Simon Goudie » Holiday

Made it to the UK!

Simon Goudie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:59:46 +0000

Well, I got spoilt on the Melbourne to Singapore leg with an upgrade from ‘premium economy’ to business. The difference there was pretty amazing with a decent seat, good screen and good food.

The downside, of course, is that the Singapore to London leg was a bit of a let down. The flight was with British Airways, rather than Qantas, and wasn’t that great. Smaller screen and seat, plus none of the comforts of business class. No on-demand movies was also quite disappointing, as were the meals.

Still, I’ve made it here in one piece and am looking forward to a busy week before flying back next weekend.

Travel plans

Simon Goudie — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:35:05 +0000

I’m travelling again for work soon, this time off to the UK. I’ll be in Chichester from December 1-5 working, then Brighton for a night before going throung London and flying out on the night of the 7th. It’s a pretty quick trip, but it should be very busy. Not sure if leaving the Australian summer for the English winter is such a good idea. Also, I haven’t flown this far before, so I’m interested to see what happens with jet lag, hopefully there aren’t too many ill-effects! Qantas had better have gotten over their recent spate of screw-ups.

The rest of the year is looking pretty busy, even without the travel, with birthdays, weddings and Christmas all coming up. Just need to hang in until the Christmas/New Year break…

Leaving Singapore

Simon Goudie — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:04:53 +0000

Two hours left in Singapore and then back to Melbourne. Singapore is simply amazing. There are two things to do here: shop and eat. I’m trying to work out which hurts more, my stomach or my wallet. Only having a day and a half has meant that things have been pretty full-on. I covered pretty much everything yesterday that I wanted to see: Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street, Funan, Sim Lim, Orchard Road, the office etc. This morning was Raffles, including a couple of drinks at the Long Bar with plenty of peanuts and I’m now finishing off Orchard Road before heading back to the hotel and on to the airport.

I didn’t get the chance to go out much at night, but one of the most enjoyable things has been drinking at Liquid Kitchen on Zion and River Valley Roads. Sam and his staff were exceptionally helpful the first night I was here and great company on the second night. The hotel bar was hilarious as well, the house band were classic and the dancing Chinese and Japanese businessmen were entertainment by themselves.

Back home soon though, unfortunately. I get in at about six tomorrow morning, recover, then get set for the Grand Final on Saturday. Good timing or what?

Now in Singapore

Simon Goudie — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 03:55:42 +0000

I’ve made it to Singapore and checked in to the hotel, so far so good. Just wandering around a bit at the moment to see what I can find. I’m not going to have too much time to do stuff, but I’ve got a decent idea of what I want to be doing tomorrow morning. Singapore seems pretty cool, in my three hours here so far. The hotel is a bit disappointing after the luxury of Phuket, but it’s only for a couple of nights so I think I’ll be able to cope.

Monday night in the Phuket ER

Simon Goudie — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 19:32:36 +0000

Just when we thought we could get out of this holiday unscathed, we thought we’d go for a bit of a farewell drink. Several farewell drinks later at the (pretty awesome) Rock City bar and all was good. Several more and things went a bit pear-shaped. Long story short, following a tuk-tuk ride to the hospital, a glucose shot and several vitamin injections, we have one traveller who will be waking up with a fair headache this morning. Just the thing before the flight home this afternoon…

I’m glad I get to bail out at Singapore rather than going the whole way home. I just hope for her sake (and whoever’s sitting in the seat in front) that there’s not too much turbulence.

When it rains

Simon Goudie — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 02:22:07 +0000

Last day in Phuket. So depressing thinking about leaving. No more beach, pool, sun, cheap shopping, massages (with ‘extras’ offered, of course) or great hotel. The rain has moved in over the last couple of days and, while the showers only last about twenty minutes or so, the amount of water dumped would have Victorian water authorities salivating.

On to Singapore for a couple of days tomorrow, solo this time. More shopping, although this time I’m going to get a bit geekier. I’ve got a duty-free 80gig iPod in my sights…

Still in Phuket

Simon Goudie — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 21:17:44 +0000

It’s a tough life when you wake up and have to decide between the pool, the beach or breakfast…and that’s the hardest decision of the day. So far, still so good; riding elephants one day, motorbikes in the hills the next. Still drinking far too much, but with the number of bars and coktail counters around, it’s hard not to.

What could possibly go wrong….

Simon Goudie — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 20:35:46 +0000

…. a coup d’etat, of course! Wouldn’t you know it. Seriously though, here in Phuket you wouldn’t realise anything was going on. Everyone is very relaxed still and there’s no hint of violence or uprising or anything. I think this is the most organised and calm coup I’ve ever heard of. According to most reports, the current events are supported by most people.

Of course, Bangkok might be a different story, but everything is fantastic here. I’m staying up to date via the internet and CNN, but I am not in the least worried about the remaining week I have in Thailand. How could you be worried when you spend the afternoon at a place like this:

Maya Bay (where The Beach was filmed)

Thailand

Simon Goudie — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:35:46 +0000

Finally made it to Thailand! Everything is going great so far. Big day yesterday getting over here without any sleep, so today could be a very cruisy one. The hotel is fantastic, with plenty of pools and restaurants to choose from but I think it’s only good luck that I haven’t lost it yet after being asked if I would like to buy a suit. Armani suits I can imagine, but Joop suits?

Looking forward to getting out a bit soon and seeing more of this place, so more later.