out. I wandered around checking out a nearby wine bar and a wine shop. I then looked for lunch - as it seemed with most of Hong Kong! Every eating place had a significant line out the front. After checking out a lot of the streets I settled on a Vietnamese place that had a smaller line and had the added bonus of beer to reward the wait. It was excellent! I decided to buy my Friday Fizz for home as a bottle of PJ, and nice glass (nothing suitable in the room) would cost the same as 2 small glasses at a nice wine bar - in the cold without a harbour view! I then caught a Star Ferry across to Tsim Sha Tsui - so pleased the weather cleared enough to allow this must do. Hordes of tourist groups as you can imagine on the esplanade so a quick walkabout then back on the ferry. I walked back to the hotel and settled in for the night. I have booked tix for the peak tomorrow as the weather app promises a much better day - we will see!! Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Weather clearing
    2The other sideAwe inspiringA reminderOld barracksBank of China building - never enough!Old school HK coffeeThe sun came out just as I was leavingBrioche and butterSamosas and wonton soupSmart listAbsolute treatOne of the lounges - this one had the a/C off!The pantry - for snacksDon't know where my gate is

    Last day

    8 marca, Hongkong ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Well - it wasn't drizzling and wasn't sub 10o. A good start. Off to the peak and found the tram with little help from signage. The weather was clear enough to make the trip worthwhile - stunning as always. Headed back with a bit of a wander and HK coffee before packing and heading to the airport. Of course the sun came out just as I was leaving and it was almost warm! Security etc was pretty good but I managed to visit all the Cathay Pacific lounges (at all far points of the terminals) before I found the Pier First. Once inside it was worth the effort. This is an amazing lounge - a step up on even the Qantas Firsts. I was given a personal tour then a restaurant event with free pour Taittinger - Millesime 2016 no less! I also had the Prestige Rose (still not a fan) and the Laurent Perrier. I found one of the areas that didn't have a/c blasting and settled in. Had some cheese and choc ganache from the snack room and happy as. I am in a different terminal now (caught a train) and a) have no idea where I am and b) no idea where the gate my flight is leaving from - a 1st world problem! So long as I leave in time (will be hard to do!) I should be right. Czytaj więcej

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  • David ColesDC heads Far East!Podróżnik
    Phew - same terminal!
    Aussie sunriseSYDGloomyBack home - warm again!

    Heading home

    9 marca, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After the dream lounge it was a relief to find I didn't have to retrace my journey through endless terminals/trains as my gate was in the same one as the lounge - a fair walk but... Overnight to Sydney. My upgrade request didn't eventuate but I did get an empty seat next to me - I'll take this!! In answer to Theo's question re what is HK like since the clamp down - I picked up no tension or extra security. It was very much Hong Kong but with significantly less bright young things in suits (the throngs of expats) and tourists who weren't from China. Admittedly I wasn't on the Levels on Friday night (I am too old and it was too cold) but I was out late Friday arvo in Central and I would have expected more expats. No obvious nationalist signage or flags etc but the China Daily had Xi on the front page every day even though he had nothing to say! The place was heaving though so the economy looks ok. As all overnight flights seem to be an exercise on seeing how cold they can get the temperature - I was pleased to have my new puffer jacket close to hand - winner! The plane was quite early into SYD but we had to do some circle work due to congestion. That congestion carried over into the terminal. There are now literally hundreds of e kiosks - and they were needed. The nothing to declare exit had a queue that snaked back and forth around the carousels - the 6 declare exits had about 3 people going through? After about an hour boarded the direct flight to CNS - luckily flying over the unfortunate disaster that was Alfred. Won the seat lottery again - they were making much of it being a completely full flight and it was - except for the middle seat next to me. Bliss! Czytaj więcej

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    9 marca 2025
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