Falco Peregrinus

Moomba, I am not sure I would recognize you since we met during the SIN run in January. You must now weigh at least 500 lbs. Your trip report is great. Please keep posting! ^

Nanook

Neither can we!


Looking forward to that.

Moomba

Ha ha. Well not quite 500 lbs yet but in need of some serious gym time.

Glad you are liking my reports. It is back to work for me now with no flying time for over 4 weeks

Kiwi Flyer

Great report moomba - can't wait until your next one

Seat 2A

I'll second that!

Moomba

Oh dear I seem to have done it again - but by accident this time.

I needed to change the dates of my trip to YYZ on AA First using miles redemption. When I explained what I wanted to do the only option the AAgent had for me was BA F LHR-YYZ-LHR. So the next report will not be of AA F as promised.

Swanhunter

PJ's on a day flight AND in the J cabin? 200,000 punishment miles on Sky team for you Moomba.

Other than that, cracking report!

Moomba

Here we go again for the second and major part of my round the world adventure on One World airlines. This section of my trip include no less than 9 sectors on CX and 1 on QF in F and 3 domestic sectors on QF in J. Any of you, who have had the fortune to experience CX F on a long haul flight, will have some idea of the excitement that was brewing in the days prior to this section of my trip.

But first I had to get myself back to Vancouver and to do this I was taking the return journey of the last portion of my report from LGW-YVR on AA in J using an e-VIP to upgrade my Y ticket.

After the mayhem that ensued on August 10th and stories of long queues for security at LGW I decided to book myself into the LGW Hilton the night before my flight. I did not want to have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport early for my 10:25 flight to LGW. Particularly as this day was to be the most ridiculous of routings, even for me! It was also to be the longest day of travel for the whole trip.

I awoke at my usual time of around 6:30-07:00 and got myself spruced up and packed away for my trip making sure I did not pack any liquids into my stupidly small carry on bag. I checked out and headed over to the North terminal at Gatwick airport to find the AA check-in desks. I had not flown with AA since they moved to the North terminal. I found the check-in area and headed for the Business/First desks. I got the usual third degree from the security team there and was then allowed to head up to the desk. I checked my bag got both my boarding passes and headed for the dreaded security lines.
Five minutes later I was walking towards the BA F lounge. You can never win with these queue thingys can you? If I had not have arrived so early (07:55) you can be sure I would have spent an hour in a queue. Oh well more time for a bacon baguette and a glass of bubbly in the lounge.
For the BA gang there was a choice of the oh so delectable Monopole crap or the Cazenove. Of course I went for the later with my bubbles. Also on offer in the lounge were various spirits, juices, tea and coffee with pastries, fruit and yoghurt available from the self serve area. Toast, bacon baguette and mushroom baguette were on offer from the kitchens.
At around 09:40 I made my way to the gate which was at least a kilometre away.

Now this is where the whole dumb ... security for flights to the LOFAP really kick in. Guys had to have their bags searched and pat downs and shoe checks. Lassies or people with children did not. What they don’t think a terrorist will blow up his family for the cause?

As I was being patted down by Mr Stinky (ever heard of deodorant bud?) boarding was already underway. The security line was very long so they just pulled some people out of the queue to bypass the secondary search. Hey good work guys lets make a real mockery of this damned situation.
They were not using the flight bridge so we had to hike down the stairs after showing our BPs at the gate. We then had to show our BPs again at the exit to the tarmac. I climbed the stairs showed my BP to the FA and said “Hello”. She said “Down on the right”. Yes, “Hello to you too darling, you stupid ignorant cow”. Oh bring on my CX flight please.

I thought to myself here we go again with another AA off crew. As I have noted earlier in these reports the difference between a good AA crew and a bad AA crew has to the biggest difference of any airline I have flown. They can be anything from pleasant and approachable to downright grumpy.
Anyways I am going off on one again and at this rate you will have fallen asleep before the flight actually takes off.

Flight AA51 LGW – DFW Seat 12A
Departure time: 10:25
Date: September 21, 2006
Aircraft: 777


I sat myself down, shoved my bag under the seat in front and removed my jacket whilst the aircraft continued to board. A while later champagne, water or OJ were offered and of course I took some champagne (in a plastic glass).
The menus were handed out at which point the FA finally noticed my jacket and said ‘Can I hang that for you?’, I said ‘Please’ and she walked off delivering her menus. She then walked back past me and my seat mate and I looked at each other with that ‘What a ditz’ look in our eyes. My seat mate actually flagged her down again and she apologised and took my jacket. Oh dear bad crew day today on AA.

Thankfully I was wrong on that point and ignorant cow was working down the back but ditzy lady was just that rather than being grumpy, unhelpful or rude.
The captain got on the horn and told us we had a take off slot of 11:09 – not bad for a 10:25 pull back!!

We pulled back at exactly 10:25 and taxied out to the runway. On the way the captain announced we had been moved up and would take off sooner than expected. We left the ground at 11:06 – whoopee.

The BOSE headsets were given out pretty soon after take off and I proceeded to plug it into the IFE and found some music that was tolerable.
I took some pictures from my window after take off and one of London below us.
The lunch orders were taken as usual following FEBO and on this odd flight started at the back.

Drinks and the AA signature warm nuts were brought forth and I opted for a Scotch and Ginger Ale. As usual the FA could not understand what I wanted so I had to put on my fake American accent to be understood. Now I am sure you haven’t seen enough of my warm nuts on this trip so here is another photo so that you can have them etched in your mind forever. A second dish of nuts were offered and accepted but I am sure you can use your imagination as to what they looked like.

After an hour or so the lunch was served.

The menu was as follows:

TO START

Warm mixed nuts

APPETIZER

Portobello Mushroom and Cherry Tomatoes

SALAD

Fresh seasonal Greens and an assortment of fresh Vegetables offered with Honey Dijon Dressing or Castello Monte Vibiano Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

BREAD BASKET

Assorted Gourmet Breads

ENTREES

GINGER-SOY SALMON
Fillet of Salmon with Ginger-Soy Glaze offered with Haricots Verts, Carrots and Jasmine Rice

FILLET OF BEEF
Seared Fillet of Beef accented by Porcini Mushroom Butter and Bordelaise Sauce, served with Potato Cabbage Flan, Zucchini and Wild Mushroom Ragout

ROASTED CHICKEN
Roasted Chicken Breast accompanied by Eggplant Confit and Orzo Pasta

CAPPELLETTI
Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Cappelletti Pasta bound in a light Pesto Sauce, garnished with toasted Pine Nuts and Sun-dried Tomatoes

VEGETABLE PLATE
Seasonal Vegetables that include Saged Carrots and braised Onion and Leek with a Wild Rice, Pepper and Celery Medley.

DESSERTS
Fresh Fruit and Cheese with selected Crackers

Or

A scoop of Ben&Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream

TO FINISH
Lindt Chocolates


WINE LIST

CHAMPAGNE

Pommery Brut Champagne

WHITE WINE

Murphy-Goode Sonoma County Chardonnay

Wairau River Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

RED WINE

Château Batailley

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz

SHERRY

Emilio Lustau Sherry

DESSERT WINE

Graham’s Vintage Port


When the captain eventually turned off the seat belt sign various members of the predominantly male J section started making their way to the bathroom. I was amazed to see how many of these guys wear their Bose headsets to the loo. What too noisy in the loo for you; too lazy to take them off?
Golly gosh rant mode again already? You are on holiday Moomba chill out a little. No, no just being silly and making my usual observations of people and things around me. Oh god now I am talking to myself as well. Oh what day is it? What time is it? Ah yes it is Saturday morning I must be on Hong Kong. Whoa steady on there fella you are jumping ahead of yourself. Get back to yesterday? Or was it the day before? Yes Thursday around midday, time for luncheon on AA 51 bound for Dallas Fort Worth.

The starter was presented with the salad on the tray first and the mushroom and cherry tomato appetizer was very nice indeed. I opted for a glass of the Koonunga Hill Shiraz.
After I had finished this the salad plate was removed and replaced shortly thereafter with the beef main course. Beef on planes always has that I look seared but taste stewed sort of thing going on and this was no exception. It was accompanied by anything other than the items listed on the menu. Including of all things warm baby pickled onions. Most bizarre, or was the some creative improvisation on the part of the caterers?
Oh I almost forgot to tell you the most important thing. No more nappy wipes! Yeah! Yes the hot towels of old were passed around before the luncheon service.

My wine was filled up several times during the service and my fears of bad crew were dispelled as the flight wore on. Not that filling my glass up lots has anything to do with good crew, bad crew ratings!

After the main was cleared away the dessert cart came around and I opted for the cheese. This was accompanied by coffee and some of the delicious port.
This was followed by the new service touch of some lindt chocolates.

I can’t remember if I watched a movie or just listened to music for the flight although I do recall looking at the movies on offer and not being overly enthusiastic about any of them. Somewhere over the atlantic I noticed how rough it was down there.

Something new for AA, along with Gourmet Bread, Metal Cutlery and After Dinner Chocolates was a mid flight tea service which was offered around 4 hours out of DFW.

MID-FLIGHT TEA SERVICE

Assorted Tea and Sandwiches, Scones and Fruit

I did not partake of this option as I was still stuffed from all the food at lunch and we still had the afternoon meal to come.

I am sure I dozed for a while and listed to more music along the way until afternoon meal came along about an hour and a half out of DFW.

AFTERNOON MEAL

UNO’s PIZZA

An individual Chicago-style Cheese Pizza accompanied by a fresh Green Salad topped with Broccoli and Plum Tomatoes offered with an Italian Herb Vinaigrette

BEEF FILLET SANDWICH

Slices of Beef served on a sun-dried Tomato flavoured Ciabatta Roll topped with Barbeque roasted Tomatoes and Onions, accompanied by a Greek Salad featuring Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers, sliced Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Kalamata Olives served with a Balsamic Vinaigrette

I opted for the pizza and salad option and a glass of the NZ Sauvignon Blanc which was edible and pretty much as I remember them from the good old days when you got them in Y as the second meal on these flights.

We landed at DFW at sometime a little after we were due to at 14:49 and made the gate quite quickly. It was a short walk to the immigrations area where I was processed within a few minutes and went to wait for my suitcase.

The Premium tag on my bag worked (BA are you listening?????????) and I cleared customs. This was my first experience of arriving at the new DFW terminal D building.
I was pleased to see that they had a separate security screen for transiting passengers (with a priority line) at which there was no queue. I did the shoes off, watch off, laptop out rigmarole and emerged into terminal D about a stones throw from the Admirals Club.

After checking which gate I needed for my YVR flight I went to the AC and was given a most generous ONE drinks voucher. The time in the lounge went quickly and I was soon making my way to the gate for the YVR flight.
I picked up a customs form from the gate desk and filled it in whilst waiting the last few minutes to board. We boarded Business Class first and I went on down the ramp and said hello to FA who responded in kind!

Flight AA887 DFW – YVR Seat 5F
Departure time: 16:39
Date: September 21, 2006
Aircraft: MD-80

The purser was at the door greeting and one of her colleagues from down the back came up to me and said ‘Jacket?’. I was about to say ‘Yes it is.’ But opted rather to just hand it over to her to hang.

Pre-take off drink orders were taken and I asked for water, which I think was the only thing ordered by the full J cabin.

At about this time I thought what if my bag doesn’t make to this flight I would be stuffed well and truly. Given I was only in YVR for a few hours before hopping yet another west bound plane to HKG. I glanced out my window seconds later to see my bag being heaved onto the plane right beneath my seat!

We pulled back at 16:30 and were in the air at 16:39. The captain came over the blower and told us our routing, flight time and expected time of arrival in Vancouver. At this point I thought to myself, ‘you are a complete idiot. You could have already been in YVR by now if you had have flown direct. Instead you have another 4 plus hours in the air.’ But that is what this game is all about isn’t it? Doing dumb things in pursuit of our passion.

After take off drink orders were taken by the very friendly purser and shortly after, warm nuts and drinks were delivered to my seat. Go on you know you want to look at my warm nuts again don’t you.

What did I have to drink this time? Oh yes Gin and Tonic. I don’t know what Gin AA use but it ain’t no Bombay Sapphire is all I can say.

Then came the dreaded nappy wipes. Oh well at least they have ditched them on the long haul flights.

The snack on offer for this flight was Turkey wrap or Chicken Foccacia sandwich with corn salad. I went with the chicken and a glass of the white wine from a real bottle. Ur, sorry about the fuzzies I didn't notice that when I took the shot.

It was a very bumpy flight with the seat belts sign on and off for most of the four hours. The purser came through offering drinks several times and spent my time watching the world go by beneath me , looking at funcky cloud waves, more of what was below and listening to my ipod.
We landed in YVR at 18:40 and yet again the crew did not give me my jacket back. I grabbed it from behind the last row of J seats before the hoards from the back started moving forward.

I cleared Canadian immigrations in a jiffy and waited for my bag to arrive from the bowels of the airport. Eventually it did emerge although not in the first wave of bags. I wonder if YVR use ex LHR baggage staff these days?
I had earlier in the week decided that I would check into a hotel to get some kip before heading back to YVR for my 02:55 flight the next morning.
I checked in, ironed a shirt went to bed and checked out until my 12:20 wake up call. I quickly showered packed and headed down to reception to check out.

I grabbed the shuttle back to the airport and went to a very empty check in area for CX. I checked in, was given directions to the lounge and walked to security where there was no one to be seen apart from the staff. Straight through, wanding, laptop sniffed for drugs with the swab and I was on my way up the elevator to the lounge.
The lounge agent pointed me in the direction of the F section and I went to wait out the next hour and half until the flight. I saw the plane pull up just as I was walking into the lounge.
The lounge is decked out in much the same manner as the CX lounge in LHR except it has a view over the airport. Dim Sum, sandwiches, fruit and snacks along with various alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. I grabbed a juice (shock horror) and went to check my emails and of course FT whilst I waited to the flight.

At 02:10 the lounge agent called for us to head down to the gate. I thought it was rather early given the flight time was 02:55. We all went down to the gate and waited. After around 5 minutes they took the wheelchair passengers on board and then started boarding F, J and OW elites.
I made my way on board and was escorted to my seat by an FA.

Flight CX889 YVR – HKG Seat 1A
Departure time: 02:55
Date: September 22, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400

Every one was on board and the doors closed at 02:30 and we pulled back at 02:35 ahead of schedule. I was offered a glass of Krug which I gladly accepted but no Amuse Bouche was forthcoming.
After take off I was offered more Krug and some cashew nuts. An FA came along and looked at my legs and said ‘can I get you a large pyjamas Mr Moomba?’ I was given the menu and told I could ask for my food at any time. I said I was hungry and I would like to eat as soon as I could. My body clock at this time thought it was time for lunch.

REFRESHMENT

APPETIZER

Fresh Seasonal Fruit

MAIN COURSES

Braised Beef Brisket with Tendon flavoured with Chu Hou Sauce
Steamed Rice and Choy Sum

Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Stuffed with Wild Mushrooms
and Brandy Cream Sauce
Roasted Potatoes and Seasonal Baby Vegetables

Mushroom Ravioli with Tomato Basil Sauce


DESSERT

Triple Chocolate Mousse

WINE LIST

CHAMPAGNE

Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne

WHITE WINES

Simi Sonoma Chardonnay 2004

Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002

RED WINES

Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996

Foley Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2002

Château Lynch Bages 2001

An insert in the menu described the featured wine L’Ostal Cazes Cru La Livinière 2003

PORT

Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port


I changed into my PJs before dinner.
I ordered the Chicken along with some of the Lynch Bages.

My table was set and the starter placed before me along with the bread offerings. I had some of the wonderful Garlic Bread.
My main course was delivered along with a glass of the wine.

At all times during this flight when I ordered wine the glass was delivered first and the wine was poured in front of me. I found this to be a very nice touch. My wine glass was topped up during the meal.

I finished the main and opted to go the whole hog and have the dessert as well with a cup of coffee (No, you're not getting any of my chocolates).

The flying time was 12 hours and 39 minutes and I was not particularly tired after my hotel sleep so I decided to watch a movie. At this point I switched back to the Krug. After the movie I decided sleep was in order.

I had been given a duvet earlier by one of the three FAs working first but had no pillow. After a loo break I asked the crew if I could get a pillow and the purser said we don’t have anymore but she would see if she could get one from the Business cabin. From the way she was speaking I gathered she was thinking I wanted a second pillow. I said I did not have any pillow and she was all concerned and said she would get something for me and that she can’t understand where my pillow went. Later in the flight I let her know found my missing pillow. It was under the head of Mr Greedy B@stard in 1K. I hope you had a nice sleep you turd.

She came back with two business class pillows and a blanket for extra support.
I put the bed down and hunkered down for a good 6 hours sleep.
I awoke feeling hungry again and after going to the bathroom, noting on the way that one of them was now out of order, asked for some food. I decided to go with my favourite mid flight CX snack of noodles and as usual was not disappointed.
This was accompanied by some jasmine tea.

Other snack offerings were:

SNACK

Noodles in Soup with Shui Gaw

Warm Reuben Sandwich

Hot Pot Rice with Chicken and Mushroom
Served with Clear Chicken Soup

About 3 hours out of Hong Kong there was a loud clanking noise as Mr 2A was attempting to put his seat back down to the sleeping position. It was stuck fast and half an hour of tinkering by the crew could not fix it and he was forced to sit up the rest of the flight.
An hour and half out I changed back into my clothes and decided to have some breakfast.

BREAKFAST

JUICE SELECTION

APPETIZER

Fresh Seasonal Fruit

YOGHURT SELECTION
Natural, Fruit or Low Fat Fruit flavoured

CEREALS

Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes or Rice Crispies

MAIN COURSES

Scrambled Eggs or Plain Omelette

Mini Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Dim Sum

Prawn Congee
Accompanied by Spring Onion Pancake

ACCOMPANIMENTS

Grilled Breakfast Steak, Lyonnaise Potatoes,
Imperial Fried Noodles, Grilled Tomato and Sautéed Fresh Mushrooms

BREAD BASKET

Assorted Warm Bread, Fresh Toast and Breakfast Pastries
Served with Preserves, Honey and Butter

I opted for scrambled eggs with tomato and mushrooms along with some more coffee and a glass of apple juice.

I spent the remainder of my time on board this flight listening to several albums and watching the sun rise (which was behind us) reflected on the clouds and the window frame.

Soon after the remains of the breakfast were cleared away we started out descent into Hong Kong.

We landed early at 06:45 and taxied to the gate. HKG uses both doors for CX flights and the entire F cabin spilled out of door one in no time and we were on our way to the train from the 60’s gates to the main terminal building and immigrations. I was processed in no time as there was no queue at all. I then went to the baggage claim to await my bag. Five minutes later I passed through customs and headed upstairs to the CX ticket counter.

This is the way it should be landing to ready to leave the airport in 15 minutes.

I needed to get some date and time changes put onto my paper tickets hence my diversion to ticketing. With this task complete I hopped the airport express and made my way to Hong Kong.

At 08:30 I was in my room overlooking Hong Kong harbour. After showering I sat down to type this report. A about an hour ago (I think this has taken something like 2.5 hours to write!) my phone rang and a customer services representative said ‘Mr Moomba, we just noticed it is your birthday tomorrow. As you are checking out so early can we bring you a cake today?’ Oh yeah just what I need more fattening food!!!

Next report due in soon as I am off to Tokyo tomorrow morning on my and CX’s birthday. I wonder what that flight will have in store?

P.S. My Birthday Cake just arrived

hairpeace

More! More! ^

Moomba

It was an early start today as I never like getting to the airport too late and besides I wanted to have some breakfast in the CX F lounge.

I checked out of my hotel and caught a cab to Hong Kong station for the airport express train. I opted to check-in at the airport rather than the station so that I could experience the new concierge F check-in area at HKG.

As I approached the check-in area with intent two lovely CX ladies caught my eye and directed me to the podium. After handing over my ticket and passport a gent came up and wheeled my bag away with no tags on it. Scary stuff but I assume they knew what they were doing. He did give the agent a chit which I presume they match up with my booking to print the baggage tags out of site.

I did get a baggage receipt which was of some comfort. I asked for my BA number to be recorded against this flight as I have a complex plan for where which of my flights miles need to go. The original boarding pass the agent printed had my AA number and she ripped it up and re-printed one with the BA number on it, issued me a lounge pass and sent me on my way.

I lined up for emigration control and was processed within a few minutes. Minutes later I was through security and turning left to head to the lounge.

As I walked into the restaurant in the F lounge it was just on 07:40, 1 hour prior to the boarding time on my BP.

On offer in the lounge were Coffee, Tea, Juices, Cereal, Pastries, Fruit, Cheese, Deli Meats, Congee and accompaniments, Dim Sum, Singapore Noodles, Pork Buns, Eggs Benedict, Sausages, Baked Beans and Toast.
I had my fill of noodles and dim sum and went out into the lounge to have a cuppa and take a few pictures of SQ, CX row, and my CX Asia's World City plane which is the same baby that the esteemed Steady-EDI flew in from YVR-JFK a few weeks ago, in the same seat!

I was watching over the balcony to see when the activity at the gate was stirring to life. At the appropriate time I walked down the stairs to Gate 2 which is right outside the lounge and straight on board.


Flight CX504 HKG – NRT Seat 1A
Departure time: 09:10
Date: September 24, 2006
Aircraft: 747-400


I was offered a drink, after my jacket was taken, and I opted for a celebratory glass of Champagne as it was after all my birthday. Also if you recall from post number one of this tome “it is never too early for champagne sir.” I was able to sneak a picture of the inside of the F cabin before too many other pax came on board.

We pushed back at 09:12 with a full F cabin which had many op-ups. Quite a difference from a week back when I was the only pax in F according to EF.

The captain came on and announced we would have a flight time of 3 hours and 32 minutes. Hot towels were handed out and an FA came around taking the brunch orders just before take off. I did notice she started with me and the selectively worked her way around the cabin. I am not sure whether it was OW status or rev vs. op-up order.
On offer for this flight was:

BRUNCH

JUICE SELECTION

APPETIZER

Hot Smoked Lemon Peppered Salmon with Marinated Prawns

SOUP

Tomato, Orange and Basil Soup

MAIN COURSES

Grilled Lamb Chops with Natural Jus and Roasted Garlic Cloves

Dim Sum Selection

Braised Sea Bass Fillet with Preserved Gooseberry Sauce

ACCOMPANIMENTS

Roasted New Potato Wedges with Parsley or Steam Rice
Selection of Western or Oriental Vegetables

CHEESE

And

FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT

DESSERT

Bread and Butter Pudding with Raisins
Served with Vanilla Sauce

BREAD BASKET

Assorted Warm Bread and Breakfast Pastries
Served with Preserves, Honey and Butter

TEA AND COFFEE

PRALINES


JAPANESE MEAL

CANAPÉS

Shrimp and Fish Paste Pork Roll with Cheese
Grilled Shellfish Skewer Shimeji Mushroom Japanese Taro

LIQUEUR

Choya Ume Liqueur

APPETIZER

Salmon Tataki Style Pickled Mackerel Pike Marinated Salmon Roe
Tuna with Fish Roe

CLEAR SOUP

Fish Ball with Beans Sea Kelp Roll with Chrysanthemum
BRAISED DISH

Deep-fried Bean Curd Skin Matsutake Mushroom Slice Braised Pumpkin

HOT DISH

Broiled Sea Bass with Miso Sauce Scallop Teriyaki
Spinach, Chestnut and Ginko Nuts

VINEGAR DISH

Cuttlefish Slices Shrimp Lily Bulb Mixed Seaweed

NOODLES

Green Tea Flat Noodle and Buckwheat Flat Noodle
With Shimeji Mushroom

RICE DISH

Steamed Rice Miso Soup

ASSORTED PICKLES

FRUIT

Fresh Seasonal Fruit

BEVERAGES

Ginjyo-sake Green Tea Mineral Water


WINE LIST

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Amour De Deutz, Blanc de blanc 1999

WHITE WINES

Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune Premier Cru, Champs Pimont 2002

Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Chardonnay 2004

RED WINES

Château Branaire-Ducru 1998, 4ème Cru Classé

Corton Grand Cru Louis Max 1996

Tignanello 2001

PORT

Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny Port


We taxied down to the water end of runway turned a 180 and the captain put the pedal to the metal. As we lined up I noticed this new comer parked alongside the hangar. Hmm not very clear in the photo but the plane in the middle was an Osais 747.

We were in the air at 09:27 and flew out over Hong Kong Harbour with Kowloon on my left and then flew over HK island and into the clouds.

I ordered another champagne for after take of which arrived as soon as the aircraft levelled out. I was offered cashews or Japanese rice nibbles. I took the later and blimey those little dried chilli pea thingies really pack a punch!
Well when I say the champagne arrived I meant a Pacific Sunrise which is one of Cathay’s signature drinks which consists of Champagne, Drambuie and Orange and Lemon zest. It wasn’t what I ordered but hey I quite like them so I started to drink it. About 5 minutes later a glass of champagne appeared with accompanying apology.

It was quite choppy for the first part of the flight and we were flying through or close to clouds for a lot of the trip.

I was sitting there thinking life’s not too bad when on one’s birthday you can be sitting in 1A on CX sipping Champagne.

I asked the Purser in F about the aircraft paint job and he said it was the only one like this and that the extra paint increases the aircraft weight by 30kg.

I had decided to be brave and ordered the Kaiseki style Japanese Meal for brunch.

My table was set and the first of many dishes appeared before me. In a departure from my usual half eaten style photos I opted to give you the full feast for the eyes for this meal.
The first course was the Canapés with which I was still drinking my second glass of champagne.
Then came the Appetizer dishes. At this point I ordered some warm sake to be served with the remained of the meal.
After the appetizer was consumed the Clear Soup made an appearance along with the Braised Dish.
When that was taken care of the reminder of the meal came all at once on a tray.
I really liked the look of these cute little Shimeji Mushrooms in the noodles.
It was a bit of a conundrum to me as to how to eat this lot. Is one supposed to eat each dish separately or have a bit of this one and them some of that one? I chose the latter and was a bit bemused by the small bowl of liquid which I presumed was to pour over the noodles. I flagged down one of the FAs and asked if this was the case. She confirmed and said, ‘First time for you too?’ I said ‘Yes’.
Finally I finished off the meal with some fruit and green tea.
The Purser came around later and asked how I liked the meal. I said it was great, such a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Also the different textures added to the whole mix. He said not too many airlines offer the Kaiseki meal and he was pleased I liked it as it was quite an expensive meal to create. Something in the order of 1500 HKD (well I think that is what he said).
I couldn’t write a report and not include at least one picture of clouds outside my window.

All too soon the captain came back on the horn and announced we were commencing out descent into Tokyo’s Narita airport.
We touched down at exactly 14:00 and taxied to the gate. I was wondering for a moment where the heck we were as there were no fewer than 9 NW aircraft littered about the terminal.

The first class cabin emptied quickly and we made our way to the immigrations area. There was a plane load of people already in the queue and I joined it at a point where there was a sign saying ‘wait time 30 minutes’. Around 40 minutes later I walked down the escalator to the baggage carousel and my bag was right in front of me.

I then walked out into the arrivals area and booked a bus to my hotel. The bus left at 15:40 (five minutes late) and took just over 2 hours to get to the Westin, the last stop on the route. One amusing announcement made on the bus was as follows:
“Customers are reminded that portable telephones should not be used on the bus as they annoy the neighbours”.

With that little gem I shall bid you adieu until Tuesday’s return to HKG.

richmond3121

Happy Birthday, Moomba!

Kiwi Flyer

Belated happy birthday Moomba - nice to be able to enjoy it in style. Hmmm champagne, sake and kyo kaiseki.

Typical FTer

Moomba

I think I forgot to mention in the post that there was also some Choya Ume Liqueur somewhere in the mix as well.

Thanks for the birthday greetings aep and Kiwi Flyer

Falco Peregrinus

Happy birthday Moomba! Do you still remember where you live?

Moomba

Hmmm, if it is Monday I must be in Tokyo!