With the lounges being landside the boarding call is announced a few minutes early so we have time to get through security, but it doesnt take long to get through and board.

The flight was very empty - just 1 in first and 2 upstairs business cabin, and 2 more in business class downstairs. Economy was also light - definitely under 100 passengers all up. There seemed to be the full complement of crew. I guess it is hard to rearrange schedules, so we had fantastic service.

We arrive to a very grey and freezing europe. Fortunately I missed the big snowfalls of the prior week which would have upset my schedule considerably. Due to the early arrival I would not yet be able to check in to the hotel, and the inclement weather meant I wasnt keen to wander around in the cold just yet. So I paid a visit to the "B" Senator lounge in Frankfurt. As noted elsewhere on FT this has recently been renovated. There are no major changes (its still just as small and prone to overcrowding) but the minor ones have improved it considerably IMO. Smokers are no relegated to separate room so the air is clean (unlike the rest of the terminal). The wall of tvs has gone and layout changed slightly, giving impression of more space (but none actually). What's this I see in the corner - finally LH has installed 2 computers! Admittedly they are in high demand so it can be hard to get on, but at least they are there.

I soon change my mind - figuring I should be exploring and seeing/doing stuff and to hang with the cold. So I take the train into the city. 3.25 euros for anywhere even remotely central. I'm staying at the Hilton which is in the financial district on the edge of the old town. There is a choice of about 3 or 4 subway stations within easy 5 minute walking distance but Hauptwache is easiest (no connections necessary to/from airport).

Once checked in I wander through the old town and along the banks of the Main River for quite some time. Despite the similar latitude I notice it gets dark much later than Vancouver or New York - due to being further west within the time zone I suspect.

Coming up - a run through western europe.