Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
This is: Far East 2009
Flight Log 5 : TG601
Hong Kong (HKG) - Bangkok (BKK)
As I boarded the 747-400, I was shown to my seat
and my jacket was taken immediately. I was in 2A, in the 'nose cone'
of the 747. Although the seats were all doubles, as on my previous
Lufthansa flight, there were in fact only 4 F passengers, so we were
very well spread out around the cabin. My armrest was already
decorated with an orchid petal and a little box of two choccies.
There was a hot towels service on the ground and I was offered a
glass of Champagne. (Do I really have to say that I accepted it?
) Menus and Thai immigration forms were also distributed on the
ground and main course orders were taken prior to departure.
We pushed back more or less on schedule and the expected flight time was announced as 2hrs 30 mins. Take-off occurred at 1256 and as we climbed out, I had absolutely amazing views of the Tsing Ma Bridge, Kowloon, Hong Kong Harbour, Aberdeen Harbour and Lamma Island.
The meal service started very quickly after the seat belt signs were turned off. The menu details were as follows :-
| LUNCH |
|
WINES |
| Starters | Champagne | |
| Canapés | Bollinger 1999 | |
| Balik Salmon, Japanese Quail Eggs and Vegetables | ||
| White Wines | ||
| Main Courses | Chateau Le Bourdillot Graves 2005 | |
| Deep-fried Pork with Chinese Sauce (Zhenjiang style), Steamed Thai Hom Mahi Rice, Sautéed Choy Sum, Shiitake Mushroom, Red Capsicum | Meursault Les Vireuils Dessous 2004 | |
| Grilled Sea Bass Fillet with Black Pepper and Mustard Seed, Chunky Tomato Sauce, Boiled Potatoes with Butter, Vegetables | ||
| Stir-fried Prawns with Black Bean and Capsicum Sauce, Egg-fried Rice | Red Wines | |
| Chateau de Valais Pomerol 2001 | ||
| Cheese and Dessert | Pommard, Le Manoir Murisaltien 2002 | |
| Assorted Breads, Crackers, Butter, Cheese and Fresh Fruit | ||
| Pistachio and Caramel Ice Cream Log | ||
| Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino |
I had the stir-fried prawns option. The meal was absolutely delicious and the service was exemplary. After a further glass of Champagne once we were airborne, I switched to the Meursault, which was very nice. Interestingly, Chinese tea was also served as an accompaniment to the meal. Hot towels were once again distributed during the meal and then again prior to landing, making three rounds in total.
As you can probably imagine, all that took up most
of the flight. Bizarrely, the music played during the approach was
"Let it Snow" and various other Christmas tunes. Obligingly, the air
conditioning system decided to treat me to a little hail shower!
We touched down at the still-new Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1418 local
time and were on-stand within five minutes.
And the totally unexpected verdict? Best
flight of the trip so far!
Date: Sat 10 Jan 2009
Aircraft : Boeing 747-400
Scheduled dep : 1245
Actual departure : 1244
Scheduled arrival : 1430
Actual arrival : 1423
Cabin : Royal First
Seat : 2A
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