Berra Apartment

I'm back in the nation's capital for work and while my previous stay in a 'serviced apartment' was a bit shite, I will say that this apartment rocked! 

 My open plan lounge and kitchen.

 Yes, I like having a proper kitchen.  

The view from the kitchen. 

Hey why not.  Here's a bedroom shot.

Here's a bathroom shot.  Two doors for easy access and heated tiles! 

Now I kinda wished I took this job for longer than two weeks.  Walking distance to work as well! 

Serviced Apartments

I've stayed at many different serviced apartments in my time of travelling so I think I'm in a good position to tell which ones are good or bad.  Hence, I'm not sure how this place can pass as a serviced apartment when my 'stove' looks like this:

It's a portable hotplate!  On top of that, there is no oven in this apartment. *groan*

At $157-$239 a night, I'm glad I'm not the one paying for my stay.  What a rip off.  I've stayed at another serviced apartment around the corner for $120 a night.  It was waaaay better and equipped with a full kitchen and laundry facilities.  Oh well, I guess staying here for the next two weeks will be marginally better than my previous two weeks in a Canberran hotel whereby I had no cooking or clothes washing facilities.  Breadtop and Sushi Train are also downstairs too!  :D

Missed My Flight...

... so I'm sitting in the airline lounge enjoying some freebies.  I don't normally have lounge access but I had a complimentary pass which I was saving for a most suitable occasion and today was the day.  

The best thing about the lounge?  Free food and alcohol! 

This Hungarian goulash was so-so.  Although I guess I don't know what a good goulash tastes like.   

 Next dish - some antipasto options.  The bonus today was macaroni cheese.  It was surprisingly good! 

More antipasto and cheese.  A glass of shiraz to help all it go down.  

I finally boarded my flight and am now in Canberra.  My employer stupidly booked in a hotel rather than a serviced apartment, so it's going to be a bit of struggle with dinner over the next few nights.  

My home for the next two weeks.  The room is far too big and so much space is wasted.  

Kuranda

I had to drive pass the Skyrail many times on my previous stay in Cairns.  I was curious but didn't have enough time back then to take the ride.  So when I asked Spu what he wanted to do for our second day of adventure, he asked 'What's there to do in the Daintree forest?'  I said, 'It's a rainforest - not much.  It probably looks like any other rainforest in the area.'  So with that, we decided to go to kill two birds and check out the 'Skyrail Rainforest Cableway'.

We booked a tour which started with a ride up via the Skyrail cable car to the town of Kuranda.  We were given free time to explore the town and then a ride down back to Cairns aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railroad.

I will say one thing - This was frickin expensive.  A one way ticket on the Skyrail was $44!  What the hell, it's only 7.5km of cable and if you opt not to get off at the two stops and instead head directly to Kuranda, this ride would take about 30 minutes tops.  It definitely wasn't on the same level of value of when Moo and I each paid €41 (approx AU$51) to spend an entire day at Parc Asterix.  You could see why it wasn't teeming with tourists.   Is the money going towards conservation?  It better be.  Either that or it's paying off the debt incurred by it's construction.  

Spu in the cable car.  Me in the cable car.  Nice lush views.  

First stop - Red Peak.

Spuey enjoying the boardwalk path.  It felt just like the Daintree!

Treehugger.

Next stop - Barron Falls. 

The gorge/falls was not at it's peak today and the waterfall was more like a water trickle.  From the photos I've seen it looks pretty spectacular when in full force though.  Here at this stop was also a 'state of the art' interpretive centre, where the touch screen computers didn't really work and it more or less felt like a bad kiddie museum.  

Making our way to Kuranda, I crossed the Barron River.  So did Spu. 

Next stop - Kuranda.

Walking up the tree covered path to Kuranda - very nice!  Cooling too.  Spu never realised that trees could be so shady.  A dead amphibian.  Only in the tropics. 

The small community of Kuranda is fairly dependent on tourism with their markets selling plenty of souvenirs and knick knacks.  Good for people into that stuff.  Me and Spu?  Not so much.

Here's a store which has found it's niche between the kangaroo fur and hand made soap stalls - wine... derived from mangoes!  

Spu and I tasted everything Golden Drop had to offer.  All the alcohol was chilled so it all went down a  refreshing treat.  The mango-ey smell was a pleasant bonus on the nose.  I liked the cello least but I could have easily bought their entire range.  The main thing stopping me from doing so is that we didn't want to carry it and secondly ...maybe I should cut back on my alcohol??  So I just settled on a single bottle of the medium dry wine.  

Me and the miner. 

Spu and I decided to overload on tropical rainforests and followed Jum Rum Creek - Jungle - River walk nearby.

Creek pit stop. 

The walk brought us all the way back to Kuranda's train station where waited to board the next Kuranda Scenic Train down back to Cairns.  

All aboard the Hogwar...err. Kuranda Express!

Now at Barron Falls from the opposite side. 

The train curves around the mountain. 

I couldn't get a photo like this from the train, but this was the highlight of the ride.  

The train in total took three hours to get back to Cairns.  Not to undermine the significance of the train's history (it was built to shuttle miners up and down to Cairns) but after about an hour, the train ride got pretty damn boring.  Worse for Spuey, he sat on a seat which didn't get the window breeze (the train carriages weren't air-conditioned) and only realised so when we were about 15 minutes from Cairns!  He'd been sitting and sweating the whole time.  

We pulled into Cairns train station and after having a quick rest, we stuck to our promise of returning to Gunbaranba.

Spu had the cheesy ramen.  Yes it sounded a bit weird but that was part of it's appeal!  The flavours weren't conventional but it still worked!  I had one of the cold soup ramen.  Yum yum! 

Just to be extra greedy, we ordered a side of tuna salad and sushi rice.  They were just ok. 

That's it for the touristy stuff in Cairns.  Spu heads home tomorrow and I return to the work grind.  I'll kinda be glad to leave in a few days - it's nice to wake up in the morning without sweating! 

Snorkelling with Spu

When in Cairns, one must go to the Great Barrier Reef.  I had a most fun time swimming with the fishies last time, I really wanted to go again but not as a Nigel this time.  Cue the Spu.  

Spu was a bit worried that he wasn't a strong enough swimmer for snorkelling.  I said, 'I reckon I'm a worse Asian swimmer than you and if I could snorkel last time, you can do it too.'  We contemplated diving but the health restrictions recommended not flying within 24 hours.  Best not to risk it but anyway, it was much more expensive.

We examined a bunch of brochures and settled on the Moore Reef Cruise from Sunlover.  I had thought my previous tour had a big boat but this Sunlover boat was about double the size.  

Our boat.  Ok, it's a catarmaran. 

Spu sitting next to Mr. Green Sea Turtle.  

First pit stop.  Fitzroy Island!  This seemed more to be where locals got off with their BBQ and cricket bats.  

A good 30-40% of passengers got off the boat at Fitzroy Island, leaving Spu and I with a LOT of rowdy Mainlanders.  Of course we were mistaken for them too.  

Once we reached the Sunlover purpose built pontoon, we all jumped off ready for our chosen activities.  Spu and I decided to snorkel first.  

Spu and I channeling our inner ninja.  Stinger season peeps!  I don't need a stinger bite.  

The view from the pontoon.  Water so clear.  Fish so bright and pretty.  

These pics were taken by a disposable waterproof camera and the grainy appearance is genuine, not Instagram filtered.  

Fishies so close to me!!!  Spu and I each tried to touch them but they were too quick.  

We also saw a Green Sea Turtle :D  I couldn't get a photo but I'm so happy to have seen one especially as I was quite disappointed at missing out last time.  I can die happy.  Content with our snorkel adventure, Spu and I decided to hit the buffet lunch and of course missed out on the fresh prawns because they'd been attacked by the Mainlanders.  Grrrrrrr.  

Next actvity - the semi submersible tour.  It's almost a submarine.  

Spu decided that it was too hot for a shirt.  Mainlander demonstrating a Camera Stance. 

Next activity - Glass bottom boat.  It's so dangerously close, it's a wonder they don't hit any of the coral.

My view through the glass bottom. 

Better idea of the view through the glass bottom.  My favourite coral is there too!  The spaghetti looking coral.  I like how it wafts in the water.  

Next activity - petting zoo.  Ok, it's not a zoo, it was a touch tank.

Spu not enjoying the big black sea cucumber.  Me enjoying it too much.  It was slimy and squishy and we were discouraged from squeezing it.  It would spurt water otherwise. 

Another sea cucumber I think.  It looked like a loaf of bread in the water, but when removed became deflated and bit sad :(  Me so happy to have a baby starfish in my hands.  It was alive! 

Next activity - presentation on the Great Barrier Reef.  Held on the pontoons underwater theatre.  This was very pretty and an excellent way of seeing up close the fish you didn't get to meet while snorkelling.  I could sit here for hours just staring at them..... or I could stare at a screensaver.  Nah, real fish are better.

Look at the parrot fish!  It has human buck teeth!  

I was pretty satisfied that Spu and I did EVERYTHING available on the pontoon bar the extra optional activities.  So with our fours hours up on the reef, we boarded the catamaran and headed back to Cairns.

Now for dinner.  I had eyed a ramen bar near my work and even though it's never soupy weather in Cairns, nothing was stopping Spu and I from scarfing up some tonkotsu goodness.  Hearing Japanese spoken within the restaurant is always encouraging and we were seated promptly.  Spu and I had popped in at a good time because shortly afterwards, a queue formed.  Also, when a ramen bar gives you the option of stipulating how 'hard/chewy' you want your noodles to be.....well that's a good thing.

I ordered the Tonkotsu I think whereas Spu, feeling the heat ordered a cold soup ramen.  He was a bit apprehensive but happy with his very tasty and refreshing choice.  We also ordered a serve of the homemade gyoza.

The reviews for this place are generally positive and while it's probably not the best bowl I've had (soup was tasty but some more topping wouldn't have hurt) I was pretty happy overall and Spu (being the less fussy eater) was super happy.  We shall return!  

Spu's here!

Spu arrived last night with an hour delay *groan* but that didn't really matter because I was only staying a 10 minute drive from the airport.  

Anyway today I worked while Spu spent the day exploring Cairns CBD.  He bought a new mobile phone, checked out Rusty's Markets, took a dip in the lagoon and then lounged poolside reading Harry Potter.  Aaah what a life.  

Then we went for dinner and took advantage of the several Japanese run joints in Cairns by eating at Sushi Train.  I'm still annoyed that no Japanese person has taken this franchise to Melbourne.  It's probably not the best but the quality is decent and consistent.  

Some of our dishes.

Fried salmon skin.  Mmmmm omega three goodness.  The Volcano roll.  It looks like an erupting volcano!  The roll itself was not as spectacular as the appearance.  Karaage chicken (yes fried chicken) and takoyaki balls.  Yum! 

Yah I must make the most of having an eating buddy while in Cairns.  

Cairns - again!

I thought I'd guarantee myself a bit of a Summer and headed up to Cairns for work once more.  I really liked the vibe of the town last time and was more than happy to return.  As usual, I've been supplied an apartment (a much better one than last time) and also a car.  

Here's a tour of my abode.  

Open plan lounge and kitchen.  

Off we go upstairs.  Upstairs.  I have a two level apartment.  

Main bedroom and second bedroom.  Both had ensuites.  Apartment - too big for little old me.  

My rental car for the next two weeks.  Never driven an Hyundai before and will probably never buy one, but given that it was brand spanking new, it was a pretty sweet, zippy ride.  

Clearly this apartment is too big for one person.  Ma really wanted to come and visit but unfortunately being retired means that her diary is jammed pack with activities such as watching live Viet concerts.  Given that Spu is still a bum and has never been to the Australian tropics, I have forced him to come and visit me :D  Our adventures will follow! 

San Sebastian - Day 2

On the recommendation of the locals Smee spoke to last night, we hit up Bar Goiz Argi for some pintxos lunch.  They said to try to signature grilled prawn pintxos.... your wish is my command!  

One of the smallest pintxos bars we'd come across.  Just a tiny door and no windows.  

This appeared to be a family run joint with Mama Basque manning most of the main counter.  She was such a cutie-Mama, constantly smiling and truly enjoyed her job.  She showered us with an 'Arigato!!!' as we left.  Hilarious.  

Hmmm.. What shall we order? 

We found our spot at the counter.  Mama Basque getting dishes ready.

Smee and I went a little nuts.  The same story goes, everything was tasty and cheap.  Some jamon and prawn pintxos to whet the appetite.  The signature grilled prawns with a salsa of sorts on it.  Yes, it was very tasty indeed!  Smee and I had two servings!  Smee loves his padron peppers so Smee did his best point-and-thumbs-up to the fresh ones and they fried them up for us.

Grilled squid.  So simple, yet so so delicious.  Another plate thanks!  There were some other peppers next to the padron peppers, so we got a plate of those as well.  I decided I wanted a beef ball of sorts.  It was nice but not as good as the other dishes.  

Yup, eating I'm eating away!  Smee loving his squid.  

No meal is complete without a glass of kalimotxo.  This is probably the only way someone can get me to drink Coke.  I've never drunk Coke so often in my life!

After lunch, we took a walk down to Zurriola and La Concha beach.  It's not high Summer but the weather was so nice and I even got an unwanted tan.

La Concha beach.  Reminds me a bit of Bondi.. but not really.  

Smee and I then went on a 'Titty Hunt'.  They take their tanning seriously in this part of the world and there were plenty of bare breasts on display.  

Smee on the beach, Smee on the beach!  One of the worst boob jobs ever.  Terrible!!!!

Before heading back to Bilbao airport, we wanted to return to La Cuchara to sample the other items we didn't get to eat last night but like most other pintxos bars, they were shut for the afternoon.  Boo hoo.  So we return to where it all started, Bar Txalupa.  In hindsight, this was a comparatively mediocre bar.  

Goats cheese and onion pintxo.  More chicken wings for Smee.  A little sausage for me.  We didn't eat these but they had chicken nuggets on a skewer.  C'mon, that's zero effort.  Some more fried calamari.  

One for the road :D

Me getting ready to ride myself back to Bilbao airport.  As if.  

Yep, it was a good idea for us to have our hotel right at the bus 'terminal'.  It's not really a proper terminal but more where the buses park and drop off/collect passengers.  The PESA ticket office is just down the main road (Av de Sancho 'El Sabio') and if you didn't do your research (like several tourists trying to board our bus) you need to buy your ticket from them and not the driver.  Our driver was so nice though.  He saw a 'China Chica' run to the ticketing office and did a few rounds while waiting for her to come back.  Now, that's very thoughtful.  He could have easily just driven off without her.  

Anyway, I'm totally loving the Basque region of Spain - one of my fave areas in Europe so far!  There's a nice village atmosphere and the people seem genuinely happy.  Who wouldn't be with the sun shining down on them and the awesome, cheap food?!  Not like grumpy, old London.  There are so many more bars I'd like to have tried such as A Fuego Negro, Borda Berri and of course, the Michelin star restaurants including the famous Arzak.  I definitely want to return to San Sebastian before it becomes inundated with more tourists.  The fact that there are pretty much no direct flights to San Sebastian (most go via Madrid from London) has sheltered it from the hoards of Brits, me thinks.  Smee please buy us a holiday home here - fanks.  

For anyone planning their own eating adventure, remember that in Spain a lot shops are closed on Monday so take that into account in order to maximise your enjoyment.  Otherwise, bubbai San Sebastian!  Hopefully we'll meet again soon! :D