V-Flyer

So after arriving at the Etihad lounge in Abu Dhabi we thought we’d have a nice breakfast and a massage. Truth be told, since the snow in the UK and the news claimed many flights had been cancelled, we were rather hoping our flight was one of them and that we’d get an extra day or two in the sun – and to that effect we had packed swimwear in our hand luggage! So on arrival we asked about the flight, only to be told it was bang on time – ah well, the best laid plans and all that!

We realised that now we wouldn’t actually have time for a massage AND breakfast, so not having eaten anything substantial since lunch time at the Shangri La, breakfast won – shame as those massages were really very good. The toast machine was one of those that either barely toasts your bread or if you put it through again, it comes out black! Since I can’t bear anaemic toast, I opted for the blackened version and went to sit down, when a lounge attendant (waiter?) rushed over and offered to toast it properly and indeed he did. So toast and juice finished there was just time to have a quick shower and change into colder climes clothes before off to the gate for the last flight of this trip.

We were in one of the pairs of middle seats this time, which were very private and cosy – for a couple – but having to share the centre armrest wouldn’t have been so good if we were strangers. Still, in a way they were really rather romantic and allowed us to chat throughout. We were offered, and accepted, a drink, choosing the delicious lemon and mint concoction and settled down to watch a movie. I spoke to the F&B manager about the meze and he promised to put one aside for later. We were quickly pushing back and took off pretty much on time a short while later. I then found I was drifting off to sleep, so settled down for a couple of hours, then woke and played games and did a few of the on screen crosswords for a hour or so. Then as my husband had woken up, we both asked for lunch and along came my meze and a 3 course meal for Mr Greedy! The chef came out and spoke to a few of the passengers and we complimented him on the standard of the food – he seemed pretty used to such praise and I can say in all honesty the food was excellent.

All too soon the cabin was being secured for landing and we were back in the UK. We arrived to a pretty empty immigration hall and although we did use the Fastrack line, I think it was slightly slower than the normal channel. Bags were off quickly and ours were among the first off. We got pulled over by a customs officer who was extremely friendly and just asked us where we’d been and what we’d bought. My spirits sank as the thought of all the unpacking and repacking was hideous, but since we could answer perfectly truthfully that we had no alcohol or tobacco, he didn’t search anything but just thanked us and wished us a safe journey home.

So we rang Purple Parking and went to the top of the car park to wait for the car to arrive. It was quite a shock arriving to -3 when we had left Bangkok at 35C but we had left winter coats in the car so soon warmed up.

There you have it, a wonderful holiday, excellent flights with Etihad – I would thoroughly recommend them for service, efficiency, cleanliness, their own lounges and food both in the lounges and on-board, but I did miss the on board bar, the PJs and the duvet provided by VS.

Hope this hasn’t been too boring – thanks for reading.

Thanks Gilly - qite a trip that one!

Etihad do indeed sound good - I'll keep them on my possibilities list if the route demands...

I bet that temperature change was quite a chock!

A great TR, not at all boring. Thank you for sharing.