MEL-AUH the long way round

[JessicaTam]

sounds like a good trip so far. Be sure to check out my previous TR on what to expect on the 77W - hopefully it provides a few good hints and tips.



http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-australia-international-long-haul-50290.html

Great trip report. I don't think I will be able to top the photos, though.

Did you ask for a stamp and they refused?

Yep, asked for a stamp and they said they don't do them anymore.

 

[Kangol]

Most importantly

Why is there no more Bollinger?

MEL and SYD F lounges are slightly different... haven't seen the Bollinger in MEL for a while now.
They probably made a choice not to have it for some unknown (to us) reason.
In SYD they still have it (well 1.5 weeks ago they did).

Same reason why MEL has the San Pellegrino bottles in the fridge and SYD doesn't.

 

[Grooba]

Same reason why MEL has the San Pellegrino bottles in the fridge and SYD doesn't.

Wow really, when did this change? I haven't been to the FL in SYD for a month or so and they most certainly stocked San Pellegrino when I was there last.

 

[markis10]

MEL and SYD F lounges are slightly different... haven't seen the Bollinger in MEL for a while now.
They probably made a choice not to have it for some unknown (to us) reason.
In SYD they still have it (well 1.5 weeks ago they did).

Same reason why MEL has the San Pellegrino bottles in the fridge and SYD doesn't.

Vitagen was reporting from the SYD lounge.

 

[JessicaTam]

Vitagen was reporting from the SYD lounge.

After further investigation i.e. asking someone, we found the Bollinger to be alive and well, just not on the menu.

We have since decamped from the Flounge, and vitagen has headed home. Fortunately he guested me into the Koru Club before remembering he had to work on Monday and couldn't come the rest of the way.

For the VA aficionados, hot dogs are on the menu.

I believe my aircraft has been towed to the gate.


I am not sure I will match pmdg7444's photographic efforts, but I will give it a go.

 

[Kangol]

Wow really, when did this change? I haven't been to the FL in SYD for a month or so and they most certainly stocked San Pellegrino when I was there last.

Oh, I'm talking about the 200mL bottles of flavoured SP drinks - chinotto, limonata, aranciata rossa etc.. not the Acqua Panna still water...

I've been to the SYD F Lounge twice (Feb this year and 1.5 wks ago) and they didn't have them in the (self serve) fridge both times. Maybe I should have asked I guess...
In MEL they have had them in the self serve fridge every time in the 4 or so times I've been there in the last 12 months.

Vitagen was reporting from the SYD lounge.

Whoops.
Doesn't hurt to ask I suppose!
[OT]: Have asked a few times now and there has been no Bollinger Rose.

 

[JessicaTam]

Well I boarded VA29 to find plenty a comfortable seat with plenty of leg room


The meal choice was a bit limiting for someone who tends to choose vego. I had to go with out the starter (salmon) as there was no choice, and I also had to skip the desert for supper as it contained nuts.

Dinner (roast chicken)


Supper (singapore noodles)


Sorry about the dim photos.

 

[JessicaTam]

And the menu itself


The roast chicken was quite tasty and moist, however I think the singapore noodles were let down by being served at the end of the flight, they were quite dry.

 

[JessicaTam]

I was met at the airport by the driver I had booked and I was whisked away to the Abu Dhabi Hilton. Driving through the 80 zone at 110 I soon realised was just in preparation for driving at 130 in the 100 zone! :shock:

Soon got to the hotel (obviously) and checked in and crashed. The room was a standard upgrade to an exec king room. Nice touch with the nibbles.

Loading photos is playing up so I will add them when I can

 

[jetlagger]

I was met at the airport by the driver I had booked and I was whisked away to the Abu Dhabi Hilton. Driving through the 80 zone at 110 I soon realised was just in preparation for driving at 130 in the 100 zone! :shock:

They usually slow down a tad for the speed cameras..
One of my drivers was doing 140 along the highway last week & some cars passed us doing min. 160!
Hope you enjoy trying to cross the upper road to the beach opposite Hilton.. ;-)

 

[JessicaTam]

I made it accorss the road (well under it actually) quite safely and went for a walk around the marina to the Heritage Village and then the Marina Mall for a spot of lunch and a much needed cool drink. It was about 38 degrees*, so just right for a walk. It is due to get hotter in the next couple of days, so I may have to resort to a taxi.

The Hilton pales besides its neighbours


The old and the new


'That' flagpole


And of course every shopping mall in the desert needs an ice rink.


*Having lived in Mildura for 5 years, 38 is not that hot.

 

[JessicaTam]

OMG, the only beers on offer in the exec lounge are Fosters and Budweiser.

 

[Must...Fly!]

OMG, the only beers on offer in the exec lounge are Fosters and Budweiser.

Point out that the Hilton in Dubai has a bunch of fancy German beers....that should have someone running around organising something better, lest the royal family find out!!

 

[JessicaTam]

I spent Monday doing the touristy things. First the Grand Mosque.


Then Emirates Palace

 

[JessicaTam]

Tuesday is going home day, but first a visit to Ferrari World. For the non-AFFers who thought I needed a reason to jump on a plane, this was it.

Any colour you like, as long as it is red, of course.



I happily spent six or so hours there and did just about every ride included in the AED235 price tag (about AUD65). Reasonable value, and the food prices were ok. Then it was back in a cab and off to the airport to enjoy the delights of the Etihad lounge... or so I thought.

 

[JessicaTam]

The agreement between Etihad and Cathay finished on 1 June. Five days ago! How dare they! How very dare they! I stand here the epitome of umbrage! Fortunately I contained myself and asked if there was an alternative.

I was directed to the Al Dhabi lounge, which is not too bad. Reasonable food and drinks, and a lovely shower.



In the back of this room there are two sleep pods. They were pay per use, but I did not see what the charge was.

Only five hours till my first CX J flight.

 

[Must...Fly!]

What was the roller coaster like at Ferrari world? I nearly went to AUH late last year and that was most certainly on my list.

I also wanted to do hot laps of Yas Marina...til I discovered the rather onerous height restrictions

 

[JessicaTam]

What was the roller coaster like at Ferrari world? I nearly went to AUH late last year and that was most certainly on my list.

I also wanted to do hot laps of Yas Marina...til I discovered the rather onerous height restrictions

When I arrived the roller coaster wasn't working, and when I found out when it was back on line, the queue was nearly an hour long. Suffice to say I didn't try it. I am a bit of a coward when it comes to rides, so I didn't take much convincing. I did do the twin roller coaster though, which was fun. Maybe if i come back with someone who can give me some courage I might give it a go.

Incidentally, I was on the Speed of Magic ride when it stopped. Apparently someone in another car stood up. We all had to be escorted out and then wait for them to restart it.

 

[vitagen]

OMG!! Jipped with the Erihad lounge!! Hope you released the DYKWIA.

 

[JessicaTam]

OMG!! Jipped with the Erihad lounge!! Hope you released the DYKWIA.

I tried a few permutations, but to no avail.

The flight was delayed, and we didn't end up boarding until about 1.50am, half an hour after our scheduled departure. We finally took off a bit after 2.00am.

I quickly settled in and was offered my special meal. There was no explanation as to what the ingredients were so I will leave you to decide.

The seat


Entree


Main


'Breakfast'