Brexit madness creates travel chaos

The hugely hilarious Brexit (Britain's planned exit from the European Union) is now affecting travellers as slapstick Prime Minister Theresa May and her team of Conservative Party clowns bumble their way from disaster to disaster. 

The Sunday Times has warned that the Government is considering issuing a warning to British passport holders not to book holidays after March 29, 2019, in case of a Brexit "no-deal".

A report also claimed that May's merry band of idiots is considering bailing out travel companies whose businesses might be impacted as a result of the warning.

Throughout the prolonged Brexit negotiations, the government has consistently reassured the travel industry there will be no risk of disruption.

John Tangney, deputy chair of travel agency umbrella organisation AITO, said: "AITO is very disturbed to read The Sunday Times report, more especially following repeated assurances from HM Government that it is not true. It is a great shame that The Sunday Times seems to be trying to undermine or de-stabilise the travel industry.

"Bear in mind that if people cannot go abroad, it will hit inbound traffic too - and business travellers - thus damaging our own holiday and hotel industries severely, and potentially hampering business deals to the detriment of the UK."

The European Commission has said that even in a no-deal scenario, flights will still operate between the UK and EU, and a visa will not be required.
The Sunday Times report came days after it was confirmed that holders of British passports will be charged €7 to visit EU countries from 2021. 

Brand new look for Sydney hotel icon

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, the grande dame of Sydney international hotels, is set to have a new look in 2019.

A multi-million dollar refresh of the hotel is underway and scheduled to be unveiled at the end of March next year. 

To celebrate, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has joined forces with several partners for a series  of summer events and entertainment options in Sydney.

All 436 guestrooms and suites will have received a refresh, along with an upgrade to the lobby area and library fittings and furniture. 

A major technology overhaul is also in progress, with the launch of IPTV including Chromecast on all guestroom TV's together with an upgrade to what is claimed will be the fastest wifi in a Sydney CBD hotel.

Among the hotel's summer festivities are the Veuve Clicquot Rosé Garden pop-up; a limited-time al fresco event open each Monday through to Saturday throughout summer from 5:30pm, with a live DJ on Thursday and Friday nights. 

Rosé High Tea offers rosé poached mini pears, berry éclairs, freshly-baked pink scones, salmon quiche and choice of teas from Dilmah's Teamaker Private Reserve, or fresh barista coffee. Prices from $65 per person, or paired with sparkling rosé wines from $83 per person. 

For detail see www.sofitelsydney.com.au

Japanese smiles to brighten the day

I always find the Japanese incredibly welcoming to visitors.

Here are some photos taken recently in Kansai province, where I spent several fascinating days. 

Thank you, lovely people, for letting me take your images. 

THE FACTS

Qantas flies direct between Sydney and Osaka Kansai three times a week with economy return fares starting from $1156 per person. www.qantas.com.au

The writer was a guest of Kansai Gastronomy Tourism Promotion Council and associated companies, including Keihan Holdings and JR West. Pick up the Osaka-Kansai Gourmet Food Map when you arrive for some helpful regional itineraries. www.kansaibishoku.net/en

The Hotel Vischio by Granvia is a recently opened, centrally located and affordable hotel choice in the busy Umeda precinct of Osaka, just a short walk from JR Osaka Station. www.hotelvischio-osaka.com/en        

Exploring the world of de-alcoholised wine

I've tried quite a few low-alcohol wines in my day - and rarely been impressed. They have uniformly  been a little like light beer; a poor imitation of the real thing.

When I was offered the chance to taste some alcohol-removed wines I was cynical - but I ended up being pleasantly surprised - as were several of my regular wine-tasting team. 

Edenvale alcohol -removed wine (sourcing fruit from across south-east Australia) is ideal for designated drivers or cheap drunks. It is promoted as an "alternative that helps you enjoy a glass of wine and join in the celebrations, without the side effects."

The wines have been created through the same process used for standard wine before the alcohol is removed, and also contain half the calories.

I particularly enjoyed the sauvignon blanc, which had similar body and taste to regular wine. 

I also enjoyed the Edenvale Sparking Cuvee, as did my wife, who is notoriously fussy when it comes to bubbles. 

I'm not saying any serious wine lover is going to be blown away by these wines - but they do offer a drinkable alternative for those keen not to drink over the festive season. 

For details see: https://edenvale.com.au/

Sweet and sour with a fracas on the side

Downtown Sydney. Friday night. Christmas is approaching.

The sidewalk are alive with office party survivors; many have extreme difficulty putting one foot in front of the other.

Then there are the marching powder victims. Eyes spinning like fruit machines.

I had a sudden desire for peace and quiet; and a desperate (and unusual) need for some sweet and sour pork, old school.

I choose my Chinese eatery carefully; it looked peaceful enough; half empty but largely populated by Asians.

All good, then, until an ancient-looking musician with an old Chinese instrument began making a caterwauling noise in the doorway.

The restaurant owner/manager was unimpressed and a massive shouting/pushing match ensued.

The Mr Miyagi lookalike eventually retreated, only to inexplicably return a few minutes later, taking a seat in the eatery and resuming the altercation.

After much secondary shouting he eventually left. Ambience shattered.

When I went to pay the owner/manager refused to let me pay. Good hospitality. And the sweet and sour hit the spot.
   

New budget accommodation option in Perth

International hotel group GCP Hospitality is to open its first Australian property, Hostel G, in Perth in January.



Bookings will be available from January 4 with 50% discounts.

The new hostel concept puts an industry-first emphasis on community living and home comforts, including en-suite bathrooms in every room, linens and 24-hour security.

GCP Hospitality Chief Marketing Officer Marc Bichet said Hostel G is designed to be the first in a new generation of hostels, dubbed ‘hostel 2.0’, providing a hotel experience at an affordable price.

"Designed for the modern traveller seeking to explore cities like a local, Hostel G is set to be a new concept in lifestyle property, with a focus on conscious design, comfort and social connectivity," says the pre-opening blurb.

Hostel G is located in the Perth arts quarter of Northbridge and is the official accommodation partner of Perth’s 2019 Fringe World Festival.

The 296 guest rooms are shared across two room types – shared and private with Glam Shared offering four bunk-style rooms exclusively for female travellers.

The rooms feature unhostel-like complimentary extras such as hair dryers and bathroom amenities.

Groups of travellers seeking privacy can book out private guestrooms, with double-, twin-, four- or six-bed configurations available.

Each room features an en-suite bathroom and offers free wifi, air-conditioning, reading lights and USB charging stations.

Bichet said a major focus of the hostel was its communal spaces, including a games room, screening
room and co-working space.

“Our aim is to rival the service standards and amenity offerings found in most hotels,” he said.

GCP Hospitality runs 39 properties worldwide and has regional offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Perth, San Francisco, Singapore and Yangon. 

See www.hostelgperth.com/