5...4...3...2...1...

After some quick disco napping and what has to be the "worlds-most-heavenly-after-30-plus-hours-of-traveling"™ showers, we are ready to ring in the New Year with the Aussies! First on the agenda? Fireworks over the Sydney Harbor Bridge. What's next you ask? Well, a picture speaks a thousand words...but I'll just add, we're damn excited!


(And yes...that DOES say "Beards, Tatts, Bear Chests & Chaps Unite"...sweet)

Checked In and On-Line....

Well we are all checked-in and now all on-line. The internet here is like GOLD. $99 for a week through the hotel and that was cheaper than it was last time I was here at the other place I stayed at!

Queued up. Quayed up.

We made it! After an eternal queue for a taxi, we arrived in downtown Sydney.

We have a bit longer to wait before our rooms are ready, so we dropped off our bags and headed out. First stop, caffeine. Starbucks will do nicely, though they didn't pull a proper "long black", it was really an Americano.  Feh.  Ken and Eric couldn't decide, so they got a coffee bevvie and something fruity and hydrating.

As short walk down to Circular Quay to check out the NYE preparations. Looks like they have it under control. Insert requisite Opera House photo here.

Starving, so we stopped off for some Emu pizza (I'll have the baked pumpkin version.)

Next stop some quick shopping (and a case of Red Bull) before an afternoon nap.

Goldilocks

First of all, I vow never to fly to Australia in coach again.  After experiencing the back of the bus on my last 2 day turn around to Melbourne and now the comfort and civility of premium class seating, there is no return.  Of course, chances are great that if I am ever to return for work, I'll be amongst the cattle.  One can always dream.

For our trip out, our flight attendant was Tal.  A rugged, but gentle ex-pat now spending most of his time in Sydney.

His first words to us after we took off were something like, "Mmm, I feel just like Goldilocks and you are my three bears."

It all went downhill from there.  Innuendi flew.  Witty reparté ensued.  Wine glasses overflowed with cheer.  Mirth and merriment and a cozy set of pajamas followed.

When it was time for breakfast, he brought along his colleague Bhob (I'm not kidding) to poke fun at my questionable vegetarian special meal.  We never did figure out what it was.  Friend of cornbread? Dry flavorless grits?

I'll miss him on the return.  I asked if they knew who would be working my flight back and after thinking a moment, Bhob replied, "Oh, maybe it's...OH NO, not that girl." Now I'm afraid.

We leave it to you, our dear readers to determine who is Pappa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear.

Choose wisely.

Boarded the plane for a long winter's nap.

Well fans, we are settling down into our luxurious full-flat business class seats. See you again in 13 hours!





I was at : 599 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045,

Traveling with a Celebrity

It seems we have a highly ranked celebrity in our party.  What a little downtime in an airport lounge can accomplish.

Michael Enjoying the Free Red Carpet WiFi...

...and doing a little pre-arrival cruising on the 411. Mmm hmm...

In flight. Taking Eric's First Class virginity.

Eric enjoying some warm, salty nuts.
Yes, there will be plenty of trivial posts here. Suck it up.

The Journey Begins

Sitting in the lovely Red Carpet Club at O'Hare, enjoying a healthy breakfast of pastries and coffee.  An extended layover in LA will be an opportunity to use all of our complimentary adult beverage tickets.

Already cruised by one hot bear in the security line.  What is it with me and security lines these days?

One more day!

In less than 24 hours, we'll be on our way to sunny, summery Sydney!  No doubt we'll arrive a bit groggy, but look forward to all the spoils that business class seats will afford.  More soon!