After almost 18 months of planning, we are now quickly approaching our departure date. Our bags are packed (well mostly), and we are ready to go. In the past Laura and I have either travelled solo or more typically together as a couple - not this time however… Since we last had the opportunity to travel abroad, a few things have changed… mainly the arrival of our son (now 18 months old) who will be heading off with us to experience the wonders of the big wide world. ...
So to day was Fathers Day. Apparently I qualify in the “soon to be category” (lets call it almost fathers day) and was able to bask in the moment for a while.. While we didn’t do anything quite as exciting as visiting Tropical Fruit world today we did hit Bris-Vagas… Couldn’t have been a better day. The weather was perfectly warm. Roaming the south bank region of Brisy is amazing on days like this - even more so when you find a bar with Matilda Bay beer dominating the taps of the week - and pints for $8.50. ...
Today’s plans evolved organically with more of a “why not” attitude rather than specific planning. We headed down to Byron Bay early this morning - apparently we took the scenic route. Getting lost is sometime where you find the best hidden local secrets - we turned up an old sewage treatment plant that was now reclaimed land and a hangout for bird watchers… Not exactly the jackpot. Eventually we put our trust in the GPS and made it into Byron. With nothing really we wanted to do or see, we simply relaxed and walked the streets. We dropped into one of the local cafes for a caffeine hit - street buskers outside playing some great mellow surfy tunes to reinforce the towns mellow vibe. ...
It’s a cold, wet and windy Melbourne morning… 3am, and the alarm goes off. Rather than the normal roll over and press snooze reaction, I find myself rising quickly and competing with Laura to be first in line for the shower. I’m not quick enough out of the blocks though and find myself beaten. This is no normal Friday morning… This is the start of our loooong weekend together… Some would call it our “Babymoon” on the account its likely to be our last getaway together before Laura is due early next year. ...
This morning I find myself at Raleigh Airport (RDU) waiting to board a plane - a few days ahead of my original return schedule. Due to some family medical issues back home, I have decided to cut my trip short and head home early. Most of last night was spent rearranging flights. I’m now flying home via Detroit and LA back into Melbourne. It’s going to be a long haul, but with only about 4 hours sleep last night, I’m hoping to sleep well during the flights. ...
So it’s a Sunday afternoon in Raleigh, North Carolina. I find myself downtown with not much to do - as most places are closed. On a cool afternoon, I now find myself at The Flying Saucer - possibly the best bar I have been to in the Northern Hemisphere (and defiantly the US!) With over 200 beers available, made up from both local brew craft and imported, where else should I be for a belated solo Australian day party? These guys know how to do beer. Every option is covered - even direct from the cask. ...
So it appears they are coming thick and fast… In my second “Only in America” post, I want to cover what appears to be an emerging “extreme sport” in the local area - The Krispy Kreme Challenge. So, what exactly is the Krispy Kreme Challenge? I think they describe the challenge best on their own web site: 2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. ...
To kick off my “Only in America” series of posts (I am assuming there will be more than one), I bring to you some pictures of a locally “pimped ride” I came across in the car park of a local mall on my morning walk. I can only assume, that, much like the unique creatures that evolve in places such as Easter Island, this vehicle has similarly been forced to evolve and adapt to survive in local conditions. I believe this one is particularly adapted to the snowy and icy conditions that are being experienced in the local area. ...
So its now late evening in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I have checked into my hotel after some 26 hours of travel. The fleeting moments that I saw of both Los Angeles (airport) and Atlanta (airport) have not really left much of a lasting impression. LA was busy, and the queues started from the moment you left your seat on the plane. Atlanta was somewhat more organised and low key - however it was later in the day. Raleigh was almost closed. ...
Tonight, I find my self making final rushed preparations for a business trip to America (well lets be honest here… the fact that they are my “final preparations” does not also mean that they are not my first round of preparations either!). So tomorrow morning I will find myself sitting on a Virgin Australia flight for the best part of 14 hours. This constitutes leg one of my outward journey, and will take me from Melbourne to Los Angeles. A few short hours after that, I will find myself on the second leg of my journey on board a Delta Airlines domestic flight out of Los Angeles headed for Atlanta. Finally, the third leg of my journey will get me from Atlanta to my destination, Raleigh, North Carolina (Where? did I hear you say…). ...