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Published: December 25th 2009
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Day Two - BA Humbugs & WonderfulWon Tons
After swiftly getting through T5 security - easy and hassle free to be fair - we took a quick look around Harrods salivating at watches and sunbins before Angela’s love of being at the Departure Gates “with plenty of time” meant we were the first people to turn up for BA031 to Hong Kong. The first glimpse of a 747 that close up didn’t assuage her fears with worries as to how they get off the ground being mooted once or twice...
Worse than that was the announcement that we were being delayed due to a shortage in crew, it seems some of the disgruntled strikers suddenly caught colds. Bstards. Whatever their grievances with management, taking it out on passengers will never win them any sympathy. The atmosphere at the gate turned thoroughly unpleasant and some of the passengers seemed to want to take the head off the first cabin crew they found. Eventually though we were put on board, strapped in but then informed that the plane needed de-icing before we could take off.
This was to take another three hours so it was near 1.30am before we finally
shot off into the snowy sky. To be honest, I was mightily relieved that we were on our way with the stories of Gatwick closed and all other BA non-long haul flights cancelled. The delay nightmare soon faded into a mere nuisance as the Turkey Xmas dinner appeared although the four gin n tonics as I watched Star Trek as we sat on the runway probably helped. Oh and the pot noodle the crew whipped up for us. I am easily bought off.
The flight itself was dead on. Bit of a gimp sitting behind me who I eventually snapped at but otherwise it was a breeze. A few hours out of HK the pilot told us a bit more of the story. Seems we were only 30 mins from being taken off the plane as crew duty limit times approached. I got the feeling the crew on board were actually going beyond their normal tolerance to make up for their more militant colleagues. The purser and our cabin steward were both excellent. Angela loved ‘Sean’ who was encouraging her to take doubles continually, the lush. I also wouldn’t be surprised if a few of the European flights cancelled
weren’t to get crew for the long hauls - BA knows where the money is after all.
HKIA was also a pleasure. Swiftly through Immigration, loaded up with HK$ and onto the bus we trotted. The lil Berrys were fading a bit but picked up once we leapt off the bus into the heat (a relatively tropical 18* after freezing -1* London) and bustle of Nathan Road. Soon we found our hostel and Shannon’s face was a picture. I don’t think her or Leanne had quite got the grip of the notion of backpacking until that moment. The hostel was no picture to look at but the rooms were clean and exactly what we needed. Small but with a decent shower and in a good spot for us in the heart of Mongkok.
After sprucing up we ventured out into the night for some food. Briefly passing through the night markets and the backstreets I took them to some food stalls. Angela’s bravado dipped somewhat but Shannon spied a more western looking place and we got served up some quality supper. Prawn won tons, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken and spring rolls hit the mark although Leanne was finished off
by a Sprite which proved the end of our night. She was asleep in her clothes the minute she walked in the door to her room. We all were to sleep soundly, even Shannon for whom 16hours kip on a Jumbo wasn’t sufficient...
Today’s Highlights - Wheels up at Heathrow; short-sleeve shirt weather; and genuinely great street food.
Day One pics sorted out
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Ian
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BA Strikers
Whole thing was a shambles from the start, great to see it crumble as you point out the staff who wanted to be there (20% which is a more than decent figure actually prepared to say no) are probably the ones who got it in the neck. Nice the way you projected your own feelings for Sean onto Angela right enough. Only just seeing your blog - good job and I wish you all a Happy New Year!