With the clocks going back in the UK, I set the alarm on my crackberry, which is on CA time. Of course I screwed this up and got up at 6:15 instead of 7:15. My brother in law, as bleary eyed as myself from the previous evenings libations dropped me off at Paddington.
I had remembered the upgrades and so luxuriated in first class on the HEX. Though I cant imagine anyone actually paying for the priviledge.
Followed the marked path to the construction zone and presented myself at UC check in. Temperature at check in were very hot, and the staff were all in blouses rather than the usual overcoat. A quick check in, even saw me receive the US customs form, apparently this gate agent takes it upon herself to provide a more thorough service, a perfect example of someone who should get paid more than a collective bargaining agreement will allow.
Into Fastrak security - roll on next year when I will be in the VS dedicated security. Amaxingly they had two machines open, so the wait was only about ten minutes. Fought my way through the poor people and presented myself at the lounge. Bags stowed, shoes off for a polish and down to Cowshed to grab a shower and enquire about a treatment. Why does the online appointment book never work for me, does anyone else have the same issue?[n]
After a quick shower, I grabbed breakfast, the full English was very tasty and it helped pass the time very well before my shave. Wanting to make sure I got a sleep suit after a previous flight without one, I headed to gate 5 before they announced boarding. This got me through the checks with no line and just in time for UC boarding to commence.
The crew on my flight were very attentive, no doubt because they have a superior FSM. I think a lot of VS service issues relate to who has been promoted to FSM, when you get a good one, you get a good crew.
On this flight the FSM, Maud came and introduced herself and addressed me by name (it's written on a piece of paper, so why is it so difficult!) she also thanked me for choosing VS and commented on the number of times I have flown that leg (5 trips this year, plus 1 to JNB). She also agreed to pass on my comments about the TV selections changing just once a year - far too infrequently in my opinion.
I stuck to wine for the trip, enjoying a few glasses of the Bastide from the Languedoc. I think the change to Berry Bros has improved the wine selections on VS. I chose the excellent Butternut Squash soup, followed by the steak pie with mash and mushy peas - pretty good, followed by Treacle tart.
After that it was bedtime. I slept for about three hours, then got up to try and get my body used to CA time. Watched all the Top Gear I could find and 3 episodes of Life on Mars. I had previously seen all three episodes of the gay sex romp - which was very good.[:I]Sorry cant remember its name, but it was excellent TV [^]
An uneventful landing, straight through immigration and my bags almost first off, I was out to meet my driver in about 20 minutes from landing. He couldn't remember where he had parked, but I was too tired to be cranky about it, he eventually worked it out and I was home in Napa by 5pm.
The end of five weeks and 40,000 miles on a combo of VS, SAA, Air France, US Airways and the TGV. Not bad. VS excellent throughout, SAA first (just about the last flight) was wonderful, Air France sucked because the cabin crew found time amidst a 35 hour work week, 8 weeks vacation, 57 public holidays, 10 weeks sick leave and 15 years maternity leave to go on strike. US Airways - just dire as expected.
