In Royal Footsteps-southern England and the long way home.

[drron]

Then another night in the lounge trying to get a good sunset.
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And our last morning at the ROS before moving back to our usual home in Bangkok at the SGS.
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[drron]

We got a taxi to the SGS.Normally costs ~100-120 Baht depending on traffic.I would usually give the driver 150.So off we go and the meter is not turned on.I tell him to turn it on-it's not working.So how much-300 baht.I'm not going to the airport I will pay 100 baht.Great protests and he comes down to 200 baht.Stick to my guns and it comes to 150.So as I would normally pay that I agree.At least he is not going to waste time or take the long way around as it is now a fixed rate.
Great to get back and to the Living Room for Happy 2 hours.Also wonderful to see one of our favourites there now filling in as an Asst GM.Well deserved.She worked the room really well as though she had been doing the job for some time.
This time we would go out for lunch and really didn't feel hungry at night.however we would fill up with breakfast in Rossinis-a plat benefit.So some brekky shots.First mrsdrron's French toast and my eggs benedict.
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And my crab omelette with river prawns.
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For lunches it was the Terminal 21 food court.One day we went to Hawker Chan whose Singapore outlet has a Michelin star.We like his pork.
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Didn't venture anywhere else so no other pictures.

 

[drron]

So now it is time to get back to Australia.We always get the hotel car back to the airport as it is far less hassle than the taxis.
Again as usual we were getting CX 717 to SIN.It leaves at 1120 so we do not have to rush in the morning and can fit in breakfast.We bought a new carry on whilst in BKK so got it inspected for the tax refund before checking in.No lines,through the premium security and Immigration again with no lines.A stop to collect the VAT refund and to the CX lounge.Didn'ther with any food and didn't feel like an early drink.

So to the menu.
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The salad was good.
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Then mrsdrron had the beef and I the fish.Both good.
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A good crew.I just listened to some music and chilled.We were on an A340 rather than the A350 we have had the last 2 times on this flight so missed the nose cam.
on time into SIN but again the CX flights come in at the furthest gates from the transfers at T4.This time though there was a bus waiting so soon into T3.Another long walk to get the train to T1.
There was a big display of nice pink roses.
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It was a promotion for a new Dior perfume.
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Then into the BA lounge.I just find this more peaceful than the QF lounge.We don't bother going into the Concorde lounge as we find it a bit dark and claustrophobic.

 

[drron]

As usual we left the lounge a little early.If the flight was on time it would have been perfect as the Singaporeans at the gate security were quite officious and I took quite some time to get through.However the incoming flight was delayed so we ended up leaving nearly 45 minutes late.
Must give kudos to the captain on our flight.When he arrived at the gate he went around chatting to pax who had young children.he encouraged the FO to join in.

Now as usual when boarding was called there was a bun rush.But a good agent who only let those with Group one on the BP board.We ended up the second couple to board even though there were quite a few in front of us.A really good crew in the F cabin and it was not long until i had my first champagne in hand.Got a second one before take off.
First the wine list.
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Mrsdrron of course had the Sav Blanc whilst I started with a glass of the pinot noir that I enjoyed.I then switched to the Bordeaux which was more to my taste so I stuck with that.

 

[drron]

The menu.
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Snacks.
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And breakfast.
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[drron]

So to the food.The canapes and some morish bread.
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I wasn't feeling hungry so the pumpkin soup and the mushroom risotto was enough for me.
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But I had my arm twisted and enjoyed the cheese plate.
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Then it was time to sleep.I awoke when they were serving brekkie and just had tea and a croissant.
We made up for the late departure and were only 5 minutes late into SYD.
The amazing luggage run continued with our bags out in the first few.
We had a cup of coffee,picked up our Avis car and drove to Centennial park for another snooze.Our family were all at work or school and Ann's sister was in Noosa.

 

[drron]

About 2pm we went to our hotel.We are trying some of the other Bonvoy hotels in Sydney.This time it was Pier One an autograph collection.It was significantly cheaper than the SOTP where we normally stay.
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And the view.
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And if you really twist around a harbour view.
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The staff were great,we got breakfast in the restaurant,the amenity-bottle of wine-plus points.also drink vouchers.We really enjoyed our stay here and would stay again if the price is right.
In 3 months time we were going to stay at the Marriott Circular Quay but a good Virtuoso rate came up for the IC Double Bay so we will desert Bonvoy.

That evening it was off to the family and dinner at Christo's Pizza 5 Ways Paddington.We liked it and Monday to Wednesday all pasta and medium pizzas are $14.Great value.

 

[drron]

After getting back to the hotel I went for a little walk around the Hotel.A beautiful part of Sydney at night.
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[drron]

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[drron]

The next day we were going to be babysitters from the afternoon into the evening so a quiet day was in order.A nice breakfast in the restaurant and a latish start to walk around to Circular Quay and back.First the harbour side of the hotel.
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A really large pool!
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And an old sailing ship comes in to pick up some people for a harbour cruise.
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[drron]

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Then the walk proper started.Great views of Sydney icons.
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Under the bridge were a lot of old photos covering the scaffolding.The pier that is now the hotel and the Dawes Point battery.

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Now look closely at the next 2 pics.First in 1954 and the second late 1800s.
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At the right edge of the first picture you can see the Sydney Observatory appearing from behind the tree.It is in the middle of the second pic.Now it is surrounded by the Cahill expressway yet the urban heat island effect means we lower pre 1950 temps and raise current temps.

 

[drron]

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It was about this time we came across a Chinese couple attempting to take selfies.Mrsdrron took their pictures with various backdrops-the bridge,Fort Denison,the Opera House and Circular Quay.
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[drron]

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Good to see nature in the city.
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A quick stop at the MCA before heading back to the hotel.
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[drron]

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The hotel is in sight.
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[drron]

We then had a latish lunch back at the hotel sitting outside and ordering from their food truck.the ground has reminders from a past incarnation of the area with celebrity signatures.Some not so well known now.Some of course can't be forgotten.
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And ending with one of the cricketers I most admire and lucky enough to have met.
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[drron]

We used our free drink vouchers.Sav Blanc for mrsdrron and a cider for me.
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We shared prawns and whiting fillets.Quite nice.
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Someone else was interested in our meal.
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Pleasant views.
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[drron]

Finally the journey comes to an end.Off to the airport after breakfast.
QF 520. SYD-BNE. seats 2A,C. B738.
Some nice views after Takeoff.
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This was a "snack" flight.A savoury tart and a Reuben sandwich.
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However now we were in the clouds.
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Landed just a few minutes late.Once again our bags were out in the first 10-3 of them now.
The limo back home.Just a few days for me until off to Townsville to work.

Having taken so long it will be just over 2 weeks before I subject you to our next trip.

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks for a very long but also very entertaining TR with many great photos to look at.- It must have taken a lot of work to put it together.