Great report,
Otahuhuman, and by the sound of it, great flights too.
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
Knowing that we would not be served a pre-dinner drink on the plane, I took the precaution of having a few G&Ts. I also had a cup of tea.
Really? I thought I had never had to go without a pre-dinner drink on NZ in business, even on the 11.45pm departure of NZ5 which I did a few weeks ago, but perhaps my memory is faulty. Lateness of the hour doesn't seem like a good reason not to have a pre-dinner drink, IMHO
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
...and finally, a glass of Grand Marnier. I find that if I have one of these just before going to sleep I wake up with a pleasant taste in my mouth…..
Making up for the lack of pre-dinner drink? I suppose post-dinner would do.
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
I was offered a glass of “methode champenoise”. I wondered if he was being a bit pedantic and using its technically correct name rather than calling it ‘sparkling wine’ or ‘champagne’, but I think that Nobilo actually name it this way.
All NZ sparkling wine made by the traditional champagne methode used to be termed 'methode champenoise' (since of course it couldn't actually be called 'champagne'). However the French kicked up a stink and had the EU rule that term to be an illegal infringement of their sacred name, and a compromise was ironed out by which they were to be called 'methode traditionelle'. I'd be surprised if Nobilo still use the terminology, but I suspect the FA was trying to warn you that they don't serve the real champagne until after takeoff (due to having to pay extra duty for beverages consumed while still on the ground, IIRC).
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
I was thrilled to see Otahuhu, jewel of the Isthmus, sparkling in the morning sun.
Now *that* is the most perfect one-liner I've read on FT in a long time. Interesting that despite Otahuhu's jewel-like qualities you choose to live 12,000 miles away...
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
It was good to be in Auckland Airport again and I was aware of the sound of birdsong as I hastened down the wide passages to make some important DF purchases, and reflected yet again that it is very wise and helpful of the NZ authorities to allow us to get our gin on arrival.
Makes you realize how 'turd world' most US and UK airports are, doesn't it. It's all so clean! I'm always shocked when returning there from LAX.
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
I wandered around the DF shops and then went to the NZ Lounge. This has smartened up since I was last here, and seemed much brighter. The main course was Snapper on yuzu , which is a sour Japanese citrus fruit (apparently), with braised fennel and a macadamia salsa. ... (I later checked my notes and found that the exact same meal had been served on this flight 12 months ago.)
I was on NZ2 only two days after you, and to my surprise I had a completely different menu. Still had snapper on it though.
Originally Posted by
Otahuhuman
I suppose my only criticism was that we weren't offered any lollies to suck on as we made our descent into Hong Kong…..
Pretty good for 24 hours of flying!