Hi all… Tried to go to the Qatar Women’s Tennis Open last night… but it was raining (again)! The last 2 days I have started a new workout program (trying to keep up with my sister Kathy and brother Harold who have a 3 month competition going on… I’m joining in!).
I am off to Yangon this morning, will be back Monday for about 8 hours then flying to Trivandrum. It will probably be Wednesday before I am able to post any pictures.
About Me
- Captain Kirk
- Hi everyone! Because I am so bad at emailing and keeping in contact with everyone, I thought this might be a better way to keep everyone informed about what is happening in my life. I am an airline pilot currently working and living in the Middle East. Previously I have flown for airlines in Australia and the US. I am divorced with 2 great children that live with their mother in Australia.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
The backwaters of Kerala for the last time.
I just returned from a Cochin (Kochi) India overnight. I had a good crew and we went to the backwaters. The weather was not as nice as the first time I went to the backwaters (see post http://kirkpleasant.blogspot.com/2005_02_01_kirkpleasant_archive.html Feb 2) but it was still beautiful. This is my last overnight at Cochin because the A330 does not fly there…the crew made it a great last trip.
I have a couple of days off here in Doha then off to Yangon, Myanmar.
I am starting pack on a serious fitness campaign- tonight Arnis and Jujitsu training plus a weights workout.
I have a couple of days off here in Doha then off to Yangon, Myanmar.
I am starting pack on a serious fitness campaign- tonight Arnis and Jujitsu training plus a weights workout.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Kovalam Beach - Trivandrum India
I just returned from a Trivandrum India overnight. I flew a BOC (“back of the clock” – take off late evening and fly all night …also called a red eye special) flight arriving at the hotel about 9am. After a few hours sleep I headed off to Kovalam Beach (http://beaches.south-india-tour-package.com/kerala-beaches/kovalam-beach.html). It was about a 40 minute Tuk-tuk (a 3 wheel taxi) ride which I paid the driver about US$7 (Aus$9) for him to take me there wait about 6 hours and return me to the hotel. I had a great time body surfing the waves, enjoying the seafood and the Kingfisher beer. It is very cheap with a seafood meal costing about US$5 - $10.
Going to the A330!
I just received the news that I am transferring from the A320/319/321 (http://www.airbus.com/media/a320_family.asp) aircraft to the A330-200/300 (http://www.airbus.com/product/a330_a200_introduction.asp / http://www.airbus.com/product/a330_a300_introduction.asp)!
After flying the A320 family for 15 years and 7 months, 11,300 hours (can’t believe I flew the same aircraft type for that long!), and a total of almost 15,000 flying hours (will break 15,000 hours in the next week)…I am changing aircraft types! I will leave for Toulouse France on the 7th of March and return on about the 20th. After that I will have about 2 – 3 weeks of line training I will be checked out. The destinations that I will be flying to will range from as far east as Japan, north to England, south to South Africa and all places in-between.
After flying the A320 family for 15 years and 7 months, 11,300 hours (can’t believe I flew the same aircraft type for that long!), and a total of almost 15,000 flying hours (will break 15,000 hours in the next week)…I am changing aircraft types! I will leave for Toulouse France on the 7th of March and return on about the 20th. After that I will have about 2 – 3 weeks of line training I will be checked out. The destinations that I will be flying to will range from as far east as Japan, north to England, south to South Africa and all places in-between.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Great vacation!
Well I am back in Doha wondering why? I have just returned from 2 weeks away visiting Australia and Japan.
Australia- I had the best time with the kids! Every time I see them (which isn’t often enough) I am amazed at the amount they grow, bloom and mature. Both of the kids are fantastic company and are turning into beautifully natured individuals.
Cairns was great. The weather was not that hot and humid (compared to Doha in the summer!) I caught up with friends and had a look around at Australian Airlines. They are based out of Cairns (for now) and may be getting A330 aircraft in the future. If they do it may be a chance for me to get a flying job back close to the kids. I did a drive up towards Port Douglas and stopped by Mossman Gorge. After 2 days in Cairns I headed off to Japan.
Japan was amazing! The people were so friendly and the sights were great. They are in to perfection and minute detail. The Gardens are beautiful and a matter af great pride. At the stores I saw the most perfect (and expensive) fruit and vegetables I have ever seen (for example a box of about 9 strawberries for about US$35!). Yet eating and living there is not nearly as expensive as I thought it would be. The food was easy to order - you just go to a restaurant that has plastic food in the window (many do) and point at what you want and I have fall in love with the sake (rice wine usually served hot). The transport system (trains and subways) were very clean and easy to use and most have signs that are in English. I stayed most of the time in Kyoto (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html).
Takao Yamazaki Ryokan-
I stayed one night in an old style Japanese inn called Takao Yamazaki Ryokan
(http://www.ryokan-yamazaki.co.jp/english_1.html). It is very traditional Japanese Inn and an absolute must if you are visiting Japan. The experience of their hospitality, service and food is unsurpassed. If you ever visit Japan I can highly recommend this place.
Australia- I had the best time with the kids! Every time I see them (which isn’t often enough) I am amazed at the amount they grow, bloom and mature. Both of the kids are fantastic company and are turning into beautifully natured individuals.
Cairns was great. The weather was not that hot and humid (compared to Doha in the summer!) I caught up with friends and had a look around at Australian Airlines. They are based out of Cairns (for now) and may be getting A330 aircraft in the future. If they do it may be a chance for me to get a flying job back close to the kids. I did a drive up towards Port Douglas and stopped by Mossman Gorge. After 2 days in Cairns I headed off to Japan.
Japan was amazing! The people were so friendly and the sights were great. They are in to perfection and minute detail. The Gardens are beautiful and a matter af great pride. At the stores I saw the most perfect (and expensive) fruit and vegetables I have ever seen (for example a box of about 9 strawberries for about US$35!). Yet eating and living there is not nearly as expensive as I thought it would be. The food was easy to order - you just go to a restaurant that has plastic food in the window (many do) and point at what you want and I have fall in love with the sake (rice wine usually served hot). The transport system (trains and subways) were very clean and easy to use and most have signs that are in English. I stayed most of the time in Kyoto (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html).
Takao Yamazaki Ryokan-
I stayed one night in an old style Japanese inn called Takao Yamazaki Ryokan
(http://www.ryokan-yamazaki.co.jp/english_1.html). It is very traditional Japanese Inn and an absolute must if you are visiting Japan. The experience of their hospitality, service and food is unsurpassed. If you ever visit Japan I can highly recommend this place.
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