Bass Strait to the Black Sea.

[drron]

Sunday night and we say good bye to the Living Room staff.They show us the program for the 2012 SGS staff day out.Run on several days so all staff get to go.Explains why the service is always good-the staff are genuinely happy working here.Off to bed early as it is an 0500 wake up call and off to the airport just before 0600.After checkin we go to the VAT refund and mrsdrron gets back 1269B.Immediately drops 1100B at the Princess shop on another handbag-nearly as many of those as pairs of shoes!

We then head for the CX lounge near the E gates-we find this lounge quieter than the other OW lounges.And not particularly impressed with the QF Flounge.

CX700. BKK-HKG. ETD-0820. Push back-0835. Take off-0850.
ETA-1210. Land-1213. At gate-1220.
We as usual in 14A,C.A woman who only speaks Japanese in 14D so they quickly swap FAs with the Japanese speaker from Y switched to the J cabin.An example of good CX servive.The purser however speaks to no pax-unusual for CX.Brekkie is not great and it takes a long time to clear the trays-not so good CX service.In view of the early start I doze off and wake in time to get a great view of Victoria Harbout but we keep heading away from HKG for a while.Great view also of the old Kai Tak.Much less smog than usual today.

Land at gate 62D and a long way to the JAL transfer desk near Immigration.No one at the transfer security but here is where I get into trouble-as I say totally unjustified.They confiscate mrsdrron's tweezers.Now these tweezers have been around the world a few times in her carry on.Even been through HKG before.But she is mad and I get the blame!In future it will be direct flights between BKK and Japan.Loss of SC earning is not accepted as an excuse.

The CX Flounge at the wing was still closed so we went to the JAL lounge-they use the Travellers Rest lounge.Best avoided.We caught up on our emails.Then made our way to gate 19.This must have one of the longest airbridges in existence.
So now just a comparison of the CX and JAL leg shots as they both used a 772.The JAL flight next.

 

[drron]

JL 28. HKG-HND. ETD-1515. Push back-1512. Take off-1525.
ETA-2020. Land-2016. At gate-2021.At carousel-2026. In taxi-2030.

We were in 8 H,K.Did a double take on boarding as only 6 rows in the J cabin.However a mini cabin with rows 7-9.There were slippers in the seat pocket and FAs came around with toothbrush,eyeshades and earplugs.Still better than CX where we got diddely squat.soon after take off we were served a meal.Obviously lunner.Mrsdrron went for the western meal with scallops for her main and I went for the Japanese selection.mrsdrron thought the risotto was undercooked and the bread stale.I enjoyed my meal.

As instructed I saused my noodles-

Service was very slow.I found I still loved the nose cam when coming in to land.Off first,no lines at Immigration and as soon as we got to the baggage carousel the bags started coming out.Our smaller case was first of about 10 smaller bags then came the larger bags and ours was the first of these.So in less than 10 minutes from arriving at the gate we were in a taxi heading for the Sheraton Miyako.Now the taxi cost 7400Y and it would only have been 800Y each in the Airport bus.But we would have had to wait for 2 hours for the bus.We ended up tucked up in bed at least 3 hours earlier by getting the taxi.
Taxi drivers servicing HND must have a special licence because once again our fellow went at double the speed limit.Coming towards the toll boom gate he accelerated missing the boom by no more than 2 inches.

We were upgrade to a larger corner room-which is still a small room.However only 2 suites here so you never expect a suite ugrade.Breakfast was better than previous stays being a full buffet in their Chinese restaurant.Plus still the points as an amenity.
So our room-

next-Tokyo.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Land at gate 62D and a long way to the JAL transfer desk near Immigration.No one at the transfer security but here is where I get into trouble-as I say totally unjustified.They confiscate mrsdrron's tweezers.Now these tweezers have been around the world a few times in her carry on.Even been through HKG before.But she is mad and I get the blame!In future it will be direct flights between BKK and Japan.Loss of SC earning is not accepted as an excuse.

The CX Flounge at the wing was still closed so we went to the JAL lounge-they use the Travellers Rest lounge.Best avoided.We caught up on our emails.Then made our way to gate 19.

drron got into trouble because we went to the Travellers Rest Lounge - dreadful food and horrible wine, spent a couple of hours there !! So making our way to gate 19 what do we pass at gate 15 but a QANTAS BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE !!!!!!!!!! drron hadn't done his homework - he is the flying expert in this family, and THAT is why he copped a steaming ear full all the way to gate 19

 

[drron]

For reasons of marital harmony and because I am a wuss I am not going to answer the last post but continue on with Tokyo.
From our room we had a view of the Happo-en gardens-

We both enjoy Japanese gardens even when like this time there are no flowers.The different structures both man made and natural-

In some ways reaching its culmination in the Bonsai-

But just as we couls see the gardens from our window we could see our window from the gardens,with open blinds-

It is just so relaxing on a hot day-

 

[drron]

The use of rocks and water really brings a feeling of peace-Ah the serenity.

and then there are the fish-

Of course we did not spend all our time walking around gardens.One day we got the shuttle to Meguro station and slowly walked back(it was downhill back from the station).mrsdrron then saw one of her most favourite Japanese signs-

It is truly amazing how many things she finds here that she really needs-and in every 100 yen shop we visited!On that day we got some snacks and pasties from one of the supermarkets.Included were some spicy chicken wings.mrsdrron doesn't do spicy so when about 6 hours later i made friends with the heated toilet seat I knew what to blame.That was why the next day all we did was go to the gardens next door.
On our last full day we caught the JR train to Shimbashi station and walked to the Ginza and on to Tokyo station.love going to the basements of the department stores and wandering around seeing the different foods on offer.many taste samples can be had.As always their meat sections astound me-

So $750 a kilo.I really couldn't see the value.We caught the train back to Meguro and had a very late lunch at the sushi go round near the station.hardly any customers so everything was freshly prepared and at prices cheaper than Australia.One day we also had dinner at a restaurant on the top floor of Meguro station-we had been befor-absolutely no English spoken here but Shabu shabu was easy to order along with a biru.
We enjoyed the Miyako.Yes small rooms but great service.Excellent fruit with great taste at the breakfast buffet.no lounge but 2 hours of complimentary drinks in the Bamboo lounge in the lobby.So the other view from our room at sunset-

Next-off to Sapporo.

 

[drron]

Friday and we are off to Sapporo.An early breakfast and off on the 0910 bus to Haneda.The bus drops us at the South entrance of the JAL terminal and of course we have to check in at the North end.However we can check in at the JAL Gold club desks though we have to point out to the fellow policing the entrance the small OWE and OWS logos on their sign to get in.Our large bag is right on the 23 kg limit and the agent checks it on a second set of scales but it weighs the same-we think she looks a little disappointed.
Quickly through security and off to the JAL lounge.You scan your BP and it tells you whether to go right or left.Fortunately I can go right with mrsdrron.A large lounge and not busy-

good views of the action-

And we see a 787-

However virtually no food.They do have the beer dispensers and a selection of sakes including a special 10 year old one.but no wines.The board has all the usual info but also whether there are spare seats.When we arrive our flight is showing as having spare seats.As I could not get a J award on this flight I go to the desk.The agent was happy to sell me an upgrade for 1000Y even though mine was an award ticket.Sadly though no J seats left.
We leave early for the gate.Boarding starts at the advertised time as expected.Kids and a couple of wheelchairs first then priority boarding called.Mrsdrron goes up and is waved away.Has to point out the very small OWE print on her BP and we are let through.Again just swipe your BP over the sensor and through you go with the GAs bowing.

Unfortunately at the door mrsdrron turns left and I to the right.She is in 9D and I in 21D.We are on a domestic 772.2-4-2 in J and 3-4-3 in Y.Y starts at row 15.
JL517. HND-CTS. ETD-1330. Push back-1336. Take off-1350.
ETA-1575. Landed-1512.At gate-1520.
So my area of Y-

By the time we left the lounge our flight was showing as full and certainly I didn't see an empty seat.As the plane fills I note everyone around me getting out their food.Not a good sign and likely I will go hungry.Amongst the last to board are 17 very large Sumos.They headed right down the back.Me thinks it may have been a tad squeezy.
Just as I feared service is just a soft drink.Not even any food to buy.Absolutely no difference in J.I like the way before push back and after the safety demo all the FAs bow to the passengers.Dont think I will ever see that on QF!All the kids on board get a model JAL plane-I felt like asking for one,after all I am just a big kid.The other unusual thing on this flight was it went out with empty overheads even though most did not have checked baggage.

After the seat belt light went out the Japanese forgot their usual politeness and mayhem broke loose.You really had to fight your way out.At the baggage carousel we noticed the Sumos again.One had been in J with the managers-he was being mobbed and everyone wanted their photo tsaken with him.So googled Sumos and found out his name was Baruto.
Our bags were number 1 and 2.so quickly to the lift and down to the train station.able to get seats at the front of the carriage with extra space for our bags.Just as well as it was standing room only by the time the train left.As usual it left right on time and pulled into Shin sapporo at the advertised time.I had instructions on how to get to the Sheraton which included going to gate 8.Unfortunately no signs for gate 8 but I was able to ask a fiendly policeman who escorted us to the exit for the Sheraton.
For the Sheraton sapporo here is my review-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ences-and-reviews/sheraton-sapporo-41912.html

and our time in sapporo will be covered here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....otos/another-long-mini-trip-report-42670.html

the next post here will be our flights back to Sydney.

 

[drron]

Long past time to finish this TR so here we go.
Tuesday and time to go back home.fortunately not an early start.booked on the 11.18 airport express from Shin-Sapporo.Just as well we booked seats as it was full and we did have to eject a couple of seat snatchers from our seats.Obviously not policed unlike other Japanese trains we have been on.It only cost us an extra 300Y(3.75) each to book seats.well worth it.The reserved car also has more leg room and more space for luggage storage.
The train arrived at CTS at the advertised time of 11.46.Straight to the JAL Global Club desk and got our bags checked through to SYD.However our assigned seats had been changed and the JAL agent said I cant get you together-given 3A and 4E.So we changed to 13A,C as no 2 seats together downstairs.I admit to not thinking too clearly at this point in time.

As we now only had 30 minutes until boarding we went straight to the gate.Now when we booked the CTS-NRT flight we could not book J so we were back to Y.We were allocated 15H,J.We thought we would be close to the back of the plane.
JL3042. CTS-NRT. ETD-1305. Push back-1302. Take off-1311
ETA-1440. Land-1417. At Bay-1424.
Boarding starts at advertised time with gate agents bowing to the Pax.mrsdrron strides to the gate waving her BP and saying emerald so we get priority boarding.A B738.We are surprised to see rows 1-4 as J seating.however as plane filled it seemed they had not been sold as J as filled with families with young children and the suits went down the back.We were surprised to find row 15 was the first row of Y.even better mrsdrron had her plat shadow in 15K.The leg room with this row is better than most J cabins.And indeed more than rows 1-4 have.

We flew back over the airport then out over the coast of hokkaido.Some great views.

Again only a juice as service.Uneventful flight.But a remote stand and bussed to the terminal.No one else going through immigration so very quick even though a little hold up as Mrsdrron had swapped our BPs.The Immigration officer broke into a hearty laugh saying to me-"You a mrs."Straight through security again with a slight double take from the officer as I had 10 packets of Blue Elephant curry paste in my baggie.Got me thinking though-10 70 gram bags of paste can fit easily into a legal sized baggy.
Into the JAL F lounge by 1445.booked our massages then had a late lunch.I know others like the curry but I find it very bland and not worth while eating.Fortunately quite a few other options.lounge was quite empty when we arrived but soon filled.We noticed more and more QF WP tags on carry ons.
When having my massage it suddenly struck me that the reason for the seat confusion at CTS was because we had a substituted 4 class bird.Cursed myself.Went back and admitted my mistake to Mrsdrron.No sooner had i done that than a JAL agent came up to mrsdrron and said-we noticed that you changed your seats-wouldn't you like the First class seats?Why yes.She wrote our new seats on our BPs apologising that she couldn't reissue them but we could pick them up at the gate.great service.We are now in 3E,K.
Flight home to come.

 

[drron]

When we landed at NRT we passed a couple of JQ birds and then what would become our transport later that evening.

As we usually do after our massage,meal and a shower plus a little internet time we made our way to the QP.Walked in ~1830,asked at the desk if we could get new BPS.No,you will have to get them at the gate.However a little later a gate agent came over to us(not one of the lounge attendants)and gave us our new BPs.Really great service from QF.
On our way to the QP we noticed our plane at the gate.

Couldn't help taking this photo thinking it suggests the sun setting on QFi.Am I psychic or what.Probably telling that the other plane is an AA 777.

We left the lounge at 1945 to go for a walk before boarding.arrived at the gate just as priority boarding was announced.
QF22. NRT-SYD. ETD-2020. Push back-2037. take off-2051.
ETA-0700.Landed-0645.At gate-0651.
A final leg shot for us of the 747 F seat-

A glass of champers pre takeoff the switch to the SB.Meal-a hot and spicy chicken with noodles(that wasn't),pork with Udon noodles for mrsdrron and a lemon cheese cake.Not too bad.

Fitful sleep.In truth i dont find the old F seat too comfortable.Then the miserable QF brekkie-OJ + muesli that you have to order the night before.
After getting some Duty free we go through the Smart gate.Bags come out about the middle-QF still doesn't get priority luggage.The off and into our Avis car by 0730.
A summary will follow to end this epic.

 

[drron]

So finally to put this TR to bed.
In Sydney we stayed at the Hilton.Was $100 a night more than the SOTP which was the cheapest of the SPG properties this time.Mrsdrron needed the stay to remain Diamond.We did get upgraded to an executive room.Doubt it was any different to the basic room just on a higher floor.In Sydney we really dont need executive lounge access as we are always on grandkid duty.So for us our usual stay at the 4 Points is much better value for us.
I thought that the diamond amenities at this hotel are very poor-

That was it.Second night we got 1 more bottle of water.
Breakfast was good in Glass but not exceptional.As is standard in Australia the fruit was basically tasteless.On this trip both the SGS in Bangkok and the Sheraton amman had better breakfasts and great tasting fruit.
The last flight was QF528 from BNE-SYD.A standard experience good but not exceptional but certainly not bad.Only problem for mrsdrron was in the SYD J lounge where there was no non spicy hot dish.This happens more often than not-and she does let them know.

So the lessons from this trip.
1/.Go to Jordan.Friendly people,great fruit and pastries.Incredible places such as Petra.Ancient ruins as good as you will see anywhere.
2/.Sapporo is fantastic in summer.Think about including it in any trip to Japan.I rate it as the friendliest city in Japan.
3/.Loved the cruise around the Black Sea.I have always had an interest in history and this area abounds in it.Standing on the hill looking over where the charge of the Light Brigade happened,being in Stalin's dacha,seeing the Yalta Conference site and just strolling around Odessa will be remembered for a long time.
So travel when you can.None of us know our future and whether we will be able to travel in the future.Do the things you really want with only a slight regard to cost-again it may not be able to be done in the future,
And most of all-talk to people.It is incredible what you can learn from ordinary citizens.

So now just over 3 weeks until our next trip-BNE-SYD-LAX-DFW-MIA-BGI-MIA-DFW-NRT-BKK-SYD-BNE.
And of course from BGI it is a cruise via Grenada,Devil's Island to the Amazon river for 10 days before back to Barbados.

 

[RB]

Thanks for a great read Ron. I particularly like the tip of talking to people-has been a big help to us on travels. Already looking forward to reading your next trip report!