39: Tight turn around till the next one

Gotta keep smiling ... last flight ... until the next one

 LOCATION: Hong Kong to Brisbane

What's happening?

Locked and loaded for a quick getaway  - in row 41 for this flight - so the plan was to bolt on landing in Brisbane.

Already thinking about dash out of plane ... only 8 hours to go

Been fortunate in our locations today - landed in Terminal 1 for take-off in Terminal 1- lounge was at gate 40 close to our gate 50 boarding and finally close to exit for landing.

First time in a while we have sat on the left hand side of the plane but when we checked in 48 hours ago - these were the only side by side seats available. Again, the flight was jam packed.

Still raining and Cathay Pacific still efficient in their boarding process. The plane fully loaded ahead of schedule and the Captain announced a flight time of 8 hours and 6 minutes.

Eat and sleep Brisbane time - we did have a couple of naps. My head restraint for sleeping works!

Our watches were now set to Brisbane time and would be great if somehow we could save our sleeping time for when we got home - but with the lounge rum and kahlua on board, was a challenge to keep the eyes open. We both grabbed snatches of sleep as the lights were dimmed.

Definitely don't want the picture to be too clear but feel I have nailed the head position for sleeping. I tied my scarf around the headrest and then tied my head to it. Didn’t look pretty, but it worked a treat.

Landed in Brisbane a little late at 10.45 pm. Our first late arrival over the six weeks. Darn, so close.

Made it out - all the bits and pieces accounted for

Managed to make the quick get away and a duty free alcohol stop is always a must. Through the passport check in a heartbeat but endured an agonising wait for our luggage. My bag was out next to last. But then, celebrating because it did actually arrive.

Believe it or not, this was going to be our first ever independent use of Uber. We had declined offers of a pickup because of the late arrival time and had our fingers crossed that we could work it all out. A check in London before departure indicated that the cost would be in the high $80 to low $90 range. When I keyed that in to pick one up on arrival, the fare had blown out to closer to $170 - $205.

Price blowout

Dumped that idea and grabbed a cab which ended up costing $100 (metre read #108.88) because we got discount for cash.

Home at 12.12 am

We were more than happy to pull into our street and make that last little drag up the driveway (the cabbie actually helped us) and after all our training on this journey, felt like we floated over the last two steps to get us in the doorway.

Shower, washing and coffee as the welcome home

Really need to hit the clean up and recovery quickly. Only a three week turn around and we are off to Fiji for a getaway with a difference. Won't be jumping from place to place on this one - an actual "holiday" where you relax and enjoy the resort style living. Very excited  - the company we will keep on this one makes it very special.

PS Thanks to all for the messages and contact while we were away - technology certainly reduces the "distance" when you are away from home on an extended trip and our daily dose of Katarina pics and videos certainly kept a smile on our faces.

Survival Barometer

Steps: 6 725 (that might be befuddled because of time changes?)

Weather: London 26, Hong Kong 27 and storms, Brisbane 13 - we were cold

Today's Spot the J clue - there are three!

"Ah, there's light at the end of the tunnel, see you soon."

38: It's a long haul from London to Hong Kong

That's the big one done and dusted

 LOCATION: London to Hong Kong

What's happening?

The alarm rattled us awake and we were quick to respond. Always the way, once you get the "whiff" of home, always keen to get on the road and get it done.

Holiday Inn - good morning and good bye

Sitting at the breakfast table with @Mac calculating it is going to be 31 hours door to door - it does seem a bit of a challenge. But, with a break in the journey at Hong Kong, it is manageable.

On our way

Joined our first queue of the day at Holiday Inn for the bus. It actually delivered us conveniently to the doorway of Cathay Pacific checkin.

Dropped the bags and joined the next queue for security  where we didn't, for once, set off any alarms.

Heathrow was a little different in terms of the waiting process. Only a handful of gate allocations go up at any one time - so you don't know where you are heading to. There are large communal waiting areas, where it's every man for himself for a seat. Only when your gate is displayed (about 30 minutes prior to boarding) do you make your way to the gate area. Cathay Pacific are so efficient in getting everyone on, we didn't even take a seat here, just waltzed straight on board. The Captain announced we were boarded and ready to go 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

Killing time in Heathrow

Twelve hours in the air - the usual! I was asleep before take off as was the other lady in our row so @Mac had two leaners encroaching on his space for the first hour. Helped to keep him balanced and upright.

The flight was full!

 Two meals (they serve very edible meals!) three or four movies (I am deep into the Star Wars movies - will get to finish them on the next flight) and multiple toilet trips. 

Landed on schedule in Hong Kong in a thunderstorm with visibility on approach almost zero. Glad the Captain knew what he was doing.

Threatening - we haven't seen rain for 6 weeks

Apparently some waiting for us at home as well

More queues for security checks at the transfer gate and relieved we had a landing in and a scheduled take-off both in Terminal 1. 

Just saying - great bar

@Mac found a PriorityOne lounge for us and with plenty of food choices and an extremely generous bar we were more than comfortable for our 4+ hour layover. Must say though, that there are some wild little Asian boys running amok in the lounge area, think someone should invent a lounge with a playground to soak up some of their energy.

Ten minutes till boarding

Changing everything over to Brisbane time now - and will be trying to stay awake a little longer on the next flight.

Brisbane, here we come.

Survival Barometer

Steps: 5 348 - in lines or following arrows

Weather: 27 in Hong Kong, rain, thunder, lightning 

Today's Spot the J clue - there are lots - made up for yesterday!

"That's a slam dunk - trip is done."

37: Heading south to London

Back to London - our navigation talked us in
 LOCATION: Leeds to London

What's happening? 

That's a final push in the car to add the fullstop to the trip. Slept in, crunched an apple for breakfast, packed the bags and loaded the car. Left Savile Place at 10:40 grateful that all the early morning traffic had disappeared and we had a clear run on the outskirts of Leeds to join the M1 for the run into London.

The trip was just on four hours. The road and the conditions were as expected

 Got the occasional glimpse of the countryside - still endlessly green - and interspersed with signage to towns and cities. Lots of large storage warehouses, evidence of industry and the whole range of renewables: solar farms, wind turbines and even a nuclear station.

Lots of trucks and the occasional view of countryside

Made a stop at the Welcome Break for lunch at the halfway point. A very clever concept with the services of car parks amd petrol on both sides of the highway. The overpass was a bridge connecting the two sides and it held the food hall! Confessing, I succumbed to KFC - finger licking good by everyone around me, including one man who licked all five fingers and had me gagging and @Mac laughing. 

Finger licking good at the over the highway service centre

Back in the vehicle with the challenge of the run o to Heathrow and the endless slip lanes, merges and decision points. That was nothing compared to f8nding thw return station for the car. Despite having the address in the car navigation system we actually did 5 laps of the precinct before we actually pinpointed the location.

The selfie @Mac sent to say walk completed

@Mac dropped me at the hotel and after a quick checkin, went effortlessly back to the Enterprise office and then did a sprint walk of the 1.2 km back to the hotel.

So relieved to be set up, relaxed and local ready for our getaway tomorrow morning. We are checked in, have seats, know how the shuttle bus works. All set and happy to be heading home. 

Bus booked, dinner in, including a STEAK!

Not much out here, carparks and hotels just about sums it up so it was definitely dinner "in." Took up a seat in the Holiday Inn dining room and fueled ourselves for the England vs Argentina game.

The game did not go the way the locals wanted and despite that early goal - set back for so long in a defensive lineup against a constantly singing Argentina - it was almost inevitable that Messi's men would find that second half magic.

Have a plan for tomorrow - booked our shuttle bus online and the journey home begins at 9:02 tomorrow with the bus ride to Terminal 3. 

Survival Barometer

Steps: 4 180 @Mac had more from his power 1.2 km from Enterprise

Weather: 19 in Leeds - 27 in London

Today's Spot the J clue - there are none!

"That's the end of the driving Grandad."

36: Rocks and castles outside Leeds

Hanging about with the locals

LOCATION: Leeds

What's happening?

Woke to another clear day in Leeds and @Mac and @Joe had hatched a plan overnight for today's adventures. Months ago @Joe had suggested we needed to put Brimham Rocks and Knaresborough on the agenda. Lucky for us, it was his day off and he could join us and act as today's tour guide.

The Adventure

Of course, the drive had to involve country lanes, shared with farm vehicles and at times it was a slow grind. The views once again limited by the persistence of the hedges that seem to tower over our little Mini.

New navigator and new tour guide

Places we visited today:

Brimham Rocks: There was a representative from the National Trust in the carpark to give us a little heads up on what to expect and share some recommendations for highlights. He explained that there were ancient millstone grit formations (I had to look it up - extremely tough erosion resistant rock - was used to make millstones for centuries and the name has stuck.) The region has been  shaped over 320 million years and sculpted further by Ice Age frost‑shattering. Towers like Dancing Bear, Idol Rock, and Cannon Rock balance on ridiculously small bases - and their  strange curves have been carved slowly and persistently by wind, rain and glacial cold.

Exploring the rock formations

We had a map with all the names on it - but were not sure if we had it the right way up because we were definitely having trouble identifying oysters, flowers , a druid's writing desk or a turtle? 

@Mac trying to move the balancing rock

It was a children's paradise - and there were plenty of little people scampering around, climbing up the rocks and squeezing through the gaps

Made up our own interpretations

A lady here introduced us to "bagging trig points" - a common practice for hikers. We had to climb to the highest point and get a photo, as evidence that we had reached the triangular marker. Should have started this a month ago!

Bilberry shavers!

Teeny tiny - if you look hard you can see my purple stained teeth!

Our lessons continued when we came across another couple shaving the top of a low lying bush. When I asked her what was happening, she explained they were collecting "bilberries." It is an annual event for them and they make an excellent pie filling. The lady explained her recipe in detail - we found it amusing given that chef @Joe was all ears. We got into the picking act and followed up with the eating. Tiny little berries - apparently rich in antioxidants.

Spent a couple of hours here before an easier drive to our next stop.

@Joe bought us a badge souvenir to remember our visit (flower badge for me) - they will find a place in our souvenir cabinet at home 😍

Knaresborough: A very beautiful town. It curves along the River Nidd, with a centre piece of a picture perfect viaduct with arches rising above the water while the castle ruins crown the cliffs. Stone bridges, winding lanes and riverside boats, flowers, steep laneways and steps. Allllwwwaaaayyyssss steps.

Th bridge for vehicle traffic

The viaduct for the train

We could see the entrance to Mother Shiptons Cave - England’s oldest tourist attraction (charging admission since 1630) and home to the legendary prophetess and the petrifying well that turns objects to stone. With that billing, I was glad that it was CLOSED today.

Pub with a view .. and stairs, of course

Pulled up a view from the pub for lunch and then scaled the cliff face to the castle for the prime view of the train crossing the viaduct.

Had a little fun because there were two bare chested "lads" on the steps to the Castle bellowing their support for England and swigging from cold bottles of lager. They were keen for a chat and as I deviated from the predicted path in my climb of the cliff, left them with a message for @Mac and @Joe - which surprisingly was dutifully delivered. 

Forever up and down in Knaresborough 

The castle has been here since the 1100s and was a favourite fortress of King John. Great viewing platform but of course so many steps to climb before and after. It is a combination of both standing and tumbled towers and tunnels but has the best view over the Nibb.

A 40 minute drive home and a little time for a shower before dinner. Parking here is on the street - first in best dressed. And the rules in England are different from home. You can park in either direction- @Mac took  a space on the opposite side of the road facing in the wrong direction. We have been commenting on how weird this is - but admitting, it was convenient for us this afternoon. 

Very convenient to park whatever way you want - hope we can get out in the morning

@Joe has been ordering the uber equivalent for us here - have been unable to download the app and register for ourselves. But has all worked out. Only trouble is, we have to pay in cash and we are down to the last few coins and notes. Our driver this evening wasn't keen to take a "tarnished" one pound coin - had to swap it out. Not sure what that is about but grateful that @Martine could check our stash for the later fare.

World Cup support for Spain: Joined the family at the local pub for dinner and a great night of cheering on the winners of the semi-final. @Joe had been down earlier in the week and chosen and reserved our table. We had the prime position and were very vocal in getting Spain across the line. It was easy to be vocal, because everyone in the pub was cheering for Spain!

Team Spain - best reserved seats

Of course, during the half time break, the "other game" became the focus. They never let up!

Eating, cheering, gaming ... some tense moments

And that was the end of our time with @Joe and family. So sad to say goodbye and the reality is that a face to face in the future is probably not going to happen. Going to have at least have some verbal conversations moving forward. 

Too tired to pack - set the alarms instead because we have plenty of time tomorrow morning before we set off on the first leg of our homeward bound journey.

Survival Barometer

Steps: 14 865

Weather: 25 - so fortunate with the weather

Today's Spot the J clue - there are two!

"How we all felt when Spain won!"

35: Looking up in Leeds with the BiroGuy

The scale of the undercover markets

LOCATION: Leeds

What's happening?

We were fortunate to hook up with Tour Guide @Clifford today - otherwise known as @BiroGuyLeeds - for a four hour walking tour filled with easy conversation, fascinating background stories and a breadth of Leeds history and architecture. Found our way to @Joe and #CiaoBella for a late afternoon lunch. A perfect 11 out of 10 day.

@Clifford for the win - Leeds through an artist and historian's eyes (images from Clifford's website)

The Journey

Mind you we were lucky we made it because, despite the bus being 15 metres down the road and the Leeds city skyline absolutely prominent in the distance had we looked, our interpretation of GoogleMaps had us on the wrong side of the road. Got on the bus with the query “Does this stop at the Corn Exchange” to which the bus driver scoffed and laughed in our faces while retorting “Only if your are on the other side of the road.” Oops.

Then tried to hop the next bus with the same query , this time a much gentler response, “It’s the one behind me.” For third time lucky, we struck up a conversation with a local in the queue, who was heading to the Corn Exchange and said “Follow me.”

I happened to jag a #crankyoldgit in the seat next to me who asked 

“Australian? Huh, what a shocking country. You've got it bad over there." 

"Not where we live," I retorted. But he was on a rant in a confined space. in the short version, he shared with me Leeds was rotten to the core. Can't trust government and not worth voting it's a sham. Leeds is controlled by Rome. All the buildings are a facade that hide Satan!

"Well you have nice day," was my only comment as we alighted and I was very grateful we only had four stops. His parting words: "Be careful out there"

My welcome to Leeds bus companion - #crankyoldgit - @Mac was very amused

Needed a coffee after all that!

@Clifford found us right on the dot of 10.30. What a talent. He is a sketch artist (with coloured gel pens no less) and hosts niche tours around the history of Leeds and its architecture as well as  Leed’s history of activism and non-conformity. A gentle pace, a gem at every corner, access to restricted areas and a city with so many stories - we seemed to be in the right place at the right time with @Clifford to capture some unique experiences.

Bit of a fan of the Corn Exchange

Through his eyes we explored Leeds’ architectural masterpieces, famous for the beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, interwoven with striking modern designs. Had no idea we were in a retail Mecca that rivalled London’s Knightsbridge until we strolled through 19th-century shopping arcades showcasing stunning terracotta brickwork, mosaic floors, and sweeping wrought iron glass roofs. 

Everything big, bold and beautiful

We started at the Corn Exchange. One of three highlights designed by a 27 year old architect Cuthbert Broderick. He was an unknown young architect from Hull when he entered an anonymous competition to design The Town Hall. It was his career launching masterpiece and was opened by Queen Victoria. 

The Corn Exchange was described as his circular legendary creation and features a soaring oval dome roof. Loved this building which also featured an art works display for which @Clifford was one of the judges.

Love a library

Lots of discovery points for us including Leeds Central Library and the Tiled Hall Cafe (had hand written card catalogue which was still in use!!!!), the Town Hall and the Civic Hall (a depression project to provide employment), the Grand Theatre, the Grand Arcade, Thornton’s Arcade (perfectly timed for the 1 o’clock chime of the Ivanhoe Clock), Queen’s Arcade, Victoria Quarter (stained glass roof - largest in Europe - so wow), Victoria Gate (new one with graduated herringbone tiled floors that change texture to provide grip in wet weather), Kirkgate Market (one of largest in Europe - sold everything!) and St Paul’s House (bizarre, Moroccan influence)

One big pedestrian mall ! All easy to access and every building had a story - inside and out

Anytime we looked up, there was another story associated with a building and plenty of street art to fill in any gaps in things to see.

Contrasts of old and new - we only saw two examples of green space in this precinct 

Our most moving visit was to the Cut and Craft Restaurant in the Collinson Building. This was home to the most famous Leeds connection to the Titanic, and believe it or not, through the movies,  we all know of this man. We were introduced to Wallace Hartley,  the legendary bandmaster who famously directed his musicians to keep playing to calm passengers while the Titanic went down. As the story goes, when his body was found, he was still clutching his violin.

 The floor where he was the resident musician before leaving for the fateful voyage, has been lovingly restored in this beautiful restaurant. @Clifford was able to take us up and down the stairways and onto the balconies here. We couldn’t just leave, had to make this our midday drinks stop.

Collinson Building - tour and drinks 

Also think this should be @MrsFry’s companion city. It is the home of the owl - they are everywhere and are part of the coat of arms for the city and date back to 1626 and King Charles 1. You can take a dedicated walking route called the Leeds Owl Trail, which points out 25 distinct owl sculptures hidden on historic rooftops, etched into stained glass windows, and carved into stone. @Clifford had us on the lookout!

The owls were everywhere 

Somehow we attracted the attention of a crew promoting a shelter workshop for reformed drug addicts. They produced, of all things, soap - and it was a play on "getting clean." We were interviewed for their promotion and coincidentally, @Clifford had attended their recent launch of the project. I scored a beautiful bar of soap for my words of encouragement. An interesting diversion in the day!

So glad they didn't ask me to climb in the bath

We enjoyed all of this walking without any cars! The entire inner city precinct is totally devoid of private cars - the only traffic is a loop that allows buses and taxis to pass. It is a pedestrian first mall - and made our stroll and exploration so much easier.

Could have travelled west to east

Finished our tour with a visit to the River Aire and the possibility of jumping in the adjacent canal and navigating our way to Liverpool and the Irish Sea or through to Goole and the North Sea. Wouldn’t that be an adventure.

Ciao Bella

Our lunch stop was with @Joe at #Ciao Bella and we were joined by @Martine. @Joe cooked up another storm for us - our three late afternoon courses serving as both lunch and dinner, we did the offerings justice. I had to restrain @Mac from licking the plate! @Joe has been the head chef here for 16 years and it is an extremely popular local venue and also a magnate for corporate catering. He does attract lots of smiles because he is a Spanish chef in an Italian restaurant. Got a big licking tick from us. 

Worried about our bus competency, @Clifford and @Martine walked us to the bus stop and handed us over to the bus driver. Made it home without incident and without a doomsday lecture. Rounded out the evening with feet up relaxation, a bottle of wine and no energy left for tomorrow’s plans. It will involve the car - and grateful to report, it is still there on the street, perfectly intact.

Survival Barometer

Steps: 11 205

Weather: 25 - perfect strolling weather

Today's Spot the J clue - there are three!

"I could be an etch-a-sketch tour guide!"