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March 09, 2009

Posted by: Phil & Golden Kennedy

Australia > Sydney

VAustralia Inaugural Flight

G�day Mates!

We�re so excited about our latest trip to Australia that we just have to tell you about it. First, we got 48 hours� notice from DUA that two (yes, two!) seats had our names on them for Vaustralia�s inaugural flight from LA to Sydney. In true Aussie fashion, Phil picked himself up off the floor and decided to seize the day! 48 hours later we were on our way to LAX, filled with anticipation and smugness for having been lucky enough to live this spontaneous lifestyle where we could just pack and go. For those of you who are passionate about travel, you know what I�m talking about.

The anticipation was exceeded only by the experience� We were greeted by �The New Crew in Town� who made us feel a part of the family from the beginning, and the check-in crew made their way down to the gate in time to see us off with smiles and waves just like they were sending off their Mom and Dad. (Yes most of The New Crew in Town are young enough to be our children!) When we arrived in Sydney, another New Crew in Town was at the gate to meet us. Incredible, we thought. Obviously this was special treatment for the historic Inaugural Flight. But we were wrong, because when we returned a week later, we received exactly the same treatment. We were blown away when the young lass who checked us in at LAX walked up to us at the LAX baggage claim a week later and said, �G�day Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy. How was your flight?� It�s true, mate, fair dinkum.

Both flights were outstanding! Seated comfortably in Premium Economy (truly equivalent to business or first class on most domestic airlines), we were offered a glass of �bubbly� while waiting for take-off. Now you all know how routine the pre-flight safety instructions can be not so on Virgin! You�ll have to see the cartoon video to appreciate it and all the crazy characters, including Sir Richard Branson himself. Once in flight, the true blue Aussie crew offered us choices of fine Australian wine and cuisine for dinner. Then we propped our feet up on the foot rests, laid back in our luxurious leather seats, popped on our headsets (these are to die for) and selected from the smorgasbord of new release movies and entertainment. (Even the children had their special channels and games on their own personal touch-screen monitors.) A couple of great movies and a few hours� sleep later, we were awakened by the aroma of coffee and a delicious hot breakfast�
What was our return flight like? Just ditto all the above then add in that we are now feeling a part of the Virgin family�.and we were dressed in style as on the inaugural flight we received a smashing Virgin wardrobe (hats, t-shirts, singlets).

We have always been intrigued by the Virgin brand, and had opportunity to experience them in their early days. The thing that impresses most is they have come so far and incorporated total sophistication into their products, yet still they remain competitive and to experience Virgin service is to be embraced by the camaraderie and sense of fun that is the Virgin trademark. (Speaking of product sophistication, camaraderie, competitive pricing, and lots of fun�we just want to say how thrilled we are to be partnering with DUA Travel! This is an innovative team of empowered staff, a credit to their visionary leader Kirk Demeter.)

The week in Sydney went too fast, �we were flat out like a cane toad on a country road� but packed in some great memories..Sydney was at its finest as we strolled around Darling Harbour, called in on one of Nick�s great Restaurants to grab some �tucker� and then picnicked the following day in the gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens. Can you imagine this: we found a great picnic possie in the shade of a coolabah tree overlooking the harbour, Sydney Opera House and �the bridge�, and I�m not pulling your leg. Spent some time also walking the historic South Head via the Gap and then later tucked into some good ole� fish n chips at Watsons Bay as we watched the sun setting across the Harbour. Our last evening in Sydney, we dined al fresco in China Town, another �must do� experience. We also had great meetings with CEOs of some new Sydney products, and look forward to keeping DUA busy with more bookings. Thanks to DUA�s flexibility, we were also able to fit in a couple of days with Phil�s Mum in Bellingen (northern coast of NSW). She is now a life-time member of the DUA Fan Club!

Thank you! to DUA & Vaustralia for this wonderful experience! NOW, let our partnerships help you experience Australia both on and off the beaten track.

About the Authors:

Phil is Aussie born & bred and Golden is a Missouri girl. We share a great passion for people and travel, and pretty much spend our days exploring new opportunities to build into those passions. We love helping people achieve their potential & (re)discover their dreams and purpose in life. We also love travelling the world, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. We especially love it when we can combine the two, helping people experience the world (especially the S Pacific) as they turn their dreams into reality.

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March 09, 2009

VAustralia Inaugural Flight

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