Less than a week left until I leave on vacation
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
I work in the centre of Sydney, we could meet for a drink or dinner if you like 0) No idea as I have an Aussie passport. Just don't bring any food, animal or plant productd 1) if they have a free room otherwise you'll probably wait till someone checks out. I usually book for the night before in that case 2) yep but we have special harnesses for kangaroos that generate power when they hop. You just find one in the street and wrestle the harness onto it and take it with you 3) probably at a supermarket or at the airport. You'll have to provide id 4) are you going to Melbourne? They have 'hook turns' - see Wikipedia 5) depends how far you go. $20 will get you most places in the city 6) No idea 7) most places prefer cash if under $10 but almost everywhere will take visa 8) a visit to taronga zoo on a nice day is pretty good When are you coming?
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
Dan Neely wrote:
- How long should I expect to be stuck in customs?
We get a TV program over here called 'Nothing To Declare' it's about Aussie Customs (don't know if it airs over there) and if there's one thing I've picked up, from having it on in the background, it's that they go absolutely apeshit over any food or animal products that aren't declared. Even if it's a just a packet of peanuts that you picked up on the plane and forgot that you had slipped it into your pocket. They keep the poor prospective tourist hanging about for yonks and yonks if they find undeclared stuff. One consolation though, if it is a consolation, and that is; it doesn't matter if you have two alligators and a rattler or the aforementioned peanuts, they always fine you AUD225, so you can have it ready counted out. :)
Henry Minute Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.” I wouldn't let CG touch my Abacus! When you're wrestling a gorilla, you don't stop when you're tired, you stop when the gorilla is. Cogito ergo thumb - Sucking my thumb helps me to think.
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I work in the centre of Sydney, we could meet for a drink or dinner if you like 0) No idea as I have an Aussie passport. Just don't bring any food, animal or plant productd 1) if they have a free room otherwise you'll probably wait till someone checks out. I usually book for the night before in that case 2) yep but we have special harnesses for kangaroos that generate power when they hop. You just find one in the street and wrestle the harness onto it and take it with you 3) probably at a supermarket or at the airport. You'll have to provide id 4) are you going to Melbourne? They have 'hook turns' - see Wikipedia 5) depends how far you go. $20 will get you most places in the city 6) No idea 7) most places prefer cash if under $10 but almost everywhere will take visa 8) a visit to taronga zoo on a nice day is pretty good When are you coming?
_Josh_ wrote:
- yep but we have special harnesses for kangaroos that generate power when they hop. You just find one in the street and wrestle the harness onto it and take it with you
Can I get a harness that combines battery charging with riding? I'm too much of a klutz to try riding bareback.
_Josh_ wrote:
- are you going to Melbourne? They have 'hook turns' - see Wikipedia
No. Limited funds mean I won't be able to take Maunder[^] up on his free beer offer. Maybe next time.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
ostentatious[^] - somehow I don't think that's quite what you meant...
"People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them." Eric Hoffer "The failure mode of 'clever' is 'asshole'" John Scalzi "Only buzzards feed on their friends" Patrick Dorinson
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_Josh_ wrote:
- yep but we have special harnesses for kangaroos that generate power when they hop. You just find one in the street and wrestle the harness onto it and take it with you
Can I get a harness that combines battery charging with riding? I'm too much of a klutz to try riding bareback.
_Josh_ wrote:
- are you going to Melbourne? They have 'hook turns' - see Wikipedia
No. Limited funds mean I won't be able to take Maunder[^] up on his free beer offer. Maybe next time.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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ostentatious[^] - somehow I don't think that's quite what you meant...
"People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them." Eric Hoffer "The failure mode of 'clever' is 'asshole'" John Scalzi "Only buzzards feed on their friends" Patrick Dorinson
You're sadly mistaken. I'm ostentatiously ("...pretentious. See Synonyms at showy.") [^] only making this trip since the event in question won't happen again anytime in my probable lifetime. OTOH the reality is I'm overdue for a big vacation (and not wanting to find myself bemoaning having never done anything on my bucket list half a lifetime from now); and would be taking an expensive vacation somewhere regardless. On the gripping hand, I don't think you intended to link to the dictionaries home page.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
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On my list.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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Ps I wouldn't drive to Canberra and back in a day. It's 3 hours each way or more if the traffic in and out of Sydney is bad and there's a lot to see. I can easily spend a day in Canberra's War Mamorial museum.
I've done 5 hour one way day trips, and 10.5 hour flying-would-suck-worse-and-be-almost-as-slow before. Not fun; but as long as I'm well rested beforehand also not a problem. Not knowing how badly jetlag's going to hurt me I can't predict this one in advance. I'm generally planning to avoid rush hour traffic. That's bad enough even without any head messing problems. More stuff to do than time to do it in will be a problem no matter what I do...
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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Dan Neely wrote:
- How long should I expect to be stuck in customs?
We get a TV program over here called 'Nothing To Declare' it's about Aussie Customs (don't know if it airs over there) and if there's one thing I've picked up, from having it on in the background, it's that they go absolutely apeshit over any food or animal products that aren't declared. Even if it's a just a packet of peanuts that you picked up on the plane and forgot that you had slipped it into your pocket. They keep the poor prospective tourist hanging about for yonks and yonks if they find undeclared stuff. One consolation though, if it is a consolation, and that is; it doesn't matter if you have two alligators and a rattler or the aforementioned peanuts, they always fine you AUD225, so you can have it ready counted out. :)
Henry Minute Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.” I wouldn't let CG touch my Abacus! When you're wrestling a gorilla, you don't stop when you're tired, you stop when the gorilla is. Cogito ergo thumb - Sucking my thumb helps me to think.
Henry Minute wrote:
they always fine you AUD225
I'd noticed that myself! Even if they have an entire Chinese supermarket hidden in their socks, it's a A$225 fine... :doh:
Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
- Customs in my experience has been pretty good. as others have said, when they say "No FOOD" they mean it - unless you declare it in which case they tend to just let you go if it's pre-packaged personal use quantities (so you can bring your favourite American Snack if you can't live without it!) 1) you may be OK on a Sunday to get in a room early - worth phoning in advance and asking them as they may be able to put you in a room that will have been cleaned etc. on saturday. 2) Yes - batteries are the same - if there's an Aldi supermarket near you they sometimes sell huge packets at remarkably low prices - not the best batteries, but if you're just running through them and are ditching them before returning stateside it might be worth grabbing a of of fifty 3) these guys[^] sell cheap phones - you can pick up prepaid sims at the supermarkets 4) In Brisbane they drive like complete arses (myself excepted, of course!) "motorways" with three lanes can be a bit of a laugh if you are used to people sticking in the slow lane when they are going, erm, slow. Overtaking on the inside is acceptable - although they recently introduced a 'you must keep in the left lane unless overtaking where the speed limit is over 80' rule, it seems nobody read the memo. Brisbane drivers don't quite understand what the flashing orange lights in the corner of their care are for - especially at roundabouts. seatbelts are mandatory, you can't use your phone while driving. If you see a driver wearing a hat, beware! Cops use hidden and fixed speed cameras, so it's safest just to obey the speed limit. we also have random breath testing, so cab it if you're drinking. And finally, if you see a company called "Air conditioned Car Rentals" don't expect your car to have air conditioning (I speak from experience) 5) I think they are expensive - there's a calculator here[^] if you know some addresses. I live about 35-40 minutes drive from the city and the fare is about $60 6) they had one, but it escaped; last seen heading for the airport with a gleam in its eye.
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- Customs in my experience has been pretty good. as others have said, when they say "No FOOD" they mean it - unless you declare it in which case they tend to just let you go if it's pre-packaged personal use quantities (so you can bring your favourite American Snack if you can't live without it!) 1) you may be OK on a Sunday to get in a room early - worth phoning in advance and asking them as they may be able to put you in a room that will have been cleaned etc. on saturday. 2) Yes - batteries are the same - if there's an Aldi supermarket near you they sometimes sell huge packets at remarkably low prices - not the best batteries, but if you're just running through them and are ditching them before returning stateside it might be worth grabbing a of of fifty 3) these guys[^] sell cheap phones - you can pick up prepaid sims at the supermarkets 4) In Brisbane they drive like complete arses (myself excepted, of course!) "motorways" with three lanes can be a bit of a laugh if you are used to people sticking in the slow lane when they are going, erm, slow. Overtaking on the inside is acceptable - although they recently introduced a 'you must keep in the left lane unless overtaking where the speed limit is over 80' rule, it seems nobody read the memo. Brisbane drivers don't quite understand what the flashing orange lights in the corner of their care are for - especially at roundabouts. seatbelts are mandatory, you can't use your phone while driving. If you see a driver wearing a hat, beware! Cops use hidden and fixed speed cameras, so it's safest just to obey the speed limit. we also have random breath testing, so cab it if you're drinking. And finally, if you see a company called "Air conditioned Car Rentals" don't expect your car to have air conditioning (I speak from experience) 5) I think they are expensive - there's a calculator here[^] if you know some addresses. I live about 35-40 minutes drive from the city and the fare is about $60 6) they had one, but it escaped; last seen heading for the airport with a gleam in its eye.
_Maxxx_ wrote:
- In Brisbane they drive like complete arses (myself excepted, of course!)
...and...
_Maxxx_ wrote:
'you must keep in the left lane unless overtaking where the speed limit is over 80' rule, it seems nobody read the memo. Brisbane drivers don't quite understand what the flashing orange lights in the corner of their care are for - especially at roundabouts
Sounds like just about every large city I've had the misfortune to drive in before. :laugh: (Rural/small town driving idiocy is somewhat different.)
_Maxxx_ wrote:
we also have random breath testing, so cab it if you're drinking.
My limit's zero if I'm driving, hence my next question.
_Maxxx_ wrote:
Given your interest, you might want to take a trip to the Brisbane Planetarium[^] I haven't been for years, but it was good - If you're up for it we could maybe meet up & visit?
Thanks for the tip; somehow that one had failed to turn up in my research; and certainly.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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_Maxxx_ wrote:
- In Brisbane they drive like complete arses (myself excepted, of course!)
...and...
_Maxxx_ wrote:
'you must keep in the left lane unless overtaking where the speed limit is over 80' rule, it seems nobody read the memo. Brisbane drivers don't quite understand what the flashing orange lights in the corner of their care are for - especially at roundabouts
Sounds like just about every large city I've had the misfortune to drive in before. :laugh: (Rural/small town driving idiocy is somewhat different.)
_Maxxx_ wrote:
we also have random breath testing, so cab it if you're drinking.
My limit's zero if I'm driving, hence my next question.
_Maxxx_ wrote:
Given your interest, you might want to take a trip to the Brisbane Planetarium[^] I haven't been for years, but it was good - If you're up for it we could maybe meet up & visit?
Thanks for the tip; somehow that one had failed to turn up in my research; and certainly.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
Dan Neely wrote:
Sounds like just about every large city I've had the misfortune to drive in before.
I know what you mean -and Im used to it now, but when my Brother in Law came over from the UK, he decided, in the trip from the airport to our place, to not hire a car as he valued his family's life too highly!
Dan Neely wrote:
My limit's zero if I'm driving, hence my next question.
Mine too. My philosophy is simple: Don't have a drink. Drive. Fail breathalyzer. Fight it all the way to the High Court. Have a small drink. Drive. fail breathalyzer. Suffer the consequences.
MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way ___________________________________________ Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011 .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
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Dan Neely wrote:
Sounds like just about every large city I've had the misfortune to drive in before.
I know what you mean -and Im used to it now, but when my Brother in Law came over from the UK, he decided, in the trip from the airport to our place, to not hire a car as he valued his family's life too highly!
Dan Neely wrote:
My limit's zero if I'm driving, hence my next question.
Mine too. My philosophy is simple: Don't have a drink. Drive. Fail breathalyzer. Fight it all the way to the High Court. Have a small drink. Drive. fail breathalyzer. Suffer the consequences.
MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way ___________________________________________ Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011 .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
Mine's even simpler. Regardless of what the law says about breathalyzer results and legal responsiblity; have a drink and cause a crash and you're morally responsible for the consequences.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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Mine's even simpler. Regardless of what the law says about breathalyzer results and legal responsiblity; have a drink and cause a crash and you're morally responsible for the consequences.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
Yep - I couldn't agree more. trouble is in the many 'discussions' I have had, for example on Friday after work, the argument always goes something like. "Oh, well, one drink won't affect you - I'm fine after a couple" I have given up arguing that point, and just stick with the 'if you fail the test you've got no leg to stand on' argument. Of course, I still get "Oh, but I won't be over the limit!" but I do like to spread the doubt. (the other argument i use is that, if you have had a drink and are involved in a crash that is entirely not your fault, and you are suspected of drinking, assuming the other driver is sober you're going to have a hard job against his lawyer!)
MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way ___________________________________________ Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011 .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
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I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
ya better let us know and we'll do lunch in town or somesuch Bryce in Brissie
MCAD --- To paraphrase Fred Dagg - the views expressed in this post are bloody good ones. --
Our kids books :The Snot Goblin, and Book 2 - the Snotgoblin and Fluff The Snotgoblin for the Ipad -
I'm spending ~2 weeks in Australia with the ostentatious intent of watching the transit Venus[^] across the sun on the 6th. I'll be departing next Friday and arriving in Brisbane Sunday morning. The next Sunday I'm heading to Sydney, and will be flying home a week later. I'll also be in Canberra for a day, possibly overnight (will depend on if I feel awake enough to safely drive back that night); but haven't decided what day yet. When I posted about this a few months back[^] a few people suggested CP meetups. I"m up for that and started threads in the appropriate forum for both weeks(Sydney[^] Brisbane[^]). I'm open for almost anything, with the caveat that I drink like a lightweight and almost never beer. A few randomish questions: 0) How long should I expect to be stuck in customs? 1) Related to the first (and possibly unanswerable); but how likely is the hotel desk clerk to let me in my room a few hours early to avoid crashing in the lobby. (Stupid Qantas! Stupid 5am arrival time!) 2) Do you use the same size alkaline batteries as in the US? My telescope mount eats 8 AA's at a time and I want two sets since it doesn't have a manual mode. I don't have that many rechargeables here; and even if I did I'm weight limited enough with my carry-on bags; so getting them locally if possible would be easier. 3) I'll need a cheap pre-paid phone for the time I'm there. (To call for cabs after meetups if nothing else.) What'd my best, cheap, easy to acquire, option be for this? 4) Other than driving on the other side of the road and having to remember than when the speed limit sign says 40 it means 25 (so I don't end up paying a ticket for going 65); is there anything else in local traffic rules/habit's that's likely to trip me up? 5) How
-1) What I've done is bought some OTC sleep aids before leaving. About an hour or so into the flight, the crew comes around with a meal and drink service. Have a beer with the meal, take a sleeping pill. You won't get solid sleep, but at least you should get some rest and not feel quite so beaten down. 0) I don't recall Brisbane customs being too bad. One thing that's nice about Aussie/NZ airports is they'll have some shower facilities; so, if after you land and clear customs, you can go wash up. You're still tired after the long flight, but at least you feel a bit better. If you can't get into your room for a while, at least you can feel a bit better while beating around Brisbane. 4) Remember the controls are reversed too. Every time I went to signal a turn, I turned on the windshield wipers first. :doh: I'm pretty sure both the vehicles and signs are calibrated in the same measurements, but I can't remember if Australia uses KMH or MPH. One thing I saw once which seemed like a pretty good idea was to take a post-it, write on it "STAY LEFT", and attach it to the steering wheel. Also note that (or so I'm told), pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in Australia. 5) Can't speak for cabfare, but Sydney has a great public transportation system. Look into buying a week long fare pass, you can train, bus, ferry wherever you need to go. Train goes to the airport from several stops downtown, from there it's easy to get around (depending where you're staying, I suppose). 7) When using a credit card, I recall getting a question from the teller which I didn't understand, but can't recall what the question was. Something about how to run the transaction (?). Might've been the Aussie version of credit or debit? Anyway, it seems to me that I was able to charge just like I would in the US. Of course, my credit card issuer charged a conversion fee for every purchase, so I only used it for the bigger things like hotel. 8) In Sydney, the bridge climb is pretty interesting, and you get a great (albeit short) view from up there. The botanic gardens are nice if you're into that; of course, there's the Opera House. Be aware that Sydney's a pretty expensive city. I don't think it's quite on the order of New York or London, but it's getting up there.
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-1) What I've done is bought some OTC sleep aids before leaving. About an hour or so into the flight, the crew comes around with a meal and drink service. Have a beer with the meal, take a sleeping pill. You won't get solid sleep, but at least you should get some rest and not feel quite so beaten down. 0) I don't recall Brisbane customs being too bad. One thing that's nice about Aussie/NZ airports is they'll have some shower facilities; so, if after you land and clear customs, you can go wash up. You're still tired after the long flight, but at least you feel a bit better. If you can't get into your room for a while, at least you can feel a bit better while beating around Brisbane. 4) Remember the controls are reversed too. Every time I went to signal a turn, I turned on the windshield wipers first. :doh: I'm pretty sure both the vehicles and signs are calibrated in the same measurements, but I can't remember if Australia uses KMH or MPH. One thing I saw once which seemed like a pretty good idea was to take a post-it, write on it "STAY LEFT", and attach it to the steering wheel. Also note that (or so I'm told), pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in Australia. 5) Can't speak for cabfare, but Sydney has a great public transportation system. Look into buying a week long fare pass, you can train, bus, ferry wherever you need to go. Train goes to the airport from several stops downtown, from there it's easy to get around (depending where you're staying, I suppose). 7) When using a credit card, I recall getting a question from the teller which I didn't understand, but can't recall what the question was. Something about how to run the transaction (?). Might've been the Aussie version of credit or debit? Anyway, it seems to me that I was able to charge just like I would in the US. Of course, my credit card issuer charged a conversion fee for every purchase, so I only used it for the bigger things like hotel. 8) In Sydney, the bridge climb is pretty interesting, and you get a great (albeit short) view from up there. The botanic gardens are nice if you're into that; of course, there's the Opera House. Be aware that Sydney's a pretty expensive city. I don't think it's quite on the order of New York or London, but it's getting up there.
agolddog wrote:
-1) What I've done is bought some OTC sleep aids before leaving. About an hour or so into the flight, the crew comes around with a meal and drink service. Have a beer with the meal, take a sleeping pill. You won't get solid sleep, but at least you should get some rest and not feel quite so beaten down.
That runs into the twin problems that I snore like a cheap, badly maintained, Walmarx chainsaw; and i try not to behave like a jerk in public. Dunno how well my plans there're gonna work; even assuming I sleep in a lot the day before I'm still looking at ~30h total by landing; but I do intend to try. Oh, and shouldn't this've been #8 too?
agolddog wrote:
Also note that (or so I'm told), pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in Australia.
A govt that didn't decide to try and repeal the laws of physics because they offended their sense of what was right and just? *boggle*
agolddog wrote:
In Sydney, the bridge climb is pretty interesting, and you get a great (albeit short) view from up there.
Unfortunately the sticker shock's brutal; and climbing that many flights of stairs would totally kick my ass.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, waging all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
