‘Scripts, Skeletons & Scriptures: Writing About Writing in Yorkshire.

[Human]

Boarding commenced on time.

The Spirit of Australia:


Thankfully, I did indeed end up with two seats to myself:


About two and a half hours into the ten hour flight — exactly 30 minutes after I first asked myself, “Are we there yet?” — the thought occurred to me:

• Business class: you don’t mind how long the flight lasts.
• First class: you want the flight to last longer.
• Economy class: you wish the flight were shorter.

I mean, the flight was OK. The A330 was nice and modern, the cabin crew were efficient, it was a daytime flight, and I had two seats to myself on the right hand side of the plane. Also there was no-one seated behind me, which took the guilt (and shame) out of reclining.

And after that actually the flight seemed to go a lot more quickly. So really it could have been a lot worse.

Nevertheless there were a couple of quirks.

First, the meals and snacks were not exactly spread out.

Half an hour into the flight, the crew brought around a snack.


Less than half an hour later,, the main meal ("lunch") was served (this was at 11am, Sydney time).


Two and a half hours into the flight (12:30pm), the crew brought around another snack. Or was that dessert? It was, admittedly, yummy.



Five minutes later the drink cart also came by (it included spirits, but I just had a coffee and a Tim Tam).

So within two and a half hours of departing, two snacks and a full lunch had been served. Then there was nothing except water until 90 minutes before landing, when a "light dinner" was served:


Also there was no internet. Which was probably good for me. I finished reading this book which I needed to finish before Monday. Why? Because its author will be one of my tutor/mentors at the writing retreat.


Anyway, the flight did go quickly after that. I didn't sleep (surprising, given my 3am start), but I did recline my seat and rest to some Boccherini symphonies.

Everyone had closed their window shades, but I opened mine to enjoy the view as we crossed the Australian coastline (almost right over Darwin, in this case). I always enjoy watching crossing that coastline as you leave Australia.


The entertainment options were not bad at all. I generally just bring up the flight map and listen to music, but one of the albums available was Carole King's Tapestry.

If you have never listened to Tapestry, stop reading right now and listen to it. It's one of the greatest albums of all time.

If you have listened to it before, stop reading right now and listen to it again..

A couple of photos of our descent into Bangkok (there was a lot of cloud around so I couldn't get many):


Bangkok airport is big, but efficient enough...


And I was out the front probably within 30 minutes of landing.

So all in all, I survived my long-haul Economy class experience. Tomorrow I'm being driven to the airport at 4am for my 7am Finnair (operated by Finnair!) flight.

 

[Human]

I'm staying at the "At Residence Suvarnabhumi Hotel" near the airport; thanks @RB for suggesting this. I booked an airport transfer for THB400 (about A$20) return and the transfer was easy and seamless. The room itself costs about $61 for the night. Really can't complain about that; it's about a 10-minute drive to the airport.


I would normally go out for a walk, but I was too tired. I went downstairs to have a delicious dinner at the hotel's own restaurant. I had a Thai Iced Tea, the crispy chicken with cashews and vegetables, with rice, and a coconut sundae for dessert. All delicious.




Time for an early bed before my second pre-4am start in a row tomorrow.