Day 1 - Tue 12 Nov: Home to Brisbane to Singapore to Phuket

Well thanks for nothing Mr Qantas. Went on the Qantas app to check that my flights hadn’t changed a week out from departure (they’ve done it to me before) and discovered that my flight from Singers to Phuket had been changed from 2000h to 1440h. Now that would be nice as it would get me into Phuket at a more respectable time. However, as I don’t land in Singers until 1730h, there’s not much of a chance I would be able to catch a 1440h flight&@;!?? It’s hard to believe that someone in Qantas would be so stupid, or a computer would make suck a basic error. Soooo, after trying without success to fix it online I resorted to attempting to speak to a real person on the phone. Got the old “all our operators are busy ... your wait will be one hour 30 minutes. To cut a very long story short, I didn’t get to speak to anyone but eventually found the new Live Chat option and typed out my predicament. Couldn’t resolve it to fit with the other bookings I’d made. Apparently, Jetstar had just up and cancelled the flight without any alternative plan. Eventually cancelled the whole trip with Qantas and booked flights on Singapore Airlines. I try and remain faithful to the Flying Kangaroo, but they are very trying sometimes.

As it turned out I had an appointment in Brisbane on 11 November so drove down that day and had a nice relaxing evening in the Big Smoke. And that’s what it is today with half the country on fire the smoke haze was worse than Beijing apparently and that’s pretty bad. Not sure it had the same toxins as China as I couldn’t smell it or feel it in my throat.

Up very early (4am) to check the ute into Gateway parking and then get shuttled to the airport. Check in was quick and hassle free as usual. With all the automation you hardly have to queue anymore.

After arriving in Phuket, the taxi ride to Surin Beach Resort was an hour long and cost $45. After some unpacking and a shower, I didn’t take long to hit the sack.

Singapore Airlines were great, good service and spot on time.

My transport to Singapore

Xmas is almost here

The Asian smog

A whole row to myself from Singapore to Phuket

Phuket Airport

My room

View from my room


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