Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

[Flying mermaid]

We didn't see any bears this time - last time we saw two, including one sitting in a tree eating apples. However I like squirrels

 

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and birds and butterflies

 

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some more views

 

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We ate at the Ahwahnee every night (well not really anywhere else to eat!). Food was fine, while nothing special, but a very pleasant atmosphere. My favourites were probably the crab starter and the chocolate bread and butter pudding.

 

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We had made an effort to do our walks early, as bad weather was forecast - possible snow as well, although we didn't get any in the valley. We spent a very slow last day just reading and enjoying the misty views from our window.

 

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We went back on 140, as the pass was closed. A much easier drive, but a little less scenic. We ditched the car at Avis Union Square and walked to the Taj - one of my favourite hotels - exceptionally friendly staff and a lovely boutique feel. We immediately headed to Ghiradelli at Westfields and bought my annual 6kg of chocolate I really love it! Master FM came in on the Google bus and we went to dinner. He had booked at Michael Mina. Just loved this - service was immaculate and food excellent. We didn't do the matching wines, as we just couldn't drink that much. degustation for 3 with a few glasses of wine and tip was a bit over $1,000 - worth every cent.

I had handed over my very disreputable hiking jacket when I arrived and on leaving the waiter helped me on with it, as though it was a designer fur.

Small bites to start
bread with a glorious spread
rice cracker, with sea urchin and caviar
Live spot prawn
big Fin Squid

 

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degustation continues

Obsidian Linguini with shellfish chowder
Grilled Ayu
Alaskan Halibut
Maine Lobster
Foie Gras

 

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Continue eating, although fading fast

Angus Ribeye
Lemon Thyme Sorbet
dark Choc, with sherbert, cherry and peach
Petit fours - the mint macaron really did taste of mint and I don't know what the middle one was but I adored it!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Next day was spent catching up on Master FM's news. Then our final day arrived and out to the airport for the flight to DFW. We got TSA precheck on both our flights with AA - makes life so much easier.

Just an ordinary F cabin, but new and comfortable.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Lounge at DFW was fine - there was a separate room that had a glass door with First on it - I was unclear as to whether the whole area was for F or just that bit. All the food (apart from a few sweet things), was in the other room. There was waiter service for drinks, or you could help yourself. Some friends were on the same flight so we had a nice catch up, but talking so much I forgot to give the waiter a tip - typical Australians he must have thought!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Then onto our plane - the first thing I managed to do was break the storage drawer...... I really am jinxed when it comes to Qantas - all I did was swing it open, place some toiletries in it and swing it closed and it jammed and two guys couldn't do anything with it. We decided to just tape it up and ignore it - really sweet guys who wished me a safe flight. They probably thought I needed it!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Canapes were served before take off and then a quick meal and 8 hours sleep. I really enjoyed the ricotta Gnocchi, but the bread and butter pudding wasn't as good as Ahwahnee's.

 

[Flying mermaid]

We were late arriving, our luggage came off just about last, we missed our connection and had to fly on a nasty dash 8 and then our luggage didn't arrive (offloaded in Sydney due to weight problems). So not the best end, but it was sooo nice to be home and see the puppies again. When our Murano glass arrives I will put it up here, just for completeness - I am finding these trip reports a great way of boring friends with our holiday.

I have had a number of communications from Qantas since returning home and I will chat to them re service failures. The only way to improve is to get feedback, but there just seems to be a cultural problem at the lower levels re service.

So home for nearly 4 months and then off to Africa in September for a very quick trip to a wedding and the Okavango.

 

[TheRealTMA]

We hired a car at the airport and drove to Yosemite on HWY 120 - hit a lot of traffic, so it took 4.5 hours. Thank goodness for GPS when negotiating those huge freeways! We went over Tioga Pass with stunning views (bit scary as well). We had stayed at the Ahwahnee 3 years ago and were looking forward to returning. Ambience from a previous age, with lovely public spaces.

Love the Ahwahnee. Such a classic American building with fabulous surroundings. Lucky you got the library suite!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Love the Ahwahnee. Such a classic American building with fabulous surroundings. Lucky you got the library suite!

Last time we got it as an upgrade - I loved it so much I paid for it this time!

 

[TheRealTMA]

Last time we got it as an upgrade - I loved it so much I paid for it this time!

Well done! Our room was functional. but nice views.

 

[TomVexille]

Those AA sundaes have really shrunk

 

[Flying mermaid]

Those AA sundaes have really shrunk

Really? They must have been huge!

 

[Pushka]

Thankyou for a wonderful holiday Flying Mermaid. My turn next.

 

[love_the_life]

Thankyou for a wonderful holiday Flying Mermaid. My turn next.

Yes, thanks FM - enjoyed the read immensely and of course as usual those fantastic photos. Pushka, the green eyed monster is starting to take me over.......