Azerbaijan, Baltic Sea cruise and Saudi airlines business class

[henleybeach]

MEL - SIN

dep 1540 arr 2130

Aircraft 777-300er

Singapore airlines


We bordered on time and took our seats in 20D and F. My parents were like kids in a candy store, and deers in a headlight! They couldn’t believe all the little nooks in and around the seat and the size of the seat. They were so excited which made our experience so much better . We had 2 champagnes before departure and a nice hot towel, straight after take off it was another champagne and warm nuts ,

The old man got a little too excited with the champagne and was passed out hour after departure!

 

[henleybeach]

The cabin and decor is very nice , once in the seat , the seat in front feels as if it’s too close, but other then that it’s really nice.

We started off with a prosciutto artichoke salad which was delish and about 4 pieces of garlic bread... ooppps!

Next course I ordered the beer fillet paired with the heirloom Shiraz
When I cut into the beef I thought the worse , it was hard to cut and I thought here we go , tuff dry aeroplane steak .
But it was really nice and tender , and the broccoli and carrots hit the spot . Steak and shiraz at 35000ft what more could you ask for .

Dessert was a choice of ice cream

Or a citrus cake followed by a cheese platter . A glass of port and the next minute I was quickly folding down the bed for a nap for a couple hours. I awoke to the crew making my table for a refreshment before arrival, it consisted of fried rice and mixed dim sum, all very nice and all polished off of course, even tho I didn’t need it .

We landed 10 minutes early and mrs henleybeach headed straight to Zara and of course swiped the plastic.

We are just relaxing in the lounge waiting for the next leg to Istanbul

 

[ellen10]

Checking in for the next flight.

 

[henleybeach]

SIN - IST

dep 0145 arr 0730

Aircraft 777-200er

Singapore airlines


We were really tired by the time we took off and it’s not often I turn down food but I was knackered . The FAs came around before departure and asked about supper, I couldn’t resist the satays so I choose them and opted to stay up have them.

It had been a hour since departure and they are only just doing pre-dinner drinks and nuts. Mrs henley beach cancelled her supper satays and went to sleep , I choose not to give up and hang in there!

Eventually the food service came out with a starter of duck salad and then the satays. They weren’t as nice as usual, both the lamb and chicken were tough.... I should’ve gone to sleep!

After a 5 hour nap it was breakfast time,
I did BTC and I got the waffles with berries. Breakfast started off with coffee and juice , followed by a selection of breads from a basket , followed by fresh fruit and some cornflakes .
By this stage I was starting to wonder if I’m going to fit the waffles in , but as you do, you remove your belt and suck it up and get on with the job!
The waffles were 10/10, the came with fresh berries, maple syrup and mascarpone.

We landed on time and alighting via a remote stand and bussed to terminal . We were through immigration in 5 mins and on our way to check out Istanbul

 

[Pushka]

I really dislike late night flights where you just want a quick meal to tide you over but it takes forever. I refuse meals more often these days and just bunker down for sleep. I try to distance myself from the clink of cutlery and conversations.

 

[henleybeach]

We spent the day wondering around the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia. It was amazing just how big they are and how it would’ve taken to build. They are doing a lot restoration repairs on them both at the moment.
Our accommodation we are staying at is called sura design hotel, a nice little hotel with a stand alone bath overlooking the garden. The hotel has an “A grade” rooftop bar and restaurant that has stunning views of the mosque and Hagia Sophia. We had dinner and few drinks there and the food was lovely, the meat was so tender .
Early night after a big day and ready to fly Azerbaijan airlines to Baku on a 767!

 

[Pushka]

We spent the day wondering around the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia. It was amazing just how big they are and how it would’ve taken to build. They are doing a lot restoration repairs on them both at the moment.
Our accommodation we are staying at is called sura design hotel, a nice little hotel with a stand alone bath overlooking the garden. The hotel has an “A grade” rooftop bar and restaurant that has stunning views of the mosque and Hagia Sophia. We had dinner and few drinks there and the food was lovely, the meat was so tender .
Early night after a big day and ready to fly Azerbaijan airlines to Baku on a 767!
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And you’ve got the picture posting all sussed now. Interesting to see who is travelling in Europe right now. By the timing of when they are awake.

 

[henleybeach]

And you’ve got the picture posting all sussed now. Interesting to see who is travelling in Europe right now. By the timing of when they are awake.

Thankyou to rooflyer for the PM to show me how to post the pics correctly

 

[Pushka]

Thankyou to rooflyer for the PM to show me how to post the pics correctly

I wasn’t sure what was happening but they are great. RF is a very helpful member.

 

[henleybeach]

IST -BAKU

dep 1220 arr 410pm

Aircraft 767-300er

Azerbaijan airlines


Check- in was a breeze and we through pretty quickly. Geez Istanbul airport is pretty run down and old.

We boarded by remote stand and took our seats. Unbelievable amount of legroom for economy class and comfortable seats. They don’t do economy like that anymore!

After take off we were given a hot towel along with a drink service and some nuts. A hot lunch was served not long after and it was a choice of beef or chicken. I went the beef rissoles with potato, it came with a small slaw salad, cheese and olives , chocolate and almond cake and some bread and butter all paired with a red Azerbaijan wine. I was very impressed with the food and service.

We landed on time in the new airport and transferred to the Hilton Baku.

After settling into our room, they sent up a bottle of mini Moët and a mudcake with roses for our honeymoon. A great little gesture and after having the Moët and cake we headed to the lounge for some drinks overlooking the Caspian Sea

 

[RooFlyer]

You will be able to see the Flame Towers performing after dark from your room

 

[henleybeach]

You will be able to see the Flame Towers performing after dark from your room

Yes we watched them , they looked great with all the colours and different light show. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t do it justice

 

[henleybeach]

Our first full day in Baku was great, we started off with a lovely breakfast and then walked along the beautiful promenade, it’s a lovely walk with all

The trees, gardens and lawn. We walked to the old town and meet a tour guide there for a “free” city tour. My wife and I were the only ones. We walked around the old town and downtown. It was beautiful, the gardens, the old city walls and all the old buildings were just beautiful. After the tour we had some local lunch at a restaurant under ground. 1 beer , 1 wine ,

2 entree and 2 mains came to $25aud! And it was delish. We walked around the town for a couple hours after , it was great , no one hassled you , it wasn’t crowded like Paris, we really loved it. It’s a hidden gem and you need to come here , you won’t regret it!

We got back to our hotel and straight up to the 23rd floor for a hot tub spa, then showered up and to the club lounge for some refreshments and canapés . 1st full day in Baku done and a 10/10!

 

[henleybeach]

Our hotel - and view from the room

 

[henleybeach]

 

[henleybeach]

At night from
The skybar

 

[henleybeach]

Today we went out some 300km from Baku and up to the Khinalug region. It’s 2300m above sea level and they still live like the old days abelit with one of the best views in the world. It was a 12 hour day , but it was well worth it, the scenery was spectacular.
Our driver told us he was a professional horse rider and when we got to the village and rode a horse and got bucked! When I quizzed him after about being a professional , he replied he has rode a horse three times so he is now a professional!! We couldn’t stop laughing and he couldn’t see why !

 

[henleybeach]

 

[zig]

Spectacular scenery

 

[henleybeach]

Today was a more relaxing day ,
We went to the Heydar Aliyev museum,
It’s a real cool modern looking building , designed by a Iranian. Inside the museum was great as well, we really enjoyed the history , the photos of a young Putin and the mini sculptures of the buildings around Baku.
After that we caught the funicular up to the flame towers for a look and wander around the square.
Just about to have a hot spa before going to dinner at the sky grill at our hotel