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Adelaide | 2025
  • Siewch
  • Siewch

Adelaide | 2025

Another quick break Down Under for friends and food. Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 6, 2025
    SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    DQ-FAE at the gate at HNL.
    My curry and fruit snack at the Sakura Lounge.The Sakura Lounge at HNL.DQ-FAE at the gate at HNL.DQ-FAE at the gate at HNL.My exit row seats on FJ852.My exit row seats on FJ852.The legroom at my exit row seat on FJ852.My exit row seats on FJ852.The cabin ambience on FJ852.The vegetarian meal option on FJ852.The flight path for FJ852 as captured on FlightRadar24.My boarding pass for HNL to NAN.

    Honolulu to Apia

    November 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Fiji Airways FJ852 | HNL/APW
    Economy Class
    Boeing 737 MAX8 | DQ-FAE Island of Koro
    ATD/2230 | ATA/0335+2
    Sakura Lounge

    I had a few use-it-or-lost-it vacation days remaining for this year. When I looked at my options, I found a business class award ticket from Melbourne to Honolulu, and I also found that Fiji Air had decent one-way fares from Honolulu to Australia. I asked my friend Trixie if she wanted to hang out with me in Melbourne but she suggested another eating trip to Adelaide. I couldn’t resist, so here I am on my sixth trip there. Truth be told I would have preferred to spend one additional day in Australia, but Fiji Airways doesn’t fly daily to Honolulu, and the other options were rather pricy.

    This was my first time flying on Fiji Airways. The ground experience was a mixed bag. I managed to check in online, but I could not enter my known traveler number to secure TSA Precheck, and their system would not allow me to select an exit row. So, I had to go to the checkin counter to get this fixed. The checkin staff didn’t proactively offer lounge entry, but I had few issues getting into the Sakura Lounge for a quick snack before they closed. When the lounge closed at 10pm, I made my way to the gate to find that boarding was already underway even though scheduled departure was still 50 minutes away. The half empty flight boarded quickly and I was delighted to find I had three seats to myself. The flight departed 20 minutes early.

    The inflight experience on board Fiji Airways was warm and pleasant, and they offered a vegetarian option for each meal. After scarfing down my stir fried vegetable and tofu supper, I stretched out and had a decent sleep on this five hour leg to Samoa.    Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    This was the only shot I managed to get a Faleolo Airport at Apia.
    My exit row on FJ852.Vegetarian sandwich and yogurt was served on this short sector.Arrival at Nadi Airport.Arrival at Nadi Airport.Arrival at Nadi Airport.The flight path of FJ852 as recorded on FlightRadar24.

    Apia to Nadi

    November 8, 2025 in Samoa ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Fiji Airways FJ852 | APW/NAN
    Economy Class
    Boeing 737 MAX8 | DQ-FAE Island of Koro
    ATD/0441 | ATA/0538

    We landed at a dark Faleolo Airport ahead of schedule at 3.30am. As we had crossed the international dateline after midnight, I did not get to see November 7th at all.

    Most of the passengers who embarked at HNL disembarked at Apia, and the transit passengers were required to remain in board. Boarding commenced early, and we departed from Apia ahead of schedule. I was impressed that Fiji Airways was so proactive.

    The flight was almost full on this second sector, but I still had one empty seat next to me. On this short leg, we were offered a small sandwich and yoghurt. We landed at Nadi ahead of schedule again. But, despite this headstart, the transit experience wasn’t the best. I’ll cover that in my next entry.    Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    DQ-FAF on the tarmac at Nadi Airport.
    DQ-FAF on the tarmac at Nadi Airport.Fiji Airways' A350 at Nadi Airport.Fiji Airways' A350 at Nadi Airport.The cabin ambience on Fiji Airways' Boeing 737 MAX8.My exit seat on Fiji Airways' Boeing 737 MAX8.The Boeing 737's wingtip.My breakfast on FJ961.Routing of FJ961 as recorded on FlightRadar24.My boarding pass for NAN to ADL.My fried tilapia lunch at Pondok Daun.My coconut rice at Pondok Daun.Sambal kangkung at Pondok Daun.Trixie's fried catfish at Pondok Daun.Millie.Millie and Toshimaru.

    Nadi to Adelaide, & Arrival in Adelaide

    November 8, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Fiji Airways FJ961 | NAN/ADL
    Economy Class
    Boeing. 737 MAX8 | DQ-FAF Mamanuca Islands
    ATD/0730 | ATA/1225

    My original booking only had a scheduled 90 minutes to transfer from my APW/NAN flight onto my flight to Adelaide. I wasn’t too worried about this because I knew that Nadi Airport is a small one and I wouldn’t have to walk too far. I did, however, want to go to the lounge and maybe have a quick shower to help me wake up, and I was hopeful I could make this happen when my inbound flight landed 20 minutes early. Alas, this was not to be. Disembarkation was slow, and then there was a long line for the security check at the international transfers area. When I finally got through the security check, I only had ten minutes before my scheduled boarding time, so I skipped going to the lounge. I'll have another opportunity next February as I am booked to connect in Nadi on a flight from Singapore to Honolulu.

    The flight to Adelaide was another pleasant one, I once again had an empty seat next to me on the exit row, but I couldn’t stretch out to sleep, so I had a fitful on and off sleep. Flying 14 hours on a Boeing 737 MAX8 wasn’t bad at all; my only complaint was the teeny tiny bathrooms. Getting to experience two new airports in the Pacific was also an added bonus for me.

    Despite the on time departure, we arrived at Adelaide a little behind schedule. I used the automated gates to clear immigration, but I was quizzed over my short stay before I was allowed to exit the airport; I had to explain the purpose of my visit, how I knew Trixie, and where I was staying. After clearing the airport, Trixie swung by in her red Land Cruiser. Our first task was to get some food. We decided on Indonesian and we ate fried fish at Pondok Duan before we headed to her house in Enfield where her pups Millie and Toshimaru welcomed me. Toshimaru - the King Charles Spaniel in the photos, is a new addition to their family and I was very stoked to meet him.    Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    Port Adelaide.
    Port Adelaide Gaol.Port Adelaide Gaol.Port Adelaide Gaol.Port Adelaide Gaol.Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.World War I memorial at a church in Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.Port Adelaide.

    Port Adelaide

    November 8, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    My goal for this first day was to stay awake and the have a good sleep after dinner to work off the jet lag. So, Trixie and I decided to go on a mural hunt at nearby Port Adelaide. Included in this entry and shots from Port Adelaide Gaol, and various other street scenes. The murals are featured in the next entry.Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    This mural by Smug One was my favorite. I liked how the plum's juiciness was presented.
    A newly installed mural at the Port Adelaide Visitor Center.The Port River Ceramic Healing Mural by Thancoupie Fletcher, 2001.Mural by Masika126Mural by Jasmine Crisp.Mural by Ella Germein.Mural by Pichiavo.Mural by Vesod.Mural by INTI.Mural by Sofles.Mural by Fuzeillear. Note the fish shaped sushi soy sauce bottles on the top.Mural by Charle and Janine Williams.Mural by Order 55.Mural by Lucinda Penn.Mural by Jake Holmes and Josh Searson.Mural by 1OTKL.Mural by 1OTKL.Mural by Telmo Miel.Mural by ZEDR.Mural by Jake Logos.Mural by Sat One.Mural by Demsky.Mural by Dani Gacesa McLean.

    Mural Hunting at Port Adelaide

    November 8, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We started our mural hunt at the Port Adelaide Visitor Center where we asked for a Wonderwalls walking map. The mural hunt started in the visitor center itself which featured three murals. The Wonderwalls map listed 79 murals, but we selected an abbreviated walking route where we saw about a third of the murals. I was a little confused by the map, though, as it only listed the names of the artists and not the mural names. I really enjoyed this as it felt like a treasure hunt. I would have liked to track down more murals but we had a dinner appointment to get to.Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    Hahndorf.
    HahndorfHahndorfHahndorfThis wurst statue is similar to one we saw in Berlin in 2022.HahndorfHahndorfHahndorfHahndorfHahndorfOur lunch spot, the Hahndorf Brewing Company.HahndorfOur huge platter at the Hahndorf Brewing Company.Polka band entertainment at the Hahndorf Brewing Company.Polka band entertainment at the Hahndorf Brewing Company.Polka band entertainment at the Hahndorf Brewing Company.Polka band entertainment at the Hahndorf Brewing Company.Polka band entertainment at the Hahndorf Brewing Company.The Beerenberg strawberry farm.

    Hahndorf

    November 9, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    For lunch today, we headed out to Hahndorf to dine on a huge platter of meat at the Hahndorf Brewing Company. Trixie’s and Charles’ friends Wanchai and Julie joined us. We also strolled along the main street before lunch. Hahndorf was established by Lutheran immigrants from Germany and it has a very German feel to it. After lunch, we stopped by the Beerenberg Farm to look at their produce.Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    This mural was not on the Wonderwalls brochure but we really liked it.
    Mural by Mixed Creative.Mural by Brigid Noon.Mural by Kara Gillet.Mural by Kate Kurucz.Mural by Jimmy C.Mural by Order 55.Mural by Etam Cru.Mural by Treas.Mural by Askew One and Elliot Francis Stewart.Mural by Vans The Omega.Mural by Sarah Boese.Mural by Graff Jam.This peacock mural at the Pirate Lane Brewery was not on the Wonderwalls brochure but we liked it.Mural by Nicky Create.Mural by Rick Hayward.Mural by Mimby Jones.This mural was in a churchyard. It wasn't on the Wonderwalls brochure.Mural by Claire Foxton.Mural by Smug One.

    More Mural Hunting at Port Adelaide

    November 10, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Trixie volunteered at a community kitchen in the morning. I walked about 3km from her house to there, joined her and Charles for lunch there, and after lunch we set off for Port Adelaide again to chase down more murals. This time round we brought Toshimaru with us. He hasn’t been fully trained so it was a slight challenge to walk with him; Trixie stepped on him twice, and I kept my distance so as not to step on him.Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    Dolphins at the Semaphore Pier.
    Dolphins at the Semaphore Pier.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.Semaphore Beach.My dosa dinner at Chatkazz that evening.

    Semaphore Beach

    November 10, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    When we were done with mural hunting, we hopped over to nearby Semaphore Beach for gelato and coffee. We spotted a pod of dolphins while walking at the pier.

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    VH-VXA at the gate in ADL.
    VH-VXA at the gate in ADL.VH-VXA at the gate in ADL.My sandwich meal on the short flight to MEL.Flight path of QF682 as recorded on FlightRadar24.I had an enjoyable time hanging out with Millie. I first met her in 2017.I had an enjoyable time hanging out with Millie and Toshimaru.Our breakfast before heading to the airport.

    Adelaide to Melbourne

    November 11, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Qantas QF682 | ADL/MEL
    Economy Class
    Boeing 737-800 | VH-VXA Broome
    ATD/1208 | ATA/1344
    Qantas Business Lounge

    After I bid Charles and the pups goodbye, Trixie and I made our way to an Italian deli for breakfast before we headed to the airport. Today is Remembrance Day, and I happened to be in the Qantas Business Lounge at 11am when a minute of silence was observed. I haven't done this since leaving England.

    This was my sixth trip to Adelaide. I'm always happy to spend time here as Trixie and I go way back. Although we are very different people, we have an easy friendship stemming from shared experiences and values. It is an added bonus that Ryan emigrated there as well. Adelaide is also an underrated foodie destination; the quality and variety of food is unmatched for a city its size.

    Going to Australia at this time was also good for my soul. Australia stands in stark contrast to the current United States: multiculturalism is celebrated, society's most vulnerable are taken care of, people working in the trades are respected... the list goes on. There are times I wish I had emigrated there.    Read more

  • SiewchAdelaide | 2025Traveler
    VH-EBP at the gate in MEL waiting to operate QF105.
    The Qantas First Lounge with its retro flight display.The Qantas First Lounge with its retro flight display.The Qantas First Lounge at Melbourne.The Qantas First Lounge at Melbourne.The rainy tarmac at MEL as viewed from the Qantas First Lounge.The shower at the Qantas First Lounge had a similar aesthetic as its counterparts.The spring menu at the Qantas First Lounge at Melbourne.The signature salt and pepper squid at the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne.My mozzarella salad at the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne.The signature pavlova at the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne.I saw a display of bears as I walked to the gate.I saw a display of bears as I walked to the gate.VH-EBP at the gate in MEL waiting to operate QF105.QF105's takeoff from Melbourne.My seat on QF105.My seat on QF105.A Singapore Airlines 777 at Melbourne, presumably operating SQ228.Inflight views as we flew over Australia.The menu for QF105.My nicoise salad appetizer on QF105.My barramundi main on QF105.My cherry cheesecake dessert on QF105.The pick and choose breakfast menu on QF105.My breakfast on QF105.Flight path of QF105 as captured on FlightRadar24.

    Melbourne to Honolulu

    November 11, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Qantas QF105 | MEL/HNL
    Business Class
    Airbus A330-200 | VX-EBP Ningaloo Reef
    ATD/1634 | ATA/0526
    Qantas First Lounge

    I arrived in Terminal 1 at Melbourne, and from there I made my way to Terminal 2 which is where international flights operate. I was especially looking forward to spending a few hours at the Qantas First Lounge, as this visit would complete my visitation to all Qantas' First Lounges - the others are in Sydney, Singapore, and Los Angeles.

    The lounge itself was much smaller than its SYD counterpart, but I did enjoy the common design elements in all the lounges, from the black and white carpet to the furniture to the white shower tiles. I wasn't too hungry at the lounge, so I had their signature salt and pepper squid, a small beet and mozzarella salad, and their signature pavlova.

    After two hours at the lounge, I had my way to the gate where VH-EBP was waiting to take me home. My flight home was pleasant and restful. I arrived earlier than scheduled; Jeff came to get me at the airport, but I didn't feel bad about him getting up at this ungodly hour as he had a Pan American Aquatics call at the time.    Read more

    Trip end
    November 11, 2025
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