City hops on Qantas/Cathay Pacific/Singapore Airlines
- Thread starter Keith009
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Taipei 101
The technology that went into the construction of this magnificent structure is mind blowing. More importantly it has a huge shopping mall at the base...
Us at the 89th floor, the lift that took us up there took all of just 34 seconds to ascend 89 floors! Fastest lift in the world apparently.
Huge ball of steel to act as a damper in the event of earthquakes or extreme weather
The technology that went into the construction of this magnificent structure is mind blowing. More importantly it has a huge shopping mall at the base...
Us at the 89th floor, the lift that took us up there took all of just 34 seconds to ascend 89 floors! Fastest lift in the world apparently.
Huge ball of steel to act as a damper in the event of earthquakes or extreme weather
Damper babies...
The nightlife!!
We didn't get to check out much nightlife as we were both wiped at the end of rather long days. The happening place to go in town is Room 18- which I'd be sure to check out next time i'm in town. I was lazy and opted to check out the foreigner friendly places, Brass Monkeys and Carnegie's. Brass Monkeys had an awesome DJ and dancefloor - bizarrely the place was more busy mid week than Fri night. It also had lots of New Zealand related paraphernalia but I asked for Steinlager and was told that they don’t actually serve Kiwi beers. Huh? Carnegie’s had some cool bar top dancing action going on. Both good fun all the same, and I allegedly embarrassed myself on consecutive nights but to avoid incriminating myself I wont go into details (but taipeiflyer assures me he won't be as discreet! oops).
Some pics from Brass Monkeys which is just around the corner from the Westin:
They had the authentically MASSIVE Hoegaardens (bottom RHS)! Was a bit challenging to hit the dancefloor with one of those though.
Hotsprings
Think hotspring spa. We each had our own private room, cost NTD399 per person per hour plus dinner thrown in which was excellent value.
Next: Missing a flight; CX421 TPE-HKG whY; CX711 HKG-SIN J; St Regis SIN; SQTalk mini DO and partying in SIN!
Think hotspring spa. We each had our own private room, cost NTD399 per person per hour plus dinner thrown in which was excellent value.
Next: Missing a flight; CX421 TPE-HKG whY; CX711 HKG-SIN J; St Regis SIN; SQTalk mini DO and partying in SIN!
CX461 TPE-HKG, 05JUL2008, Economy Class - "Oops too late!"
CX421 TPE-HKG, 05JUL2008, Economy Class
Connecting to:
CX735 HKG-SIN, 05JUL2008, Business Class - "Oops too late!"
CX711 HKG-SIN, 05JUL2008, Business Class
TPE-HKG
I felt extremely fragile as I woke up, must've drank much more the night before at Carnegie's than I'd realised. I was dragged downstairs to the lounge for brekkies, still in my PJs but totally oblivious to my surroundings.
So I was obviously in no state to care about what time I was supposed to be at the airport. Back in the room taipeiflyer (who's also flying to SIN but directly on SQ and leaving a few hours later) panicked when he realised the time I was supposed to arrive at the airport - and insisted that I did OLCI to increase my chances of being accepted for the flight. I was at that moment still too hungover to care. Normally I'd have worked myself into a frenzied state of worry, so we must've had a huge night...
OLCIed for the flight, and noticed that the flight was retimed to depart 30 mins later. Cathay's website advised that my bp would need to be collected 50mins before departure, and I had no bags to check in which ought to make it easier (long story...). However I arrived at the airport to find that the flight was indeed retimed, but check in had closed per the original departure time - unfortunately I hadn't printed out the OLCI confirmation page... lesson learnt. This shook me out of the dreamy daze I'd been in all morning as I've yet to miss a flight (through my own doing that is) and was worried about the consequences of such.
I was rebooked on the next scheduled departure 30 mins after the flight I'd missed. This however made my connection at HKG illegal as it didn't meet the MCT. To my relief the Cathay agent was most accommodating and protected my itinerary as best as he could without charge even though the connecting flight to SIN was on a separate ticket as it was part of the DONE4 whereas TPE-HKG was part of a cheapie return ticket I'd booked out of HKG. I understand that normally Cathay charges HKD300 to lift a finger on a DONE4 that's issued by another carrier, so I'm grateful that in this instance nothing about it was mentioned when my HKG-SIN flight was switched. He even managed to note my preference for aisle seats and seated me accordingly. My new itinerary had me in SIN 2 hours later than originally planned - could've been worse so all kudos to Cathay at TPE for dealing with my stupidity in such a professional manner. Rang up taipeiflyer and texted upright man to let them know that I'd be arriving later than expected for the mini gathering we'd planned in SIN.
I then rushed like a banshee through the airport (PS - T1 of TPE is gross!) as I only had 20 mins till the flight departed. It helped that the gate was the first one down the corridor. Walked all the way towards the v end of the plane, and sank into my seat exhausted after the mad sprint.
A lunch of chicken noodles was served on this flight, I didn't intend to eat anything after that big breakfast back at the hotel but said yes when the cart came around to take a pic of it anyway. The sacrifices I make for all ya devouring my TRs...
Still feeling exceedingly thirsty (the marathon didn't help) I drank copious amounts of water and OJ instead. And a tipple or 2 to calm the nerves.
Landed at HKG pretty much on time. I'd thought about running to the gate of my original flight and ask to go on it if space was still available but the long queues at security snuffed that idea out. Once again I've had to register my details at security due to my epi pen.
CX421 TPE-HKG, 05JUL2008, Economy Class
Connecting to:
CX735 HKG-SIN, 05JUL2008, Business Class - "Oops too late!"
CX711 HKG-SIN, 05JUL2008, Business Class
TPE-HKG
I felt extremely fragile as I woke up, must've drank much more the night before at Carnegie's than I'd realised. I was dragged downstairs to the lounge for brekkies, still in my PJs but totally oblivious to my surroundings.
So I was obviously in no state to care about what time I was supposed to be at the airport. Back in the room taipeiflyer (who's also flying to SIN but directly on SQ and leaving a few hours later) panicked when he realised the time I was supposed to arrive at the airport - and insisted that I did OLCI to increase my chances of being accepted for the flight. I was at that moment still too hungover to care. Normally I'd have worked myself into a frenzied state of worry, so we must've had a huge night...OLCIed for the flight, and noticed that the flight was retimed to depart 30 mins later. Cathay's website advised that my bp would need to be collected 50mins before departure, and I had no bags to check in which ought to make it easier (long story...). However I arrived at the airport to find that the flight was indeed retimed, but check in had closed per the original departure time - unfortunately I hadn't printed out the OLCI confirmation page... lesson learnt. This shook me out of the dreamy daze I'd been in all morning as I've yet to miss a flight (through my own doing that is) and was worried about the consequences of such.
I was rebooked on the next scheduled departure 30 mins after the flight I'd missed. This however made my connection at HKG illegal as it didn't meet the MCT. To my relief the Cathay agent was most accommodating and protected my itinerary as best as he could without charge even though the connecting flight to SIN was on a separate ticket as it was part of the DONE4 whereas TPE-HKG was part of a cheapie return ticket I'd booked out of HKG. I understand that normally Cathay charges HKD300 to lift a finger on a DONE4 that's issued by another carrier, so I'm grateful that in this instance nothing about it was mentioned when my HKG-SIN flight was switched. He even managed to note my preference for aisle seats and seated me accordingly. My new itinerary had me in SIN 2 hours later than originally planned - could've been worse so all kudos to Cathay at TPE for dealing with my stupidity in such a professional manner. Rang up taipeiflyer and texted upright man to let them know that I'd be arriving later than expected for the mini gathering we'd planned in SIN.
I then rushed like a banshee through the airport (PS - T1 of TPE is gross!) as I only had 20 mins till the flight departed. It helped that the gate was the first one down the corridor. Walked all the way towards the v end of the plane, and sank into my seat exhausted after the mad sprint.
A lunch of chicken noodles was served on this flight, I didn't intend to eat anything after that big breakfast back at the hotel but said yes when the cart came around to take a pic of it anyway. The sacrifices I make for all ya devouring my TRs...
Still feeling exceedingly thirsty (the marathon didn't help) I drank copious amounts of water and OJ instead. And a tipple or 2 to calm the nerves.
Landed at HKG pretty much on time. I'd thought about running to the gate of my original flight and ask to go on it if space was still available but the long queues at security snuffed that idea out. Once again I've had to register my details at security due to my epi pen.
HKG-SIN
Flight was assigned to board from gate 22, and so once again I trooped off to the Wing which was a fair bit closer to that gate than the Pier. It was an extremely long walk through the airport to get to the Wing, one of these days I must learn the shortcut ways of fellow AFFers serfty and simongr. Picked up a bottle of Lanson along the way for nickbot and mrs nickbot.
Got a glass of Lanson in the Wing to soothe my nerves and to dull the throbbing in my head ("the best way to ease a hangover is to...") after the epic hike through HKIA, and the stressful morning generally. I had a few hours to kill in the lounge, so I was careful to pace myself as I intended to have a big night out in SIN the same day, and Cathay serves one of the most delicious JCL champers onboard their regional flights - Billecart-Salmon NV. Thought about having some noodle soup but was still feeling stuffed from brekkies.
JCL line was empty when I got there - some effective policing of the gate there unlike back in Jan when I departed on Cathay out of HKIA. Was greeted at the door of the aircraft by the flight's funeral director... I meant ISM. Was then served bubbly by an equally sour looking white blouse, who barked at pax and rolled her eyes at colleagues - it's a wonder she manages to stay employed. Brought me my 2nd glass of pre-take off bubbly without too much trouble though.
ORBC on this flight which I prefer to NRBC. Seat's like a big comfy armchair and perfectly adequate for the 3hrs 45 mins service to SIN. Bulkhead was all taken, but legroom at 14G was still pretty good.
A meal was served after take off. The smoked salmon entree was ok, but the main course of pork ribs was ghastly in both taste and presentation. The cheese plate was mediocre, and I was glad that the Senior Purser had talked me into trying the dessert as it was delicious.
I tried really hard to pace myself on the flight so that I could last the night. But it was hard when Billecart is one of my fave NVs. All the harder when the IFE (non AVOD) channels I wanted to watch didn't work, due to some problems with the tape, so I occupied time by indulging in a tipple here and there. I tried to force myself to sleep to kill time and to perk up for the night, but that didn't work so well - so more Billecart it was.
The crew were rather mixed on this flight. Had the whole range of Cathay crews on this flight, except the ISM (who wasn't seen for the entire flight). Miss Sour Face and another much friendlier white blouse took turns serving my aisle. The Pursers were seen walking around the cabin assisting wherever they could, and seemed pleasant enough but had all the warmth of a doorknob. The Senior Purser who came around to introduce herself was the star - a rather charming Sri Lankan lady who radiated personality and genuine warmth (unlike the simultaneously sickly sweet yet clinical ways of many a FA I've come across on a variety of Asia-based carriers), and whom you'd likely have an insightful convo with at the pub.
The flight deck had anticipated that we'd arrive 5 mins before schedule, however landing was aborted and a go around was performed as the runway hadn't been cleared in time. We ended up docking at the gate 10 minsbehind schedule.
Had an extremely quick gate to taxi journey, per the norm at ever efficient Changi Airport, the world's model of how an airport should be run, but this time made even quicker by the fact that I had no luggage to pick up. Unfortunately I was already breezing down the expressway when I'd discovered that I'd left my bottle of duty free Lanson on the plane....
edited to add: menu for CX711 here.
Next: St Regis SIN; SQTalk mini DO and partying in SIN; New Majestic Hotel
Flight was assigned to board from gate 22, and so once again I trooped off to the Wing which was a fair bit closer to that gate than the Pier. It was an extremely long walk through the airport to get to the Wing, one of these days I must learn the shortcut ways of fellow AFFers serfty and simongr. Picked up a bottle of Lanson along the way for nickbot and mrs nickbot.
Got a glass of Lanson in the Wing to soothe my nerves and to dull the throbbing in my head ("the best way to ease a hangover is to...") after the epic hike through HKIA, and the stressful morning generally. I had a few hours to kill in the lounge, so I was careful to pace myself as I intended to have a big night out in SIN the same day, and Cathay serves one of the most delicious JCL champers onboard their regional flights - Billecart-Salmon NV. Thought about having some noodle soup but was still feeling stuffed from brekkies.
JCL line was empty when I got there - some effective policing of the gate there unlike back in Jan when I departed on Cathay out of HKIA. Was greeted at the door of the aircraft by the flight's funeral director... I meant ISM. Was then served bubbly by an equally sour looking white blouse, who barked at pax and rolled her eyes at colleagues - it's a wonder she manages to stay employed. Brought me my 2nd glass of pre-take off bubbly without too much trouble though.
ORBC on this flight which I prefer to NRBC. Seat's like a big comfy armchair and perfectly adequate for the 3hrs 45 mins service to SIN. Bulkhead was all taken, but legroom at 14G was still pretty good.
A meal was served after take off. The smoked salmon entree was ok, but the main course of pork ribs was ghastly in both taste and presentation. The cheese plate was mediocre, and I was glad that the Senior Purser had talked me into trying the dessert as it was delicious.
I tried really hard to pace myself on the flight so that I could last the night. But it was hard when Billecart is one of my fave NVs. All the harder when the IFE (non AVOD) channels I wanted to watch didn't work, due to some problems with the tape, so I occupied time by indulging in a tipple here and there. I tried to force myself to sleep to kill time and to perk up for the night, but that didn't work so well - so more Billecart it was.
The crew were rather mixed on this flight. Had the whole range of Cathay crews on this flight, except the ISM (who wasn't seen for the entire flight). Miss Sour Face and another much friendlier white blouse took turns serving my aisle. The Pursers were seen walking around the cabin assisting wherever they could, and seemed pleasant enough but had all the warmth of a doorknob. The Senior Purser who came around to introduce herself was the star - a rather charming Sri Lankan lady who radiated personality and genuine warmth (unlike the simultaneously sickly sweet yet clinical ways of many a FA I've come across on a variety of Asia-based carriers), and whom you'd likely have an insightful convo with at the pub.
The flight deck had anticipated that we'd arrive 5 mins before schedule, however landing was aborted and a go around was performed as the runway hadn't been cleared in time. We ended up docking at the gate 10 minsbehind schedule.
Had an extremely quick gate to taxi journey, per the norm at ever efficient Changi Airport, the world's model of how an airport should be run, but this time made even quicker by the fact that I had no luggage to pick up. Unfortunately I was already breezing down the expressway when I'd discovered that I'd left my bottle of duty free Lanson on the plane....
edited to add: menu for CX711 here.
Next: St Regis SIN; SQTalk mini DO and partying in SIN; New Majestic Hotel
Last edited:
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Night out in SIN
Cold ones at the IC
As nickbot and mrs nickbot were in town, I'd swapped my overnight layover in HKG for one in SIN to catch up. taipeiflyer had also decided to make the journey down to meet the nickbots. After all, how many times do you get to catch up with friends from the other end of the planet hey. SQflyerGirl happened to be in nearby Johor Bahru for work and had decided to drive in for the night. And before you knew it we had a small SQTalk get-together with some SIN-based SQTalkers.
The plan was to have dinner at a hawker centre, but when i landed at SIN I'd received a text from nickbot about a change in plans since both were quite ill and had opted to host drinks in their room at the IC instead. So things didn't quite work out as planned but we had a jolly good time catching up all the same over a couple of drinks. I await the pics...
St Regis bar
Unfortunately poor taipeiflyer (you might recall that we flew down on different carriers) had not got the same text msg and we had a hard time tracking him down. When we finally did it was far too late for sleep was rather imminent for the nickbots. I'd managed to convince those who're still up and about to head over to the St Regis instead where taipeiflyer and HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer* were waiting.
L-R: SQFlyerGirl, myself, Kyo, taipeiflyer
Copyright SQFlyerGirl - reproduced with permission per mutual agreement that both of us look heaps better in this pic than the alternatives
Whatever thoughts I have about this hotel, it is simply undeniable that they've got some of the best bartenders in town! I started out rather boringly with some red wine before getting talked into checking out some of the delightful concoctions that they'd whipped up.
New Asia Bar
Soon enough only taipeiflyer, HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer and myself were left, and I'd decided to show them the best of SIN's nightlife. IMO no visit to SIN is complete without a visit to New Asia Bar, top floor of the Swissotel Stamford one of the tallest buildings around. Had sweeping views of SIN.
The bar itself was hopping on a Sat evening, and we wasted no time in hitting the dance floor.
taipeiflyer and HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer strutting their moves
L-R: A new friend, HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer, myself
We ran into QF cabin crew who've just flown in from London. 2nd time partying with QF crews on this trip (first time was in HKG earlier in the week where I met a member of the UK-base crew). I was surprised to find out that QF31/32 was still entirely operated by the SYD crew, apparently it's the only flight that doesn't have UK-based FAs operating the LON-Asia segment.
Insomnia @ CHIJMES
Pretty cheesy a venue but it was only a 5 mins walk from the Swissotel and we weren't feeling up to going somewhere much too far away. By this time we'd parted ways with taipeiflyer who'd decided to go to bed early in order to meet the nickbots before they left for the UK the following morning. So cousinoftaipeiflyer was entrusted to moi, and additionally we'd gained the company of the QF lot.
Think Dusk Till Dawn in HK, except the cover band retired pretty earlyish. And did not play Land Down Under despite several pleas from a variety of individuals. We had fun nonetheless, complete with dirty dancing with random strangers and bad karaoke singing. I was hoarse after Mr Brightside.
We had yet another taxi driver who didn't know where the St Regis was, and we'd even had to convince him that it isn't just a figment of the imaginations of a couple of drunks. He did eventually take us in the general direction of the hotel but was quite clueless as to its exact location. So HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer and I were left staggering up and down on the wrong side of Tanglin Rd at 5am. I even remember wandering out to Orchard (don't ask me how) but we eventually made it back to the hotel.
Next: New Majestic Hotel SIN
*in case anyone is wondering this isn't an actual forum id
Cold ones at the IC
As nickbot and mrs nickbot were in town, I'd swapped my overnight layover in HKG for one in SIN to catch up. taipeiflyer had also decided to make the journey down to meet the nickbots. After all, how many times do you get to catch up with friends from the other end of the planet hey. SQflyerGirl happened to be in nearby Johor Bahru for work and had decided to drive in for the night. And before you knew it we had a small SQTalk get-together with some SIN-based SQTalkers.
The plan was to have dinner at a hawker centre, but when i landed at SIN I'd received a text from nickbot about a change in plans since both were quite ill and had opted to host drinks in their room at the IC instead. So things didn't quite work out as planned but we had a jolly good time catching up all the same over a couple of drinks. I await the pics...
St Regis bar
Unfortunately poor taipeiflyer (you might recall that we flew down on different carriers) had not got the same text msg and we had a hard time tracking him down. When we finally did it was far too late for sleep was rather imminent for the nickbots. I'd managed to convince those who're still up and about to head over to the St Regis instead where taipeiflyer and HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer* were waiting.
L-R: SQFlyerGirl, myself, Kyo, taipeiflyer
Copyright SQFlyerGirl - reproduced with permission per mutual agreement that both of us look heaps better in this pic than the alternatives
Whatever thoughts I have about this hotel, it is simply undeniable that they've got some of the best bartenders in town! I started out rather boringly with some red wine before getting talked into checking out some of the delightful concoctions that they'd whipped up.
New Asia Bar
Soon enough only taipeiflyer, HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer and myself were left, and I'd decided to show them the best of SIN's nightlife. IMO no visit to SIN is complete without a visit to New Asia Bar, top floor of the Swissotel Stamford one of the tallest buildings around. Had sweeping views of SIN.
The bar itself was hopping on a Sat evening, and we wasted no time in hitting the dance floor.
taipeiflyer and HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer strutting their moves
L-R: A new friend, HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer, myself
We ran into QF cabin crew who've just flown in from London. 2nd time partying with QF crews on this trip (first time was in HKG earlier in the week where I met a member of the UK-base crew). I was surprised to find out that QF31/32 was still entirely operated by the SYD crew, apparently it's the only flight that doesn't have UK-based FAs operating the LON-Asia segment.
Insomnia @ CHIJMES
Pretty cheesy a venue but it was only a 5 mins walk from the Swissotel and we weren't feeling up to going somewhere much too far away. By this time we'd parted ways with taipeiflyer who'd decided to go to bed early in order to meet the nickbots before they left for the UK the following morning. So cousinoftaipeiflyer was entrusted to moi, and additionally we'd gained the company of the QF lot.
Think Dusk Till Dawn in HK, except the cover band retired pretty earlyish. And did not play Land Down Under despite several pleas from a variety of individuals. We had fun nonetheless, complete with dirty dancing with random strangers and bad karaoke singing. I was hoarse after Mr Brightside.
We had yet another taxi driver who didn't know where the St Regis was, and we'd even had to convince him that it isn't just a figment of the imaginations of a couple of drunks. He did eventually take us in the general direction of the hotel but was quite clueless as to its exact location. So HRH cousinoftaipeiflyer and I were left staggering up and down on the wrong side of Tanglin Rd at 5am. I even remember wandering out to Orchard (don't ask me how) but we eventually made it back to the hotel.
Next: New Majestic Hotel SIN
*in case anyone is wondering this isn't an actual forum id
Last edited:
Alanslegal
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2007
- Posts
- 5,238
Love the Night Out reports! Wanting to see more!
Maybe the St Regis staff would've carried you slightly tipsy guys to your room, if needed of course.
And the band didn't play Land Down Under?! such a bummer for a true blue aussie! How about Summer of 69? or YMCA?
Maybe the St Regis staff would've carried you slightly tipsy guys to your room, if needed of course.
And the band didn't play Land Down Under?! such a bummer for a true blue aussie! How about Summer of 69? or YMCA?
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NYCguy
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turtlemichael
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QF009 slightly tipsy? Never! :mrgreen:
JL712 SIN-NRT, 20JUL2008, Business Class
An 0820 departure time meant a 0650 check in time, I'd chosen this flight instead of the red eye to arrive in Tokyo on the same day, as Monday was a public holiday the clubs were certainly hopping on Sunday night. I happened to be staying with the grandparents who were a fair way away across the border in Malaysia so I'd to wake up by 0400 in order to leave the house by 0500. I thought it was easier to simply stay up the entire night given it was a Saturday night, and had drank the night away with some family friends at an expats' pub they owned (recently did the people of Johor Bahru a favour and had convinced them to bring in Little Creatures Pale Ale - wheee!).
I ended up arriving at Changi at approximately 0645, zero queuing at the check in counters. But check in took a while as the flight coupon, being the last coupon in a booklet of 4 and indeed the last coupon of the DONE4 I started in January, was barely legible(though tkt numbers and tariff info were clearly printed) and unlike previous check in agents this particular one decided to make a fuss out of it. Some frantic tapping and phoning ensued - eventually, 15 mins later, her supervisor okayed me.
I was directed to the SATS Premier Lounge, but I'd waltzed to the decidedly superior QF/BA J lounge instead, the decor of which makes it one of my favourite JCL lounges in the world. I was welcomed warmly by the friendly lounge staff, and was told to keep an eye out on the time as boarding calls were only made for QF and BA departures. Food that morning was disappointing however, no hot options and only some poxy cold brekkies items.
Today's flight was operated by a 772, with cradle style seats in JCL. Comfy enough for the day time flight I suppose, and I even dozed quite well in them. Would not want to be on those seats if flying overnight though. Cabin today was about 70% full, and the seat next to me was empty.
I was sternly told by one of the FAs to refrain from taking pics. The Senior Cabin Attendant however confirmed that there was no policy or regulation prohibiting me from taking pics when she came around to do her personal welcome so I continued snapping away happily.
No pre take off drinks on JL, bar service only commenced post take off. Had Piper Heidsieck NV for my first drink of the flight, along with the Amuse Bouche - sorry I'd eaten the salmon bit before taking the pic. The FA was rather patient in identifying every item on the tray since they weren't listed on the menu. That made me sound a bit like a PITA but I'd wanted to make sure shellfish wasn't on the agenda.
I had to choose the Western meal as I couldn't eat some of the items in the Japanese option, which was a shame as I really enjoyed the Japanese meals on flights (and JAL did a great job of it - about the only thing that makes them stand out IMO, at least in JCL) back when I could still eat shellfish. The meal was pretty average, but as I was v hungry I'd made a clean sweep of my tray. Both the Californian shiraz-cab and the Rhone did well to enhance the taste of the otherwise bland fish main course. Decided to skip dessert as I wanted to get some shut-eye in preparation for the evening's festivities.
Fell asleep after my meal and woke up about 90 mins before arrival - I'd missed the snack service.
Full menu here.
Apart from the no-pic naz_ (whose attitude is the subject of a complaint letter I shall shortly be sending to JL customer service), service onboard this flight was decent - a bit too formal for my liking (like NH) but not OTT unlike some other flights I've had. One can hardly blame them for that as formality and politeness is so integral to Japanese society and culture, especially bowing (my guide on a day tour I took to outside Tokyo last Feb explained to me the intricacies of bowing in Japan and apparently you're practically God if you're The Customer, note use of caps, in a transactional relationship). But at the same time that doesn't mean that I necessarily feel comfortable with it all, which often means I look at other carriers whenever possible as I prefer something far more laid back. Thankfully about everything else (food, shopping, nightlife) in Tokyo is simply wicked.
Next: Hilton Tokyo-Shinjuku; SQ11 NRT-SIN J; Transit Hotel SIN; SQ910 SIN-MNL F
An 0820 departure time meant a 0650 check in time, I'd chosen this flight instead of the red eye to arrive in Tokyo on the same day, as Monday was a public holiday the clubs were certainly hopping on Sunday night. I happened to be staying with the grandparents who were a fair way away across the border in Malaysia so I'd to wake up by 0400 in order to leave the house by 0500. I thought it was easier to simply stay up the entire night given it was a Saturday night, and had drank the night away with some family friends at an expats' pub they owned (recently did the people of Johor Bahru a favour and had convinced them to bring in Little Creatures Pale Ale - wheee!).
I ended up arriving at Changi at approximately 0645, zero queuing at the check in counters. But check in took a while as the flight coupon, being the last coupon in a booklet of 4 and indeed the last coupon of the DONE4 I started in January, was barely legible(though tkt numbers and tariff info were clearly printed) and unlike previous check in agents this particular one decided to make a fuss out of it. Some frantic tapping and phoning ensued - eventually, 15 mins later, her supervisor okayed me.
I was directed to the SATS Premier Lounge, but I'd waltzed to the decidedly superior QF/BA J lounge instead, the decor of which makes it one of my favourite JCL lounges in the world. I was welcomed warmly by the friendly lounge staff, and was told to keep an eye out on the time as boarding calls were only made for QF and BA departures. Food that morning was disappointing however, no hot options and only some poxy cold brekkies items.
Today's flight was operated by a 772, with cradle style seats in JCL. Comfy enough for the day time flight I suppose, and I even dozed quite well in them. Would not want to be on those seats if flying overnight though. Cabin today was about 70% full, and the seat next to me was empty.
I was sternly told by one of the FAs to refrain from taking pics. The Senior Cabin Attendant however confirmed that there was no policy or regulation prohibiting me from taking pics when she came around to do her personal welcome so I continued snapping away happily.
No pre take off drinks on JL, bar service only commenced post take off. Had Piper Heidsieck NV for my first drink of the flight, along with the Amuse Bouche - sorry I'd eaten the salmon bit before taking the pic. The FA was rather patient in identifying every item on the tray since they weren't listed on the menu. That made me sound a bit like a PITA but I'd wanted to make sure shellfish wasn't on the agenda.
I had to choose the Western meal as I couldn't eat some of the items in the Japanese option, which was a shame as I really enjoyed the Japanese meals on flights (and JAL did a great job of it - about the only thing that makes them stand out IMO, at least in JCL) back when I could still eat shellfish. The meal was pretty average, but as I was v hungry I'd made a clean sweep of my tray. Both the Californian shiraz-cab and the Rhone did well to enhance the taste of the otherwise bland fish main course. Decided to skip dessert as I wanted to get some shut-eye in preparation for the evening's festivities.
Fell asleep after my meal and woke up about 90 mins before arrival - I'd missed the snack service.
Full menu here.
Apart from the no-pic naz_ (whose attitude is the subject of a complaint letter I shall shortly be sending to JL customer service), service onboard this flight was decent - a bit too formal for my liking (like NH) but not OTT unlike some other flights I've had. One can hardly blame them for that as formality and politeness is so integral to Japanese society and culture, especially bowing (my guide on a day tour I took to outside Tokyo last Feb explained to me the intricacies of bowing in Japan and apparently you're practically God if you're The Customer, note use of caps, in a transactional relationship). But at the same time that doesn't mean that I necessarily feel comfortable with it all, which often means I look at other carriers whenever possible as I prefer something far more laid back. Thankfully about everything else (food, shopping, nightlife) in Tokyo is simply wicked.
Next: Hilton Tokyo-Shinjuku; SQ11 NRT-SIN J; Transit Hotel SIN; SQ910 SIN-MNL F
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The Hilton Tokyo
Shinjuku
Not much has changed since my last stay here in January 2008, so I'm going to be brief with this update. Managed to have some brekkies at the Executive lounge this time - not many options and almost entirely Western alas, but at least hot and there were pancakes. I do like to jazz up my scrambled eggs with something exotic when in Japan.
I've by now made this my 'home' hotel in Tokyo as everything about it is just ideal and value for money, most importantly it's in Shinjuku where the clubs I frequent are.
Now was that the shortest update I've ever done or what.
Next: SQ11 NRT-SIN J; Transit Hotel SIN; SQ910 SIN-MNL F; The InterContinental Makati Manila
Shinjuku
Not much has changed since my last stay here in January 2008, so I'm going to be brief with this update. Managed to have some brekkies at the Executive lounge this time - not many options and almost entirely Western alas, but at least hot and there were pancakes. I do like to jazz up my scrambled eggs with something exotic when in Japan.
I've by now made this my 'home' hotel in Tokyo as everything about it is just ideal and value for money, most importantly it's in Shinjuku where the clubs I frequent are.
Now was that the shortest update I've ever done or what.
Next: SQ11 NRT-SIN J; Transit Hotel SIN; SQ910 SIN-MNL F; The InterContinental Makati Manila
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