Another AFFer off to the cold. A TR in many parts.

[Hvr]

Well as I may have mentioned I am heading off on the 16th for a month away. I booked my Circle Asia fare in August a week before the 10% discount promotion commenced. Well stuff happens. Still I am glad it was booked and I got on the plane trips I wanted to and got some good seats. In fact my final flight home was actually out of D class in August 2009 so I had to delay it a day. Life is hard. Not. This trip is in J (well D actually), the joy of being single and child free.

My first trip is on QF31 to SIN. Have just used the Qantas ‘Manage my booking’ facility and was able to move forward into 12E. I have been watching for weeks for a vacancy in the front cabin. Patience is a virtue.

Special thanks to Bundy Bear for alerting me to the Singapore Flyer Talk do there this weekend. I will be able to attend the Sunday lunch and dinner.

My trip is as follows: SYD-SIN-HKG-PEK-NRT-SYD returning on 14 Feb. Whilst in Beijing I will be taking the train to Harbin and am really looking forward to it thanks to MunitalP’s very recent and thorough TR. Also, when in Japan I will again visit Sapporo to catch up with a friend from university, a special event whilst there will be another university friend from Melbourne making the trip to Sapporo as well. Whilst I have caught up with them individually it will be the first time since 1999 that the three of us will have been together.

I will keep this TR updated as I go noting that so far all of my hotels have promised free internet. If not there are always lounges to use to full effect.

 

[Hvr]

And the upgrade to first has already been processed. Looks like there are a couple more vacancies in First class tonight. I had a couple of seats to choose from and naturally moved to a window. 5A will be my little luxury palace this evening.

Still back to earth as I get ready, getting picked up later for the trip to Sydney on Murray's coaches. Should I ring QF and get them to meet me at the coach? :mrgreen:

One (of the very few) thing(s) I do like about living in CBR is the embassies. When I decided to get my visa for PRC I was able to drop it off at 9.00am and after paying the expedited processing fee was able to collect it at midday, on the same day. There was even parking under a tree so the car didn't get too hot in the mid-December sun.

Well now to finish packing.

 

[Hvr]

Ok let’s get this TR properly underway.
First up I travelled from CBR to SYD on Murrays Coaches, a $20 fare booked a couple of weeks ago. This is real LCC material, pax going to SYD International AP are allowed to board first and their luggage is placed in a different place to those going though to SYD city.
It is a 3.25 hour non-stop trip with a toilet for emergency use only according to the driver. It does the job and the drop off at the international terminal is where I needed to be. The bus was totally full so booking was essential. Seating was unallocated and I was lucky enough to grab 1B.
Upon arrival at SYD AP luggage was quickly unloaded and I walked into the terminal looking for the first class check in. Showed the lady my ticket and advised that my upgrade had been cleared and was warmly welcomed.

A few seconds later I had my boarding pass, an express immigration pass and an express immigration arrival card. The express immigration line is immediately behind the check in room and a couple of minutes later I was running the gauntlet of duty free shops on the way to the first class lounge. The door man ensures you have the right authority to enter and then gushes profusely. Walk past the greenery, up the escalator and another warm welcome.

I check my carry on bag in and go for a walk around and then sit down to have a late lunch looking down on the plane. My A380, Kingsford Smith was being prepared just below.

Eventually (finally) the signs started showing 'proceed to gate' on the board and I headed toward the door. I was met at the entrance to the lounge and my bag was returned and I headed off to the plane.
There were people milling about as I looked for the appropriate gate. No one seemed to know what was going on so I walked up asked the lady doing the check in and once she saw my boarding pass radioed the plane to ask if they were ready for us to board. They were, for us up the front.

So I walked down the jetway and a bloke there told me to move to the other side of the rope because rows 11 upwards needed to be on the other side to what I was on. When I asked about row 5 he said I was in the right place.

No one at the door so I found my seat and sat down. The person boarding economy just behind me came back to see if I was in the right place. When she saw the BP she immediately asked me what I wanted to drink and called the appropriate staff. I was fussed over for the whole trip and absolutely loved the flight.

Huge seating area, my own little palace with a huge tv. Watching the take off from the camera in the tail of the plane was amazing. Once we took off I changed into the pyjamas and slippers as did several of the other passengers in the cabin. There were even a couple of seats vacant which surprised the staff. Still, all the more attention for me.

There was so much room that a couple had their dinner together in one of the suites and there was room to spare.

For dinner I had Roast Kobe Cuisine Waygu Beef and vegetables with a side salad. The meat was so tender it fell apart with the plastic knife.

For dessert I had hazelnut crepes with ice cream and peaches and raspberries. Oh so delicious. Eventually the journey came to an end and I had to disembark. Again the tail camera gave a magnificent view of the landing.

The distance between the gate and the SIN immigration lounge is huge, probably a kilometre with several walkways. I was there very quickly and through immigration in seconds. Another passenger and I then had to find where the baggage was coming off because we were so quick.

About 20 minutes later our bags came off with their lovely yellow tags showing. A quick taxi to the hotel and off to bed. More to come.

 

[drron]

I love it-Murray's coaches to Flounge to F cabin.
But hey what did you look like with everyone thinking you were in the wrong place with the notable exception of the coach driver?:shock:
Great style.

 

[munitalP]

HVr - good stuff - Murrays coaches? LOL

I can't wait to read your impressions of Harbin!

Mr!

 

[Hvr]

Yes the contrast between Murray’s coach and the F lounge was vast, although I did note that there were quite a few people doing the coach trip to catch international flights. Some of the bogons going all the way through would have been too low class for Jet*.


My stay in SIN was deliberately brief. I only came here so that I could get a trip on the A380 and am very happy that it paid off with the upgrade. I spent Sunday at a couple of FT events and got to meet quite a few FT’ers. Thanks to Bundy Bear for alerting me to this do. I met Spiff who rails against otiose security requirements, we had a great talk about various matters and I enjoyed his company and that of the other FT posters I met.

I stayed at the Ibis Bencoolen and it had everything I required except for a decent sized fridge. I couldn’t hold a one litre bottle of water. The internet was fast and free and the bed comfortable. My taxi driver knew where it was and took me direct to the back entrance where he could park.

Is there a crime wave about to occur in SIN? It may have started, I saw several people jaywaking. :shock:

The trip back to the airport cost me a massive S$1.60 and was quick. Changing trains was efficient, a quick walk across the platform to the waiting airport line train.

My next trip was CX714 SIN-HKG on a 777-200. Check in very smooth and quick and I have talked about lounge hopping in the SIN AP lounge thread.

Boarding went well and I had Seat 12A right up front of the plane. Fairly empty J cabin and it shows its age. No power point or AVOD. Still the food was excellent and very well prepared. The CX signature drink Oriental Breeze “A sour plum tea and cranberry juice based non-alcoholic drink and honey fresh lemon juice and a hint of rose water.” went down very well.

The presentation of the food was amazing right down to the placement of the rocks on the tray. Using a real knife was a novelty and will hopefully be the norm here.

A pleasant flight on CX and my business class tagged luggage came off quickly. HKG immigration was at its usual breathtaking efficiency even after I walked right into the middle of a Chinese tour group from another flight. It took 15 minutes to get through and onto the train into town. This is how it should be everywhere.

On 20 Jan I took the ferry to Macau for the day and again HKG immigration was amazingly quick. On the return trip (arrive 2100) it was literally seconds to get through, as long as it took to stamp the passport and tick the form.

Next up HKG to PEK on 22 Jan.

 

[Hvr]

Ok lets get this TR back on track.
CX312 HKG-PEK was my next flight and it was on an old A330. Checked in at the HKG railway station and it was very quick and easy. Why would you check in at the airport if you are on time? A pleasant enough flight in a near empty J class with very efficient staff. When I asked about the power point for my computer I was immediately presented with the empower adapter kit. It worked and I watched some recent episodes of the US version of The Office. I quite enjoy it and do not compare it to the UK version.

An enjoyable meal and just awesome service from the FAs. It was actually a little embarrassing sitting in the window seat with a vacant aisle seat and the FA on her knees welcoming me and explaining the meal options.

We arrived a little early and after the gate came quickly walked and trained a very long distance to immigration where I was quickly processed. Luggage was off very quickly and off to the taxi line. Passed the touts and it took about 15 minutes in the freezing cold to get a taxi to Kapok Hotel, very trendy looking and close to the Forbidden City.

Next morning found a guide near the Forbidden City and I did insist on seeing her guide card before hiring her for a couple of hours. Was very happy with her skills, both English and local knowledge so hired her for a trip to the Great Wall the next day. I actually got to meet the nephew of the Last Emperor. Went to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. There was still snow there from when Munital P visited. Also visited the Summer Palace where the lake was frozen.

My guide did warn me about the Beijing tea women scam and I had several women approach me, firstly asking me where I was from and eventually asking if I would join them for tea. During our conversation I took their photos.

I explained to them that I had been warned that some women would try and take all my money if I had tea with them and that it was best if we spoke to the friendly nearby policeman to see if everything was ok. As I walked to one of the nearby police the women all ran away.

On Monday I took the train to Harbin and my guide arranged for her sister to meet me at the train and drive me to my hotel. Seeing the taxi queue and reading the previous TR from a visitor here I am glad I had this option. Later that night I went to the Ice Festival and loved it. It was a bit of déjà vu though regarding recently visited sites. There was an ice model of the facade of the church in Macau where I was last Wednesday and an ice copy of Himeji castle (Japan) where I was in Feb 2008.

It was cold, double thermals and my heavy coat purchased from the Silk Market whilst in Beijing was both welcome and required.

Today I went to Unit 731 just out of Harbin. Unit 731 was part of the Japanese occupying force in Manchuria in the 1930’s to 1945 and they carried out horrendous experiments on the Chinese people. Comparable to the types of experiments carried by the naz_’s at their camps such as Dachau and Auschwitz. It is a very sombre place and my guide felt uneasy being here but was glad I knew about it and came to see this sad place.


There were several tours of Chinese people but I was the only westerner. My presence was appreciated by the Chinese people and they are glad others are aware of what went on here. They reiterate they are not out for vengeance but to make sure that people never forget what happened in Harbin. There was a Japanese lady here and she explained that she was accompanying her husband here whilst he researched his third book on the Unit and what occurred at this site. I asked her why her husband was writing these books and she explained that his father had been in charge of the railways used to bring the people to the camp where they were tortured in germ warfare, frozen to see how frostbite affected the body and other horrendous experiments on people.

An interesting visit to a tragic place where evil occurred.

Another day in Harbin so will update as I continue.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Special thanks to Bundy Bear for alerting me to the Singapore Flyer Talk do there this weekend. I will be able to attend the Sunday lunch and dinner.

Ok let’s get this TR properly underway.
First up I travelled from CBR to SYD on Murrays Coaches, a $20 fare booked a couple of weeks ago. This is real LCC material.

I was running the gauntlet of duty free shops on the way to the first class lounge. The door man ensures you have the right authority to enter and then gushes profusely.

What a constrast; Qantas don't want any commoner to access the first class lounge.

My stay in SIN was deliberately brief. I only came here so that I could get a trip on the A380 and am very happy that it paid off with the upgrade. I spent Sunday at a couple of FT events and got to meet quite a few FT’ers. Thanks to Bundy Bear for alerting me to this do. .

Ah 2 mentions so far in this trip report.

Thanks for the trip report so far; I am terrible at writing mine for Singapore.

 

[Hvr]

I loved Harbin, the Holiday Inn (HI) was just opposite a main road where there was a heap of sculptures and not far from the Disney park of ice sculptures. The traffic was absolutely mad and I nearly got run over several times. I found the only way to cross the road was to join a group and when enough people had built up we walked en masse into the traffic hoping it would stop. Plus they were all on the wrong side following the lead of the Americans as to which side of the road they should drive. In one hilarious encounter I eventually got across a road whilst an old woman was trying to sell me a neck warmer. I purchased it once across the road. When I came out of the park a couple of hours later and tried to cross the road again she came up to me, took my hand and got me safely across the road. Then just left, didn’t want anything.

HI had everything I needed as a visitor, I was well treated and the room was perfectly adequate with no obvious shortcomings except for the tap in the bath/shower. The plug hole was raised meaning you couldn’t use it as a bath so showers it was. But and a big but, to use the tap for the shower you had to pull down a ring around the tap outlet and hold it down until the water diverted to the shower. Damned hard to do and very inconvenient.




Whilst in Beijing I had a little issue with my train ticket and my guide was very happy to assist as required. When we did the trip to the Great Wall I told her about the problem and that I had given her mobile number to the booking office. Not a problem and when they rang she was able to address it without referring to myself. Correct ticket was waiting at the hotel when we got back that evening. Why mention it? Well the trip to Harbin was hard on my legs and hip, and the only ticket available for the return was in second class and on the window, not the aisle. Whilst I did seat poach on the trip to Harbin (i.e. moved from the window to the aisle after the first stop) I didn’t think I would get away with it again so looked for an airfare from Harbin to Beijing. First class on Air china wasn’t too expensive so I grabbed it from Expedia the day before I was due to travel back to Beijing.


The main ice sculpture park was amazing and for those who have put this on their ‘to be considered list’, I say see it, you won’t be disappointed.


So as I bade farewell from Harbin, a place I could go back to again, I entered the airport where there were ice sculptures at the entrance and around the car park. I went up to the first class desk and was asked for my passport. The lady checked it and then issued my boarding pass. No problems at all. There was an express security line for first class passengers and I was through in seconds after surrendering my half drunken bottle of water. The madness has truly spread.

There is a lounge for first class passengers and again a quick look at my BP and after having my name and flight number written down I was welcomed. A very basic lounge with self serve drinks and finger food but it was nice to sit in comfy seats away from the crowds. There was Milo on the coffee machine and it was nice to have a couple of cups as well as several very nice biscuits. All too soon my trip was called and one of the attendants came to let me know. A quick walk to the gate, priority boarding and I was welcomed on board. A basic A331 with 3 rows of first class 2 seats each side. A very pleasant 1’50” flight with only three of us up front. One bloke went to sleep immediately and I had a quick chat to a Canadian who had horrible trouble convincing the check in staff he had a reservation and had to make several international phone calls to straighten it out.

Luggage was out very quickly with priority marked bags leading the way.

Next up, back in Beijing.

 

[dajop]

My guide did warn me about the Beijing tea women scam and I had several women approach me, firstly asking me where I was from and eventually asking if I would join them for tea. During our conversation I took their photos.

Great TR.

I got approached by someone with the same scam, wanting me to join them for tea (I hadn't heard about this, but are naturally suspicious anyway). However they asked where I was from (I answered Singapore) - that threw her and then "You come to Bejiing many times?" - "yes many times" and she left me alone, much to my surprise.

 

[Hvr]

My next trip was to NRT on JL782. A quick check in and seat 1A was issued as previously chosen. Off to the Beijing JL business lounge and treated very well, a quiet word when boarding commenced. Had some lovely dumplings and fresh pastries along with more Milo.

Only two people in Business so we received the full package of attention. The staff were very happy to see us and looked after us very well. A very nice meal and drinks as required. There was a bit of turbulence as we approached Tokyo so the seatbelt sign was on for most of the last 40-50 minutes. A quick disembarkation and the race to immigration, just caught the train and left virtually all the other pax from the flight behind. This is good because when I get to immigration there is o one there and I am through in seconds.

A few minutes wait for baggage and through customs and out to the bus stop for the HI Narita shuttle. A quick check in and time for a real bath in a beautiful deep bath.

Next morning I get up and see it has been snowing around the airport, purchase the N’ex/Suica card and travel into Tokyo where I see it has snowed here as well. Seems to be trying to snow here tonight, hope it does.

Will see early in the morning since I am off to the fish market.

A couple of days sight seeing and my next flight is on Friday 05 Feb to Sapporo.

 

[Hvr]

Well the flight today was from HND-CTS. Booked as part of the OneWorld Visit Japan fare where you can get domestic Japan fares for 10,000Yen (about AUS$130 each).

I have heard previously that upgrades on JAL were available for 7,000Yen (about AUS$90)/ When I asked this morning the upgrade was offered (and accepted ) for 1,000Yen (nearly AUS$13). Hope the SCs come through.

It turned out that this was a three class plane and for the first time on this trip I wasn't in the top class. Nor did I have priority baggage or boarding. Still the seat was comfortable and I got there safely.

I think the lounge (Sakura Club) was the most basic I have ever been in, essentially drinks and rice crackers.

It is snowing in Sapporo on the first night of the Snow Festival look forward to some exploring tomorrow,

 

[Hvr]

Well am now back in Tokyo after a few magnificent days in Sapporo. The snow festival was great fun and on Saturday (06 Feb) there were very heavy snow falls. Double thermals and my huge coat (purchased at the Silk Market in Beijing) meant I stayed warm.

Sunday I went to the Shiroi Koibito Chocolate park and had a great time. Yes I over indulged but given the exercise I have been doing lately I am pleased to advise that the weight is still coming off. A visit to the ice sculptures as Susukino went well and then a night visit to the snow sculptures finished the night off. The sites at the snow and ice festival are all free to enter and whilst crowded were very peaceful and no worry about the constant scammers etc I experienced in China.

My friend flew from MEL-SYD-NRT-CTS and arrived on Sunday afternoon. She reported a very rough trip on the final leg with landing not confirmed at CTS until the very last opportunity.

I was able to assist her in booking this trip after her TA incorrectly told her there were no direct flights from NRT-CTS, armed with flight numbers and times she got the required flights.

Monday was spent at the Otaru Gleaming festival where another great time was had by myself. Monday dinner was with my friend from MEL and our mutual friend in Sapporo. The three of us did our undergrad studies together last millennium and have kept in touch. A great night and the first time we have all been together since the late 90s.

Tuesday I flew back to HND and as per my previous post was able to upgrade to J for 1,000 Yen. My previous trip has posted on my QFF statement with 40 SCs.

I am glad that JAL is remaining in Oneworld (for the moment at least). They are a nice airline to fly and readily recognise my Sapphire status at their check in security screening etc.

Again the airport security deserves a positive mention. For some reason my shoes set off the metal detector so I started to take them off, before the first shoe was off there was a pair of slippers at my side ready for me to wear.

Quick trip back to my hotel where I was recognised, welcomed, quickly checked in and started my last few days in a now warm Tokyo.

 

[Hvr]

Well am now home after a great trip. The flight home was absolutely packed and there seemed to be hundreds of Japanese school children on board. However, did not hear a peep from them up the front.

Upon boarding my seat mate asked if I would mind changing with his colleague so they could sit together. I initially declined because it was an aisle seat but when another colleague was in a window seat we did a seat shuffle and I ended up in 2K. Turned out to be a serendipitous move because I ended up next to a fellow AFF’er “Downunderflyer”. He was returning home after a DONE4. We had a good chat about flying etc. We took off about 40 minutes late with no real excuse but made up the time and had to wait for a plane to leave so we could get a gate at SYD.

Got some sleep and then we’re back in Sydney. Immigration was very quick with the priority pass which I put away as I approached customs because I had a few “yes” answers. A quick check and everything was ok. I was through in about 20 minutes including waiting time for my bag which was off very quickly, priority tag worked.

It felt like landing in the tropics after nearly a month in cold weather. Picked up the hire car and drove back to CBR in some of the wettest weather I have seen in years. Closer to CBR there were flooded roads and I saw three collisions with emergency services in attendance. Finally home and carry the cases upstairs.

Do some stuff and turn on the computer, no internet. Spoke to the ISP this morning after an interminable wait and they can’t do anything. Has to be referred to Telstra. I may never have internet again. L Thank goodness for Mc Donalds and free internet.

Back to work tomorrow so time to start planning for the next holiday.

The Circle Asia fare in J did everything I wanted and got me around, SYD-SIN-HKG-PEK-NRT-SYD with 500 SCs. Side trip flight HBN-PEK was nice in first class and my other OneWorld trips HND-CST-HND initial cost of ¥10,000 with a cheap at gate (¥1,000) upgrade to J paid off well with full J SCs (40 each trip).

Will write more once I am back on line.

 

[moa999]

I have heard previously that upgrades on JAL were available for 7,000Yen (about AUS$90)/ When I asked this morning the upgrade was offered (and accepted ) for 1,000Yen (nearly AUS$13). Hope the SCs come through.

Great report.
The J-Class upgrades are 1,000 Yen
First Class upgrades are 8,000 Yen (to the cool white seats) - https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/dom/f/
First is only available on selected routes - think HND-ITM, HND-cough and HND-CTS and has an awesome full meal after 5pm

Are bookable immediately in advance (like KUPP/YUPP if booking online, although can be booked from any class) - unsure if you can do it in advance on a oneworld fare.

If my experience is any guide you should get Business Class pts and SCs

 

[Hvr]

Great report.
Are bookable immediately in advance (like KUPP/YUPP if booking online, although can be booked from any class) - unsure if you can do it in advance on a oneworld fare.

If my experience is any guide you should get Business Class pts and SCs

Yes the SCs have come through. Because you have to book the visit Japan fares through the airline, i.e. Qantas I didn't ask if it was possible to upgrade immediately.

Still all is well that ends well. Have now requalified for another year of SG (until end Nov 2011).