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Well, I have shamed myself into finally pulling my finger out and getting to my TR's that are in a pile by my computer, just waiting for me to find the time to type them. This TR is a business trip I did in October/November 2004 over 4 days.
Day 1 - Sunday, October 31 BNE/ADL/PER
I always fly to my work destination the night before, being a Virgo I like being organised and at the right place at the right time (only when it comes to work or flying). PER is no exception. To get to PER at a decent hour, it meant me leaving Mrs LW mid-Sunday. She and our dog, Bella (a female staffy/labrador cross) drove me to the airport...we're only 8.5kms (about 6 miles) from the airport so it only takes 10 to 15 mins. Kissed them both and tried to keep Bella from jumping out of the car - I think she wanted to go with me ...
BNE Check-in:
Checked in at the BNE J queue at 12.15pm - what queue?? Straight through to the CSA who tossed my FF card and Drivers Licence on the counter whilst she retrieved my booking; whilst I lifted my luggage onto the belt. In doing so (a little heavy handed in my lifting :shock: ), I almost sent the flower display toppling off the counter onto the floor...lucky I had quick relexes and caught it. Embarrassed
, I apologised and remained quiet whilst she printed out the BP's. I didn't turn around to see if anybody had witnessed it, I was sure the whole Y queue had and were laughing in their heads at the tosser over at the Business Class counter.
Sped through Security ("no laptops" is my standard phrase to the x-ray people) and up the escalators to my third home, BNE Qantas Club (or Qantas Pub, as it is so commonly referred to over at the QF Forum). Entering and flashing my QF Platinum (OW Emerald) card, I spotted a QF friend on duty at the Customer Service Desk. Went over to say g'day and ask whether there were any On Departure Upgrades (ODU's)...alas, not this flight he said, J was full and all had checked in. Enough time to have a quick chat in between passengers being served, before the flight was called. I had to walk to Gate 21 (it's to the left after exiting the QP, up the "arm" where Gates 19 to 21 are located).
Airline & Flight Number: QF663 BNE/ADL
Rego: VH-VXP (B737-800) named "City of Logan"
Seat: 6C (Y cabin) Sequence: 95
SDT: 1.05pm Pushback: on time, ADT: 1.12pm
Distance travelled: 1,008 miles
Boarded and was met by CSS Kate Fisher and FA Rebecca at the door. Found my seat without any problem, and stowed my two FF bags in the overhead locker. Promptly started to read my material for the next 3 days work and barely noted who my seatmates were n this flight. I stopped to take down the time for take-off and the Captain advising it was a 2hr 9min flight today...next I knew Lunch was being served.
Today's special meal (I have a Low Fat meal request in my QFF profile) was a (processed) chicken and semi sun-dried vegetable sandwich. Others not so lucky to have this meal option, were served a beef & salad roll (which, according to my seat mate in 6B was gristly and unappetising, as he left 3/4'ers of it unfinished). I washed mine down with a Berri V8 (Vegetable) Juice. The new menu was in force, with the new orange tray mat-cough-garbage bag (I find them much useful as a shoe bag).
The flight was unremarkable (as I was head down). Arrival at ADL was on time at 4.14pm, where we taxied to Gate 9 for disembarking on-time at 4.20pm.
I wandered to the ADL QP where I asked whether there were any ODU's available or this flight. Considering it was only 20 mins prior to departure, I didn't hold much hope for an answer in the affirmative. Then I noticed the CSA behind the CS desk, Livia :twisted: :wink: (she was drop dead georgeous, absolutely stunning babe-alicious). For some reason, I listened very intently to every honey-dripped word she spoke to me as I tried to push my jaw closed and re-insert my tongue that I was sure was hanging out. Livia advised me that the lady standing beside me was considering whether to take the last J seat, so if she didn't it was mine, could she hold my BP while the other pax made her decision... believe me, I didn't want to move and she could hold my BP for almost as long as she liked, so long as I could get onboard my connecting flight..
I felt the pax would be not as pressured if I moved away, so I motioned to Livia with my head towards the Bar and went off searching for our favourite beverage in a QP, a Hahn Premium. As soon as I had taken the first sip, I heard the announcement "would Mr LW please return to the CS Desk please"...(um, sorry, I'm torn between two desires here....the cool ale wetting my parched throat and... oh stuff it, down the hatch and get back to Livia you fool!!)
Back to the CS Desk I walked, trying to fight off the effects of the cold beer I had just skulled....(nuuggh, that ice numbing feeling in the back of your throat and the inability to inflate my lungs as the ice barbs attacked my eye and brain)....wow, what a rush
Well, Livia had performed magic and my original Y seat (5C) was transformed into the last remaining J seat (3F) and my FF account had diminished by 8,000 points...worth it for a 3hr+ flight. Now that's what I have status and FF points for.... 8)
I thanked Livia profusely (without trying to overdo it) and mentally laser-etched her face into my retina...then, it was onto PER. Next time, If I have any spare time in ADL QP, I'll have a chat to her...one can never have enough friendly faces at the QP's.
As I walked to the Gate, I noticed VH-VXS at the next Gate and VH-VYB (both 737-800's) pulling up as we boarded.
Airline & Flight Number: QF595 ADL/PER
Rego: VH-VXI (B737-800) named "City of Oodnadatta"
Seat: 3F (J cabin) Sequence: 30
SDT: 4.45pm Pushback: 4.42pm, ADT: 4.47pm
Distance travelled: 1,317 miles
Didn't write down which Gate we left from, but it was one of the far ones, presumably 11 or 12. This meant a walk out through the covered walkway to the tarmac, then along the marked area to the plane and up the front steps that had been pushed up beside the plane (yes, ADL is still back in the 70's, only CBR rates the same walk...)
CSS Peter Miaras greeted me at the doorway, with FA's Ben and Robbie handling the J cabin. Captain Huggett advised that it was a 3hr 5min sector, cruising across the Nullabor at FL 35K with an expected arrival time of 5.20pm (10 mins early).
Again, I buried my head into my resources until the carts came around (I had 5 seminars to present and around 30 1-on-1 30 min presentations to do over the 3 day period), so I needed to be well prepared and ready for all manner of questions from my clients.
From the drinks cart:
Red Wine - Brown Brothers Classic Shiraz 2001
White Wine - Tempus Two Chardonnay (didn't note the year)
(Didn't notice the Sparkling White option...)
Dinner service:
Poached Salmon with tarragon sauce, asparagus spears and potato mash with herbs, semi-dried vegetables and rocket lettuce with Birch & Waite Vinaigrette, a bread roll and Paton Macadamia Royale (chocolate coated macadamia nut ).
The meal was fantastic, the salmon cooked to (my) perfection (medium rare) and the mash with herbs a tasty option.
(my special meal was floating somewhere back in Y, I hope somebody enjoyed it!!)
Dessert:
Vanilla Bean & Elderberry 120ml ice-cream tub
(I scored a second when the girl in 2F didn't want hers and I asked Ben the FA whether I could have it).
The gentleman beside me in 3H was Japanese, on his way over to work in PER, I think he was genuinely surprised when I answered him in his own language when he asked me in halting English was the red wine was any good(I had picked up some Japanese from my first wife, who was a former QF CSA who spoke fluent Japanese). It also surprised Ben who was serving him at the time, he was leaning across me listening to the question and twisted his head sharply around to stare at me with a quizzical/surprised look on his face. I then gave them both the run-down on how I had acquired a smattering of Japanese. Ended up chatting to Ben about the QF staff travel benefits. Just prior to descending, the Captain announced that ATC asked him to perform a number of turns to slow us down, so when it happened he didn't want us to be alarmed. However, even with the manoevers, we still arrived 5 mins ahead of schedule at 5.15pm local time.
Hotel: Parmeila Perth Hilton
I always choose this hotel now (having migrated from the Sheraton Perth 2 years ago), as the Hilton is diagonally across the road from where I would spend the majority of my time consulting for the next 3 days (216 St Georges Terrace mainly, but also other buildings along the street where my client has offices/staff). As a Gold HHonors member, I never expect much, so I'm never disappointed. As this Hilton doesn't have an Executive Floor, it pales beside the better appointed Adelaide Hilton. I had arranged the booking through Hilton Diamond Club reservations, scoring a standard Guest Room for AUD$189 per night, less 20% DC discount (net $151.20). Thus, when I was given Room 529, I was happy - this room was a huge Deluxe Room with a King Sized Bed and near the lifts (but without being on top of them). I'm never sure what the other rooms are like, as this was the third time I had scored this room in the last 4 visits, having only been upgraded once to a corner Suite.
So, with a heavy head, I unpacked my luggage and ironed my business shirts as I watched Foxtel (cable TV). Soon, sleep beckoned (as it was 2 hours later in BNE) and I crashed....
Day 1 - Sunday, October 31 BNE/ADL/PER
I always fly to my work destination the night before, being a Virgo I like being organised and at the right place at the right time (only when it comes to work or flying). PER is no exception. To get to PER at a decent hour, it meant me leaving Mrs LW mid-Sunday. She and our dog, Bella (a female staffy/labrador cross) drove me to the airport...we're only 8.5kms (about 6 miles) from the airport so it only takes 10 to 15 mins. Kissed them both and tried to keep Bella from jumping out of the car - I think she wanted to go with me ...
BNE Check-in:
Checked in at the BNE J queue at 12.15pm - what queue?? Straight through to the CSA who tossed my FF card and Drivers Licence on the counter whilst she retrieved my booking; whilst I lifted my luggage onto the belt. In doing so (a little heavy handed in my lifting :shock: ), I almost sent the flower display toppling off the counter onto the floor...lucky I had quick relexes and caught it. Embarrassed
, I apologised and remained quiet whilst she printed out the BP's. I didn't turn around to see if anybody had witnessed it, I was sure the whole Y queue had and were laughing in their heads at the tosser over at the Business Class counter.Sped through Security ("no laptops" is my standard phrase to the x-ray people) and up the escalators to my third home, BNE Qantas Club (or Qantas Pub, as it is so commonly referred to over at the QF Forum). Entering and flashing my QF Platinum (OW Emerald) card, I spotted a QF friend on duty at the Customer Service Desk. Went over to say g'day and ask whether there were any On Departure Upgrades (ODU's)...alas, not this flight he said, J was full and all had checked in. Enough time to have a quick chat in between passengers being served, before the flight was called. I had to walk to Gate 21 (it's to the left after exiting the QP, up the "arm" where Gates 19 to 21 are located).
Airline & Flight Number: QF663 BNE/ADL
Rego: VH-VXP (B737-800) named "City of Logan"
Seat: 6C (Y cabin) Sequence: 95
SDT: 1.05pm Pushback: on time, ADT: 1.12pm
Distance travelled: 1,008 miles
Boarded and was met by CSS Kate Fisher and FA Rebecca at the door. Found my seat without any problem, and stowed my two FF bags in the overhead locker. Promptly started to read my material for the next 3 days work and barely noted who my seatmates were n this flight. I stopped to take down the time for take-off and the Captain advising it was a 2hr 9min flight today...next I knew Lunch was being served.
Today's special meal (I have a Low Fat meal request in my QFF profile) was a (processed) chicken and semi sun-dried vegetable sandwich. Others not so lucky to have this meal option, were served a beef & salad roll (which, according to my seat mate in 6B was gristly and unappetising, as he left 3/4'ers of it unfinished). I washed mine down with a Berri V8 (Vegetable) Juice. The new menu was in force, with the new orange tray mat-cough-garbage bag (I find them much useful as a shoe bag).
The flight was unremarkable (as I was head down). Arrival at ADL was on time at 4.14pm, where we taxied to Gate 9 for disembarking on-time at 4.20pm.
I wandered to the ADL QP where I asked whether there were any ODU's available or this flight. Considering it was only 20 mins prior to departure, I didn't hold much hope for an answer in the affirmative. Then I noticed the CSA behind the CS desk, Livia
:twisted: :wink: (she was drop dead georgeous, absolutely stunning babe-alicious). For some reason, I listened very intently to every honey-dripped word she spoke to me as I tried to push my jaw closed and re-insert my tongue that I was sure was hanging out. Livia advised me that the lady standing beside me was considering whether to take the last J seat, so if she didn't it was mine, could she hold my BP while the other pax made her decision... believe me, I didn't want to move and she could hold my BP for almost as long as she liked, so long as I could get onboard my connecting flight..I felt the pax would be not as pressured if I moved away, so I motioned to Livia with my head towards the Bar and went off searching for our favourite beverage in a QP, a Hahn Premium. As soon as I had taken the first sip, I heard the announcement "would Mr LW please return to the CS Desk please"...(um, sorry, I'm torn between two desires here....the cool ale wetting my parched throat and... oh stuff it, down the hatch and get back to Livia you fool!!)
Back to the CS Desk I walked, trying to fight off the effects of the cold beer I had just skulled....(nuuggh, that ice numbing feeling in the back of your throat and the inability to inflate my lungs as the ice barbs attacked my eye and brain)....wow, what a rush
Well, Livia had performed magic and my original Y seat (5C) was transformed into the last remaining J seat (3F) and my FF account had diminished by 8,000 points...worth it for a 3hr+ flight. Now that's what I have status and FF points for.... 8)
I thanked Livia profusely (without trying to overdo it) and mentally laser-etched her face into my retina...then, it was onto PER. Next time, If I have any spare time in ADL QP, I'll have a chat to her...one can never have enough friendly faces at the QP's.
As I walked to the Gate, I noticed VH-VXS at the next Gate and VH-VYB (both 737-800's) pulling up as we boarded.
Airline & Flight Number: QF595 ADL/PER
Rego: VH-VXI (B737-800) named "City of Oodnadatta"
Seat: 3F (J cabin) Sequence: 30
SDT: 4.45pm Pushback: 4.42pm, ADT: 4.47pm
Distance travelled: 1,317 miles
Didn't write down which Gate we left from, but it was one of the far ones, presumably 11 or 12. This meant a walk out through the covered walkway to the tarmac, then along the marked area to the plane and up the front steps that had been pushed up beside the plane (yes, ADL is still back in the 70's, only CBR rates the same walk...)
CSS Peter Miaras greeted me at the doorway, with FA's Ben and Robbie handling the J cabin. Captain Huggett advised that it was a 3hr 5min sector, cruising across the Nullabor at FL 35K with an expected arrival time of 5.20pm (10 mins early).
Again, I buried my head into my resources until the carts came around (I had 5 seminars to present and around 30 1-on-1 30 min presentations to do over the 3 day period), so I needed to be well prepared and ready for all manner of questions from my clients.
From the drinks cart:
Red Wine - Brown Brothers Classic Shiraz 2001
White Wine - Tempus Two Chardonnay (didn't note the year)
(Didn't notice the Sparkling White option...)
Dinner service:
Poached Salmon with tarragon sauce, asparagus spears and potato mash with herbs, semi-dried vegetables and rocket lettuce with Birch & Waite Vinaigrette, a bread roll and Paton Macadamia Royale (chocolate coated macadamia nut ).
The meal was fantastic, the salmon cooked to (my) perfection (medium rare) and the mash with herbs a tasty option.
(my special meal was floating somewhere back in Y, I hope somebody enjoyed it!!)
Dessert:
Vanilla Bean & Elderberry 120ml ice-cream tub
(I scored a second when the girl in 2F didn't want hers and I asked Ben the FA whether I could have it).
The gentleman beside me in 3H was Japanese, on his way over to work in PER, I think he was genuinely surprised when I answered him in his own language when he asked me in halting English was the red wine was any good(I had picked up some Japanese from my first wife, who was a former QF CSA who spoke fluent Japanese). It also surprised Ben who was serving him at the time, he was leaning across me listening to the question and twisted his head sharply around to stare at me with a quizzical/surprised look on his face. I then gave them both the run-down on how I had acquired a smattering of Japanese. Ended up chatting to Ben about the QF staff travel benefits. Just prior to descending, the Captain announced that ATC asked him to perform a number of turns to slow us down, so when it happened he didn't want us to be alarmed. However, even with the manoevers, we still arrived 5 mins ahead of schedule at 5.15pm local time.
Hotel: Parmeila Perth Hilton
I always choose this hotel now (having migrated from the Sheraton Perth 2 years ago), as the Hilton is diagonally across the road from where I would spend the majority of my time consulting for the next 3 days (216 St Georges Terrace mainly, but also other buildings along the street where my client has offices/staff). As a Gold HHonors member, I never expect much, so I'm never disappointed. As this Hilton doesn't have an Executive Floor, it pales beside the better appointed Adelaide Hilton. I had arranged the booking through Hilton Diamond Club reservations, scoring a standard Guest Room for AUD$189 per night, less 20% DC discount (net $151.20). Thus, when I was given Room 529, I was happy - this room was a huge Deluxe Room with a King Sized Bed and near the lifts (but without being on top of them). I'm never sure what the other rooms are like, as this was the third time I had scored this room in the last 4 visits, having only been upgraded once to a corner Suite.
So, with a heavy head, I unpacked my luggage and ironed my business shirts as I watched Foxtel (cable TV). Soon, sleep beckoned (as it was 2 hours later in BNE) and I crashed....
