Sheraton Centre Toronto 14 Apr 2018

Check in: We were told to join the same queue with other check in guests when we booked club floor rooms. FYI in Asian countries they would invite us to SPG club floors for more comfortable check in. This staycation is for my birthday and the check in staff mentioned this on the spot, so much for discreetness. We were also given a choice of a bottle of wine OR cake OR late check out. FYI Sofitel Sydney brought both bottle AND cake to our room within 30minutes of our check in without alerting us of the surprise.

Room: we only got 1 bathrobe in the room, no kettle. And there is only shower, not even bathtub. Called to ask for extra bathrobe and amenities including 2 tooth brushes, the phone rang more than 3 times until someone picks up.

Decor: Nice carpet with grooves. But ugly maroon leather chair. Same goes with the tangerine chairs in the club lounge. Interior design failed this hotel.

Club lounge: great view of the whole city front and back of the hotel. We get to see City hall in front and CN tower behind us. Consider adding sparkling water to the collection of beverage please.

Hack alert! Cheap transportation to Sydney Airport

The normal route to Sydney Australia airport is via train if you don't have a car. This will set you back about aud20. The better half and I discovered another cheaper alternative that will cost max aud4 bucks but it will be slightly inconvenient, especially if you are running late with luggages.

Instead of getting off at Wolli Creek or direct to Domestic or International Airport station via train, you will get off further at Banksia or Rockdale. Take bus 400 towards Bondi Junction (the return from airport will go to Burwood instead). The bus will stop in both terminals at a fraction of the price.

You are welcome.

Hotel Febri's

8 August 2017, Febri's hotel, Kuta, Bali Indonesia

Room 1221. Every morning kites would soar high in the skies. Sounds of roosters, pigeons, dogs, bikes and people busy rustling about their day will fill the air, interlaced by smells of golden magnolias and faint gasoline of motors. Squirrels hop from buildings to tree branches foraging for food. A gentle breeze is always constant, holding kites high up in the sky. Bali. Winter season in August. It's always great to be back, the languid days lounging by the beach or next to the pool at a private villa, Bintang or Bintang Radler in hand, gorging on tropical fruits - dragonfruit, salak,  papaya, pineapple, watermelon, guava - cleaning our constant diet of nasi or mee gorengs, accompanied by more deep fried condiments ts such as scallions or chicken or coconut, with the kick of Indonesian sweet soy sauce or fiery chili, just the way any locals would have it