Off to Geneva... the Long Way via Singapore and Emirates First Class
May 26, 2022, 5:48 am
#17
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May 26, 2022, 5:51 am
#18
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Twilight Zone: Narita edition
From my Singapore arrival to Emirates departures, this was one of the strangest connection experiences ever. Since Japan is still closed to the world, Narita has become a virtual ghost town with only a handful of flights. Yet all the lights are on and there are way more workers than passengers. Since my Singapore flight arrived in Terminal 3, I had to take a shuttle bus to Terminal 2 where Emirates operates.
Apparently, SQ LAX wanted to make damn sure that they got rid of me at Narita. As I walked off the plane, there was a large sign board with my name and an agent standing next to it. She gave me directions to Gate 28A and the bus gate. On my 10 minute walk from Gate 35 to the bus gates and 28A, I only saw a handful of passengers.
When I got to Gate 28A, there was a single bus gate agent, who pointed me to the waiting bus. 30 seconds later, a bus driver came on board and we departed for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Whoa, color sensory overload much??
Once in Terminal 3, I got my exercise going right following the Transit Counter sign, only to find out that I should have just turned left. The nice agent at the JAL Transit desk told me that they don't print Emirates boarding pass, and to just go the Emirates gate. I knew that the Emirates Lounge was not open, but decided to take the elevator up to check it out.
Seriously? I guess this sounded like a good excuse to use a couple of years ago. And certainly better than telling the truth... we only have one flight a day and so few passengers that no we are not going to spend any money on staffing and operating our lounge.
And next door. Good luck on ever seeing this one open anytime soon, if ever.
I arrived at Emirates Gate 73 some 3 hours before boarding. Although just prior to getting there, a pleasant Emirates agent walked towards me stopped me and asked "are you connecting from Los Angeles?" SQ LAX really wanted to get rid of me as they had contacted Emimates to be on the lookout for some crazy gaijen. She escorted me down the elevator to the gate area and did the doc check thing and issued my boarding passes and First Class baggage tags.
In the meantime, fortunately there were work stations counters where I could do some work while I passed the time.
I used to lav a couple of time only to discover that Japanese Covid rules prevent you from drying your hands after washing them. No paper towels of course, but also no hand dryer... "to prevent the infection fo Covid-19, the hand dryer is out of service". Fortunately, there was still toilet paper in the stalls.
As departure time approached, agents arrived and set up... behind a hermetically sealed counter. LOL.
My Instagram video of my visit to and transit thru Narita.
From my Singapore arrival to Emirates departures, this was one of the strangest connection experiences ever. Since Japan is still closed to the world, Narita has become a virtual ghost town with only a handful of flights. Yet all the lights are on and there are way more workers than passengers. Since my Singapore flight arrived in Terminal 3, I had to take a shuttle bus to Terminal 2 where Emirates operates.
Apparently, SQ LAX wanted to make damn sure that they got rid of me at Narita. As I walked off the plane, there was a large sign board with my name and an agent standing next to it. She gave me directions to Gate 28A and the bus gate. On my 10 minute walk from Gate 35 to the bus gates and 28A, I only saw a handful of passengers.
When I got to Gate 28A, there was a single bus gate agent, who pointed me to the waiting bus. 30 seconds later, a bus driver came on board and we departed for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Whoa, color sensory overload much??
Once in Terminal 3, I got my exercise going right following the Transit Counter sign, only to find out that I should have just turned left. The nice agent at the JAL Transit desk told me that they don't print Emirates boarding pass, and to just go the Emirates gate. I knew that the Emirates Lounge was not open, but decided to take the elevator up to check it out.
Seriously? I guess this sounded like a good excuse to use a couple of years ago. And certainly better than telling the truth... we only have one flight a day and so few passengers that no we are not going to spend any money on staffing and operating our lounge.
And next door. Good luck on ever seeing this one open anytime soon, if ever.
I arrived at Emirates Gate 73 some 3 hours before boarding. Although just prior to getting there, a pleasant Emirates agent walked towards me stopped me and asked "are you connecting from Los Angeles?" SQ LAX really wanted to get rid of me as they had contacted Emimates to be on the lookout for some crazy gaijen. She escorted me down the elevator to the gate area and did the doc check thing and issued my boarding passes and First Class baggage tags.
In the meantime, fortunately there were work stations counters where I could do some work while I passed the time.
I used to lav a couple of time only to discover that Japanese Covid rules prevent you from drying your hands after washing them. No paper towels of course, but also no hand dryer... "to prevent the infection fo Covid-19, the hand dryer is out of service". Fortunately, there was still toilet paper in the stalls.
As departure time approached, agents arrived and set up... behind a hermetically sealed counter. LOL.
My Instagram video of my visit to and transit thru Narita.
Last edited by SFO777; May 26, 2022 at 5:56 am
May 26, 2022, 5:55 am
#19
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OK, so it's not New First as promised as Emirates last minute swapped planes... but Emirates Old First is still damn good!
At around T-55, I headed downstairs and found a seat near the gate podium.
Ten minutes later, a gate agent approached me and asked if I'd like to board. So that's why Emirates tags F passengers carry-ons with bright red Emirates First Class tags.
Tokyo NRT to Dubai DXB
Emirates AK 319
777-300ER (Old First)
10:30pm-4:45am +1
May 4, 2022
Suite 2A
Departed 4/8
I was the first to board and warmly welcomed by tonight's wonderful cabin crew. Welcome to Air Bling. LOL.
My home for the next 11 hours.... Suite 2A
Why not? LOL.
Now here's a worthwhile amenity kit!
Up in the air, wonderful service.
I started with the sushi sampler. Delicious.
The 2015 Y d'Yquem was sensational.
And the 2013 Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru was spectacular.
For my main, the Japanese-style curry chicken was very good.
OMG, the pastry plate to die for.
Starry starry night on the ceiling is a cool feature.
At this point, I was exhausted and head across the aisle to 2E where our flight attendant had made my bed.
Really comfy and I got 5 solid hours of sleep.
After a great sleep, I moved back to my 2A.
And time for... breakfast? lunch? dinner? Where am I?
Since catering was ex-Tokyo, I tried the kaiseki bento. Gorgeous presentation.
These was really good.
Almost to Dubai.
We landed on time and pulled into a proper gate, B11. Despite the equipement substition, this was a great flight with another wonderful Emirates crew.
Couple more Instagram videos...
• Emirates pull a fast one and sends Old First Class
• Fantastic Emirates First Class flight and service
At around T-55, I headed downstairs and found a seat near the gate podium.
Ten minutes later, a gate agent approached me and asked if I'd like to board. So that's why Emirates tags F passengers carry-ons with bright red Emirates First Class tags.
Tokyo NRT to Dubai DXB
Emirates AK 319
777-300ER (Old First)
10:30pm-4:45am +1
May 4, 2022
Suite 2A
Departed 4/8
I was the first to board and warmly welcomed by tonight's wonderful cabin crew. Welcome to Air Bling. LOL.
My home for the next 11 hours.... Suite 2A
Why not? LOL.
Now here's a worthwhile amenity kit!
Up in the air, wonderful service.
I started with the sushi sampler. Delicious.
The 2015 Y d'Yquem was sensational.
And the 2013 Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru was spectacular.
For my main, the Japanese-style curry chicken was very good.
OMG, the pastry plate to die for.
Starry starry night on the ceiling is a cool feature.
At this point, I was exhausted and head across the aisle to 2E where our flight attendant had made my bed.
Really comfy and I got 5 solid hours of sleep.
After a great sleep, I moved back to my 2A.
And time for... breakfast? lunch? dinner? Where am I?
Since catering was ex-Tokyo, I tried the kaiseki bento. Gorgeous presentation.
These was really good.
Almost to Dubai.
We landed on time and pulled into a proper gate, B11. Despite the equipement substition, this was a great flight with another wonderful Emirates crew.
Couple more Instagram videos...
• Emirates pull a fast one and sends Old First Class
• Fantastic Emirates First Class flight and service
Last edited by SFO777; Jun 6, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Jun 6, 2022, 12:21 pm
#20
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Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai in the A Gate concourse
Our flight from Narita arrived DXB on time at 4:45am and we were at Gate B11 a few minutes later. As is now the norm, Emirates First Class representatives were waiting at the gate for First Class passengers.
Our rep escorted the three of us who were connecting by golf cart.
And then by foot through the vast DXB terminal.
To the A gate complex and the First Class Lounge.
This massive lounge spans the upper level of the entire mile long A Gate concourse.
Checking out today's wine offerings to see if there are any gems today. Meh, not so much.
Solid but no wows today.
Time to head for the Emirates First Class Lounge Fine Dining restaurant.
Although the menu was largely breakfast, Emirates recognizes that it's passengers are from all over the globe and to some of us, it's dinner time to our bodies.
The current Emirates First Class Lounge menu...
Since my body thinks it is dinner time, dinner it is... the Wagyu beef tenderloin with steak fries and hollandaise as they did not have bearnaise today.
OMG, this was fabulous.
At around T-60, I headed out to the far end of the lounge and Gate A7...
Instagram video of the Emirates First Class Lounge in the A gates.
Our flight from Narita arrived DXB on time at 4:45am and we were at Gate B11 a few minutes later. As is now the norm, Emirates First Class representatives were waiting at the gate for First Class passengers.
Our rep escorted the three of us who were connecting by golf cart.
And then by foot through the vast DXB terminal.
To the A gate complex and the First Class Lounge.
This massive lounge spans the upper level of the entire mile long A Gate concourse.
Checking out today's wine offerings to see if there are any gems today. Meh, not so much.
Solid but no wows today.
Time to head for the Emirates First Class Lounge Fine Dining restaurant.
Although the menu was largely breakfast, Emirates recognizes that it's passengers are from all over the globe and to some of us, it's dinner time to our bodies.
The current Emirates First Class Lounge menu...
Since my body thinks it is dinner time, dinner it is... the Wagyu beef tenderloin with steak fries and hollandaise as they did not have bearnaise today.
OMG, this was fabulous.
At around T-60, I headed out to the far end of the lounge and Gate A7...
Instagram video of the Emirates First Class Lounge in the A gates.
Jun 6, 2022, 12:22 pm
#21
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Emirates New First Class to Geneva
Dubai DXB to Geneva GVA
Emirates EK 89
777-300ER
8:30a-1:15p
May 5, 2022
New First Suite 2A
Although this was an amazing flight, we started off on a sour note with a bus ride to our tarmac position. But unlike other airlines, Emirates has a First Class only bus so First Class passengers can ride to the bus in comfort... and not have to be mix with Business and, god forbid, Economy passengers.
One positive of a bus gate is an up close view of our gorgeous 77W.
What a gorgeous cabin. Some pics from emirates.com.
My Suite 2A.
Today's excellent wine list. And OMG, 2007 Haut-Brion that retails for $400 a bottle.
Once in the air, flawless service continues from an excellent cabin crew.
Today's menu...
Showtime, Emirates style...
The Roasted tomato and thyme soup was delicious.
Oh yeah!
Yummy duck foie gras.
Fabulous!!
For my main, the Prawn Biryani was sensational.
In addition to individual suite temperature control, so cool to be able to change the lighting colors.
We arrived on time and taxied past this interesting training facility.
What a fabulous Emirates First Class flight. Emirates New First is the best First Class in the world.
Some additional Instagram videos...• Emirates Spectacular New First Class Suites
• Morning rush hour at DXB
• Emirates New First Class to Geneva
Dubai DXB to Geneva GVA
Emirates EK 89
777-300ER
8:30a-1:15p
May 5, 2022
New First Suite 2A
Although this was an amazing flight, we started off on a sour note with a bus ride to our tarmac position. But unlike other airlines, Emirates has a First Class only bus so First Class passengers can ride to the bus in comfort... and not have to be mix with Business and, god forbid, Economy passengers.
One positive of a bus gate is an up close view of our gorgeous 77W.
What a gorgeous cabin. Some pics from emirates.com.
My Suite 2A.
Today's excellent wine list. And OMG, 2007 Haut-Brion that retails for $400 a bottle.
Once in the air, flawless service continues from an excellent cabin crew.
Today's menu...
Showtime, Emirates style...
The Roasted tomato and thyme soup was delicious.
Oh yeah!
Yummy duck foie gras.
Fabulous!!
For my main, the Prawn Biryani was sensational.
In addition to individual suite temperature control, so cool to be able to change the lighting colors.
We arrived on time and taxied past this interesting training facility.
What a fabulous Emirates First Class flight. Emirates New First is the best First Class in the world.
Some additional Instagram videos...• Emirates Spectacular New First Class Suites
• Morning rush hour at DXB
• Emirates New First Class to Geneva
Last edited by SFO777; Jun 17, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Jun 6, 2022, 1:58 pm
#22
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan Airmiles AMEX-MR Alaska Airlines
Posts: 692
Twilight Zone: Narita edition
I used to lav a couple of time only to discover that Japanese Covid rules prevent you from drying your hands after washing them. No paper towels of course, but also no hand dryer... "to prevent the infection fo Covid-19, the hand dryer is out of service". Fortunately, there was still toilet paper in the stalls.
I used to lav a couple of time only to discover that Japanese Covid rules prevent you from drying your hands after washing them. No paper towels of course, but also no hand dryer... "to prevent the infection fo Covid-19, the hand dryer is out of service". Fortunately, there was still toilet paper in the stalls.
EH? Are you not familiar with the technique of vigorously shaking your hands in the air to get rid of excess water? Like how a dog shakes off excess water after a bath. LOL
Jun 9, 2022, 3:14 am
#23
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Location: A metal nomad
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Even though I don't like the 777, prefer the 380 because of the big toilets, I have taken taken the 777 and just love the new F. Am back on it on the 16th of June. It really is great.
Jun 16, 2022, 7:48 am
#25
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EK new F looks great. We all love flying but I don't think I could handle 3 back to back to back longhauls without a night in a real bed breaking them up. How did you find the President Wilson? Have been considering it for one of our upcoming GVA swings, but there are so many good options in town.
Jun 17, 2022, 8:35 am
#26
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Thank you and thank you.
EK new F looks great. We all love flying but I don't think I could handle 3 back to back to back longhauls without a night in a real bed breaking them up. How did you find the President Wilson? Have been considering it for one of our upcoming GVA swings, but there are so many good options in town.
The President Wilson was nice and with an excellent staff, but the rooms are dated and need a refresher. There are much better hotels in Geneva but prices are on the high side. I picked the President Wilson since it was available on Bonvoy points.
Last edited by SFO777; Dec 19, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Jun 17, 2022, 8:42 am
#27
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYC
Posts: 2,073
Got caught up on your TR.... very nice! Reminds me a lot of my similar journey before Christmas, especially the part about being totally exhausted after the F&B service on the NRT-DXB flight! I'm pretty sure I was sleeping sitting up with a glass of dessert wine in my hand at one point... LOL..
Jun 17, 2022, 4:50 pm
#30
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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My Day in Geneva
Today, I opted to for a Bonvoy points stay at Hotel President Wilson Geneva. Excellent location across from Lake Geneva.
Very nice mid-century hotel.
Since Marriott bought Starwood, Platinum status isn't worth anywhere near what it used to be. So I was pleasantly surprise, actually shocked to get an amazing uprade from a basic city view room to a huge lakeview suite with my own private elevator. Whoa!
Color me surprised. Very nice gesture. I just hope they don't get in trouble with Bonvoy for being so generous.
After a short power nap, I headed out explore Geneva and Lake Geneva.
The pricey Woodward Hotel, home of L'Atelier Robuchon where I'll be heading for dinner in a few hours.
After another power nap and a shower, I headed downstairs for a drink before dinner.
My €34 G&T. LOL. Who do think they are, Georges V??
For dinner, what a treat to be back at L'Atelier Robuchon. We love his two Paris locations so I'm excited to try Geneva. And what a treat this was. Wonderful staff, excellent wines and fabulous food.
Amuse-bouche.
La Langoustine. Delicious.
OMG. Le Burger avec seared foie gras!
Incroyable.
And the spectacular lamb... L'agneau du lait.
Pre-dessert amuse-bouche.
And my decadent main course.
And of course parting dessert.
What a fabulous meal... one of the best of the year.
Today, I opted to for a Bonvoy points stay at Hotel President Wilson Geneva. Excellent location across from Lake Geneva.
Very nice mid-century hotel.
Since Marriott bought Starwood, Platinum status isn't worth anywhere near what it used to be. So I was pleasantly surprise, actually shocked to get an amazing uprade from a basic city view room to a huge lakeview suite with my own private elevator. Whoa!
Color me surprised. Very nice gesture. I just hope they don't get in trouble with Bonvoy for being so generous.
After a short power nap, I headed out explore Geneva and Lake Geneva.
The pricey Woodward Hotel, home of L'Atelier Robuchon where I'll be heading for dinner in a few hours.
After another power nap and a shower, I headed downstairs for a drink before dinner.
My €34 G&T. LOL. Who do think they are, Georges V??
For dinner, what a treat to be back at L'Atelier Robuchon. We love his two Paris locations so I'm excited to try Geneva. And what a treat this was. Wonderful staff, excellent wines and fabulous food.
Amuse-bouche.
La Langoustine. Delicious.
OMG. Le Burger avec seared foie gras!
Incroyable.
And the spectacular lamb... L'agneau du lait.
Pre-dessert amuse-bouche.
And my decadent main course.
And of course parting dessert.
What a fabulous meal... one of the best of the year.
Last edited by SFO777; Jun 18, 2022 at 10:08 pm