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Published: March 25th 2007
Off to England today, bags are packed and ready to go. We checked out of the Emirates Towers and caught a cab to the airport at 7.30 am. We decided to leave earlier just in case there was a traffic hold-up, but the traffic was constant and we arrived at the airport within 20 minutes. At the security check prior to reaching the check in area, Paul's bag was searched. They really weren’t looking, I’m sure it was just for show.
It was a long walk to the gates and the Duty Free was huge and very busy. We made our way to the British Airways lounge passing lots of Indian contract workers asleep in front of the departure gates….not a good look. These workers are paid an average of $40 AUD per month, and last month some went on strike for a extra 1 dirham (40c) per day. Of course, they were rounded up and deported immediately.
The lounge was adequate and we settled down for a cool drink. The flight was delayed 20 minutes, and once we heard the boarding call, we went to our gate. Bags were screened again at the gate, and again they
Windsor Castle
The Queen was not in residence, when she is you would not see this viewreally couldn’t have cared less.
We then boarded the plane and settled into Seats 2A and 3A. The crew were a nanna crew (over 40) so a good flight was in the offing. Take off was easy and we were given our pyjamas and amenity kit. The kits look lovely, they are a burgundy velvet box by British designer Anya Hindmarsh, and are the same for both men and women. Extras such as razors etc that usually distinguish one from the other are on request.
The Menu and wine list was very impressive. The crew asked when we would like to eat. We thought an hour into the flight would be good. Tanqueray 10 seemed to be a good option for a Gin and Tonic with our canapés. We then settled in for a good flight. There were only 5 other people in 1st class so we had a spacious cabin.
We both chose the same entrée, the Gulf Prawn Cocktail with Warm Crab and Vegetable Spring Roll. Paul chose a Spicy Tomato Soup followed by the Beef Fillet with Mushroom Sauce; the wine was a Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2005. The dessert was a Lemon and Coconut
Entree
Prawn Cocktail with Crab and Vegetable Spring Rolls Meringue Pie and to accompany it a Bonnezeaux 2003 Chateau De Fesles from the Loire Valley.
Jeff chose a salad with Blue cheese and walnut dressing after his entree, and then Coconut Lamb Korma (Paul has lost this pic). His choice of wine was the same as Paul’s. His dessert was a Shortbread Biscuit with Strawberries and Cream (it looked more like a pie crust), a bit tragic really.
We watched movies. Paul saw For Your Consideration (from the makers of ‘Best In Show’) very funny. Jeff saw ‘The Last King of Scotland’ a violent movie about a violent dictator, Idi Amin. Prior to arrival Afternoon Tea was served. A selection of finger sandwiches, mini brioche rolls, fresh fruit tarts, jam and cream sponge cake and almond fruitcake served with a selection of Teas.
We read some Magazines and then we started descending to Heathrow. Paul got a good pic of Windsor Castle, flights are diverted away from the Castle when the Queen is in residence. A smooth landing and again we were not taken to a air bridge, buses took us to to the terminal from a remote stand. Paul went to British Nationals channel at
Soup Du Jour
Spicy Tomato Soup Immigration, and Jeff to visitors but we roughly came through at the same time.
A slight wait for bags, then we breezed through customs and caught a cab to the Sheraton Skyline. We were charged 14 GBP for use of the Internet, what a a rip off!
Were so tired we went to sleep at 6pm, must have been all the excitement in Dubai!
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sanjay
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