kushaljoshi.com/blog

Always get what you pay for?

Kushal — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:28:55 +0000

For a minute I thought the luxury run would continue. The manager of the hotel rang me to say the air con was broken and I had to move.

He offered an executive suite as a replacement as I was complaining that I’m busy.

Walking into the “executive suite” was like deja vu. It was identical. I said what’s executive about this? He said you get a thicker blanket and an extra bottle of water.

A big “WTF?” from me there, using all my facial muscles. Very clever racket going on here at Holiday Inn.

- K

Location:Belgium

A luxurious intro to my study week!

Kushal — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:34:24 +0000

The cab company was picking up a business booking from East Midlands Airport so they took me in the same cab. A silver C Class, complete with a driver in black tie and suit!

Then the check-in assistant told me there was only 5 people on the flight. Really? The Euro is spasming and only 4 other people are travelling to Brussels? Surely more people are needed to rescue Greece!

It was like a private jet – and with only 2 people in Economy, the lovely BMI flight attendant offered us the spare meals – all ceramic plates and hot towels don’t-cha-know! By the way BMI is the airline. I’m not referring to her body-mass-index – although… The food was seasoned mash, lentil bake, spinach, warm buns (oh the humorous possibilities) and a lemon meringue.

A black tinted-out Merc van picked me up at the airport – complementary shuttle. I had a workout in the gym at the 4-star Holiday Inn and slept.

Now I’m blogging from the breakfast lounge. Pancakes, espresso machines, pain-au-chocolates, funky cheeses and eggs/beans/shrooms.

I miss Australia less today. Miss my wife more though she would love this.

- K

Location:Belgium

Nice to be back. Bit muggy innit?

Kushal — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:19:55 +0000

Despite how cool Oz was, it is nice to be back where the luggage belts don’t work, the border police are all black and asian (except 2) and the toilets still smell like everyone just pisses on the walls; hmm.. very pungent. Well there’s an intro scene for Shane Meadow’s next This is England film.

A Nigerian car park operator pointed me to the bus station where I now sit, in the attached Roman titled Cafe Nero, having been served an American Cheesecake by an Eastern European barista. It’s not Sydney but it’s diverse enough to be home!

- K

Location:Inner Ring E,,United Kingdom

Mother Chu!

Kushal — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:38:14 +0000

So how do you decide what to eat as a last meal? Malaysian? Chinese? Vietnamese? I went for a walk knowing something would happen. George St is joy of choices; Japanese sushi bars, coffee cafes, fast food, kebab shops and internationally themed restaurants.

I wandered around having a think. Pizza. I haven’t had pizza for a while. I went to Pizza Hut (hey – I know. But it’s been ages) but there was a queue and they had a strange ordering system going on so I walked out. Pizza! I remembered a pizza pasta place in the Spanish quarter. Was It Liverpool street? And why “quarter”? Why not Spanish town and China quarter? What’s a quarter anyway? A quarter of what?

Ok so this place is like a map from Deus Ex. Strange comparison but the people in the know will be nodding their head right now, saying “oh right! Cool.” around every corner is a new shopping centre, a new food court and a new architectural theme. It’s mind boggling. I’ve just found yet another shopping mall and food court near my flat. This one adorned with a huge purple dragon’s tale art sculpture type thing.

I was planning to try Liverpool street but Pitt street looks interesting. Korean grocers, more sushi bars and a kebab & pizza place. Pizza! Hmm.. Looks dodgy though.

I just saw the wierdo. Every area has one. 1 month matted beard growth, grubby checked shirt, flip flops (or thongs, as they call them here) a spider web tattoo on his foot and he’s staggering a little, muttering angrily to himself. Oh and he has a coke zero. Wtf? Is he watching his weight or something? Oops, I just made eye contact.

Hey check this out! Mother Chu’s Vegetarian Kitchen. Menu looks good. Omg, Everything really is vegetarian! A whole menu I can eat!

Now that’s a cool final meal.

On the way back I treated myself to a 2 scoop Gelatissimo. Macadamia nut and chocolate fondant. Plus the pleasant Japanese server gave me a free bit of mango sorbet, followed by a smile and a wink. He must have thought it was a done deal but decided not to take the relationship any further.

- K

Location:George St, Sydney

On the Manly Ferry again

Kushal — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 05:33:42 +0000

To people not familiar with Sydney (as I wasn’t), the Manly ferry is not just a very masculine ferry, it’s a ferry that goes to a place called Manly. But it’s also quite masculine too.

Second time in two days. Takes 30 minutes and is very relaxing. A great way to see the harbor bridge and the opera house from the sea.

This was 2 days ago:

- K

Location:George St,Manly,Australia

Studying, studying, studying…

Kushal — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:12:03 +0000

There is something ridiculous about being stuck in a 2 bed apartment in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and not be able to go out because I have "homework". For flip sake. I'm in my mid-thirties. How can I be stuck in doors doing homework?

Nevermind. The Chocolate Room opposite is keeping me company. I walked down and grabbed a banana hot chocolate today. Been trying every flavour.

This is a cool franchise:

http://www.thechocolateroom.com.au/ourcafes.html

anyway, 1450 words and counting…

Breakfast with the boys

Kushal — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 03:02:38 +0000

Had breakfast with Brett and Jerome. Pesto & shallot scrambled egg with Feta and.. Something green – sage? And grilled tomatoes. A soft Campos cappuccino, so delicate and fresh it didn’t need sugar (although I still add it). And we had to queue as it was packed – who does that in England? Oh yeah, nobody. We go to the corner cafe and lick grease instead, while trying not to asphyxiate on the bacon-fat smog hovering overhead.

I stopped at the Chocolate Room opposite after – chocolate syrup, steamed milk and crushed hazelnuts. It may be expensive living here, but it’s worth every cent.

Now back to the study…

- Kushal

Location:Kent St,Sydney,Australia

A sunny day! At last! Still cold.. But sunny!

Kushal — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:41:34 +0000

There’s something refreshing about waking up to this light:

Thought I’d start with a shot of me, see as I’m not appearing anywhere much:

This is the best rendition is can do without making the place look like CG:

Check this out: the bridge opens and turns (in the background)

The Maritime Museum:

Yeah, I meant to get that bird in there…

I have a question. How lost do you expect people to be that you need a flag that big. It’s as big as a house.

I took the ferry today as I needed the Vitamin D… It travels under the harbour bridge and into circular key:

And there it is:

Circular Quay:

It’s rather massive

And if you wanted to know, he’s the inside:

This goes down to the bat cave.

- Kushal

Location:Sussex St,Sydney,Australia

A Dreary Walkabout

Kushal — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:14:36 +0000

Darling Harbour in the gloom. Still looks good.

This water feature is rather original. And it’s huge.

- Kushal

Location:Kent St,Sydney,Australia

A walk to the ferry

Kushal — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:46:15 +0000

So Zaaffran was good. Very good. And seriously over priced. It’s just food guys. £30 for 3 kofta, 1 nan and a drink is not even a piss take – it’s like some form of retail abuse! No, I don’t care what your rent is.

There was a Breakdancing show outside and now there’s a strange little fire eater.

I should be working.. But it’s sunny. And this place is addictive. Even the shopping centers have touch screen guides.

This is my walk to darling harbor ferry station where I get a ferry to the Opera House. No, no extra charge – it’s included on the travel card!

- K

Location:Darling Dr,Sydney,Australia