..idle writings from an idle mind..

Some trip notes that are a few weeks late now:

• This trip was my first international flight with JetStar. Pro tips: make a point of being first in queue, even if that means being at the airport 3 1/2 hours before departure. Exit row seats (aim for row 13 on the JQ A320/321) are significantly more comfortable than non-exit row seats. Expect your bags to be weighed – the 10kg cabin baggage limit is rigorously enforced.
• The Qantas First lounge at MEL is really quite lovely – very intimate feel, great menu, good booze. In saying that, I was initially offered some Moet & Chandon rubbish, but they were quite quick to get the Veuve Cliquot flowing after I asked if there was anything better!
• Flying on JetStar really isn’t that bad, all things considered. Set your expectations appropriately and have travel insurance in case something goes wrong. Sure, I didn’t get fed – but the staff were polite and friendly, the flights departed and arrived when they said they would and I even had a seat spare next to me (both ways)! Was entertaining to board the flight back to see the exact same CSM from the flight over – she remembered me (or pretended to), which I thought was nice touch. No status credits is a bit of a downer, but you can’t expect the world for a $160 return airfare.
• Hotel Off The Square was a great choice of hotel, perfect location, comfy bed, proper shower – however might be a bit noisy for some (didn’t bother me in the slightest). No on-site parking or restaurant might be a deal breaker also (again, not something I was worried about).
• Christchurch is really nice – the river winds through the northern end of the city centre and has lots of weeping willows and parkland around it, which is very pretty. The city is fairly quiet and laid back; not really a party town but great for a relaxing weekend away (which is exactly what I was after). Loads of good bars and cafes also down Lichfield Street – including my pick, Le Plonk. Awesome vibe, great cocktails, live music. Also good was St Germain, a french restaurant I took myself to dinner at. They had a vego menu! Also great wines, but slightly disappointed that they didn’t have the liqueur of the same name (previously, previously) – however they redeemed themselves with a wicked French 75 at the end of my meal, so was very happy. Definitely a place I’d love to spend a week or two in and around – maybe hire a car and see some of the surrounding countryside too.

- zac.