Looking at Federation Square

Great Ocean Road – The 12 Apostles

The trip to the Great Ocean Road started really badly with the rain and the grey sky. Fortuately, the rain stopped at lunch and the sun came out. By the time we reached Port Campbell, it was all blue sky, though the 12 apostles side was still a litle grey.

Good morning Melbourne

I am finally in Melbourne after 5 years!  Reached Melbourne at 4.45am (which is 2.25am Singapore).  Did not sleep much on the plane.

I kinda forgot how cold Melbourne can be till we left the airport to take the skybus to Southern Cross Station (when I left, it was called Spencer Station).  Everything slowed down a fair bit.  Got to get used to seeing the next train arriving in 20 mins when in Singapore, it is 2 mins.   It is a good thing that we are on holiday.  Feels good to be in Melbourne again.

We had breakfast in Mac on Swaston Street and tried unsuccessfully to connect to the free internet in Mac.  Walk over to Federation Square in the cold morning wind trying to activate my Optus prepaid card.  Down to the last bit and I got disconnected!   Paid AUD1.80 for 10 mins at some random internet cafe along Flinders Street to get the prepaid account activated.

Left for Frankston to visit and stayover at Tony and Hermanna.   Sue and I knocked out on the train since we did not get to sleep much on the plane.  Took about an hour to reach Frankston.

There was such a sense of excitment, looking out for Tony and Hermanna.  Lots of hugs and kisses (got to get used to this) later, we went to Frankston Mall for a cuppa.  Aussie latte is so good!

We drove an hour to their home.  We have never been to their home before since they relocated from Churchill after we left Australia.  It is only when we were to their home that Hermanna told us that we are IN Mornington Peninisula, so she was rather amused why we kept emailing them that we want to go to Mornington Peninisula.  Tourists!

We settled into the room that they prepared for us and went to have a nap since Sue and I were really really tired from the flight, the hour train ride and the lack of sleep.

3 hours later, refreshed and chatty, we drove to Hastings to pick up some groceries.  Sue manage to buy her jacket at K Mart, and since it was end of season sale, the price was considerably marked down.

That night, we had roast lamb, and apple crumble with ice cream and custard for dinner. *yummy*

Goodbye Singapore…hello holiday

Flying second time in less than 2 weeks is really an unthinkable thing for me.  I got back to Singapore from Shanghai on 10 August 2009 for my first business trip.  However, this time, it is different.

I am flying to Melbourne with Sue for our holiday that we planned in March 2009.  It was almost ruined by the Swine Flu (Flu H1N1), which only got its name in May 2009.  Travelling to Melbourne from Singapore is usually quite costly, so when we chanced upon SGD818 ticket from Qanta, we immediately booked it!  But because of the health scare, we got very worried that we may have to forego our trip and lose our money.

Thank God that the Swine Flu died down a little in Singapore and Australia.  In the worse case scenario, I would have to take additional leave to stay home for quarantine.

Checking in was smooth.  Only 18kg of luggage.  We boarded the plane at 7pm.

This is my first time flying Qantas.  I must say that I am impressed.  I am comparing my experience with Singapore Airlines. The seats are wider, which is good for big people like me.  The air flight attendants are more relaxed.  You can feel the sense of ease that everything is going to be alright.  I just fitted into a glove when words, like “How is it going?”, “No worries”, “You’re alright” started flowing out on the plane.  On Singapore Airlines, it is strictly business!  After this experience, I may seriously consider flying Qantas if the price is right.

Even when we were on the plane, Sue and I were in a surreal state that we are finally going back to Australia for a visit since we left the country in 2003 (6 years) and 2004 (5 years), respectively.

Now time to get some sleep