Old and New England with Scotland.The cripples on tour.

[drron]

Saturday.After a typical Hilton UK breakfast we went shopping.There is a Pedestrian Mall very near the HGI and you go through 3 under cover malls virtually in a row.I picked up a pair of shorts and a pair of trousers in just the right shade of pink.Right opposite Marks and Sparks is a church-

.

And just up the mall the Scottish independence campaigners were at work-

.

Saw a fair bit of advertising for the Yes vote but none for the No vote.It will not surprise me if the vote is for Indepence.
After the shopping we went for a drive along Aberdeen "beach".

.

.

And off shore the reason for Aberdeen's current prosperity-The North Sea oil and gas support.

.

 

[drron]

So after our shopping and our beach drive we continued north on A90 and came to this place-

.

.

So I went over to the starter and asked if I could walk some of the course.No problems just stick to the cart paths and I will let security know you are out there.
Now this is a private golf course on probably the busiest day of the year so I was amazed at this reply.Definitely would not happen back home.So here is the first hole-the group are teeing off at the social tee over the hill to the right.The group in front have all gone into the rough in what I would think is a forlorn hope of finding a ball-

.

.

I doubt that I have enough golf balls to finish a round here.Now the 18th green-

.

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Some more shots of the course-

.

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And you can stay at their lodge-

.

After this we drove inland.Came across a sign for the airport so thought we should take it.Dropping mrsdrron and the luggage at the terminal I then dropped of the car at Avis.It was a fair hike to the terminal.I came across the first example of the attitude of Aberdeen's workers.The agent started pointing out every scratch-though it was a little difficult as we had been targeted by the Royal Aberdeen seagull squadron and the car was coverered in white splotches.I gave her the initial damage report but still she insisted on continuing her inspection until I told her I had also taken photos of all the damage.She then signed off on the return.

Now we were early for our flight.It was 1430 and checkin for our flight didn't start until 1630 but there was another flight at 1615 which appeared to be lightly loaded according to ba.com so I went to the agent to ask if we could get on the earlier flight.She said unless you can tell me you have a fare that is fully flexible there is nothing more I can do.Well I tried but I guessed that an AA award ticket was not going to get me far.

 

[drron]

After the knockback we went to the Weatherstone bar and had a late lunch.Mrsdrron had a regular burger and a glass of SB.I had a highland burger that had haggis and whiskey sauce as well as a beef pattie.I had a bottle of cider and it came to 29GBP.

.

.

Whilst having lunch mrsdrron noticed a couple of likely lads downing quite a few beers.When they left for their flight one coud hardly stand.Just before we left she noticed 2 of Scotland's finest coming quickly into the terminal.We went to the BA checkin but still about 15 minutes before checkin there were the 2 likely lads,the police and 2 Menzies aviation agents.The lads had been denied boarding and obviously had got upset.They were both being issued with a ticket.One wanted to continue arguing and dropped a couple of expletives to which the female officer said this is a public place and if you say that once more you will be seeing our station.He still continued to argue saying he wouldn't pay the fine and he would see them in court.So those UK aviation shows really are reality.:shock:

At the toilet in the pub and again in the BA lounge were these signs-

.

.

They were ads for Oil careers.
Finally checked in.Although no one else going through security the agent insisted we go through the premium line.Another fellow in a suit came behind us so I advised him to go acroos to the general line as we would cause a hold up which we sure did.For the only time mrsdrron had to take off her moon boot.Both of us got the full pat down and wanding and our bags checked.So if flying out of ABZ they are quite officious.
Then to the BA lounge.Some sandwhiches and crisps but 3 reds and 3 whites including a Marlborough SB so mrsdrron was happy.

 

[Princess Fiona]

After the knockback we went to the Weatherstone bar and had a late lunch.Mrsdrron had a regular burger and a glass of SB.I had a highland burger that had haggis and whiskey sauce as well as a beef pattie.I had a bottle of cider and it came to 29GBP.

.

.

Whilst having lunch mrsdrron noticed a couple of likely lads downing quite a few beers.When they left for their flight one coud hardly stand.Just before we left she noticed 2 of Scotland's finest coming quickly into the terminal.We went to the BA checkin but still about 15 minutes before checkin there were the 2 likely lads,the police and 2 Menzies aviation agents.The lads had been denied boarding and obviously had got upset.They were both being issued with a ticket.One wanted to continue arguing and dropped a couple of expletives to which the female officer said this is a public place and if you say that once more you will be seeing our station.He still continued to argue saying he wouldn't pay the fine and he would see them in court.So those UK aviation shows really are reality.:shock:

At the toilet in the pub and again in the BA lounge were these signs-

.

.

They were ads for Oil careers.
Finally checked in.Although no one else going through security the agent insisted we go through the premium line.Another fellow in a suit came behind us so I advised him to go acroos to the general line as we would cause a hold up which we sure did.For the only time mrsdrron had to take off her moon boot.Both of us got the full pat down and wanding and our bags checked.So if flying out of ABZ they are quite officious.
Then to the BA lounge.Some sandwhiches and crisps but 3 reds and 3 whites including a Marlborough SB so mrsdrron was happy.

Does EDI have a whisky snug the same as GLA?
The whisky snug in the BA lounge in GLA is quite cute.

 

[drron]

Sorry didn't go looking for any whisky.And we were flying out of ABZ so I doubt it.
There is one passenger terminal and 3 helicopter terminals to supply the offshore oil rigs.It is the busiest heliport in the world.
We went to the gate early as no airbridges so to climb the stairs mrsdrron needed a good headstart.It was a light load and an all economy configuration on an A319.The first 7 rows on the ABC side were convertible but the longer armrests were up and 4 of those 7 rows had 3 pax.We were in 6E,F.I had the middle seat and no shadows.

BA1315. ABZ-LHR. ETD-1830. PB-1820. Take off-1822.
ETA-1935. Landed-1930. At gate-1938.
There was an alcohol service though we declined and you got a small packet of crisps or a bikkie.No dramas.We had a great view of central London on approach but very smoggy.No holding pattern we went straight in.
We had booked a wheelchair for mrsdrron at LHR.I went ahead and got the bags-last off.After about 30 minutes mrsdrron appeared but no wheelchair had turned up.Fortunately a short walk to the taxi rank at T4.We decided on a taxi instead of the hoppa.Much easier for mrsdrron and especially with the baggage-18GBP to the Sheraton Skyline.Most reviews are not positive of the Sheratons at LHR but we were quite OK with the standard.It does have an EL but unfortunately we arrived just as happy hour finished.But we got a welcome bottle of wine which we were able to change for a Sauvignon Blanc so really didn't miss much.

So our room-

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.

.

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No view though.Was quiet enough and had a decent sleep.We were able to have a light brekkie in the EL but left enough room for our visit to the Concorde Room.That next.

 

[drron]

On checkout found the Hotel car cost the same as the taxi so went with the air conditioned Merc rather than a London cab.Unfortunately the F checkin was at the other end of Terminal 5 to the end we were dropped at.We got to the F checkin at 0930 and our flight was up as checkin begins at 1020.No problems.The agent at the entrance to the F checkin on seeing mrsdrron's moon boot came out,told us to sit down and took our bags to the checkin counter and came back with our BPs.No complaints with that service.
As we were leaving the F checkin this young redhead pushed me out of the way.I hadn't a clue who he was but mrsdrron recognised him as Ed Sheeran.The web photos confirmed that.No queue at premium check in.Mrsdrron didn't set off the alarm but I underwent the usual pat down and wanding.As soon as you come out of security there is one entrance to the Concorde room.So straight in and at first out to the viewing area to check emails and read the paper.

When we decided to go into the dining area again a fellow walked past who mrsdrron recognised as David Walliams-this time as soon as she told me I did recognised him.Now I felt the Concorde room was rather large,pretty crowded and impersonal.I was hoping for a lot more from the food offerings.So here is the menu-

.

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Again my personal opinion was that this isn't as good as the QF SYD Flounge.I also find the atmosphere of the Flagship lounge at JFK is better though the food there is nothing.Mrsdron had the Asparagus and then the summer pudding-

.

.

She had better asparagus in Scotland and the pudding was tart.I had the BA burger and the cheese plate.OK but not remarkable-

.

.

One area where BA wins is the wine.Mrsdrron is happy with her SB but I had a 2004 Chateau Haute-Bergey Bordeaux.It was very good.
An interesting incident when an American approached the dining area asking for a seat and with a few GB pounds in his hand.The manager walked past and said put your money away sir.She came back a few minutes later making sure the staff had not accepted anything.

The flight was delayed by 45 minutes so a wheelchair was booked for 1300 as we were going to the C gates and boarding to start at 1330.We sat near the front desk and it was a very good people watching area.Lots of people brought in by BA staff though neither of us recognised anyone.Also a regular stream of OWEs being turned away some putting on good but ineffectual DYKWIA acts.

Now although BA staff were very good BAA staff were the opposite.After 3 phone calls and the board showing our flight boarding the wheelchair turned up at 1325.We got to the gate at 1345 just as they were about to close the front door and with just a handful of Y pax to board.We were the last F pax to board and fortunately they let us board by the front door.We had seats 1D,E.I really needed that glass of champagne.Didn't really care what it was but I was given the Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle.

 

[RooFlyer]

Did you notice the duty free at ABZ? I thought I had foregone the opportunity to get some lesser-known whiskeys before I left Scotland (mis-timed a visit to a specialist whiskey shop in Aberdeen) so was very pleasantly surprised to be able to buy duty free before my flight to LHR (except I had to claim the duty back only as I was departing the EU).

 

[drron]

Sorry rooflyer I wasn't looking for whiskies known or unknown.As the name implies(in Spanish) rum is my drink.

BA005. LHR-NRT. ETD-1330. Push back-1402. Take off-1419.
ETA-0920. Landed-0905. At gate-0920.
Seats 1D,E.

The crew is very good.The woman serving my side was very friendly but professional.Her partner is currently working in Mooloolaba.Small world indeed.Now as we have a right to know why a delay occurredp) the captain let us know we were late due to the late arrival of the aircraft.After take off we are given the best warm nuts I have ever had on a plane,but then I love honey roasted cashews.
A very good wine selection and they had sufficient of them all.

.

.

.

Mrsdrron had the Pinot Gris and I had the 2004 Chateau La Grange-now how could I resist that name.It was very good.The Menu-

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.

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They first served an amusee bouche.It was described as a watermelon and feta salad but should really have been called onion and cucumber-

.

We both had the Japanese starter which we enjoyed-

.

Mrsdrron then went to sleep.I had the guinea fowl and it was nice.So tired I forgot to take a picture.So after the main course off I went.Only a fitful sleep.When I awoke did a few soduko.The FAs were great.Always checking if you wanted something if awake,friendly and always smiling.Mrsdrron had a long chat with the FA about the Sunshine Coast-so keep your eyes peeled amaroo at Hungry Feel or Harvest.Though more likely to pick her by the accent!

 

[drron]

Before arrival we had breakfast.This is what I call a breakfast menu-

.

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You must go with tradition-

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And here is the foot shot though the feet didn't make it-

.

Had another long chat with the FA when waiting to deplane and again when she caught us up as we were exiting the terminal.A really superior F experience from BA.The only disappointment is no reply when I emailed customer relations with the praise for the crew.

With typical Japanese efficiency the wheelchair was waiting at the door so no delay deplaning.Taken through the diplomatic channel at Immigration hence beating everyone to the carousel.The bags started to come out as we arrived,ours were 1 and 2.Only problem was having to wait 25 minues for the Hilton shuttle.Able to check in early and given a room on the top floor but not an airport room.As last time I asked if we could get the internet with my gold status.This time the agent took my HH card and looked up my account-I probably have had ` 20 stays here.He apologised and said no upgraded room available and offered brekkie as well.Said no all we wanted was the internet so everyone was happy.

We both had a shower then went to the Aeon shopping mall.Went to the 100 yen shop then some sushi for lunch.Shuttle back to the hotel arriving ~ 1600.We were exhausted so off to bed.I had a 3 hour nap,mrsdrron ~ 6 hours.Back to sleep at 0200 and woken by 0600 wake up call.

Next-off to BKK.

 

[drron]

Monday and off on the 0700 shuttle back to NRT.No problems with check in-both bags 24.4 Kg.Going to security fast track was closed.No problems only us and a Japanese businessman going through with 2 agents.Naturally we both set off the alarm at security.Mrsdrron keeps getting asked what's inside the boot and she keeps answering -My leg!
I get the best proposition I have had for many years-the young Japanese female security agent asks if she can feel me up.come to think of it this is the only time I have had this asked of me.I said with pleasure.Typical Japanese efficiency it really was a complete pat down.I got a really good head and neck massage as well as my right leg.
Again the feeling of travelling too much-quite happy to go to the CX lounge.Just want a place away from the crowds.The wheelchair to the plane is booked for 0840 and it turns up right on 0840.We are on a 772.New regional seats.We are 14A,C

.

.

CX 509. NRT-HKG. ETD-0935. Push back-0923. take off-0940.
ETA-1315. Landed-1250. At gate-1255.

Good recognition as is usual on CX.The CSM knows who the plat is.She asks if we would like the meal delay and we readily agree as it is now only1000.Though we do agree to have a drink.After all it is 5 O'clock somewhere.Just as well the meal is delayed as we hit some severe turbulence

.

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I had the champagne on boarding then switched to the French red.Mrsdrron had the Spy Valley.

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The starters were reasonable.Mrsdrron then had the pork loin and I had the chilli prawns with some extra chilli sauce.The mains are OK,not brilliant.

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Then an icecream for dessert.I listen to the Best of Queen and do a few more soduko that I have collected over the last 3 weeks.Was turbulent again coming into HKG.Their are 2 wheelchair pax in J.The cabin is less than half full and down the back appeared lightly loaded as well.The other J pax get off first and then the 2 wheelchairs before anyone else gets off.Great having the wheelchair as we get taken through a crew security and miss the long transit lines.Very sensible woman deals with me at security.Wands me first,points to my knee and says "metal".I say yes and off I go.The men spoil it though by claiming there are tweezers in 2 of our carryons.There aren't but our bags get the full search.
We are then taken to the Flounge at the Wing.
That next.

 

[craven morehead]

Same thing happened to me re: F being at the other end of the terminal. I guess if I had of been DYKWIA enough to mention to the cabbie that I was flying F he may or may not have known the F check-in was separate. drron what did you think of the new F on BA ? Very nice , not quite as roomy as the old maybe. :mrgreen: CM

 

[amaroo]

...............

I felt the Concorde room was rather large, pretty crowded and impersonal.

Again my personal opinion was that this isn't as good as the QF SYD Flounge. OK but not remarkable-

Couldn't agree more.

Country Club look and ambience coupled with an Eastern Bloc service level and attitude.

 

[drron]

Same thing happened to me re: F being at the other end of the terminal. I guess if I had of been DYKWIA enough to mention to the cabbie that I was flying F he may or may not have known the F check-in was separate. drron what did you think of the new F on BA ? Very nice , not quite as roomy as the old maybe. :mrgreen: CM

The old BA F that I experienced was one of the last flights with F BNE-SIN so more rightly called Ancient BA F.
Certainly I prefer the new AA 773 F suite to BAs F.

 

[drron]

If Mrsdrron was not in the wheelchair we would probably have gone straight to the next gate-might have had to without the quicker trip through security.As it was we only had 25 minutes in the Flounge before being picked up again.The lounge was really full.We both had a cappuccino and a visit to the loo.
We were initially going to go from Gate 1 but the Perth flight had taken that gate-CX buttering up the Sandgropers?Now it was Gate 30 so a bit of a trek.Arrived just in time to be preboarded.
CX 751. HKG-BKK. ETD-1425. Push back-1442. Take off-1502.
ETA-1620. Landed-1620. At gate-1631.

Initially we had seats 14 D,F on a 772.We pick this flight as it goes on to India hence a long haul set up.However this time there was a change of aircraft to an A340.So now 14 E,K with the old herringbone config.Fortunately the lady in 12 E spontaneously volunteered to swap so we were side by side although hidden from each other.I dislike this seat but mrsdrron hates it.
Service was fairly typical CX.Efficient but without the spontaneity you get with good BA,AA or QF crews.So to the wine list and menu-

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So I had a glass of champagne on boarding and then switched to the Beaujolais.Mrsdrron once again had the Spy Valley SB which was also available.The starter was nice-

.

Mrsdrron had the beef and I had the mussaman chicken.Didn't look great but tasted OK.

.

I then fortunately went to sleep and woke with the Captain's announcement for the FAs to take their seats for landing.So obviously an uneventful flight.
The same 2 J wheelchair pax-so who else was taking their last opportunity to maximise SCs?Wheelchairs at the door.Certainly appreciated that for mrsdrron as CX uses gate G4 at virtually the longest distance from Immigration.Taken to the Wheelchair channel and no waiting-beat the fast track pax.Interestingly you can use this if over 70-so just 3 more years to go!.
The bags were coming out as we got to the carousel.ours came out ~ at the end of the first third.
Bangkok next.

 

[drron]

This post will be basically about the SGS ib Bangkok and why it is now my preferred hotel.
We now get the hotel car for our transfers.Sure it is way more expensive but no worries about scams and a much better level of comfort.At BKK the situation has altered for hotel pickups.Previously as you exited you would see all the hotel reps.This is at Gate 9.Now all the hotel reps have to gather at Gate 5 so a bit of a walk.Fortunately mrsdrron still has a wheelchair.As we pass Gate 7 a fellow breaks from the ranks and runs towards us.By the time he is at Gate 6 I recognise him as the SGS rep even though I cant see his sign.He takes the trolley from me and in a sign that we really do travel too much he says I have been meeting you ever since you have been coming to the SGS.Can I call you Ron?Very nice,I have arrived!

Nice trip in.The mercs do go a bit slower than the taxis which is much more relaxing.Also with the hotel transfer you are met at the door and taken to your room for checkin.No suite upgrade this time as we didn't apply SNAs to the booking because we are perfectly happy with the Grande deluxe rooms-even though we have been in one only once before.This time though it is a renovated room-

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The green bath tiles are still there which we are not worried about.Also a bigger safe which also has a universal charger in it.

We are just in time after unpacking for Happy hour in the Living Room.Only 1 of the old crew working.Also the Hotel Manager,Matthias,has been promoted to a GM position in Korea and because of the downturn has not been replaced.We therefore meet the Sales and Marketing manager who is filling in.Another really nice fellow.
Unfortunately their Thai restaurant is closed so no soft shell crab.Instead we content ourselves with scallops on a cauliflower puree with vanilla and foie gras on a pumpkin bed.Both beautiful-

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Now for the best parts.We expressed disappointment on the first night that we were not able to have soft shell crab.The next night as we entered the Living room we were told that soft shell crab was available.It came though with a chilli sauce.Mrsdrron said she preferred tamarind sauce so after that tamarind sauce it was.Here it is with the chilli sauce-

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So it is the soft product and service that keeps bringing us back.Lots more examples such as saying we really love mangosteens so our fruit bowl the next day is mangosteens or the GM taking an hour of his day off to show us initially the prototypes for the renovations,the doormen knowing our names.It just all adds up to us enjoying this place a lot.

 

[PointyEnd]

Many years ago I won a competition in London for my father & I to experience the famous Highland Games in Braemar as guests of Glenfiddich. I remember the drive from Aberdeen to Braemar well- SO beautiful, so I read your report with more than just a tinge of envy . I also remember the friendliness and hospitality of the Scots which after having London as a benchmark, blew me away! I'm a rum drinker too, but will always have a soft spot for a wee dram of Speyside single malt....
Here's one of the remaining images I took at the games...

Great ongoing report drron!!

 

[drron]

PointyEnd I will definitely have to keep an eye on Glenfiddich to see if they run that competition again!.

So just a little about Bangkok.This will not be about any of the major tourist attractions.They have already been done.This is approx. our 40th visit to Bangkok and our 14th at the SGS.
The first day it was across the road to Robinson's one of the department stores.Not really interested this time but often good buys in Children's clothing including French brands.Today it was down to the basement for a massage-300B for an hour-$10.We though usually tip the girls 100B.This time it was a head and neck massage for both of us.Then into the Top's supermarket for some Mangosteens-less than $2 for 1.5Kg.

Day 2 and we caught the Skytrain up to the Paragon centre.A lot of shops closed and now many car dealerships.Lots of military walking around as well.Went down to the food court and this was very disappointing.The quality has gone downhill and I don't think we will be going back soon.However bought some really nice large lychees and some cheap curry mixes.

Day 3 and back for another massage.Mrsdrron again had the head and neck and I had a great foot massage.Then across to Terminal 21 to the Fuji Restaurant on the 4th floor.This has become a regular for us.Reasonably priced Japanese food and the garlic mushrooms are great.Then buy some more mangosteens.

Day 4.A pool day with a visit to the terminal 21 food court on the 5th floor.Now much better than the Paragon.We particularly love the Oyster omelettes for 50B-

.

The same stall also does a reasonable Pad Thai for 30B-

.

That night mrsdrron went to sleep as usual ~ 2100.I was still feeling awake so went to the show with the regular SGS Jazz trio with Neil Stubenhaus.A really good jazz session.We knowall the musicians that perform at the Living Room so they come and have a chat with me.So it ends up that in the break between the sets I am sitting at the bar talking to Neil.Boy has he performed with some greats.He started the show with a tribute to Bobby Womack who had died the day before.He played and sant-"It's All Over Now".
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0RJMBASvOJI/U6_AOnnllfI/AAAAAAABWVk/LQKZ-xx_VX8/s400/DSC06471-001.JPG.

Day 5 and complete relaxation.Went to Terminal 21 for a late lunch again at the Food Court.3 days meals there cost 402B-$13.40.Cant get much better than that.

Next-our first MAS flight for 10 years and our last before 30/6.

 

[drron]

So Monday comes and the last day of June.Time to head to KL.Wake up call at 0600.A last great brekkie at the Orchid café-this is one time when the hotel brekkie trumps any lounge.Then in the car to the airport at 0800.Arrived at 0825 and checkin opened 0835.
However a big problem-9 young Australians and 1 older Aussie in the J line.We ended up going to the Y lines checking in afterall the Y pax that were there but before the Aussie group was finished.The older guy and 5 of the younger guys were in J and in the lounge-MAS uses the TG lounge.They were discussing how to get their mates into the lounge-4 had QFF status(noted 2 SG and 1 WP tags).Should I have told them if they went to the QP all of them could have got in?

By then we had heard a lot of the story.1 was getting married in Bali and that's where they were headed.They had spent a few days in coughet as a buck's party.Lots of sordid stories being told.At one stage the older guy-self identified as the father of the groom-Said behave yourselves.I just want you to last another 2 days without being arrested.
So travelling J on a full service airline does not mean the trip will be bogan free.

MH785. BKK-KUL. ETD-1105. Push back-1105. take off-1122.
ETA-1415. Landed-1403. At gate-1414.

B738.Seats 2A,C.However the numbers on our seats didn't correspond to the row numbers-

.

.

I noticed 1D was also in seat 6E!The seats were virtually identical to AA's MD80 domestic F seat.

.

Pre take off a variety of juices offered.When airborne mrsdrron had the Pike's Semillion/SB and I the French red-

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.

Soon it was time for the meal service-

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I enjoyed the papaya salad but it was too spicy for mrsdrron.She had the seafood pasta-just OK.I had the beef goulash.The beef and carrots were good but I left the rest.Neither of us tried the pumpkin custard.

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I read their magazine and naturally one story stood out-

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In the Malaysian papers they expect ticket sales for the year to be at least $A140 million less than last year.It really is having an effect.

It was a quiet flight as the likely lads all crashed as soon as the plane took off.Maybe because they had been drinking until 0600?

Malaysia next.

 

[drron]

Just a couple more comments about the MH service.First drinks-if you have not finished your first glass of wine and knock back the first offer of a refill as it was only 5 minutes after initially poured you wont be asked again.your empty glass will just be taken.
Also on the 738 no locker for jackets.
Then to KLIA.We landed early.But this meant no ground crew at the gate so we stopped in line with the gate for ~ 7 minutes until the ground staff arrived.
There was a wheelchair waiting for mrsdrron which is good.There is a separate lane at Immigration for wheelchair pax but it wasn't manned.Seems to be a problem with communication.

So we did as we would have done usually-lined up in the J and F line.Got to the carousel as the bags were coming out.ours were the first 2.interesting as we had checked in at the economy line and no priority tags!We then got the KLIA express-just had enough ringgit for the fare so didn't have to change money at the airport-better rates in town.Then to the Le Meridien.At the checkin there was a fellow being served and us next.We were told we had to go to the EL to checkin.Said I didn't want to but the porter had our bags and was off.As expected up to the 33rd floor to checkin then have to go down to 29 for our room.No suite upgrade but a very marginally bigger end room with a bathroom with a view-previously it would have been of the Botanic gardens but now just a view of the large office block across the road.

.

One thing that has enhanced staying at thje LM or Hilton next door is the opening of a new mall across Sentral station.Not quite finished with many shops still to open-

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In the supermarket they have very happy tomatoes-

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[drron]

The food at the LM was not nearly as good as our previous visit.Maybe it was due to Ramadan.Very few curries but things such as straight chilli sambal at breakfast.The EL had a large range of offerings at night but a high proportion were spicy.At least 5 hot dishes each night.
The first day we ventured over to KLCC and the shopping mall.We had a present to buy and Tiffay's in Malaysia is about the cheapest Tiffany's there is as there is no or at most 5% duty on jewellery.Also there may be a 10% VAT but not on all items.Ours was duty and VAT free.Computers are also duty and VAT free so better to buy in town than at the airport-so I was told.

We had lunch there at a Vietnamese restaurant-Du viet.Not recommended.
The second day was a pool day for a lot of the time we were the only people there.Maximum crowd was 6 so no problems getting a lounge.We went across to the Nu sentral mall for a late lunch.We were going to go to Tony Romas wondering what it would be like when their main dishes are pork ribs.However there was a Japanese restaurant next door so we never did find out if you could have your pork ribs.However we were pleased we went next door.

We started with some sushi-salmon roe,flying fish roe and crab salad along with some fried Shimeji mushrooms-

.

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We then had sashimi salmon donburi-

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And finished with absolutely delicious fillet beef and enoki mushroom rolls in teriyaki sauce and scallop skewers-

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With a honey and lemon tea plus a yuzu soda it came to 114 ringgits-$38.Great value.this is the restaurant-

.

So Thursday and we are headed home.Wake up call at 0530,check out 0555,checkin at the MAS checkin at Sentral and still catch the 0615 KLIA express.
Dubious as to the quality of Malaysia's security screening.At the primary screening I did not set off the metal detector-the first time since my knee replacement.I also had forgotten to take a few coins out of my pocket.
Then at the screening at the gate I left my camera and wallet in my pockets.Did set off the alarm.The fellow waved the wand in my general direction for 20 seconds and off I went.

Flight home next.