V-Flyer

My visits to London end all too soon, Im afraid, and this one was no exception. After a lovely weekend capped off by a leisurely visit to the National Gallery and Covent Garden on Sunday afternoon, Monday morning arrived and alas, it was time to bid adieu to London and all it charm.

A cab delivered me from the Tower Bridge Hilton (much enjoyed my stay there, by the way an excellent hostelry) to Londons Paddington Station in time for me to dash aboard the Heathrow Express departing at 6:55 a.m. The morning mist was just lifting as the train threaded its way out of Paddingtons cavern and as it picked up speed we were soon whizzing past Ealing and out into the countryside before taking the left turn to Heathrow. Its not cheap by any means but the HEX is another great service for tourists and businesspeople alike.

Check-in at T3 was a rather long affair as there was only one agent handling the queue in Upper. It seemed that everyone who presented himself to her required special handling of one sort or another. Just as my normally relaxed composure (ahem) was stiffening another agent came on duty and the line moved along smartly.

After check-in I went through the multi-stage Fast Track Security which for the uninitiated now includes a shoe removal and examination station (thanks to Richard Reid, the shoe bomber, one imagines) which pops up right at the entrance to the otherwise beckoning shopping arcade. This must be the only mall in the world where one must have ones shoes cleared at the entrance. Anyway it was a small bother, nothing on the scale of the charade performed by the TSA folks back home, and I had my loafers back on the hooves in no time.

The Clubhouse bore its usual charm this morning, without fanfare, I should add. Perhaps that is one reason why Virgin has been so successful with its Clubhouses. There is little fanfare -- no pretense, in fact. Just great food, lovely service, spotless surroundings and a convivial atmosphere that for those of us whove worn out numerous pairs of shoe leather traveling over the years is like finding an ice bath in the desert. Remiscent of a happier, more serene travel era the Virgin Clubhouse at London Heathrow certainly has earned the second time around plaudits from V-Flyer.

I gave over my loafers to the dear older gentleman who cares for many travelers shoes. Breakfast was Eggs Benedict and strong coffee. Then it was time to go.

At gate 7 passengers got their first glimpse of Sweet Dreamer another A346 that joined the fleet in 2005. Onboard I sank into seat 4K and very soon thereafter more coffee appeared as did the IFBT, a very pleasant woman who after learning that Id had neither a treatment nor a priority card on the inbound leg, promised shed see what she could do to get me a treatment (treatment received shortly after we were airborne, and well worth the wait).

Flight 3 is a luncheon flight. With the Upper cabin completely full and many mouths to feed the cabin crew did a great job moving about, delivering crisps, drinks and tray setups not long after we were airborne. From a decidedly short list of three options I chose something that I like very much but others perhaps find a tad pedestrian: bangers and mash. Also on offer was the chicken tikka (which, like the bangers, has been around awhile) or a vegetarian plate with potato topping. A cheese course was available as was dessert; I sampled neither as, following a weekend of sampling food everywhere from the Savoy Grill to M&Ss gourmet shops, I felt nearly the girth of a dirigible.

In fact, after lunch I converted my bed and slept for two hours. Gosh, what a luxury. Having had the privilege of doing this for more than a few times I am thankfully never cynical about what a great comfort a bed in the sky truly is, and how I feel after getting the well needed rest it affords.

Nap over it was time for a snack, which came in the form of the Virgin finger sandwiches and a beverage. This is an area where VS can improve; these sandwiches never taste quite fresh. They should either be improved or retired; at least thats my 2p worth on the subject.

Landing was on time at JFK and our flight was the only one to descend upon the Immigration and Customs Hall. Most folks had their luggage and were on their way within 30 minutes or so which, by New Yorks sometimes slower standards, rated a gold star today.

So, both my trip over to London and now the trip back are over. The trip out was made better thanks to an excellent crew. Todays trip had the same hallmark and a beauty treatment, too. As Arnold Schwarzenegger used to say, Ill be baaaack.

Regards to all,
Chuck-

As ever a pleasure to see you and thanks for the TR. Seems Mrs D WANTS to do a Memphis trip - I assume there's a bar I can wait at near Gracelands?

Pleased to hear you got the treatment and that the flight was on time. I'm with you on the bangers - this set is so much better than the previous iteration.

Glad you got back safely and perfectly pummelled by the onboard masseuse. As always, it was a delight to see you this weekend - look forward to seeing you on the boat in July!

Pete

Didn't Cher follow Elvis up to the gates of Gracelands?


... I believe she watched him walk right through [:w]

Originally posted by Decker
As ever a pleasure to see you and thanks for the TR. Seems Mrs D WANTS to do a Memphis trip - I assume there's a bar I can wait at near Gracelands?

Memphis airport has one of the best BBQ places on the face of the planet..Chuck any idea's what the name is..I want to say White's..but I think I am wrong [?]


Edit:
Of course I am wrong..it is Interstate BBQ

Oye! V-Flyer NEEDS to go to Tennessee.

A) It is Graceland NOT Gracelands
Whitt's BBQ

Memphis is fun. The Memphis Sounds rock. All the 'cool'/bling people live in Bartlett or Cordova. The FedEx push is neat to watch from the ground but better to be part of the action in a Diamond 40 (joining the arrival at Jackdson, TN). Pretty good strip clubs too. Oh and there are the Indian Native American casinos in Tunica.....

Bars for Ms. D. Well it does not get better than the the Flying Saucer. They have over 250 types of beers. Also they feature 'flights' which combine a select grouping of well paired beers. The vibe is Starbucks meets a trendy upscale bar. They even have a FDP (that a new one, frequent drinking program); the UFO Club. Now try status match that[:p]

But the true party is in Nashville....

Did someone mention a trip to MEM? [:D] Count me in!

Thanks for your two fantastic trip reports Chuck! Its always a pleasure to read them. It was great to see you over the weekend, and glad to hear that you had a good trip back across the pond. See you in July!

Thanks,
Sarah

great tr chuck a good read many thanks!

Originally posted by preiffer
Didn't Cher follow Elvis up to the gates of Graceland?


... I believe she watched him walk right through [:w]

But only after Marc Cohn...

(Pedantic) Paul

Thanks for another great TR, and glad you had a good flight home,

DMB

Chuck

Once again, an expertly crafted TR that succinctly captured your experience - thank you for posting and providing a cracking read[y][y]

I particularly liked your observation of the LHR Clubhouse:

The Clubhouse bore its usual charm this morning, without fanfare, I should add. Perhaps that is one reason why Virgin has been so successful with its Clubhouses. There is little fanfare -- no pretense, in fact. Just great food, lovely service, spotless surroundings and a convivial atmosphere that for those of us who've worn out numerous pairs of shoe leather traveling over the years is like finding an ice bath in the desert. Remiscent of a happier, more serene travel era the Virgin Clubhouse at London Heathrow certainly has earned the Òsecond time aroundÓ plaudits from V-Flyer.

I'd copyright that if I were you[}:)]

Thanks for being such great company

buns