Shanghai - August 2024

So happy to be back in Shanghai. My last trip here was just before covid in January 2020. Flew Cathay from Hong Kong on Wednesday evening and was met by a car at Pudong. Straight to the Shangri-la Qiantan which is a brand new CBD they are calling the new Bund. 

This is the view from my room...

Egg tarts at breakfast. Very Hong Kong!

I swam laps in this lovely pool...

On Friday I moved to The Langham in Xintiandi which is one of my all time favourite hotels. I met a mate for beers and had dinner in Xintiandi.

Next morning I walked to Tianzifang...

And had breakfast...

Back in Xintiandi I had dim sum for lunch...

This was the special milk tea...

Had a rest in the hotel and then had a swim. Love this pool...

Then caught a Did to my favourite restaurant for dinner - Lost Heaven on the Bund...

Love the food here...

Afterwards I walked to the Bund...

Then I caught a Didi to a bar I wanted to try. But there was a two hour queue. So I went to the bar next door which was great. Got chatting to an architect from Hong Kong. Walked back to the hotel about 1am.

Early start next morning and was happy that my jacket had been delivered overnight. Caught a Didi to the airport and easy check-in at China Eastern which had a dedicated area for business class passengers.

Plane was on time and I had some food and a nap on the 5.5 hour flight to Singapore.

Hong Kong - August 2024

Doing an Asia work trip, first stop Hong Kong. Flew Qantas Business Class on Saturday. Had the corn fritters in the first class lounge...

Farewell Sydney...

Uneventful flight and easy transit through HKIA. Then Airport Express to Central and MTR to Wan Chai. 

Staying at the Harbourview Renaissance again as it is so close to the office. Breakfast is included this time so I took advantage of the noodle station on Sunday morning...

It was a beautiful day so I spent some time by the pool...

This is the view from my room...

Sunday night I had dinner at The Alchemist with my friend Olivia. Good location and walking distance from my hotel.

Got to the office next morning. First time in the new office on 69/F.

Reception on 69/F...

I had a fantastic view...

On the Tuesday night my boss from London arrived so we met for dinner at Tosca di Angelo in ICC. Very fancy...

Worked in the office on Wednesday until lunchtime, and then headed to the airport for our Cathay flight to Shanghai.

Brisbane - August 2024

Went to Brisbane for work for one night. Stayed at the Stamford Plaza again. After work I walked along the river to a new restaurant area that was recommended which is right under the Storey Bridge. 

Food was great...

This is looking back to where I have just been...

Walking to the office the next day. These are known as the gold and blue towers. My office is in the blue tower...

View from the office. They are building a new pedestrian bridge over the river...

Easy trip back to Sydney that evening.

Melbourne - June 2024

Had to go to Melbourne for work. Flew on the Monday morning and straight to the office. After work I checked in to Voco and crossed Lonsdale Street to Harware Lane for dinner. I had the osso buco...

The next morning I left the hotel and it was 3 degrees!

I headed to breakfast neaby at Krimper Cafe which I had read about.

This was only average...

Walking to the office!

After work I caught an Uber to the airport and went straight to the lounge. The noodles were good...

Singapore - June 2024

One night stopover on the way home, mainly to see my mate Ian. Easy Qantas flight from LHR and straight through immigration.Caught a Grab to the hotel. Staying at the Paradox Singapore Merchant Court which used to be the Swissotel Merchant Court where I have stayed previously. It's right on Clarke Quay and has a nice pool.

They gave me a nice room on the top floor with views to Marina Bay Sands and also Clarke Quay.

I took a pic of my itinerary to remind me how much travel I have done this trip.

I had a swim and then met my mate Ian for dinner in Little India, near where he lives. We then went bowling nearby...

The next morning I got up and went for breakfast. This is Clarke Quay, very quiet on a Sunday morning...

Had a healthy breakfast at a cafe nearby...

Then relaxed by the pool for while...

I then checked out and caught a Tada (new ride sharing app) to Ian's place and we went for an early dinner and beers. Got to the aiport about 1930 for my 2100 flight. Had some food in the lounge.

Easy flight and woke up to this as we arrived in Sydney.

What a great trip!