Lisboa

The last few days haven't been as smooth as the first few weeks. There have been some high's followed by some lows but that is traveling I guess.

We left New York in Style. We got to the airport early for our 9pm overnight flight to Lisbon as we had just about had enough of just wandering the city. A pleasant surprise awaited us. We had been upgraded to Business Class. Yippee! Now your talking. And it was good timing too. An overnight flight that lasted about 8 hours. No more weariness the next day. We were flying Iberia - the main Spanish airline. The staff were really nice.

We boarded and settled in the 1st row of the plane. I spent a good 5-10mins playing with all the different positions my seat could go. Back Lumber, footrest, lying position. All good. I put it back in the upright position and we took off. After taking off, I tried to put the seat back. I couldn't, I had stuffed it with all my playing. Bugger, my chair spent the whole night in the upright position while everbody else's were down almost flat. It wasn't the comfortable sleep I was envisioning. Krishni felt sorry for me and we swapped half way through. The rather nice hostess took my name so we will see if we get another upgrade from Spain to Italy.

On the upside, the food was really good up front. A 3 course meal that kept us eating till 3am in the morning. Didn't really need it as we had already some dinner in the lounge. But it was still good.

Lisbon was cool though. It was nice to be out of the concrete jungle and into one of those romantic style cities of Europe. Nice squares, cafes on sidewalks and lanes to wander through. This is the location of our first meal.

Including some portuguese tarts for desert. They were everywhere and we had a few in our short stay. These were the best though.

The architecture of the city was cool. Very Classic.

This part of the trip was the unplanned part. We had 1 night accommodation booked in Lisbon and then some in Madrid a few days latter. The plan was to hire a car and just stop off in the odd location on the way to Madrid. Krishni wasn't up for driving really so we went in search of train and bus departures. We spent the first night walking to the train station after not having much success on the net. There was only one train that was overnight and that was full. The first train with seats was on the night of the 17th but that was too late. We needed to be in Madrid on the 17th.

The next day we planned to head to the bus station but I managed to actually find a good website, after some searching and we booked a bus to go half way to Madrid on the 16th and then keep on going on the 17th. Now our journey to Madrid was all sorted, we relaxed into Lisbon and just wandered the streets. Nothing really planned, just wandered. We didn't wander far but enough to get a feel for the city. It was really nice. We came across some restaurants playing Fado that night, so we resolved to come back. Fado is a style of music that we had no idea what it was but it seemed to be pretty popular. It involves some guys playing guitars with someone singing. While heading to our restaurant we passed one that was getting a bit of a gathering outside. It was packed later on when we passed again.

The Fado at our place was quite funny. It started out with the guys playing guitar and a girl singing away. Then she disappeared but then the maitre-de just started singing. Then after a while, another guy from the audience(well it looked like it) just appeared and just singing as well. Then the hostess had a go. They were all excellent and got the mood going.

We were suckers. We bought the cd of the matrie-de. Here is us outside afterwards.

The next day we had a bus to catch at 10:30am. A reasonable time. We got there in good time and just hung around with the others waiting for the bus. Like a lot of places where bus travel is popular, the buses were really nice. Our bus finally came, we loaded our bags and started boarding. The bus driver asked for our passports for id. We looked at each other - Bugger! They were still in the safe at the hotel. We had previously always put a reminder in the phone to check but forgot this time. Things were unravelling as my mind raced through all the scenarios. Since the bus was leaving in approximately 1min we didn't have a chance to go back and get the passports. That means we would lose the accommodation we booked for that night plus the bus cost for the next day. The cost was mounting fast. Dumbfounded, I unloaded our bags. @#$^. I asked what the bus' next stop was to see if we could race back to the hotel, and then race to the next stop and re-join the bus. We jumped in the cab but the cab driver didn't know where the next stop was even though I tried in my best portuguese to say the name - there goes that plan.

We made it back to the hotel and got our passports. The concierge at the hotel helped us but ringing a few car companies to see if they had any cars. They had none but apparently they could get a driver for 600 euros. Bugger that. They suggested we go to the airport to check the car companies as it was a higher possibility of getting a car. We cab'ed it back and checked. Only Avis had a car but the cost to take a Spanish car back to spain was apparently 350 Euro. For one day. That's about a grand. For one day! For some reason we seemed disinterested and amazingly the price came down quickly to 250 and then to 150. It was still too much but it was an option. We had to get to Madrid by the 17th or else the cost of lost bookings would start to mount. We had booked a flamenco thing for my Birthday.

We went upstairs at the airport to use the internet. We found that the next bus out was at 9pm that night. It get us to our next stop by 2am which would still allow us to get the next bus at 8:45am the next morning. We didn't book but decided to head back to the bus station to see if there were any companies going earlier. We wandered around but being Sunday, most stalls were closed. Luckily our bus company had someone in there now but unluckily the seats that we thought we available for that night weren't there. Another bugger. Luckily though we managed to get a ticket with another bus company leaving that night.

It was now about 1:30pm. We were at a bus station with our bags with 7 or so hours to kill. We managed to eventually stow our baggage. Rather than head back into the city we just wondered around the shopping mall just next to the bus station. It was really quite convenient in the end because it was quite big, there was stuff to do and we managed to check out a few shops that had been closed the previous day due to a public holiday. I did a bit of retail therapy at Zara while Krishni searched the bargin bins.

We also checked out a movie, GI Joe, which passed another couple of hours. I was quite relaxed now. We knew the movie finished around 8:30 with our Bus leaving at 9. Plenty of time. Krishni was nervous though as prior that day we had seen someone have trouble getting there bags out of the lockers. When the movie finished at 8:32pm, I have never seen Krishni move so quick. She was half way out the theatre by the time the credits started rolling. We got back to the bags, and then to bus in less than 10mins.

The bus rolled into Merida, our stop just before 3am. We managed to get a cab to our hotel. A beautiful looking place right on the main square. It was also one of the best rooms we had stayed in.

Inside of the hotel was just as nice.

We got up again at 7am and wandered a little trying to find some breakfast but they just don't wake up this early.

It was the most expensive 4 hours ever but at least were back on track.

New York, New York

After the worst flight ever due to delays a really bad sleep we landed in New York. We took the train into Manhattan on a really hot day. It was sweltering.

Krishni had an image of New York that contained fairy tale dinners and rides through Central Park, Cosmopolitan cocktails in fancy bars and fashion shopping heaven. While most of it came true, I think it was also with a tinge of surprise on what a jungle it is in Manhattan. The hot subway, being constantly surrounded by people, dirty streets and small rooms. It all happens in New York.

We were tired the 1st day we arrived but after a bit of an afternoon nap we withstood the queues at the Empire State Building and went to the top. We tried to time it with the Sunset but this time the Smog spoiled it as the sun disappeared below the smog line 1/2 hour before the sunset time. Even though we were tired we waited till after dark and got to see the skyline at night.

On the way back we went back through times square. It was complete madness. There is nothing really to do there but look at the lights and everybody else that converges there.

The next day we ventured uptown for the Sex and the City tour - not my idea. But it was actually a good tour apart from being on a bus with about 40 women and about 4 scared men. The tour guide was a comic and kept us laughing. Apart from that, it was a good tour because we ventured into the west side and saw some really nice parts of Manhattan. Quiet back streets, charming little roadside deli's and expensive houses. This is the SATC tour group at one of the restaurants that was in the series.

And of course another tick in the box for the K'ster. A Cosmo.

After the SATC tour, we spent the afternoon traipsing around 5th avenue checking out a few stores. We finished up at Saks on Fifth Avenue on Fifth Avenue. I wasn't in the shopping mood but Krishni was. The 8th floor was all designer shoes which strangely enough was staffed by all older type guys.

Krishni was happy as she walked out a proud owner of a new pair of D&G heals (massive discount included of course).

That night, after a very hot day (close to 40C), we dressed up and took a cab ride down to Tavern on the Green - New York's highest grossing restaurant. It is the only restaurant in Central Park itself and therefore has room to expand. Sometimes it is covered with lights. This time it was just lit up by hanging lanterns from the trees.

Even though there was a bit of party happening next door, it still had a bit of magical feel. A couple of raccoons ran across the rooftop and peered down at us. A few minutes later a little squirrel came out from the bushes and pounced around before it darted back into the bushes again. And the meal was pretty good as well. Some of the best lamb I have had. Even with the American touch of a little too much salt.

Since we booked the dinner a month or two ago Krishni had this vision of a horse carriage ride through the park. It was 9:30pm when we left and the horse and carriage that was there when we arrived wasn't there when we came out. We wandered back through the park to another exit without a horse in sight. Krishni said she didn't really care but you could tell she did. We started walking and after about 20 metres I saw the outlines of horse or at least I thought it was. Phew. We closed in and were rewarded for not giving up. He could see we were suckers and reeled us in. He offered as a few different options - one which just basically took us back to the restaurant and back - most of which would have been on the road. We were only there once so I went for the full deal - half around the park. As we started, he started veering away from the park - back down into the city. He soon let us know he just wanted to pick up friend down on 53rd. So there we were. On a horse an carriage, cruising down the main drag of manhattan towards time square on a horse and carriage. The buildings rose in the night - it was mild. We finally made it back to the park and did the full tour as well. It was gorgeous with the old school lamps littering the park giving it the magical fairy-tale feel. Unfortunately, I don't have any photo's as it was dark and I had forgotten by real camera.

The next couple of days were just hanging around. After our initial experience of the NY subway, Krishni pushed to take a tour bus of NYC. It is one of those hop on, hop off buses that come past every 5 mins with a whole bunch of clicking camera holding tourists as they buzz past tourist attractions. My original thought was that it was a whole bunch of money when you could just catch the subway and be there in half the time. Luckly though it ended up being worth it as they also have guides that give you a detailed commentary of the city as you fly past. It was pretty interesting the end. At the end of the 1st day, we got held up at some lights as literally 100 cop cars went off in single file - either heading out on duty or leading a motorcade from the UN that was just ahead.

The last day in New York and we just did the uptown tour around the upper west side, Harlem and then back down the upper East side. We just really stayed on the bus till the last bit when we jumped off and walked through the park for a bit.

We even did our best Statue of Liberty impersonations. Which is pretty funny since we didn't even get time to see the real thing. I will let you judge which is better.

And just before we left we made one final stop. The the Magnolia Bakery for one final cupcake which was made famous by Sex and the City. I actually just went for the blueberry crumble they had going but the smile on Krishni's face showed she was in cupcake heaven.

San Francisco

With the conference over, we headed towards the start of our holiday - San Francisco. We were flying with Virgin America as it was the cheapest flight we could get but it turned out to one of the best flights I have taken. It's true Branson style, it was on the cutting edge. We boarded a plane that resembled more of a nightclub with neon lights lighting the sides.

Even the safety demonstration got our attention with pretty cool cartoons.

We got in late so slept till about 10. With a pretty good night's sleep we started out mammoth trek around San Fran following a guide we found in a book in our hotel room.

We started at the farmers market with amazing local produce from the region. It is this that is apparently the reason why San Fran is regarded as a great eating destination. We started cheap sharing a sausage and egg burger from this cute little stall and ended expensive as you will see later on.

Apparently Krishni's mum will like this photo as she is a bit of a foodie and loves farmer's markets.

We headed north to Fishermans wharf. We came across a guy playing a Sax which is the same guy that I saw when I went to San Fran 10 years ago but then it was winter and I was the only one in the mall listening to him. I had bought his cd. It closed a loop. I was glad he was still there playing his tunes.

Even at the start of the walk, Krishni was having to lean on a railing to keep herself

We walked, walked and walked. We had lunch at a place called Judy's cafe and the food was delicious. After having a look at a few shops we decided to tackle the hill. Yes the hills are big here.

This is the top of one of the streets we climbed on our walking tour of the bay.

After we got back to our hotel we collapsed for about an hour or two suffering from a bit of dehydration. After a while when we were about to just stay in because we were buggered, I once again sort advice from the book in the room on things to do in San Fran. One picture and a little voice from somewhere else in the room saying we are only here once convinced me we should head somewhere nice for dinner. I called at 7:30pm to see if they still had a table. They did. I booked for 8:30pm. It was only a 10min walk from our hotel. It was called the Carnelion Room which was on the top floor of the bank of America. The tallest building around. Well at least from what I could see. I didn't take my Camera but the view was spectular, amazing. The sun was setting over the golden gate bridge and the smog just highlighted it. It hung around for almost 1/2 hour. I didn't have my camera so had to do with my phone.

The food was great as was the bill but it was worth it. The memory will stick. I then couldn't sleep because I was too full, you can't have it all. Here is another couple of pictures of the building.

The bank of America building is on the right with the spiky one being the TransAmerica building.

The next day we just did a little shopping and went for a tram ride. The power was lost or something happened halfway through an our little tram ride and it turned into a little adventure with one crazy tram conductor and a big ass truck. Here's a short video.

Well, we are nearly finished the conference, just one day to go. It has been quite intense with some days starting at 8am and finishing late. But the content has been great and has been well worthwhile. Yeah, we cut our holiday one week short but it has been a good learning experience for both of us. There have been some well known people presenting. The conference was at the Grand Hyatt. It was huge!

This a picture I took on my iPhone after leaving one night after dark. It is the clock outside the Hyatt.

We also wandered around the gaslamp district, sampling the delights. The gaslamp district is cool strip with a string of pubs, restaurants and clothing shops. A bit like Chapel St but with more restaurants and more atmosphere.

We had to try the ribs. Thats a lot of Ribs for a small girl! "Look a chip!".

While walking back to the hotel the other night, we passed an art gallery. We were drawn in by the items on display. Have to say, it had the best art we both have seen. Here are some photo's. We are tempted to buy one.

Painting by Jia Lu.
Painting by Irene Sheri

Painting by H Leung
Painting by Jia Lu
Painting by H Leung

We also went to see the Zoo before the conference started. Lots of walking but after seeing the Elephants and lions in the wild in Africa, it just wasn't the same seeing them behind bars.

A New Dawn

The day started early. We got home at around 8:30pm the previous night from Canberra and we had to get up at 2:30am for the 6am flight. Since Krishni's got Qantas Platinum status we got to use the Qantas first class lounge. There was only one other person in there at 4am but the breakfast was fantastic. It was a pity it wasn't a flight during the day as we would have had the chance to have lunch or dinner there. It contained a 5 star restaurant.

We took off just before dawn.

The transit time was long. Just over 24 hours with 2 stopovers. 3 Hours in Auckland and then another 3 hours in LA before a short 22min flight to San Diego. During the trip I wondered how long it would take me to forget about work. 1 week, 2 weeks. I realized there was nothing I could do so there was no point in thinking about it. I did an exercise where I mentally put all the work into a cupboard and closed it. I felt the relief. Even now, about 12 hours on, it is still in the cupboard.

We landed just after dawn on the same day in LA.

While long, the flight didn't drag like it does on some flights. However we were both pretty exhausted when we finally arrived at the hotel in San Diego. It has a nice feel. I think we will be happy there for a week.

We are here for a Conference which starts on Sunday and goes for 6 days. So there won't be much to tell. The real holiday starts when we fly to San Francisco from San Diego.

Round the World - 2009

Well, it has been a while since the last post but with another holiday looming it deserves a resurrection to record travel stories and let others know back home what life is like on the other side of the world.

This trip is a little different to the last. There is no flying or camping involved. It has taken a decidedly up-market flavour. All destinations are known, most accommodation has been pre-booked. But I have also looked forward to this a lot more than most other holidays. They have been ad-hoc 2 month travels where I didn't know what I was doing from one day to the next which I booked within a month or two of leaving. This one has been in train for almost a year. So the anticipation has built slowly over the last little while.

So why the difference. Probably because it is just not me traveling this time. Krishni is joining the journey. In fact, it was her idea. I have learnt from past experience that one person can handle adhoc travel better than two - especially when things take a turn and you can't find accommodation.

So, here is the itinerary over 6 weeks:

San Diego

San Francisco

New York

Lisbon

Madrid

Amalfi Coast

Rome

Athens

Greek Islands(Santorini, Naxos, Amorgos)

Bodrum (Turkey)

Gallipolli

Istanbul

Hope you enjoy the travels!

Magical day at Spion

Its been almost 3 months since I have been back now and I have only just started to get the feeling of not being on holiday. Work has ended up taking me to Canberra during the weeks which mean I am still travelling a lot. But life has continued on. Summer is now here.

Yesterday was one of the those magical days. After heading out for bike ride in the morning, I was generally just chilling out when at I noticed the seabreeze had hit. It was 3pm. It didn't take long for the decision to be made to chuck the glider on the roof and head down towards Spion. With daylight savings I would still be able to have a couple of hours flying. Since my new glider is missing a few parts (thanks to Olli) I only had a fun and a shark in my hallway to fly. The conditions were looking good so I decided to take the shark for a fly for the second time since it has made residence in my lounge room. Surely Sara wouldn't mind. I wanted the extra performance.

It was a good choice. It performed well and I appreciated the extra speed which I missed the week before when I only had the Fun. The conditions were smooth and a constant 15-20kts. A girl came out with a camera on launch and I couldn't help doing some fast runs close to the hill and chucking in a few wingovers 20m in front. I didn't go crazy but the glider handled it well. Since it was getting late, I was left by myself to enjoy the smooth air when the sun was going down. It felt good. I felt at home.

Finished off the day watching the sun starting the set over the beach with another flyer and his dog. Gorgeous.

I might try to put a few photos up of a few of the special moments over the last couple of months to keep as memories.

PS. Sara, your glider is still safe and well with not too much sand in it (promise!).