Last minute points trip to London

[andye]

My sister gave me a lift to the Down Hall hotel in Hatfield Heath. Nice spot

 

[andye]

The reunion had all the expected aspects:

-Nerves when getting changed in room and before the first conversations
-Nerves melting with beer, wine and spirits
-Shared triumphs, trials and tribulations of our teenagers
-Some unexpected marriages, some expected and unexpected divorces
-Some expected and unexpected professors
-Ghosts of girlfriends past
-Stories of mischief and mayhem (fortunately in a world before ubiquitous cameras)
-Lost hair and crocked knees
-Amazement that some haven't aged at all
-Dancing like you think you're still 21
-Undying love for all in the small hours of the morning
-etc

But also how our medical school cameraderie helped us all survive the (often brutal) life of a junior doctor in the UK NHS in the 1980s and 90s.

All in all, an excellent decision to make the trip

 

[andye]

I'd left the bar at just after 4am but needed to be at the train station by 9am. A few hours sleep (my first for 23 hours), I woke up bleary but early. Even had time for brekky

 

[andye]

Shared a taxi with an old friend who was a real character from back in the day.
Changed to the Victoria line and only then realised I hadnt double checked I had my passport. Cue frantic search at Victoria station-phew!

 

[andye]

The Gatwick Express isnt much quicker than the standard train and is pricier. At least I got a seat, unlike the Heathrow version.

CX check-in at LGW seems to be kiosk only. I was on 2 PNRs but made the mistake of not checking in for my second leg which I would have done if there had been a desk.

As I was HLO, I didn't need to join the bag-drop queue. I was quite speedy through security and was soon in the BA lounge.

 

[daft009]

What a top effort lol..4am finish and 9am starting the return journey

 

[andye]

The BA lounge is on the second floor. It has good tarmac views along the length. Had a number of much-needed glasses of water beofre a glass of Castelnau champagne with toast and marmite. A good reviver. I liked the lounge but the general food options were BA-uninspiring

 

[andye]

LGW-HKG with CX was on an A350. My window seat was in 2-row area just after turning right. The seat, food, entertainment, service and most importantly sleep were all top-drawer. Easily the best flight of the trip

 

[andye]

Arrived in HKG. Went to the transit desk for my last flight. It was in Y+ and as I'd feared, there were only middle seats available. Put in a request and went through security to the lounges.
First time in a while that I've not had access to the CX lounges. Went to the Amex Centurion lounge. The decor is similar to SYD. There are a number of zones. No noodle bar but a well-stocked bar (similar to LAS). I was keen on a shower but no slots until post-departure.


Off to the Plaza Premium...

 

[andye]

The Plaza Premium is zoned with a noodle bar and various seating areas. As far as I could work out, the bar is pay! I must say I didn't ask specifically but I wasnt offered vouchers. Anyway, although they seem to have at least one shower there, I was sent to the Aerofresh shower area with a chit-its between the Amex and the United lounge. All good.

Given the drink situation noted above, I went directly back to the Amex Centurion lounge where I had some Mumm and prawn dumplings. Although it was moderately busy, I liked that they had staff wandering around offering refills

 

[andye]

The home leg was on a 777. I got a red beep at the gate. Bittersweet-I did get a window but still in Y+.
The seat was comfortable enough and an improvement on Y. Entertainment was fine but the food looked Y standard (I didnt eat anything). The wine was a big step down from J. Still, I slept a few more hours and it was still a reasonable way to travel.

 

[andye]

Was through SYD in record time allowing for the obligatory gin and toblerone stop.

The fabulous mrsandye was at arrivals with mstrandye1 to meet me.

It had been a cracking trip and I've been left with a real spring in my step since.

I was reminded of the Michael Apted 7up series in that even though people may have new life events, their underlying personalities shine through the years.

One advantage of flying for twice as long as you've stayed is that I didnt have any perceptible jetlag.

As I've said elsewhere, I wouldnt have had a hope of doing this if it hadn't been for all I've learnt from the collective posts from AFF members-bravo to you all

 

[clipped_wings]

@andye what a fabulous report! I take my hat off to you for braving such an epic journey in that remarkable time frame. Glad you had a great time at the reunion. I can certainly sympathize with you regarding the anxiety - I cringed when I entered the room for mine many years ago.

Welcome home safe and sound

 

[mrsterryn]

Sounds amazing well done

 

[Rugby]

Well played andye - great effort!

 

[OZDUCK]

Seemed like a fun trip - thank you.

 

[VPS]

You have way more stamina than I have but good on you. It's amazing what adrenalin can do to someone

 

[andye]

You have way more stamina than I have but good on you. It's amazing what adrenalin can do to someone

I'm often out like a light on the sofa at the end of the week, but you are right-the adrenaline does kick in

 

[craven morehead]

What a fantastic effort !!