3. Amsterdam to Johannesburg via KLM business class
The next morning we were back at Schiphol and quickly entered the priority lane for security. Our maple syrup gifts got us pulled aside for a search but once they realized what they were they let us through with a chuckle.
Eventually we found the The Crown Lounge... what a treat! This is proper business class lounge if you don't mind me saying. It is massive, and although it got busy later in the day - when we arrived it was silent and almost exclusively available to us. Apart from ample sitting space, it has a large dining area, and a variety of sitting areas. The top floor is a bar that provides free sparkling wine and other alcohols, and fancier drinks can be purchased for a fee. The ground floor has shower facilities that can be booked, luggage lockers and sleep pods that can be booked for 2-5 hours for a fee. There is also an area with KLM agents to assist with ticket problems. Overall we were really impressed with this lounge!
Glass wall with some of the delft miniatures that can be collected.
Some of the lounge before it got busy.
After spending a few hours there we headed off to our gate and boarded our lovely 777-300 that would take us to Johannesburg. The flight to Johannesburg takes off daily at around 10am and takes 10 hours before landing at approximately 11pm.
With a veteran ladies' cabin crew we were welcomed and provided with some early morning champagne. After settling in we started our taxi on time.
Caught our reflection
After waiting behind a 747-400 cargo plane, the Queen of the Skies took off with us a minute or two behind her.
Once at cruising height the crew sprang into action. It was a little bumpy over France but nothing that threatened our wine glasses.
This time I went for the cheese
Pan fried red bass in a bell pepper blanc sauce, mash of truffle potato and ravioli filled with Reypenaar cheese. Although this looked like an awful microwave meal it was actually very tasty, especially along side the South African chenin blanc.
Petit grand dessert of cappuccino ganache, caramel crumb cake and sticky toffee tartlet.
Day flights over Africa can be a real treat. After crossing the Med, you find yourself staring at the vast sandy beauty of the Sahara that goes on for hours. This transforms to the lush green jungles over central Africa as well as the massive thunderstorms that you fly around while trying to evade the towering clouds that reach well above your cruising altitude.
The beautiful Sahara desert
At 90 minutes out we were served a black angus hamburger with mature cheese, pickled sauce and fried onions on a brioche roll, with a French molten chocolate cake for dessert. Delicious!
Soon we descended to Johannesburg and completed yet another successful KLM flight with a great crew.