A New Jersey Break

Are you looking to have a summer vacation, and thinking of the white sandy beach? Or maybe soak up some sun? Or better still, are you one of those who seek the excitement of thrills? Or then again, maybe you're a party person, and just want to enjoy a crowd of people to be with? Either way, you're probably looking for a break from all your worries and hard work.
What comes to mind, when you think of New Jersey? I personally think of a buzzing city, and busy streets. But all of us will be surprised but what the city of New Jersey itself can offer. If you're looking at a family beach vacation and soak up a little water fun for your family. But why just go to the beach, and just see the boring sand? I know it's fun to be at the beach, but it's better to be at a water theme park.
New Jersey has Morey's Piers, and is the world's biggest amusement piers. The definition of fun here is not just with rides; but with nice treats of water fun. So it combines the fun at the beach and the excitement of New Jersey attractions that satisfies the thrill seekers. This place has a party atmosphere too, so it will also be cool for the party goers.

Is there any improvement...

Well, if we're talking about the train system here in Melbourne; then the answer is no. In fact, it's actually gotten worse this week. The transport minister has recently bragged about implementing changes in certain lines that have issues, and said that it would increase the capacity of the system. It's been said that an additional 105 new services have been added to existing timetables to boost weekday travel to and from the CBD.

Well, if you're one of us, who get on the train from Glen Huntly to the city in the mornings (between 7:45 - 9:00); this has actually gotten worse. For the first day of the week, the regular train that I take was late for more than 10 minutes. And as before it was quite full. And today, well, it was even bitter, the train was on time but much more full train usual. The experience was as pathetic as before, but even more because of the fact that people are such inconsiderate brats (especially the one with his bike in the front carriage). Now I thought, the front carriage was meant for people with special needs, so what's going on?

Putting that aside. I pity those, who normally take the next couple of trains after the 8:21 because they've been cancelled today. For some reason, I must have known that would happen cause I rushed to the station to catch the 8:21. Sometimes if I get held up at home, I would catch the 8:36 and I would still be alright to get to work before 9:30 am. Well, I guess you'll just have some more rants on MX today. But if you feel like it, you can leave your rants on this blog as well. I would appreciate a sharing of ideas on how to solve this commuters' crisis.

I would like to ask the transport minister, where is the improvement? And how did Connex project any improvements with these changes? Considering that the Frankston line was specified as one of the lines that will be boosted, I think it's been just a load of crap. They shouldn't really sensationalize any changes in the train system, if it won't affect the commuters in a positive way. I mean, it's just one failed campaign after another. First was the early bird thingy, which everyone knows would not work since the mornings would really be too cold for most people to rush to work. And this promised boosts that has become just so lame.

So what's next in their circus of public transport juggles? A Clown day on the train? Well, I suggest they think of better ways to improve the situation. With the increased popullation of Melbourne, the train system should be revamped to hold the capacity. I mean, maybe adding more running trains or using trains with larger capacities. And keep the changes hush or at least not promise any improvements that cannot be achieve. And I don't want to hear another lame excuse about this latest change: it's too early to feel the improvements. Yes, it is too early to feel improvements, but why are we feeling worst?

An Easy Vacation

Vacations can always go both ways. It can either go horribly wrong or it can be extremely easy. Planning a vacation is always the first step, and part of the planning includes thinking of the itinerary. This is the stage where you decide where you would want to go. This decision will always make or break the vacation itself. A good holiday place is the most important thing to consider.
The next step is booking flights for the whole itinerary. Then the next step is booking the hotels for each of your stops. It's important to consider the hotels because it forms part of the enjoyment. You wouldn't want to sleep on the streets of a foreign place.
If you ask me, I have Europe on the top of my vacation plans. I would visit places such as Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, and Rome (it's just in my religion). I considered Europe because I just found out that it wouldn't be that hard to book Paris Hotels, or Amsterdam Hotels, or Barcelona Hotels, or even Rome Hotels.
Paris itself is already going to be a sight to behold, and I am sure that the other cities would be wonders too. So am just praying that on the day when my vacation plan becomes a reality, that it wouldn't rain in those cities. I mean, how would I be able to go around these nice cities, and I wouldn't want to be just stuck in my hotel room.

There's a first time for everthing...

In my 8 long years in my work, I have been able to travel to different locations almost every year. In some years, more than once. I have not had any bad experience since my trip to Israel. There security measures were bordering between paranoia and madness. They actually had all passengers line up with their luggage, and had open inspection on each one. Well, Australia's border security measures are much similar but in a more dignified way; and well organized too.

I really thought that was my first and last worse experience in adulthood travels (I've had bad experiences as a child - I easily get motion sickness). Well, I must have been too optimistic about it.

Just recently, it was my first time to travel with the whole family abroad. Our destination was Melbourne, Australia - the place that we will calling our new home. We did not have much hand carry since we had 3 kids to tend to while on the flight. We only hand carried stuff that we needed while on the flight, the rest of our stuff we checked in. When we got to our destination in Melboure International airport, we got a shocking surprise. We were waiting for our luggage, but they never came; and we were the last ones in that area of the airport.

I felt a mixture of emotions; worried about our stuff, angry with Philippine Airlines for letting this happen, confused on what to do next, and surprised by this predecament. We had nothing else with us but the clothes that we were wearing, and a few stuff that we stowed with us. All our stuff, clothes, shoes, the kids milk, and some toys are no where.

So in my 8 years of travelling, it's the first time that I have come out of the arrival terminal without my luggage. And to think that I was with my family, who were excited to get to our new home.

To cut the long story short, we had to resort to buying a few things (e.g. clothes, and stuff) that we could use for the next few days. We only got our luggage 2 days after, but PAL really sucks. The only thing I got from them was an apology that didn't really mean anything to me. I so wanted to sue their asses for having put me through an emotional rollercoaster, but what can I do.

Anyways, thought I'd share this experience with you guys. Thanks for reading.