anat0l

"Congratulations – you’ve been invited to two conferences. In Europe. And they are just under one month apart."

Now according to most Australian people, or so I've been told, the ‘normal’ thing to do would be to either only go to one of those conferences, or to stay in Europe for the entire time until after the second conference. After all, antipodean travel is not cheap.

But I’m not normal...I’m a frequent flyer . And this is May we’re talking about. I’ve been through two episodes of Mad May (once in 2009 and again in 2010), was it time for another episode? You bet......

Being the final year (fingers crossed!) of my PhD thesis, I wanted to get a big travel fix, and the conference travel made a perfect excuse to do so.

So now the plan: under the guise that I needed to be back at home in the interim between the two conferences, I would travel to Europe for each conference. That’s twice in two months.

This trip report will tell the story of my two months of travel when I went to Europe...to Europe. Oh, and a quickie to DRW for Oz Fest #8 thrown into the mix...and PRG Do as well. The pictures in my FT Galleries also say a lot, so please visit those, too. (Click this link for Euro Travel and PRG Do pics; and this link for Oz Fest 8 DRW pics).

There is a mix of premium and non-premium travel here – I’ve got it all. There is regular travel, then there is a status run. You may call me a hero, a heretic, a hedonist or a hair-brain. Or a combination of all the above.

As with all anat0l TRs, I recommend a good amount of time and a long drink. Some of you may desire or require the entire bottle. Either way, keep something at hand.

I will also warn you that I do like food (and it does show on me), and food shots are a common occurrence in my TRs. For those of you on a diet, proceed with caution. You have been warned. Jenny Craig has a multi-million dollar bounty out on me. I think I saw the poster somewhere in Zimbabwe. Just kidding.

Finally, whilst I lack the dry wit of many other TR writers or the wet* wit of eightblack, I’ll try my best to keep you entertained.


* What do I mean by ‘wet wit’? Well, when you’re laughing hard enough, check the front of your pants... or, if you happen to be drinking something, the state of your monitor / laptop...

The Flight Schedule
* In table above: "Connect" is calculated as the connection time between flights only; it doesn't account for other forms of transport, such as trains.

anat0l

A shameless plug... but here are my previous trip reports hosted on FT:

• http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ip-report.html
• http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ceans-usa.html

anat0l

Wednesday 4 May 2011


Early morning wake ups are terrible, but a fact of life. Especially when you’re trying to maximise lounge time. No, actually this was the only way I could make my itinerary work...

Last night’s birthday party and wonderful Turkish cuisine was but a fleeting memory. Right now my thoughts were fixated on making sure I had everything ready to go. Rather odd since I really didn’t have much packed – clothes, underwear, toiletries, the usual stuff. A suit bag, and my backpack full of laptop and other items of the technological and literary kind. Oh yeah, a brand, spanking new camera (Sony DSC-WX7). Oops, no more time to keep thinking – Mum’s gotta drive me to the airport.

Another uneventful, peaceful drive to the airport in the dark, followed by an equally uneventful check-in. At this time, QF had implemented their Next Generation Check-In at BNE D. Although there were enough people to keep the CSAs busy, my NGCI process was extremely simple, and I even used my Q Bag Tag. Used the Q pole to check-in, then off to the bag injectors. Put Q Bag Tagged bag on belt, swipe and tap a couple of things, and after a brief laser light show the bag lurched into the conveyor system to be loaded onto the aircraft. Couldn’t be easier.

Some how the glamour of skipping the crowds via Priority Security followed by an easy waltz into the QF Domestic J Lounge is somewhat lost. But I’m still thankful not to be caught up in the hustle and bustle. Gee, I’m morphing into a real travel snob...

The J Lounge was quite quiet (now say that ten times quickly) at this time of the morning, with a few business types mulling around, wolfing down a bite for breakfast and busily checking emails. Hot food was out, but no eggs this morning – just spinach and sausages in tomato concasse. Though I must say, top marks to Qantas for their delicious glass tumbler creations (this morning's was Bircher muesli with macadamias, and quinoa porridge).


J Lounge in the dead of the morning. Still dark outside.


A small assortment for breakfast.

Boarding time...



Flight: Qantas Airways QF605 Brisbane (BNE D) — Melbourne-Tullamarine (MEL T1)
Depart: Sched 0555h; Actual 0555h
Distance: 859 mi (1,382 km)
Aircraft: VH-VXA "Broome" Boeing 737-800
Class: Economy
Seat: 4A


The only flight you could catch to MEL from BNE in the morning and have a sliver of a chance of making a decent morning meeting was not incredibly packed as I thought it would. I had space for my bag in the overhead and 4B was not occupied.

In my tired state, had I counted it correctly, I could've had up to 3 breakfasts that morning provided courtesy of QF. I eschewed one of them, namely the least premium of them all – the one provided on board this flight. As soon as the safety briefing was finished, I leaned against the window... and that was it.

I must've woke up some time before our descent, since I managed to snap a nice picture of us gliding above the clouds. I think I remember a kind FA walking up and down the aisle, then seeing me wake up and enquired whether I would like something to eat or drink. Bless her heart, but I declined. A better breakfast was awaiting.

We touched down in MEL and I was quick to the baggage claim. In reality, I should've taken my time. As usual, baggage handlers in Australia make some parts of our airport experience feel worse than a third world airport by dawdling on the luggage delivery side. 20 embarrassing minutes later the first piece of luggage spat out onto the belt. Luckily for me my bag came up at #6 (take that Q Bag Tag deniers! ). It was then I decided that lugging my suit bag around was too bothersome. So I repacked the suit bag into my checked bag and used a small carry bag I had packed to redistribute some weight from my backpack. Then, it was off to Terminal 2 for international check-in.

JQ don't normally do interlining, especially if you don't have all your flights on the one PNR. Luckily my Star Class booking gave me check-in priority, which was just as well as that regular check-in line was looking dauntingly long (try and spot the person who is not going on holiday). JQ seem to have occupied a row for themselves against a random wall in the middle of the check-in area; well done for them. Check-in to SIN was simple and I proceeded through the other procedures as quickly as possible, for F Lounge time was a-wasting.

The new MEL T2 airport certainly doesn't make it easy after immigration. The duty free shop had been rearranged to make you walk a rather elaborate loop-de-loop through to get to the exit, then a further, equally convoluted path snaked around to some of the other retailers. Finally there was a sortie through some harrowing hallways masking only the shops to come and thank goodness I finally saw familiar grounds with the existing shops and the gate area. Trust Australian airports to really drive terminal sales into the pax which pass through them...

Up in the F Lounge, I was warmly greeted by some familiar faces with many, "Welcome back" and, "good to see you again". I really love this lounge and the staff really shine here – very professional and yet non-rigid (but not too much!) at the same time.


Restaurant in the MEL T2 F Lounge.

Once seated in the restaurant, I promptly ordered breakfast and a glass of Taittinger champagne. The lounge staff approached me and informed me that there were no spa appointments this morning, and that I was welcome to book a treatment. So I booked a full body massage. Meanwhile, food arrived... yum yum yum....


Egg and bacon brioche.


Colourful fruit salad.

I barely had enough time to finish breakfast before my treatment was to begin.


Inside a F Lounge spa room.

The full body massage took up the remainder of my time in the lounge, so when my treatment was finished I got dressed and made a quick bathroom stop before heading down to the gate.

anat0l

Flight: Jetstar Airways JQ7 Melbourne-Tullamarine (MEL T2) — Singapore-Changi (SIN T1)
Depart: Sched 1100h; Actual 1135h
Distance: 3,753 mi (6,040 km)
Aircraft: VH-EBK Airbus A330-200
Class: Star Class
Seat: 4A


I got settled into my seat fairly quickly after managing to find room in the overhead compartment for my bags. Star Class is pretty much the same as QF Domestic J. It's not great for very long flights, but still better than Y; besides, this was a sale fare and it earns Business status credits. No complaints there.


Leg room shot in JQ A330 4A.

I watched with some amazement as the Star Class cabin of 38 seats slowly filled up until it was full. No spare seat for me. Ah well, I shouldn't complain. As it turned out, my seat neighbour was a great person to have a conversation with.

Whether it's due to airline or pax incompetency (or a combination of both), we once again sat for a while, delayed at the gate, until we finally left about 20-30 minutes after our scheduled time. A short taxi and then we took off into the air with a sharp angle of attack.

JQ provides its Star Class passengers all the "comforts" of premium class with a non-premium flavour which only a LCC could achieve. Everyone was given noise cancelling headphones, which has a flexible pin that allows you to plug it into both single and dual 3.5 mm ports. I really thought about finagling a set for myself. They aren't the best out there, but they do the job.

JQ also provide an amenity kit which came in a functional zip case. The amenities are by no means world class, but for most people it is functional enough.


JQ amenity kit and contents.

The first meal offering on the flight was lunch. No menus were distributed and the quality of the food is probably only slightly better than a portion of the international Y meals around the world. All served on great looking tableware that was completely made of plastic. Even the utensils were plastic (but thankfully fit for purpose). Well, at least they did lay down a table cloth. Actually, it wasn't a cloth, it was just a sheet of paper, really.

The choices on offer were beef with noodles or chicken with rice. I went with the beef and selected a red wine to accompany it. At least the wine was served in a real glass!


JQ lunch of stir fried beef with noodles.


Red wine served in a glass. In the background, you can see my neighbour's selection for lunch, the chicken with rice.

After lunch, the trays are cleared and only as soon as everybody's tray is cleared does the dessert offering begin, along with an offering of tea, coffee or Bailey's. The dessert was a rather nice chocolate cake, again served on a plastic plate (not dissimilar to going to someone's backyard birthday party) with a waste bag-come-table cloth.


Chocolate cake for dessert. That's not a white table cloth – it's a waste bag flattened out.

Dessert was cleaned up, then fruits and cheese was offered.


Cheese and fruit offering.

A rather long drawn out meal, but once the rubbish was cleared I filled out my immigration card to Singapore and then turned in for a nap.

Before landing, a generous snack was offered consisting of noodles with dumplings and a mini-tub of ice-cream.


Pre-landing snack of noodles and ice-cream.

We touched down into a wet and rather gloomy Changi airport, followed by a rather long taxi to our position at Terminal 1, right at the end of the pier. I strode quickly to immigration to beat the crowds, as any seasoned traveler to SIN would know. Immigration was passed quickly, which I found surprising given that last time when I put Transit as my reason on the immigration form, they didn't let me go without a short explanation. Anyway, bags took a bit of time to get to the belt but once started, my bag appeared promptly. Excellent – the less time spent here, the more time spent in another First Class lounge.

Customs was, well, a walkover (just like the rest of Asia), but before I headed over to T3 I decided to do a bit of a turn around SIN T1. After all, I could use some steps, especially since I hadn't got even close to a decent amount in the morning and probably wouldn't either once I got to the SilverKris lounges. So I ended up walking up and around the check-in and public areas in SIN T1.


SIN T1 check-in areas.


A couple of QF aircraft at SIN.

The walk wasn't bad but it did start to get to me, especially after lugging my bag and the rest of my stuff around. The lack of proper sleep was probably what did it, along with all the airport-cafe-style cheap-ish food that I had on board. In any case, that's when I decided it was best to go to T3.

anat0l

Singapore Airlines - Swish!


I probably would've put on the extra steps had there been a walkway connecting T1 and T3, but there isn't one. I guess I could try and walk around the ring road outside the terminal, but I didn't know if it was possible, plus it was humid and raining outside. Nope, the usual aerotrain for me.

T3, pretty much exclusively used by SQ, is a magnificent arrangement of marble, sculpture and plants. Very pleasant and looks far less Asia-hackneyed than T1. The look may be gaudy to some, but this is Singaporean 'elegance'.


Panorama of SIN T3 check-in area.

SQ F pax have a choice of checking in with the regular priority check-in (e.g. for J pax etc.), or they can use the First Class lobby, located at one of the far ends of T3. No prizes for guessing which one I decided on... so I braved the humidity and the light sprinkle of rain...


Approaching the lobby for SQ F check-in.

...and now - I had arrived...


SQ F check-in lobby entrance at SIN T3.


Inside the SQ F check-in lobby.

The SQ F lobby (and later the SilverKris Lounge) had markedly different architecture and design compared to that of the rest of T3. The particular emphasis is the blend of brown, cream and dull yellow - of course, this all amounts to a harmonious variation on what would otherwise be monochromatically gold. This grandeur of colour was accented with purple, via the occasional orchid.

There was no one being attended to when I arrived at the lobby, so I had almost all of the half-dozen staff attending to me in various capacities. A porter took hold of my bag as I was escorted to a desk where I was checked in and given my chosen and elusive 'single traveler' seat, 1B.


My boarding pass. Notice the gold SQ logo sticker. Not sure why that is entirely necessary.

The lobby felt more like a medium hall and rather oversized, although I guess that picture changes when many of the F pax turn up (i.e. for the evening rush). I was given my boarding pass and an invitation to The Private Room. Normally, I had thought that only F tickets paid with money could gain access to The Private Room (cf. not an award ticket like me, especially a Saver award!), however, hot on the heels of a friend who redeemed and experienced likewise, perhaps I misunderstood or misheard the rules.

SQ F pax get a dedicated immigration lane (which was again deserted), but then one must take a few steps through the common airside concourse to reach the steps up to the SilverKris Lounges.


Looking up at the entrance to the SilverKris Lounges.

The SilverKris Lounges have an unexpected difference to most Star Alliance lounges, in that access to these lounges are only allowed for those who are flying SQ, and even then (with the possible exception of KrisFlyer elites and PPS members) only for those who are flying J, F or Suites.

Wait, did you say F? Oh right, that's me

Up the escalators I went and the first greeter checked my BP and warmly escorted me to the right towards the First Class section, and then, after another warm greeting from another greeter guarding the First Class section, down the hall again to The [hallowed] Private Room. Once again, I find myself alone in luxury...


Entrance to the SilverKris First section.


About to enter The Private Room!


The first look into The Private Room.

It's really odd having a whole lounge - even as small as The Private Room - all to yourself, so to speak. You know that feeling where you're traveling alone and your hotel offers you a suite - that feeling when you just walk in the door and realise that even in the bathroom even a slow walk on the tiles resonates tremendously and there's enough room to swing a cat and then some? That's what it felt like.

Speaking of the bathroom, as I entered The Private Room and soaking up the atmosphere, one of the attendants greeted me and invited me to a table, however I informed him that I would first and foremost like a refreshing shower. He told me where the showers were and told me it was perfectly alright (at least, at this particular moment in time) to leave my belongings on a chair in The Private Room lounge area, so I collected a couple of tidbits and headed for the bathrooms.

The bathroom was large and felt quite open, sporting two shower rooms with all the necessities provided. Also, you dry your hands in this bathroom with real sturdy wash cloths which are collected and rewashed, as opposed to disposable paper towelling (or even a hi-tech, hi-power Dyson hand blow-dryer).


As you enter the bathrooms...


Basket of various amenities in the shower room.

The shower pressure was alright, although it was unusual that SQ provided refillable shower soap / shampoo / conditioner rather than bottles of the stuff; in saying that, most would probably only be a bit taken aback because refillable washables are often only satisfactory in quality (but fit for purpose). Nevertheless, they did the job and the rest of the amenities provided next to the vanity sufficed too, including quite nice Salvatore Ferragamo products.

Shower over and now it was ready for some food. The Private Room features both a compact selection of self-serve food (mainly comfort stuff) available at a buffet, but the shine in the lounge was the a la carte dining.


Buffet in The Private Room - for those who are satisfied by the basics.


The Private Room "restaurant" - feels almost like a classy lounge bar.

As I seated myself and started perusing the short menu, I was brought a wet towel on a small plate for the purpose. The towel was cool rather than hot; I'm guessing this is a local sensitive thing (i.e. with such hot and humid weather outside, who really wants to wipe themselves over with a hot towel?)


Wet towel.

I ordered a champagne, which was a Duval-Leroy, delivered promptly in a rather oversized flute (well, it wasn't really a flute, but whatever). A new label for me, and not a great drop but not complete rubbish.


Glass of champagne to start the meal.

After some deliberation between trying to split between two main plates, I decided just to go all out and order both, especially after an assurance that neither serving was large (yeah, right ). The meal started first with a soup, and in typical Asian style I selected the clear stock soup with winter melon. It was alright, but I would've liked the soup to taste a bit richer or sweeter (depending on what they decided to use as the stock / main flavour).


Winter Melon Soup.

Next course could be an appetiser or a main - the Singaporean / Malay speciality, satay with accompaniments - peanut sauce, fresh cut onion, cucumber and ketupat (pressed rice cubes).


Satay with accompaniments.

Following the satay was some glorified comfort food: an open beef burger served with quail egg, foie gras and rocket leaves. Personally I just ordered it for the foie gras, which I'd never had before. If you've never had it before - you're not missing out on a huge deal, very much especially if you have a heart condition.


The fancied-up beef burger.

The a la carte dessert selection is not great, simply Ben and Jerry's ice creams (not to be sneezed at!) and various sorbets. The buffet offers some sweets, including chocolates. However, I decided to hold off sweets and do a bit of walking around. After all, I was not going to be back in this lounge any time soon, let alone the other two... "lesser"... lounges attached to this one. So I might as well soak it in, right?

anat0l

First Class section of the SilverKris lounge. Almost pretty much the same as The Private Room, just with different seating.


First Class buffet section...


...and here is the hot stuff, including a small cooking section where made to order noodles (I presume) can be ordered.


Entrance sign to the Business Class section.


Seating in the Business Class section.


An even bigger buffet selection in the Business Class section. Hey, how else are you supposed to feed the "masses"?


Long marble benches with seats for dining.


Orchids

When I returned to The Private Room, I wanted to get onto the internet, except that there were no power points in The Private Room, and the normal business centre was closed for renovation. So the only option was to use the bigger business centre outside. I found a desk spot with a power point looking out to the rest of the terminal concourse, whereupon I also ordered a dessert of ice cream and coffee.


Ben and Jerry's ice cream, removed from its tub, dolled up and served on a nice plate.


I asked for a soy latte, although I forgot that "soya milk" is much different in Asia compared to Australia; notably, it is sweeter.

I checked my messages, Twitter stream and Facebook, but couldn't muster up enough energy to tend to some of my work or even write this trip report. As it was getting close to boarding, I headed back to The Private Room to relax, and by this time the numbers in the lounge had swelled (hey, I couldn't be the only person flying First Class tonight, right?). The leather chairs in the lounge are quite comfortable, with a couple sporting some scuff marks. I whiled away the time before boarding with some chocolates and generally doing nothing (sometimes a great thing to do). Soon enough, we were told it was best to go to the gate to board.


My last glimpse of The Private Room before I had to leave.

I thanked the lounge staff before I left, then headed out of the lounge. Although I normally don't mind walking far to get more steps, my gate was almost at the end of the concourse and I didn't like the idea of pushing my luck with both the security checkpoint and the gate closing times, so I used the aerotrain to cut down the time to gate. (Apologies to all my team mates in the Global Corporate Challenge!)



Flight: Singapore-Changi (SIN T3) — Frankfurt am Main (FRA T1)
Depart: Sched 2350h; Actual 0010h+1
Distance: 6,394 mi (10,290 km)
Aircraft: 9V-SPP Boeing 747-400
Class: First
Seat: 1B


Security was thankfully not a zoo, so I managed to get through that quickly and similarly speed into the aerobridge thanks to the priority boarding lane (yes, it actually worked for once at SIN - perhaps one of the few things Changi Airport actually gets quite wrong). At the aircraft, I got a warm welcome and a gesture to turn to the left. Ah, that phrase almost never fails to please most of us...


The First Class cabin on the SQ 747-400.


My seat - 1B.

For the uninitiated, you're probably wondering what a choice of seat was 1B; it is, after all, a middle seat, and what nut - especially a frequent flying nut - would select a middle seat. Well, you'd select it too if it was the only seat in row 1! Whilst 1B lacks the proximity to a window, there's a clear line of sight out to the windows on either side of me. 1B is the most forward seat and, had it not been for the cockpit above me and the fact that there is no window in front of me, I'd feel a lot more like Captain Kirk on the USS Enterprise. For a moment there, I almost felt like pressing the call bell button and yelling, "Mr Scott! Give me full power!" Just kidding...

Instead of a call bell, a FA appeared almost immediately offering an amenity kit, a menu and an offer of pre-flight drink. I requested champagne, quickly followed up by the question, "Krug or Dom Perignon?" Having had and not quite enjoyed the latter before, I opted to try the Krug. I was not disappointed by the Krug (but my mainstay drop is still Taittinger).


The label says it all - drinking pleasure masquerading as Krug.


The golden elixir is poured in another oversized flute.


First Class amenity kit of Salvatore Ferragamo products in a clear zip case. I didn't check if the clear case could pass off as a LAG compliant bag or not. Additional accessories like a razor or toothbrush are not included, but can be found in the bathroom.

anat0l

Slippers and pyjamas were offered soon after, and in true First Class style, I used the time before pushback to change into them.


Orchids in the otherwise fairly bland F bathroom.




The F bathroom vanity, featuring - once again - Salvatore Ferragamo products.

Now back at my seat and comfortable, we had a small delay before an otherwise normal pushback, safety demonstration and take off.


Plenty of leg room in the F seat. As a short person, I put my bags underneath the cavity below the IFE screen, since the closest overhead bin is above seat 2A.

Once we were in cruise and the seat belt sign extinguished, the crew jumped to life to serve supper. At this time, I was already a bit full from my lounge meal, and being tired, alcohol was having a greater effect on me than usual. Sorry sports fans, that means I didn't even knock off one bottle of champagne by myself. It probably didn't help that I ordered a Singapore Sling as my pre-meal drink.


Singapore Sling and macadamia nuts.

The FA asked me if I wanted some nuts and I replied that some macadamia nuts would be nice. She came back with mixed nuts, and then immediately realised her oversight, returned to the galley and came back with only macadamia nuts. Not that I wouldn't have minded either way, but that is certainly attention to detail.


F table set for the meal to begin.

Appetisers were served up quickly after orders being taken, and I selected the crab meat appetiser with gazpacho. I haven't had gazpacho before, but in order to better blend with the crab meat, I thought that the flavour could have been a bit more richer.


Appetiser tian of crabmeat, avacado and gazpacho.

The bread basket, warm out of the oven, was offered. What is it with Asians and their love of garlic bread, particularly that which has been liberally slathered in butter? Ah well, it tempted me... a mysterious calling I heard from the garlic bread... it was cooing, "Why not have that heart attack earlier?" (why the hell would anyone seductively say that???)


Tempting garlic bread. Notice the ridged / rough ending on the knife (i.e. the handle end). This was a commonality on all of the knife, fork and spoon. Ergonomics?

Next on the menu was the soup of celery and smoked chicken. The taste wasn't too bad, but something about neither flavour was not coming out distinctively in the soup; you'd almost not be able to tell what it was if you were not told. Perhaps it's a thing about eating at altitude.


Soup of celery and smoked chicken.

Now for the main course. Instead of the menu selection I had taken advantage of the Book The Cook service to order a custom dish. Normally for a supper flight the BTC service is not available, so I was surprised when I was managing my booking that I was able to pre-order a dish for this session. This BTC was rather 'special' since it was the first time ever in my life that I would be eating Lobster Thermidor (or "Slipper Lobster" as it was referred to by one of the FAs). Although I don't frequent upmarket restaurants, I've been to enough restaurants to find it hard enough to find lobster on the menu, much less Lobster Thermidor. The dish was served up sided with a generous (read: standard Asian serving) of saffron rice, a blistered tomato and thick of buttered asparagus stalks.


BTC'd main course: Lobster Thermidor.

Adjusting for the fact that (a) I was rather drunk, (b) I was rather tired, and (c) I was getting rather full, I must remark that this dish was quite delicious. Again, it's more than likely a thing about dining up in the air, but the only thing that would make this dish more enjoyable is slightly more tender lobster meat (was a little bit rubbery), and more sauce (i.e. could be less dry overall, especially when you start eating the lobster, vegetables and rice together). Overall, though, a tasty number.

I barely finished the lobster meat and vegetables and was very lucky to finish half of the rice until I conceded defeat against both the menu and the Krug bottle. The FAs seemed a bit disheartened that I could not partake in the cheese platter or more champagne, but if I had had any more it just may come back out again. I learnt my lesson two years ago, and I wasn't going to push my luck again! I asked for my plates to be cleared and my bed to be made.

Brushed my teeth, freshened up in the bathroom, tested and contented myself that I was not about to throw up (a few slow deep breaths help)... then I headed back to my seat to find my bed made. I forgot to make note of it, but I think with these seats, SQ only provide a sheet underlay and not a thick duvet / mattress. The seat is fabric and comfortable enough on its own, but I still really like QF and their use of a thick underlay. Nevertheless, a comfortable sleep it still was, with a comfortable covering duvet and plump pillows. It wasn't too long before I had the eye-shade on and I was snuggled in for a comfortable sleep.




My F seat set up as a bed.

I don't know why I suddenly woke up but when I checked my watch I realised that I had only nodded off for perhaps a couple of hours. At this point I did a quick bathroom break and decided to try my luck on the snack menu. As I got up and walked back down the cabin, I realised I was not the only one who was partaking in a midnight...err, I mean mid-flight...snack.

As to be expected, the snack menu contains many comfort and...well, snack...items, although I must say I can't believe even in First Class you can (or rather, would want to) get instant noodles? I decided on a bowl of fish ball noodle soup and a mug of hot Ovaltine. The noodle soup broth could've definitely used more flavour.


Bowl of fish ball noodle soup for mid-flight snack.

anat0l

Thursday 5 May 2011



Morning has broken...into the F cabin.

I washed down my snack with some water, then tried to go back to sleep. This time I must've been more successful (it probably had to do with what I was dreaming), because the only way I woke up afterwards was when one of the FAs kindly nudged me awake for breakfast.

Breakfast is a fairly standard affair on many airlines, and with a few exceptions, on SQ it is no different. A selection of juices, tea or coffee marks the start of the morning meal; in my case, I opted for the freshly squeezed orange juice and a milk coffee.


Freshly squeezed orange juice in the distinctive SQ F tall glass.

First up is a plate of mainly citrus fruits.


Breakfast fruit plate - pomelo, orange, kiwifruit and a raspberry.

I followed this up with the granola, which was served slightly wet (but drained) with ricotta and berries. This was not too bad, although I could definitely see some people not liking this dish and perhaps would be hitting the call bell for some milk.


Granola with ricotta and berries.

SQ's F breakfast menu features four main plates consisting of two Singaporean selections and two Western ones, but you also have to factor in the ability to BTC (if you were savvy enough to take advantage of this before the day of departure, of course). I pre-ordered the Nasi Biryani for breakfast, which looked and tasted delicious. The only thing I didn't do was pick up the chicken with my fingers, which would probably be standard procedure if I were eating in a Singaporean hawker centre.


BTC Nasi Biryani main breakfast plate. Just check out the size of that chicken.

Breakfast plates were cleared thereafter, then I got changed back into my normal clothes. One disadvantage with seat 1B is that the closets are at either side of you, which means much foot traffic at this time of the flight.

For the whole flight I didn't use the IFE, although I flicked it on after getting changed just to have a look. The IFE certainly is showing its age as I was greeted with a menu screen which looked not unlike an amateur PowerPoint presentation slide.

The F crew as well as the purser went to each passenger in the cabin to thank them for their patronage. I remarked to the purser on the excellent conduct of the F crew and made a note that I will be sending through an email of commendation. I also asked for a second F amenity kit, however the FA informed me that they had run out of them. Rather unexpectedly, he asked me if I had a business card or similar and he assured me he would arrange to have a kit sent to me! (For the record, when I returned from this trip, indeed a new F amenity kit had been sent to me! )

Landing in Frankfurt was fairly standard, as was the disembarkation, immigration, baggage claim and customs processes (sheesh - what a boring anticlimax to such luxurious flight and pre-flight experiences!). It did take them quite some time to put the bags onto the belt, but when it finally happened, priority baggage did its magic.

Once outside, I repacked a bit before heading for the Frankfurt Airport Long Distance Train Station (Flughafen Frankfurt Fernbahnhof).


Mezzanine level of Frankfurt Airport Long Distance Train Station

There was a small differential between 1st and 2nd classes for my train ticket, so in the interests of finding out "what all the fuss was about" (so to speak, not to imply there was ever a fuss), I bought the 1st class ticket. This means I could use the DB Lounge at the station. In the end, it wasn't really much to speak of, although most of us are using an airline lounge as a benchmark. The lounge was peaceful, had comfy enough chairs, newspapers, magazines, power points for laptops, desks, beverages and wireless (which is not free, just like most of Germany).


Inside the DB Lounge

I had a couple of coffees whilst I paid for some internet (hey, it's still cheaper than most paid internet in Australia!), checked a few messages and what not before making my way down to the platform to wait for my train.


Platform level at Frankfurt Airport Long Distance Train Station


Departure board announcing my train

anat0l

Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore Changi Terminal 3
Wednesday 4 May 2011



Waldorf Salad
Celery, green and red apple served with mayonnaise dressing.

Mixed Garden Salad
Choice of dressing: Thousand Island Dressing, Red Wine Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette.


Choice of Soup
Cream of Leek & Potato or Winter Melon Soup.


U.S. Prime Beef Burger with Foei Gras, Rocket Leaf and Fried Quail Egg
Homemade juicy burger in a sesame seed bun.

Baked Cod Fish with Green Pea & Tomato Mango Confit
Baked cod fish with mashed green peas, mango & tomato confit. Preparation time: 12 minutes.

Baked Lobster with Three Cheeses
Lobster baked with Gruyere, Emmenthal and Cheddar cheese sauce served with asparagus and baby carrots. Preparation time: 12 minutes.

Nasi Goreng Istimewa
Spicy fried rice with chicken cubes served with chicken satay, fried egg and condiments.

Duck Congee
Congee served with sliced duck, Chinese crullers and condiments.

Wonton Noodle
Egg noodle with prawn dumplings, served dry or soup.

Dim Sum Delights
With your choice of tea to go along: Jasmine, Oolong, Pu Er, Chrysanthemum, Green, Fresh Mint Leaf Tea.


Chef Station Special (available from 12pm)

Assorted Satay
Lightly barbeque chicken, beef or mutton pieces, served with onion, cucumber, ketupat (rice cube) and peanut sauce.

Tofu Goreng
Deep fried tofu, served with bean sprouts, grated peanuts, cucumber julienne and peanut sauce.


Selection of Ice Cream or Sorbet

Chocolate Therapy

Cookie Affair

Coffee Buzz

Fair Trade Chocolate

Strawberry Cheese Cake

Vanilla

Lime Sorbet

Mango Sorbet

Raspberry Sorbet

anat0l

Singapore Airlines First Class Singapore Changi - Frankfurt am Main
Wednesday 4 May 2011



Supper


Appetisers

Tian of crabmeat with avocado and cold spicy gazpacho

Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella with pesto and cherry tomatoes
Apple balsamic dressing


Soups

Cream of celery with smoked chicken


Main Courses

Seared Chilean bass in a horseradish veloute, white-green asparagus and crushed basil-potatoes
(Exclusively created by Gordon Ramsay, London)

Short rib of beef in Chinese wine-five-spices with seasonal vegetables and fried rice

Warm chicken parmigiana sandwich with grilled eggplant, bush tomato chutney and citrus beet salad

Singapore style prawn noodle soup - A richly flavoured local dish of yellow noodles in prawn and pork stock served with prawns and bean sprouts


Cheeses

Selection of aged kapiti cheddar, tete de moine, rambol walnut and chaumes cheeses served with garnishes


Fruits

Fresh fruits in season


Finale

A selection of gourmet coffees and fine teas



Light Bites


Noodles

Fish ball noodle soup - Noodles in broth served with fish balls and fish cakes

Prawn noodle soup - Noodles in broth served with prawn and fish cake

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian instant noodles


Sandwiches

Chicken satay and lettuces sandwich

Beef pastrami and gherkin sandwich

Roasted capsicum and santa lucia mozzarella sandwich


Snacks

Cashew nuts, honeyed walnuts or macadamia nuts

Toblerone chocolate

Famous Amos chip cookies

Lay's potato chips

Assorted biscuits

A selection from the fruit basket

Assorted cheeses with garnishes



Before Touch Down


To Start With

A choice of apple, tomato or freshly squeezed orange juice


Fruits

Fresh fruit plate


Starters

Choice of cereals or yoghurt
Cornflakes or granola with fresh white cheese-berry compote
Plain or fruit yoghurt


Entrees

Pork congee - Singapore style sliced pork and meatballs in rice porridge with deep fried Chinese cruellers

Braised ee-fu noodles with prawns, fish, scallops and leafy greens

Pan fried herbed chicken breast in tomato sauce with mushroom, grilled tomato and potato

Fresh eggs prepared on-board (boiled, baked or scrambled) - With your choice of sausage, ham, vine ripened tomato, mushrooms and toast


From the Bakery

Assorted breakfast pastries and bread with butter, jam, marmalade or honey


Finale

A selection of gourmet coffees and fine teas



Beverages


Champagnes

Dom Perignon 2000

Krug Grande Cuvee


White Wines

Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett 2007 Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt

Artesa Reserve Chardonnay 2007


Red Wines

Chateau Cos d'Estournei 2002 Saint-Estephe

Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley

Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Alexander Valley

Corton Clos Des Cortons Faiveley 2006 Faiveley


Port

Graham's 20 Year Old Tawny Port Portugal


Cocktails

Mix of the Month

Tropical Fizz
An invigorating concoction of pineapple juice and bitter lemon

Singapore Airlines Unique Creations

Silver Kris Sling
One of our special touches made with gin, Cointreau, orange and pineapple juices, topped with champagne

Sunrise Breezer
A refreshing blend of sake and bitter lemon

Kris in Love
A delightful concoction of white wine stirred with 7-Up

Rumba
An exotic thirst quencher of rum mixed with pineapple juice and 7-Up

Skyhigh
An invograting recipe featuring vodka, Cointreau and lemon, topped with 7-Up

Screwdriver
A classic concoction of vodka and orange juice

Apple Bliss (non-alcoholic)
A tantalizing refreshment of apple juice and bitter lemon mixed with 7-Up

Awaiting the Golden Dawn (non-alcoholic)
A healthy, refreshing mix of pineapple, tomato and orange juices

Golden Spice (non-alcoholic)
A refreshing, zesty mix with lime cordial, given a spicy relish through equal parts of pineapple juice and ginger ale[/i][/size]

All-Time Favourites

Singapore Sling
Synonymous with the Lion City since the early 1900s, this classic cocktail is made with dry gin, DOM Benedictine, Cointreau, cherry brandy, Angostura bitters and Grenadine, mixed with lime and pineapple juice

Solitaire Dreams
A cool concoction of rum, pineapple juice, Sling mix with ginger ale

Fruit Spritzer (non-alcoholic)
A simple yet delightfully refreshing mix of apple juice and 7-Up

Citrus Royale (non-alcoholic)
A thirst quencher made from orange and pineapple juices mixed with lime cordial and 7-Up


Appetising Aperitifs

Campari

Dry Vermouth


Spirits

Macallan 12 years old Single Malt Whisky

Cognac XO - Hennessy

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

Bombay Sapphire Gin

Belvedere Vodka

Bacardi Superior


Liqueurs

Cointreau

Baileys Original Irish Cream


Beer

Tiger

Heineken


Gourmet Coffees

Brazil Santos Bourbon
Coffee connoisseurs are sure to appreciate this smooth nutty coffee - the pick of the Brazilian crop.
aroma 4/5; body 3/5; acidity 2/5

Colombian Supremo
Good, all-rounded coffee with light body, balanced acidity and a smooth, rounded flavour that leaves a clean aftertaste.
aroma 3/5; body 3/5; acidity 3/5

Jamaican Blue Mountain
Often called the champagne of coffee, this full bodied classic is rich in aroma and flavour, yet perfectly balanced.
aroma 5/5; body 5/5; acidity 2/5

Kenya AA 'Kilimanjaro'
It takes that magical combination of temperate climate and volcanic soil to produce this medium bodied coffee with a sharp, intense flavour and rich aftertaste.
aroma 5/5; body 4/5; acidity 4/5


Specialty Coffees

Brewed Coffee
Our exclusive blend of coffee, freshly brewed

Cafe Royal
Lightly sweetened coffee with a touch of XO brandy

Espresso
A single shot of premium coffee, the gourmet's choice

Cappuccino
An all time favourite, espresso enriched with an abundance of foamed milk

Cafe Latte
Mild espresso topped with steamed milk and a dash of foam

Cafe au Lait
A double espresso topped with steamed milk

Decaffeinated Coffee
A full-flavoured alternative without caffeine

Mocha
A delicious combination of coffee, milk and chocolate


Other Beverages

Hot Chocolate

Ovaltine

Milo


International Teas by TWG Tea - available hot or with ice

Royal Darjeeling
An exquisite black tea that develops remarkable overtones of ripe apricots

Nuwara Eliya OP Ceylon
An Orange Pekoe black tea renowned for its light and generous complexity

Earl Grey
A legendary clasic blend of black tea richly infused with the fines TWG Tea bergamot

English Breakfast
A timeless classic black tea with an invigorating full bodied and robust flavour

Singapore Breakfast Tea
An exclusive TWG Tea blend of green tea, black tea, vanilla and spices that boasts a sweet, lingering aftertaste

Paris-Singapore Tea
A distinguished green tea blended with fragrant cherry blossoms and red fruits

Alfonso Fruit Tea
A magnificent alliance of black tea, rare mango and a secret combination of TWG Tea fruits and flowers

Moroccan Mint Tea
A perfect blend of delicate green tea and strong Sahara mint

Chamomile
Soft and soothing chamomile flowers yielding a golden, caffeine-free cup

Decaffeinated Earl Grey
A caffeine-free black tea alternative infused with TWG Tea bergamot


In-House Tea Selection - Asian Teas available hot or with ice

Indian Masala Tea
Fragrant traditional Indian herb tea with a hint of spice

Japanese Green Tea
Delicate aroma with a fresh clean taste


In-House Tea Selection - Chinese Teas

Jasmine
An aromatic green tea, scented with jasmine flowers

Oolong
A smooth tea featuring a distinctive fragrance of orchids


Mineral Water

Sparkling

Still


Fruit Juices

Apple

Orange

Pineapple

Tomato

Cranberry


Soft Drinks

Bitter Lemon

Coke

Coke Light / Coke Zero

Ginger Ale

7-Up


Milk

Full Cream

Low Fat

halfcape

Really nice trip report and great photos. What is the story about eating too much, or should I ask?

TPJ

Great report and a nice combination - low costs, legacy carriers, *A, oneWorld

I am surprised JQ serves a pre-arrival meal. I remember from my QF Plat days, that actually QF was serving only one meal in C on the MEL-SIN runs...

xenole

That arrival meal above looks better than some of the first class food I've see on other airlines

What does the quail egg taste like compared to a chicken egg?
Went and made myself a fried egg sandwich after seeing the egg/bacon brioche

I was in a lounge by myself a few months ago and it's a weird feeling. Much nicer when there are others about as it helps the ambience and makes you feel a little less self-concious (same as walking into a deseginer clothes shop, there are 3 assistants and you're the only one there and they tend to stare at you when you just want to browse in peace)

anat0l

I guess you could call it a weakness. Or, I don't travel First Class that often (would you believe), so I refer to a quote by Alan Harper from Two and a Half Men:Well, maybe not that extreme. On the other hand, notice how little alcohol I had? Now I can't get the whole thing how some people can have a bottle of champagne by themselves in one - even long - sitting. Let alone there are reports here of people who have had several!

Perhaps I shouldn't press you to name such an airline with First Class food which is worse than the pictured meal.

Different texture, and perhaps a bit more "concentrated" taste, but hard to describe. They are different, albeit subtly.

I don't mind either way. Mind you, having a few people in the lounge ain't much better than having none at all if the other patrons look and/or are pretty anti-social (basically it's just you with a couple of live lounge props - woo hoo....)