Oasis in the Copper Belt

[Steady]

I’m now airside and in the lounge thanks to Priority Pass but I’m having trouble posting so will update this later

 

[Steady]

Airside

 

[Steady]

The lounge is exclusive- must just be me














Didn’t go much on the SA wines, tried Cab, Cab Merlot, and Shiraz

 

[Steady]

Hot food and drinks came from the airside restaurant

Fries and a Russian?

 

[RooFlyer]

Didn’t go much on the SA wines, tried Cab, Cab Merlot, and Shiraz

And the pinotage, surely?

 

[Steady]

And the pinotage, surely?

They didn’t have a Pinotage to try

 

[Steady]

They didn’t have a Pinotage to try

But they did on my ET flights - it was ok but….. of the 4 wines I sampled my favourite was the Canadian ice wine - don’t think I’ve ever had an ice wine before and I don’t often drink sweet wines but it hit the spot with cheese - but the Cognac did also

Pommery PDB




I went with the braised veal cheeks - assuming it would be a safe bet…..





The kids in J at least were given these quite substantial backpacks




The veggies were good - the meat was quite “firm”

 

[Steady]

ADD airside was busy




Some of the lounge offerings = I rated the duck breast highly

 

[Steady]

My office 2L ADD-DEL - old 787 seats without direct isle access but I managed



Lovely coloured blankets and slippers










I went with the mutton stew - it was tasty and tender

 

[Steady]

I managed maybe 4 hours sleep, arrival into DEL was quick and painless - I made my way past all the taxi touts and caught an Uber to the Pullman arriving at ~9.15`am, I went to the restaurant and bought some water and caught up on what is happening and then went to check in - I was granted an early check in and was in my room by 10.20 and had a couple of hours sleep



The executive lounge was empty when I went for a look - I’m sure it will be different at 6 for happy hour….






My office right now as I update this TR


Tomorrow is R to SIN departing at 21.55 - it’s going to be another long day

 

[Steady]

Some fruit was delivered to my room mid afternoon. The ET amenity kits handed out on every flight I took
The lounge snacks, the red from Chile was not too shabby

















Not quite Purr-fect but respectable

 

[Steady]

My view from the Pullman was much the same as 2 weeks earlier but with a steel brace. Right at eye height - I was granted a 5 1/2 hour early check in and 3 hour late check out so really have no complaints and have to recommend their service

I caught an Uber to the airport - $6 - but the driver spent the entire trip trying to make me pay additional cash (INR290) for the airport tax - made it not so pleasant.

I had a first escort through immigration and security to the Encalm Prive lounge - and waited until she returned to take me to the gate.










I skipped the Indian wines and had a couple of the house Prosecco

 

[Steady]

I agree with @Cruiser Elite that 1A isn’t my preferred seat in SQ R, 2F was good and I will try 2A tonight
I abstained from a PDB until after takeoff when Champagne became available, I started with a side by side of the two offerings- neither took my fancy






I had Chardonnay with the Caviar and following lobster and pearl barley salad






Then had the French red with my main - it wasn’t a good pairing and I didn’t really enjoy the wine or the main but both were my choice


I had planned on finishing with the ‘18 Elderton Command and sitting on 1 or 2 for the remainder of the flight but I was told they ran out. I a still disappointed. I was offered the Pinot Noir and went with it but after a big French red it was lost and also not enjoyable

 

[Steady]

the coffee and praline’s were pretty good, for those who are interested- this is the larger of the 2 rest rooms. I arrived at around 6am and couldn’t check into the hotel until 3pm so stopped by the private room, had a toasted sandwich and a tea then used a snooze room - I didn’t manage to sleep at all and just felt worse (I didn’t sleep on the flight and hate redeyes) I had a long shower, then had a few coffee’s and some breakfast, then just sat quietly until about 11.30 when I headed off to find my luggage and catch a Grab to the hotel. I was given a different room than I had booked at 12.30.


My redeye office




















The view from my room

 

[Steady]

I didn’t feel like sleeping so ventured out to the nearby Tekka Centre for some hawkers food





SGD$5 roast chicken n pork rice with broth


Then I took the MTR to Chinatown to another market I like






Sugarcane juice


Trio of meats