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I left Thorpe Park early on Monday because I had another event to get to at the Royal Albert Hall.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dc32ba24e.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0ba2527b5.jpegKT Tunstall had her 50th birthday that day, and as a celebration of that and the 20 year anniversary of her debut album she held a concert in the hall. Two hours before the show started she held an informal performance of a new song from the rerelease of Eye to the Telescope. (Which is really good!) I got to say hi to her after and we hugged which I did not expect! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bd83e8fca.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...83dc8fb63.jpegFollowing that I had dinner at pizza express. The restaurant host asked how I was and I reciprocated. He replied “I’m working”. I asked if he finished soon (since he didn’t seem to be enjoying the shift). “Are you asking me out, for an ice cream”, which I laughed. He asked if I had any allergies, I told him I don’t. “You’re lucky”. So I asked if he did and he said “just paying the bills”. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...516914658.jpegTunstall held the concert in two halves. The first was all the songs in Eye to the Telescope, as close to the album sound as possible. Midway through that she said “anyone who knows me knows I don’t like an empty seat, and there’s one in the front row”. So she asked if anyone was a big fan who wanted it, and then she said my name since I had flown all the way from Australia! This was crazy, being called upon in front of a whole crowd in the Royal Albert Hall! She couldn’t see me because I was in the grand tier, quite far back from the stage. So my seat neighbours told me to go, which I did. I went through the wrong door and ended up in a horseshoe area behind the front stalls. In the interval I tried speaking to the ushers and one gentleman said to me “Are you the Australian? Come with me”. I didn’t know what was happening, if we were going backstage. But he took me to his seats, which were right next to the stage by the side. So I had an incredible view of the second half! I am very grateful to him. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39b406b14.jpegPart two of the show featured Tunstall performing covers of many classic rock songs, starting with Jump by Van Halen. She then invited Sporty Spice to the stage, the first of many special guests. They duetted (I’ve had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing and Stop by the Spice Girls. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ee0dcb728.jpegShe also collaborated on stage with Emma Flynn (Clueless from Clueless the Musical) https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...402713365.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...330af708bd.png Natalie Imbruglia (Torn and Holding Out for a Hero), https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f27659abc.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...addd02102.jpegand Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley) https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...51508c7cd.jpegAs the “final” song Tunstall performed (Don’t You) Forget About Me by Simple Minds. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cd9cfa799.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3bd64e427.jpegAnd for the encore Tunstall brought Roger Daltry on stage and they duetted Won’t Get Fooled Again. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dec3ecc0a.jpegAbsolutely incredible night, I felt so lucky I went! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d128fa412.jpeg |
Oh boy, I have some chapters of this story coming up which are not good travel experiences.
Starting with June 24. It should have been a normal Tuesday taking Eurostar to Germany from London. How bad can it be? Getting to St Pancras was fine. I took the tube (Central and Piccadilly lines), only needing to carry my suitcase down some stairs. But when I arrived at St Pancras, it was chaos. Staff informed us that the station was evacuated earlier. And they were just starting to allow passengers to check in again. Because of this, they were only allowing passengers to check in on the next two departures (both to Paris) The premium check in for premier customers was also closed. So I lined up anyway, standing in the regular queue for around 45 minutes or so. Who knew queuing for Eurostar could be worse than Thorpe Park? https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b64cfd26d.jpegEventually I reached the front of the line, and proceeded to the e-gate. And it didn’t work. Nor did any of the other ticket readers. So I stood behind another (long) line, for the manual check in. There was just one agent to process most of the passengers who were not being let through the e-gates. Reaching the main waiting area, there was an announcement that the lounge was closed. But as I proceeded to the entrance they were indeed letting people in. They were just setting up the lounge again, and didn’t have the usual range of snacks and drinks. After finding a quiet part to sit in they closed half the lounge, as they needed to do “assessments” of the damage caused by the unexplained incident. ´We eventually boarded the train, and miraculously departed on time. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e6e8c45cc.jpegWe started with packaged nuts (room temperature) as a snack. I drank sparkling water to begin with, served in a paper cup. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8f4fc0db.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...664d82d97.jpegAs we entered the channel they offered the main course. The choice was between a hot chicken dish or a cold salmon dish with spinach. The attendant serving me came up and asked “you’ll have the chicken?” I only knew about the salmon from overhearing the other attendant offering passengers both options. So I asked for the salmon and he replied “you don’t like spicy? The chicken is spicy, it’s very good. It’s your choice”. I stayed with salmon as my choice. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...18ca4257c.jpegThe catering was not bad, certainly better than BA short haul but far from the “fine-dining experience” Eurostar markets it on their website. I particularly liked the dessert, though I am not sure what it was. Clearing the lunch service the same attendant asked if I wanted a drink top up, I said no. He said “you said no? I don’t like to hear no”. It certainly had some creepy undertones… https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...874753182.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...35c6cea2b.jpegWe arrived in Brussels, and I confusingly walked all around the station trying to find the lounge. Turns out the Premier lounge for non-UK services is in a seperate building, across the road from the station. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b1cade585.jpegThe lounge was fine, and I like the cocktail/mocktail offering. While I waiting I got my first of many texts from Eurostar: “Your train 9459 is delayed. It will now leave Brussels-Midi/Zuid at 17:55. Sorry for the inconvenience.” I didn’t mind this, it just meant more time in the lounge. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...895f5a854.jpegI walked back to the station early, allowing extra time as it was a different building. 17:55 came and went, and the train never arrived at platform 3a. In fact there was a train still waiting on the platform for Paris. I got a second text: “Your train 9459 is delayed. It will now leave Brussels-Midi/Zuid at 18:25. Sorry for the inconvenience.” By this point I was getting more worried. The line from Paris had been suspended due to an incident. And with the Paris Eurostar blocking platform three it was not clear when the train would leave. I asked one of the station staff about my departure. She said “we don’t know when any trains will leave or from what platform”. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...295eeb4e2.jpegSo I noticed there was an ICE leaving at the same time. I walked to (platform 8?) and there was a DB representative. I asked if due to the delay I could travel on the ICE she said “it is a different train, operated by a different company, you have to buy a new ticket”. There was only the fully flexible first class fare left to buy. So I paid for that, at €163.40. (and planned on writing to my travel insurance or Eurostar for reimbursement). So I hopped on the train, and had a peaceful journey to Köln. (Although even the ICE arrived late, but just under 30 minutes late). I received more Eurostar texts on the train, the first one insinuating they didn’t know when the train would depart, if at all. “Thanks for your patience. We’re sorry this is taking time to resolve. We’re doing everything we can to get you moving as quickly as possible.” And lastly that the departure was pushed back to 19:15, though I am not sure I even believe that. I felt lucky to arrive in Köln that night at all. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1300ee0d8.jpegI stayed at the Wasserturm Hotel Cologne. Luckily I got upgraded to a junior suite. The room was nice, albeit a bit barren. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...11fe2edc7.jpeg |
Flashback for me to Cologne carnival six years ago, I stayed in the Wasserturm, great location for all the festivities, just far enough away to avoid the late night lunacy.
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Today (Saturday June 28) I started my first class adventure to Seoul. Unfortunately things didn’t quite go to plan.
I checked out of the hotel, and took a train to Brussels Airport. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0102e48b2.jpegReaching the Brussels Airlines checkin zone, there was an agent directing passengers to different desks. I queued and then a group of passengers arrived and she let them proceed to a checkin desk before me. I showed her my boarding pass on my phone and she said “you can proceed to the bag drop” (assuming I was an economy passenger). I ignored her and went to the business and first class checkin area. She asked “are you in business class” to which I said “no I am in first” (well not on the first leg but …soon). https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ed8ca471d.jpegSecurity was unmemorable. I went to the Brussels Airlines lounge, where there is an area set aside for Hon Circle guests. I went there, as I was on a first class ticket and it seemed to be allowed. I was welcomed and offered to order from the à la carte menu. Because there was no chef at that moment, I just had some yoghurt with fruit and granola. The chairs were especially comfortable. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3057b5e3.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3d870ff7d.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3384ec565.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...638926719.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2d8c1bc3f.jpeg A return to passport control within Europe ;) https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e9c5a9cb7.jpeg The SN seat was looking worse for wear... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b38fd62bf.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7820fba7c.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ebb7841da.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc8f88e6a.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...34afe3e23.jpeg They really should finish that road!On the SN flight there were just two rows of business class! And the economy cabin was “completely full” so some were op-uped. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...677c8970f.jpeg We got served a salmon pastry dish - I am not sure what it was. The catering was alright. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e54f916db.jpeg Flying over GVA, its a surprisingly small airport! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f62b007a.jpegWe had a very scenic landing into Geneva. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f71ba160.jpeg A rare spotting of Aeroflot in the wild. Perhaps repossessed by a lessor? https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...41389f748.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bc1c0148c.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f505755ae.jpeg The worst lounge of all (I did not go in as I don't smoke). No ventilation at all separating it from the rest of the interior. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ba73d3d3d.jpegFrom there I went to the Swiss Senator/First class lounge complex. I showed the receptionist (for both sides) my boarding pass and he escorted me into the first class section. Unfortunately though there are no bathrooms in the whole lounge! So I had to use some public ones outside. Then I returned, and started looking at the buffet selection. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3ac9d9434.jpegAs I was doing that, and about to grab something the maître de lounge came out and called my name. She asked me about my flight details, and seeing I was flying in first class tomorrow, she said I was not eligible to be in the first class lounge today but that I would have eligibility tomorrow. She instructed me to leave the lounge, and said I would be allowed to use the business lounge (despite being Star alliance gold and actually entitled to the senator lounge - to which she said “are you a senator?”). An awful experience and I have complained to Swiss already. It definitely stung being kicked out of the lounge despite being escorted there. t was all I could think about on the Swiss flight to Zurich. I forgot to take a photo but we were offered either a salami sandwich or a broccoli one. I took the salami. It was okay, but considering the service of similar length flights on other European airlines (like BA), I would have hoped for something nicer. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...46d4a78f9.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...26b63aba4.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b51b7dc7c.jpegFrom Zurich I took the train to my hotel. Thankfully I wasn’t evicted from the first class section. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d82d00912.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2a24d582e.jpeg The Ambassador Hotel https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fb0d634d4.jpegThe area around the hotel was very pretty approaching golden hour. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...495bed1f4.jpegI had booked a “classic room” but it turned it out was just a small queen room with no upgrade. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a1e1ca270.jpeg Free minibar drinks https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0e223c13d.jpegCertainly going to be an interesting experience on Swiss again tomorrow… |
I’m glad I’m reading this in the morning and not before bedtime, A broccoli sandwich?!? That’s a thing nightmares are made of!
Disgusting behaviour by the lounge dragon, if they had let you in the wrong lounge that is on them and they should have left you in peace to enjoy the unplanned upgrade IMHO. |
A shame you missed Fantasialand!
And a terrible misjudgement in the lounge. If you buy a first class ticket, it should apply to all segments. Just because there is no F cabin on some segments, doesn't excuse the airline to offer a poorer service on those legs. |
Oh wow, wasn't expecting to see another roller coaster enthusiast on this forum. I've just been splitting off all the coasters I ride on my trips onto separate trip reports on r/rollercoasters
Have you had a chance to try any of the single rail RMCs in the States? How does the new single rail coaster at Walibi Holland compare to those, if you have? It was still under construction the last time I made it to the Netherlands. |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37174940)
I’m glad I’m reading this in the morning and not before bedtime, A broccoli sandwich?!? That’s a thing nightmares are made of!
Disgusting behaviour by the lounge dragon, if they had let you in the wrong lounge that is on them and they should have left you in peace to enjoy the unplanned upgrade IMHO. Yes, the staff definitely caused a scene in front of the other lounge guests. Seems unlike the customer service expected at such a high level that there was no discretion at all. |
Originally Posted by WiSK
(Post 37176984)
A shame you missed Fantasialand!
And a terrible misjudgement in the lounge. If you buy a first class ticket, it should apply to all segments. Just because there is no F cabin on some segments, doesn't excuse the airline to offer a poorer service on those legs. Technically a first class ticket does entitle lounge access to all segments by SWISS's lounge rules on their own website. SWISS is now "investigating" but I have received no apology or gesture of any kind. |
Originally Posted by mtxing
(Post 37178430)
Oh wow, wasn't expecting to see another roller coaster enthusiast on this forum. I've just been splitting off all the coasters I ride on my trips onto separate trip reports on r/rollercoasters
Have you had a chance to try any of the single rail RMCs in the States? How does the new single rail coaster at Walibi Holland compare to those, if you have? It was still under construction the last time I made it to the Netherlands. I haven't ridden any RMC coasters in the USA. But I did really enjoy YoY at Walibi. In fact on this trip so far RMC made my favourite coasters. |
I’m famous!
I apologise for the late update, like last time I am a week behind on my travels. But thankfully the rest of my SWISS journey to Seoul was much better than the previous day. I had a continental breakfast in the hotel. The Norwegian salmon and museli were highlights, though I didn’t touch the cold cut meats. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f2cf3ea87.jpegI got a very brief glimpse of the lake before I went back to the train station. And then took two trains to the airport, changing at the Hauptbahnhof. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b7ef94f99.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...485dccdd9.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8de77465f.jpegThe SWISS checkin was a surprisingly long walk from the airport train station. I ended up lining to check in at the Senator/First class check in (regular check in desks), rather than the SWISS First/HON Circle check in. A SWISS staff member came up to me and asked what airline I was flying on. I said SWISS. She replied “In first class?” which I confirmed. She said she thought I was just asking a question as I did not have any bags (I was through checking my luggage from BRU to ICN). She did not redirect me to the private checkin. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...918ad3c3e.jpegI proceeded to the lounge entrance. Where I was told I needed a document check. So I lined up behind a family who had their passports inspected. Despite arriving later and having a different passport colour to the family, the agent there asked if we were travelling together. The father bellowed “NO!” The agent then served me and asked “you are travelling through China?” I informed her that I wasn’t. She said that she thought ICN was in China. I told her the airport is in Korea, but she didn’t believe me. So she said I could wait at the bar. But wouldn’t let me take my passport/boarding pass while (I assume?) she looked up ICN on a map. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4cfa7e955.jpegFrom the A lounge we shared a minivan transfer from the A lounge to the E terminal. And we taken through an exclusive passport booth within the main terminal area, it felt quite surreal! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dafa539f9.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7f479125a.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c2702564.jpegLunch in the E lounge was a delight. I had the salmon tartare, followed by some local cuisine - fondue. The salmon was particularly impressive. I think the dessert was a raspberry mousse? https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...16eb4d0a5.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e8111612a.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...21646bda8.jpegThe terrace outside was excellent for planespotting. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...36fcca7c5.jpegThen about 10 minutes before our boarding I asked when the limousine transfer to the plane would be. A lounge attendant told me there was none, and that I could just walk to the boarding gate! So much for SWISS’s promises… https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6ef16b912.jpeg Our A340 taking us to ICN. An endangered bird. Boarding was delayed, so I stood in a queue for about 20 minutes. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ad98dcd0.jpegThat said once on board things were much better. The hard product was fantastic, especially the large tv screen. We were offered Pommery Cuvée Louise Millésime 2006 Parcelles before takeoff. And warm rosemary coated almonds, which were tasty. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef479b3bd.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c4060b649.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f83a2a635.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c1a94e92.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...db5ca148c.jpeg Looking back at ZRH after takeoff. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...307a8e6a8.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...660ac33f4.jpegWe had stunning views of the Alps after takeoff. Unfortunately a missed the most striking moments while changing into the provided pyjamas. We also received a wifi voucher, but the security questions were not private at all! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc29d270e.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0659d507c.jpeg A fitting read after my LX F ground experience. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ac884b954.jpegThe amuse-bouche, I believe it was aubergine? https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3ad2623d8.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d844c1a1d.jpegI had watermelon tataki and batik salmon as entrées. The salmon was by far the highlight. It was like something beyond normal salmon and very good. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e35c79844.jpegLamb loin and mashed potato for the main, also very good. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9ba11e8d1.jpegDessert was a coffee mousse, very tasty and also very small! I liked the plating. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...688aa9a32.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e8bd59e95.jpegThe bedding was very nice, with a substantial duvet and pillows, and nice mattress style layer. As it was an afternoon flight I struggled to sleep. Instead I spent most of the flight in a half asleep state lying down. In my waking hours on board I enjoyed The Penguin Lessons. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d49f30aa8.jpegWe were offered Sprüngli pralines during the flight. And I had some cheese as a mid-flight snack. The breakfast service was nice, but from memory near identical to that served in long haul J. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...11f080d35.jpegA pretty sunrise. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30c5d418f.jpegI had a nice conversation with one of the flight attendants prior to landing. She asked if I flew a lot. I showed her my flighty history which impressed her. (Not far off from reaching 1 million km flown!) And then pretty views landing at ICN. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b7946e5a1.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...419d243ee.jpegIt took a bit of time to connect the jet bridge to the aircraft. At first it seemed the second door would be connected first, and the purser proceeded to block off J passengers from exiting first. In the end we disembarked from the first set of doors, but the flight attendants needed the approval of the purser who was …at the other door. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ddebbf006.jpegAt the end of the jet bridge we were met by an ICN meet and greet staff member. She had a sign with the names of all the first class passengers on it. And we were escorted together to passport control. Immigration was busy, so when I reached the baggage carousel my suitcase was already waiting for me. I left the terminal to begin the last stage of my journey, to my hotel room. |
From Terminal 1 I ended up walking to my hotel, Grand Hyatt Incheon. I hadn’t loaded up my Tmoney card, and the local bus wasn’t taking other forms of payment.
So I got some good exercise to fight the jet lag! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ebc0d408.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2944099b1.jpegBecause I arrived so early, the front desk receptionist at the hotel said I would have to pay an early checkin fee. (Equivalent to the nightly rate but then discounted for loyalty programme members). So I did that, and it ended up being more than worthwhile. I was upgraded to a suite, as my room type was currently unavailable. The suite included two bathrooms, a corridor and seperate dining/lounge room. So I was very surprised to be upgraded, especially since I have no Hyatt status! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb3e5f629.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...87f01d470.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...81cbe33cd.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...156d18e51.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f97b0c645.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d7a7016c4.jpegI also got to enjoy the hotel breakfast. I’ve never seen such large grapes in my life! Or so many varieties of honey at a buffet. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ffe3cc702.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c9bae2f9.jpegDuring the day I travelled to Gyeongbokgung Palace. I took the A’REX train, metro and the hotel shuttle (I didn’t realise this existed when I walked to hotel!). The terminal 1 station was very pretty. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...63a687c39.jpegI was also surprised by how humid Seoul was that day! I saw some tv commentary calling it Seoul’s first “tropical day” this year. The palace grounds were stunning. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f45a76fa.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...63412e4bd.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73107ee44.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8bfa5760c.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5befdcb5.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...15b37d892.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d963bc430.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5a17ab954.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6fa08935e.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0b4d305d5.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...029fb71b7.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1f47d5756.jpegI then took the Seoul Metro and A’REX back to terminal 1. (Followed by - you guessed it - the hotel shuttle). https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5bd20fcca.jpegI enjoyed a buffet selection at the hotel “happy hour”. Though I was very jet lagged, so I went back to my room early and was asleep at 6pm! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d90622aab.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f632a5704.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...46ed69211.jpeg |
Tuesday July 1
Due to jet lag I woke up very early, at 3am. This meant I got experience the first bus to terminal 1, at 5:30am! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ffca778b7.jpeg I ended up quite confused trying to find the OZ check in area. Turns out I was walking along the mezzanine, rather than the checkin floor above! There was a very long queue for security, as has been my experience at ICN previously. (And no priority line) https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d98627430.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e45832e78.jpegI first went to the SQ lounge which was very nice. I liked the “SQ Fizz” mocktail. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5c4f48c7.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4854f93cf.jpegI then switched to the OZ East lounge closer to departure. There was a free massage chair which was nice (and more importantly, vacant!) https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f094f1f82.jpegI had booked this flight as it was originally an A380. It seemed like a novelty for such a short flight! Then we got down gauged to an A350. A few weeks before departed we had yet another aircraft switch, to an A330. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...774f53312.jpegThe J seat was perfectly comfortable, but the interior was definitely showing its age. I was lucky to have no seat mate. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e31ad8e87.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abfca760d.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...614a94a64.jpegThe IFE and remote control was a blast from the past! We had no on demand entertainment, and instead would have to switch channels. The remote doubled as a telephone, with an old school credit card reader embedded. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc4ac9929.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8db6db7f7.jpegI had smoked salmon as an appetiser, followed by “grilled chicken steak”. The cream sauce seemed rather like cheese. I liked the panna cotta, which seemed a bit blingy accompanied by gold leaf. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8731a2793.jpegI think it would be a stretch to even call the seat “angled lie flat”, it really was more of a recliner. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1d7437a8d.jpegI liked the guava juice! https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...02b07add7.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...24cac58e4.jpegWe were welcomed into Japan by Mario Bros characters. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8173f286c.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d2b3e42b3.jpegI didn’t fill out the online Japan pass (only bother to check that I wouldn’t need an ETA). The immigration process was fine (similarly long queue as ICN though). And then once I had my suitcase I approached customs. A staff member asked if I had a QR code, I replied I didn’t. So she gave me a yellow paper, and after she let me go another staff member said “ah yellow paper!” And I was escorted to a manual customs desk, where I was promptly turned away for not having filled out the form. This all happened too quickly for me to say anything. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ba9e5214.jpegI took the Narita Express to Shinjuku. The train was very comfortable, I started wishing Deutsche Bahn and other trains could be this nice. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...925a90421.jpegI transferred to the Marunouchi Line, leaving at Nishi-Shinjuku station. From there it was a short walk to my hotel Hilton Tokyo (Shinjuku). https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9a0809fc6.jpegOn the app I saw I had been upgraded to a King Premium. Refraining from online checkin, I approached the front desk. And there an agent said “let’s see if we can get you something better” and I was upgraded to an executive king. I liked the Japanese touches in the room, and I had a nice view of the Shinjuku skyscrapers. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...167fd4c8a.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2c529e84a.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...85efb7017.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...af6c22c26.jpegThat afternoon I explored Shinjuku. And then had dinner in the lounge happy hour. While the selection was good, it was absolutely packed with Americans. (Who I assume got Hilton status through their credit card, but then again so did I lol). Wednesday July 2nd The next morning I again ate in the lounge. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b2afbe8d1.jpegI spent the morning at TeamLabs Borderless. The digital art was beautiful, although the spaces were packed with tourists (like myself). https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7354a52fc.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...544f57956.jpegIn one room I got to colour in my own sea creature with oil pastels. I chose a shark. A staff member scanned mine, and then it appeared in the sea life installation. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d4db8d06e.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...54390cf40.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2ea95856d.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...79e3026cf.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...60a0a8f04.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...229ea1544.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d0836677.jpegI had a matcha drink that was far nicer than any I’ve had outside of Japan. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5f84e74b7.jpegI went back to my hotel with a detour on the Yamanote line, to explore the Tokyo cityscape. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4189a697c.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f65b573c9.jpegThat afternoon I visited the Shibuya crossing. Quite extraordinary seeing the number of pedestrians! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...83db19c3b.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...af2208d95.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0092bdd90.jpegI had some sushi for dinner in the hotel restaurant (didn’t take any photos, sorry!) |
Excellent shark! :D
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