i heart london

Lufthansa Flight 402

Departure

Once again Lufthansa delivers an on-time departure and a flawless take-off.

Considering I took 5 flights on this trip and they were all on-time and comfortable, was an added benefit.

Lufthansa doesn't supply the best amenities but their professionalism and punctuality is appreciated. Their trans-Atlantic jets are generally clean and comfortable.

Today's flight is on a Boeing 747-400, my favorite jet. It is amazing how technology can get such a huge machine into the sky. It also amazes me how smoothly it lifts itself into the air at take-off.

It is one again my lucky day. I am in the bulkhead seat (no seat in front of me).  The seat next to me is empty, in fact until take off the entire row was empty. That is, until a girl leaped from her seat and took the aisle seat. Uhhhh, missy!

My big fear is that someone else may get a crazy idea and try to snatch the middle seat because of its extra leg room. Don't even think of it bub!

Funny but the wall in front of me is decorated with a Christmas wreath. How festive, but not necessary. What is the plane crashes and I get fake berries all over me?

I am sure today's flight will be uneventful, as usual.

Mealtime

First the cocktail service with champagne and caviar followed by a mouthwatering Thanksgiving feast featuring your choice of turkey or roast pheasant.

After dinner the duty free cart comes around and they have a big 50% off sale on all fragrances and luxury items. When the shopping frenzy ends we get to watch the feature film followed by an inspiring documentary on the history of French wines.

When the film is over we are served a selection of cheeses with port wine.

Yeah, I wish.

Actually it is cocktail time right now and my selection is Campari with orange juice plus a glass of water. This is served with a bag of that airline classic, “salzbrezel” (salted pretzels).

Oh! We just got our scented hot towels, that means the meal can't be far away. There is a lot of noise coming from the galley so I bet the turkey is ready!

Well, the meal is here and it is your choice, beef or turkey with BBQ sauce. BBQ sauce? Can't do that. Someone needs to tell them they got the turkey dinner wrong (unless you're from Texas).

I get the beef. It is a few fatty pieces of grizzle in a dark brown gravy. It is served with sauteed peppers and some German style noodles.

On the side is a salad with smoked salmon on the top, sorry, YUK! The best part of the meal was the dinner roll on which I ate the wedge of Camembert cheese.

For dessert there was some sort of creamy pudding like stuff with apple compote.

There was also a container of orange juice on the tray which seemed completely out of place.

In the true spirit of the blog, here are my ratings!

For food I have to give just a 2, it was much better on the flight to Germany than on the return. It was also much better than the crap at the Chelsea Kitchen ( I am still asking myself why I ate there). For service they get a 4. The flight attendants smiled a lot, came back with more wine and water and didn't yell at anyone.

To top it off I am having a cup of tea (provided by Lufthansa) and some McVitie's milk chocolate digestives (bought at Waitrose). Have you had these? They are sort of like an oat or graham cracker flavoured biscuit with chocolate on one side. Real good!

To-Do List

On today's flight I have some work to do. Here is my “to do” list-

1. Finishing posting for hotels and my reflections of London.

2. Tally up all my shopping receipts and purchases to prepare for customs declaration at Newark.

3. Nap?

4. Reflect.

View from the window- Antwerp, the coast of Belgium and the North Sea. We are now leaving the continent. Seven hours, 30 minutes to Newark)

I think I may do the hard task first, tally my shopping.

I dread having to do the tally of how much I spent. I bought a lot of stuff. The highest ticket items were some sweaters at $40-50 and the knife sets at around $35. Other than that every thing else was in a lower price range.

(I just completed my tally and it was $615)

See my hoarding post...

Paperwork

The meal service is over and now the paperwork portion of the trip is beginning. You cannot enter the USA without doing you paperwork.

They tell you how to fill out the forms using the correct letters, the number 1 without a typical European “upstroke” the number 7 without a cross stroke. I am sure that if you use a cross stroke on the number 7, you will be immediately deported.

This is like doing your taxes because you have to declare everything you bring in. God forbid you try to smuggle in a sweater!

At the airport they have sniffing dogs and x-ray machines to check your luggage for meat products. They give you plenty of warning to ditch them so if they catch you they WILL fine you.

Agriculture officers have a daily feast of sausage and foie gras at your expense. They do a great job keeping illegal sausage out of the country but can't seem to stop the drugs or grenade launchers.

Oh, and don't even think of using your cell phone until you clear customs and immigrations. Its illegal.

All this is so official. It seems like when I arrive in Europe they check your passport but could give a crap about what you bring into the country.

5 Hours Later

It's 5 hours into the flight and the purser (head flight attendant) comes by to see me. She addresses me by name and acknowledges that I am a United Airlines Star Alliance Gold member and thanks me for flying and tells me that if I need anything to let her know. I thank her for their good service throughout my trip.

I am tempted to ask for a seat up in business class but I didn't want to sound stupid. Later when I sneak up to the business class toilet, I see that it isn't even full. I guess my “status” didn't entitle me to a upgrade.

I am in pain now. I have a headache, my right arm is numb from my shoulder to my pinkie (this always happens to me on long flights) and my ass hurts from the hard seat.

For the arrival snack we are served a smoked turkey and cheese pannini. It was better than the dinner!

Landing

We are just a few minutes from landing and this has been a good flight that went quick. I did manage to complete all my tasks and still get a bit of sleep.

BTW, I didn't eat the licorice.

The last few hours of the flight were very turbulent and at times no so comfortable due to a storm front we were flying through. But that's not their fault. Weather happens...

I would like to thank Lufthansa for all the on-time flights and great customer service throughout this trip. As their ads says, “There's no better way to fly”.

Welcome to Newark Liberty.

Welcome home!

Blogging from Europe via Blackberry and AT&T Wireless

Willkommen nach Frankfurt

At our arrival to Frankfurt today we were parked midfield, not. At the terminal and  greeted by immigrations agents who checked our passports as we departed the plane.

Although it's not odd to park and disembark midfield, I never say agents check passports at the door. After the passport check we take a short bus ride to the terminal.

On arrival I head for the Lufthansa Senators lounge for a quick glass of champagne (yeah you got that right) and a snack. It's funny how things can change so dramatically from country to country while you are in Europe. I went from croissants at the lounge in Paris to cheddar cheese and biscuits at the lounge in London to a sausage and whole grain bread at the lounge in Frankfurt.

I am not going to stay in this lounge long because I have to head for my gate. Since I am traveling to the USA, I have to pass through security once again for a second check. Once I get there, Lufthansa has another lounge in this area.

Hopefully champagne too.

There is also plenty of shopping all around the terminal. PASS! (Although I may look for a German Christmas Stolen).

I hit the security checkpoint and my carry on baggage goes through the x-ray. The only thing different about security here is that you do not walk through the x-ray. You are completely hand searched. It's like being felt up in public. Of course, men always get a male groper and females get a female.

Fun at Frankfurt airport!

I am in the second lounge now and it's not much nicer than the first. The food is cookies, wines, champagne, nuts, candies,coffee2, tea, etc.

Nothing special except a bit of privacy. Time goes fast though and I have to head to the gate and the dreaded masses. It looked like it's gonna be a full flight.

Don't they know it's Thanksgiving?

I have moved to the plane now and as I got there they were calling early boarding for the flight. I bypassed the line and got immediately on the jet.

So now what do I do for the next half hour?

As I sit here I reflect on the magical city for which I am about to depart, Newark, New Jersey, nicknamed the “Paris of the east” for all it beautiful sights and wonderful food.

I always hate returning home from my European vacations or US domestic travels. On the way to my gate  I walk by the gates at Frankfurt and see exciting and adventurous destination like Istanbul, Rome, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Moscow, and then there's my gate NEWARK!

It's humbling.

At least when I lived in Los Angeles there was a vision of sunshine and glamour. For Newark the vision is the New Jersey Turnpike and Budweiser Brewery. Well at least there is the view of the New York City skyline.

A while back the Port Authority tried to rename Newark Airport to “Liberty” airport because people who are flying there aren't really going to Newark. The plot failed because the city of Newark wouldn't accept it since the airport is their only claim to fame. Thus, the airport was renamed “Newark Liberty”.

That's the trivia for today.

We are getting close to departure and so far the seat next to me is empty and I hope it stays that way. If it is not a full flight it is likely that it will remain empty, as long as the honor my Gold status. As mentioned earlier, the airlines usually try to keep the seat next to a Gold member empty if the plane is not full.

I'm not bragging (oh yes I am), but I flew a lot of miles and was very dedicated to United Airlines to earn this privilege.

8 minutes til take off.

Next stop glamorous and inspiring Newark, New Jersey!

Farewell Europe, I had fun.

:)

Blogging from Europe via Blackberry and AT&T Wireless

Frankfurt

The Frankfurt layover portion of this blog is brought to you by Vodafone Deutschland.

Blogging from Europe via Blackberry and AT&T Wireless

Lufthansa Flight 4723

This mornings flight is on an Airbus A321. I am lucky enough today to have an exit row seat, plus the seat next to me is empty. Thank you Lufthansa!

Since I am in the exit row,  this means I must assist the crew in case of emergency. (Or if the plane is on fire, then I will be the first one out)

I also just realized that my seat has no window. I hate that.

I think this is only a 1.5 hour flight so it won't be too bad. Schedule arrival in Frankfurt is at 11:35 am.

My connecting flight to Newark is at 1:15 pm. I could have taken a later flight out of London to Frankfurt but it would have only given me a 45 minute connection which was too close for comfort. Should have one thing go wrong in London and I could miss my connection.

The flight departs a little late this morning but we should still arrive on-time. There is a beverage service which includes a measly glass of sparkling water and a tiny roll with cheese, a scrap of wilted lettuce and some sort of spread.

What a letdown after 11 days of excessive eating.

OK, time to go.

“Ladies and gentleman we are now beginning our decent into Frankfurt...”

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BMI Flight 174

"Welcome aboard BMI Star Alliance flight 174 to London's Heathrow airport. Please stow you hand baggage under the seat in front of you or in the overhead locker.”

Overhead Locker? I feel like I'm at the gym! Funny how we speak the same language but use it differently.

The flight to London is a fast 1 hour flight and depart a bit late due to air traffic control (typical). We are scheduled to land at 10:00 am GMT. Regardless of our late departure, our arrival is on time.

BMI Brtitish Midland is a great airline and the flight attendant are adorable with their smart looking top-hats. while traveling through Europe, I notice many flight attendants still wear hats, a practice that seems to have died with American based airlines.

Food service on the flight is a cup of tea (of course) and a packet of Walkers shortbread. What no croissants? I never complain about having Walkers shortbread. It's the perfect way to gear up into London.

The music playing overhead on the plane is British classic pop, Boy George greets me as it did on my first trip to London in the 80's. That's funny because I am also staying in the same hotel I did in the 80's.

My hotel in London (after a number of failed Priceline bids) is the Kensington Close Hotel. I sure hope they've remodeled since last time I stayed there. I got a great rate on the Internet for only £89 ($160) a night. That's $160 a night for a tourist class hotel! London is not cheap! Hotels in London are a bit pricey and I wanted to stay in the Mayfair area but couldn't find a deal.

After collecting my luggage I plan to take the fast Heathrow Express to Paddington Station then either the tube or a shared taxi to my hotel. I am concerned that on the tube I may have to navigate stairs. I can't remember if the Kensington High Street station has an escalator or not.

At Paddington you can also get a shared ride flat rate taxi just outside the station.

Getting to and from the airport is a pain in the a**! Especially since I have acquired an additional bag and about 20 additional pounds (not on my body, in my luggage).

Once I get to London I have to start searching for lunch, I didn't have dinner last night and I am starting to feel hungry. Oh, I am not sure what you can expect for food reviews on this part of the trip, I am here on business and have to watch my spending.

I also plan to eat a lot of sandwiches while in London since they are inexpensive and the British do them so well with  creative ingredients (how about a tandoori chicken sandwich with chutney?) and combinations.

Those who know me also know that I will be on the outlook for potato chips or “crisps” as they call them in the UK. They have a lot of original flavours and I want to get my fill. Maybe I will start a new blog called “I Heart Potato Chips”.

OK, it's 10am and we still haven't landed as promised. We are circling.

During one of my days in London I will also be taking a trip to Cambridge for a bit of business and wandering, that should be a interesting day. I was also thinking of a trip to Birmingham, but I think it may be just too far.

The captain has just announced that we are landing in 10 minutes.

Welcome to I Heart London.

Blogging from Europe via Blackberry and AT&T Wireless

Blogging from Europe

How would you like to travel to Europe with me? On Saturday, November 13th I leave for Europe and  during my trip I'll be blogging via my RIM Blackberry and AT&T Wireless.

Come along and experience my adventures in eating, sightseeing, walking, talking, seeing, sleeping and anything else I find interesting.

First Stop - Paris

I depart Newark Liberty on Saturday, November 13 on Lufthansa with a connection in Frankfurt. I will be in Paris until Sunday, November 21. What's my plan? This is my seventh trip to Paris so I think I know my way around pretty well. In addition to some of my usual haunts, I am planning to try a few new things. If I have the energy I may even take a road trip one day.  But, anyone who knows me will understand that my first priority is eating, second is shopping and if the weather is cold or rainy I might even dare to enter the Louvre!

Next Stop - London

I depart for London via bmi British Midland on Sunday, November 21. I will be in London for 4 days until Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Day) and return on Lufthansa via Frankfurt. This is a business trip but I will spend almost all of my time shopping and looking for inspiration. I plan to venture out of the city to Cambridge and maybe a second location.

Notes

While I am blogging remember a few things...

• My Blackberry doesn't have spell check and its hard to see and type with my thumbs so please excuse any errors! Formatting may also be a bit off.

• There is always the chance that when I get to Europe and turn the thing on it won't connect. In that case I will still write and post everything when I return.

• No pictures will be posted but I will add them when I return.

• Please leave a comment! Comments will be emailed to me so I can see if you have anything to say. Keep it clean, no profanity or disrespect.

• Posting will be organized in descending order and shown daily. This means the latest post is at the top. If you are reading from the beginning you need to read from the bottom up! To see previous days postings click on the ARCHIVES in the left column.

• Remember I will be a few hours ahead of you!

• Bookmark this site for easy access!

Hopefully this will all work out and I will have time to publish my daily journal so please JOIN ME on my "Voyage grand vers Paris et Londres"!

Blogging from Europe via Blackberry and AT&T Wireless