The totally off-topic thread

[Hvr]

If you want some unpaid fun try being an election scrutineer to see how the votes are tallied and to read voters comments and pictures on voting slips.

Being paid to count them is even better.

Marking the paper is still not a vote.

Depends, if there is a mark in a square above the line then it is a valid vote.

 

[Hvr]

Came in on QF10 tonight and had a great flight in F. HLO meant I was at the Customs line very quickly and the queue was very long, at least 50m. Only two officers on duty.

I was immediately behind a group of uniformed Emirates staff and after a few minutes some of their colleagues saw them and tried to cut in line. I called them out and told them to join the queue because they were cutting in front of a lot of people. They insisted they were allowed to because it was a staff line. I told them it wasn't and they were at the end of the line.

The line moved forward a bit and they remained on the other side and then tried to cut in again. It was good to hear other people again tell them to go to the back of the queue.

Got through after a few more minutes and proceeded to the chauffeur area. Again I was earlier than expected and the driver wasn't there, but only by a few seconds this time. Apparently I was the first person from QF10 through.

Now home for a few hours before heading to AKL tomorrow for a day.

 

[Austman]

I was immediately behind a group of uniformed Emirates staff and after a few minutes some of their colleagues saw them and tried to cut in line. I called them out and told them to join the queue because they were cutting in front of a lot of people. They insisted they were allowed to because it was a staff line. I told them it wasn't and they were at the end of the line.

I hope that those cabin or flight crew obeyed the orders.

 

[anat0l]

Thanks! I'll be super, extra careful and allow an extra minute then. Just to be on the safe side! That's 50% more time than I need!

(it's funny, the 2 minutes thing, compared with airline travel ... train travel does have some advantages )

The irony kind of is that since the margins are shorter, people will still "push their luck", as it were. Not unusual to see someone bolting like crazy for a train about to depart.

The big difference made is that there's no mandatory cut off times before the vehicle departs - no 1 hour check in cut off, no allowing 15 minutes or what not for security... just hop on with your ticket in hand. There are many who will not even board until they hear the conductor blow the whistle or the announcement on the platform made that the train is about to go - usually busy exchanging last minute hugs and kisses before they have to part ways.

Basically at 2 minutes to go, the announcement on the platform is made, the conductor blows the whistle and checks for all clear, then the doors are closed. That's why they say that you may not be able to board, but it's not an absolute. But hey, why push your luck if you don't need to? Besides, it's always worth boarding early to make sure there's a space for your bag on the train, and, if you are not on a service with allocated seating, you actually get a seat for the journey.

 

[medhead]

Depends, if there is a mark in a square above the line then it is a valid vote.

Somehow I don't think frank and beans would count, even if above the line.

 

[erkpod]

I love joking online that Empty Train gets a great train service, especially late at night. It's always an express train to Empty Train.

 

[drron]

So once again to Woollies in Burnie.Still the display of hot cross buns as you enter.But today the 2 for price has risen to $5.80 but the single price has dropped to $1.60.
fellow was reloading the display so I asked him what was going on.Only the traditional buns are $1.60 was the reply.But there are only traditional buns in this display.no further answer.He was probably thinking smart a**e mainlander.

 

[drron]

One for the revheads who like a laugh-
[video]https://youtu.be/WaAu4L2cl4c[/video]

 

[cove]

Drron go Groupon.com.au for egift cards for Big W that you can use through out the Woolies group. It is 7.5% off so I bought enough to save $150 tax free.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Thanks! I'll be super, extra careful and allow an extra minute then. Just to be on the safe side! That's 50% more time than I need!

(it's funny, the 2 minutes thing, compared with airline travel ... train travel does have some advantages )

Remember to leave plenty of time for security screening too.

Of course, if you arrive really early you can use the WP lounge, er I mean the vending machine on the platform.

 

[Austman]

Remember to leave plenty of time for security screening too.

Of course, if you arrive really early you can use the WP lounge, er I mean the vending machine on the platform.

Well I am in TGV 1st Class! For Lyon to CDG it was €3 more. For a 2 hour journey. Quite different to an airline. I'm looking forward to the TGV 1st Class lounge! (haha - I know- again it will be quite different to an airline).

 

[medhead]

Remember to leave plenty of time for security screening too.

Of course, if you arrive really early you can use the WP lounge, er I mean the vending machine on the platform.

They actually have a class of service lounge for a number of trains. Not widespread, but still available. I've got 1er class on Thalys in a few weeks. That'll be good. And only a few euro extra.

 

[Austman]

They actually have a class of service lounge for a number of trains.

Including my Paris to Lyon and vv. SNCF Grand Voyageur lounges | SNCF

 

[Julesmac]

Surfing through the ABC, 7 and 9 election coverages, going to be a boring night with an easy Lib/Nat win, but I love Anthony Green - it's a joy to watch a guy who loves his work so much get into full swing

I feel sorry for him - it's a long lean time between election night telecasts. What does he do for his jollies in between? The guy never stops talking!

 

[BadgerBoi]

Thanks! I'll be super, extra careful and allow an extra minute then. Just to be on the safe side! That's 50% more time than I need!

(it's funny, the 2 minutes thing, compared with airline travel ... train travel does have some advantages )

Those trains are great, you can almost watch the clock tick to the minute and the train pulls out. If you are cutting it fine you can hop on the wrong carriage and make your way through to your seat as the train moves. But make sure you reach your seat as your tickets will be checked.

If you're not familiar with the station allow yourself more than just an extra minute, those places can be huge and confusing. Get to Gare de Lyon early and have a drink near your platform - the ambience is charming

TGV has to be the best way in the world to travel, well maybe Eurostar pips it but only just.

(Edit) I see you have lounge access. Never availed of that - please report back!

Basically at 2 minutes to go, the announcement on the platform is made, the conductor blows the whistle and checks for all clear, then the doors are closed. That's why they say that you may not be able to board, but it's not an absolute. But hey, why push your luck if you don't need to? Besides, it's always worth boarding early to make sure there's a space for your bag on the train, and, if you are not on a service with allocated seating, you actually get a seat for the journey.

TGV so seating would be allocated in this case. Excellent point about the luggage, I always like to get a seat where I can keep my eye on my luggage, and keep it in the rack in the middle of the carriage. The overhead rack won't hold much, certainly not my rollaboard.

Of course I then spend much of the trip in the restaurant carriage making new friends, (always crazy people near the bar) forgetting all about my bag. Never lost anything (touch wood)

 

[Austman]

(Edit) I see you have lounge access. Never availed of that - please report back!

Probably not. The one in Paris will be closed when I depart. (heavens are they picking up airline tips?) And my 1st class ticket is not 1st class enough for lounge access. (more airline tips?) Oh well...

And my comments about arriving 2 minutes before the train departs are meant in jest. But it's such different advice to what the airlines give!

 

[Flashback]

Probably not. The one in Paris will be closed when I depart. (heavens are they picking up airline tips?) And my 1st class ticket is not 1st class enough for lounge access. (more airline tips?) Oh well...

And my comments about arriving 2 minutes before the train departs are meant in jest. But it's such different advice to what the airlines give!

The lounge in Paris is rubbish, as is the one at London St Pancras.

 

[drross]

small but comfortable.. free soft drinks. no alcohol

 

[BadgerBoi]

The lounge in Paris is rubbish, as is the one at London St Pancras.

That would be Gare du Nord for Eurostar. What about the TGV lounge at Gare de Lyon? Probably not up to much either but I have no plans to visit London again so a Eurostar lounge wouldn't affect me either way.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Room's not ready so I suppose I'll just force myself to have afternoon tea