RHK's start spring Asia trip, sadly sans Gpanda's
 

We depart tomorrow for approximately one month to SEA. This trip has been planned for over two years, but intensely planned for about one year. As many of you know our good friends, the Gpandas, will be unable to join us this time because of andy's illness, but we will make up for that with several future trips together. We are sad with this recent development, but know he belongs here in Boston getting the best care medecine affords.

i booked our tickets about 350 days ago (korean air books 352 days in advance) through Delta, on Korean Air. We are very excited to finally get a chance to try Korean.... the award was 60,000 miles each plus $61. each for taxes, plus $20 for telephone assistance from Delta (i find this is $40 well spent). The routing is Boston to DC on Delta, an overnite in DC (my choice); then Korean Air direct to Seoul, arriving about 5PM (14+ hours); an overnite at the Incheon Hyatt in a club room (FF pts); and lastly a 6PM departure to Bali, arriving about mid-night. The reverse trip is slightly different, by my choice: Bali departure on Air Asia to K/L, where we switch (hopefully) to another A/A flight to Penang, arriving about 8:30 PM; A/A flt to Singapore; and finally Sin to Incheon to DC, all on Korean and finally Delta to Boston, arriving about 5:40 PM.... The A/A flights were inexpensive flights booked on line, including advance seat assignments and the medium level of baggage limit as extra expenses. I was and am thrilled with this routing and all of the pricing.

The air asia flts were $ 70, $ 25, and $ 40 inclusive each, and were all at fantastic times, except the penang departure which is about 8AM.

We had the whole accomodation thing planned for the 4 of us in bali, but after Andy got sick we decided to alter almost all of the bali accomodations as most of them were in luxuary 2 bedroom suites, which were no longer needed. I will interject here the current accomodation plan:

The hyatt is right at the airport or close-by. The FF cost is now unknown as it is not on the reservation, but it was reasonable. The club floor will be perfect for us with all the extras it brings to the table and also late check out i hope.

We will then stay at Alam Shanti for 5 nights, first in the lux Yamuna room for 3 nights and then 2 nights in the Narmada room ($150++ and $115++, including breakfasts). At the conclusion of that stay we have rented a car for the remainder of our trip. This may be a mistake but at $12.50 per day inclusive with 2 free days, it's a steal.

We will first drive east to Tirtagangga to the water palace there and stay within the palace at the Tirta Ayu Resort in a pool villa for 4 nights----$100++ including breakfasts.

From there we head to the north coast to Kalibukbuk in the Lovina area to the Rambutan for 4 more nights in a large villa--- $85.50++ including breakfasts.

From there we head south west to Tabanan to the newly renamed Pan Pacific Nirwana Resort (formely the Le Meridien) for our final 4 nites in Bali-- $120++ no breakfast. I had a Meridien res and PP will honor it.

In Penang we will stay at the newish Clove Hall Hotel in Georgetown. 500RM net including breakfast. We will have the Saffron suite which is 1/2 of the upper floor. We are very excited about our stay here.

Finally in Singapore we will be at the Intercontinental on Middle Road. $165++ (family and friends rate).

We are off to a wedding tonight so i may add a bit more before we depart.

Have a wonderful trip. There is so much good information in your first post. I can't wait for your day by reports. We've never been to Bali, but it is on my bucket list.

Bob, we are sad that the Pandas can not join you on this new adventure. However, it sounds like a fantastic trip. We may return to Bali some day and look forward to hearing all about it. As you know from our discussions at last month's mini GTG, we look forward to hearing all about your time in Singapore and Malaysia as we will likely be following you to the Clove Hall in Georgetown and the IC in Singapore next July. It appears that you will be missing Bangkok - yes?

Have a wonderful time and write with lots of details! For the first time since 2003, I have no trips planned and am living vicariously through all y'all.

Sad you have to go alone, but best wishes for a fabulous trip. The Bali accoms. sound great.

So sad andy and Beth won't be with you, but I do look forward to your on the ground report.

Have fun, Bob and Karen! Hope to hear from you soon!

We will keep Panda busy while you are away---I have plans to sign him up for a few great deals--one of the best requires only that he pay $565 clerical fee and, within three business days, he will receive fourteen million dollahs! If you are interested, I will give you the address in Kano.

So sorry to hear that gpanda won't be going with you at this time. Say "hi" to Putu for me...he was looking forward to seeing both of you again.

Happy travels to the K's.

Bad deal re: the lemons in Panda's dossier. Maybe some lemonade can be in the offing?

Have a blast...looks like our original plan didn't work out for all of us, but I know you guys will have a great time irrespective. Can't wait to hear all about it (you'll probably get to finishing your trip report before I finish mine from April!) :)

We plan to keep the Panda entertained in your absence.

BTW, you two MUST try Sari Organik restaurant in Ubud. It was our favorite place we ate at (we went back 3 times for lunch!) Definitely a lunch place only, though--it's a stunning 10-15 min walk off the main road into the rice paddies, and then, in the middle of nowhere, is a lush oasis where you can take your shoes off, lounge on comfy floor pillows at their tables and overlook the amazing scenery--nothing but verdant rice fields, the token Balinese "scarecrow" flags flying in the wind and really yummy food.

The owners have their own wonderful organic garden below the restaurant and all of the ingredients come directly from it. Best nasi goreng (made with brown rice) I had the entire trip. It's a bit hippie, but I can assure you the food is tremendous and the setting is unparalleled. Hope you and Karen try it out!

Ditto on Putu: please say hi from David & I.

Safe travels!!

So Einstein booked flights with ridiculously long layovers in both DC and Korea. They've booked hotels to cover the time, but the whole process would be too frustrating for those of us that actually value our time. I fully recognize that any time spent out of needham is a vacation, but two long layovers is not the way to go.

Beth and I are sad that I won't get to torture Bob close up. I know it drives him crazy every time I do the muscle trick. Plus, I won't get to watch him suck up to the various general Managers. Oh well, I can plan something extra special for our next trip. Do I get any bonus points if I make him cry?

Clove Hall looks very good. It will be interesting to hear how Albert likes it.

Hey, you two, have a wonderful time on your journey. It sounds like you have everything planned, from A to Z, as usual. I hope it all goes well.

BTW, Beth and I went running today, about 2 1/2 miles around Fresh Pond. I put some clothes on to go, spandex shorts and a polypropylene shirt. Beth said I had to change because I looked Like a susage. Panda Sausage? Probably not a big seller.

Safe travels- Have a wonderful trip!

did she hitch you to the collar and leash as usual...??

thanks for the kind comments.....the wedding was fabulous btw and my grandchildren were exceptional as junior bridemaids and junior ushers and flower girl...

i avoided the male guest with the dreadlocks... i think he was from cambridge---another einstein no doubt

Bon Voyage Bob! Are you sure you don't want to drop by Bangkok to see us?

Thanks Hunuman...we will pass this time. BUT, you need to get this mess cleared up by the fall when we are comming back and hopefully with the Panadas. Thanks everyone for all your wishes. This will be an adventure as we plan to drive all around the edge of Bali.

As usual a bit tardy. Have a fabulous trip despite the loss of your best travel companions.

Hopefully will see all 4 of you when you return to USA.

Have a great time. Although Andy and Beth may not be with you on this trip, the rest of us can enjoy their running commentary on this post. On the running front, the sausage analogy is pretty funny.

Bob and Karen have a great time. We will follow your path later this summer. Pls don't shop the entire island out.

Happy travels you two! Sounds like another stellar trip. I can't wait for the live reports to begin.

Don't fall off the edge in Bali and hope you avoid the Bali belly(no it's not yours Bob).

Andy, <i>Do I get any bonus points if I make him cry?</i> <b>yes</b>

Aloha!

Have a fab time, looking forward to your reports.

fine flight to DC...easy car pick up for drive to dulles...only got lost 2 or three times.... priceline room ($46+) at dulles... room is fine and expect a good nite's sleep before our 1335 flight tomorrow---14+ hours to seoul...

thanks for your generous wishes...

now the trip begins...

I too wish that I was sending bon voyage wishes to all four of you, but those wishes will certainly keep until the next madcap journey that you all take together.

Have a sensational trip, Bob and Karen. I look forward with delight to reading about it. (Bali is at the top of my list.)

I'm calling their cellphone at 5:30 am tomorrow, just to make sure they get to the airport in time for their flight. I'm awake, why shouldn't they be. That only gives them eight hours to shower, eat breakfast, update the trip report and make it to the airport two hours ahead of the international departure. Maybe I should call at 4:30 am just to be on the safe side.

Andy, you are sooo helpful.

helpful just like a splitting headache

KOREAN AIR IS FABULOUS!!!!! far superior to singapore.... more on that later..

we are at the hyatt incheon overnite.... nice hotel... fabulous room.. good hors' in the lounge..

leave for bali about 6 PM tomorrow...

Great start for your trip Bob. Eat some Korean food for me!

<i>good hors' in the lounge.</i>

Whoa...

In other words, Einstein is still in transit. A covered wagon was a faster mode of transport. Jules Verne may write about this trip.

Rizzuto - LOL.....

That was one of the funniest yet - Good hors in the lounge!!! What a good start to your trip.

Have a great time you two.
Sue

Oh dear.

I certainly hope that was just a Pho pas!

BC

What did you like so much about Korean Air? I am planning to fly them in Nov and was looking for a recent in depth review.

See, I told you those Hyatt lounges are the best,lol

Aloha!

There is zero chance that the OP knew he was making a funny. We rely on Rizutto to bring these bon mots to light. Zero. None. Nada.

Just like him to leave us with a teaser about Korean Air. Three sentences would have sufficed, but no, let's build up the anticipation. There's only a finite number of ways that an airline can be good. An infinite number in which they can be bad.

I also note that the hors' were only good, not great. When did the OP become such an expert?

<i>When did the OP become such an expert?</i>

I believe the term is "connoisseur."

How many more days until they reach their destination?

If the hors are set out on a plate, plentiful and free, then they are good. If no hors, or few of them, they are bad.

Andy, we need you over there for a taste test, and to protect the poor GM. Bob is there for less than 24 hrs and I have no doubt the GM will personally escort him out the door and into the shuttle bus for his next leg of the trip. And, we will hear, "such service from the GM."

haha.. just like lame fodorites always willing to point a finger and trying to find fault....

ok here is my take on Korean:

We flew a 777 from DC to Incheon... about 14 hours which flew by just like the now defunct NYC Thai flight.. we were at the rear of the first coach cabin in row 39, the only 2 seater row in that cabin and maybe the whole plane. FABULOUS.. we did back up to the handicaped toilet which was not a problem--could hear flushes sometimes.. it provided a nice private place to stand up, where the seat was missing... the general configuration was 3X3X3... window seat has 2 windows... seats recline just as all other coach seats. seats on the A side might be better as there is a cabinet buffer between toilet and row 39...we were on F side.. we loved our seats..
the seat itself is a bit different... could have had a tad more bottom padding, but was fine really. rather than just the back reclining, the seat and the back moved in tamden providing more comfort imo... there seemed to be some "pistons" which regulated the movement.

service at airport and on the plane was totally organized, "correct", efficient and pleasurable.. boarding was done by rows and there must have been 10 people organizing it.. even though this 777 was not new, it was clean and fresh and seemed new.

seat backs: the best arrangement i have seen. the tray was a fold in 1/2 type with one cup holder recess.. the tray was on sliders.. there was a seperate fold down cup holder when the tray was up. the tv was the largest screen i have seen--maybe 11-12" on the diagonal. the controls were touchscreen and the hand held control (key board on one side and screen control on the other)-- it was mounted on the seat back with an extendable retracting cord (the best ever arrangement). there was a small retractable holder for a purse or electronic cord too...

leg room and all the distances were more than adequate. the middle arm rest could be moved up and out of the way, the others were stationary (i wish they would make them all movable). we had a small compartment over our seats which held our two rollies perfectly.

the staff... all asians 100%, except one western pilot (and one asian). staff all neatly attired with cream and turquoise suits (men in navy--only 2 men i think). the women all had a starched ribbon in their hair which looked like a huge breast cancer or aids ribbon--maybe 8-10" long. the women also all wore a neck kerchief, the ends of whcih were starched and looked like a plane propeller, which was about 6-8" long---a bit weird really, and it must be very distracting... they all had english, but you needed to talk slowly to them. drink and meal service was very efficient... drinks 1 hour after take off, first dinner 2 hours after take off. another full meal 5 hours before arrival.

meals: we had choosen seafood meals. our first meal was a shrimp cocktail with 2 large shrimp on a bed of crisp--yes fresh and crisp boston lettuce, plus a large cherry tomato. the appetizer was smoked salmon with a lemmon wedge and fresh onion. the main course was a bed of perfectly cooked rice (very hot) some asparagus, a piece of brocolli and some cooked carrott (still cruncy), plus a generous grilled piece of a white fish--probably cod... for dessert there was cubes of mellon (ugh--i hate mellon).. a whole wheat rolls and oleo were served too.. water and red and white wine were passed also (several times)---poured from bottles...

the 2nd meal: smoked salmon again... roll, 3 large grilled shrimp over a bed rice, a spicy ragout, grilled zucchini and eggplant, plus a generous portion of white rice... mellon again---didn't they learn from my first meal that i don't like mellon?? just right..

hot towels were passed a few times and drinks (juice, soda, water) were passed a few times.

there was a medium sized bottle of water on our seats when we boarded--a very good idea, imo.. it came in handy.

the entertainment system, which i rarely use, was very nice... tons of music and movies--- i actually watched 3, an all time record.. there were games too and an interactive map.. i also listened to my ipod for several hours...

i slept on and off, but for the first time in years did not take a sleeping pill.

we arrived a bit early into incheon. the walking was quite long to immigration, which was efficient-- 5 minute wait or less. then the only snag... they had trouble with the luggage (they did make ANNOUCEMENTS) and our bags (2) did not come out for 35 minutes... customs a breeze and walk out to the curb where the hyatt bus was waiting... 3 minute ride to the hotel.

<<e did back up to the handicaped toilet which was not a problem--could hear flushes sometimes.. it provided a nice private place to stand up, where the seat was missing...>>

Haha...for some reason I read that as the handicapped toilet provided a nice place for you to stand up, since the seat was missing.

Oh, my. Boy did I misread that!

Glad you kids had such a nice trip--really makes all the difference, doesn't it? Looking forward to hearing all about Bali!

the hyatt regency incheon is a typical upscale airport hotel... floors 9-12 are club floors. the lobby area is large and inviting. we went to floor 11 to the lounge to checkin. cocktails had begun so we went back to 9 to our room and dropped things off, freshed up and went back to the lounge for hors' and drinks....1 G&T was all i could handle but K had 3 glasses of white wine --lush..

the canapes were very nice: more smoked salmom, brushetta with goat cheese, a cheese board, breads, asian dishes, sushi, fruits, nuts, grilled small eggplant and zuchini, and many other tidbits. there were 3 or 4 desserts as well.. drinks were the usual top shelf items, including champagne, after dinner drinks, beers and wines, which were served and/or self service. there is about a staff of 5 i think.

there is at least one computer and free wi-fi..

the club overlooks the airport with huge picture windows and has very comfortable seating and one complimentary meeting room..

the fog has just lifted and i can see the airport again for the 1st time this AM... its now 11AM..

we stayed in the club for an hour or 1.5 hours.. then we took a walk around to see the huge and nice indoor olympic sized or larger pool on the 2nd floor and to check out the restaurant which is also very large on the 1st floor-- many seperate areas to the place... we decided we would eat dinner a bit later. after we were back in the room, we talked about room service, but decided we were tired and no longer needed to eat more... K was asleep on the coach in no time...

we watched CNN a bit including bkk coverage---looks like things are finally moving... saw brad delivering beers and thai whiskey to the red shirts...

i took a fabulous shower---no water saving devices here!!

finally we fell into bed about 9:30... that is about 8:30AM EST i think, so we had been on the go for 24 hours, since we got up in DC the previous morning.

i have sleep apnea, so wear a breathing device at night... it is dual voltage.... for the first time in 10 years, it failed me last nite....it worked fine when i went to bed but about 12:30 i woke to no air... i'm not sure what is wrong but something has burnt out i suspect... ken--i remember your boston problems... not sure what i will do but it is not mandatory that i use it, so maybe i can lump along for 30 days without it.. i just won't sleep as well and maybe i will have a stroke, one of the side affects... in that case i have instructed K to take my body to bkk and throw it onto one of the burning piles of tires at the blockade... she can just prop me up on an air asia flt and tell the staff i need to be carried on and off the plane as i am fast asleep...i wonder what their fee is for this service?

i ended up sleeping sitting up on the couch most of the nite..

btw, our room is huge (i have platinum hyatt status). huge bath and dressing area with double door wardrobe down a corridor on the left as you enter the room... another foyer with a bar area on the left...a huge pie shapped room with a king bed, nice decor, a sofa (unusually comfortable--maybe a sofa bed), a double desk and huge windows overlooking the airport....completely sound proof. missing is an easy chair??

at 8:30 we went up to the lounge for breakfast. a nice spread with the usual suspects: make your own cereals with lots of choices--fruit, nuts, grains; fresh fruits, breads, delicious pastry, muffins, juices, coffee and tea, meats, cheeses, salad, beer, one type of dumplings and wet (ugh) freshly scrambled eggs (i need dry)... yogurts??

its now 11:15 and i am still here....K just yelled at me, ".. people don't want to read all that s...".... she reminded me how i feel when i read a boring trip report... i reminded her i skip it in the future or just skim it for facts...

CNN is now reporting that the bkk situation is slow in resolving and might not end either soon or well.. and further this seems like a major successful attempt by the gov't..

next report from bali. our korean 6 hour flight is about 6PM tonight.. i have late 3PM checkout from the hotel.

andy you will be pleased to know that the manager left a personal note in our room and a fruit platter and bottle of red wine... he must have received your e mail warning...

thus far i rate our experience at 99%