2 May 2010
Sydney Airport
The international first class lounge in Sydney airport didnt disappoint. I have never actually been before as on my last trip I went via Perth and the trip before that I went to the business lounge by mistake and couldnt be bothered moving.
The food is a la carte, they have a menu which you can see below but I heard one guy order what he felt like and they endeavoured to make it.
They also have a day spa thats free to use and im sure all the top shelf liquers and wines and things I dont like at all.
Before all that (yep, I went out of order already), I had to go to the tourist refund scheme office to get the GST and duty back on the camera I bought (you might notice the pictures are better quality, or not?).
This was an experience, as its hidden like you wouldnt believe and in the office are some nerds whos job it is to be as offensive as possible.
Still I got $60 back on my camera so its worth it, the idea of the scheme is if you are travelling within 30 days you can claim the tax back so that you purchase goods in Australia and not overseas.
The tourist refund scheme office is at the end of that hallway, past the toilets, down an alley, into an unmarked door, the government really does not want you claiming tax back!
Random photo of the main shopping area airside at Sydney airport, largely deserted at this time.
This is the entrance to the first class lounge, you go up an escalator, but its a living wall, quite impressive, all real plants and none of them were dead. Perhaps they replace them weekly? I touched the stuff they are planted into and it was wet and plastic feeling, so it uses some sort of technology. I might do my house in it.
I photographed the menu, in case anyone is bored enough to read it.
The bar area with the chefs preparing the meals in the background, remember everything in here, food, drink, day spa, massage whatever is free. Theres also some private rooms you need to book that are used by celebrities who dont want to be disturbed.
I chose pork in a chilli sauce, it was great, those are chunks of pork fillet, not meatballs made of ground pork.
A pretty boring and redundant view of the first class lounge. I will get bored of taking so many photos and typing about them soon enough, so for now enjoy the overkill.