Honeymoon
I have a friend that got married in Thailand in end August , and we were thinking of going but then i said to myself, why of just to Thailand when I can make a full Honeymoon trip out of this , and go to the places i always dreamed of and haven’t been to yet despite my worldly travels.
This trip was my first one taking my wife overseas (not her first time in Business) but I don’t think she’ll ever agree to go economy after what we just had.
Maldives: - 4 Nights - arrived Friday
Flew on mileage Cathay Business JFK-HKG -MLE. The Flight was nice and we slept a nice few hours although the seats aren’t so wide and foot rest is small. Cathays Business isn’t catered well for couples as you can barely see each other.
Meals on plane were not appetizing. (forgot which company) - We brought with us a full box of ready made food from Pomegranate. and it lasted us throughout the week.
Finding a resort in the Maldives wasn’t an easy task, and taking price into consideration and amenities I narrowed it down to 2 places, Viceroy or Zitahli.
We ended up taking Zitahli Over water Bungalow with private pool. Cost price was about $680 / night before tax besides the $560 p/p Flight to the island from MLE. Thanks to a DDF member i was able to get a nice discount on the resort and it knocked it down a few hundred but its still pricey.
Landing in MLE we got their about 8pm and since there are no flights to the islands we had to stay at a hotel on Male. We didn’t cross over with the ferry, but we took the Airport hotel, with Free shuttle. It was very nice and comfy with large Jacuzzi.
Next morning we were brought to the hotel airport lounge and one of our suitcases had to go on the next flight as it was too heavy but we got it within 2 hours.
The first impression of the island wasn’t nice as it was cloudy and rainy Friday and most of Shabbos. Then it cleared up and became UNBELIEVABLY beautiful. I originally requested Sunset view, and we got that but the problem was that it was very windy on that side and the water was more ocean looking and night ice blue glow that i love. So we asked to switch villas and they were very accommodating and helpful.
We barely used the private pool as the main pool was always empty and no one around.
Before I arrived i was in touch with the Food and Beverage manager through email and we arranged that I will got a microwave. and he brought us a brand new one! Then he felt bad we couldn’t eat their food so every morning we got delivered Full Breakfast of tropical fruits and veggies to our villa.
One of the nights we requested a private dinner at the beach with private chef and waiters. - the cost is generally $200++ per person but since we can’t eat the food we paid $80 all included p/p - they brought out a full fish , new knives and pots. double wrapped it and made us fish , salad and steamed veggies.
Maldives is the most relaxing place I’ve ever been to. Theres nothing really to do on the island besides chill and lay back which was awesome. I think 4 nights was a perfect number, not to little not to much . There are no words to describe the scenery there. Unless you go there and see for yourself. - It puts Hawaii to shame (beach wise)
We left Tuesday afternoon on Sri Lankan Air paid ticket to Bangkok with a day and half stop in Colombo. - Kosher food was horrendous. some catering in Brussels
COLOMBO: - Tuesday / Wednesday
Its a mix of thailand and probably India. - although many muslims there.
We stayed at the hilton there which was decent.
Went around town by tuktuk - to malls and flee markets to get some goodies. - we were down to our last bit of food from pomegranate and at this point we were ready to get a good burger at Chabad bangkok.
Walking around town felt a bit intimidating as we got many stares but no issues at all.
BANGKOK: - thursday - Shabbos
Too a 1am flight out of CMB arrived in BKK at 6am and its only a 3.5 hr duration. We were so tired never mind sitting in economy here and barely got sleep. Randomly someone was waiting with my name after we got off plane and gave me a fast pass thru immigration . not sure why !
Checked in to the Viengtai hotel across from Chabad - Shachris, Fleishig breakfast which we wolfed down and went to nap before the wedding that night.
Friday was shopping around town , and shabbos spent with all guests for sheva brachos.
MELBOURNE : Sunday - Sunday
Took Thai air Business from BKK on motzei shabbos to MEL. The flight was not lie flat so the sleep wasnt so comfortable Food wasn’t too good. Catered by Thai kosher Chabad.
Stayed at a friends house for the week. We went to Phillip island one day , we went around to the city and markets. every day a bit more .
The food in Melbourne has room for upgrade.
although the Nogga sushi was pretty good and laffa bar as well .
SYDNEY: Sunday- WED
Flew Qantas economy. got the exit row so it was nice.
Stayed at a friend in Bondi area.
First day went to Bondi Beach and restaurants which are pretty good
the nest few days, we spent time at the Circular Quey, Opera house area , Manly beach biking, Sydney eye , Darling Harbour, Ferrys, Bondi junction shopping and more.
Thursday 6am flight out on Singapore Air all the way to JFK-
i found all three flights SYD-SIN-FRA-JFK with mileage available in First class. but until FRA on the B777 and then from FRA on the A380
The B777 is very nice as well.there was one other person on first leg and we were alone on the 2nd leg. The chairs are really wide the Beds, blankets, Pj’S, multiple pillows and fergamo kits are all very nice and comfy.
The food from SYD wasn’t much to talk about - catered by Louis conventional kitchen.. and the food from SIN-FRA was amazing by hermolies.
Now in the Senator lounge in FRA awaiting my flight to JFK on the suites and i'm really excited!
Once again i must thank Dan and the forums, because of them this amazing 3 week trip was the trip of a life time!!
To Many more!
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