avm2806

Now, time to go. I gathered my belongings and since I was already in the Business class section at the noodle bar. I took the escalator up which brought me within feet of the gate. Boarding appeared like it was completed, but I wasn’t worried since I was sure a few of my brethren and their wives would be lost in duty free purchases and rushing to the gate till the last minute. Fortunately I was right and there were at least 15 people left to board. I took my sharp left turn at the aerobridge and a very worried senior purser was staring at her watch and looking up the aisle for her one First class passenger – me! “Mr. avm2806! She proclaimed in excitement!”, I saw her face and replied with an “oh no! it’s you!” She laughed, and I told her now I wasn’t going to get to watch any of the movies I had saved for this flight. It was my favourite cabin crew across all airlines. A wonderful Indian lady who has been flying for CX for quite some time and stood out because she remembered me, by name, 4 years after a flight from BKK-BOM with her where I had written her a stellar comment card for an outstanding performance. I saw her on a HKG-SIN flight 4 years hence and she remembered my name, my favourite drink and every bit of praise I had shared with CX about her. We have had the pleasure of flying together a few times after that, and stayed in touch and become good friends. I always tell her that if I ever started my own airlines (don’t we all wish!), that she would be in charge of all cabin crew. Any how, I was escorted to my favourite seat 2K and where I spent a few minutes settling down and then it was conversation and catching up until doors were shut and the safety briefing started. I was also privileged to be the only first class passenger on board this flight. I was quite full, so requested to wait to dine, and before I knew it we were off. One thing I love about the CX seat and cushion is that with the width, I can prop myself up against the side wall and be facing the window directly for take off (sort of like a reverse herringbone effect). I bid CLK farewell as the majestic 74A roared into the skies. I haven’t yet had the pleasure of flying on the A380, but I have to say it’s going to be tough to beat the nose and upper-deck of 747-400.
Shortly after take off, the Thai ISM appeared to welcome me on board. For a CX ISM she was quite surly and reserved, but it didn’t matter because I had an excellent Purser and even better Senior Purser on board, and my interaction with her was short and sweet. I spent the rest of the next hour in the galley, chatting away, until finally my dear SP managed to convince that she had to start spoiling me, because we had only under four hours to go and she knew how much I loved the Caviar – oh dear, as if the last flight wasn’t bad enough. I enquired if the Krug was loaded on board, because of the conflict between the menu and the winelist, but unfortunately the answer was an apologetic no. Never mind – I decided to stick with sparkling water for a while. I can’t count how many plates of caviar came my way, to my seat, while I was standing in the galley – it was like being showered with this black pearls. My friend was having some soup, while we were chatting in the galley and insisted I try some – I said that the thought of green pea soup wasn’t very tempting, but never the less I tried a big in a paper cup, and found it revolting. The salad which followed was excellent.
I also spent time in the galley while my main meal was being prepared, and being delicately plated. I proclaimed that it was all going to become a mess in my bowels in any case, but I was then scolded jokingly and reminded how that any plate coming out of my friends galley had to look a certain way. I had the Pomfret for my main, which was actually very good, and upon insistence had to try a little of lamb, which was also good. I took a break, and decided to skip the cheesecake which didn’t look very appetizing and got some Haagen dazs from business class, which was served with wonderful raspberry and vanilla sauces and fresh fruits. It was then time to burn some calories so I went on a guided tour of the whole aircraft, up down, back, front – the entire cabin, including EY where I tried the new shell seats. I haven’t felt more at home on an aircraft – it really felt like my domain – the pleasures of being the only FCL passenger with exquisite CX crew.
Upon our return, I was told that I have to try the Italian red along which I consented to, it was exquisite, second only to the Tignanello with CX used to serve on longhaul F. Some cheese came with the wine, which I barely managed to get half way through. I was barely in my seat for the entire flight, as most of it was spent in the galley chatting away with a very good friend – there isn’t a better way to fly.
Anyway, when the snack service started in BC an hour before I arrival I was offered more food, including Caviar, which for the first time in my memory I have ever declined. The indulgence had crossed a point and it was time to come back to reality.
It’s hard to explain why this experience was so good – it was one of those cases where you just had to have been there. There is nothing like feeling completely and totally at home – no formalities, no hang ups – just complete and total relaxation.