Having received an offer of a new job starting June 2008 I realised that I would not gain much holiday allowance in the remainder of the year so decided to take a holiday before starting. I called my travel agent and concocted what I fear will be my only longhaul this year
I usually go to Bangkok twice a year and always with Etihad. As there seems to be few TRs on this airline I was going to take a few pics and do a TR on the way.
This is my first, and I'm pretty rubbish technically but hope the images will come out OK.
Needing to be in London one day I popped into the EY offices and was able to get my seat allocation noted for the whole trip and to confirm Limo pickups both here and in BKK.
All went swimmingly and at 0700 on 7th May I was outside in the early morning sun awaiting pickup.
A BMW 7 series turned up and after a short holdup on the M25 we were at LHR T3 by 08.30. As there was a heavily laden family at the Pearl Checkin I was directed to the Diamond (F) counter and was through fast track and into the SAS lounge by 0840.
The lounge feels very Scandinavian, with modern furnishings and was quite busy at the time
Coffee, orange juice and croissants were the order of the day although I did notice they had beer on tap as well.
Boarding the A340-600 was via Gate 5 and at the gate I was handed an envelope with a letter explaining that the Lounge in AUH was closed for refurbishment but that we could use the other lounges there instead.
Boarding was on time and I was shown to my seat, my jacket was taken and I was asked for my choice of pre-takeoff drink..... Champagne please...
The seat I got for the first leg LHR-AUH (the sector I will deal with first) was 10K. With the herringbone set out of the cabin this is a true window seat with no one beside you and in from the aisle.
The Pearl seats are very comfortable, go to full flat 180 and have a massage function as well.
leg room is excellent
Along came the promised Champagne along with newspapers and magazines.
The Cabin Manager then came along and said that seeing as I was taking photos I should look to my right......
One day I promise I will fly in that... me too was her reply.
Amenity packs were passed out and I noticed that these were different to the ones I had previously received. This was like a small black satchel seemingly bulging with goodies.
Menus were next... once again a change from the usual Etihad Pearl menu... these were simple white card, the wine list was an insert and there was a new section called Kitchen Anytime.... new to me.
Lunch was to be served enroute to AUH and comprised
Smoked Turkey with sumac, loomi scented goats cheese
Herb Salad with prawn in fennel saffron jelly
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Roast black cod fillet, prawn colcannon
Irish steer beef fillet, roast root vegetables, beef jus anise
Chicken Kabsa
Moutable and feta crepes, spicy tomato relish
served with... organic five leaf salad.
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Secection of cheese
Date gallette with caramel sauce and citrus creme fraiche
Poached pears with zabaglione
seasonal fresh fruit with fresh pomegranate jelly
Providore natural ice cream
The Kitchen anytime selection ranged frop popcorn to olives, shortbread t baklava.
I was offered another glass of Champagne whilst the boarding formalities were completed and for my choice of after take off drink ( G+T Always) The Champage is Jean Milan cuvee ''Millenaire'' a 100% Chardonnay. Pleasant enough.
Soon came the cabin call... ''All ground staff to leave the aircraft please.. this flight is bound for Abu Dhabi''... I don't know why but I've only heard Etihad say ''Bound for'' and it always sends frissons of pleasure down my back!!!!
We were airborne at 10.55 (25 mins late) due to some tech hold up on the taxi which we were told was either we fix it now or it's back to the stand.
Journey time was to be 6.30 at 39000 ft in the cruise with a climb to 41000 when we were a bit lighter.
Once settled the drink selection came out along with a small cup of very tasty beef tea.
(to be continued)