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Europe Self Recalibration
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Europe Self Recalibration

A solo trip to recalibrate, get comfortable with myself and explore some parts of Europe I haven’t visited before…. Oh, and lots of flights ✈️ Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 18, 2024
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    The night before tomorrow

    July 18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    My trip is starting tomorrow morning at f-off early o’clock with a 5:45am flight up to Sydney. To make it easier to get my boys settled in with their dog sitter (and to cut out a 25min morning drive), I’m staying at the airport tonight. I’m excited about the travels tomorrow, but am already missing my boys. A month is a long time to be away from them but I think they are in good hands.

    I’ve stayed at the Park Royal at the airport a few times before which I find a bit dated and overpriced. Fortunately Accor opened a twin hotel property near terminal 4 earlier this month. It features a Novotel and Ibis Styles, and I’m staying at the latter. The room is compact but brand new and comfortable for an early night. It was about $100 cheaper than the Novotel which is kind just down the hall.

    Alas my room doesn’t face the runway, which probably is for the best for an early sleep otherwise I’d be up all night glued to the window watching the planes. I had my free welcome drink on arrival with a quick dinner downstairs and now am settled up in my room winding down for bed.

    Not sure how I’m going to use this app. Probably going to be full on for the first few days then will probably slow down.    Read more

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    Fridge Disco and Cancelled Flight

    July 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Urgh why do hotels have air conditioning that you can’t turn off. I still got an ok sleep but was up from 2:30am as the cool breeze across my face was annoying me. The fridge was also having its own little disco party all night switching from illuminating blue to red. What a bizarre selection for a hotel room. Anyway, I’ll add that to my definition list for #firstworldproblems 😂

    When I did wake up noticed that Qantas had cancelled my 5:45am flight but moved me to a 5:55am flight instead. Talk about spoiled for choice on flights between Melbourne and Sydney. I know lots of people complain about the cancellations, but when it’s only a 10min time change I’d rather see one full flight go than 2 half empty flights. There’s my carbon offset right there. Still have the exact same seat and the new flight doesn’t even look full on expertflyer.

    It’s a 10min walk from the hotel to the terminal and then checked behind the construction works for domestic to international connections. Staff here seem like they ‘love’ their job.

    Was the second person in the lounge this morning and Maria made me a strong hot chocolate today (IYKYK). Only a brief chill in the lounge this morning before the short hop up to Sydney. Hopefully have enough time for a quick stop in the first lounge in Sydney with my 10min delayed departure #timeforchampagne    Read more

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    ‘Are we going down?’ 😂🛬

    July 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    ‘Are we going down’ yells a kid a few rows behind me as we bounce our way out of a turbulent Melbourne this morning. While the 5:45am flight was cancelled, this rescheduled 5:55am flight left at 5:45am anyway and was super empty. We rocketed out of Melbourne and the seat belt sign stayed on for half the flight until the bumps finally stopped as we leveled off at 38,000 ft. One of the bumpier flights but nothing too severe.

    Once the seatbelt sign eventually went off the crew sprang into action to serve the business cabin. They only managed to serve half the cabin breakfast due to the turbulence with options of a ham and cheese croissant on tomato’s, scrambled egg with sausage or a fruit salad. I opted for the quick croissant, an OJ and a cup of tea. Barely finished eating before it was time to land. It was quite nice but only had half as didn’t want to peak too soon with my eating today. Poor crew guy looked stressed AF.

    Landed in Sydney 22mins early which is a win for more time for a breakfast champagne before my next flight. The sun rose above the horizon just before touchdown on what looks like a lovely sunny day on Sydney this morning.

    One of the faster flights I’ve had up to Sydney and the third time I’ve flown on this exact 737-800 (thanks Flighty App). #avgeek

    Next stop, transfer to international!    Read more

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    Who said airports are stressful?

    July 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Just a quick one as couldn’t resist the obligatory champagne before flight 🍾.

    Had a relatively easy transfer across by bus to the international terminal, fast track security and then up to the Qantas International First Lounge. No time to eat but had a lovely drop of champagne before the flight. With views of the beautiful A380 and a bright morning sun hopefully this is a good omen for the start of this adventure.

    This was always my happy place… hoping to get back here more often.

    Ended up back in the lounge after my flight was delayed as the coffee machine was leaking. They reckon it’ll take 30mins to fix so decided to get some toasted muesli with rhubarb and yogurt to tie me over before I get moving.

    It’s a ripper of a morning here with great views of the departing flights with the Sydney skyline in the background. Worse places to spend some time.

    Meanwhile the terminal is busy!    Read more

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    “Do you fly business class often?”

    July 19, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    Ok so this ‘footprint’ is a long one as it’s about a flight. Carry on if that’s not your thing. With the aircraft’s coffee machine leak repaired I boarded the flight about 1 hour late and settled into my window seat. A quick welcome champagne was quickly consumed before we began a taxi that felt as long as my last flight. Up and away into the sunny Sydney skies on the 11’ish hours flight across to Bengalaru (Bangalore) India. 🇮🇳

    My flight would take me across Australia crossing the coast in the northwest tip of WA before overflying Bali, Singapore and then across the Bay of Bengal and into Bengalaru.

    The true window seats offer good privacy from the aisle and it’s comfortable in both sitting and bed modes. Slightly hard to lie on your side but overall ok for someone of my height. Entertainment is a tad limited to what I remember but I rewatched Wonka and binged A Gentlemen in Moscow (5 episodes - not sure if that is it?). Music was a flashback to Savage Garden and no TayTay to be seen.

    Once up I the air I started the marathon of eating with the starter of Tandoori chicken skewer with flatbread, turmeric pickles and raita. Delicious. A side of green leaf salad accompanied the meal. I’m not a fan of the salad as it’s just leaves, but Qantas seem to think it’s fancy. I’d prefer an actual salad. All of this washed down with a margarita. As the song goes, one margarita you can…. (thus I stopped at one 🍹).

    Shortly after that, the first main was served. I opted for a Bannockburn roast chicken with soft polenta, green beans and a tomato and caper salsa. Chicken was dry and flavourless while the polenta and beans were nice. Dessert took about 45mins to appear with me opting for the cheese plate and fruit plate and a cup of tea. The CSM tried to persuade me to have an ice cream sandwich too, but I declined - already full.

    The last bite was barely consumed and orders were taken for dinner - to be served in a mere 4 hours. In that four hours I was offered many snacks. Why I accepted them is beyond me but I did keep eating. Sure enough, the next meal came around quickly. Fortunately no starters for this meal so I was straight into the spicy Chettinad style chicken curry with baby potatoes, sautéed broccoli and rice. Quite a refreshingly spicy dish that energized me although lacked said potato.

    If I’m honest, both lunch and dinner meals were very similar in their offerings and the dessert offerings were the same for both meals (despite no dessert being offered for dinner - not that I needed it). I feel this is a little unimaginative and a bit of a let down. The plant based starters were the same as my flight to Jakarta back in April. Mix it up Qantas.

    Despite being a day flight everyone had their blinds shut and the cabin was dark. I opted to have my window slightly open to try and stay in the right circadian rhythm (yep I’m ‘that’ guy). I still had a slight nap early on in the flight but only an hour or so.

    I found most of the crew friendly, especially the CSM but the crew member looking after me just gave me a weird vibe. She asked ‘Is this your first business class flight, are you enjoying it?’. I found her tone quite patronising and we got off to a bad start when I was told I couldn’t take photos or film myself onboard. On the flip side the manager was lovely and when I checked this with her, she said I was fine to and offered to take photos of me. I ended up with a stash of chocolates from her to take with me. #waytomyheart

    Overall an ok flight - the cabin crew member looking after me put me in a bit of a down funk, but otherwise a comfortable 11+ hours. Only in Bengalaru for the night before heading to Mumbai in the morning.

    The plane got a wash as we passed rain on arrival into Bengalaru airport where it is a comfortable 24 degrees. #summeriscoming

    I feel that “Do you fly business class often?” Is the equivalent to saying “She doesn’t even go here” to an Avgeek ✈️. #meangirls    Read more

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    One night in Bangalaore 🎶

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    One night in Bangalore and the world’s your oyster remix? Good morning from Bangalore / Bengalaru. I’m only connecting here so stayed at the Taj Bangalore airport hotel last night. I’d arranged a pick and and drop off service and interacted with no less than 11 hotel staff members who helped me from the airport to my room. On the way back I only had 5 helpers - how did I manage!

    Slept well last night and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. Helps having a day flight over here yesterday and then the early wake up doesn’t feel that early as it’s late back home.

    Now chilling in the cute and comfortable Air India business class lounge waiting for my flight across to Mumbai. Trying out Air India’s latest flagship aircraft while it does some crew familiarisation runs domestically then have a day tour of Mumbai.

    This airport is beautiful, clean, super efficient and really blew me away. That said my expectations were set from a trip through Delhi many years ago. Well done India 🇮🇳, love this new build terminal.    Read more

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    Air India A350 Suite ✈️

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Nice 👌✈️. I love the A350 anyway for its quiet cabin and super smooth flying and cabin onboard Air India’s new flagship aircraft is fresh. It’s my first time flying Air India and so far I’m impressed. Sitting in 1A I’ve got a sliding door, a full flat bed and even a wardrobe. It’s the first time I’ve been on a flight with a suite door and I thought it makes the space feel so private. It’s all very comfortable for a 1:15hr flight up to Mumbai. Major first world problem is the bench where you naturally rest your arm has the seat controller so found myself moving the seat a lot, turning the light off and on and putting on the do not disturb sign. #firstworldproblems

    Breakfast had 4 choices for mains each with a fruit salad (wouldn’t rate), croissant (not bad) and some preserves. I went for the Masala Moong Dal and Palak Paneer Kebab (trying to go local). First mouthful was spicy but then really enjoyed it. Pretty small serving and presentation wasn’t fancy but it hit the spot. I had a cup of earl grey tea and a Pepsi to wash it all down with. Gotta drink tea in India right? The crew seemed a little stressed getting the service out and away during the shirt flight but managed ok.

    I’d never have put Air India on a list of airlines I’d fly long haul, but with this cabin I’d probably reconsider that. Would be interesting to see the food and beverage options available on international flights. I’d probably BYO entertainment as the onboard system was ok but limited.

    This was just a quick flight but I would give them a go for a longer flight if the price was right. Speaking of price. This was less than $150AUD and only about $40-50 more than economy! Bargain in my book.

    After an hour in the air crew were sent to landing stations for our on time arrival into a monsoon drenched Mumbai. I’ve got a day tour booked for the day and this short flight has got me pumped for exploring a new city.    Read more

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    Ghandi, Laundry and my Guide

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I’d booked the first driver I came across on Get my Guide and hadn’t really paid much attention to what the tour was. The morning of my tour I had 2 different drivers sending me WhatsApp messages about them being my guide. I ended up getting in the car with Fateh who turned up first at the time I actually wanted to leave. What was I taught about getting in cars with strangers….

    Anyway, Fateh asked if I had a list of places I wanted to go. I said no, you’ve got 5 hours show me the best of Mumbai. At first I wasn’t sure if he had got the brief right as we stopped at a laundry… sure it was the biggest outdoor hand wash laundry in Mumbai and all but ummm… yeah. Fortunately it picked up from there.

    Next stop was a Gandhi house which was ok. I wasn’t in a reading mood but got the gist through the miniature models. His advice was “go in and look, take pictures and the read about it online later when you have time.” It’s like he knows me already.

    Went to a few other major sites after that which scored their own footprint before heading back to the hotel. He asked if I minded paying for the toll road to halve the drive time. For $2 equivalent it as an unequivocal yes from me. Alas some of the toll roads are closed on weekends - random.

    On the way we drove along marine drive, home to the mansion of *insert name here of rich guy I don’t know*’s daughter and then 20mins later past slums. India hey. Fateh wanted to do a reel so he cranked up some Bollywood on the radio and did a wave. #wheninrome

    A nice little outing seeing the major sites of Mumbai.    Read more

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    Conscripted to a Market Guide

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Did you even go to India if you didn’t walk through a market? I went for what I thought would be a solo walk through these markets. After 1 photo a ‘guide’ jumped out of nowhere demanding he show me around. I didn’t really need or want a guide but I couldn’t loose the is guy as he stalked me around. After a few minutes of “I’m free, look at my pass, no money” I succumbed and he took to to his spice mates who wanted me to sniff every jar of curry powder they had. After the 5th jar I walked off - there’s only so much curry powder up the nose one can handle 😂.

    The guide proceeded to explain to me the obvious as he ushered me through the market pointing as he described: “Animals. Fish. Vegetables. Nuts. You must see the fruit!”.

    Turns out he was indeed free, or I just walked off anyway. Nice markets and I must admit the curries did all smell quite nice.    Read more

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    Victorian Railway Style 🚂

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Avgeek meets train geek and history lover 🚂 at this stop on my private tour of Mumbai. I got out and had a walk around to explore the old Victoria Station in Mumbai. Still a working station built by the British it was beautiful outside and just what you think an Indian train station would be like inside - a mix of organised chaos and sleeping bodies. My driver reckons the stuff the British built will live forever while stuff Indians built will collapse in 10 years (not racist cause he said it?). Despite the huge class differences everywhere you look my attention keeps getting drawn to the dogs chilling everywhere on various states of despair.

    Next time I visit India (for more than a day) a rail journey is definitely on the cards. Ideally leaving from a grand old station like this one. They definitely don’t make them like they used to. Love these old buildings. This one is a UNESCO heritage site.    Read more

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    Stuff the British didn’t steal… maybe?

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    “Do you want to go to the museum?” Fateh asks me after we leave the railways station. “Not really thanks” I reply until I see the building… “Actually I think I will go in and have a look.” It was the building that drew me in, but the contents were interesting too. As soon as I walked in the first thought was the ABC series “Stuff the British Stole”. Except in this case is it stuff the British didn’t steal given it’s still in India? That was quickly changed to “Stuff the British probably stole but didn’t get it to London and out of India before independence” given some of the exhibits were from Egypt and Greece.

    I spent about an hour wandering through the galleries just taking in the art and exhibits. I’m not a big gallery or museum reader, but like to just look and the cool stuff #yeahimbasic. The internal architecture of the building was my favourite part (as is the case with many historic museums or art galleries I’ve visited) followed by the colourful paintings and sculptures. Would recommend especially when the monsoon rain outside gets heavy.    Read more

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    Gateway of India - Selfie Mission

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    “Go in and take a selfie. I’ll meet you at the gate of that hotel” as Fateh points randomly off into the distance. I took on the mission and proceeded through the pointless security check and out onto the square full of everyone else taking selfies. I took a few obligatory selfies but found the gate kinda underwhelming. Like I guess it’s cool and all, but eh… seen one gate seen ‘em all? Probably doesn’t help that the waters of the Arabian Sea laps around the gate and smells like sewerage.

    When you turn around to leave you get a view of the Taj Mahal Palace. Now that was impressive, and at $400 a night it would want to be. Maybe next time 😉 No seriously - next time!

    It was at this point the heavens really opened up and my feet became wetter than after going swimming. Time to call this day tour to a close. Had a great time exploring Mumbai with Fateh (who not once left the car). Definitely a nice taste of India and a teaser for perhaps a future trip.    Read more

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    Stopover sleepover 💤

    July 20, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Well that’s a wrap on my short India stopover on my way to Europe. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a day somewhere before on my way to Europe to explore. I’d do it again. Only hassle with India is having to apply for a visa beforehand but that was pretty straightforward… that and it takes a while to clear immigration as they want to know why you’re here and what you’re doing.

    I’ve got a very early flight tomorrow to Madrid (of course not one flight, but 3). Going via Abu Dhabi and Doha on Etihad and Qatar. To end my time in India I had a delish curry (which the waiter showed me how to eat Indian style) and a cocktail. Given I’m in Bombay (Mumbai) it would be rude not to have a Bombay Gin based cocktail. To make it taste even better it was on the house!

    Time now to get some sleep on a very comfy bed.    Read more

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    Passport Privilege

    July 21, 2024 in India ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Got a glimpse of what it must feel like to have a passport that doesn’t get you places without a visa… and it’s not fun. Checking in for my next flight the staff were insistent that I needed a visa to enter Qatar (my next short stop). I knew I didn’t (not that I’m a know it all, I got that info directly from the Qatar website). They initially denied me boarding, so I went away, did some googling and came back with evidence to show I didn’t need a visa (and quietly started a visa application just in case).

    This time they agreed with me (after I did the equivalent of hanging up and calling back later to get a new staff member). With boarding pass in hand I continued to live my privileged life, taking it up a notch by using the business class private security and immigration. Now sitting in the lounge ready for 3 flights today to Madrid.    Read more

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    Etihad 787-9 to Abu Dhabi

    July 21, 2024 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Third times the charm. After making a rookie mistake and picking a window seat with no window, I moved to a seat with a window. That seat was broken, so moved to another window seat, but the TV didn’t work. Back to my original windowless seat where everything works (except the view). It was meant to be that I was in seat 9A. The crew offered to manually move the seat for me, but that seemed more effort for everyone than it was worth for everyone involved.

    Pre departure I had a lovely drop of champagne which went straight to my head. I’m not accustomed to drinking at 4am 🥂. The working seat is comfortable with good width and armrests that make it easier to lounge. A pluffy Etihad branded pillow and soft blanket are at each seat. A full flat bed is great although the 2hr flight probably won’t get much bed use by the time I get fed. A sliding door would in theory semi enclose the suite but it’s not full height. That said all the doors are disabled - presumably not certified? With all the seat changes my food got misplaced with no one really sure who would be serving me. The cabin manager ended up taking over and looking after me.

    While I waited I pondered the entertainment - a decent number of options although the UI for TV shows is a little lame, with episodes of the same series not grouped (some series are, some aren’t). Lots of swiping. I know ‘raw-dogging’ flights is a new trend (why it’s called that is beyond me), but the inflight map and some music is all I need for short flights. Music wise there is only radio - so I just popped on the pop channel. Wifi internet is available but the satellite connection was lost so that didn’t work. One of the TV shows is a bio security video from the Australian government - that’ll keep you entertained 😂.

    My meal eventually arrived. I opted for the poached eggs, chicken sausage and pita bread option. The eggs were more like boiled eggs, which is preferable as I don’t know how runny eggs would last on a plane. Sauce that went with it was nice and the fruit was fresh. I also got some nuts to chew on as airplane nuts are delish. An ok meal but airline breakfasts in any class are never anything to write home about (yeah I know I that I literally just wrote home about it).

    I tried the flat bed mode and had a 15min nap before we started descending into Abu Dhabi for a 34 degree arrival at 5:45am. The bed was comfortable - especially the blanket and I was able to lay on my side. In a strange quirk - announcement pause the entertainment system but don’t come through the headphones.

    Overall a comfortable flight but it’s not the Etihad I flew a lot back in 2016. With the re adjustment of the brand and routes I feel it’s still a nice product, but not as lush as it was previously. There seemed to be a few too many issues for what looks like a relatively fresh cabin. Landing I was in my original seat with no windows. Such a strange feeling not being glued to the window for landing and only knowing I was on the ground once we touched down. Now for a few hours in transit checking out the new terminal here in Abu Dhabi.    Read more

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    Etihad’s fancy new home

    July 21, 2024 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    My first visit to the long awaited midfield terminal in Abu Dhabi. Now called Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, this replaces the drab former home of Etihad. It’s bloody impressive and is a massive improvement on the old terminal. Sure construction on this began in 2012, delayed several times as Etihad restructured and the pandemic happened. But now, she’s open.

    Super quiet in the arrivals area, an easy transit security (despite having old scanners and still needing to take everything out) and great open central mall area. It’s gone like many world class airports have and made it a great shopping mall with an airport attached.

    Over in the Etihad business lounge there are 3 levels to choose from. The 6th floor houses a ‘rooftop’ bar overlooking the gates where I had some fruit and a tea. The bar looks shmick! I then moved down one level for recliner style seats to have a nap/rest staring out into the morning haze.

    The entry level houses a dining room which is more akin to a hotel breakfast area. The food was all breakfast while I was there which isn’t my thing so I headed up for a sneaky champagne on the roof top level just before leaving for my flight.

    The main reason I took this routine was to check this airport out. Flying Etihad a lot in 2016’ish I always found the lounge and airport experience made me reconsider flying with them. With this new terminal I’d give them another go for a long haul flight. Alrighty - time to fly to Doha.    Read more

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    Etihad A320 flight to Doha

    July 21, 2024 in Qatar ⋅ ⛅ 39 °C

    “We now welcome business class passengers to board Etihad flight EY661 to Doha”. I’m the first to board, walk down the jet bridge that doesn’t get any air conditioning and board the plane where the crew are busy repacking their toiletries in their crew bags in my seat. “Umm hi?” I say sensing I’m not supposed to be here. “I’m guessing they didn’t tell you we were boarding?”. To this I receive a very firm “No. you can’t be here” and am escorted off the plane to wait in the very hot aerobridge. #greatstart 😂

    Just about the same time I’m profusely sweating me and the crowd now gathered behind me are invited to board. I hop into seat 1A, a standard recliner seat with tray table and tv monitor in each armrest. There are a whopping 20 business seats on this Etihad A320 each in a 2-2 layout. The seat beside me is vacant, as is about half the cabin.

    While boarding continues I’m offered a choice of orange juice or “our signature lemon and mint”. If it’s ‘signature’ it mist be good so opted for that which was delicious and refreshing (especially after my mini sauna). This is followed by dates and Arabic coffee. In for a penny in for a pound. Even though I hate coffee (so bitter) I give it a go. Dang - that’s nice. Great combo with the dates too. Will be coming back for those for sure (to regulate bowel health of course). Meal orders are taken from back to front of the cabin. There is only 1 option; an Arabic Meze plate. I choose that.

    And then we wait. Etihad start the boarding of an A320 45 minutes before departure. That’s a long time for not many people to board. Departure time came and went and I soon realised I’d be spending more time on the ground on this plane than in the air 😂. Actually the only other time I’ve flown an Etihad A320 before was out of Athens where the plane broke down as we tried to take off and we had to return to a remote gate and eventually deplane. Hopefully that won’t happen again today.

    The door closed 10mins late and the captain made an announcement “… our flight is 45mins and we’ll fly east and arrive in Doha…”. The cabin crew talking in the galley said “it’s west” with an eye roll. They are right - hopefully the captain isn’t taking us the wrong way.

    We raced another Etihad A320 to the runway and both lined up at the same time (with us winning taking an earlier position on the runway). As we took off past 3 Qantas A380’s parked up against the runway. They didn’t t look like much was happening to them. That’s almost a third of Qantas’ fleet in Abu Dhabi.

    Meals came out straight after take off on this super short flight. The mezze bowl was delicious as was the tandoori chicken mini wrap. The dessert was interesting. Don’t know if I like it or not but I ate all of its bright yellow goodness. Barely finished my last bite and the seatbelt sign is on for landing.

    I think the crew were tied today as about 5seconds before the wheels of the plane hit the runway they announced “cabin crew to landing stations”. Following that as we taxied to the gate they read an announcement “as we are beginning our descent into Doha please…”. Overall an ok experience but a little like the earlier Etihad flight not as polished as previously.

    Now to enter my 51st country for about 10mins before flight 3/3 today to Madrid.    Read more

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    Country 51: Qatar for 10 minutes 🇶🇦

    July 21, 2024 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 44 °C

    Getting a stamp in your passport means you’ve visited a country right? Even if it was for only 10mins before you cleared immigration again and left the country? That’s me today and adding Qatar to the list of countries I’ve ‘visited’. Immigration officer “How long will you be staying in Qatar?” Me, “I fly out at 2pm”. Immigration officer looks at watch “Ok that’s under 4hrs, you don’t need a hotel voucher for that”. Stamps passport and I’m in.

    In my mind, I’d assumed Doha airport would be beautiful and wow inspiring. All the videos and photos I’ve seen online gave that impression. While the giant teddy is nice and super cool (10th birthday FYI), the main parts of the airport post immigration were a little architecturally underwhelming. That’s probably a bit harsh as it is quite fancy with all its fancy shops (Harrods and numerous other London stores) and cool playgrounds but I dunno. There was something missing from it for me. The lounge however was a peaceful luxury sanctuary.

    The bad romance between Qantas and Qatar means that despite having Oneworld emerald status I can only use the business lounge instead of the first. #firstworldproblems (and to be fair it’s not just Qantas but most of Oneworld). The business lounge is fancy pants tho. From a large pond with rippling water to the spiral staircase with chandelier it’s got some wizz bang style to it.

    For the first time on this trip I’ve felt tired today. Maybe it was the 1:30am wake up for the day of flying. I had an early lunch in the al la cart dining room while a window washer washed the outside of the window while everyone watched as if they’d never seen someone wash a window before. “Excuse me sir, is the window washing disturbing you? I can move you to the other side of the lounge if it is bothering you” says one of the waiters. “No I’m right thanks. Watching all of you watching him is quite entertaining” I reply. I finish my steak and try 2 of the mocktails then head to the business centre where, weirdly there are sleeping lounges arrange in semi dorm style.

    I set an alarm and am briefly disturbed b a staff member who takes my flight details and promises to monitor my flight and wake me before boarding. She returns with a blanket to allow me to get more comfortable. It’s been a while since someone has tucked me in for a nap. I doze pretty well for 1.5 hours listening to some music and wake up feeling a tad more refreshed, 30 mins before boarding.

    A quick toilet stop before leaving the lounge and heading for my gate. Toilet attendants might at first seem a luxury but knowing they are just outside the door listening while you deposit all the airline food (and curries) in the last few days is a bit off putting. #overshare

    So on that note I end my brief visit to country 51. Thoughts on it: quiet, efficient and a cute teddy bear. Wonder where country 52 will be.    Read more

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    Qatar 787-9 Suite is Sweet

    July 21, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    I popped my Qatar Airlines cherry today, and wow what a great way to do it 🤩. Although it wasn’t Q-suites, which is their best product, the 787-9 suite was great. A private door, full flat bed, HD screen, pillows a plenty and more importantly - lovely, friendly and engaging crew proving a personalised service.

    Once onboard the personalised service started immediately. None of this walking the cabin with a tray of pre take off drinks. Everyone served individually with whatever you wanted. I opted for the Mint lemon drink. Delish. I was then given an introduction to the suite, how everything worked and how the food service would operate today. Basically it’s all al carte and you order what you want when you want it. That said she advised that I should pre select some dishes to ensure they were reserved for me.

    Having recently eaten in the lounge I decided to have a few small dishes first then have a main meal prior to landing around dinner time. A delicious mistake! I started with some nuts and a champagne cocktail, followed by a mezze plate and a pink gin cocktail. Once that was down I had a high tea with an old fashioned. Scones with jam and cream for the win.

    The original plan was to finish that off with a brownie, but I just couldn’t fit another bite in. The crew were amazing in ensuring that the pace of the meal was dictated by the passenger instead of their schedule. A huge product differentiator right there. A cute touch was the fake candle on the table setting. Never before have I dined in the sky by candlelight. The crew noticed I was taking photos and instead of Qantas telling me off, she cleaned up my table crumbs so the pictures would “look better”. Bless.

    I decided to try and nap, so while I went off to change into my Qatar PJ’s (they call them lounge wear) my seat was made into a bed complete with mattress, blanket and pluffy pillow. I rested for a while but didn’t get to sleep. Not for the lack of comfort, most likely due to my earlier ground nap. Probably for the best anyway so I sleep tonight in Madrid.

    I watched Aladdin while I ate (flying over the Middle East it seemed appropriate right?). After that I browsed the extensive collection of music available onboard. The noise cancelling headphones provided are great quality so happily bopped along while composing this footprint. I paid $15 for Wifi for the flight and it was nice to share some chats before everyone back home went to sleep.

    The route today took me over Saudi Arabia, Egypt and then across the Mediterranean Sea all the way into Spain. Abeam Greece I decided to unhide certain apps on my phone that are frowned upon in the Middle East. I was hesitant to book Qatar after being told off by Qatar staff in Melbourne for kissing Thom before a flight a decade ago. It’s always an extra bit of hesitation and re-entering the closet when you’re in this part of the world sadly 🏳️‍🌈. That said there are a couple in this flight holding hands which harmed my heart.

    Side note. I’ve notice that on the 787’s my phone is unable to get a GPS signal to track my movement in the app. Yet on the A330 and A350 it could easily and made a very detailed map. I thought it might be the carbon fibre of the 787, but isn’t the A350 the same? Anyway, if you know let me know. #curiositykilledthecat

    Passing over Malta the crew noticed I was awake and offered a beverage. Do I also eat the second meal? I want to try it but have eaten so much today. Will give it another 30mins and see how I feel. Cut to 30 seconds after writing this me agreeing to take the chicken. As I fly over Algeria the cordon Bleu chicken comes out. I manage one bite of the chicken and decide I’m literally at breaking point when it comes to eating. I’ve eaten way too many meals today. All the food was delicious and I’d love to come back and try it all again sometime soon.

    The last 45mins I spent watching some Night Judge as the long day of flying comes to an end. Really enjoyed this flight and if only Qatar were less anti-lgbtiq I’d probably fly them often with less hesitation. Arrived in Madrid I’m looking forward to my first non pre 4am wake up tomorrow morning. I need the sleep in. Goodnight! (Even though it’s 10pm here you’d think it’s 4 in the afternoon how busy the city is).    Read more

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    Stopping to smell the roses 🌹

    July 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Gosh summer is nice, especially when you’re wandering through beautiful gardens where shirtless Spanish men go for their runs or do their workouts. After a day on planes I decided to start my 3 days in Madrid with a morning (midday is still morning in Spain) walk in the Parque de El Retiro. I’m translating that to ‘Park to retire’ and it’s a beautiful place to do just that.

    I just had a wander through the sprawling park, stopping to look at the cute ducklings with the excitement of a small child and taking in the Spanish sunshine. After stopping to smell the roses (literally) in the rose garden I took in the crystal palace (interior closed) then stopped to sit in a garden cafe with a refreshing frozen lemon slushy while a saxophonist plays some light jazz tunes in the background. #sonice

    A big challenge for me on this trip (and life in general) is going from boom to bust by not ever slowing down. Sitting in this park under the shade of the trees sipping my frozen drink is certainly a good way to start working on this challenge. I discovered a way to help with that is drinking frozen drinks - can’t smash them down or you get brain freeze so you have to wait for them to melt just enough to drink. I soon discover paper straws don’t last long enough to take it slow.

    The Velázquez Palace in the centre of the park had an exhibit on James Lee Byars (no I’m not pretending I know who that is). I really wish I ‘got’ art. I love looking at it but fail to see the depth behind the meaning of the pieces. A few phallic items naturally caught my attention, one of which I had to photograph the attendant to get perspective. When the Spanish say ‘just the tip’ they don’t mess around 🍆🤣.

    The last stop for me in the park was the central lake full of people (mainly couples) in little row boats. Can you get a more wholesome activity with buskers playing classical jazz (is that a thing? 🎶). Oh the romance 🥰. Summer days in the park in Madrid are absolutely delightful. A lovely first activity to explore in Madrid.    Read more

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    Prado Museum - Culture Time 🎨

    July 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    After the tiny dabble in the arts in the park I wandered into the Prado museum. The taxi driver from the airport yesterday answered my question “if you could only do 1 thing in Madrid what would it be?” with this museum. It was also starting to warm up to the top of 35 today so decided some out of the sun, air conditioned time would be good.

    Alas no pictures from inside (rules are rules) but I can give you a text based description. Lots of religion (and I mean a lot of Jesus, saints, angels and other godly things). Once past the religion you get royals, ladies holding strategically placed leaves or fruit, battles, landscapes and ‘romantic realism’ (whatever that is). There are also sculptures with plenty of 🍆.

    Occasionally throughout the gallery were artists with their boards painting reproductions of the existing works. It looks painstakingly difficult but also kind of thinking like - get your own material. I guess the copyright on these works is all well and truely public domain now?

    While I don’t get art, the quality of the work and clarity of the paintings is amazing. Given these are from a time where HD camera phones weren’t a thing the attention to detail and storytelling are why these are still drawing crowds hundreds of years later. I do wonder whether someone’s Instagram reels will be playing in a gallery in a few hundred years time. Is that the art our generations will leave behind?

    I also may have acted like Grace and hovered near some of the paid tour guides as they explained some of the art (refer to Will & Grace where Grace steals exercise routines at the gym). My final note is I’d prefer to have my royal portraits hung on a dark red wall. It’s a nice look.    Read more

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    Touring the Dark side of Madrid

    July 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 32 °C

    After a few hours resting in my chilled hotel room I decided to get out and about on a walking tour. I picked the latest tour I could find in 5 minutes of searching so I could have a decent rest. That happened to be ‘The dark side of Madrid’. Appropriate to at it starts at 8pm (still not dark). Who even am I starting a tour at 8pm, but that is the Spanish way. Siestas in the afternoon then back at it in the evening when it’s cooler (32 degrees). I’m all for the afternoon naps.

    About 20 of us headed off with our guide cum performance artist. Whether historically accurate or pure theatre the tour covered incest induced paranormal activity, a jinxed church, the life of the executioner, a brief history of the Spanish inquisitions, more incest murdering, suicide by sunset and ended with more paranormal activity.

    The theatrical effort he put into the story telling made the 2 hour casual stroll through the city worth the investment (in time as it was a free tour). The second last stop provides an amazing post sunset view of the royal palace (touring tomorrow) and the Cathedral. While most walking tours are based around places on the walk, this seemed to mainly (with a few exceptions) a wandering one man theatre production. At first I was struggling to stay awake (jet lag) but his performance drew me in and I had a great night with some single serving friends.    Read more

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    Tapas overlooking Plaza Mayor

    July 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    When I travel I often forget to eat. I did better today but only small meals, mainly Iberian ham based if I’m honest. After my walking tour I headed back to Plaza Mayor to have some tapas and a glass of wine for dinner at 11pm 🤯.

    Last time I was in Spain (2022) I loved the wine and tapas and despite going to the cheapest (by far) place in the square the croquettes were delish and the tenderloin beef on toast was ok too. A nice glass of random Spanish white to wash it down with. A great way to end my first day in Madrid with views onto the square, music echoing off the walls and kids throwing lite up toys into the sky that slowly fall back down. Imagine going to a restaurant in Australia and asking for food at 11pm. You’d be laughed out. Here it’s the norm with everything buzzing with people.    Read more

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    I just cant wait to be King 🎶🤴

    July 23, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    I’ve always felt that I’d make a pretty good royal swanning about in a palace. Having visited few palaces in my days and watched a lot of period drama’s I think I’d enjoy it. Touring the royal palace in Madrid today brought back memories of Versailles, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Sweden’s Palace. I’m not looking for a man in finance, I’d be looking for a hot prince with a castle and a palace to inherit.

    I just did a self guided tour and as I passed each tour group I hovered to listen in the see if they were getting any interesting tidbits (they weren’t, but I’m getting better at subtly listening in to tours for free). As I wandered the palace I felt like ‘I just can’t wait to be king’ from the Lion King was subconsciously bopping away in my head.

    The highlights for the palace for me was the building itself (love a good stone palace), the amazing dining room (Hyacinth Bucket would approve), the entry stairway and the Queens hot pink dress for the coronation of the new king in 2014. The chandeliers in each room really caught my attention too - what a way to literally light up a room - amazing!

    It wasn’t too busy and I got enough info about each room from the placards to get by without a guide at a much speedier pace. After an hour wandering the open rooms I left another palace waiting for my turn to take to the throne.    Read more

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    Paying to pray... cathedral edition

    July 23, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    After visiting the head of state, I thought I better check out the cathedral across the square given how embedded the Catholic Church is in Spain. I just wanted to have a little peak inside but went to the wrong door, spent €7 and ended up in the museum and dome. I passed the museum section by, as the church was only finished in 1993 (at which time I was still a good catholic boy) so most of the stuff in the museum was about how the church works - priests, bishops etc. I had enough of that at school.

    I instead headed up to the dome to take in the view. Once I caught my breath, the views from the dome of Madrid and the palace were worth the climb and entrance fee. Heading back down you’re deposited in the cathedral itself. Gone are the days of lighting an actual candle as an offering. Instead add 20c into a slot and a few electronic candles light for you. I wonder if god still recognises these. I lit one anyway.

    There are nicer churches in Europe but worth a look. God must have been impressed with me taking an interest as once I left the church he gifted a hot Madrid guy wandering along without his shirt as some eye candy reward. #gayoreuropean    Read more

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