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To BCN in a Porsche & a Plane
Hello
being a longtime reader, I finally decided to also write my first trip report, mainly inspired by some of the wonderful reports here by i.e. JapesUK and others… Will try to do it semi-live and do my best in terms of frequent updates - if Lufthansa‘s onboard WiFi allows, I might even be able to contribute during my flight. But their WiFi is often as reliable as my own Tennis‘ backhand (it‘s there but you never know what you get and when/if it shows up at all), so lets see if it is a hit or miss. A bit of background: I am now in my 15th year as a HON Circle member (although LH Group airlines are not the only options that I travel with) and being based in FRA allows me the perk of usually using the First Class Terminal (FCT) as a point of departure, making the trips very stress-free and enjoyable. As I had some days off on short notice, I decided to fly down to Barcelona and spend a few days in one of my favorite hotels (just outside the actual city, that is) with a lot of sports, good food, sun and literally doing nothing else besides that 😎 So, follow me along if you like… |
Welcome to Flyertalk and congrats on posting your first TR!
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Thanks and lets see if I can get this image-thing to work :)
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Welcome from my side as well - glad to see you took the plunge and started posting, and it looks to be an interesting first set of posts! :)
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Welcome aboard. I am very jealous as I love the FCT and have spent many many hours there over the years. Looking forward to whats ahead...
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Let me add my voice to the welcome chorus. Looking forward to sharing your adventures.
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Sorry for the „delay“ in posting … I just noticed that I needed to wait 24 hrs after my first post before I was able to add images to my posts. Anyway, while I am now technically one day behind on my semi-„live“ trip report, let‘s just add the last 24hrs all into the next chapter then 😉
Shall we go flying? |
My day started bright and early and with virtually no traffic coming into FRA Airport. I really love the summer holidays when traffic is noticeable less complex in the morning, making for a swift 25 mins drive from the garage to the First Class Terminal (FCT) - a trip that can easily take 45 mins during peak mornings otherwise.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f7eab043f.jpeg As mentioned above, I am lucky to have been a HON Circle member for quite a while now, and one of the most valuable perks for me is the ability to depart from the FCT instead of the madness that is T1 at FRA - especially when arriving during the rush hours (i.e. 7AM, 6PM etc) . Pulling into the arrivals area of the FCT, I dropped my car at the complimentary valet service (the service is free to HON Circle members, however, regular parking charges in the airport garage still apply), which saves another 10-15 mins of otherwise long walks from the garage to the terminal and I am off into the FCT and over to the private security check. I do know many members of staff at the FCT and today is no exception, as I do not even need to show a boarding pass - my PA knows me (and I know her) for years and so she already welcomes me by saying "off too BCN today, Mr HON_FRA?". https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a1eb74fd.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f7aeae00.jpeg Post security, I stop by the magazines rack and stack up for the flight and the next 3 days on the pool, before heading over to the restaurant area for breakfast. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8a1b20f1.jpeg |
One of the things that I notice immediately is how quiet and empty the FCT is today - I did not expect that at all, given that we are in the peak summer travel period right now.
Often, during this time of day, its hard to get even a table in the restaurant, but today, it's the opposite (not that I would complain), as there are probably less than 15 passengers in total in the FCT. Feels very relaxed and non-rushed today. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4a2086c86.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d7bd56af6.jpeg It was even possible to get one of these working cubicles, which is quite difficult on other days at 830am - this is my otherwise very often my „home office“ for some hours before a flight - but not today, no meeting at all.. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...399c2b60a.jpeg My favourite restaurant employee is also on duty today and we engage in a lengthy conversation about summer travel plans, the special menu that they have up and running since this week (to celebrate the Paris Olympics) and much more. We also know each other for years and his service attitude is amazing. So much, that i.e. my +1 and I make sure to leave a personal Christmas card for him each year and make sure we appreciate his service all the time. Today, its about of a lighter breakfast, and I order the avocado & salmon poached egg plus help myself to some cereal with yoghurt and fruits from the buffet. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b70472061.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8a284fcc6.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...249143c02.jpeg I finish my meal with a croissant and some more fruits, but skip all the heavy stuff (like beacon etc), since I did not have time to hit the gym this morning. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...20be27f1a.jpeg |
This is the current breakfast menu (aside from the buffet), plus the special menu to celebrate the Olympics.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dc099abb8.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b560828b3.jpeg After breakfast, I settle into one of the cozy corners of the FCT and order a non-alcoholic sour fruit punch - very tasty and refreshing (and I tell myself that it's for sure without sugar :-) ). https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...504c5c9cd.jpeg After some minutes, my PA approaches me and tells me my flight is ready for boarding from the departure gates on the lower floor of the FCT and since I am the only one for this flight today, I do not need to rush and can take my time. I leisurely pack up my belongings and stroll towards the elevators, still amazed at how empty it is today. Let's see if this is also the case next week Monday when I am off to Paris for work - and for the Olympics as well ... but that might be another story then.. ;-) Back to the current trip to BCN and leaving the elevator, I arrive downstairs, where my driver is waiting for me to take my luggage and drive me across the apron to the waiting plane. That's indeed another very nice perk of being able to use the FCT - no matter where the plane is parked (regular gat or apron position), the transfer is always personal, fast and convenient and today is no exception. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3c372286c.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...df1cce6c6.jpeg When we arrive at the plane, I can immediately board before anyone else (the buses are waiting already) and thus, arrive into an empty cabin, where I am greeted by a very nice and friendly crew - this looks promising for a nice flight today. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...307eb1f58.jpeg |
We are ready to depart with approx 15 mins delay - something that I consider basically a good onetime performance this summer. I know LH is trying hard to have their Ops under control and many times, delays are beyond their responsibility, but I also have had countless delays this spring and summer and thus anything that leaves within 15 mins of the scheduled departure time is acceptable for me right now.
But wait - just before pushback starts, a Police van shows up next to us and for a second, I wonder if I have paid my parking tickets, taxes etc ?? But I guess they are not here for me today, as we can commence our pushback and thus I believe they wait for the next inbound plane into this apron position. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f02b9698d.jpeg We're off runway 18 just minutes later and on the way to BCN, with 1h 45 mins of flight time today. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b2a61e53.jpeg Enjoying the smooth flight from my favorite seat, 1A. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc67c491e.jpeg Since I just had breakfast in the FCT, I skip the onboard breakfast and only settle for sparking water with lemon throughout the flight. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5a1707963.jpeg The flight continious to be super-smooth today, with nice views of the Alps as well as the city of Marseille. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...65cbbb7c7.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12cd87042.jpeg When coming back from the lavatories, I am approached by the Purser and asked if they can provide me anything extra (since I did not eat). He offered me a bottle of champagne or wine to take along (since he also saw on his iPad that I had quite few delays and cancellations recently). While I appreciate the gesture, I also tell him that I don't drink alcohol (I know this almost disqualifies me from posting trip reports here... ;) ) and that all is well - still, a very nice approach by the crew, which was overall very friendly and attentive on todays flight. Actually, the crews are one of the reasons I have been so loyal to LH Group for all those years - I very rarely came across bad crews and in 95% of the thousands of flights in the last 20 years, I had very nice crews who often really went the extra mile for me (yes, the status might play into this, but still...). After 1hrs 30mins, the captain makes an announcement that we are well into our arrivals procedure and should be touching down in 15 mins, just 5 mins behind schedule. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8db2fa385.jpeg The flight went by really fast and I finally look forward to some days of sun and relaxation in the city of Sitges, just outside of BCN... but that's for the next chapter. |
(sorry for the delay in posting this semi-live… as a new member one is limited to only 5 post per day in the first 2 days… so hopefully things should work better from here-on…)
Welcome to Sitges! After arriving at BCN more or less on time, I jumped on the next bus over to Sitges. It costs a friction of a taxi, runs very frequently and stops almost in front of my hotel - always a perfect choice. Sitges is a lovely beach town just 20 mins south of Barcelona and I come here frequently since a few years. Sometimes that includes working in Barcelona, sometimes as a remote work location (when I am on video calls only) and sometimes for a few spontaneous days off. I can really recommend it for a laid-back, relaxed couple of days anytime, even during the winter. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0d4f649c7.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...502ac6c4a.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ff7bb3f51.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...99c956fd2.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f474101ba.jpeg My hotel of choice is always the Sabatic Hotel Sitges, part of Marriott‘s Autograph Collection. It is in fact one of my favorite hotels in the world right now due to its architectural style, super-nice cozy rooms/suites, very kind and attentive staff, a nice pool and very good gym. It also has a large supermarket next to it, so its easy to stock up on water, fruits and all those things. Paired with the overall fair pricing its a hotel that I have visted over 20 times the last 2 years. Some impressions: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...34b7b5a5e.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...90ee579d4.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73f050dd5.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...112b74466.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e6beaf9d4.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39982ccde.jpeg The upgrade to one if their five signature suites, Suite Sabatic, cleared on the day arrival (note: this hotel usually does not upgrade until day of arrival, so patience is key here) and I was looking forward to three relaxing days with sports, food and sun (and maybe some trip report-writing inbetween). After unpacking, it was off to the pool for an hour or so and then over to the Gym for my pre-dinner workout. Dinner on the first night was just a casual Indian affair, as I was not up for anything fancy today. Stopped by the beach on the way home to enjoy the late evening sun over the old town. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...663ae5066.jpeg |
Day 2 started with a 10km run along the beach and through part of the old town of Sitges. Running in the morning is part of my daily routine and I really enjoy it everytime, especially when I am blessed to run in such beautiful scenery. However, the high temperature today made me really push hard for completing the run in a good time…
But after the morning workout comes breakfast and the Sabatic Hotel offers a really nice breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs, lots of cheeses, cold cuts, fish, assortment of joghurts, fruits, really tastey bread selection and much more - and paired with a nice outdoor space with sea view, it makes for the perfect morning. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b400aa8e9.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...edffafefc.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4d0044655.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b6aa20b7.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...68809931b.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...88eeff4be.jpeg I spend the rest of the day between the pool, taking one of the hotel bikes down to the beach for a long walk and napping on the suite‘s balcony - priceless 😊 Before dinner, it was time for the Gym again, which is really well equipped and also offers an outdoor space to train - really lovely setup. They also have some classes, although they come at a cost, since they are offered by an external partner. After the hour in the Gym I was then off to one of my favorite places for sophisticated, modern and creative Spanish cuisine: Restaurant NEM in the old town center … Their menu changes monthly, with some favorites available all the time (like the Bravas) and other only appearing for a month. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...decef2299.jpeg Their food is always outstanding and prices are extremely fair. Today, I ordered the Seabream Sashimi, the Roasted Cod and the Bravas. Together with a Tonic water, it came to less then 30 Euros… abgreat deal for a wonderful meal. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e5df2ad99.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d86107808.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e78a6405d.jpeg After finishing the dinner, it was just back to the hotel and a lazy night with a movie… more of Sitges tomorrow then… |
Loving this trip report; Sitges has been put on my list for retirement plans.
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Originally Posted by DFW_CK
(Post 36404281)
Loving this trip report; Sitges has been put on my list for retirement plans.
Sitges is nice, indeed. Write me a PM if you like more information about the town etc |
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