A series of Firsts: India and Xi'an, mainly thanks to AFF

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On asking, I was told that there was another function in the SkyGarden again in the morning, so I wasn't able to see it at all. This is one of my top pet hates in hotels - they 'sell' the guests their facilities, and then they sell them again to private parties and deny guests the use, without notice.

You and me both. I went off my nut in Singapore (Grand Hyatt) when I was informed that the pool couldn't be used because a wedding had been booked. The whole pool area was closed for the whole afternoon, it was 35 degrees and I had 2 kids in tow. I actually told the GM to go eff himself when he refused to even entertain the thought of having a reasoned discussion, checked out a day early and went to the Fullerton instead.
 
The kids were allowed to sit in F? Seems very unlike SQ to allow that unless it was actually an upgrade?

Yes I was wondering the same too! Not sure whether RooFlyer was showing a picture of an empty suite (ie request denied) or whether the suite was occupied (request granted).
 
It was a generic shot, before most pax had boarded.

The discussion I heard was pretty clear. Two adults and 2 children (about 8 and 10, I'm guessing) boarded towards the end of the boarding process. Explained to FA that the kids were in J, just showing them where mum and dad were sitting, and we'll take them up to their own seats in a moment ... but if this suite is empty (the window one, next to their central pair, on other side of aircraft to me) .. could the kids come down after take-off? .... FA explains she'll have to ask ... Then I lost the conversation. Kids disappeared to J, then came down after seat belts turned off and I think sat in the unoccupied suite for most of the journey to SIN (I had my suite door closed much of the time).

Parents weren't pushy from what I heard and seemed genuinely hoping for a favour rather than expecting it. Kids were well behaved and you'd not know they were there if I didn't notice before. Didn't bother me.
 
Its a lunch flight down to Singapore. Here's what you'd have to choose from if you hadn't booked the cook. The RWT is on board again and not just on the wine list - I understand that's a bit unusual

HKG25.jpg

HKG26.jpg


...a-a-a-and they're off!

HKG27.jpg


From BtC, I chose abalone and then off the menu foie gras, pea soup and cheese

HKG28.jpg

HKG29.jpg
 
Arrived SIN about 45 mins late, and ensconced myself in the Private Room again. Would have liked to broach the a la carte, but just had late lunch and dinner on board coming up.

Not long after I arrived Cruiser Elite turned up (as expected) and we chin-wagged for a bit and then he took me down market to the F lounge and I introduced me to Mohammed, who was behind the bar. Lovely chap.

And so on board the flight SIN-MEL, a night flight, with dinner.

Here's the menu if you didn't book the cook for mains:

HKG30.jpg


I had the lobster in aspic for entrée and soup of the tomato veloute with crab.
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Mains was good 'ol rack of lamb and it was a generous serve, and tender, of course. It was an old config 777 again, with 2 others in the cabin.

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I wasn't looking forward to trying to sleep, as the outward flight on this config showed me the bed to be relatively hard and I found feet tucked away in a 'well' to be uncomfortable. Well, I might have gotten some sleep except for the hot cabin! I asked twice about this, and the temp did eventually drop. I noticed both other pax were asleep, but with no sheet or blanket over them. I got no sleep at all; I don't take temazapan any more, and alcohol these days doesn't help.

Apologies to those not able to do a F journey at all but this was definitely the least comfortable F sector I've flown. If I'm lucky enough to be able to afford the points for another SQ trip, I would actively avoid this B777 config on a night sector.

Anyway, not wishing to end the TR on a negative note ... I managed to stay awake in the QF J lounge at MEL for about 5 hours, which was an achievement! Then the customarily delayed QF 717 to HBA.

SQ suites and TPR were undoubtedly a highlight. I was amazed at the history I saw in India and it was made better by the fact that so much was unexpected. I'd urge anyone who hasn't been to go - with the right company, its not as challenging as you might think!

I'm glad I saw the Terracotta Warriors at Xi'an, but like when I visited Beijing, I have no desire to go back. China has never attracted me, and I've gone twice just to see the 'headline' historical places. I guess I should get out of the cities if I do go again.

Thanks for reading.

Next up in February is the JohnM and RooFlyer double act to Chile ( a drive south from Santiago, then a fjord cruise in Patagonia), then a longer drive across to Argentina and north up the eastern side of the Andes, then back across the Andes to Santiago. Its possible that some wine will be drunk, some volcanos will be oo-ed and ahh-ed at, cushion plants will be sat upon and a rollicking good time will be had by all. You're invited :cool:
 
Just seen this one on the BBC website, China police destroy fake terracotta
warriors tourist site, good to see they got them. Wonder how long they have
been ripping off unsuspecting tourists?

China police destroy 'fake' terracotta warriors - BBC News

Since they first found the warriors.
We were there in 1980 and outside the official complex were many unofficial places aggressively trying to get you to buy.Kept saying no.Our 7 year old got upset finally saying loudly I said no don't you understand English.Ah no son they don't.
 
Thanks for a fabulous report - I must say I've never really rated India as a place I would prioritise going (not sure if I was worried about safety or just didn't know much about it), but the history on show in your photos is astonishing. And the Taj ... it really is gorgeous, even with the huge crowds. Might have to rethink it ...
 
My adult son and I stayed at the Sofitel on Renmin Square last August, and agree it was very central and nice place to stay. The weather was hot and the pool on the 2nd or 3rd floor took care of that, although they scrambled to get my son out of the water because he jumped in without wearing a hair net ???. The Muslim Quarter was a short taxi ride away, or a 30min walk and what a great place to wander...food, food, food. Thanks for a great trip report.
 
This was the view from our hotel room, a few (well actually, more than a few) years ago, by looking at maps and photos now, I'm guessing we stayed in the Bell Tower Hotel.

bell.jpg

I'm sure the terracotta museum has changed a bit as well, we were not allowed to take photos inside the 'hanger' and this was being strictly enforced.

xian.jpg

In the 'gallery/museum' part you could.

mus.jpgmus1.JPG
 
Another great report - with some familiar sights. Looking forward to the next one.
 
Just catching up on the TR - makes me really want to go to India now and I don't want to go for all the reasons you noted but have now discounted.

Also just bought the DSC-HX90V - got it at Good Guys just before Christmas for $423 plus a $50 gift card and I got the tax back as well - I think it was a bargain - Ted's wouldn't match the $423 though
 
Just catching up on the TR - makes me really want to go to India now and I don't want to go for all the reasons you noted but have now discounted.

Also just bought the DSC-HX90V - got it at Good Guys just before Christmas for $423 plus a $50 gift card and I got the tax back as well - I think it was a bargain - Ted's wouldn't match the $423 though

It was a bargain - genuine 33% off!! Buzzard put me onto that deal (I think it was a bit less, wasn't it?), he got one, I got one (after this trip .. I was using the previous version, a few years old) and JohnM got one ... check out his trip report ..
 
and I checked it out in London and it was 329 pounds in London and if I got the VAT off would have been about the same as in Oz but I wouldn't have got the $50 gift voucher
 
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