Bouquets and Brickbats: When is "travel insurance" not travel insurance?

Caveat emptor - beware of travel insurance which is underwritten by Allianz. This includes CHI and Aussietravelcover.

My iPod Touch was stolen during a trip on 'The Ghan'. Not only did Allianz first try to deny liability (alleging that the iPod had been "left behind" (no cover if you leave anything behind anywhere during your travels) but then after getting a supporting letter from the Terminal Manager they agreed to pay, but only wanted to pay a pittance for an iPod that was in 'as new' condition (applying a savage level of depreciation). As this would not come anywhere near the replacement cost for the iPod I argued with them, and they increased it a bit, but still nowhere near enough to buy a new one. At this point I was exhausted and gave up and had to settle for a second-hand one with a tiny bit of marginal screen damage (sourced through EB Games https://ebgames.com.au/).

As a result I would never ever insure anything with Allianz. Never, ever!

This is also a lesson for people purchasing travel insurance to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you are covered for accidental loss. To my mind, so-called travel insurance that does not cover you for accidental loss or leaving things behind is not travel insurance at all and does not deserve your business. Also, if you have an expensive piece of technology in good condition, you will want replacement value, not just their arbitrary depreciated value.

For terrific value and more generous terms and conditions try this one instead provided by ACE Insurance (and available in three levels of cover):
https://fairfax.aceinsurance.com.au/FairfaxAU/TA
(The medium level of cover is also available through www.seniors.com.au/age with a 10% discount for an online quote, but it is cheaper through the Fairfax website.)

Coffee Review - Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine

(Updated 7 January 2014 - Review of Torino Espresso added.)

I recently had the opportunity to 'road test' the very competitively priced Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine and some of the extensive range of equally cost-effective coffee capsules. The machine itself was very easy to operate, with extensive pictorial instructions. Perhaps the only drawback for the amateur barista is that if you want frothy milk, a separate device is required for this. The serving size can be adjusted from 40mL to 200mL, but if you want a mug-sized cup you will need to add water separately. The water is heated as it passes through the machine, and the coffee comes out at a slightly less than ideal serving temperature, particularly if you are adding cold milk. However, this is nothing that a handy microwave can't fix! If you are adding warm or frothed milk, the overall temperature seems to come out "just right".

(Note: All tasting notes were written before looking at the description of the coffee on the box, so any duplication of terminology is coincidental!)

Expressi Renzo Ground Roast Coffee
Strength: 8 
Description: "Sourced from the highlands of Central America, these coffees have a strong spicy and sweet taste with woody notes and a lasting rich character." 

There is a lovely crema on top and a forthright rich aroma. The taste is strong but with depth and a slightly astringent finish which would surely 'cleanse the palate'. With the strength comes a surprising lack of bitterness. There is a distinct aftertaste which lingers on the tongue, echoing the depth of the flavour. A nicely balanced cup of coffee.

Adding milk softens the flavour, as you would expect, but the underlying character still shines though with a refreshing clean finish. With those who like a little bit of sugar with coffee, the combination is simply delicious! 

Expressi Reggio Ground Roast Coffee 
Strength: 9 
Description: A smooth, dark roasted espresso from premium Ethiopian and South American Arabicas creates this rich, full bodied, intense blend - characterised with a delicate note of cocoa. 

Once again there is a good crema on top and a deep woody aroma. Tasted black this coffee is strong and smooth, with a vibrant aftertaste which leaves a definite tingle on the tongue. The flavour is complex, dark and nutty with a dash of spice.

With milk added the flavour is still strong and bold, but velvety smooth. It also goes well with sugar. Definitely a sophisticated cup of coffee!

Expressi Milano Ground Roast Coffee 
Strength: 10 
Description: The blend of Arabica and Rubusta coffees are roasted to create an intensely-flavoured, slightly sweet coffee, with light acidity and a fulfilling aroma. Highlighted floral notes, nutty tones and slight bitterness balance the experience.

This is the Everest of the Expressi coffees, with an intense aroma and a compact punchy but clean taste with staying power, lingering in the back of the throat and on the tongue. Strong and vibrant and definitely a coffee to have when you are seeking a 'pick me up' to reinvigorate your senses. Some may prefer it with a dash of sugar (your brain needs glucose after all!).

With milk added it is still sexy and strong but not quite as edgy. As well as being great as a stand-alone cup of coffee, it would be a most serviceable accompaniment to food, as the sightly astringent taste has a very cleansing effect on the palate.

Expressi Torino Espresso Ground Roast Coffee
Strength: 11
Description: A full bodied coffee of the best Arabica's from South and Central America, Asia and Africe roasted carefully to create an intense yet smooth flavour with dark chocolate and roasted notes and medium acidity.
This one has a dark woody aroma and a nice crema when brewed through the machine. When drunk black, it has an intense bitter liquer-style taste which is at the same time pure and smooth. It has a gentle aftertaste which gradually fades away.

Despite the rating it is not as punchy as some of the others and the smooth sophistication is enhanced by the addition of milk.

"Seal of Approval" - All coffees!

Product Review - EasiYo Yoghurt Maker

(Updated 5 October 2012 - new photos added.)

This is a food product that I happened across in the supermarket when I was living in the country a couple of years ago, and it seemed like a very convenient idea to be able to make your own yoghurt at home and never run out! (It is also cheaper than buying yoghurt from the dairy cabinet at the supermarket.)

The actual kit itself was not expensive (current price A$21.99) and the yoghurt powder packets cost around A$3-4 each, depending on the variety. My favourites are the Boysenberry, Strawberry, Raspberry and Mango in the standard range (there are several 'plain' varieties as well) and there are two 'deluxe' flavours - Peaches and Cream and Raspberries and Cream. They are all very nice!

In order to make the yoghurt, all you need is a packet of powder and some hot water (and follow the instructions on the pack). In general, if you put the yoghurt on in the evening it will be ready in time for breakfast the next morning.

The following pictures are of some freshly made yoghurt.

I like to decant it into an existing yoghurt container for storage in the refrigerator so that I can wash/clean all the components and put them away until next time.

One of the other benefits is that you can add your own extra ingredients. In this case I decided to add some defrosted blueberries to the boysenberry yoghurt.

Mix the berries through and enjoy! Exotic alternatives such as this could also form part of a dessert if desired.