Awoke early and got the 0745 shuttle back to the airport.We had our BPs so straight to security then Immigration.Quite long lines but moved reasonably quickly.A quick look at the board and our flight was closer to the Wing than Pier so straight to the Wing F lounge.Started off in the restaurant for breakfast.I failed as an AFFer as I once again turned down the champagne.
Then caught up with my emails and AFF.A glass of SB before making our way to the gate.This had moved out to 49 so off on the train.Boarding was a little late.The gate was crowded and very hot as was the plane when we boarded.We got held up at the secondary screening.An Indian couple who had walked to the gate needed wheelchairs to board so were ahead of us.They looked younger than us.The problem was the woman was refusing to open her bags for inspection.Was using the I don't speak English argument.A senior officer was watching and eventually walked over and said-"I know you can speak English so open your bags or you are not getting on this plane."She opened her bags.
However it is about time Australia got rid of this stupid rule as it is definitely not a security issue.
J was virtually full.There was an infant in 11A and 2 young children in 14D,G.However they had a good reason as they let all know they were going to Australia to see their grandparents.But worse than that was once again having everyone going past you.A women with a back pack nearly as big as the one I had in my bushwalking days turned quickly and very nearly KO'd me.Sorry but I dislike people with back packs.
CX157. HKG-BNE. ETD-1250. Push back-1305. Take off-1317. Seats 12D,G. A330.
ETA-2325. Landed-2309. At gate-2314.
Captain Phil Morrissey-sounded like an Aussie.Champagne was served as soon as I was seated and made up for not having any in the lounge by having a second glass.Lunch was served soon after we took off-sorry but menu was downloaded to my home computer and card then wiped.I had the vegetarian option which I thought was very good.Still had the French red with that.
After lunch I watched the episodes of Still Open All Hours that I didn't watch on the BKK leg.I then tried to sleep but I find the CX seat narrow and find it hard to fit my feet into the recess.On top of that the youngsters behind me were having an animated discussion so I gave up.As well Mr 12A kept his light on all flight as well as using his computer which was turned towards me.I then watched the few episodes of the Original Open All Hours-as usual with good British comedy it is still funny all these years later.
I then watched Still Alice a story of early onset dementia-very confronting but a well told story.Well as I remember it anyway.
It was then time for supper.I had the duck in red curry.Once again not an appealing presentation but very tasty.In a little early.Straight through Immigration and priority baggage worked!So soon in the limo for home.
Now one last thing the infant in 11A was a credit to his mother.She was fantastic settling her child down very quickly if it stirred.I did congratulate her on having such a wonderful child.
So the saga has come to an end.I may do a summary but first it is back to my tax work.Next trip starts mid September and does include Cuba.Stay tuned.
