Typed this up last night but forgot to post.

After a bit of rest and some much-needed time plugged into both a power outlet and the void, I headed out to explore the famed Jewellery Quarter. It was… quiet. Aside from a few equally misguided souls, the place was largely deserted. Apparently, Saturday afternoon isn’t peak time for diamond shopping or idle wandering.



Still, I gave it a go. Wandered the leafy streets, peered into closed storefronts, and stopped at a couple of watering holes that were thankfully open and more than happy to pour a pint for a lone traveller. Grabbed a bite to eat somewhere vaguely edible—nothing to write home about, but it did the job.



After a couple of hours of aimless ambling, I decided to call it. Back to the hotel, back to bed. Tomorrrrow’s a big travel day, and I’ve got to be up at sparrow’s fart for a romantic 3:25am date with a National Express coach.



The beer was good. Pizza not so much

Ready and checked out by 2:30am for my ultra-luxury, zero-lie-flat National Express coach to Manchester Airport. Not that I was getting much rest anyway—I went to bed at 9, but from midnight onwards it was a revolving door of 30-minute naps, existential dread, and glances at the clock.

By 1:30am I gave up the ghost, got dressed, and headed out. The walk to the coach station was interesting . The night crowd was still in full swing—revellers spilling out of bars, kebab wrappers fluttering in the breeze, the occasional bouncer still trying to enforce order with minimal enthusiasm.

The coach station was heaving, too. Not a single empty seat in sight. Apparently, 3:25am is peak hour in Birmingham if you’re travelling on a budget, trying to make a Ryanair check-in, or in my case, chaining together a convoluted award itinerary for fun.


Sleep may be in short supply, but spirits are high.

The lounge situation in MAN is dire. Both aspire and escape are chockers

so retreated to priority pass restaurant

Standard trio in a duo format (mimosa). Have to check what the fuss is about

Looks like man-zrh will be cancelled.
Supposed to be on lx180 tonight.
I am on separate tickets so not sure what my options are.

will lx do anything to help?

Ouch. Best seek out ground staff ASAP, and possibly call LX to plead your case - they would get you to ZRH as soon as possible, but likely they would not care about your onwards flight on separate tickets, as it is their responsibility to get you to ZRH. Fingers crossed it all works out!

Crust looks passable but yikes, what are those toppings? (PS, good luck with your travel today)

My guess, paneer and spinach? Should have added pineapple too, it couldn’t have gotten worse

This was before you got to Bangkok, I believe?

Quick update.

Changed plans now flying lhr-bom on ai f. Currently driving to lhr. Will provide a detailed update once I am there

Bom? Wow, wasn’t expecting that

Wow, can’t wait to hear your update! Is this all part of your plan to out Jape JapesUK ?

These (non gender specific) guys are doing a fantastic job of showing me up this weekend, I may retire

I think there maybe life in the old dog yet😂

After much drama reached lhr.
currently in the sq f lounge

Detailed update will have to wait, need to finalise my onward plans from bom

Waiting for reveal. Hope it is a fantastic finale.