I’ve waited for this day since I first became ill, 10 days ago. If I’d known what I know now I’d have gotten Wens to book me a flight home; any airline, any schedule. I was hoping for a quick recovery and then get back on the bike. That realistically was never going to happen with me being so sick. I should’ve realised that. History; it’s not going to worry me.
Up at 4am for a shower and last minute packing before heading out to the airport at 5am. Apart from the taxi not turning up until 5:17am, (I knew I had plenty of time so wasn’t concerned) everything went smoothly, including the relatively light traffic. It took me a while to work out that the hoards of people in a long queue were not part of my mob. I soon located the Business Class check in for Vietnam Airlines. I was in a queue of one, for a choice of two counters. Security and immigration took no time at all and I could have gone straight to the Business Lounge but elected to do a lap of the airport first. I was in the Business Lounge sipping on coffee at 6:12am. The flight left spot on time and the three hours in the air went fairly quickly. VA is a pretty basic service, no inflight entertainment, no much offered in the way of drinks (alcoholic or non) and when I asked for a bottle of water she came out with the tiniest glass of water I’ve ever seen. And that’s business class, imagine the poor buggers at the back. I did get some fresh fruit and yoghurt though, which is all I really needed.
The BL in Hanoi is large, immaculately clean and well stocked with food, drinks and essentials. So that’s why I was ok with not getting much on the flight.
Singapore seemed unusually quiet when we arrived. I had a wander to stretch the legs and headed for the Qantas Club. Alas, I had a two hour wait ahead of me as it doesn’t open till 3pm! Mr Joyce has got a lot to answer for, since he took over the airline has continued to go backwards. Some more wandering to kill some time before heading back to the club. I see on the board that my flight has been delayed by about 50 minutes. I’m hoping that it is going to leave at the new scheduled time.
For lunch in the club I had one of the tastiest seafood laksas I’ve had for ages. I could have went mad on the grog as it was everywhere but not these days, settled for a sparkling water. Just had to have some dessert, cake and custard, very nice. Was conscious of the fact that they will feed us on the plane so must save some room for that.
Our new ETD 8:05pm and a new gate meant that I left the lounge about 7pm, there’s no way I was going to be late.
I just can’t understand why they have to check everyone in and then pack us all in a tiny lounge area meant for half the numbers. We waited and waited and then finally was allowed onto the plane. Once on board it felt so much more comfortable.
Outside this morning, the usual Asian haze
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