Fiji and China - Jan-Feb 2012

[Austman]

The 767 seems to have gone (as was planned), so it probably was a 737-800 (8 J-class seats 2-2). The A330s come next year (March 2013). I'll believe it when I see them haha.

 

[Taezar]

Even if they hadn't changed the NAN run, I would NEVER fly Air Pacific again. Never.

 

[Deleted member]

A bit harsh IMHO :!:

Many have had very good experiences with them. Personally I've had worse experiences on several other well know carriers.

It wasn't my call.
In fact I was in Brisbane terminal when someone over the loud jailer announced the departure of Air Pathetic flight number .......anyway as I said not my call.
I have flown with them only once. I Was underwhelmed by the experience
However I am sure it's a better experience if you fly from Sydney rather than Brisbane.

 

[Taezar]

Some pics
Me on the back of the boat
View from the lobby gin lounge at the novotel
The home of Xiaolongbao - nanxiang. Whole street of dumpling houses
Me at Guyi garden
Obligatory shanghai pic

 

[Taezar]

Exhausted.
Today I did The Esplanade, IFC, Pearl Sky Tower, Shanghai History Museum, Jin Mao, SFC (100 Century Ave), Xintiandi, and Birthplace of the PRC.
Now heading to the Lounge for some free alcohol and food. Early night I think. Tomorrow morning is overcast so heading North for the morning I think.

 

[samh004]

That's why they call it air pathetic

Agree with straitman, I’ve flown them 4 times (on the 747) and have had good to great experiences. I’m so sorry Tae’s experiences with them weren’t up to scratch though

Sounds like you’re doing a lot though Tae! A full on holiday!

 

[Taezar]

So I have arrived in Xi'an... cold!! But awesome.
Very different feel to any other city I have been to. Like there are two cities, very cool.
Luckily I decided to buy my on travel ticket as soon as I arrived... train I wanted was already booked out - but at least I am leaving on the right day - going by slowish train but getting into Chengdu a few hours behind the time I had originally planned. All good though.
Tomorrow I will ride the wall, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, visit the Muslim quarter and get the hang of the bus system in prep for the following day of doing the surrounds - including tombs and terracotta warriors.
Ciao
Taez
PS. Some photos coming when I get back into bed.

 

[Taezar]

Photos are of:
Worst job for a model ever
View from 100 Century Ave
Oh yay!! More stairs!! Shanghai Metro
Me about to catch the ON train to Xi'an
Drum tower, Xi'an

 

[Simo]

Wow 2 very different locations for a holiday.

 

[Taezar]

http://path.com/p/4aEJvu - Pit 1 at the Terracotta Warriors
http://path.com/p/362ZUH - The music has little to no effect in The Muslim Quarter
http://path.com/p/fWSVc - Busy intersection in The Muslim Quarter
Awesome day.
Taez

 

[Taezar]

Some more pics.
Me at the Terracotta Warriors
Me out the front of the South Gate in Xi'an w the lights of Lantern Festival
I ran across about 40 people (mainly women) rehearsing a fan and umbrella dance on the side of the road in about -3c (not sure what the apparent temp was but much much less)
Me w some zebras as part of Lantern Festival. There were even kangaroos!!

 

[Greggsy]

What a great trip!


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[Taezar]

Love Spring Festival, I do, but the fast (direct) K trains were sold out - I bought in the afternoon of the day tickets opened... so I went via who knows... but most of it was on track... so we would move for 20 mins then stop for 20 mins, then move for 20 mins, then stop for 20 mins. We had one stop at no idea where for 90minutes. It looked gorgeous though - terraced gardens and all! Picture perfect but freezing.
Anyway, I am finally in Chengdu. As always when I arrive in a new city it feels weird, I am sure I will get my sense of direction shortly.
Will cuddle a panda for you all

 

[Taezar]

I can't remember whom, but one of you AFFers told me that HIX were really good.
Maybe they are if you aren't in Central China - here they are on par with a 3 star hotel where the staff don't give a damn and they have to wear ugly oversized orange sweaters.
Would you believe they don't even have a map? But the tour desk can sell me one... I walked into another hotel and got a free map.:!:

 

[Taezar]

I dragged myself out of my sick bed yesterday and went to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base. I was so sick that the driver actually dropped me back to my hotel - he must have called the operator to find out where I was staying. Nice surprise to look up from a coughing fit to see my hotel (even it is a sucky HIX),
Anyway - just a couple cause I haven't had the inclination to sit at the computer.
Being cute is thoroughly exhausting - Giant Panda Breeding Re... on Twitpic
Noms and peekaboo - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Chend... on Twitpic
It was freezing cold - though not quite as cold as Pit 3 at the Terracotta Warriors. However walking back from the metro to my hotel this afternoon (after yet another temple) my hands actually stopped moving. It was supposed to be 6c! More like -6c!!

 

[Taezar]

Well I am back home in Australia.
Unfortunately my trip didn't end as intended - with me being so ill I slept for most of my time in Hong Kong, and much of Chengdu I was too sick to really do much.
I am still sicker than all get out, but am home.
Big thanks to Qantas, who didn't just upgrade me once from my 80K Y seat on the A380, but twice. I ended up in the small front section of business in the second row. All of the crew were incredible in looking after me. Just amazing. I couldn't imagine having to do that trip in Y even in 80K, so I was wrapped when I got Y+. J was just delish. Pity I couldn't enjoy the food or wine, but the comfort was out of sight. Also having the lounge to retreat to for my coughing fits and all the cabin crew knowing to keep bringing me hot water was brilliant.
Thankyou Qantas. You could pretty much screw up any booking, loose my luggage, anything I would still be loyal after this trip.

 

[Mal]

I dragged myself out of my sick bed yesterday and went to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base.

Did you see that there was an article on the Chengdu Research base in this months "Australian Way"? http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/inflightMagazine/ChinaPandas.pdf Was reading it recently and thought it was an interesting article.

Your trip sounded great (apart from the flu), Hopefully it disappears in the next day or so.

 

[Taezar]

I did! Read it on the way home.