A Cooks Tour of London.

[Pushka]

I thought there were 5 (but am still gob smacked at the line-up) - Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar

The three commented on are in bold. I wonder why he didn’t mention the other 2?

 

[QF WP]

Doesn't make a lot of sense, especially Gavaskar. All were Captains of their teams at various times (maybe not all at a Lords Test), although Kallis was seen to be an all-rounder rather than a specialist batsman.

Proof here: 5 Great Cricketers who never scored a test century at Lord's (as well as in Cricinfo)

 

[Rugby]

Great London TR Pushka!

 

[Pushka]

The guide at Lords was brilliant. We were expecting a bit stuffy but he was genuinely inclusive and respectful of all the cricket tragics from all countries attending. When a country (in this case India and their first World Cup Win) was going to be mentioned he brought the Indian members to the front. Genuinely wanted women to be included in the honour board once they played a test and scored a ton/taken 5 wickets.

Stupidly we didn’t realise we had reciprocal rights to sit in the Pavilion through SACA. And I was under threat of death if I mentioned that MrP had played first class cricket and had taken the wickets of Richards et al when they were mentioned with special reverence.

 

[QF WP]

That MrP, he can be a party killer at times

Hard to remember everything in the run up to a holiday. Hope that’s the worst you’re both going to face on this trip.

 

[Pushka]

That MrP, he can be a party killer at times

Hard to remember everything in the run up to a holiday. Hope that’s the worst you’re both going to face on this trip.

It’s been a great trip but logistically complicated. Involved all immediate family members travelling on different airlines, planes, trains and automobiles. Taking the wedding dress and it arriving intact. As MrP jokingly says, two religious experiences in a week. Son’s marriage and a trip to Lords!

 

[Pushka]

I’m late. Our last day was spent round the hotel packing which we had to do solo because the room was so tiny. That accomplished we were about to walk to St Pancras station when the heavens opened. Waited a bit then decided to ask concierge to grab a cab. Love the English taxis - so much room. Lucky we did as it was a bit further than we realised.

Checked through UK exit quickly but the line banked up to get through France immigration. You do this before you board. So the UK official couldn’t keep processing because we were all in his way. Only one official working on the French Side. Some not so smart people decided they’d try to beat the queue by going through the Euro area but they were kicked out.



Train on time. Ours was going to Brussels and we had to get out at Lille to catch the train to CDG. All worked very smoothly and we arrived into CDG all up just over 2 hours later. Caught the shuttle from Terminal 2 to 3 where the Novotel is located. We were leaving from Terminal 1 early next morning.

Found the Novotel quickly and checked in. Concierge (French) pronounced my name wonderfully. . Entered the room and as we opened the door the stench of smoke was overpowering. Supposed to be non smoking. Housekeeping would have known as the room stank. Walked straight back downstairs and said the room smelt dreadful. Not sure if they were happy but we weren’t budging. Next room was fine.

 

[Pushka]

The Novotel was much better and way cheaper than the Sheraton. Nice lobby, cafe and bar with restaurant that didn’t cost a bomb. Enjoyed a lovely Pinot from Alsace.




And then later two G&T with a generous pour.



Enjoyed a snack dinner then off to sleep until earlyish start on the way home.

.

 

[Pushka]

This morning. Caught the shuttle then quickly checked in and then up to the Qatar lounge which is lavish and very quiet.

 

[Pushka]

Entrance.

 

[Pushka]

Breakfast which was quite simple and sufficient.

 

[Pushka]

No champagne for me. Yet.



Bye France







And this was super delicious. Oats.

 

[Pushka]

Watched a movie then caught up with MrP in the bar.








One guy was causing issues due to intoxication. They were trying to get him to eat something. He downed a large glass of wine in no time. They said that was his last drink. He may have come from First.

Peter Rabbit cloud?


Hello Doha which looks hot and dusty.

 

[Pushka]

Now in the lounge awaiting 13 hour flight to Adelaide.

 

[RooFlyer]

I've done the DOH lounge marathon! Shame there's b-all to do in Doha itself, except for the Museum

 

[LadyC]

Thanks for posting about the CDG-DOH flight. Did you enjoy it? I am catching that flight next year so am interested in your thoughts.

 

[Pushka]

Thanks for posting about the CDG-DOH flight. Did you enjoy it? I am catching that flight next year so am interested in your thoughts.

I think it was one of the best flights we've had. Daytime flight, no need for sleep, loved the 380 instead of the Qsuite set up. Fab crew.

 

[BriarFlyer]

I think it was one of the best flights we've had. Daytime flight, no need for sleep, loved the 380 instead of the Qsuite set up. Fab crew.

Pushka, did you not like the Qsuite? I'm in the process of changing (probably) an award return from Europe, currently booked out of Nice on Emirates in March, which is now the 777 instead of A380. I have a couple of options with Qatar, either A380 or Qsuites DOH-SYD and your comment has given me pause.

 

[Pushka]

Pushka, did you not like the Qsuite? I'm in the process of changing (probably) an award return from Europe, currently booked out of Nice on Emirates in March, which is now the 777 instead of A380. I have a couple of options with Qatar, either A380 or Qsuites DOH-SYD and your comment has given me pause.

If you like the thought of the double bed that is really nice. But you have to travel backwards. If you are a solo only pick forward facing middle or aisle seats. We preferred the 380 after we had flown the Qsuites. That surprised me.

 

[BriarFlyer]

Thanks, Pushka. I am travelling solo so that's good intel. I have flown Etihad in a rear-facing seat, which I was dreading, but apart from the weirdness of takeoff/landing I didn't mind. That said, it was a centre aisle which is different to looking "the wrong way" out a window.