Day 8 (First day of riding!!)

Officially started the first day of my motorcycle trip, picked up the bikes from Selena at BikeEscape, great equipment, very helpful staff and only made fun of Rick and I for asking to connect a power outlet for our heated clothes. Selena also warned us about driving on the wrong side of the road, we assured her there were no worries.

Blue Mountains – Sydney to Windsor – 279Km (173 mi)

Windsor Terrace Motel

Daily Pictures

A little background for you, Rick and I ride are used to riding a lot, a Sunday morning ride can easily be 200 mi and be done before lunch, so when we got the itinerary from Mark at BikeRoundOz, at first we thought we would be bored. Usually the only sightseeing we do is while riding, the gentleman who set this up explained that the riding here is a little different than in the states, first of all, if is says the speed limit is 60K, they mean that, cameras are everywhere. We also found out that they are serious about drinking and driving, we came up to a road block and everyone was doing a breathalyzer, we took off our helmets and talked to the cop, mind you, this is a 4PM on a Monday afternoon, talk about a laid back country, they don’t do this because they never catch any one!!  Anyway after bailing out Rick, we continued on our way.

We went to Echo Point and saw the Three Sisters’ rock formation as well as taking on the Giant Stairway, we thought how difficult could it be, real difficult it turns out, while I got some pictures, this really doesn’t do it justice, once again another beautiful day. Here's my first "creative" video of Three Sisters and Jamison Valley.

So we rolled into Windsor around dark, found our hotel and unpacked. After cleaning up we decided to see what we could get into. We walked a few blocks over to the local pub and grabbed a beer, pretty dead place with 2 locals, the bartender and us. We enjoyed the beer but it looked to be an early night. Well after the 1^st beer going down so easily, we decided to partake in another, once that started a crew started hauling in the  gear, an upright bass, guitars, ukuleles, speakers, etc, looks like even a boring Monday night in sleepy Windsor, had potential. Turns out this was open mic night and everybody in town (I think) can sing, we were treated to a concert and camaraderie the whole evening. Some were great while others were OK, but all had the balls to get up there. I did record a few of the better acts but all are too big to post without editing.

Day 7

Today was a pretty low key day, just hung out by the Harbour in the morning and went to the hotel gym this afternoon to get my sweat-on or at least try to recover from last night’s festivities.  We also went over to the show one last time before picking up the bikes, most everyone was leaving, but there was this one unique “ribbon” show, check out these pics

 

So I was a little nervous driving on the left since I couldn’t even remember to stay left on the sidewalk, constantly interrupting the flow of people and receiving perplexing looks like I’m in the wrong, only after 2 days did I realize I was!! On the ride over to the shop my nervousness turned in to full blown stress, those who know me well know I don’t stress too often, so this was serious. We get to the shop and are talking to the owners who explain the local’s position on driving on the wrong side (they’re not too keen on it) as well as the problem with bailing out, our right side American bailout is the left side bailout for Australians, surely we are going to end up testing the Australian health care system!! Anyway, we finish up the paperwork, sign our liability or is that life away and after setting up the GPS for the hotel, off we go. Well I’ve got to be honest and tell you it was a non-event, now it helps that there is traffic to follow and cars parked on the side of the road pointed in the right direction, but overall, I was stressed for nothing.  I suppose though that thinking it’s nothing and not be focused can cause problems.

Back at the hotel, we hook up with Robert and Tom to grab a last night dinner (for them) at The Meat & Wine Co. down on Darling Harbour, again another fantastic meal, wine, beer and Maker’s Mark flowing freely while we attempt to solve all the world’s problems. I think we made a valiant effort, most remained unsolved, there is still a dependence on despot for energy and food for that matter, over population, etc, but what we did solve, while remaining unspoken for now, will have a tremendous effect on mankind.  Look Out!!

Day 6

Busy day being a tourist while Rick spoke at the conference, I'll keep it simple and let the day unfold by the pictures and map of my day.

Now the night couldn't go by that easily, finally adjusting to the local time, we weren't passed out at 8 and instead went to a VIP (really) cocktail party. We became instantly and intimately familiar with the local beers and wines while enjoying the company of some of the coolest and most interesting people in Australia. Everyone is so friendly and inviting, all wanting to know about the motorcycle trip with genuine interest. Before the reception was over there were multiple invites to "stop by" for a BBQ at various points on our route. There was also a spectacular fireworks display on Darling Harbour, some seemed to think this might be a Saturday night ritual, but I'm pretty sure they were celebrating us being here!! People were starting to thin out after a few hours, but that was just a sign that the real party was about to begin. We circled the wagons and with Emmett leading the charge we proceeded to find a spot for dinner. Being around 9PM on a busy convention/tourist Saturday the choices were limited for 12 people, or so I thought, one phone call later, a table was waiting, we by-passed the diners outside and were seated straight away, so maybe we weren't all VIPs, but Emmett and company surely were!! This was a fantastic seafood restaurant, however being a land lubber, crustaceans just weren't for me. Well some of the best steaks I've had were actually from seafood restaurants and this was no exception, a bone-in ribeye cooked to perfection, superb sides and of course, more drinks consumed while enjoying the company. After closing the joint we decided it would be a smart thing to get another drink (or three) and went to The Loft. Going out on the town with a crew in the know" makes all the difference and this was no different, what was different was seeing a dance floor packed with the rhythmically challenged. All of a sudden, my Deney Terrio / Tony Manero was itching to come out, thankfully for the Aussies, I was able to restrain myself, no need to make them feel inferior with all the great hospitality they have shown!!

The rest of the night I have to keep on the DL, you never know who reads this and I don't need any legal problems this far from home!! ;-)

Day 5 (Revised Evening!!)

I was so tired Friday night that I forgot we actually did something, here's a quick recap.

We decided to take in some local culture and went to a Rugby game at Sydney Olympic Stadium (ANZ) to see the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, fortunately the Bulldogs were the home team, very easy to root for them, anyway, they got out to a quick start, but ultimately couldn't hold on for the win. Fantastic game once you understand and I found the Aussies more than willing to explain the game. Really interesting side note, just about every Aussie we've talked to has been to the US, but most Americans haven’t been here, don’t know if it’s the sense of adventure Aussies have or what. Anyhow, the atmosphere of the game was electric and you could see the dividing lines very clearly, I had in my mind that there would be a rugby hooligan presence, but by and large things stayed in control and the only fighting was on the field. 

Here is the opening kickoff:

Day 5

Friday was a beautiful day in Sydney, so we decided to squeeze in workout in the park. Just something to make sure that I keep my trip weight gain under 45 kilos with all this great food (Beer!!!!) As we were setting up a cool Aussie kid by the name of Lance approached us and wanted to know what the hell a couple "American blokes" were doing hanging strap over the branch of a eucalyptus tree. Turns out he is from Wagga Wagga, which is 5 hours from Sydney. He asked if we were doing Cross-fit, now mind you, Australia is the most fit nation on the planet and still, America has influence on exercise programs and this kid wanted to talk about it?!? We talked a bit about different exercises and pretty much everything else under the sun, Lance explained that he was the recipient of a scholastic award and in the city for that. So obviously this kid was smart, he talked about wanting to go into the Australian Army and fly Blackhawk Helicopters, nice to meet a kid with ambition and drive. He also commented that is was so cool that "older people" would do these kind of workouts in the park. Thanks... I guess!

 I’ve started a Picasa Web Photo Album with random daily pictures and will also post some videos directly into the blog. Here are two examples of a push to pike, bear in mind that the one of me is at the end of a 50 minute "killer" workout and suffice it to say, Lance took a little different route. Say what you will, but I don't think the difference in form has anything to do with being one of the "older people"... 

Paul  (DEAD TIRED!!)

Lance (SHOWOFF!!)

Rick (What is he talking about??? Comments welcome!!)

After the workout, we came back to clean up and head out for the day, at this point we needed some fuel so we went to a local café and ordered the breakfast special, empty place so we decided to stay. Once we told them we were staying, the price went up $10 each, no more food, just a “table” charge, WTF? They must not like us Americans :-(  Decided the money could be better spent elsewhere, took the sandwiches and went down to Darling Harbour to eat by the water. 

The rest of the day was spent in the Australian Fitness expo, which was the reason Rick came here in the first place and the catalyst for me to mark another item off of my bucket list. Have to say it was a really cool exhibit, seeing everything from the super fit to the super freak, take a look at my pictures above and you'll see what I mean. 

Nothing special to report for the evening festivities, actually came back to the room, showered to go out and ended up crashing early again. So sorry for no excitement!!

Day 4 (In Sydney)

Quick follow up to yesterday’s experience in the Narita lounge, I did find that they had a massage along with a full shower and  not to go into too much detail, but the Japanese have it all figured out with the bidet system built into the toilet seats, nice!!

OK, on to my first day in Sydney, I got in to the Four Points Sheraton around 9 this morning and meet up with Rick, we went out to grab a quick bite and walk around Darlington Harbor. After about a 1.5 hour walk we came back to the hotel and meet Robert. We then decided to walk over to the Sydney Harbor Bridge and take the full tour. It was expensive and long. but worth it. We went up and over the bridge, seeing the Sydney Harbor, the Opera house and Governors’ Mansion just to name a few.  After a 4 hour tour we finished up and started a Pub Crawl all the way back to the hotel. Went to the oldest bar in Australia, as well as the oldest bar in Australia and finally the oldest bar in Australia. I know, a bit of repeating myself, however each bar claimed to be the oldest, one even dating back to its first license issued in 1817. I’m not sure who is right as each has its own definition, one has had the building the longest, one has been in the same location the longest and this one with the liquor license date. Being the equal opportunist that I am, I sampled at all locations. I did really enjoy the different local brew, maybe too  though, I’m doing touch and go’s just writing this, so with that said, it’s around 8PM local time and I’m going to post this along with a cool picture and hit the sack. If this doesn’t quite make sense, please forgive me.

Take care,

Paul

Day 2 or 3??

Here I am in Tokyo and it's 4:30PM on 4/25, same day but 13 hours later, not real sure how this will translate for Sydney, I think 1 more hour change as it should only be a flight south (more or less) crossing the equator but not the IDL. BTW, the entire flight while covering 28 hours on the clock took about 13 hours, daylight the entire way. Also, JAL has installed a POV camera on the aircraft and I was able to see some cool icebergs as we passed over the Bering Strait, I was looking for the Wizard too but alas, today or yesterday wasn't that day.

Obviously, this is home of JAL and the Sakura lounge is quite swanky, funny thing though, here they separate the lowly business class (me) from the first class, I have to go downstairs with the upper lower class while the upper upper class stays upstairs. Both floors look out on to the same parked aircraft so I want to know what more do they get? I would like a massage, I wonder if they offer those upstairs?

During the flight over, I watched one movie, 'The Descendants' with George Clooney. This wasn't a movie that held enough interest for me to see at home but all in all, not bad. As for the executive seating, (JAL SHELL FLAT NEO) it sells itself as a flat bed but it is not quite flat, rather a slight downward incline. Sleeping for 8 hours, or at least trying you end up sliding down and being rather uncomfortable. The first half of the flight the aircraft was like a sauna too, after talking to the FA, I got her to understand it being hot and she adjusted the temperature, I was then able to sleep somewhat soundly with only the assistance of 1/2 Ambien.

Only 4 hours to kill here, not quite enough time to really do anything. Although with all these high end stores (duty free of course, which I think has to be some sort of scam), Phipps Plaza seems to have nothing on Narita, maybe I'll walk around and spend money I don't have or at least see if there is something I can't live without, or just people watch. Although in the lounge they have great Japanese beer and food that is complementary, so many choices with no real need to do anything.

Well next stop is Sydney, until then...

Day 1 (Lot's of Air time!!)

Hi Guys, Coming to you from JFK International Airport this morning. So I procrastinated as usual and didn't even start packing until 10PM last night. Now, before you question my integrity because the video post, from Sunday but posted last night, said I was packing, I was, but only in my head. Last night was crunch time and I ended up staying awake until 2:30AM and I set my alarm to wake me up at 3:30AM to be on a plane in Atlanta by 6. Well of course I didn't hear the alarm going off until 4:07 and I had to be at my Dad's house by 4:30. All I can say is thank you Marine Corps for teaching me how to SSS in under 5 minutes. I even had enough time to take the trash out, so I don't come back to that treat!

Right now, I'm in the Sakura Lounge of Japan Airlines, just walked in like I own the place and the polite Japanese ladies manning the store started to say something, then giggled, looked down and covered their mouths. Not sure if that means I'm a rock star or not, but I do know it means I got some good food, premium liquor (which I saved for later, small plane bottles you know) and plenty of NAYA water, not sure why JAL had Canadian water in New York, but who am I to question this stuff?

Since last night was such a late night, I'll try to sleep as much as I can from here to Tokyo. I may bust into my sleeping pills or the muscle relaxers, break out the kindle and see what happens. It's a 14 hour flight to Narita, then another 8 to Sydney and that doesn't include the 4 hour lay over. There is another Sakura Lounge in Tokyo that I will take advantage of, hopefully it's busier than here, there's only one other person right now and I'm pretty sure there would be a language barrier.

OK, enough for now, I'm going to walk the airport and see who I see and maybe I'll get recognized for the rock star that I am or at least mistaken for a member of the janitorial team.

D-Day -1

Wanted to give you a quick update on my trip, but first I want to apologize for no post yesterday. I did shoot a short test video and apparently I didn't uploaded it correctly, pretty good for a tech guy, I will work that out tonight, time permitting.

So I wanted to let you know the itinerary and some of the thing planned. I'll be leaving tomorrow at 4AM to catch a flight to LaGuardia and change airports to JFK, once there I have a 4 hour layover until I board Japan Airlines and fly non-stop to Tokyo, again another 4 hour layover and then on to Sydney. I'll arrive in Sydney on Thursday morning at 6AM, funny thing is I loose Wednesday somewhere along the way. I'll be in Sydney for 4 days, getting over jet lag, seeing the Opera House, taking a tour over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hyde Park, The Rocks and anything else I can fit in, I'll be bringing some comfortable shoes for sure!! I won't go into detail of all the things to see on the motorcycle ride but here is the daily schedule, hopefully it looks interesting enough for you to come back each day and see what's new.

　

Sydney to Brisbane and Return

 

Total Distance – 2,552 kms ( 1,585 miles)

Summary of tour… (April 29 - May 9)

• Windsor area to Cessnock (Hunter Valley) 263km (163 miles)
 

• Cessnock to Armidale 360km (224 miles)
 

• Armidale to Bellingen 153 kms (95 miles)

• Bellingen to Lismore 275kms(171 miles)
 

• Lismore to Brisbane 205km (127 miles)
 

• Brisbane to Byron Bay 165kms(102 miles)

• Byron Bay/Ballina - rest day local area (Surfing!!)

• Byron Bay to Port Macquarie 410 kms (254 miles)

• Port Macquarie to Sydney 442 kms (275 miles)

• Sydney to Windsor via Blue Mountains 279km (173 miles)

Highlights include: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, New England, Waterfall Way, Northern NSW, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay & NSW northern coast.

D-Day -2 (Delayed Video Post)

OK, I've got my technical challenges addressed, this is a short test of my video camera shot yesterday. As an aside, between D-Day -1 and now, I called the airlines and changed my return flight so I would have another day in Hong Kong. How fun is this whole trip going to be??

D-Day -3

Welcome to the first of hopefully many blog entries over the next few months. I've started this as part of my FIRST class at Boston University (MET AD648) with the Masters of Science - Project Management as my end goal.

OK, let me back up a bit, I've been looking at graduate programs for a few years now and couldn't decide if I really wanted to pursue one, my friend Angeline, who got her MBA a few years back, even recommended against it and at the same time gave me one of the best complements ever, she said "Why would you want to put yourself through this, we are learning to do what you already do?" As some of you know I started PK Consulting, Inc (www.pk-consulting.com) in 1999, after dabbling in this as a side business for a few years while working in Corporate America, I approached a cross roads in my life in 2001, to make a long story short, serious health issues prevented me from working for "the man" any more and I had to turn PKC into a real business. Fortunately I was able to do so and have never looked back. Now when I complete this program it’s not like I’m going to promote or give myself a raise, however it's  something that I want to do just for me. If it enhances or adds to my current skillset and that transfer to current clients or allows me attract new ones, then great, but I think the sense of accomplishment along with the interesting, intelligent and diverse faculty and students that I will interact with and the “book” knowledge gained are the true draws back to academia.

So, D-Day -3, why is that the subject? Well I’ve started this blog a few weeks before class begins because I’m going on vacation and want to share that with experience with everyone (and I’m a little concerned I’ll run out of things to write in the daily grind). I am going to Australia for 2.5 weeks and will be renting a motorcycle to ride from Sydney to Brisbane going north through the mountains and returning on the coast. This is the trip that I’ve been planning, dreaming and saving for since I went into the Marine Corps at 18. Yea things have been stable for a while now, but it still never seemed to be quite the right time and I just kept coming up with excuses of why not. Well no more, I’m not getting any younger, despite my trying and when this opportunity arose and the stars all aligned, I decided to pull the trigger and am leaving on Tuesday. Thus I will be sharing stories, pictures, videos and whatever else I can think of to invite you in to this once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks for reading and we’ll talk soon.

Paul