USA - Atlanta, Georgia

CANADA - Prince Edward Island in Winter

Qantas – Next Generation Check-In

Just when most people are getting used to the idea of online check-in Qantas have now introduced what they call “Next Generation Check-in system.” Gone are the days of “human intervention” replaced with computers, scanners and conveyor belts. What this basically means is that the passenger is now responsible for selecting his/her seat, printing his/her boarding pass, and if he or she has got a bag to check-in he/she is responsible for printing the bag tags, attaching the tags to the bags in a prescribed manner and sending off his/her own bags to the correct aircraft.

This new system has been fully implemented by Qantas at one of Australia’s busiest domestic airport, Perth. Noticeably absent are check-in counters manned by humans. In place are touch screens and bag drop scanners that will direct your baggage to its rightful destination. WARNING: You must remove all old tags and stickers so as not to confuse the new technology and send your bag/s where you do not want it to go.

Sydney, arguably the busiest down under, is the next in-line to launch the system. Frequent SYD travellers be warned.

The system is almost hassle free if you have nothing to check-in. Printing your boarding pass at home still works a treat. But if you’re on the other extreme with oversized (like prams, surfboards, etc.) and/or overweight pieces the new system can be a nightmare. You can say, it indirectly discourages the practice. But if you have no choice grab the first human staff you see before your fingers start fiddling with the very inviting touch screens.

Streamlining is the whole idea with the promise “to leave you more time to spend as you choose before your flight” (from Qantas – The Australian Way Magazine). We’ll see…

The University of Western Australia - Perth Visit Part 2

Please indulge me a little bit. This post has nothing to do with food at all but everything to do with my being "The Beancounter."

On every trip to the west coast I never fail to drop by my old college, The University of Western Australia. For the nostalgia, of course, and also because it is a fascinating place to visit. The campus is surrounded by majestic sandstone and terracotta buildings nestled among heritage listed gardens.

Below is a collection of photos I took on this recent trip of what is considered one of the most picturesque campuses in the country. I hope I did it justice.

Winthrop Hall - its stained glass windows were badly damaged by the recent storm

My old home

"VERILY BY BEAUTY IT IS THAT WE COME AT WISDOM" - Robert Bridges

The Library

Perth Visit - Part 1

I've got a busy week ahead of me. In the meantime, please enjoy a collection of photos on my recent trip to Australia's west coast (or visit my archive).

the bag

the destination

the ride


departure from my usual toast

proper hot breakfast on this 5+ hour flight

the evening's entertainment

one of Perth's newest and innovative restaurants (watch out for a future post)

King's Park at night

King's Park during the day

King's Park at Night 2

King's Park during the day 2

Cafe by the office

flight home