Thursday, 11 September
We walked directly to the sanctuary of the BA/QF F lounge and showed our BP's to Raja (the QF CSA) at Reception. We had been issued 11JK but after SMS consultation with my FT all-things-flying guru,
Dave Noble, Raja was able to change to 5EF. (The joy of using points to upgrade to J)
My belief that this is the best BA/QF lounge in Asia is undiminished. We both had refreshingly looooong showers to sooth away the stresses of the long haul flight behind us and the one still to undergo. We exited the Lounge to undergo some retail therapy (I had to accompany her to make sure that our CC didn't melt
). Soo Fong (BA CSA) welcomed us back and I had a chat with them during a lull in pax movements.
Before too long it was time to board at Gate C1.
Thursday, 11 September 2003
Airline: QF Flight Number: QF52
Rego: VH-EBU (Nalanji Dreaming)
Seat: 5EF
STD: 10.20pm ATD: 10.15pm (push back), 10.36pm (take-off on 20L 02R)
Crew tonight was Captain Voysey, CSD Steve Bennett, FA's in J were Sean and Ross Montague. We rolled past a Vietnam Airways jet, a Chine Eastern B2318, a couple of Thai and China Airways and finally an SQ Jubilee 9V SRJ. We were second in the take-off sequence with a Koren jet ahead.
I like 5EF on QF's 743 (2 class), as the "seat" storage under the island can be used without having to go up into the overhead bins; as well as having lots of legroom an nearer the exit behind Seat 5 (Door 1). Detractions are the lack of storage for small items (no seatback infront to put them in) and the "openness", the feeling that everybody in J is watching you.
Pre-dinner drink after take-off was Baileys on Ice for us both. Dinner was served at 11.20pm adn this flight, my LFSML turned up. Startners were half cooked egg-whites filled with Tuna and main meal was chicken strips with a black peppercorn glaze, rice, tomatoes and asparagus tips. For everybody else in J the menu read:
Singapore to Brisbane - Supper
Champagne/Wines
Champagne - Charles Heidseick Mis En Cave 1997
Red Wine - Capel Vale 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
White Wine - Grosset 2002 Riesling, Yarra Ridge 2001 Chardonnay
Main Courses
Chicken Tikka Masala with Masmati Rice and Kachumber
Fillet of Australian Beef with New Potatoes and Mushroom Sauce
Salad of Smoked Salmon, Rocket and Asparagus with Herb Vinaigrette
Green leaf salad with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes
Dessert
Pineapple and Frangipane Tart with Cream
Fresh Fruit
As a lover of pineapple, I will admit to eating two desserts (thanks to Ross). Needlessto say, with this being our last flight, we did help QF reduce their Champagne stocks by one and try as I might, I just missed clearing a Capel Vale by myself.
After an excuse for a nap, we were served a Continental breakfast at around 5.50am (BNE time) - a selection of Fruit Juices, Berry Energiser Drink, a fruit salad with Honey Yogurt and a choice of warm bakery items.
Before too long, we were on final approach and landed at 7.25am. We taxied to Gate 77 past a JAL744 JA-8187, cleared C&I and our bags were already on Belt 3 courtesy of the Priority Luggage Tags.
It ws sad to think that our honeymoon was over and it was back to planning our next one together...