Ah, it was nice to be back in familiar sounding. The soothing ANA boarding music, the smiling flight attendant and the cool blue lighting and décor were all warm reminders that I was home.
7A or 5A is usually my preferred seat, but since the other was unavailable, I happily settled with 7A, which is the bulkhead seat and offered good privacy. I was quickly approached by one of the flight attendants, who smiling introduced herself as Ms. Oshizawa and said that she would take care of me for this flight. Right from that moment, I knew this was going to be a good flight. She offered to hang my coat, and asked if there were any magazines that I would prefer to read.
She later came around to offer a choice of orange juice and champagne, but at that time I only wanted water and she not only gave me a small glass, but an entire bottle, the one which they serve after the first meal.
At my seat were my favorite blue slippers and a brown amenity kit from L’Occitane, a new color because last time it was blue. It was of a better fabric, but nonetheless still quite underwhelming for a Skytrax Five Star airline.
Captain announced that the flight time would be 13 hours and 35 minutes, with a five minute delay, to which the crew apologized profusely for another three times afterwards over the PA. I was not bothered at all, flying with ANA in business class, I could easily settle for another 13 hours.
The wait time for take off was quite long, with a few wide-bodies ahead of us, including one British Airways 747 bound, I presume, for London.
Soon after take off, menus were distributed and orders were taken. I always choose the Japanese meal and this time was no different. To start off the meal, I selected to have the champagne.
Warm towels were also distributed before the amuse bouche was presented at my table, which consisted of parma ham wrapped in melon and a tart of some sort, delicious as always.
The first course of appetizers was absolutely delicious, but I found the fish for the main course to be underwhelming. This was a first for me because having travelled just under ten times in ANA business class in my life, it was the first time that I found the fish served to be bland and uninspiring.
I skipped the red bean cake dessert and just chose to have the cheese course. To accompany that, I switched to a Japanese whiskey, which was absolutely delicious.
After dinner, I decided to recline my bed and get some sleep. I planned on sleeping for the first six hours of the flight and staying awake for the rest in order to battle my jetlag more easily. Unfortunately, the plan sounded nice in my mind, but in reality I slept all the way up to 4 hours before landing.
Waking up feeling a bit hungry, I decided to check out the snacks menu to see what ANA offered on this flight. I was intrigued by the idea of steamed sushi, and so I pressed the call button, to which Ms. Oshizawa promptly approached my seat to see what I would like. I asked her what the steamed sushi was, she initially explained it as California roll, and then switched to saying it was “chirashizushi”, which is like fish over rice. I decided to give it a try, because honestly I have never had hot sushi in my life.
Whenever I fly ANA, I always like to drink the Aromatic Kabosu, this time was no different, and so I chose to have a glass of that with my steamed sushi.
The rice was topped with a variety of fish including steamed eel and cooked shrimp, the taste was actually quite weird, because once heated, the rice with vinegar was actually very overpowering, taste wise. After finishing, Ms. Oshizawa asked how it tasted, I spoke honestly and said it was not quite how I imagined it to be, she apologized profusely and said that she would write it up in the report to the catering staff. Not necessary, but a very nice gesture.
I decided to watch a few episodes of House of Cards before the cabin lights were turned back on. Ms. Oshizawa appeared again and smiling asked “Ready for dinner?” I jokingly replied and said “Didn’t I just have dinner?” I still wanted to eat something or else I’d be hungry for the night, and so I chose the Japanese meal.
The tray was delivered to me in less than 5 minutes, piping hot. I remember having the exact same thing for the last 2 flights with ANA. They seriously need to switch things up, because it certainly is starting to get boring. Then again, maybe I should try new carriers.
Some nice Christmas music before landing
Around 45 minutes before landing, I changed out of my pajamas and back into my regular clothes, my coat was returned and landing forms distributed. I really enjoyed the service on this flight, but the food was a bit of a disappointment, because ANA has really set the bar high, and I do have high expectations.
Good thing our plane landed right adjacent to Terminal 1, and so we did not have to taxi for long before arriving at Gate 51, which is the closest one to immigration. With not much of a line, I was out of the airport and ready to head to the hotel where I would be staying for one night in less than 20 minutes.