Anzac Weekend 2010: A Whole Lot of 'F'

[anat0l]

Anzac Weekend 2010 - A Whole Lot of F​

Here is a short trip report of the Anzac F & F mini-do and Melbourne lunch, held over the Anzac long weekend of 2010 (24 - 26 April).

As well as two uses of the First Class lounges within the same weekend, there were a number of firsts in terms of experiences, and not just those of the author of the trip report you're reading .

For those of you thinking this is a trip full of First Class cabins, I'm sorry to say but that's not the kind of Firsts you going to find in this report.

But let us not flitz around the bush...bring on the report....

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

Saturday, 24 April, 2010

Although I packed the night before, it was easily handled within an hour, so I managed to get a sufficient amount of sleep (about 4.5 hours - better than my usual record of 0 - 2 hours). So woke up without much trouble in the morning, everyone seemed to jump into action. Dad was off and out of the house for his usual morning walk. Mum was getting ready for work. Sister was getting ready to drive me to the airport, then off to the doctor followed by shopping. We were out of the house with plenty of time to spare (mainly because Mum started work at 7am, so no choice). No traffic or incidents Toombul way, so a quick ride to the airport later I said goodbye to my sister and proceeded straight into the terminal, and....

....as a first for me, I went past premium check-in and straight to security screening! A markedly busy scene at security screening, but I got through without a hitch and no random explosives check for me, even though I was pretty slow packing up.

Up the escalator to airside, then I decided to do a lap of the terminal to push up the step count. The Jetstar et al. wing is in construction mode, no doubt for the new aerobridges that will be installed there. I also saw that Tiger has taken residence in this section of BNE D.

One complete lap later, I proceeded into the QP, then right to the J Lounge. At the J Lounge desk, I flashed my WP card, and the lovely lady asked me whether I would like to check-in. I already had my mobile boarding pass, but I thought I'd better get a printed BP just in case the mobile BP didn't work. Besides, mobile BPs make lousy reminders of a flight you've taken.

Just as well that I asked to be "checked in"...because my mobile BP for seat 24D turned out to be "invalid"...

J Lounge Attendant: [hands over BP] We have you in 1F today. Is that alright with you?
anat0l: Yes, I think that will do just fine.
[cue much ensuing laughter]

:mrgreen: Aaah...what is this world coming to when a WP gets bumped out of their pre-allocated seat? :mrgreen:

Grabbed myself a green tea and some pastries, then did a bit of Twittering, checking emails and reading of AFF. QF509 was slightly late this morning, but I wasn't phased or stressed at all. Another cup of green tea and it was soon time to head to the gate.


Flight: Qantas Airways QF509 Brisbane (BNE D) - Sydney (SYD T3)
Depart: 0815h Sched ; 0834h Actual
Aircraft: VH-OGJ "Port Macquarie" Boeing 767-300
Distance: 467 mi (752 km)
Class: Business (operational upgrade from Red e-Deal)
Seat: 1F


Quickly got myself organised as the aircraft filled just as quickly - a very full flight this morning, with nary a spare seat to be seen, even in J (although there were a considerable number of deadheading crew).

Ever wondered what bulkhead leg room is like? Well, here's a measurement for you from my seat. My left heel is flush back to the foot rest in take-off/landing position, whilst my right toe is positioned on the bulkhead. My shoe size is 10 (Australian). Shouldn't take you much to work out there isn't a lot of room in the bulkhead.

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

Eventually our aircraft was ready for departure. Pre-flight waters and juices were offered. Take off was pretty uneventful, apart from a noticeably sharper angle of attack than what I can recall.

It wasn't long before the seat belt sign was switched off and the crew sprang into action. I was rather miffed that there was no news program being screened this morning, and I didn't really want to watch a documentary about how to transport and handle crocodiles.

Hot towels were handed out and breakfast followed very shortly after. The choices for breakfast were exactly the same as those one month ago! This time, I selected the hot selection of a spinach frittata with mushrooms, sausages and tomato, with a side of passionfruit yoghurt and a drink of diluted orange juice. The bakery tray was being handled by the CSM, who seemed to have some difficulty in completing the task with some efficiency and/or grace. The dish was alright - it had taste, which was quite important, and it tasted better than the similar meal I had for an international Y breakfast (although instead of mushrooms and tomato, there was baked beans). The croissant I got was too difficult to cut (combination of the insufficient knife and the soft croissant), so I resorted to spreading the jam on the flat side of the croissant.

QF Domestic J hot breakfast

A cup of brewed plunger coffee was proffered before the trays were taken away and I went to the bathroom to quickly clean up (and check and remove any errant crumbs of croissant). By this time, the cabin was being prepared for landing. The descent into SYD was a bit bumpy but otherwise we routinely landed on the third runway and parked at T3.

 

[thewinchester]

24D to 1F? Who did you kill for that

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

24D to 1F? Who did you kill for that

No need to kill anyone if you're sleeping with the cute chic who works for QF yield management :mrgreen: Just kidding.... back to the story....



There was still plenty of time before JQ35 opened check-in, so I went up to the J Lounge to check a few messages. As it so happened, I managed to exchange some SMSes with samh004 and Bundy Bear, who said that their aircraft was on time and they were about to be on their way to SYD. As well as this, some fortunate news: Skoogle had decided to join us on our run down to SYD, having purchased his Star Class ticket earlier. So it looks like our whole participating party going down to MEL will be able to get into the F Lounge!

After confirming all arrangements, I would have gone straight to T1, except that the J Lounge had just changed the buffet from breakfast to lunch, and the spread today actually looked interesting. I couldn't help grabbing a plate to taste. Say what you will about the domestic J Lounge food, but some of the items on the spread were quite tasty.

Lunch spread in the SYD T3 J Lounge

A plate of assorted items from the buffet: cold noodle salad, egg & lettuce salad with Caesar dressing, Tandoori chicken, Moroccan lamb, chutneys. Plus my usual water with lemon.

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

Next stop: gate 2 for international transfers. Even though I still had quite a bit of time before JQ35 opened for check-in, I noticed a number of pax heading up the escalators to the terminal, so I seized the opportunity to not wait another 10-20 minutes and hot-footed it down to the departure lounge towards the transfer bus. For some odd reason, perhaps sadistic, some character had decided that rearranging the seating in the transfer lounge into some sort of maze was a good idea.

Although I've done this transfer several times now, I had never seen the bus take the route it did today. Normally, the bus makes a right out of the transfer bay, then goes around the back of the hangers. This time, the bus turned left out of the transfer bay and we went behind the parked aircraft. Probably somewhat shorter, but still something I'd never experienced before.

Upon arriving at T1, I could see that the hallway which led back to check-in was properly renovated now; in fact, most of the departures area had been properly done up now, including a prominent Departures sign next to the main entrance to passport control (the Express lane still looks like any other hallway). I checked for the JQ35 check-in counter line once I could find a FID that was actually working! We had to check-in at the H line (which is near the NZ and VS check-in rows); another first, for I had been more used to JQ using the B or C lines. I guess the rent on the H line must be cheaper (given it is further away from passport control).

I did a round of the check-in area for more steps, with still plenty of time before check-in was to open. So the next most interesting place to go in SYD I thought would be the observation deck above the Italian restaurant near the A check-in line.

It's not a spectacular vantage point, but I did manage to get these shots:

View from the public observation deck at SYD T1 landside, above the Italian cafe/restaurant near check-in row A

Skoogle soon arrived at T1 and joined me up on the deck. A little chit chat later, we decided it was time to head to check-in, which was just as well as check-in was about to open. The line up wasn't appreciably long; Star Class was even shorter. A gaggle of JQ staff quickly scrambled to get organised to open check-in: boarding pass reams were shoved into machines, staff arriving late, green departure cards were being set out in stacks, and other general documentation being flung left, right and centre. Not long after check-in opened, samh004 and Bundy Bear arrived from T3; now that's fortunate timing!

Check-in was straightforward: no bags to check (couldn't anyway, I was on a JetSaver Light fare), and my carry-on wasn't weighed. I managed to move myself to 24G from a much more aft seat, which I found was unusual given that this is a seat which is designated as a premium seat by JQ (front row seat) and thus would normally attract a surcharge. But I managed to get away with the change without any money changing hands.

Skoogle was passed up on his priority check-in by means of the Star Class desk attendant calling over a WHY passenger instead of him. Whilst he was making his discontent known to a supervisor, samh004 and Bundy Bear managed complete check-in procedures, so it wasn't long before we all proceeded to passport control.

Passport control was pretty much blank; and the D line? Blank! So we strode up to the two desks as I clumsily tried to get out my passport and BP. Now for a blonde moment:

Immigration Officer: [taking my passport and BP] Where is your green departure card?
anat0l: [looking a bit panicky and puzzled] We need to fill the departure cards for domestics now?
Immigration Officer: [surprised, then looks at BP] Oh! You have the sticker...gee, sorry mate! [stamps BP] Have a good day!

OK, everybody ready? On 3, 1... 2... 3... (now I wish I had a bigger graphic depicting that smilie)

After passport control, we proceeded to an equally non-busy security screening, where again I was a bit clumsy with everything. Luckily I wasn't pulled aside for explosives testing & a pat down, which is just as well because as usual I was holding up the rest of the team. Security screening complete, we then had to navigate the windy path through the labyrinth of lights, big brands, gifts and luxuries (both cheap and not-so-cheap (all puns intended)) known as Duty Free. Once out of the maze, it was a familiar walk up the escalators to the QF lounge concourse, then a direct left into the F lounge. The greeter/bouncer had no hesitation letting us all in; at the top of the escalators at the lounge desk, we had our BPs scanned in as Skoogle and samh004 wasted no time in finding a spot in the restaurant - a fine table with seats for four people next to the window overlooking the tarmac.

Everyone seated at the restaurant, enjoying some drink and working out what's good for lunch

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

First things first (I'll let you digest that punny statement in any way you like ), some drinks were in order. As per my previous visits, I ordered a glass of Taittinger (and a sparkling water with lemon), with Bundy Bear and samh004 following suit. Skoogle selected a more sobering option of a Diet Coke. All were delivered in quick time, along with still water for everyone else. Food orders followed shortly after, with somewhat less inspiring selection for the daily specials (although samh004 did order something from it and thought it was delicious - but I'm getting ahead of myself). Our food ordered, more conversation ensued over some moderate consumption of drink. samh004 and Bundy Bear, not being frequent champagne drinkers, sampled the other French bubbly options of Devaux and Ponsardin.

Now for the parade of F food, which did not disappoint those that partook in consuming them. Firstly, the starters:

anat0l's starter: soba noodles with poached prawns

Bundy Bear's starter: soup of the day - asparagus and cheese

Skoogle's starter: salt and pepper squid

samh004's starter: mozzarella and tomatoes with balsamic

Not long after finishing the starters, plates were cleared and within good time the mains were served up:

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

anat0l's main: veal schnitzel...

...with a side of greens (broccoli and leeks) in lemon oil

Bundy Bear's main: signature club sandwich. Bundy Bear says, "really good chicken".

Skoogle's main: signature beef burger, sans tomato chilli relish

samh004's main: vegetarian main of the day - baby spinach and pea risotto

Mains were heartily enjoyed, along with top-ups of drinks by our friendly F waiter. The only thing left now was some dessert:

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

Dessert is always a bit of a hard choice between a sometimes appealing sweet dish on the menu and an equally appealing cheese plate. Of course, if you prefer one or the other straight away, the choice is a no-brainer. The other course of action - which I took - was to partake in both. The key was to offer to share the cheese plate. (You could also offer to share and try others' sweet dishes, but this is not in common practice for us.)

Cheese plate of the day - great centrepiece and great to share with all

anat0l's dessert: chocolate brownie with strawberry ice cream and hot fudge sauce

Sticky toffee puddings were ordered by samh004 and Skoogle. Whilst samh004 decided to have the vanilla version (pun intended), Skoogle's was once again different.

A sticky toffee pudding with butter scotch sauce and chocolate ice cream (instead of the menu's vanilla ice cream)

I almost forgot to get my usually enjoyed glass of De Bortoli Noble One. samh004, never having heard of the drink before, satisfied his curiosity in the dessert wine by ordering a glass for himself as well.

Sticky and sweet decadence in a golden wine - a glass of De Bortoli Noble One

Some hot drinks rounded out a wonderful dessert course and F lunch. For me, I had my favoured soy latte.

I ♥ soy latte

Skoogle settled on a hot chocolate. I think he got what he wanted and then some.

A rather elaborate hot chocolate

 

[samh004]

As per my previous visits, I ordered a glass of Taittinger (and a sparkling water with lemon), with Bundy Bear and samh004 following suit. Skoogle selected a more sobering option of a Diet Coke. All were delivered in quick time, along with still water for everyone else.

Actually you and I both had San Pellegrino, though I didn’t have a slice of lemon in my glass. Bundy Bear and Skoogle had Acqua Panna, I think.

The Taittinger was much better than the other two.

I almost forgot to get my usually enjoyed glass of De Bortoli Noble One. samh004, never having heard of the drink before, satisfied his curiosity in the dessert wine by ordering a glass for himself as well.

I’ve had it before, sampled many a dessert wine, I simply forgot I could have one until you had placed your order and quickly had to check what was on offer. Of course, Noble One was the best choice

A bottle of it lived in our fridge for a very long time, but unfortunately the bottle has been chucked now (empty) so I can’t tell you what year it was.

The TR is looking good thus far

 

[bossreggie]

Thanks for the TR. Awesome! Reading this and looking at the pics.....I have decided to go MEL-SYD next Friday JQ *Class to sample the MEL F Lounge. Can't wait!

 

[Hvr]

Fantastic trip report. I am really enjoying the food pics (you're not helping my diet!).

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

[news reader from commercial break] "...you're reading a trip report by anat0l..."


At about this point, samh004 wanted to partake in one of the wines. I have to admit that in all of the visits I have had to the F Lounge, not once had I ever imbibed a glass of alcohol of fermented grapes except for Champagne and dessert wine. So when samh004 asked for a recommendation, the best I could offer was to try the Torbreck, but only because I had a Torbreck Cuvee Juliennes on a J flight before and it wasn't a bad selection. But this wasn't the Torbreck that was on the list.

So what to do? Our ever attentive waiter appeared and asked if samh004 had come to a decision on a wine. samh004 offered a lemonade-from-lemons answer: "Could I taste them all?" Our waiter gave a surprised look, but disappeared only to promptly reappear with three glasses. So there is another first: a full complement of wine tasting in the F lounge. It's not the same as the cellar door, but it was a nice gesture by our waiter, especially as the restaurant was not exactly empty at this time.

As samh004 sampled and supped away, I initially took the photos of the labels of each wine, but I decided to leave to have a shower. OK I did have a shower but I was really there to take the complement of amenities in the F Lounge bathrooms. Unfortunately, there were no jars of Payot skin care , but thankfully they have stopped putting Lemongrass & Eucalyptus soaps and gone back to stocking Kevin Murphy.

When I came out, I saw a satisfied samh004 supping on his choice red, as well as a plethora of wine glasses - large and small - with small amounts of red plonk left in them. I had letter been told that samh004 had tried all six listed reds plus one red that wasn't on the menu.

samh004 samples the F Lounge red wine list

The errant red not on the wine list - Bests Great Western Shiraz 2008

We didn't have much time after this before boarding of JQ35 started. Lucky for us, JQ35 was boarding at gate 30, which was just at the junction of the two main piers closest to the QF lounges (cf. the high-end gate numbers where most of the Star Alliance flights leave), so we didn't have to rush. Just as well, so we headed to the self-serve areas and grabbed a couple of items from the buffet and the fridge for refreshments on the flight down to MEL, since (except for Skoogle (or not as we would later find out)) sitting in Y would mean buy on board.

Whilst I was helping myself to some fruits, nuts and chocolate mix at the buffet and carefully wrapping it in serviettes, the rest went on ahead to grab a couple of things from the shops downstairs before heading to the snaking boarding line. I headed down to find the line still considerably long but at least moving constantly. As I moved into the jetbridge, the rest were already on board.


Flight: Jetstar Airways JQ35 Sydney (SYD T1) - Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL T2)
Depart: 1515h Sched ; unknown Actual
Aircraft: VH-EBC Airbus A330-200
Distance: 439 mi (706 km)
Class: Economy (JetSaver Light)
Seat: 24G



Star Class looked very light today with only a few pax; Skoogle was the only pax in row 1. My seat was the second row in the first Y cabin, easily found and despite several people already boarded, I managed to find space in the overheads for my rollaboard.

In rather typical JQ fashion, a combination of stragglers and general holdups in procedures caused us once again to lapse on any chance of an on-time departure. Today's delay was approximately 15 - 30 minutes long, but we finally pushed back, safety demo was done and we were up in the air and off to MEL.

As the seat belt sign turned off, I immediately went up to my carry-on to retrieve my refreshments finagled from the F Lounge, which consisted of a can of Bundaberg Ginger Beer and the fruit/nut/chocolate mix. Not long after, the cabin crew began the buy on board service. Thankfully, a cup of ice is still free of charge. When I stared at the plastic cups and noticed they were dotted with ridged dots, I knew this wasn't JQ stock...and I was right - staring down at the base, I saw that it was NZ stock.

My refreshment on JQ35 - ginger beer and mixed fruits/nuts/chocolate

Our cabin crew were not very switched on today. The Y crew were rather disinterested. I finished my snack and went to the galley to ask where I could put my rubbish; the FA in the galley gave me a glare and simply pointed to the galley rubbish disposal. OK it was a simple request and I probably could have spotted the disposal compartment myself, but I did say "hello" and some dialogue would be nice... oh well.

Skoogle came down from the Star Class cabin to pleb class so we could have a chat. Turns out he wasn't really in "Star Class" after all!

Skoogle: I was told that I would have to pay for any food and drink.
anat0l: But you're in Star Class!
Skoogle: Well the CSM says I'm not according to the manifest. I'm the only one who actually bought a Star Class fare - the others are just extra leg room customers.
anat0l: Didn't you show him your BP?
Skoogle: I did, and my itinerary. He says, "I'm not denying that, but the manifest says you're not Star Class." I've already put in a written complaint.

Quite disgusting, in my opinion, and that's being awfully nice. :evil:

Upon descent into MEL, we tried at least three times to get through the thick cloud layer, and at least twice the pilots were forced to charge up the engines and get back up. During this time, the ride got very bumpy up and down. At this point, an idiotic lady across the aisle from me thought it was appropriate to turn on her iPhone.

anat0l: Excuse me, madam, but we are landing, so would you kindly mind turning off your iPhone?
Lady in 24J: It's just an eBook I'm reading?
anat0l: But it must be turned off for take-off and landing.
Lady in 24J: But I'm just reading an eBook; my iPhone is in flight mode.
anat0l: The rules say you need to turn it off for landing, so please turn it off!

With a rather insolent huff, the lady conceded the point, switched off her iPhone and put it away. Just as well, since we had finally pushed through the thick cloud and were on our final descent and approach to Tullamarine.

Once we were parked at the gate at MEL T2, it seemed to take an inordinate amount of time for the jetbridge operators to operate the jetbridge and then further get it into place. Can't JQ do anything on the ground correctly?

 

[bossreggie]

Re: Saturday 24 April 2010

[news reader from commercial break] "...you're reading a trip report by anat0l..."Skoogle: I was told that I would have to pay for any food and drink.
anat0l: But you're in Star Class!
Skoogle: Well the CSM says I'm not according to the manifest. I'm the only one who actually bought a Star Class fare - the others are just extra leg room customers.
anat0l: Didn't you show him your BP?
Skoogle: I did, and my itinerary. He says, "I'm not denying that, but the manifest says you're not Star Class." I've already put in a written complaint.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The same thing happened to me. I was polite but firm and in the end, the CSM brought my friend up from the nether regions from the plane.... AND.... Gave us both a bottle of wine on departure from the aircraft. He was very apologetic and he could not do enough for me.

Shaun

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

Disembarkation was prompt after they finally opened the door; it was the usual route to MEL T2 arrivals and a short immigration, and an even shorter baggage claim. What? Oh right, I didn't have to claim anything!

We all met at the T2 arrivals landside spillout, where we were welcomed to MEL with gloomy wet weather. It was also there where we said goodbye to Skoogle, who was off to T1 to return to SYD and complete a nice F day trip. As soon as we said goodbye, we scooted quickly to the Skybus stop; after all, why wait 20 minutes when you can travel right now? Prepaid tickets on hand, the bus we caught was lightly loaded as we headed off to MEL.

No traffic on the way to Spencer Street Station (or Southern Cross if you must insist). Even our wait for our complimentary hotel connection shuttle was also relatively short. The ride was not quite normal, however. We dropped a whole bunch of people at the Crown Metropol, then one pax thought this shuttle was going to the airport - bzzzt! Try again! The driver dropped him off a few blocks south of Spencer Street and told him to head back to the bus terminal. Then he finally dropped us at our accommodation: Hilton Melbourne South Wharf; in my humble opinion, the best of the 3 Hiltons in MEL, a firm contender for premium hotels in MEL and one of the (if not, the) best Hilton in Australia and New Zealand.


Hotel: Hilton Melbourne South Wharf
Room and Rate Type: Executive Twin, Advance Purchase
Room Location: Level 13


Since I had recently dropped to HH Silver, no upgrade was due for me However, we were booked into an Executive Room, which meant Executive Lounge access and a very decent room. It was fortunate that straitman and Mrs straitman were in MEL for the weekend and also staying at the same Hilton. But I'm getting a little off track...

We stepped off the shuttle and were greeted by the bell attendant, even though none of us were toting any luggage of any considerable weight. We had to get procedures and check-in done, because Bundy Bear had to get ready to go to a game, and the Exec Lounge canapes and evening alcohol was upon us. But wait... we had three people (samh004, Bundy Bear and myself) for a room booked for only two people (could make it three, for a surcharge ). I've been in situations where we could sneak extra people into rooms before, but could I do it at this hotel? That would be a first time experience indeed! I told my accomplices to wait in the lobby lounge whilst I handled check-in; not that they were bored, because straitman had just walked in.

Check-in went perfectly, with a friendly touch that I had been so used to receiving from the professional staff at this Hilton. Two keys were obtained for our room and I went to meet up with the rest so we could head up and dump our belongings in our room. As staitman and the rest of us walked to the elevator, no one really raised so much of an eye brow as to how many people were going with someone who had just checked in...

Elevator arrives, scan keycard for room level access, I push the button for level 13, and straitman is going the same way. As it turned out, straitman and Mrs straitman were staying in the room next to us. Lucky this Hilton doesn't have paper thin walls unlike, say, Hilton Sydney. Otherwise, who knows what sorts of racket we would have had to put up with in the room next to us. :mrgreen: Anyway... enter room, use old HH Gold card (useful little thing) for the power slot. Since this was a twin room, I suspect there was no room for the usual lounge/settee.

So we successfully had three people in the room. But there were only two beds, and fat chance two of us were sharing one bed - this was something we definitely were not tossing a coin on! As the only person in the room who had an idea about this Hilton, I set about a plan. I called Magic and asked for an extra doona and bathroom amenities. No sooner had I asked, within a handful of minutes all were delivered (and I answered the door whilst my room mates "hid" to avoid giving away that the room was "overpopulated"). samh004 then fashioned a futon-style "bed" on the floor by using the multitude of extra pillows from our beds and the extra doona - perfect!

As this was a first time for samh004 and Bundy Bear at this Hilton - or indeed many a Hilton - there were a few things they had to get used to. For example:

• Yes, the bottled water that is labelled "Complimentary" is really free of charge - a benefit of Executive Floor
• Hilton Bath Tablets and how they work (Bundy Bear found out it was not a soap)
• Crabtree & Evelyn amenities - Bundy Bear especially took a liking to the soaps with Shea butter
• A bed has about half a dozen pillows on it of various shapes and sizes. You don't have to sleep on all of them (although samh004 did for a different reason)
• All the various light switches, the swinging reading lights above the beds, the odd shaped desk light.
• No, even the Executive Floors do not have complimentary wireless/wired internet (not to mention that the extortionate prices just got excruciatingly more expensive since the last time I was at this hotel)

Anyway, enough talk - Executive Lounge beckoned. samh004 seemed a little disappointed that the Lounge was on a lower floor than our room (in fact, this is the lowest Hilton Exec Lounge in Australia) but that was quickly forgotten when I reminded him that all the food and drink in the lounge was included with the room rate (or in other words, free from here on in).

Well, technically there is a problem, and I described this as we made our way down to Level 4. We still had three people to one room entering, and normally in this case Hilton would make a case to charge for the extra guest. (straitman had a similar dilemma facing him in order to get his extra guests in.) The plan was - check for anyone at the lounge desk. If there was no one, just walk in quickly and hope no one picks up that three people belong to one room and they will charge. Quick peek - no one at the desk. Get in, now! No one's none the wiser, and our back pockets are none the lighter! w00t! Got asked my room number when I was getting refreshments later, but that's it. Met some familiar faces amongst the staff and had a short catch up chat.

Anyway, we were in and getting some food and drink as we met up with straitman, Mrs straitman and their other guests, which they had also managed to sneak in without charge: straitman's daughter, Robyn, and Robyn's perky and cheeky daughter, Lilly. All of them were going to see Mamma Mia later, with Lilly being a huge fan of the said musical. Bundy Bear enjoyed a few refreshments before excusing himself to make his way across town to get to the AFL.

 

[anat0l]

Saturday 24 April 2010

samh004 and I were left with straitman and clan to chat and enjoy the Exec Lounge evening session. Some of the assorted delights on offer:

Sushi, fish cakes, spring rolls, samosas, frittata cubes, carrot and celery sticks with dips

Mini fried treasure bags, stuffed mushrooms, bread stick, spring rolls, sliced smoke salmon, frittata cube, carrot and celery sticks with dips (don't know what the pink stuff is, but there is some hommus in the picture)

I found this interesting bottle of drink amongst the plonk selection. Upon asking what it was, we were told it was "Spanish Champagne". Of course, there is no Champagne except for the proper French stuff from the appropriate region, so this was basically a sparkling from Spain. We were told it was rather bitter, but curiosity got the better of me, so samh004 and I decided to give it a go.

"Spanish Champagne". It says "Cava" on the label, but it definitely isn't the same spelling as the Fijian drink, and certainly not as nerve-numbing. Plus, I doubt you drink this stuff from a wooden bowl.

The night progressed on as samh004 and I made a de facto dinner out of the Exec Lounge offerings. The straitman clan had to disappear at about 7.30pm to head to the show around Melbourne Central. We had about another hour or so in the lounge before it was being closed up for the night. After that, samh004 and I headed back up to the room to wait for Bundy Bear to finish. When we got back in our room, we discovered that housekeeping had done their turndown service, leaving a bundle of fresh cinnamon as a turndown fragrance.

After seeing the Brisbane Lions getting utterly flogged, Bundy Bear dropped us a line that he was heading back to the hotel before we kicked on. Unfortunately, penegal, who was with Bundy Bear at the game, couldn't kick on with us, but for totally understandable reasons.

Our ideas of kicking on for drinks eventually took us to a not-extremely-busy bar called Lagerfield in Crown, which fortunately had some decent beers on tap.

An alcoholic array at Lagerfield

A few pints and many minutes of enjoyable bird watching later, we walked around Crown, but eventually we headed back to the hotel. The whole time, we managed to get to the lifts with no problem raised by front desk.

Back in our room, we got ready to turn in for the night. A cup of tea later and it was just about 1am - time for bed.

 

[anat0l]

Sunday 25 April 2010

Sunday, 25 April, 2010
Anzac Day

We awoke to a rather dull MEL morning, the window view giving us a gloomy picture of the city looking down the Yarra. Everyone seemed to have a good night's sleep (and not a single bit of racket from the odd couple in the adjacent room ). A morning drink of tea and coffee was in order; thank goodness for this Hilton having a coffee plunger and decent granulated coffee included with the room. There were only two mugs which I let samh004 and Bundy Bear use for their teas. It was samh004's idea to use the large wine glass to hold my coffee, given that the high ball glass would be good but it would be too hot to grip after pouring the coffee in, so at least the wine glass could be held via the stem.

There was a small problem with milk supplies, since we had quickly gone through the micro-tubs of milk given to us. I called Magic and was told that we needed more and they very kindly proffered a small jug of milk (free of charge). The staff member who brought us the milk could not be more helpful and I asked for some more Crabtree & Evelyn amenities, which she brought over. I felt so guilty sending her back and forth to get things, but she said that it was not a bother at all. Bravo! I really had to tell her in the end that there was nothing else she could bring to us, and profusely thanked her. Do you know why I like this hotel?

Coffee in a wine glass - a new kind of fancy (Ed: not really )

Showers were had (the bathroom floor went from quite dry to a flood aftermath) and bags were packed as we prepared to head to the Executive Lounge for breakfast. Once again, we found the front desk at the lounge empty, so once again like ninjas we three AFFers got into the lounge without having to cough up more coin.

The buffet has gone back to a better-than-continental selection that I'd been used to for many times I had been in Executive Lounges (i.e. a few basic hot items like eggs and sausages on the menu, cf. last time I stayed), and once again I spotted a few familiar faces amongst the wait staff, so I couldn't help but stop and say hello.

The five of us - straitman, Mrs straitman, Bundy Bear, samh004 and I settled down for breakfast with a table near the window, next to the balcony. Eating proceeded at a leisurely pace - some cereal, some hot food, a bit of salad and some toast, and plenty of coffee. You know how the story goes - great company makes for great conversation - and we had more people to talk to and more to talk about when Robyn and Lilly arrived from the Crowne Plaza.

A fine warm breakfast in the Hilton Executive Lounge

It's mornings like this that you wish could go for longer (as well as enjoying more free tea and coffee), but we had a lunch meet to make, as well as a checkout time to stick to. So it was time to head back to the room, where the sun had finally shone through, providing a more picturesque view from our ceiling-to-floor room window.

MEL and the Yarra as viewed from our hotel room

 

[anat0l]

Sunday 25 April 2010

I forgot to mention that samh004 and Bundy Bear had gone back to the room first, leaving me to talk a bit longer with the straitman clan. As a result, however, for some reason my room key couldn't activate the lift so I could get to our room. I had to go back to reception and get my room key recoded, which still didn't work in the lift (a hotel staffer helped us out then), and then it wouldn't work when I tried to get into the room! I had to knock on the door to get back in.

We checked out fairly close to the standard time, which meant that there were plenty of people at the front desk who were also checking out (and many others, for some reason , also getting their keys recoded). Apart from that, checkout was pleasant, quick and professional, and the friendly staffer who helped with checkout also promptly helped us put our bags away into the Concierge store. Once that was taken care of, we headed outside where we met up with JohnK, who had come down from SYD for the day, as well as munitalP and Mrs munitalP. Together, we walked across the South bank of the Yarra towards our lunch venue of less than a ten minute walk away: The Meat and Wine Co.

Inside our lunch venue - The Meat and Wine Co

The AFFers in attendance mostly picked either a light meal from the menu, or decided on one of the $20 lunch specials, which included a beer or wine. Most people didn't eat much, although for those of us at the Hilton, we had good reason because breakfast was quite hearty and eaten rather late. Mrs munitalP ordered a side of most interesting sauce - vodka and blue cheese - which was agreeably delicious.

AFFers tuck into lunch

My lunch choice - dual mini burgers with chips

There was a healthy turnout for the lunch today - always a great sign

Much of the afternoon was wiled away in conversation, but eventually we had to move on. Initially, Bundy Bear and I had no plan for the afternoon, whilst samh004 had his return flight that night. munitalP and Mrs munitalP were very, very kind and invited us to visit their home and have dinner there; without a better idea, we readily agreed. Accounts were settled and we headed off to Crown's car park to munitalP's car.

munitalP drove the three of us (Bundy Bear, samh004 and I) back to the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf to quickly retrieve our bags from the Concierge. samh004 got his bag and we said goodbye to him as he headed for Spencer Street. We quickly put our bags into munitalP's car and headed off out into the Melbourne suburbs (which is only the second or third time I've done this!).

 

[anat0l]

Sunday 25 April 2010

Along the way to munitalP's place, the weather changed from sunny to gloomy to wet, which displeased Mrs munitalP as she had washing on the line, but additionally on the way she developed a bit of an itch to use the bathroom, which meant we also had to refrain from making any water references (it was a bit hard to resist in jest, though :mrgreen.

Once at munitalP's place, we were introduced to munitalP's two cats, got the grand tour of the house and then settled down to watch the AFL, whilst Mrs munitalP went shopping, came back and studiously prepared dinner without so much as accepting any of our offers to help with the preparation, with the exception of her dear husband, who made good with his chopping of the beans to precise equal length . After this, Mrs munitalP could only roll her eyes as she continued to prepare a sumptuous dinner with much culinary skill, sipping down on her own version of a Singapore Sling whilst she was at it.

oz_mark and oz_mark+1 arrived some time later, bringing gifts of drink, cake (for dessert) and more cheer. munitalP rolled out his canapes of smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers on small toasts. At this point, I was starting to sneeze and get stuffed up - oh no, not now...I'd just beaten the 'flu some time ago - not again! munitalP had the "perfect medicine" - a stiff administration of bourbon. If the drinking of it was directly helpful (and it was to some degree), then it was also indirectly helpful in that if I didn't want to drink bourbon again then I'd vow not to get sick again!

Crowns and Carltons - a choice collection of alcohol (well, not my cup of tea, but this picture has to be testament to something)

Mrs munitalP prepares the final dishes

 

[anat0l]

Sunday 25 April 2010

Dinner is served!

A bit of everything for dinner

Dinner Casa de munitalP

Canapes

Smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers on small toasts

Choice Meat

Roast chicken

Roast pork with crackling skin

Sides

Sweet potato (kumera) with orange

French beans with red onion and honey soy

Roasted capsicum

Fresh tomato quarters

Boiled eggs with curried yolks

Pan fried pumpkin

Potato salad

Dessert

Bienenstich (bee sting cake)



(Ed: sorry Mrs munitalP, I couldn't think how to make the above any fancier than that )

We spent quite a bit of time at munitalP's place - so much that we decided that public transport back to MEL city was pretty much moot, so we caught a ride back with oz_mark and oz_mark+1. By this time, it was close to midnight.

oz_mark dropped us off at Spencer Street as we saw a Skybus at the stop, which we managed to board with merely minutes to spare. (Otherwise, the next bus would have been in at least 30 minutes, or 1 hour, at that time of night! ). The Skybus was a quick ride given there was no traffic at this stark hour (but surprisingly we were not the only pax on the bus). Once we arrived at Tullamarine, it was a quick dash across the road to the Hilton MEL Airport.


Hotel: Hilton Melbourne Airport
Room and Rate Type: Standard Guestroom Twin, $99 Hilton Premium Club Great Rate
Room Location: Level 7


Check-in was...well...quick, since there was no other patrons there! Key was received within a minute as we got up to our room, which was huge for a standard guestroom, but the decor and walls were showing a bit of age and needed some touch-ups (then again, the contrast between the two hotels we were in that night and the previous one doesn't help). A welcome card was found on the study table; a small but nice token gesture, but too bad it wasn't addressed to one of us . Bundy Bear did a bit of furniture rearrangement - moving his bed against the opposite wall of the room (still not sure why; doubt it was for feng shui). But it was very late and there was no plane spotting to be done from our window, so we quickly went to sleep.