I got to the airport early to be sure I would have plenty of time but as things usually go when you have plenty of time I breezed right through checkin and security. Of course if I had been late everything would have taken much longer.
I used the time to edit a few of the pictures I had taken the last few days and to eat a quick bite.
The flight was about 30 minutes late but went smoothly after everyone boarded. At LAX we arrived at gate 46B and if the gate for the flight to Brisbane had been printed on the ticket I could have walked 2 gates over and been ready to board. Since it wasn't I ask a worker there about the Qantas flight and they directed me out of the secure area and on to the building next door. There I was told that my flight would leave from gate 48B so I went back to the first building, through security again and lay-over just under three hours till I boarded the plane.
The flight would last nearly 14 hours and cover approx. 7500 miles.
I settled in and just after reaching cruising altitude the crew served dinner and drinks, even wine and liquor was complementary, other airlines should take note of this. Also available was individual seatback screens with on-demand movies, TV shows, games, flight data, and more. I was able to watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Wrestler, and Australia. All just recently released movies and at no cost, again other airlines should take note here.
Between movies I was able to get some sleep but not a lot. Just before we landed breakfast was served.
After a quick and efficient customs and security check I was out the door. Simon's mother was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and drop me off at their house to rest a bit and then I went for a walk to see the local area and eat lunch. Everyone in their neighbourhood was very friendly.
Junk mail is a problem everywhere.
Australian version of our Yield sign.
Australian version of our No Passing sign.
I stopped by a bank and exchanged some money to have the local currency. The exchange rate is slightly in the US dollar favor and I received approx. $150 AU for each $100 US. This rate varies constantly and can sometimes make travel to other countries a real bargain.
Simon had talked a lot about 4X (XXXX) beer on our cross-country trip so when I saw a pub with a XXXX sign I had to stop in for a couple. They also had a lunch special going on so I chose a fish and chips with salad. One thing about Australia is that tipping is not the norm and the staff is paid well by the establishment. In America tipping has become nearly mandatory and the current push is for 15-20% of the tab, and usually expected even if service isn't up to par.
Talk about cold draft, notice the ice on the tubes.
The lunch was good and I made my way back to their house where I napped a little trying to adjust to the time differences. It is late summer here and the temp hit about 80F so after a few mile walk I was ready for a nap.
When I woke Dennis and Barb (Simon's parents) took me on a trip to the Gold Coast to see some of the beaches and eat at Kurrawa Surfers Club. Here you get a page listing all the menu items, you mark what your party wants and then turn it in and pay for it. They give you a number that you take back to the table and when it is ready they deliver it to you. It was all very quick and easy, and no tipping expected. I ordered the Chicken Parmagiana and it nearly covered the plate. They served it with mashed potatoes under the chicken and no pasta. It was delicious, perhaps with slightly less seasoning than I have been used to but the flavors were excellent and did not need to be over seasoned to be enjoyed.
At the Surfers Club you are just off the beach and have a great view of the Pacific Ocean. They also offered "Pokies", their term for poker or slot machines that a few people were playing.
After a great meal we drove back home and I was ready for bed.
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