Trip Reports - Miami, London, Franfkurt, London, Israel, London, Paris, New York, home

Hello everyone. Let's do a trip report.

I want to get this started so that when I have time at an airline lounge I can update it, not taking my laptop as the Israeli security authorities seem to have a bad record with laptops, ugh. (Read the US Embassy report on flying out of Israel, cringe)

My itinerary:

Ok, first time on this board.

I am going to skip dates to save time and I am running low on prep time.

If all goes well http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif :

LAX-MIA AA 777
vol bump looks doable, but will mess up trip across the pond
-to my surprise, went on tonight and I was upgraded! So very unlikely that I will vol.
Lost the window seat in the process.
Checking in for the flight now online at
AA.com.

MIA-RDU AA M80

RDU-LGW AA 777

LGW-FRA BA 737 I think 500!?

FRA-LHR BA 767

LHR-TLV BA 767

TLV-LHR BA 767

LHR-CDG BA A319

CDG-LHR BA A319

LHR-JFK AA 777

JFK-LAX 767-2

------------------
Chairman of feed the AA Flight Attendants Foundation,
Interflug customer service department, SXF.
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Ok, already misspelled Frankfurt. Lovely http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Assuming I can't change it.

I will probably use this as a worksheet and then create a better, more formal report when we are done.

As to checking in online for AA, I didn't know that it can only be a domestic ticket, so I just lost some miles. Oh well.

Hopefully I will be able to give an update at the Admirals Club tomorrow.

Question, should I list the hotels that I am staying at or just the flights?

What do you guys want to see? thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:
Question, should I list the hotels that I am staying at or just the flights?

What do you guys want to see? thanks. </font>


we want everything. and photos. secrets. gossip.

But dont mention the soup http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif oops!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by daysleeper:

we want everything. and photos. secrets. gossip.</font>

I like you http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. I like everything,too.

Will try. New camera and tons of film.

Watch the Israelis confiscate it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

( I love gossip, bad, but I do!)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Kiwi Flyer:
But dont mention the soup http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif oops!</font>

No soup for you! Come back one year--- as you pound on the table. Ah, you must be
Elaine... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif (Seinfeld episode folks... getting my Friends fix now... )

Ok people, this is the moment. Thought I was prepared, up at 3am(before bed!) preparing the carry on, which I think is the worst to prepare. Passport was in another bag, can you say Freak out!? Ah, the Marriott card, just came and just remembered. Ok...

Anyway, hectic morning and I am outta here. Still have to stop at the bank and then I am actually parking at LAX vs. using a shuttle. I want the freedom to drive and yack on my cell as long as possible, till AA closes the door.

American called this morning and gave a flight status update, very nice.

On Time.

I am outta here!!

At this rate, you'll make your 1000th post before this trip report is completed! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Very funny Seat 2A, I was thinking the same. Much like being privy to the inner thoughts and rambling monologue of a genius perhaps. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Have a nice trip Interflug and watch that reading material on board.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoldFlyer:
Very funny Seat 2A, I was thinking the same. Much like being privy to the inner thoughts and rambling monologue of a genius perhaps. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Have a nice trip Interflug and watch that reading material on board.</font>

Hmmm I think I see something similar just down the trip report page http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:

not taking my laptop as the Israeli security authorities seem to have a bad record with laptops, ugh. (Read the US Embassy report on flying out of Israel, cringe)
</font>

I've never seen the report but I fly out of Israel all the time with my laptop and nobody has even asked me to take it out of my hand luggage -- much less given me a hard time.

In fact, since 9/11 I have flown out of airports in the US, France, Holland, Italy, Turkey, England, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Israel and Italy and the ONLY country which ever checked my laptop was the US.

OK, I am here. 1,000th post? what do I get? an upgrade!? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

BA Terraces Lounges at Gatwick, very nice.

AA crew from Raleigh to Gatwick was one of the best I have ever had. All of them were kind and sweet, just wonderful.

Also, I did upgrade LAX to MIA Business AA 777, service was excellent, I took the name of one of the crews and he will do well when I write to AA. Almost SQ level. Kept refilling the drinks. Darn seat kept falling back, drove me crazy. They finally showed me how to lock it, it would unlock, go back, thought I was going for the floor. Ouch. Felt sorry for the poor woman behind me and I did apologize to her.

LAX was a hassle, got a parking ticket, don't ask. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif It was crazy. Because I had upgraded, I couldn't use the skycap. Nuts.

I was looking forward to the Embassy Suites hotel at MIA, arrived after waiting forever for the shuttle, sorry, we are sold out, and sent me over to a dump-Baymont. He apologized, paid for dinner, later gave me a cert for a free stay later, but still.
I love the E/S, hated the other place, but made it easier to get out of there and play at MIA.

Anyway, I have made it to Europe.

Let me do some rambling, I do like the genius part http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif thank you, and when I have time I will start a new report and we can go from there.

As for the laptop, look at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv webpage, they warned about it. Yes, the US so far has been the biggest pain about it with the TSA just a bunch of idiots. The British here do security much, much better.

As to the laptop, it doesn't matter, it isn't with me so not an issue.

Take care all.

------------------
Chairman of feed the AA Flight Attendants Foundation,
Interflug customer service department, SXF.
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoldFlyer:
Very funny Seat 2A, I was thinking the same. Much like being privy to the inner thoughts and rambling monologue of a genius perhaps. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Have a nice trip Interflug and watch that reading material on board. </font>

I like the genius part, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif. Not going to disagree, but only if others would kindly agree. ;p

OK, please tell the German woman over here to please quiet down. She is yacking auf Deutsch loud. Ich kann verstehen ein bischen, wow! Too much. -Nice that I can understand quite a bit of it, but so loud, be nice to the other pax, bitte schon.

As for reading material!? Inside Flyer, finished, reading a book on the Israelis-fascinating and actually learning quite a bit about Y`israel, USA Today, Financial Times, and something else. Oh and after I (borrow) some goodies from the lounge, yes, will have more to read. I need a Hong Kong newspaper!

Cheers

Sorry, one more, then I will go check my e-mail. The gentleman next to me on the computers here in the BA lounge is on Flyertalk. It really is a small world. He is a lurker, so we need to make him full time.

Loving it Interflug... have a great trip!

Oy Gevallt! I am going to Israel tonight, too much. Very, very excited, you can feel the excitement if you are around me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I am at the Heavenly BA Terraces lounge at Heathrow, one of my favorite places, but I think the Wing is still better. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I need a Cabana( and my girlfriend with me there, cough cough http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )...Plane doesn't leave for another 7 or 8 hours, whatever time it is.

There is so much to tell, where on earth do I start? You guys will love this trip report, once I get home and can type the whole thing in proper sequence. So much to tell, so much to share.

I got after the (idiot, sorry) at the entrance to the BA Club queue for check in here at LHR today. Said I was a Sapphire, a Sapphire ???, what's that? Yeah, I nailed him. Buddy, if you don't know what a Oneworld Saphhire is, then I don't know...

LHR Marriott is wonderful, absolutely loved it. Nice room, not a great view of LHR, vs. the Rennaissance, of course, but could see some planes. It was better on the other side, from the Exec lounge, could see planes taking off into the air, Air Jamaica A340 was fascinating to watch, slow climb.

They had a spectacular breakfast, the lounge 'warden' was wonderful, into aviation, so we talked, then there was a Qatar Airways flight crew, when the others left, I chatted with him, then a British 'stew' for Emirates came in(hot, hot babe!!!, fyi) came in, we must have been there forever and learned tons. She talked about Emirates new First Class on the new Airbus, like private compartments, do not disturb signs, food when you want it, like room service. Watch me salivate. Gave me her e-mail as buddy of mine wants to become cabin crew for Emirates and she said they are short staffed and need crews desperately, lot's of expansion. I love it, someone besides Sleasy Jet and WN are expanding.

I learned so much.

Let me pause here and I will try to tell you about FRA later.

It was an interesting experience and the dear BA staff there fowled things up for my bags, which I suppose worked out for the best. cheers

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

OK, here we go. Leaving the BA lounge now for the Tel Aviv flight. Didn't realize, this is the last flight of the evening.

Oh, we are so special! Remember people, I want to be pampered when I get there. Pray for an upgade at the Renn. Shalom

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Ok, I safely arrived in Israel 2 nights ago and I am loving it! This is a wonderful place, the people are so kind, and the food is Heavenly.

The BA flight was great. Most of the pax were Israeli and that made it more fun. Sat next to a wonderful seatmate from Wash. DC and we yacked the whole flight. Great flight and service. Landing/arriving here was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. To see the lights of Tel Aviv, it was emotional. More later. (This computer is a pain)

I am very sorry that I waited so long to come here. I am in the club lounge of the Sheraton Moriah in Tel Aviv. Yeah, kind of enjoying this place. The Rennaissance would not upgrade me so did my night then came here. Had to pay more, but worth it and the staff are much better. Only that the Renn. had a nice pool which I never used http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif and the S/M's pool is closed. Oh well. (No Mikve http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ).



------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Sorry for the multiple posts but I keep losing what I am writing, which is not fun.

UGH


When I went to the BA plane I became really excited. There were no special security checks to my surprise and we just boarded. The majority were Israelis speaking Hebrew which made it more fun. One of the 'stews' was cute and so she was fun to talk to.

The head purser was annoying and kept making long, boring announcements and shockingly they didn't give a single word in Hebrew, not even a Shalom. Oh well.

EK 777, BA 744, SQ 744, and shock of all shocks, LY 777 took off before us, in fact the ELAL 777 took off right before us which was fun to see but then I knew they would be ahead of us at customs. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I sang Havanagila to myself on takeoff, yes, it was exciting. This is awesome and I am actually(finally)going to Israel. As I was literally over the wing(the only window they had when I booked, strange)there wasn't much to see, and I had to stretch to look back at coveted Terminal 4, one of my favorite places on Earth, BA lounges and all. Gee, I spent all day there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif No view of London both with the wing and the clouds.

To my surprise, while they had entertainment, they had no airshow/map which made it a pain(767-3). All clouds/wing, couldn't see anything, had no idea where we were, which sucked.

Meal was very good, my first longhaul BA flight, and the service runs circles around AA, so utterly embarrassing.

Seats def. need more legroom but seat itself was nice.


[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Feb 23, 2004).]

OK. Again, sorry for the multiples but this computer keeps wrecking what I am writing. Lost too much so far. I will probably spend some more time tonight, if open.

My beloved seatmate was from Wash D.C. dual US and Israeli citizen and he has traveled the world. We yacked the whole flight and it was enjoyable. I even thanked him for making the flight so much fun.

We talked about travel, women http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, and more travel and compared notes on our various experiences.

There was a Rabbi type, kippot und alles, kind of a big guy http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, who kept walking back and forth up and down. It was annoying but I didn't mind it, but my seatmate got so ticked at this guy and gave him the dirtiest looks. I thought it was funny. (I can picture my dad doing the same, he is not religous)

He walked by, not wanting to touch a female, ewwww LOL, I know that is a no no, so tried to get around her, but then his (big http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) but was in my friend's face and that just did him in. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif Sorry, you had to be there. I laughed and said hey, it is intimate. He said the guy can go and be intimate somewhere else. Ya had to be there, was hysterical. The guy kept trying to sneak into Business Class and the BA crew threw him out everytime. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif Oy what a pain.

So no map, good food, good service, yes, it was kinda a curry chicken something like someone on here mentioned before, I didn't touch the salad or the apple pie, yuck.

We talked. We had a few laughs, and I was able to get some zzz(barely) and listened to some of BA's entertainment programme. Much better than AA, for sure.

It was also fun to walk through the cabin and see all of the Israeli passengers, some with kippots, some Chasidim, made it so real.

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

OK, I only have a few minutes then my hour is up and others want to use the computer and I want to go play on the Promenade, will try to get back on later tonight.

I have waited my entire life for this moment. It was exciting when the captain announced that we had started our descent into Tel Aviv and all the prep for landing. Unfortunately, they wanted the headsets back http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif but I did get to keep the little coach amenity kit, not bad. A few other things fell into my bag, by accident of course. LOL

Looking ahead of the stupid, big wing you could see the lights of Tel Aviv. It was awesome. I felt like Columbus. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Think of the millions who arrived here and the speciality of their first time. This was my first time and my seatmate was very happy for me. We flew over the coastline and went East, past the airport, and the lights, freeways, towns, it even looked Israeli from the air somehow, wow! I didn't cry outside, I did inside and rejoiced.

The plane turned around, after thinking maybe we were heading toward Jordan? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif or Syria, and the flaps made their weird noise and I said to him, sounds like we are at the dentist.

You could see the lights of Tel Aviv ahead and it was over emotional.

The guys, who had their seats all the way back from take off and yacked in a mix of Hebrew and English the whole flight, had their light on. My beloved seatmate and new friend said, " this is his first time to Israel and trying to look, so could you please turn your light off?" and they did.

Landing and I applauded. I think someone else joined me. For me it was the best, for others, it was a coming home to the routine.

We taxxied past the new terminal and parked at the outer apron. Luftwaffe A340, several ELALs, Swiss A320, we parked, and everyone got up and thank goodness I was in the front.

It had been raining so they had a rain protected cover for us.

sorry, my time is running out, sorry

Very amusing report. Landing in daytime though is nicer.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:
Luftwaffe A340</font>

Freudian slip?

Glad you enjoyed BA worldtraveler. You weren't in row 36 by any chance were you? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B747-437B:
Freudian slip?

</font>

Inappropriate, more like it.

[This message has been edited by ajax (edited Feb 24, 2004).]

&lt;&lt;[QUOTE]Originally posted by ajax:
[B] Inappropriate, more like it.&gt;&gt;

Not inappropriate if one has a sense of humour. Especially as the poster travels a lot to Germany, based on previous posts.

UGH What do we have here? I have very limited time and instead I get to answer.

Yes, I am a Worldtraveler http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif and yes row 36. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif Took ya long enough.

I did want that name long and gone and started new. Remember, it has been a few years.

Anyway, at the Sheraton Moriah now, leave in a few hours. It has been a wonderful trip through Tel Aviv with many, many thanks to my guests and hosts.

Bought an Israeli flag today, love it!

so much to say, will have to do later and will probably just start from the beginning when I get back. I have 40 minutes left of online time and plenty to do, like that packing thing. I am not looking forward to the security check at the airport.

The 'doorman' coming back from my walk and some shopping I swear was in the Mossad. Kind of freaky. Not a friendly fellow by any means. cringe

I hate to think what is waiting for me at the airport.

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ajax:
Inappropriate, more like it.

[This message has been edited by ajax (edited Feb 24, 2004).]</font>

What was inappropriate???

That I jokingly call Lufthansa Luftwaffe?

Easyjet Sleasyjet?

Northwest Northworst?

Delta Widget?

I could go on.

oh Aer Fungus for Aer Lingus and of course as everyone does Air France is Air Chance.

I don't understand the offense but def. don't have time now.

What I want with this trip report is to be able to write it as I want, using my humour, and if you try to censor it, which is very much done on flyertalk, then we have a problem. As my tourguide and I were talking yesterday about such censorship on here and another gettting a month's time out for something trivial, now that is ridiculous.

You get the idea.

Anyway, having a wonderful time, beautiful weather, food is great, and service is been fine as well.

I hope that everyone is well and don't find reasons to find fault so quickly on here. Why I left in the first place.

Shalom

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LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mad_atta:
Glad you enjoyed BA worldtraveler. You weren't in row 36 by any chance were you? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

What took ya so long? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I figured the old people knew plus you have many new people, so best to move on. Remember, it has been a couple of years.

Had an ex fiancee who was driving me crazy at the time and life became so much more relaxed after that ended. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Hope you are well.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bretteee:
&lt;&lt;[QUOTE]Originally posted by ajax:
[B] Inappropriate, more like it.&gt;&gt;

Not inappropriate if one has a sense of humour. Especially as the poster travels a lot to Germany, based on previous posts. </font>

Toda Brettee. Now she has the picture.

If you don't have a sense of humour you really don't belong on flyertalk, impo.

As for me, I am now in row 38, fyi...

OK, I have 23 minutes and as beloved AOL is not working on this thing!?, I want to write about the arrival before I experience the departure in a few hours.

Luftwaffe! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Ok, so I boarded the bus to the terminal, was actually a very short ride. I held in the tears, but like millions before me, you cry when you come here, it is too emotional. Jewish, Christian, or both http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, all the same.

Said goodbye to my new friend who used the express automated entry, kind of like Inspass for the USA, I went to a table to fill in my passport number, and then got into line. And a line it was, a long, never moving line at 0500 hours am.

I have heard of people taking cuts. I was vigilant, but somehow, someway, and they did it ever so subtly, 3 people managed to sneak in front of me. I was looking up and enjoying the beautiful terminal. The arrivals hall is very well done and one of my favorites. Plus, it just felt so special to be there. When I got to the railing I put both my arms and hands down holding to the railings so no one could pass. Very sneaky. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif( I have dealt with Elal pax at CDG and Zurich and you wouldn't believe it if you saw it)

I was amazed how the lines never moved and it was confusing which line was for foreigners and which for Israelis. I figured Israelis should have breezed out of there quickly.

The officers were slow and quite tedious. More than I ever would have expected.

There was a religous family from Algeria and the officer had a problem with a passport, pic, I don't know, but that completely blocked up the line next to me for quite a while. The poor souls were still there when I had left.

The sun was coming up and I wondered about my bags going around, could see the BA sign over the bag claim.

Amazingly, my turn did come and got to the booth. She asked several questions, probably more than I have ever been asked at passport control. She was surprised when I said that I wanted a stamp. I got the stamp, effectively barringg me entry from many, many countries on the earth. But the stamp is so important and special to me.

Finally, I was done, or was I?

You then proceed to the exit and a security officer takes you to the side, to my utter amazement, asks you the SAME exact questions again. She could see my excitement for being there and that def. softened things. I kept it as 'Jewish' as I could and didn't mention wanting to go to Christian tourist sites.
She was cute, so that helped out.

She got after me, in a way, for being alone.

I explained no one else wanted to come and they thought I was NUTS to have come. she backed off after that.

She then went over and conferred with someone else, yacking in Hebrew, and then came over and said have a nice trip, handing me back my passport.

Whewww. Never seen anything like that before, not sure if I want to. Wasn't so bad, but they surprised me on arrival.

OK, 8 minutes before I log out, what a challenge.

Did a quick walk around the bag claim, also big, comfy, and well laid out.

The BA sign was already removed and my bag was nowhere to be found. Then went to the other bag claim and there it was, Dieu merci.

Customs was easy, walked right out via the green lane with a guy sitting there and watching. I have had more customs at the Mexican border.

Came out to the big arrivals hall that I have seen in many Israeli movies and it was empty. No one to greet me, sadly, but that is life. Did a walk around the terminal. Didn't dare to take any pics, though I wanted.

You could 'feel' the security presence, even if you didn't see it. There were plain clothes officers everywhere, at every door entrance, etc. I could see the infamous departure area where the security checks took place. BA's is outside of the main area so I like that. Looks like an over hype of security but I will know in a few hours. The weather outside was great. A bit windy and a little chilly, actually felt like a tropical resort. I took in the terminal area and then headed for the taxis.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:
What took ya so long? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif </font>

Well, shame on me! It was your, er, distinctive style that gave you away... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Anyway, I'm enjoying the trip report. A bit breathless, to be sure, but interesting and enjoyable nonetheless!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mad_atta:
Well, shame on me! It was your, er, distinctive style that gave you away... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
</font>

I got it as well. That and the overuse of the phrase "UGH"!

&gt;&gt;If you don't have a sense of humour you really don't belong on flyertalk, impo.&gt;&gt;

Lufthansa offers more seats to Israel than any other foreign carrier. There is now a rukus going on because Israel requested that LH downgrade from Boeing 747s to smaller equipment.

It is interesting that Lufthansa never changed its name after the war. From 1933 to 1945 the swastika was emblazoned on all their planes. That is a fact.

Your comment was completely harmless in my opinion and in fact your screne name is Interflug; the East German airline.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 777Brit:
I got it as well. That and the overuse of the phrase "UGH"!</font>

UGH http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, sorry mate, but it says so much LOL

At LHR now, sorry no time to meet. Thought friend from Paris was going to fly up but is looking for l'apartement.

Will cath up with you later, cheers. and

UGH LOL

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bretteee:
&gt;&gt;If you don't have a sense of humour you really don't belong on flyertalk, impo.&gt;&gt;

Lufthansa offers more seats to Israel than any other foreign carrier. There is now a rukus going on because Israel requested that LH downgrade from Boeing 747s to smaller equipment.

It is interesting that Lufthansa never changed its name after the war. From 1933 to 1945 the swastika was emblazoned on all their planes. That is a fact.

Your comment was completely harmless in my opinion and in fact your screne name is Interflug; the East German airline.</font>

Toda mademoiselle http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, it is all in fun.

Will do a catch up post shortly. Everyone wants this computer and I can't get up for a drink. UGH LOL hugs to all

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Cheers and hugs all.

A friend of mine is now in the hospital back at home so you can guess where my mind is. Called him twice from Israel. He is the Delta buddy I always mention. Please pray for him, thanks. He is a good soul and doesn't deserve this.

Anyway, at the BA lounge at LHR, AGAIN,UGH LOL, ya had to bring up the UGH thing, now you know I will do it.

Anyway, flying to Paris CDG today and get to see my wonderful friend there who will be waiting for me at CDG. Last time he wasn't there and was so frustrating.

Where do I start? Again, I will do a complete report when I get home and I will start over, but these interim notes will be very helpful to remember everything. Wow, all that I have done in these last 2 weeks, beyond amazing, I will tell you.

Stayed last night at the Le Meridien hotel at LHR, love it! Windows open, fantastic view of planes, and took way too many pics, the Sheraton Skyline the night before. Took lot's of pics.

You should check out Le Meridien, wonderful!!!

As for Israel, real quick, as someone wrote me directly and asked, and again, many, many details later, I promise, oy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I loved and adored Israel, I love and adore Israel. Tel Aviv is one of my favorite cities and the Sheraton Moriah was great. 18th floor, club lounge fantastic, so much food, great views of the city and ocean, balcony, like a freaking resort in the city. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Loved it.

Was sad to leave, if not emotional, but dreaded the security check.

Wasn't as bad(for me!) as I had expected, some people got the works.

Way too crammed, small of an area at BA/LH, was too third world. Many had their bags checked and ransacked, I got very lucky. They put everything in the monster security machine and I was ok, check in with BA was great. Others were hating it and getting past them with my trolley was a chore. They need a larger space, but that I am sure will come with the long overdue new terminal.

As for passpot control and security upstairs, too long, too many waits.
P/C needs to go faster. she said my name, took a while, then stamped me out, I asked for a stamp.

Security, they put me and others to the side, based on the code on the ticket, #
purple and I think 36 were circled. I played the Jewish card as best as I could but aslo explained that mom is Christian. Maybe that did it?

They held our passports, tickets, and made us wait quite a while, then after the normal check they put the bags through another screening and did a manual check on me, not as impersonal as at Frankfurt where I detest the pat down at the BA gates, and yes, had that again when I was at FRA. FRA otherwise was great.

The airside of Ben Gurion is nice, great shopping, bought about 5 Dana Berger CD's. bought one of hers at Virgin in LA not too long ago and loved it, so, hopefully, the others will be good as well.

JetSet lounge sucks. Too crowded, too many people, but I like that you board from the lounge and the chocolate cake thingies, yummmm.

BA flight, too cramped. It is a flying Synagogue http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, and not Reform, by any means http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, someone took my seat and as long as I had a window seat, we were good.

BA service outdoes AA by a million, possibly BA coach SERVICE is better than AA's Business class, not hard to do.

The seat, while comfy, is too tight with a need for more legroom. Also, just checked my miles and I had something like 500 miles plus each way, nah ah! AA will be hearing from me, should be 2K each way with some taking off for a discounted fare, but not that much!! Wasn't happy today when I saw that. UGH http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Had no idea what the routing was, drove me crazy. I think Prague and Berlin, not sure. Flew over some cool cities, bridges, thoughts anyone? Nice views whereas coming out could see squat.

Both planes were pigsties. They threw their trash all over the place. The 'religous' couple, kippot and all, threw their trash on the floor which made its way to me, yuck. Was disgusting.

Put it in the seat pocket if you have to, I do, the attendants came out all the time so no reason couldn't give trash to them.

They do need to do more of a trash pick up service like our airlines do.

UK immigration guy was a dork. Ah, where did you come from? Because I was in and out with Frankfurt. Wanted to see my ticket ( I wanted to tell him to stuff it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif but I held back). Much ruder and more forward than most of the UK officers so I was surprised. He did hono(u)r my request for a Heathrow stamp on another page, vs. the last one nailed one of my coveted Kiwi stamps.

Ok, they just called my flight. I wanted more playtime! Will fix up when I get home. Didn't have time to proofread, so hope is ok.

Wish me luck in Paris. Pray for a French woman to fall all over me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Take care, hugs, kisssesss...

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bretteee:
It is interesting that Lufthansa never changed its name after the war. From 1933 to 1945 the swastika was emblazoned on all their planes. That is a fact.</font>

I'm not sure why this is interesting. Very few large companies changed their names, including Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, Krupp, Thyssen, Henkel, Daimler-Benz, and so on. My point is: What's your point?

&gt;&gt;[I'm not sure why this is interesting. Very few large companies changed their names, including Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, Krupp, Thyssen, Henkel, Daimler-Benz, and so on. My point is: What's your point?[/B][/QUOTE]&gt;&gt;

To some whose families lived in the Third Reich like in my case, and were victimised by the Nazi regime, there is a direct connection to the past. That's my point about keeping the same name. However those who were not victims may have a problem understanding. Some companies including Austrian Airlines did change their names when they were reestablished after the war in the 1950's. However you have a point that Deutsche Bank and all the others like Thyssen, similar to Lufthansa did not change their names. However a few companies did change their names after the war.

Interflug did you go to Jerusalem and Masada? Or you only stayed in Tel Aviv?

I don't want to open up this whole can of worms because I appreciate the sensitivities involved, but surely 'Luftwaffe' is not an appropriate reference to Lufthansa in this context.

We all have a sense of humour, and I could care less about pet nicknames, but you can't have it both ways: Luftwaffe ha-ha how funny is that and Nazi regieme how terrible.

Actually, unlike "Wehrmacht", which has been replaced with "Bundeswehr" the term "Luftwaffe" is still in use.

It merely means "Air Force" and is not restricted to the German Air Force. I refer you, for example, to the "Offizielle Website der Schweizer Luftwaffe" (the "Official Website of the Swiss Air Force") at www.vbs-ddps.ch/internet/luftwaffe/de/home.html (http://www.vbs-ddps.ch/internet/luftwaffe/de/home.html)

&lt;&lt;[QUOTE]Originally posted by LondonElite:
but surely 'Luftwaffe' is not an appropriate reference to Lufthansa in this context.&gt;&gt;

I don't want to start an argument, nor do I want to hurt anybody's feelings; but had Lufthansa not painted large red and black swastikas on the tails of their passenger planes for 13 years, then there would have been no connection with the "military" or the "Luftwaffe." That fact connects the company symbolically with the Nazi regime. The swastika to a few, brings shivers. The reference by Interflug to Luftwaffe was only said in jest.

&gt;&gt;[QUOTE]Originally posted by LondonElite:
[B]I don't want to open up this whole can of worms because I appreciate the sensitivities involved, but surely 'Luftwaffe' is not an appropriate reference to Lufthansa in this context.&lt;&lt;

Have you ever watched the hilarious British TV comedy Hallo, Hallo? If you are concerned about Interflug's reference to Luftwaffe (Air Force), then I assume you may not like this program.

Anyway Lufthansa is Israel's #1 foreign airline. In a way it is amusing how the world changes; hopefully all for the positive.

There are harmless jokes about every group.

Oh mein gosh. Ya go away for a bit and look what happens.

OK, interesting debate but please not here.

Fortunately, these are prep notes for the real trip report which, if all goes well, will be somewhat taken care of this week, before I forget everything.

I apologize for the Luftwaffe comment, I say it in gest. I have quite a fair amount of German/Austrian heritage, both Christian and Jewish, and yes, I also lost relatives in the holocaust. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif(( cry

I wasn't referring to the German military per se, was being playful and cute... oy

What I do find very interesting, sorry to point out, but have to, is that it is 2 'Britts' who have taken offense, not our Deutsche fruenden, of which I have many, so that might something to look at. I love Germany and the German people, and Frankfurt will always be beloved to me. (even if I can't get a bloody hotel room there...) LOL

I adored the show Allo Allo, it is coming out on DVD and will buy everything. I also love Hogan's Heroes and have most on tape.
Both are very clever tv shows and always have a HH tape on hand.

What I can't have, before I go and do an update, is have someone be offended by every little comment. I have been so offended by others on here and have kept my mouth shut as it just starts things up, have also written to people directly and we actually became friends in the process. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Guys,gals http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, I mean no disprespect toward anyone or any group of people.

Moving on folks, please

hugs to all, peace

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Just a caution to folks that Luftwaffe, Lufthansa or Luft-anything-else should not be construed as license to engage in off-topic discussion about the Holocaust here. We have the wonderful OMNI forum for that.

Now back to InterflugIL62's fascinating ramblings....

Thanks
Sean (B747-437B)
Moderator
Trip Reports

OK, update report.

Aer Lingus lounge at JFK, absolutely beautiful place. Internet, great snacks, very comfy, and probably the best view of planes at JFK. Love it!

Crummy Best Western last night here at JFK, Hotwire. Was hoping I was getting the Hampton Inn which is quite nice here.

Oh well.

Fun AA flight last night out of Heathrow. More lively than usual, more later during the full report. Had a nasty stew on there who drove everyone crazy, where is Donald Trump when you need him?(fired!), but otherwise, good crew and fun. 2 seats to myself which is better than Business if you have to share, just so much room and privacy, especially on AA.

Was spoiled rotten flying CDG to LHR on BA. Show up at the BA counter and a friend of mine, friend of a friend, now a friend, was working. Sweet Lebanese guy who friend in Paris brought to the house in Malibu, we played on the beach, then did Japanese, he remembers it well.

And I quote:" You don't think I am going to let you sit in coach, do you?" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif))

Full red carpet treatment, even left a note to AA to upgrade me, which did squat, but actually, was happy in coach.

BA Business was great. Sat next to a wonderful woman, fellow World Traveler http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, who lives in Paris, from suburbs of Portland. We talked the whole flight, with a lengthy delay at CDG. She was great to talk to and so much fun. I intro'd her to the Business Travel(l)er magazine, had the Euro addition with me which I was reading and told her to sign up. I sub. to the Yank one.

Oh and my friend walked me to the front of the line at security which was insane and they hated us for it, I loved it! The Britts even cursed him as we passed by them in the narrow hallway and he is like, I am working your flight. DUH! He should have thrown them off. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Had no idea security at 2B was so bad, which I am sure helped delay the flight to LHR.
Of course we had to bus it out to the plane and he told me quietly that it is Air France screwing BA at CDG. I believe it. They always put Air Algerie next to BA, a long story and contentious issue.

Transfer at LHR was fun, saw everything.

Stupid BA wouldn't let me into their Terminal 1 lounge and she was a pain, but the IB agent walked me right in and the Priority Pass lounges at the other terminals let me in as well. (Snuck, by accident) into the JAL lounge at T3. Went in to get a magazine and she was busy and walked in, to see how far I could go. Was the only Anglo there and was funny to see how far I could go, like 3 Perriers, 2 magazines, some JAL napkins and some other odds and ends, then quietly walked out, OK.

Made up for the Singapore, Lufthansa, and BA T1 lounge 'wardens' who chased me away.

Today is my last day on my Untied Prem Exec card, so much for that.

Varig at JFK chased me away as well but atleast gave me a magazine, said my girlfriend is Brazilian.

Anyway, enjoying the Aer Lingus lounge now. Scheduled for the 8pm AA to LA but may decide to standby for an earlier flight.

I have the Westin LAX tonight, also via Hotwire. Amazing, from the Best Western at JFK to the Westin LAX, what a diff.

Comfort Hotel at CDG was a dump but atleast it made me want to get out of there. Room is like a college dorm. I now understand the term 'water closet', LOL. It snowed in Paris, which made it fun.

Friend in Paris spoiled the daylights out of me. Took me out to a fantastic pizzeria/ristorante Italiano on the Champs Elysees, then bought my drinks for the night and drove me around the Eiffel Tower when it did its sparkle thing, saying this is special, just for me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif Loved it. We also did some, cough, 'Airport Shopping', if you will allow for the phrase, and we did very, very well, hopefully everything will get home to me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif BA checked all my bags thru to LA which was great.

I really do get the royal treatment in France. Now we can add Israel to the list. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif London I ate alone at the McDonalds near Heathrow. That country is so freaking expensive. UGH! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Ok, will wrap up tomorrow or Tuesday and then we can start the 'real' trip report, will be fun.

Take care all, ciao

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Thanks Mr. B747, love your trip reports, by the way. I think you and Seat 2A could duke it out for the title.

Yeah, please, I don't want to go off topic and the holocaust and all just depresses me, and I am trying to enjoy the last day.

Mario, sorry for all the confusion.
Supposed to meet him here at JFK and beloved T-Mobile screwed that up. I duly canceled my T-Mobile cell to say thanks. Long story, may work into the main trip report.

Sorry for all the ramblings but will be much better, coherent, when I can get home and do it all right.

I am deciding on staying til the 8pm or go home early. The Westin makes it tempting but this EI lounge is NICE! Chicken salad wrap and all and I am floating from the gingerale intake. Suppose nothing compared to Gold Flyer's intake http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. When I get home I will catch up on your report and tease ya a bit.

If I get to Sydney in September we will have to hang out.

Be good all!

by the way, can I say Untied or does that offend people? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Ok, some quick plane spotting at JFK from the Aer Lingus lounge, might be fun:

Aer Lingus A330-2

Swiss A330-2

ELAL 747-400

Pakistan 747-300

Northwest 747-400

KLM 777-first time for me to see

Singapore 747-400

Uzbekistan 767/code shares with JAT
-Belgrade then Tashkent, tempting

Virgin A340

some weird plane next to the ELAL,
guessing Air Santo Domingo !? 757

Mario, stepping out and will call you now
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Oh America West A320 taxxing out...

OK, called AA and upgraded the 8pm. Window seat, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

Back at the EI lounge, love this place. Now packed to the gills as it serves many interests.

When I arrived the terminal was empty, now the place is wall to wall people, amazing.

Swiss A330, I think Geneva, and KLM 777 both pulling out, both at the same time, both from the different piers at the JFK IAB.

More sightings, then I need to get to AA, via the AirTrain. Hopefully will have time to hit the Admirals Club but sometimes security at T9 is a pain. ick For some reason, this is supposed to be a full flight and they have flights almost every hour.

Air India 744
-tried to see reg. to see if B747 flew it, sorry, couldn't see with Kuwait 777 in front
a 3rd! EI A330
Kuwait 777
North American 757
EgyptAir 777
LOT 767
Virgin 744
SAA A340
Aeroflot 767
saw Air France 777 take off, nice lift off
into NY sunset
2nd ELAL 744
BA 744

AA A300, I am sure many more.

OK, I am off. LAX Westin when I land.

Ain't life sweet? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

ciao tutti

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Pardon me but did I hear my name mentioned?

Gee this report has grown and it's just the draft. I look forward to your massaging of snippets into one glorious travel adventure.

Sydney in September Interflug, now how interesting. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:
Air India 744 -tried to see reg. to see if B747 flew it</font>

I've flown every B747-437 built, so thats a moot point. But thanks for the thought. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoldFlyer:
Pardon me but did I hear my name mentioned?

Gee this report has grown and it's just the draft. I look forward to your massaging of snippets into one glorious travel adventure.

Sydney in September Interflug, now how interesting. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

Cheers. So what incentive do I have for Sydney in September? It is that or Bali...
What can you offer over Bali? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It sounds like there are quite a few flyertalkers down in Sydney!? Me thinks that we could put together a major bash. OR you could all fly up to Bali and I think that would be fun as well. Got to use them dear FF miles. I will come visit your report soon, promise. Is Mad Atta in Sydney? I think worth it right there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B747-437B:
I've flown every B747-437 built, so thats a moot point. But thanks for the thought. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

Hey I tried. The Kuwait 777 was blocking it so I couldn't get it. I am surprised that Air India doesn't come to LA, such a big airport, but I love the AI colo(u)rs and style. It was a great experience at JFK and I did stay til the 8pm, had fun. Was sad to leave...

Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I am home! Amazed how much I have unpacked.

Stayed at the beautiful LAX Westin last night. Room wasn't ready at (freaking) midnight so they bought me a drink. That hotel is one of my favorites.

Room was great and the Heavenly Bed and the Heavenly shower, yummmmmmmmmmmmm.

Never would have made it home last night so grateful that I took the room. They gave me a corner room so could see into LAX and from another window could see downtown LA.
They had an accident as you leave LAX so getting out of the airport was just painful. Had 2 Southwest pilots sitting behind me on the shuttle showing some sarcasm, all the power to them. Welcome to LA! I can't argue with them. It is midnight and the place is bumper to bumper. Ouch.

Woke up this morning( stupid maid http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) and dumped everything onto the beds and unpacked, organized, and repacked.

I then looked at everything and wondered how on earth did I transport all this
(crap) across 3 continents? too much.

Best friend came and got me and took me to get my car(still there!, yeah!) and then to Carl's Junior for that welcome home Western Bacon cheeseburger. Loved it! Devoured it!
The reason I live in America, LOL.

When I was in Perth, Australia I for some unknown reason had the biggest craving for one of those and I even reflected on that today. Oh it is nice to fulfill cravings.

American flight was ok. I asked beloved AA for 2 seats to myself in Business Class. Of course that couldn't be done, then there were 3 seat pairs where someone had a seat to themself, not me, of course. Sat next to a rude, unfriendly, character. He tore out add cards in some magazine and threw them all over the floor, disgusting. Then was just rude and a pain to sit next to. Guy in front put his seat all the way back to the very max possible, made me a contortionist to get out. Was so happy to see LA you can't even imagine, and that was Business Class. Why I say Business/First on US airlines is never, ever worth it. This was from stickers which had to use sometime.
F/A was ok but nothing great. Cheesecake was fantastic! Cheese tortelini something ok.

Let me get some rest, do some more unpacking, and soon enough we will start from scratch.

Take care all, be safe.

Oh and it is raining in LA! too much.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:

Best friend came and got me and took me to get my car(still there!, yeah!) and then to Carl's Junior for that welcome home Western Bacon cheeseburger. </font>

Are you crazy??!! It's just GOT to be a Double-Double, fries and strawberry shake from 'In-n-Out'!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 777Brit:
Are you crazy??!! It's just GOT to be a Double-Double, fries and strawberry shake from 'In-n-Out'!</font>

Cheers. We will go to In and Out when you and your bride next come to LA and forget Siam. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ( or do both, LOL )

I love In and Out, but I have a passion for the Carl's Junior Western Bacon cheeseburger. yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I believe they are having a dinner at Siam this Saturday, need to check the update.

We will think of you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

------------------
LA-Miami, Raleigh, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Heathrow, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, LHR, Paris CDG, LHR, New York JFK, and home!
AA Plat,Lifetime Gold, UA P/E, Marriott Silver, Sheraton Gold,
Hilton Silver(for now)

Ok, just read all this. I am sorry for all the rambling, ouch.

At the same time reading the 'notes' will help me do the real report which we will start today and work on continuously for a bit.

I will ask that we please hold off any contentious issues like the Luftwaffe and whatever. Was just saying in jest.

Unless anyone has any comments, I say we let this post die out and I will start something today/tonight, when the creative juices flow.

Let's have fun! ciao

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Let's have fun!</font>

Here Here. That's my motto in life.

Let me know if you need a top-up Interflug. Personally I don't mix fruit juice with alcohol so I'll have my creative "straight-up" thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoldFlyer:
Here Here. That's my motto in life.

Let me know if you need a top-up Interflug. Personally I don't mix fruit juice with alcohol so I'll have my creative "straight-up" thanks. </font>

YOU http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif are just too much. Feel free to join in and make it fun.

I think after this one we will do a 'fun' trip report which YOU will def. be a part of, InterFLUB and all http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif...

Seeing as Interflug left out the most important part of his trip, namely what he had for dinner in Tel Aviv, I am referring you to the last post on page 17 of Delta Board's infamous "Unabashed Cholula Spam" thread as well as some responses on page 18.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum21/HTML/011717-17.html

------------------
Sir Dovster, OBE
(Omni Boycotter Extraordinaire)

Interflub,

I'll join in whenever you're ready. Just keep that juice out of my glass. Now a combined trip report Authored by a couple of mad men.......I think we may end up in the sin bin somehow.

Sorry, I know you want this thread to die a quick death due to the confabulations of previous posters but I think it's safe to dip one's toe in the water again.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Dovster:
Seeing as Interflug left out the most important part of his trip, namely what he had for dinner in Tel Aviv, I am referring you to the last post on page 17 of Delta Board's infamous "Unabashed Cholula Spam" thread as well as some responses on page 18.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum21/HTML/011717-17.html

</font>

What on earth is this Sir stuff? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
(cough)

Oh please, bevakasha. LOL

Interflug is just getting started with the report but has a 'crisis' in a e-mail group that he is leading, UGH. Trying to explain that I am just the messenger...

Also need to do something with my personal masses of e-mail lists before I start, maybe I should add you!? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif (not that much mail, promise)

Also, the lunch will def. be a major part of the report, but most important!?

Flirting with the Russian girl near the Sheraton Ramat Gan I think was more important? LOL (yeah she was hot)

Thanks again to everyone for the great time in Israel. As I unpack I am going through some of the souvenirs and already bringing back memories.

I promise the report will be inclusive and fun(to include all the guilty)

Yes, Dov, sorry, Sir Dov http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif is guilty, of what I don't know, but I will find a few things before this thing gets on its way, promise. he he he

Speaking Hebrew at a Delta Airlines ticket office is probably a good start, ;p.

I don't know how but somehow I am going to nail Goldflyer in this report. I will find a way. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Also, since we are still on this preliminary report(let the thing die!! LOL)
as for Israel it was just Tel Aviv and Herzlia(the place of the infamous and fun flyertalk lunch and gathering).

I chickened out on Jerusalem after they had a suicide bombing Sunday morning and also time wise, I had plenty to do in Tel Aviv and I was enjoying being pampered at the Sheraton Moriah, lounge, 18th floor(top floor) room, beautiful women, and all.

I also figure it will give me incentive to go back and make for a Jerusalem based trip, with Dov as my body guard!!

I watched Sunday morning as they reported the bombing and it sent shivers through my whole body. It was not supposed to happen while I was there. Goldflyer, maybe. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif Also, fyi, in case you-Dov didn't know this with me sitting next to you, everytime a bus popped up next to us in Tel Aviv I freaked.

Imagine in Jerusalem, I would be sweating bigtime.

Ok, give me a couple of days or so as I need to sort things out. The report goes out on my personal list as well as here, maybe one more place. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Peace to all

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoldFlyer:
Interflub,

I'll join in whenever you're ready. Just keep that juice out of my glass. Now a combined trip report Authored by a couple of mad men.......I think we may end up in the sin bin somehow.

Sorry, I know you want this thread to die a quick death due to the confabulations of previous posters but I think it's safe to dip one's toe in the water again. </font>

You and I doing a trip report, I think it would make Flyertalk famous. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Get B747 and Seat 2A in on this and it could be very, very interesting. Though if Dov were to help out I can just see that getting real naughty, kidding (maybe). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

First of all, it is InterFLUG as in German for flight, with a piece of crap Russian built commie plane, so get it right. Commie service to go along with it. FLUB's just gonna get ya into trouble, I promise. Though somehow I have a feeling you are into getting into trouble, so this could be fun.

Second of all, for that center/re fold comment, you're gonna pay. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Third of all, on my flights, all you're getting is juice, all dry, no alcohol, want to see how long you will continue to exist.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

In my case withhold the chocolate and I am in serious, serious trouble. So are the Duty Free stores from whom I buy my wonderful fixes from. Though my beloved Personal Fitness Trainer would love ya for all eoons. (and that AIN'T gonna happen!)

;p

Sorry InterFLUB (http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=flub) But I still like you. Ok Seat 2A will be an interesting inclusion, factual and well, we may need to thaw him out up there in Alaska!

Sorry mate but I can't function without a litte helper so get off your high horse, guide dogs only , and fix me a Vodka Dom.

....NOW. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

A trip around the FT board may be in hand. An ode to all that walk and grace (or scrape) this humble talk board. A difinitive report on who's in , out or just plain asking for it.

To add:

I know you are interfugIL62 but to me you are special. So hope you don't mind my mad crazy cyber friend from Floriade.

[This message has been edited by GoldFlyer (edited Mar 03, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoldFlyer:
Sorry InterFLUG (http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=flub) But I still like you. Ok Seat 2A will be an interesting inclusion, factual and well, we may need to thaw him out up there in Alaska!

Sorry mate but I can't function without a litte helper so get off your high horse, guide dogs only , and fix me a Vodka Dom.

....NOW. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

A trip around the FT board may be in hand. An ode to all that walk and grace (or scrape) this humble talk board. A difinitive report on who's in , out or just plain asking for it.

To add:

I know you are interfugIL62 but to me you are special. So hope you don't mind my mad crazy cyber friend from Floriade.

[This message has been edited by GoldFlyer (edited Mar 03, 2004).]</font>

Ugh... ok, first, who is from Florida?
I love Florida, but I am from California, the # 1 Yank State(least we all believe it, LOL)
(ok, we know it, too)

but I do love Florida. Where else can ya get all that freaking humidity, Julio Iglesias, and Mickey Mousse all in one? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Ok, we can do a who's who on here, but I want B747 included. Few have kept me reading something so much as this guy.

I thought about him at a couple of gates remembering how he was profiled and nailed for having a McDonald's bag, USA Today, and a bottle of Scotch. (heard of carry on? LOL) They made him throw something away with the one carry on and one personal item rule. In Europe I was always over that amount with my Duty Free's, then at JFK IAB they kept playing the same recording, one carry on, one personal, and I had 3...


I still think about that one, so he is in.
or no Vodka Dom for you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Guess I know what drink I am buying you when I next come to Sydneyland. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

FYI, I would have no idea or clue how to make one and you would probably become very ill if I tried, and that wouldn't be intentional.

he he he (unless it somehow involves chocolate???) could be interesting, try it.

As for Mr. Alaska, yeah, a thaw out sounds wise. I don't know how he gets out of the house everyday let alone to the airport to catch a flight. Fairbanks was all snow/ice, and almost 0% visibility. Have fun!

Ok, let me do this report first, and then we can do a joint/multi task effort report. (Maybe throw Randy into it... )

interfugIL62...I have been following your trip since the first departure..just wanted to say I felt the same way on my first trip to TLV..looking forward to your report in FULL detail. For sure wanna hear more about that interlude with that Russian lady http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


------------------
MRKEY

Thanks. Maybe next week. I run some e-mail lists and things have been nuts the last couple of days, my payback for going away for 2 weeks. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif How dare I do that! LOL

I may try to start it tomorrow, just to get it rowling, then pick it up next week.

The interlude with the Russian girl was quite short, but it could have been longer, put it that way. Near the Sheraton Ramat Gan, taxi driver was obnoxious and wouldn't take me, he was a jerk, so crossed the street, asked her if speaks English, Russian, fluent English, very kind, gorgeous!, takes out her cell and offers to call a taxi for me. Very, very cute and sweet. Oh my.

I then flagged down another taxi and she moved on. I suspect she is of a (certain profession http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ), but not sure, one reason I didn't pursue anything. It would have been nice to have a drink. I also know my strengths with jetlag and it was kicking in, why I was pressed to get back to my hotel before I collapsed, which I did not long after getting back.

I have been battling with jetlag all week. It usually takes me a week to be pretty much over it, so we'll see what happens in the next few days.

Very much doubt that it will be in the report as my girlfriend will see the report and I will get into trouble. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Same with a few female friends that I am close to and I will hear about it, promise.

i.e. more questions and hassles than could ever be worth it. She is not on flyertalk so I could always 'add' an appendage to flyertalk if you guys keep it on the QT.
Thanks.

She was the nicest person I dealt with in Israel, excluding of course the infamous http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Israeli Flyertalk 3 who were wonderful and treated me like royalty.
I already miss them. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Thanks everyone for the support. I just have to kickstart the thing.

Someone on my personal list wrote me and said, yes, please, do a report as they learn so much from what I write. Was actually considering trying to back out of writing it and then that letter guilted me into it. ( I asked if my describing how I 'borrow' things from the airlines helps them!? LOL )

ciao