Part 7A
Few more images from the eternal city, Roma.
Vatican – Staircase
Vatican – inside courtyard
Vatican – the dome of St Pietro
Vatican – Prayer inside St Pietro
Vatican – panoramic view from St Pietro dome
One day before our departure, we reserved a private limo for the airport via the hotel. Limo fee was charged to the room (only €5 more than normal taxi fare).
Next morning when I was checking out, a black S-Class MBZ pulled up. The driver helped with our luggage, and off we went. The driver took us through a quiet road (traffic wise) and in no time we were in FCO, avoiding potential traffic jams on the bad section of the motorway. We flew AY to Helsinki this morning.
FCO-HEL
AY3244, F, A321
Seats: 3A & 3C
First class on this flight was nothing much to write home about. The middle seat was blocked with a sign that said “Complimentary Seat Enjoy!”. Service was friendly and timely. The food was ok. Arrival was on time.
Helsinki. This was our first visit here. Today being a public holiday, many businesses including the markets were closed. Bummer! Really wanted to see the Old Market by the waterfront, but it was not to be. Well, this could be the excuse for a return visit (ha, ha, ha !!).
We walked the Senate Square area, Explored the White Cathedral, orthodox cathedral, the waterfront and the esplanade. Did all the touristy things, all in freezing weather. We passed by the KarlFazer Café and decided to do the lunch buffet. We did not expect much. To our pleasant surprise, the food was really good in quality and the selection was huge. The place was swamped with people. Finally, after crusing around looking for a place to sit, we found a tiny 2-seater next to a young couple. Anyway, we seldom pass an opportunity to strike up a friendly conversation with this couple. They spoke flawless English. In a short 20 minutes, we covered travel, world economic, business, social changes to politics. Nice friendly people.
We split the Helsinki stay between 2 Hiltons. No, we were not on a mattress-run. First the Strand for a couple of nights and the final night at the Hilton HEL due to an early morning flight. I had no status with Hilton, and did not expect much. Both hotels were up to my expected standard of being well-appointed, clean and friendly services. A harbor view room in the Strand was a great treat. On Sunday morning, we noted the market near the Strand was in full swing, albeit an overcast, windy and cold day. We told ourselves that we need to return during warmer clime and include some day trip to Tallinn by boat (told you we had excuses).
About the Hilton HEL: This is a fantastic airport hotel. It is a short walk from the airport T2/T1 (about 7 minutes to T2). Hotel looked new and modern. Very large room with plenty of closet/storage space (the most that I have seen in a Hilton property). Bath room set up was spacious and functional. Clean and good looking. The bloody bathroom floor was HEATED! (being so close to the north pole?). Breakfast buffet was fantastic. Plenty of food to match your fancy, and the quality was fine. Plus attentive service. Normal service hours were from 6am to 10am. But if you needed to check-out earlier than that to catch your flight, you could have continental breakfast in another room from 03:30 to 06:00. You will be in the company of many flight crews in that room at that time.
This airport property reminds me of Hilton MAD in features and comfort (not in distance to airport though).
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
HEL-xLHR
AY831, F, A321
Seats: 2A & 2C
The night before this flight, we were able to drop off our bags with the AY desk in the airport. They were checked through to DXB (via LHR), our final destination of the DONE3. This worked out real well as our flight was scheduled for 08:00 departure. It was simply nice to just carry a backpack while strolling over to T2. A side note here. I found the AY staff in the airport friendly and knowledgeable in terms of service for the ow elites.
On flight day and post breakfast, we walked from hotel to the terminal at 06:30. We cleared security and custom/immigration via “priority access” really fast. Headed straight to the AY Lounge (near Gate 36 in T2). This lounge looked clinically clean. Sat and relaxed over coffee while waiting for our flight AY831. This flight was quick and uneventful. So now we were in LHR.
Brief visit to London city center. By design, we had a 10-hour layover in London. Enough time to “train” (the tube) out to the city. It was a great way to catch up with friends or sight-see. Since we have been to London dozens of times in recent years, now we were content with spending only a few hours to see/do specific things. This was a great way to avoid having to stop-over (more than 24 hours) and circumvent the heavy-handed APD taxes.
Few images form London on this breif visit.
LHR-DXB
BA109 Club Exec, 773ER
Seats: 11A & 11B
We had a splendid time in the city. We took the tube back to LHR by 17:30. Visited both BA Galleries A and B in T5. We liked B better than A as it was less crowded at that time. Took a slow shower and a change of cloth. After that, we still have a little bit of time to check out the AA Admirals Club. We enjoyed a tonic water & club soda (50/50 mix without ice, a great refreshing drink) and some snack. Checked email online before the red-eye to DXB.
LHR – BA Galleries
LHR – BA Galleries
LHR – BA Galleries
LHR – AA Admirals Club, T3
LHR – AA Admirals Club, T3
BA's in flight service was ok, but nothing to rave about. The crew did their job mechanically, but did not show much interest in the passengers whom they served. We ordered 2 beef steaks. One was too well done, and the other was quite good. Breakfast fruits were not fresh looking/tasting. I liked the flat bed and slept well in it. For larger built people, they may find it a bit too narrow. Plenty of length though. Amenity kit was standard sans pj.. I noted that the business cabin was not even half full. At landing, this flight marked the end of the oneworld DONE3 itinerary. We had several days here in Dubai and expected to roam around the city wherever public transit took us.
Up next Part 7B