A Diamond in the rough.

[Pushka]

No, this is not an update on TomKat's engagement.

After a great trip to Dubai just after Christmas last year we decided the only way to chill and escape was not to stay home but go away. Of course that is a red flag to me to travel overseas and being a cruise junkie, that had to be on the Agenda.

We were in Dubai last January and saw the cruise ships at the port so MrP thought an Arabian adventure might be nice. So that was our initial plan. But the return flights to Dubai at this time were so expensive.

Eventually I decided on Asia and booked the Princess Diamond departing Singapore on 27 December for 10 nights. Then we received a wonderful phone call saying that unfortunately there was a port conflict in Singapore and we would have an extra 2 days at no further cost. Dammit.

Our itinerary is this:
Singapore
Nusa Dua (Bali)
Lombok
Penang
coughet
Langkawi
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore. So a few days at sea.

NYE will be on the Lombok port stop. Our last NYE was in Dubai and the fireworks diminished because of the fire near Burj Khalifa.

The ship:

 

[Pushka]

We originally booked on Emirates via MEL to get a taste of the F lounge and maybe EK's kindness to us with an upgrade. Well, if flying on Qantas we can't go direct to Singapore, can we.

So flights all booked although not really happy with the 11.30pm arrival into Singapore as the ship leaves the next day and we like to have a curry in the heat of Singapore. Not to worry.

However Qantas then offered the DSC but only on Qantas metal. In February I wasn't able to fly on medical grounds and so missed the requal to SG I had planned and Qantas would not make an exception. And this was when RedRoo disappeared. But this DSC would secure me the requal early this year so a no brainer.

Did I say we booked in J? . We paid a cancellation fee but the flights were a little cheaper so not too much damage. I think the first time we have paid. Usually by points redemption.

So we will experience the new business suite with seats 2A and 4A for the window seat.

 

[mmchow]

Merry Xmas Pushka and enjoy the new J suite.

 

[drron]

I don't know Pushka you just seem to attract trouble.I cant imagine your pain at having to spend an extra 2 nights at sea on what I am sure Mr.Tony Hancock would call a Tramp Steamer.

 

[Pushka]

I don't know Pushka you just seem to attract trouble.I cant imagine your pain at having to spend an extra 2 nights at sea on what I am sure Mr.Tony Hancock would call a Tramp Steamer.

I knew you'd be a fan! Didn't think of Tony Hancock's ascerbic wit! Gulp.

 

[amaroo]

Merry Christmas and happy holidays. I'll be waving as we're flying by

 

[Pushka]

In the spirit of TomV last minute packing, for MrP his suitcase will sit unfilled until approx 12 hours pre departure. Of course 8 of these hours is for sleeping. This strategy of course depends entirely on clothes being clean. That is my job.

It's rather weird cooking for Christmas Day - a family gathering at said SIL who texted me at 6.15am yesterday to talk about her home grown herbs, but she does Christmas famously. Her Christmas pressies will have been wrapped since September. She still sends and receives Christmas cards from all over the world. But while happy to enjoy the experience for a multitude of reasons I am elsewhere focused. Last year Christmas Day was 2 days after Mum's funeral and was just strange. My brother and I downed bottles of blush Moët and his non drinking wife did not even batt an eyelid.

Early morning departure tomorrow - well, 9am and I must sort out the choccies to hand out. My list:
Checkin
QP Adelaide
Crew Adel - MEL
F lounge QP front desk or would that be - weird?
Staff in F lounge that serve? Weird again?
Crew MEL - Sin.
Did I forget anyone? And a tip for the taxi.

My problem to solve at the moment is when to have breakfast? Not at home. QP Adel? Mmm. Coffee maybe. Flight to MEL at 9am? Maybe. But only breakfast offerings in the F lounge in MEL. I've managed to reduce food consumption recently so don't want to eat too much. So maybe a meal on Adl MEL and stick to Champagne only in the lounge.

I might have to let grumpy cat decide. He's quite demanding but never happy.

 

[I love to travel]

I am off to Singapore tonight. If you have the two extra days now the Xmas lights along Orchard Road road are meant to be great

 

[Pushka]

I am off to Singapore tonight. If you have the two extra days now the Xmas lights along Orchard Road road are meant to be great

The decorations are stunning. I was there with Mum perhaps 5 years ago in early December and they are beautiful. Everywhere.

 

[love_the_life]

The decorations are stunning. I was there with Mum perhaps 5 years ago in early December and they are beautiful. Everywhere.

We were in Singapore a few years ago at this time of the year a few years ago and the decorations were spectacular, even when transiting through Changi they were fabulous.

 

[amaroo]

They do put on a good show, looking forward to seeing them on the 29th.

 

[Pushka]

So what law of the universe means that you are awake several times during the night and including 30 minutes before the alarm time is set but when it does go off you are dead to the world.

After a restless sleep due to heat and knowing an alarm is set we somewhat spring into action. Taxi arrived on time and other than garlic was clean and tidy. Quick drive to the airport on Boxing Day at 6.30am.

ADL airport super busy and the premium check in lane for those with international connections is for WP, SG and even QP members. So it's busy with one person manning the area. Another Q member comes up and starts helping. Which is our turn so after doing just one check in she is the one who scores the Lindt. And then the person who was late arrived and missed out. Gotta love Karma.

In the local QP and settling on muesli and cappuccino. Thinking of breakfast on the flight and a snack in MEL F lounge.

Grumpy cat still is.

 

[love_the_life]

Has Grumpy got a new hat?

 

[Pushka]

Has Grumpy got a new hat?

Its very timely - but no - he came with it. Maybe that's why he's grumpy?

 

[love_the_life]

Yes, forced to wear a Christmas hat all year, no wonder.

 

[Pushka]

What a difference a day makes.
41.3C and hot and very dry one day.
The next?

 

[TomVexille]

Onboard for this now

 

[Pushka]

Well that was weird. Thought we had over an hour in MEL F Lounge. Turns out it was 20 mins. Arrived into lounge to get a text message saying flight had changed. Then website wouldn't allow us to log in. Another pax told us flight had been delayed to 2pm. Messes up dinner plans in SIN but there's always champagne.

 

[Pushka]

Boo. Changed planes and have changed our seats. Not happy Jan as we hate row one. Oh, thought you'd want to sit together. Umm. Nope. You can't do that on this configuration because of their rigid mid seat screen. Unless it isn't a newly configured one.

 

[Pushka]

At least there is that.