Some thoughts about the holiday 5 December 2014

I thought whilst I had time to spare I would make a list of some of the points about the holiday to help others who may be thinking of doing a similar trip in the future, also the best and worst parts of the holiday.

Firstly trying to do so much in the time I had with all the waiting time,  travelling to and from airports plus the actual flight durations, have reduced the actual time at destinations considerably, plus changing time zones had also mafe a difference,  I think if or when I have tome to do so I will list some of this information, I know befote I started I calculated a minimum of 60 hours flying and over 20 hours in airport lounges, then there is the time getting to and from airports. So maybe in the future do less complicated trips particularly if its to be a restful break and spend more time enjoying myself.

Maybe a list of some points will be helpful to you readers so here goes.

Health issues, first check what inoculations or other issues need to be considered, have you got enough medication and or equipment for your trip. Do you have a letter of support from GP etc if need special medication etc, have you informed the airline of your special needs, usually they need a minimum of 48 hours, maybe your travel agent can assist with this,  think about how you will cope with a very long flight, such as one of mine of 13 hours duration with arthritis in my neck and spine, is it worth upgrading and what about assistance at the airport to get you through immigration and passport control without having to stand about in long queues, its free all you have to do is ask. Often it then helps to board the plane sooner but accept you will be last off, but even so possibly still be at the baggage carousel first.

Next things that can create issues for you particularily when flying,  beware of the dangers of DVT when sat in one position for hours, wear flight socks and try to walk about or at least do exercises to improve circulation.

Dehydration is so easy if you dont drink enough, try to keep away from alcohol and fizzy drinks, ask flight staff,  carry some sweets to help keep the mouth from drying out and also combat changes in cabin pressure.

Wear loose clothing but that is warm enough to cope with the quite cold air con some planes seem to have. This can also give problems with sore throats due the dry atmosphere.

Look after your feet, as those who have followed my blog will be aware blisters can easily start and be very painful and uncomfortable spoiling enjoyment of your holiday so easily, wear tried and trusted shoes, I have bern yolf petroleum jelly spplied in advance is helpful plus prevents foot odour, I now wear sandals on long flights so my feet are ventilated and cooler.

Now this is very serious,  beware of bicycles when out on roads,  as back home they seem to be a law unto themselves and often ignore normal rules such as traffic lights and in China seemed to think it was  ok to ride on the pavement as did motorcycles, mopeds and scooters,  quite frightening for any of us who do not get out of the way quickly enough, they serm to have a death wish but unfortunately its the pedestrian who would come off worse.

I have also been thinking about the best and worst of the holiday in all sorts of respects, what were the highlights and where was I most disappointed on the trip, what about tours and flights, well here goes, do accept these are my view and others may differ in their opinions, some love peace and quiet whereas others like the noise and activities, how many selfies did I take, well none other than when kind people took a photo of me and Chico now and then.

The most peaceful beautiful and relaxing was in Auckland at Maison De Rose it was a long way from the airport but so well set eith attention to detail and a whole host of extras, including a couple of trips with the host Robert to see some of the beautiful
Countryside.

The most hectic, well it's hard to work out between Las Vegas that was noisy and busy with loud music everywhere we went apart from the bedroom,  both in the hotel but on the streets, with a constant stream of people heading to who knows where along the sidewalks and so much traffic along the Strip.
On the other hand Shangai was so busy with so many people everywhere, the noise of the traffic and the sheer number of people trying to get to who knows where.  The crush of people on the underground trying to get on and off the trains. The traffic was constant, but made worse by the bikes and mopeds on the pavements with no regard for pedestrians but also their total ignorance of road signs or concern for others. People seemed intent on getting to their destination ignoring others and pushing their way in with little evidence of manners.

I found the weather variable as I travelled about, in fact I was amazed at how well I coped with all the extremes with at times high temperatures but also high humidity, to more moderate in other places.
Auckland seemed to have the most pleasant, but it was spoilt for me in the end by the storm we sufferred in what is suppossed to be their summer.  The worst was Shanghai as it was cold and windy with elements of smog some days blotting out the sun and leading to many people wearing masks to protect their faces.

I went on a number of organised excursions some better than others, the shortest was to view Ayres Rock at sunset in total from bring picked up to arriving back at the resort was less than 2 hours. Rather than the peaceful setyong I had hoped for with  a stunning sunset, we were herded into sections for our coach companies where we could eat and drink and to wait for the sun to go down,  sadly on the day the sun was hidden for most of the time as it set so no mixture of stunning colours, then a horn was sounded and back on the coach, the whole thing had cost $80, quite a disapointment but such is life.

The longest trip wad to the Grand Canyon by coach, wr set off at 6 30 in the morning and arrived I think about 7pm at night. Maybe we saw more than we would of in a plane or helicopter tour but also had long periods on the coach often of 3 hours duration between stops when many slept or watched videos provided by the coach company,  it was hundreds of dollars cheaper and poddibly we saw more of the area, plus had time for other stops and at the Grand Canyon. Something I would like to do but spend overnight next time with time after the tourists taking selfies are not about.

The most spectacular was definitely the Grand Canyon, with not enough time to take it all in with the length of our trip, the hight and spectacular views need to be seen and all so different as I walked along the rim. The other things that I have to admit stood out was the fountains at the Belluggio and the volcano at the Mirage,not natural and only a few minutes duration but something definately to remember.

The most unexpected was the celebration of Christmas in Singapore and Shanghai even in the public toilets they were playing christmas music, with many illuminated christmas trees and reindeer,  no sign of Santa though, plus for the child in me a huge Paddington or two in Shangai.

I almost forgot to mention the airlines firstly I am into battle on return with Virgin about my cancelled flight back home, the best without a doubt was Air New Zealand that went that extra mile but was the most comfortable of all the trips. The worst without a doubt was United Airlines with one stingy free drink in a five hour journey with incomfortable seats and a lack of cabin staff.

In terms of value for money nowhere beats Shanghai or Penang where a meal cost about a pound and most things were less expensive. on the trains in Shanghai a three day pass was only a couple of pounds. In Penang due to Pauls hard work we saw many things at no cost, so thanks for all your time and effort in showing me the area you now live. But wherever I went there were things to see that were free from parks that were peaceful and beautiful to just sometimed just sitting and watching people go about their daily business, the already mentioned waterfalls and volcano in Vegas were free as were certain of the monorail trips between hotels and to finally see what the casinos were like was another rather odd experiance but not of interest to me.

Well I may come back and add more to this section to help if you are thinking of plamming visiting any of these places in the future I hope I have given you some insight, hopefully when I post some photos it will aff to the experiance.

Shanghai the last stop 1 December 2014

Up early checked out of hotel but managed to have breakfast before departing for the airport, taxi not very comfortable, so pleased when reached destination, checked in and went to lounge to relax before flight. Nice man came with wheelchair to take me to plane, I was first on, young woman was sat in window seat, did not seem very happy throughout the flight. I settled in and watched a couple of films in the 5 hour flight, as usual food and drinks provided so time passed quickly.

only problem was person in seat in front who insisted in reclining his seat which restricted my legroom,  I was only economy so suppose cannot complain, my right leg sufferred so went for occasional walks, as I had remembered how cool the air con was previously I had put on long trousers and a t shirt and long sleeved shirt so did not struggle so much with the cold. The flight attendants were very pleasant and helpful throughout the flight, luckily there was no change in time zone but saw the temperature was much cooler at my destination.

The plane was very large and I was told I would be last off but did not mind this, was man doing pushing of wheelchair, he took no effort to relieve problems at steps etc, so felt impact, but did get me through customs and immigration quickly. I have never seen so many drivers waiting to collect passengers in my life, I spotted man with my name so off to his vehicle,  given the cost, the ride and manner of his driving left a lot to be desired, I later found out I could of travelled by train for a fraction of the price.

When I got to the hotel it was an upmarket one with commissioners on the doors, I was quickly checked in and off to my room on the 26th floor, WOW it had a view across the city and stunning view outside the room as was on a corner. It was very well laid out with a lot of attention to detail and quality, better still it had a bath, with lots of storage space instead of the occasional drawer, I forgot to say that there was a change of weather it had dropped from 23 to about 9 so now had heating on in room, put my summer clothes at bottom of the case as I felt they were not going to be needed any more.

I was to find issues with internet firstly it was very slow unless I paid extra and would not connect to Facebook, Google and lots of other things I would of expected to use including here on Blogger, so am writing drafts to upload later, I had a great idea eventually to ask Mandy to mention to others thay I had issues and could not update for myself or Chico but was ok. Luckily Skype was working so able to chat to Jane who was very supportive,  at least its the end of the holiday.

Remembering what people had said about my diet and where I ate, for a change I went to a local cafe and had one of their local dishes which had rice with meat noodles and some pickled vegetables it cost the princely sum of £1 80 followed by a cake from the cake shop. I spent the rest of the evening relaxing and catching up on the internet, although the TV had about 40 channels most were in Chinese apart from news channels just one or two showing old films, so spent last of evening planning tomorrows trip.

On my way home 5 December 2014

I was up early got ready and down for 6am breakfast, was quite busy although only just opened, service quick but coffee not hot very odd,  also when went to order omelet chef did not have ingredients ready, otherwise all okay.

Checked all packed, do wonder what happened to  missing flannel, then down to check out, had to pay for internet even though could not access sites I wanted post on, so plenty to keep me busy when I return home plus all the photos to insert on various blogs of trip.

Taxi arrived on time but again was small old car, seems very expensive for what I paid for trip, but at least he played nice relaxing music so was able to nod off. At airport first shock, they were not open for check in yet so had to wait until 8 30, not a long time but get the impression that Virgin have few flights from here.

Went to check in, no problem until explained needed wheelchair assistance, seems is not available until 10am, also explained was using lounge they seemed confused at this so had to show pass, its all very odd as have had no problems at any other airport.  In the end said would make own way to lounge. this meant having to queue whereas usually just sail through immigration

At passport control find out girl at check in had not given me form to fill in so more delay,  not important in itself but not good in terms of service. At security was surprised how many people seem totally unprepared that need to take coats off and show computers as well as empty pockets, but maybe its just me and becoming a seasoned traveller.

At lounge explained will need wheelchair to get to aircraft, hopefully they have sorted out, lounge ok but not as good as some I have visited, and there was music playing not particularly quietly, at least had a comfortable seat and drink of herbal tea to help relax, so now catching up with blog until my marathon trip back home, it will be 13 hours flying time, so must remember to put flight socks on, I think in total will of been on the move for 20 hours until reach hotel this evening. Lets hope that can hear soundtrack of films or there are sub titles to help pass the time.

Train travel but not as we know it 3rd December 2014

I started gently today and had a relaxed breakfast quite different by the look of it to some of the other people in the dining room, nobody serms able to smile and they are all looking so intense, what a way to start the day.

I had read about the super fast train here in Shangai so decided to go for a trip on it, I knew I had to go to the airport to then come part way back into the city, I had forgotten what a long journey it was mostly stood up on the train there. On arrival I paid for a single standard ticket I think it was about £7 then down to the platform, the area looked very upmarket but the train itself was very functional,  at least I got a seat, when it set off a panel showed its speed which went up to 300 kpm so the landscape just flew by, it sadly was quickly over I think the track is less than 10 miles at present, so now another conventional crowded train to bring me back to the hotel. I am not sure why but I decided to try another way out of the station, which was a total disaster as it was cold wet and windy and I got totally disorientated,  finally finding the entrance and retracing my steps, then time for something to eat and a rest in my room. Whilst there I was having problems with the internet, so went to reception and spoke to one of the staff, I upgraded my contract and decided I would wait until I got back before trying it out.

Next I went for a trip to the Peples square and the surrounding area, I found it hard to believe that walking just one street back that there was a whole different world with real shops and people and obviously little money. Even worse was the number of scooters and bikes riden on the paths with no thought for us poor pedestrians, the other problem I have constantly had here is 4hat when the lughts change and cars stop the scooters and bikes dont, many have no lights are overloaded and the riders have no helmet therefore no protection in the event of an accident, but it just seems to be accepted by everyone.
I forgot to say earlier that I think we had smog as it wasvery overcaste and my energy and breathing were not as good as usual.i wandered down to the river but seems it was the wrong part as there was no sign of life so back along the way I had been then the train to the hotel and a pleasant meal followed by cake then return to hotel to ease my feet in the bath and watch a film on TV before settling for the night, not long now before I return home.

Its Christmas in Shanghai 2nd December 2014

Woke early had a bath to ease feet checked Internet then went down to breakfast,  as with everywhere else this was very elegant, waitress seated me brought coffee,  then left me to choose from a very extensive buffet so indulged myself gor a change, my excuse was I did not know when would next eat. Afterwards used machine to change money, I do realise exchange rate was most probably poor but was conveniant.

Outside it was cool but sunny, people were in winter clothes,  so just as well I had sufficient appropriate clothing for the trip Across the road was a park so decided to explore, it was a pleasant experience with lots of paths, from there though I could see how poor people were in the nearby flats such a contrast to the hotel and rest of the area. There were people practicing tai chai at various areas and to various skill levels,  there was a range of contrasting plants and occasional structures,  plenty of seating for a rest and a number of seats.  I came across a group of men on motorised electric scooters they looked much more like motorcycles than ours and went much faster. There was a small fair but none of the rides was open, people were quietly chatting to each other, it was an enjoyable way to of passed a couple of hours and I took a series of photos and videos of what I saw.

I went for something to eat then a rest for a couple of hours, my feet were hurting again with the walking,  the maid had done a good job of cleaning the room and replenishing the towels and other items I had used. Aftet a rest I decided to venture out again so headed off to look at some of the large buildings and christmas lights, I was quite surprised at the fact it was so openly christmas, maybe it was for the tourists, it wad amusing when I went into the toilet to hear the song Rudolf the red nosed reindeer playing.  The lig
hts were very impressive but so were all the high rise buildings.

I had decided to go and explore the radio tower which I knew was very high but when I saw it lit up and changing colours it really was something to see.  I paid my money and entered the grounds, the closer I got the larger I could see it was,  initially I had to climb steps to enter then up in a lift,  it is 468 metres high, it was very swift in the lift to reach the upper observation deck.  The views were magnificent across the city and the platform for tourists was huge with large viewing windows,  many of the other buildings were lit up and changed colours as I watched, also on the river some of the ferries were also brightly lit up but there were lots of what must of been cargo ferries in the dark. I took a series of photos and videos but do not think they capture the size and view.  Then down to the next level where there was another viewing platform but with a floor that you could see through down to the ground,  I was not brave enough to stand on it but took more photos, then lastly I descended to 90 metres where there was a further platform with different view of the surrounding area. After that down to ground level and out across the road to explore more of the area. I wrnt into one of the shopping precincts and first saw outside the largest Paddington Bear that had ever seen, so , more photos, but then inside there was another so got Chico to pose with him and other exhibits. 

I had bought a 3 day pass to use on the trains although it could of been used for buses and taxis,  I found it easy to negotiate the stations were large and oddly enougj fairly well signposted in English and on the trains destinations were also announced in english and there were maps to make sure did not get lost. The trains were long but often full to capacity,, most people ignoring each other and on their mobile phones,  few speaking to each other or on the phone rather medsahing or playing games from what I could see.  People generally were not polite rather it was everyone for themselves l noticed people did not give up seats to elderly or others who needed a seat, pretty much as back home, they were air conditioned and very clean and fast with lots of trains every few minutes.

I decided to return to cafe I had used the previous day they had a laminated card with items for us foreigner's to point to, but there seemed a problem, it was just gone 9pm and they stopped serving rice at that time do chose another dish, then afterwards another cake to finish my meal.

It had been a busy but enjoyable day  with a whole range of experiences what a shame though I was on my own with nobody to talk to about it all. I returned to the hotel had another relaxing bath before retiring to bed for the night.

Now for Ayres Rock 20 November 2014

Another early start today I was up at 3am local time finished packing and had something to eat as I was unsure what would be at the airport or plane. The transport shuttle arrived on time the driver was more pleasant as was the drive, I was now getting used to the process that I need to check in rather than use a machine, I accepted help to get to the gate, but when explained there was taken after everyone else in a buggy,  think maybe it would of been quicker just to make my own way. On board the virgin Atlantic plane was pleasant as were the staff plus we were fed despite the fact it was a relatively short trip and there were plenty of soft drinks free.

Soon we arrived at our destination and there was an air conditioned coach that was free to take us to our various accomodation. Mine was Pioneers Outlook and I was booked into a shared room with possibly 3 others at reception the man said as the room I should of been in was being refurbished that I had been upgraded and was on my own.
Now this is where it gets complicated because I had only paid £36 for the night so expected little, well thats what I got in some respects,  just as well I was on my own as it would of been a tight squeeze if there had been 4 also I noticed later it could of been a mixed room, not much chance of privacy. I forgot to say earlier that it was very hot, possibly higher 30s and the humidy was also high the good bit for me was that the air con was quiet and excellent.  There was coffee for a drink but it was bunk beds, well with my bad back the top bunks were out and bending down to get into a bottom one and being tall was also an issue. the shower was great and spacious as was the toilet, there was a fridge for food and soft drinks,  ooops another problem I had to share with a few ants and a couple of other insects that I quickly disposed of, I could not find my insect repellent and the electric one said it did not work well with air con oh dear, wonder why they had not sealed the bottom of the door to reduce the chances of this happening.
I had a wander about and decided to explore how best to get to the rock, there was a free bus that went round the complex which actually was free, so why did I decide to walk to the town centre in the baking heat at midday. When I got there I got some water and drink to make sure I did not dehydrate, then a sandwich.  Then booked a visit for that evening to see the famous rock, I felt that I did not want to dine on my own,  just see it. I went and had a rest for a while after having a shower and caught up with websites and e mail.

Then time to see this famous iconic rock, the coach was on time, it was only a short drive to the rock and we were promised drinks and snacks when we arrived. As I looked round it was obvious that there were sections for different tours, as expected there were lots of selfies being taken, I assisted a couple of families by taking photos of the two of them, how or why particular people I am not sure,  possibly there is a paid job out of this LOL.
I had taken Chico with me so set him up for a couple of photos, some people nearbye gave me rather odd looks,  I noticed this was not very well though of with the small group but also it seemed lonely to be such a place with nobody to share with . I noticed a post that would be good for a photo of Chico , a young couple were there, good news is that they  were happy to chat about how I came to be there with him,  I took photos for them and then took some of me and Chico. Maybe he will acquire more FB friends out of it.
The sun settled down but the clouds were a problem so we did not get one of those special sunsets I had hoped for, it was just darker. It also seemed the time was up so back to the coach and a return to the resort in total we had been away less than 2 hours. I just telaxed for the rest of the evening as tomorrow was going to be another long day.