Sydney
Hanging out with Diana for the first time in ages before running off to Sydney for Carl's 3,000,000th mile on United. Banana cream pie at Heidi's Pies was very American, too sweet but elegantly presented for a simple diner, while drinks at Tong Sui sustained us through the crazy long line at Kajiken. The aburasoba's are very good, with the roast beef perhaps being a better balance than the homura, which is more flavorful but perhaps a bit too intense.
Back at SFO a few hours later to catch up with Carl, Carl's husband Bruce, and the rest of Carl's decidedly-not-little-crew accompanying him on his 3MM flight, United 863, from SFO to Sydney (SYD). Most of us slummed it for a bit in the Polaris Lounge, where Kathy and Amy (not present) showered us with special momentos for Carl's flight, and the bar plied us with alcohol. We then migrated to the gate not too long after, catching up with the final member of our group, John, and mingling a bit with the crew during the delay-- couldn't risk getting into Sydney too early, so this flight is frequently delayed...
The food on United remains so-so for the most part, average at best, but with a departure after midnight, I think most of us enjoyed our meals and then passed out for a few hours.