Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave (Post 29590131) On Friday it was joined by a bulk red from the USA, and today we're up to Ch. Lynch-Moussas 2009.

Originally Posted by DFB_london (Post 29589285) hydropolitical events far away are still irrelevant. relevant is that generally there’s an expectation of a product not being delivered. some may think it a first world problem but that’s where the CCR is located. (At London Heathrow for anyone that ‘missed’ that). The CCR staff also welcome visitors of all nationalities cultures and creeds, which is more than I can say for what I STILL see at some South African establishments I’ve visited (and will not return to or provide with any business as a result.)

Yes, quite a few people on here (me included) enjoy debating futile things such as the wine available in the airport lounge. This doesn’t give others the right to judge their ethics or attention to the real problems affecting today’s world (or what they might be doing to make ours a better planet to live in).

So, no, I don’t like or want to be lectured on whether I should or should not discuss which wine is available in the CCR. It is an internet forum designed to debate airlines’ loyalty programs, air travel and all things related. Thoughts on the wine in the lounge are on topic, debates on droughts in Africa are not.

Back on topic, I am not a big fan of the Lynch-Moussas, but still find it more enjoyable than the other 3 reds currently on offer, so I am glad that the French red is back in the CCR...!

I am the OP, and I started this thread as a light hearted observation (hence, the exclamation mark in the title). In my experience, much of the fun of FT is centered around observation and commentary of sometimes trivial issues when considered in the broader scheme of things. As a community of well educated and well travelled people, I am very confident that everyone has a really good perspective on the world, what is really important, and recognises how fortunate we are to be able enjoy travelling, often in a luxurious way. In the end, access to claret is really not that important. Incidentally, I suspect, although I cannot prove it, that the average FT poster is more civic-minded than the average member of the population.

As for the situation in Cape Town, I have had the fortune to be there twice over the last 4 months, and to spend time with some of the influencers in the community there. My observations are as follows: it is a serious situation that is highly undesirable, that strong remedial action is being taken (e.g. limits on supply, depressurisation, building of desalination plants), and that Day Zero fortunately keeps getting pushed back. There is finger-pointing over who is responsible and whether the situation was actually avoidable. Having said that, even if/when Day Zero comes, people will still have access to clean water via stand pipes. This would clearly be a highly undesirable, disruptive and difficult scenario, but no-one will die.

It is because of this, that I am surprised that HMPS has focused on Cape Town in moving the dialogue from the core purpose of this thread, since the situation is challlenging but not life threatening. I am also privileged to be working on some social impact investing projects in certain other African countries at the moment - the people here would be in envy of Cape Town, even in the scenario of stand pipes, as access to clean and dependable water near their dwelling would be a luxury, and they really wouldn’t mind walking half a mile to get it.

So my point is this: I think that we should accept that FT is fun and that we are not here to solve the world’s problems (whilst, hopefully doing our bit to solve the world’s problems in the rest of our lives, using our influence, money and intellect), otherwise every debate can be dismissed as a “first world problem”. Cape Town has been raised as a reason not to debate claret, I’ve talked about other African countries where the situation is much worse, and I am sure someone else can find something on another continent that is even worse. Where does it stop? It is my strong recommendation that we simply focus on light hearted observation, and undertake to be the best and most impactful people, where we can really make a difference!

Great post.

It’s perfectly possible to enjoy things that are perceived to be “the finer things in life” without guilt or shame, and live in a balanced, generous and mindful way. The two modes of living are not mutually exclusive somehow.

Also, BA is a profit making corporation afterall, and what is more important is to be respectful to the staff both on the ground and in the air. The rest is merely a business transaction we pay for.

Originally Posted by brightstar100 (Post 29591474) I am the OP, and I started this thread as a light hearted observation (hence, the exclamation mark in the title). In my experience, much of the fun of FT is centered around observation and commentary of sometimes trivial issues when considered in the broader scheme of things. As a community of well educated and well travelled people, I am very confident that everyone has a really good perspective on the world, what is really important, and recognises how fortunate we are to be able enjoy travelling, often in a luxurious way. In the end, access to claret is really not that important. Incidentally, I suspect, although I cannot prove it, that the average FT poster is more civic-minded than the average member of the population. As for the situation in Cape Town, I have had the fortune to be there twice over the last 4 months, and to spend time with some of the influencers in the community there. My observations are as follows: it is a serious situation that is highly undesirable, that strong remedial action is being taken (e.g. limits on supply, depressurisation, building of desalination plants), and that Day Zero fortunately keeps getting pushed back. There is finger-pointing over who is responsible and whether the situation was actually avoidable. Having said that, even if/when Day Zero comes, people will still have access to clean water via stand pipes. This would clearly be a highly undesirable, disruptive and difficult scenario, but no-one will die. It is because of this, that I am surprised that HMPS has focused on Cape Town in moving the dialogue from the core purpose of this thread, since the situation is challlenging but not life threatening. I am also privileged to be working on some social impact investing projects in certain other African countries at the moment - the people here would be in envy of Cape Town, even in the scenario of stand pipes, as access to clean and dependable water near their dwelling would be a luxury, and they really wouldn’t mind walking half a mile to get it. So my point is this: I think that we should accept that FT is fun and that we are not here to solve the world’s problems (whilst, hopefully doing our bit to solve the world’s problems in the rest of our lives, using our influence, money and intellect), otherwise every debate can be dismissed as a “first world problem”. Cape Town has been raised as a reason not to debate claret, I’ve talked about other African countries where the situation is much worse, and I am sure someone else can find something on another continent that is even worse. Where does it stop? It is my strong recommendation that we simply focus on light hearted observation, and undertake to be the best and most impactful people, where we can really make a difference!

Originally Posted by HMPS (Post 29556742) Such a first world problem ! What would citizens of Capetown say ?

Originally Posted by HMPS (Post 29593888) Defense rests! Bolding mine.

Originally Posted by KARFA (Post 29596706) Surely you were the claimant rather than the defendant in this matter? :p

Originally Posted by Ancient Observer (Post 29598081) . Some place nearly underneath a motorway, near the hotel that Madonna stayed in. Best red meat and red wine. Great!

Originally Posted by Ancient Observer (Post 29598081) Hiddy, You really must stop giving away secrets! Argentinian reds can be world class. No need to tell anyone, though. I first went there in 96, and could not believe the quality of the red. None of the wine I tried then was available in Europe! last there a couple of years ago. Great reds for great beef. Some place nearly underneath a motorway, near the hotel that Madonna stayed in. Best red meat and red wine. Great!

Originally Posted by Ancient Observer (Post 29598081) Hiddy, You really must stop giving away secrets! Argentinian reds can be world class. No need to tell anyone, though. I first went there in 96, and could not believe the quality of the red. None of the wine I tried then was available in Europe! last there a couple of years ago. Great reds for great beef. Some place nearly underneath a motorway, near the hotel that Madonna stayed in. Best red meat and red wine. Great!