Touchdown Melbourne!

I was pretty excited in my trip to Melbourne. I wasn't too sure what I need to pack for a 3 months holiday and wasn't sure if I had enough warm clothing with me. I almost forgotten about my warm jacket in the doby shop the night before my flight. Only remembered when I was packing some stuff in the bag around 9pm. I quickly called the doby shop hoping it is still open. Lady luck smiled on me, a lady answered the call and told me the shop is still open.

In the morning of my departure date, I went for breakfast with Mien Yee and Han. I was a little worried about the weight of my baggage including my bike. Luckily both are within the baggage limit, only just. My bag weighs in at 19.1kg while my bike weighs in at 13.9kg. I had to pay only RM60 for sporting equipment fee (up to 15kg), while I bought a 20kg baggage allowance online earlier.

Checked in early, as I've got nothing much to do in the airport. Flight was delayed for about 20 mins while we were inside the plane due to somebody checking in their lugguage, not too sure of details though. I've been hearing lots of bad experience in Air Asia X seatings or food. However, turns out to be ok. Except for the recliner seats that don't work at all. That means you have to sit upright the whole trip. There was a lady sitting next to me, wearing a mask. There quite a few passangers wearing masks. But she moved when her friend told her that there are seats upfront. The plane wasn't at full capacity. It's a 3 + 3 + 3 seat arrangement. I had the whole 3 seats for myself when she moved.

Air Asia X seats with a LCD screen in each seat (pic below). Of course, you have to pay RM30 to use it. So the only thing free on the LCD are travel information, journey guide and maybe previews of some movies shown.

I tried to skeep but it's hard when you had to sit up straight. Even leaving on the wall of the plane and stretched my legs out slightly covering the 3 seats, but not working. Only managed to rest for a while. Food was served and since I've paid it online, I got my nasi lemak. Was it good? Well when you are hungry, anything taste good.

Photo of passengers' cabin (photo below)


Heavy rain just before take off (Took off 2pm - Malaysian time)

Flying pass one of the mountain in Indonesia (Not sure which one. I think we flew pass Java. any idea anyone?)

Entering Land Down Under (pic below)

I ticked "Goods costing more than AUD900 in the declaration form which were handed to passengers in the plane. The lady at the custom asked whether it was a new bike, told her it is 2 year old. She said that's fine, so she let me thru. I was the last in line waiting for my bicycle box. I waited for quite a while before a lady was asking me whether I was waiting for a bicycle box. I said Yes and she pointed to my box which was just a few metres walk away. Then I saw the sign "Oversize baggage, collect here". Aiyo...pai seh man. Anyway, went through the custom and I was shown the way to the red line I think. Australian customs are super strict. Anyways, I had to open up my box to show my bike to customs. Even had to open up my bag to take out my cycling shoe to show it to her.

A quiet Melbourne Airport



Hilton Hotel in front of the airport



Quiet Mebourne road at midnight

The apartment (pic below) I am staying in. My cousins - Dennison and Andrew's place.

I didn't do much today. Both my cousin went for a ride. I haven't got my bike set up yet so didnt join them. I walked around nearby for a while, to Queen Victoria Market which was just 5 mins away. Weather was so damm cold with the strong wind. I had to hold on to my cap at some point.

Queen Victoria Market

Lots of meats on sale here in the market!

Melbourne's own version of Petaling St.

Music performance at Queen Victoria Market

I had my bike set up after coming back from my short walk. I thought I rather stay inside then being out there in the cold windy day. Took me a while to set it up as this is the first time my bike got dismantled. It wasn't that complicated but I think I am going to have a tough time to dismantled it when I pack it back in the box. I am having a thought of leaving it here and sell it. Mmh, should I? AUD800 - AUD1000 seems a good price.

Then went for a walk with Andrew to get myself a prepaid hp number. He was doing his grocery shopping as well. He showed me around some places nearby and even visited a bicycle shop nearby. Things inside are not cheap if converted to RM. Much more cheaper to get it in KL.

State Library of Victoria (pic below)

Check out this electornic gear shifters (pic below) which has a whopping AUD4,700 price tag! It's the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.