To Sydney from Nadi on Air Pacific. The leased Air Pacific 747 is a bit tired but business class is spacious and the cabin staff willing. Breakfast is substantial if not very inspiring. Scheduled transit time in Sydney was 1 hour 20 minutes but a short delay leaving Nadi and air traffic control requirements in Sydney saw this reduced to 50 minutes. This is impossible for bag transfer in Sydney and sure enough my bag didn't make it to Manila at the same time as me. This happened on my last trip too even with the scheduled transit time.
QF19 to Manila is the old 767 (supposed to be replaced by an A330 in October I think and not before time). Business class is cramped when full as it was on this trip. Food is good.
The ground staff in Manila were pretty good on the lost bag and provided $100.
Because I was going diving in Anilao on Sunday I had to race into SM to buy swimming trunks, rash shirt, and some spare T-shirts and underwear. The EDSA Shangri-La contributed an emergency kit of pyjamas and toiletries.
Had two really good dives in Anilao after a smooth trip down the SLEX and Star Highway (3.5 hours travel time with a stop for breakfast at Starbucks). This was my first time to dive at Anilao. Great soft coral, interesting variety of marine life.
The work week was good. Attended the Food for All Forum. Lots of social outings with friends, including the Survivor Chicas + Kit. Legally Blond, the musical was great, as was dining at Cafe Juanita (the new one) and the Frazzled Cook. Best of all was the company.
The return to Fiji was via Hong Kong and Cathay as I prefer the lie-flat beds for an overnight flight. Left Manila at 7 pm and Hong Kong at 11:55, all on time. Had about 3 hours in the Qantas first class lounge in Sydney courtesy of my platinum frequent flier status. Time for a facial and sit-down lunch - great food. Got back to Nadi to find that flights had been disrupted by heavy rain that morning. For whatever reason the flight to Suva was canceled so we were put up at the Tanoa. With the 8:30 flight back to Suva a 30 hour trip was over!
