belanda.net

Tired but happy

Writing this the second morning in Australia, after a reasonably good night's sleep.

Yesterday I arrived early in the morning (local time) at Melbourne International Airport after a long journey from Amsterdam, with a stop–over in Dubai.

Although the flight left with a delay from Amsterdam, I had enough time in Dubai to do what I had planned: buy a compact camera. I settled for the Canon PowerShot SX700HS. Frankly the electronics duty–free shopping was a bit disappointing. I had expected (and dimly remember) it to be a lot better, with a lot more choice and, I don't know, a bit classier.

As it is, the few camera's that were on my short–list after some quick and not very thorough research before I left Amsterdam were no–where to be found. The camera I decided on turned out to be out of stock, so I settled for the Canon. All in all a nice camera. I haven't used it beyond a few snapshots. I'll maybe have more to say later.

For now, enjoy some of those snapshots, optimized afterwards for web use, so not the actual quality of the pictures the camera takes. Once I get a good internet connection I'll upload some originals to photobucket or something.

The flight from Amsterdam to Dubai was with a Boeing 777-300ER. From Dubai the trip continued in an Airbus A380-800. First time I have been on one of those monsters. It's big. But once you're inside it doesn't really feel a lot different from that other monster, the 747.

I imagine most long–range flights these days are equipped similarly for entertainment, but I don't remember there being an USB port or a 110v wall plug available the last time I flew long–range.

Both came in very handy. The USB to keep my mobile battery full while I listened to my own music, and the 110v connection to charge the battery of my newly bought camera.

Which enabled me to make some pictures like the following.

Does the hotel room look a little familiar? It did to me. I've stayed in quite a few Accor hotels in Europe, and this looks just the same. Of course, it's also an Accor hotel I'm staying at here the first couple of days. It's the Fawkner Ibis hotel.

I've luckily managed to extend my booking through the weekend. When I first knew I would be going to Melbourne and watching the Formula One race here, I check for accommodations. I found this hotel and kept it in mind. When I finally came around to actually trying to book it for these first couple of days, it was fully booked in the weekend. Not surprising of course. It was a bit stupid I waited so long.

When I got here yesterday early in the morning I immediately asked to extend my stay. To my surprise it was possible, so now I have this room until Monday. Which gives me some time to organise other stuff (and watch the race without having to find a different not too expensive hotel and move). That other stuff mainly being buying or renting (probably buying) a camper for the rest of my holiday here. I'll keep you updated (probably).

Maybe something like this.