AFF Gathering #8 at MEL on 24 - 26 October

[JohnK]

Arrived 5:35 at the airport, just after close off for the 5:55 flight but it was full anyway.

You arrived later than me then.

I got confused with the time of your post as my AFF settings are always Sydney time.

 

[JohnSydney2000]

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Am far distant at the moment. Sounds like some wonderful activities planned! John.

 

[boomy]

Nice to meet everyone tonight for drinks followed by a good spicy dinner. See you all tomorrow night at the main event.

 

[Kiwi]

Taxi booked for early start at 0530! Let the fun begin, and I don't think I will sleep tonight seeing that there's an early flight to catch!

Me too. Had a couple of busy days at work. Did not get out of office until late so wont be much sleep ...

 

[Hvr]

Nice to meet everyone tonight for drinks followed by a good spicy dinner. See you all tomorrow night at the main event.

Indeed it was good and very spicy. Roll on Saturday night and thanks to penegal for his tip re HoTP Sat night.

 

[QF WP]

My flight has landed, on Skybus and keen to get on my way to HSW. Love VA's Priority Boarding and Row 3. Hate baggage that wasn't tagged priority and was one of the last to come out. Missed a bus because of that. Might have a chat to Anthony back in BNE...

 

[QF WP]

Now checked into HSW and I know straitmans' still awake.

What was in my room doesn't compare mickeyc747:

 

[JessicaTam]

Now checked into HSW and I know straitmans' still awake.

What was in my room doesn't compare mickeyc747:

View attachment 36576

Actually that is impressive. HSW normally charge a fortune for toothbrush and toothpaste.

 

[Kiwi]

Two of us about to depart CBR pretty much on time. Looking forward to a long weekend in MEL and catching up with everyone.

 

[Fifa]

Early wake up call this morning then 2 hour drive to CBR. Flight to SYD delayed due to fog.
At least I had time for a coffee in the lounge.

 

[kpc]

Early wake up call this morning then 2 hour drive to CBR. Flight to SYD delayed due to fog.
At least I had time for a coffee in the lounge.

Tip Fiona: AFF #8 is in Melbourne

 

[Fifa]

Tip Fiona: AFF #8 is in Melbourne

Trust you!
I'm going via SYD & HBA - a true FF!

 

[penegal]

Thankyou to those who attended last night. A lovely cheap and cheerful dinner

---

A few notes for today:


10:00am CRUISE
Meet at 10:00am for the 10:30am departure.

The cruise meeting point is Berth 5, Southbank Promenade. It is downstairs at water level in front of the Southbank Plaza building. It is on the opposite side of the river to Flinders St station.




2:00pm Bus and RAAF Museuem
The bus will depart around 2pm. We will confirm the exact location for those who are joining in Williamstown. You should all have my mobile number.

If you miss the ferry, it is still possible to join us in Williamstown from 11:30am by taking a train to Williamstown on the "Williamstown line".


5:00pm to 7:00pm / 8:00pm
Free time
A couple of locals have expressed concern that they don't really have enough time to go home and come back. My suggestion is that you buddy up with an "out-of-towner" and visit a hotel lounge.

7:00pm
Pre Drinks at The Imperial

8:00pm
The main dinner at Mezzo


Payments:
Boat - $20
Bus & RAAF = $20
Dinner - $60

Some of you have sent $80, rather than $100, which may be a honest mistake in adding up. I shall reach out to those people individually, but to be clear - the boat is $20, the bus and RAAF is $20, so therefore both are $40.

 

[penegal]

Penegal's Plonk at the Main Dinner

I am bringing a "quantity" of wine to the main dinner from the cellar at Châteaux penegeal. The wine is donated by myself and another AFFer for the enjoyment of all registered attendees (must be at least 18 years old).

I would ask that if you do consume some wine, that you make a contribution to the "Corkage Jar", so that I am personally not paying for hundreds of dollars of corkage (on top of the wine). I think this is a fair way to do things. If you feel that this is unfair, perhaps you shouldn't drink any of the wine.


Other options:
BYO your own wine for $10 per bottle.
Full cash bar at the restaurant. Mezzo has a good range of quality beers, wines, spirits and aperitifs available at bar prices.

Cheers

 

[Lowjhg]

Penegal's Plonk

Penegal's Plonk sounds interesting...

 

[Kiwi]

Penegal's Plonk sounds interesting...

I reckon. Looking forward to a 'sample' or two ...

 

[Kiwi]

Who is on JQ 18 Monday as the ADL lounge had given me 3 express passes so I have 2 free.

I am on JQ 18 Mon. Wouldn't mind if you still have one available.

 

[samh004]

Friday morning:



Friday night:







Saturday morning:

 

[Fifa]

Re: Participants

So, I checked my HSW reservation last night and it showed an upgrade from a Hilton Guest room to a Hilton Guest Room Plus.
Just had another look and it is now showing a further upgrade to a City View Guest Room.

Here's hoping a suite (any old suite) will become available before I check in .

Have fun today everyone!

 

[mickeyc747]

Hi Kiwi
I have a express for you.