Noel Mugavin
Established Member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2010
- Posts
- 1,418
Booked in June of 25, couple of hiccups before landing in the Old Dart for the first time since 2000. Kidney stone issues at the start of February, then the Middle East flare up left me unsure if I'd actually get there.
Had Business class tickets booked with Emirates, which fortunately was able to cancel; replaced with Cathay Pacific, Premium Economy on the way Business on the way back. Had to pay an extra two and a half thousand dollars for the privilege though, as well as going a day earlier and taking an extra day off work, which was a bonus really.
Young bloke that I taught and also coached after he finished school, and was a trusted house sitter for me, had gotten himself a Rhodes Scholarship in 24, so a visit to Oxford was in order. My obsession for the last few years has been golf, so St Andrews for 9 days. And a return to explore London for a few days to round things out.
Mid-nightish departure for the 7 hour journey to Hong Kong. Fairly painless, snoozed on and off, watched a bit of TV, landed safely.
The ride from Perth
No lounge access, but had done my research and aware there is a free shower available in the arrivals level.
Shower was clean, need to bring your own towels though. Had brought some body towels which were available from the APA hotels from my recent trip to Japan.
About 3 hours until the next flight, and a 15 hour marathon to London. Over priced coffee and plenty of walking to ensure I got plenty of steps in.
The ride to London
Boarded the aircraft got to my seat which was an aisle, with 1 seat next to me by the window. Few minutes later an older than me lady rocked up, hands full of bags, and stated that she was seated next to me. 'No worries' I said as I got up to let her in and happy to help her out getting her bags in to the overhead. She didn't look to move and then said 'But my husbands sitting over there', looking toward the middle rows. O booked and selected my seat quite late, and when I did there were 3 seats in PE left; the one I chose, the one next to me, and one in the middle of the cabin, without aisle access. So sorry lady, I couldn't give a stuff if your husband's over there, I ain't sitting between 2 other bodies for 15 hours. My thinking was she's probably been married to him for 40 years, they can survive 15 hours apart.
When she said that to me, I just replied 'okay' and waited for her to get into her seat. Which she did. To be fair, she was the perfect seat mate, didn't want to chat, and only got up once during the 15 hours.
Finally landed in London, 15 hours in PE isn't something I'd want to repeat too often, but it did the job.
Quick through immigration and to collect the bags and a black cab to the hotel.
Evening walk to get the body moving
Then back to the hotel restaurant for a greek salad, then to bed to get some solid zzz's
Had Business class tickets booked with Emirates, which fortunately was able to cancel; replaced with Cathay Pacific, Premium Economy on the way Business on the way back. Had to pay an extra two and a half thousand dollars for the privilege though, as well as going a day earlier and taking an extra day off work, which was a bonus really.
Young bloke that I taught and also coached after he finished school, and was a trusted house sitter for me, had gotten himself a Rhodes Scholarship in 24, so a visit to Oxford was in order. My obsession for the last few years has been golf, so St Andrews for 9 days. And a return to explore London for a few days to round things out.
Mid-nightish departure for the 7 hour journey to Hong Kong. Fairly painless, snoozed on and off, watched a bit of TV, landed safely.
The ride from Perth
No lounge access, but had done my research and aware there is a free shower available in the arrivals level.
Shower was clean, need to bring your own towels though. Had brought some body towels which were available from the APA hotels from my recent trip to Japan.
About 3 hours until the next flight, and a 15 hour marathon to London. Over priced coffee and plenty of walking to ensure I got plenty of steps in.
The ride to London
Boarded the aircraft got to my seat which was an aisle, with 1 seat next to me by the window. Few minutes later an older than me lady rocked up, hands full of bags, and stated that she was seated next to me. 'No worries' I said as I got up to let her in and happy to help her out getting her bags in to the overhead. She didn't look to move and then said 'But my husbands sitting over there', looking toward the middle rows. O booked and selected my seat quite late, and when I did there were 3 seats in PE left; the one I chose, the one next to me, and one in the middle of the cabin, without aisle access. So sorry lady, I couldn't give a stuff if your husband's over there, I ain't sitting between 2 other bodies for 15 hours. My thinking was she's probably been married to him for 40 years, they can survive 15 hours apart.
When she said that to me, I just replied 'okay' and waited for her to get into her seat. Which she did. To be fair, she was the perfect seat mate, didn't want to chat, and only got up once during the 15 hours.
Finally landed in London, 15 hours in PE isn't something I'd want to repeat too often, but it did the job.
Quick through immigration and to collect the bags and a black cab to the hotel.
Evening walk to get the body moving
Then back to the hotel restaurant for a greek salad, then to bed to get some solid zzz's
