One more RTW hurrah... oh whY not!

[KeithMEL]

They are consistently slow when it is quiet too. The trick I find is to have the meal just before boarding is called rather than when you first get into the lounge. Still, rather annoying that I feel I have to alter the timing of meal to suit them instead of suiting me.

Hmm... was quite fast for me. 5 mins tops for every meal. Not more than 10 other people in the Flounge tho.

[Kiwi]

Hmm... was quite fast for me. 5 mins tops for every meal. Not more than 10 other people in the Flounge tho.

Either you were lucky, or I've been incredibly unlucky (every one of dozens of Flounge visits), or they've finally responded to complaints. There's been times when I was the only passenger in the Flounge and it still took forever to get fed.

[KeithMEL]

Honolulu

Manages to be both happening and relaxing all round. Feels a lot like Bali, except the shopping here is heaps better. I've also probably drunk more mai tais here in 4 days than I've ever had in my entire life prior to visiting Hawaii! I was sorry to leave - felt like I haven’t spent enough time here. I probably didn’t ‘see’ as much as I should’ve but I’m really fine with just chilling out at the beach, people watching and drinking too much grog – the latter activities are why I even travel in the first place. Wanderlust!

Drinky Poos

I liked the following places best of all:

Wonderlounge @ W Honolulu

Absolutely pumping on Fri and Sat evenings, with loosely enforced dress code of collar and long pants. Free drinks in the backroom 9-11pm both nights. V glamourous and diverse crowd. The drinks are great - v delicious cocktails which are v reasonably priced. DJs are versatile - the nights usually start out with typical W hotel House music, but they really get into it and go full on troppo with a wide range of mixes as the evenings progress. The dance floor also gets similarly hopping. Backed up by a v fun MC too. Definitely one of the best nightspots in Honolulu on Fri and Sat.
















Hula’s
Happy hour from noon till... sometime in the late evening. Just a 10 mins walk from the W, this is a relaxing bar that attracts a v mixed crowd. It was surprisingly busy on a Sunday night. V cool (and flirty) bartenders. Seems like every 2nd person I met here (and some other places) works for the navy in some capacity – ranging from machinist to First Sergeant. The US Pacific fleet is stationed in Hawaii. It was interesting listening to their stories.

Eats

Duke’s
Apparently the ‘in place’ atm. Great atmosphere, right by the beach. Hard to get into for dinner without the assistance of a good concierge, but Whatever/Whenever managed to get me a nice table.









Ono Hawaiian
V, v traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Nondescript setting, but the food was delicious.

[KeithMEL]

Sights

Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona memorial

Probably the highlight for me and probably one of the reasons why I’d planned to come to Hawaii. It was at once both a depressing and inspiring place.















Waikiki beach

Tried my hand at some surfing and came off respectably (I think) – one must fly the flag hey. A great place to laze around and people watch since it’s so crowded.







’Pick-a-pearl’




Next: AA162 HNL-LAX F; Kicking it in LA!!

[Kiwi]

Honolulu

Manages to be both happening and relaxing all round. Feels a lot like Bali, except the shopping here is heaps better.

That's the first time I've seen that comparison. I guess it may be the booze talking?

[KeithMEL]

That's the first time I've seen that comparison. I guess it may be the booze talking?

I don't do TRs when drunk/hungover.
It does really feel like Bali, or at least where I hung out in Bali - Seminyak area. Just a lot less Australians, though I did also meet a quite a few. And a lot more built up of course.

[Kiwi]

I don't do TRs when drunk/hungover.

So when do you find the time to write then?

[KeithMEL]

So when do you find the time to write then?

Hence slow updates.

[zander]

The pictures, especially the food, certainly reminds me of my trip to Honolulu and Maui in March. Great place to chill and relax for a short vacation

[KeithMEL]

Sector - HNL-LAX
Flight number - AA162
Class - First
Equipment - B757
Seat - 2E

I used one EVIP (electronic upgrade certificate) and got both this segment and LAX-LHR a one class upgrade - each EVIP on AA is good for 3 segments on a one way itinerary (so you must be traveling in one continuous direction for an itinerary like a RTW) and allows stopovers in between.

Checked in quickly and easily - there was no one at the F check in desk. I was eligible to use the Gold Lane at security which had no one in it at the time, though it still leads to the same security screening point and so I'd to cut the queue and endure some dirty looks. The TSA staff here are some of the nicest people in the system.

I love HNL airport - its open air features adds to the relaxing holiday feel.







Even though I had top tier status with AA AND flying premium, I was not a member of their Admirals Club program and so I had no lounge access on this purely domestic itinerary (ie not connecting to/from intl flight). Ironically I'd have had access had I held oneworld sapphire/emerald status on their partners. This seems a common practise amongst the US-based carriers as I'd experienced the same with UA when I had UA 1P status. So i spent a few minutes getting some beer at a restaurant airside. Got to the gate in the midst of general boarding but not much queuing as I arrived just as boarding for the particular group that was called was winding up. GA recognised me from check in and was v friendly.

I'd booked this flight when it was a 763, which had meant the NGBC angled lie flat seats operating as F on this domestic segment. However there'd been an EQP CHG and I got the 757 instead, which had seats that weren't nearly as nice - they don't even have footrests.





Preflight drinks were served - I went for some sparkling wine which were actually quite pleasant.



As the flight was boarding I was reminded of how much stuff people in the US bring onboard. Short of the kitchen sink. The overhead lockers were choked. There were even bags that clearly don't fit into the overheads, and the crew had to stuff them into any nook and cranny they could find. Despite all that we managed to have an early departure.

My seatmate didn't seem like the talkative type, so I left him alone after the obligatory nod and smile. I simply put on the ear pieces and watched the IFE intermittently.

A bar service was performed after take off, we were served a drink and the customary warm nuts. I went for the sauv blanc which was foul. Dinner was served shortly after, it was called dinner but really felt like lunch to me due to the early afternoon departure time. I guess it could count as an early dinner for LA time. The salad was nice. The purser missed my seatmate and I in the bread rolls and drinks refill service, but was most apologetic when I pointed this out. I shrugged it off but he truly appeared to be ashamed of himself, citing that he was unacceptably inattentive and that there was 'simply no excuse.'

The main of pasta was edible but nothing to write home about - the other choice of salmon looked heaps nicer but neither crew could confirm whether any shellfish ingredients were used in the dish and so I'd wanted to be safe even though I've never enjoyed pasta on planes. I accompanied my main with the chardonnay which tasted really nice and certainly a far better choice than the sauv blanc. Dinner concluded with the famous sundAAe - yummy!












Apart from that minor slip up with the bread rolls/refills, I felt the service was excellent on this flight. Both the purser and the other FA serving the F cabin were truly AAngels and assets to AA. Unfortunately I wasn’t carrying any AAplause certs on me or they’d defs have gotten some, though I did compliment them via AA.com. And got a v nice personalised response from Customer Relations.

We arrived ahead of schedule at LAX, but the long taxiing as well as the time it took for baggage to appear cancelled out the benefits of an early landing. Almost immediately after I collected my suitcase taipeiflyer and cousinoftaipeiflyer (the latter of whom was a guest star of my ‘City hops’ TR in case you’ve forgotten) arrived to pick me up – great when timing works out like that so no one has to wait. Overall a rather average flight hardware and food wise but the service was fAAb – the kind of service that almost makes you look over the other more mediocre aspects of the flight and leave with pleasant memories.

The next few days in my fave city in the world with fantastic company – woohoo!!

Next: Kicking it in LA!!; AA136 LAX-LHR J; BA704 LHR-VIE whY

[KeithMEL]

Kicking it in LA LA Land!!

Decided to do something a little different this time and go for a diary-style update. Not sure how you’d like it but here it goes...

Day 1
We finally left the airport for chez taipeiflyer at 9.30pm, and it was a 10 mins or so drive to Marina Del Rey. Settled down in the most exclusive penthouse suite, better than any W Hotel. We were peckish and felt like hotdogs, so walked across to <insert name of pub when I remember> in Marina Del Rey which supposedly serves the best hotdogs in town. The place is rather unassuming, even slightly dingy (cue some of the unwashed hippie hangouts in Brunswick or North Carlton) – but the hotdogs are unbeatable!



We then proceeded our after supper drinks venue in Abbot Kinney, a v hip shopping strip – The Other Room. Primarily a boutique wine and beer place, this v stylish bar has a vast selection of beers (even Boddingtons would be impressed) and wines. V nice atmosphere – cozy furniture and sharply dressed folk.






cousinoftaipeiflyer looking contemplative





We were all exhausted – I’d only had 2 hours of sleep the night before in Honolulu and didn’t sleep a wink on the plane, whilst taipeiflyer was feeling a little under the weather. So had to retire early to bed after 1 drink.

On the way back we saw a bunch of male ducks chasing a female one on the street, putting 2 and 2 together...




Day 2
Woke up bright and early as I went to bed v early (by my standards) and body clock was still tuned to Honolulu time. We decided to go for brekkies in Santa Monica with some friends of taipeiflyer who’ve flown in from SF on business, at a place called Swingers. No it’s not a dodgy strip club. The place has a v St Kilda feel like much of Santa Monica – v bohemian, anti-establishment attitude (which is why I don’t think I’d live in any other suburb in Melbourne, with the exception of Prahran and South Yarra due to the shopping, cafes and *cough* nightlife) and the waitresses wore quirky but hot uniforms.



Enjoyed a delicious breakfast of poached eggs with pancakes. And a mug, or should i say bowl of soy latte. I love the US, I really do – I now make it a point to include stops in the US in every RTW itinerary as it’s my favourite country to visit in the world by far with LA being my favourite city – but this country has Really Bad Coffee. Granted it is better than many other countries with no ingrained coffee culture, but for a country whose inhabitants seem every bit as obsessed with coffee as us Antipodeans or the Italians are – the standard of coffee in the US is generally v low (exceptions apply of course – with some of the tiny indie espresso bars in the MePa area of NYC). My soy latte here was essentially a steaming bucket of soy milk with a tiny hint of coffee.

[KeithMEL]

cousinoftaipeiflyer took off for uni after breakfast. We had a v pleasant walk around Santa Monica. Promenade area resembles Acland St in St Kilda, v touristy and even more commercialised, which I myself tend to bring friends to when they visit. Some nice shops though, and we had fun window shopping. Ended up buying a nice top at Urban Outfitters. Also saw a crowd and some media outside an Adidas store – the Mexican football team was there.





The highlight of the day (amongst many highlights – hey it ‘s LA!) was probably checking out Fred Segal. It is like a mini city of the coolest and edgiest up-and-coming designers. Checked out some sunnies (great new Paul Smith, Salt and Robert Marc’s 70s inspired designs!) and took some notes for later when I visit my fave sunnies shop on Robertson - sunnies shopping is a big commitment that requires some patience and dedicated research. Decided to experiment with some new shampoo and bought a bottle – will come back for more or get the LA natives to ship them to me should I like them. Despite spending nearly the entire morning there I only left with the shampoo (which came with free samples which look nice and all – except that they’re for curly hair...) and a pair of Rock&Republic’s. Found some gems, especially by Steven Alan and Theory but nothing fits lil old moi! (or are eye poppingly beyond my budget)

We then had lunch at The Counter, a burger joint which seems to be fast becoming an SQTalk institution. You build your own burger from the gazillions of ingredients on the menu – I had mine with medium rare beef, swiss cheese, caramelised onions, vegies – and some other things which I can’t remember. It was certainly a great burger and beats In-and-Out any time of the day!







I felt so full that I could barely eat for the rest of the day, especially as I’d decided to order the medium instead of the small.

Went back home to have a rest and to catch up on emails. Then out again for more... shopping! We walked across to Abbot Kinney in Venice and window shopped at some v cool stores. Think Chapel St meets Brunswick St. Steven Alan has a v cute little shop with a pretty backyard on Abbot Kinney, unfortunately everything was too big, the most frequent problem I run up against shopping in the US.

cousinoftaipeiflyer joined us for a snack and some pre dinner wines. We also went back to The Other Room for some beer; I had a v nice Belgian fruit beer. Finally had dinner too late at some late night joint where we saw a minor celebrity who’s played supporting roles in several movies. Had great meatloaf which is one of the things I always look forward to eating in the US – simple but total yum.

We ended the night at The Circle Bar in Santa Monica, great crowd and reasonably priced drinks. The music was quite eclectic. I thought it was extraordinary that people could get drunk that early in LA (it was 11pmish; I myself don’t get that trashed usually until much later, closer to dawn and in time for a trip to Maccas or some dodgy souvlaki bar to sober up) but then was reminded that California has a closing time of 2am. We witnessed a drunk get thrown out by the v mean bouncers, then got repeatedly pawed on by an equally drunk and semi-coherent girl, and watched a guy nearby suffer (enjoyed maybe?) the same fate. Lights came on at a quarter to 2, quite abruptly in fact. I’m not a fan of this v early closing... had a great night nonetheless which wrapped up a fantastic day.

to be continued...

[jjpb3]

The burger looks scrumptious!

But I suspend belief that it's the best until either you or taipeiflyer compare it to the selections at Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

I thought it was extraordinary that people could get drunk that early in LA (it was 11pmish; I myself don’t get that trashed usually until much later, closer to dawn and in time for a trip to Maccas or some dodgy souvlaki bar to sober up) but then was reminded that California has a closing time of 2am.

You're kidding, right? I've seen people in England and Australia get drunk before lunchtime!

[KeithMEL]

You're kidding, right? I've seen people in England and Australia get drunk before lunchtime!

I meant that in a 'jeez is that all it takes to get these people drunk' kind of way. I normally head out around 10-11pm or so and when I arrived was thinking that people there didn't need all that many drinks to get smashed. But then I remembered that California has a 2am closing time and so people probably get into it earlier.

I like to hang out so I try not to get drunk too quickly or the night ends too early, but that obviously doesn't work in LA.

As for getting drunk before lunchtime.... Google 'Prosh Week Melbourne Uni.'

(I'm aware that several SQTalkers understand 'drunk' to mean what I'd consider as 'tipsy' but for the purpose of this post we'd stick to my definition, ie almost passed out, when assistance with walking is required, when puking is involved etc )

[KeithMEL]

Kicking it in LA LA Land!! part 2

Day 3
Another early start as we had to run some errands today. We drove over to Westwood where the W is, as I had to pick up some Bliss Lemon&Sage toiletries for florianwagner who I’d be meeting in VIE a few days later (the W Honolulu didn’t have a Bliss spa; thank goodness the W HK does or I’d have to drag 6 months’ worth of Bliss stuff all over the world with me – one of my aims this trip is to replenish my toiletries’ supply). In the meantime taipeiflyer drove off to the UCLA campus to do his thing. I took the opportunity to re-acquaint myself with the W LA – which certainly has one of the nicest Living Room decor wise.









We then drove off in search of a good brunch, and on the spur of the moment decided to drop in at Cecil’s in West LA, a ribs’ place that taipeiflyer and cousinoftaipeiflyer have always wanted to check out. V succulent ribs, again another indulgent meal. Ribs... the brunch of champions!









Dropped taipeiflyer’s mate off at LAX after that, saw many Qantas A380 promos. Had my one of many Rants of the Day w/r/t the Sydney-centric nature of the ads. The Arts Centre or the MCG or the trams of Melbourne might not be as internationally recognisable as the visual clichés of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge or the Opera House – but I do feel that given the inaugural route is MEL-LAX (with SYD-LAX only following 4 days later) Qantas could’ve put up some Melbourne icons along with the Sydney Harbour. The Spirit of Australia ought to be doing its bit to promote tourism to all parts of Australia shouldn’t it?

Decided to stop via Baseball Central to muck around with some softball and baseball. I sucked terribly at these things (though am surprisingly decent at cricket) but was much better when I was shown the proper techniques.

Shopping top of the agenda today, I was going to make a decision and pick a pair of sunnies by hook or by crook. We drove to Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills. Walked around for a bit trying to track down a fave sunnies store of mine C by Karina but to no avail and only to discover later that it no longer exists on Robertson and has either shut or moved. Saw a new Chanel store which looked kinda out of place. If I wanted to shop at Chanel I’d have gone to Rodeo Dr. We chanced upon a moving sale featuring discounts of up to 75% at Agnes B and went wild in there, though again with sizing an issue I emerged with only 1 top. Bargain value – paid only $47, down from the original price of over $180. Pity the rest didn’t fit (am a size 2).

Spotted some paparazzi outside News Room Cafe where we went to have some juices. It sure is big business, they were communicating with each other via 2 way radios and sharing tips on the locales of several big stars. We wound up sitting near Taylor Handley (who played Oliver Trask in season 1 of The OC – the psycho who had a crush on Marisa; and more recently The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), though I thought his pal sitting opposite him was actually way better looking. Overall, not much luck with the star spotting this trip. cousinoftaipeiflyer had a rant about how he’s so over celebrities as he sees them all the time doing ordinary things in LA and can’t understand why other people he meets overseas get all flustered about them.

Finally picked up my pair of sunnies at Optz. Was torn between a pair of 70s inspired Paul Smith’s or an aviator style Robert Marc’s. In the end I went with the former, being slightly cheaper meant I’d feel slightly less guilty breaking or losing it.

More shopping at The Grove, which reminds me a bit of Bal Harbour Shops in Miami except a fair bit bigger and less old school.

Went back home for a hard earned rest after a hard day of shopping. HUGE AL arrived in LA at about 10pm and drove us out for a late night snack and some drinks at the Peninsula Hotel. Given how tired he was after a long week that must have taken some effort – cheers mate!The bar at the Pen serves v yummy beef burgers served with Mac&Cheese with truffles, all for an insane value price and washed down v nicely with Veuve and some red wine. On the way out we saw a v nice car and posed for pics with it – I’ve no idea what sort of car it was but went with it anyway.





Finished the night with partying in WeHo! We were supposed to go to The Abbey but it looked pretty dead and HUGE AL dragged us to the club next door Here Lounge which looked more happening. The cover charge included free raspberry vodka shots, pretty cute server in Speedos sitting in a jacuzzi pours it into your mouths. The others all declined their shots and so I was ‘forced’ to take them. I'm advised that HUGE AL has rather incriminating pics of this. I don’t normally do shots and now I know why – 3 consecutive shots is a killer (not in a standard shot glass either, straight from a bottle :/). The server was cute though and v friendly – so all good. Had some cocktails and wandered around mingling with the rather good looking crowd. Mr Speedos insisted on pouring 2 more shots down my throat and said I didn’t even have to tip him (i did of course) – now THAT finished me off for the night. Club closed promptly at 2am with bright spotlights turned on and the v aggressive bouncers ushered everyone out of the place.

Had to be careful not to puke in cousinoftaipeiflyer’s car on the way home, and he had to pull over a few times as I was feeling so fragile.

Day 4

Helped taipeiflyer with some errands, otherwise generally a lazy day recovering from the excesses of the previous days. Had some Domino’s Pizza which tasted much nicer than the one we have back home in Australia. Prepared for my departure to VIE via LHR. And so another visit to LA had come to an end – as always I’m missing it terribly and can’t wait to be back. A true Mecca of shopping, fashion, glamour and all round indulgence.

Next: AA136 LAX-LHR J; BA704 LHR-VIE whY; Le Meridien Wien