Another transfer day. I had planned on getting up and doing a bit of sightseeing. I wanted to go to Hyde Park. It’s only about 3 blocks from the hotel. However, when I looked outside it was pouring down rain. Heavier than yesterday. I decided to just not let it stress me out and to make it a slow morning.
Breakfast was a bit better than yesterday. Mainly because I got down there earlier and there was a better selection and the mains were hotter. Coffee was still WAY TOO STRONG, even for me. Damn machine. From there I went up to the room and watched the news and then showered, dressed and finished packing. I checked out at 11:00. I had arranged for a shuttle transfer for 11:30.
The shuttle arrived about 11:20. It was a mini van with a singe seat row and a double seat row with about 7 or 8 rows of seats. The first 2 ½ were full of luggage. I grabbed a single seat in the back of the bus, thinking I was the last stop. No, there was one more stop and we picked up w ladies. They had to hold 2 of their suitcases. The ride took about 20 minutes and was a bit painful. When we got to the terminal the driver announced what airlines flew out of it and with my hearing I couldn’t understand. The lady next to me said it was Jet something and VA. She asked if I was a Virgin passenger. I said “I’m not a virgin, I just look like one”. They both laughed, probably because I looked like it could be true.
I self checked quickly and cleared security in about 2 minutes. From there I went to the Quantas Business Lounge. I found a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, glass of Champaign, glass of Chardonnay, glass of orange juice and a glass of sparkling water. Good thing it was afternoon. I would hate to think I drank that much before noon. I boarded the plane and it left on time, 3:00. Arriving in Melbourne at 4:30, I retrieved my bags from the baggage carousel and went to pick up the SkyBus that would take me to the Southern Cross Station.
The bus arrived in about 3 minutes, and it was packed. No place to sit. I didn’t want to stand, so I sat on the back stairs. It was a miserable ride. Not only was I tossed around, the bus was unbearably hot. Didn’t seem like there was any air conditioning and right next to me was the engine compartment, acting like a furnace. I was very happy to get to the station. I had to wait about 15 minutes to get the bus to the Quest Southbank Hotel. Kevin had just arrived as I pulled up. He had met me to help with the luggage. We walked back to the apartment where Joe was waiting.
Melbourne is very hot, about 95 degrees. Fortunately, the humidity is down so it isn’t real bad, but it is a bit uncomfortable. Joe and I went to The Belgian Beer Café for dinner. Kevin needed some gaming time so he stayed home. Joe and I had 2 tasty cold beers and a huge burger. I am still full as I write this blog 3 hours later. We walked back to the apartment and just sat around for a bit before bed.
Tomorrow we have an outing to see friends.
