23,000 miles to see a gig Part 3 posted

Part 1 BA15 LHR-SIN 27/06/2009


Mrs JP and I had always said if Simon & Garfunkel ever performed together again we were going no matter what. So they announce a little tour in May, great until I look at the schedule all in NZ and OZ. As we had only visited SYD in March and with BA 241 miles, plus BMI miles bookings all in the bag it seemed a no go. Well that was until BA decided to do a short 241 CW sale. It just happened that I had sold my car the previous day so had a very healthy current account, that was that we were going to Adelaide and the account wasnt so healthy after all.

I decided on a SIN routing wanting to avoid BKK just incase they decided to kick off again, as our schedule would be rather tight. This meant the J dormitory 777 which was very full, I managed a window and aisle 15AB on booking. The OZ services still depart the now very disappointing T4 with only the Gate 1 lounge left open. I parked at T4 business parking, what a pleasant change to have loads of room, the T5 long stay really is a disgrace, its always packed and the spaces are so small even for Fifi Mrs JPs Fiesta. Its such a pleasant drive down to LHR with no aircon and that oh so sporty 1 point Something noise box, but at least it did 43 to the gallon. The transfer to T4 was swift and we were straight through to Fasttrack security with pre-printed BPs, no need to get them checked here, unlike at T5(hence I never OLCI at T5).

The gate 1 lounge was fairly full but we managed a seat upstairs at the bar and settled in with a glass of Lanson Noble Cuvee Rose and some Highland spring, always drink responsibly.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk002.jpg[/img]
With only about 2 hours before boarding we had a little food from the salad bar and when the 99 Pol Roger appeared we switched to that. We made our way to the gate that was as far away from gate 1 as it was possible to be.Arriving just as boarding was announced,priority boarding channel was enforced and we took our seats in the NGCW seat for only the 3rd time.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk003.jpg[/img]
A small glass of Champagne was delivered Heidsieck Monopole but there did seem to be a few different brands floating round the cabin on this leg .I neglected to mention we had been welcomed at the door of the aircraft by name always a good sign. Pushback was on time and then followed a very long taxi across one of the runways. A very bumpy accent kept the crew in their seats for quite a long time not so some of the imbecile PAX who decided to try to visit the loo.
Service started with the bar cart, I really dont like how they serve drinks in CW, you are handed a miniature of Gordons, a can of tonic and glass with ice and a slice. This is supposed to be Business class after all. Meal service started quickly I opted for the Pea jelly to start with and have to say it was very nice quite refreshing, washed down with a rather good Pikes Riesling and sparkling highland spring.The accompanying salad was excellent, rather better than a few of the dried up offerings we have been presented with in F on occasions, the Olive oil and chili dressing is fantastic.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk005.jpg[/img]
I followed with the steak a good bit of meat but over done as usual.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk006.jpg[/img]
I switched to the Crozes-Hermitage a big mouthful of wine indeed. I opted for the pud Mrs JP the Cheese both washed down with the Port, nice but not a patch on the F stuff boo hoo.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk007.jpg[/img]
After a few more glasses of port and a very interesting chat with the excellent CSD who had come round the J cabin in search of gold card holders,it was sleep time.I must have slept 9 hours solid never even cranking the AVOD IFE up. I woke with not a single ache or pain as breakfast was being served.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk008.jpg[/img]
Very good with an accompanying glass of Charles Heidsieck. I must say for a 14 hour flight it passed so quickly. Good food and wine, an excellent crew plus a superb CSD running a very tight and happy ship.
TBC

[Scrooge]

A real breakfast, what are they thinking, where is the bacon bun ???

Thanks again JP, I always love your TR's

Good TR but 'Pea Jelly'???? [:$]

Always drink responsibly - love it! (And very enjoyable trip report)

[Darren Wheeler]

and the gig?

[ChuckC]

Terrific report, JP! And thank you for always including photographs; I nearly salivated upon seeing that excellent breakfast.

By the way, was the bed comfortable?

Chuck-

[buns]

JP

I never cease to marvel at your ability to contemplate these journeys with such a short turn round time at the other end[oo][oo]

As always your TR contains wonderful gems, not only in the photos but little gems such as:
quote: I really dont like how they serve drinks in CW, you are handed a miniature of Gordons, a can of tonic and glass with ice and a slice. This is supposed to be Business class after all

Which is very telling; as equally as:
quote:After a few more glasses of port and a very interesting chat with the excellent CSD who had come round the J cabin in search of gold card holders.....

Cannot wait for the next instalment and your advice on where we could do a V-Flyer patybus to for a weekend[}:)]

buns

[HighFlyer]

Awesome, looking forward to the next part. I do wonder if customs asked how long you'd be staying .... [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

quote:Originally posted by ChuckC

By the way, was the bed comfortable?

Chuck-

The trip back was 23 hours flying with about 1 hour in SIN, I got off without an ache or pain and drove 150 miles back home.I would say there is not a lot of difference in comfort bed down compared to the F seat.I actually prefer the CW blanket to the F quilt.

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler

and the gig?

Worth every mile and second getting there and back,a real surreal once in a life time experience.
[y]

quote:Originally posted by buns

Cannot wait for the next instalment and your advice on where we could do a V-Flyer patybus to for a weekend

I enjoyed our day in Anchorage last year
[:D]

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer

I do wonder if customs asked how long you'd be staying

Quite a coincidence, the same women stamped us in and out at SYD she did do a bit of a double take. [:D]

Thanks for the great TR and photos![y]

Think yourself lucky - Mrs JAT has a 997cc Micra with no power steering !! [:0][:0][:0]

Ta for the TR as always!

John

Simply brilliant JP i do love your piccies, that food looked very nice indeed, i reckon i would fall out of my UCS if that breakfast came trotting along!

cheers

alex

quote:Originally posted by JAT74L
Think yourself lucky - Mrs JAT has a 997cc Micra with no power steering !! [:0][:0][:0]

Ta for the TR as always!

John

Mother has one of those heinous creations[:D]

Part 2 BA15 SIN-SYD 28/06/2009


We made a quick sprint to the BA/QF F lounge for a freshen up and a couple of glasses of Joseph Perrier Champagne. Not a bad lounge plenty of space, decent food and booze offerings plus good staff who bring the hot dishes around. Although on this visit I did decline food and just had liquid refreshment.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk263.jpg[/img]
The aircraft is only down just over an hour, so spruced up and having made a good dent in the fizz we headed back to the gate. Security check before the gate and straight onto the aircraft. The cabin had been well cleaned new head rest covers and the socks I had left concealed had been removed. A glass of fizz appeared quickly from the jolly Scots lady who was looking after us. We were off on time with a flight time of just over 7 hours into SYD, this would give us a near 3 hour connection to our QF flight to ADL. Once on our way the service took a bit of a nose dive, this was my untouched glass of Champagne the Singaporean crew member poured me as the bottle ran out.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk009.jpg[/img]
No attempt to fetch another bottle she just moved down the cabin at a snails pace lagging half a cabin length behind the starboard aisle trolley. As she passed back up the cabin I asked for another glass but it never came as the Scots purser snatched away my glass despite my protests that a refill was on the way. I think at that point she must have looked at the manifest and came rushing back with 2 glasses and full of apologies. It emerged this was the girls first flight ever and Scotty was training crew. Apparently the more senior of the 2 Singaporean crew onboard had opted to work in Y throwing the unfortunate ever smiling newbie into the frying pan. Service after this improved somewhat and we both really did feel sorry for the young girl, but its not really good practice on BAs part.
I opted for the crab to start with, fantastic quality just a mean portion. The salad was up to scratch again.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk010.jpg[/img]
There was a another steak on the menu but I thought something a little lighter was in order so I went for the mixed seafood and noodle dish it was superb.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk011.jpg[/img]
The choc pud and custard also hit the spot.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk012.jpg[/img]
Our new best friend Scotty insisted I try the cheese as well and brought me a glass of the F 89 Warres Colheita to compare with the port served in Club. I dont know how she knew I was such a fan lol.
Sorry forgot to snap the cheese but here are the 2 ports side by side.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk013.jpg[/img]
Mrs JP threw in the towel and went to sleep I had a couple more ports and watched Gran Torino before drifting off to sleep.
There is a breakfast service but only a bacon baguette with either fruit or cereal, I didnt bother with it and slept until the last minute. The floor around the CW seats has to be completely clear for take off/ landing so I stowed the pillow and excellent quilt in the overhead pressed the button to put the seat in landing position and watched the lighted suburbs of Sydney appear below. We landed a little early due to a good tail wind into the dark at just after 5am.Plenty of time to transfer to the QF domestic terminal for our 8am flight to Adelaide.
TBC

You have the best journeys!

[HighFlyer]

quote:Although on this visit I did decline food and just had liquid refreshment...

[y][:D]

Great report, keep it coming ...

Isnt it rather unusual to have a new crew member in Club? I was under the impression they had to work their way up? Or would she be part of the temporary WW crew under the 12 months contract?

Loving the two Ports side by side, I am getting ideas ready for my CW flight next at the end of the month [:)] Food looks good too!

Thanks,
Sarah

Abother great installment, I still can't believe how much booze you get through although this trip seems down on your previous ones? [:p]

[buns]

JP

I remain in awe of such stamina[oo][oo]

Glad to hear that your seasoned skills were used to your best advantage in ensuring maximum enjoyment.

Now gripped awaiting the next thrilling instalment

buns

Great report so far, loved the pictures. Look forward to the next installment.

Dominic

As always a fantastic escapade and mouth watering photos. Looking forward to the returns. Can't believe a Scotman would take away your glass and not bring it back full[:0]

Iain

Part 3 QF724 SYD-ADL 28/06/2009


Fast pass and completed immigration forms in hand we made our way swiftly through the arrival formalities and headed a sharp right when exiting the customs hall. This takes you to the QF domestic transfer area, at just after 5am I think we were the first customers of the day as they were just setting up. BPs issued we went through a further baggage scan and waited in the small grotty transit lounge for a bus to arrive. It arrived quickly and as the only PAX waiting, took us on an airside route to the QF domestic terminal. Pity it was still dark as we drove right pass a QF A380 and their engineering hangers mostly empty, just one 747 in engine covers up.

We walked about 10 meters from the bus and you are into the Domestic terminal, no hassle at all and about a 10 minute transfer all in. A shower was the first priority so a quick walk to the QF domestic lounge which was huge.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk014.jpg[/img]
The showers were well stocked with toothpaste, razor, towels and shampoo. No booking just find a vacant one, on exiting I felt refreshed and human again. From wheels down to sitting in the domestic lounge showered with a coffee was just 60 minutes. The first ADL flight was called we could have made that one easily, but we had a 2 hour wait for ours. There really wasnt a lot to do in the lounge no bar open and I could have murdered a Bloody Mary. There was a continental buffet breakfast laid out but it was being picked clean by a horde of locusts as fast as it was refreshed. Mrs JP braved the toaster and had some vegemite on toast I stuck with another coffee and a couple of pints of water.
We headed towards the gate with about an hour to go into a very empty airport.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk017.jpg[/img]
I was fascinated by this burger joint looks very familiar doesnt it.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk016.jpg[/img]
On our return home I found this explanation.
We sat at the gate and noticed there was no aircraft soon enough a 737-800 pulled up with about 30 minutes to departure. You dont really appreciate how many pax are carried until you watch everybody troop off in front of you. No priority boarding at all but we were about 3rd inline, welcomed by name at the gate and into a J cabin that was just 3 rows of 2 seats. Exactly the same overhead bins as the AA 737-600 and a similar seat. The overhead space it tight with a full cabin and I was glad we boarded early.
Flight was off on time at 8.20am, a very bumpy accent, In fact a very very bumpy flight. We were offered juice or water pre flight and the same with tea or coffee after take off. Flight time was just under 2 hours. A trolley service commenced about 25 minutes into the flight it was either eggs or cereal.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c315/jaguarpig/S%20and%20G%20Adelaide%2006-2009/desk018.jpg[/img]
The breakfast was very good. Didnt see anyone ask for booze but Im sure it would have been available, we had decided to arrive with a clear head just incase we couldnt get into our room straight away. Nothing quite like wandering round a strange city at 10 in the morning cut. We reset watches to the bizarre 30 minutes behind SYD time and looked at downtown Adelaide below before going over the coast and doing a sharp turn towards the airport. A very bouncy landing complemented the flight perfectly the bloke across the aisle looked very pleased to be down, his knuckles having been rather clenched and white since departure. Straight off the aircraft and to the taxi rank and for $20 inc generous tip we were outside the Adelaide Hilton just 35 hours since locking our front door.

[HighFlyer]

Mmm... breakfast looks good. Sometimes I cant believe how much you can put away during your flights, but then I guess you need something to soak up the bubbly [:D] [:D]

I'd also forgotten theose half hour time zone difference they have in Oz [:)]

A wonderful report, thanks for sharing!

Thanks,
Sarah

Thank you again for another very informative TR, I will be doing SYD-ADL in February so very appropriate - I had no idea about the time difference. I have also been puzzling over Hungry Jacks for years so another box ticked.

Excellent trip report, and greatest respect for the reasons behind the travelling.

It was implied that we were crazy last year, when I took Mme.F to see Messrs Clapton & Winwood in Madison Square Garden, but that jaunt pales into insignificance compared to your expedition! [^]

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer


Isnt it rather unusual to have a new crew member in Club? I was under the impression they had to work their way up? Or would she be part of the temporary WW crew under the 12 months contract?


On BA, before each flight each crew member in order of seniority picks where they would like to work on the aircraft. So the crew member with the least amount of seniority could find themselves working in J or even F if no other crew member has chosen to work there.