Trip with F's on a BP. Firsts, family, Food and Fun.

[drron]

On the flight to Doha the wifi was very slow and nothing I really wanted to watch spent my time watching the world go by below us, snoozing and eating.






There was a smoked salmon piece first as the table was set up.




Then i started with the tuna tataki and the short rib for mains. Quite nice.




And mrsdrron had the salmon. just slightly overcooked.




The desert was just so so.


With the meal I had the french red and the Dr. Loosen with sweets.
Then back to watching the world go by and snoozing.

 

[drron]

We are now over Arabia.














And arrival at DOH.










At the gate.

 

[drron]

The 3 F pax were muddling around with their bags so they let mrsdrron and I off first. I think the walking stick worked again. The Supervisor told me to go to the transfer desks and they will contact lost luggage. Unfortunately from the way you walk towards the transfer desks they are out of site set back a fair distance. Asked worker who said go through the transfer security first. turned out to be the wrong advice.
So we went through the security. They took an age going through my bag, shaking out my dirty close and all actions done at least twice and they couldn't find whatever they were looking for and gave up.
We were told that lost luggage was near gate C16 and when you get there urn left just before the gate. But no signs and no evidence of the department. So I asked a QR employee who turned out to be a Senior Supervisor. He definitely kept QR's record for great recovery intact. He noted the walking stick and said i will go and see what I can do. Ten minutes later he returns and said yes they have a blue jacket. can you tell me the make. I had forgotten that but said it is a size 46 regular. Off he went and came back with my jacket.

But it was not over yet. We have to go through the paperwork. That entailed the jacket going back to whence it came whilst we were taken to the ....... transfer desks so back through an empty transit security line. I was taken to the staff member who was obviously in charge. Filled out a few papers and then she sent another staff member to the lost luggage office to bring the coat back. One I had the jacket another form to sign and then we had to go back through security. Once again my bag was put aside and the fellow had a quick search, took out the pill bag and saw the item they were looking for. Turned out to be a small pair of scissors that had gone through more than a dozen airports to finally be found on the second attempt at DOH.

But as he took them out he said if less than i think 3CMs they are allowed through. The scissors made the cut with a mm to spare. But from then on ty were in our checked luggage. The guy was very pleased when I told him he was obviously the world's best security officer.
So remember they do take security very seriously. As well QR loves paperwork and everything has to be done in the correct manner. That explains why they insisted on their PNR. I did have the ticket numbers but they wouldn't accept that. Previously with SQ they asked for either PNR or ticket number.

Then it was off to the Oryx hotel. There are several signs but often on the reverse side from the direction you are coming from. but didn't take that long to find it as I had studied the DOH floor plans. That next.

 

[drron]

it was bit of an unreal feeling on check in at the Oryx. You got the feeling that you were privileged to be able to stay. The fellow checking in was in stature a Basil Fawlty. but there was never even a hint of a smile. The first question was can i see your boarding passes for tomorrow. We did at least have them.
There were 3 staff at the desk. Another man and a woman who was only acknowledged when she appeared to get up from her chair when another customer. The second man stopped her with hand signals an dealt with the new customer as happened 3 or 4 times whilst we were checking in he had no booking and was turned away.
Finally to our room which was pretty comfortable.








And reunited with my jacket.


The view however was over the terminal with a walkway at the same level as the room and not far away so curtains closed. nturally not all those who walked by were quiet.
We decided to have dinner in the al Mourjan lounge. Mrsdrron was taken by the flower display in the hotel lobby.










We first walked to the other end of the lounge where we saw a food outlet. But it was only the Deli with not real dinner menu.


So right back to the other end and the main restaurant.

 

[drron]

The restaurant is huge with a cooked to order menu plus lots of buffet items scattered around. the view from our table.


Mrsdrron had salmon from the menu and liked it.


And I had some nice sushi rolls.


Now a tour of some of the buffet.














Now we both love rice pudding and both love coconut so those 2 bowls of coconut rice pudding disappeared from the buffet.


Now the kitchen buffet at the Deli the next morning.




n

I had a toastie t hat was good.


Mrsdrron had a smoked salmon open sandwhich.

 

[drron]

W e left a fair time to get to our gate as it was right at the end of the Southern Terminal. because of the walking stick they insisted on us taking a trolley. But this time the QR agent organising the transport was totally disorganised and I was absolutely sure I would have made it earlier under my own steam. the classic was we were put on a trolley with a couple going to Paris which was leaving from a gate in the Northern Terminal. A fellow objected loudly as they in fact were on our flight. We got to the gate as 2 latecomers disappeared down the airbridge. When we were seated there were a couple of other stragglers who boarded after us.
So we were in the first row of business class.


Which meant I could see the F seat which might have been.


The wine list was exactly the same as our first flight so here is the menu.






So the seat and my view. I was sitting across the aisle from Mrsdrron.

 

[drron]

I spent the first 2 hours of the flight on the internet. I then decided on lunch. Started with the Cauliflower soup which had nice taste.


I then had the beef tenderloin. just OK and as usual in the air overcooked for my liking.




With some mustard.


Then a 3 hour nap then back on the internet. A smooth flight over the Bay of Bengal. We were in he satellite terminal passed by most getting to the train which arrived just as I arrived on the platform. The 2 guards on the platform held the others back and ushered me through to get a seat. A good example of Thai behaviour.
I was last off the train but again to the premium line for us oldies. This time no one else there. Of course that meant a bit of a wat at the Carousel especially as our bag was one of the last of.
As soon as I saw it coming used What's app to call the driver from Exclusive transfers. He pulled up very soon as we arrived at the pick up point. From their a quick and safe arrival at the IC hotel.

 

[I love to travel]

I spent the first 2 hours of the flight on the internet. I then decided on lunch. Started with the Cauliflower soup which had nice taste.
View attachment 480634

I then had the beef tenderloin. just OK and as usual in the air overcooked for my liking.
View attachment 480635

View attachment 480636

With some mustard.
View attachment 480637

Then a 3 hour nap then back on the internet. A smooth flight over the Bay of Bengal. We were in he satellite terminal passed by most getting to the train which arrived just as I arrived on the platform. The 2 guards on the platform held the others back and ushered me through to get a seat. A good example of Thai behaviour.
I was last off the train but again to the premium line for us oldies. This time no one else there. Of course that meant a bit of a wat at the Carousel especially as our bag was one of the last of.
As soon as I saw it coming used What's app to call the driver from Exclusive transfers. He pulled up very soon as we arrived at the pick up point. From their a quick and safe arrival at the IC hotel.

What are the costs like for the Bangkok transfer

 

[drron]

Unfortunately we got in too late for drinks and canapes. not to worry although we both slept on the plane we both felt very tired. In fact for the first 2 nights in Bangkok we both go up between 1100 and 1200. In fact apart from both of us having our nais done one day and geetting some csh another day all we did was eat, drink and sleep.
So to the first night at the club. Spicy coconut chicken soup then northern pork curry.




hen stuff from the buffet.




And breakfast the first morning (finished at 1130). I always start with smoked salmon and tomatoes, have the poached eggs of the day and often a middle Eastern dish. Today bked stuffed eggplant which I really like.

 

[drron]

The next day I had to use up 4 F&B certificates that ended in October plus the US25 F&B ambassador allowance. So we went to the IC's everyday restaurant Socal because it served Southern Californian cuisine. It certainly has changed to a heavy middle Eastern influence. The Menu.












I had a lemograss and mint drink and mrsdrron a watermelon and pomegranate. Both were very nice.




I had the mixed grill Didn't finis it but was nice just too big.


Mrsdrron had the lamb and it was the way she likes it.

 

[drron]

What are the costs like for the Bangkok transfer

1000, 1200 or 1500 baht depending on car used.

 

[drron]

Thursday night's selection in the Club.










Friday morning's breakfast.


A fried egg on fried rice.


Friday we went across to Central World and had our nails done. i enjoy sitting back and relaxing. The woman doing Mrsdrron's nails had an extra digit. She was very good at her job.
Going back to the hotel and Autumn decorations are out.


Outside temperature 31C+ and high humidity. Certainly not an Autumn feel.
After we got back i went and changed some money. I had forgotten to take my passport with me when we went to central World when i returned the Club manager was in the lobby talking to an old woman. It was the secretary of the owners. She called m across and introduced me to her as one of the best guests. She was 81 and as sharp as a tack
We were leaving the next morning so all that was left was to have drinks in the club that night. some of my plates. starting with a nice Tom yum seafood soup..








that night the Executive Chef visited the lounge and I was introduced to him. Some how the subject became Indian food.


I told him I had had the best spicy lamb Rogan Josh on the cruise on this trip. He offered to cook me the best spicy butter Chicken I had had. He did that in the small kitchen attached to the club. And he delivered. It was really good.


We get treated exceptionally well here at the IC Bangkok on Ploen Chit road.

 

[drron]

For our SQ flights BKK- SIN -BNE for the first time since Covid I have had to pay for our SQ flights. But I was waiting to lock in our AA award DOH-BKK which are also released 330 days out. And seeing it was school holiday time I wasn't surprised we missed out on J awards. As I was paying I waited which turned out to be the right decision. About 2-3 months ago SQ had a sale but it ended on October 1. They offere tthogh a good combination for us flying SQ707 BKK-SIN and then early the next day a flight departing just after 7am which I hadn't seen awards for in the past. But no problem flying out at 7am when staying overnight at the CP. And it gets into BNE late afternoon. Perfect.
So the menu and wine list for the BKK-SIN flight.










Mrsdrron had the seabass and I the chicken curry.




And on the tray the appetiser and dessert. I liked the curry and the Bordeaux red with it.


The crew though were one of the worst I have met on SQ. The FA poured the red all over the aisle armrest. Fortunately on the aisle side.
Missed me by that much!

 

[drron]

I skipped a post on the BKK SQ lounge. The food.

 

[drron]

On this occasion we landed at T3 and our bag was checked through to BNE. So very quick through Immigration, Customs and checked in at the CP. We once again enjoyed our time in the Exec lounge. I have posted pics a few times so giving it a rest this time. Reasonably early to bed as a 0630/ boarding time. We had our BPs issued in BKK so didn't have to be earl. Just had to find our gate. Normally to BNE we depart from T2 but on this occasion it was T# but a gate right at the end of the terminal.
Boarding was quick but sat at the gate for 15 minutes after the doors closed. No champagne pre departure but I ordered one for when he seat belt sign went off. So the menu and wines.




And for those coming h other way the menus out of BNE. Not much in th e way of food.




The wines.










I passed on the refreshment and asked to have the lunch in about 5 hours. i did make a comment about making sure some satays were left. now this crew was the exact opposite of the previous crew. One of the best i have experienced. I then proceeded to sleep for 3-4 hours.I woke with nearly 2 hours to go for my lunch. The FA came and asked me would I like lunch now. I said I wasn't that hungry and she suggested she could bring a Baja bowl from the earlier refreshment. I said OK and t wasn't too bad though it didn't look like the descripion in the menu.


I then used the internet until the lunch was served. Started with the satay which was ebjoyable as usual and didn't say no when sh offered to bing another serving.


I then had the appetiser from the menu and then a Laksa through BTC.




I finished with the cheese.


Mrsdrron hd the lamb cutlets which were fine once she had scraped off most of the herb crust.




Otherwise uneventful. We were towards the rear of the front J cabin. Everyone got up and moved to the front door. Knowing we moved to the middle door and were off first. My mobility wasn't great so most pax passed us. It didn't matter as our bag was out in the last few.
after it arrived it was quickly into our limo heading for the Sunshine Coast. It was the first time we have arrived back from SIN in time for sunset on the Gateway.






So that's all folks.
The next Saga starts in January. 4 days in SIN. Fly to DEL and a week in India. Msdrron really doesn't want to go.
Then cruise from Mumbai to Mombasa. Hopefully 4 stops in Madagascar as long as the locals settle down.
A few days at Londolozi to see the leopards and our usual chill out in Bangkok before coming home.