Flight was called 45 mins before departure however needed just one last champers before leaving the CH. Not quite sure when I will be back[:(].
Due to construction works at LGW the monorail is out of action therefore buses are laid on to take everyone to the satallite gates. Upon arrival at the gate the UC fast track was in operation but as there was little or no queue for boarding did not really need it but used it anyway. Aircraft was 'Jersey Girl'. Once on board xxx ( cabin supervisor) showed us to our seats 6a & 6c. Very happy with them with acres of space in front of us with only the wardrobe in front of us. Thanks Black Cat for the recommendations[:D]
Once settled in Champers was offered round and I thought it was in- polite to refuse. Had to stand up for a nosey around the cabin which was nearlly full. SRB walked on board and sat in 6K which is directly accross the aisle from me. Said hello to everyone in the cabin.
Flight deck had 2 captains, sorry forget names but made super pax announcement ' Virgin Atlantic has some of the worlds best cabin crew within the industry working for them, unfortunately none of them are aboard today' LOL.
Once in the cruise service commenced with the excellent xxxx as FSM seeing to our every need.
The next part I was dreading[:I] The book I had brought on board to read was Richard Bransons 'Losing my Virginity'. I eventually took it out my bag hoping he would not notice which he did not for at least 15 mins. As he got up he glanced across and burst out laughing, came over and congratulated me in such a good choice of book. Any questions just to ask him. As I went redder than a tomato i was looking for the nearest exit. Time for a whisky and ginger[:p]
It is a very surreal feeling reading an autobiogaphy of someone sitting across from you. SRB also said the same[:D]
Nova system was ok but now I understand why everyone wishes for an upgrade.
Food arrived, Mrs F having the asparagus soup and the Chicken Pancetta & Gnocchi. Looked superb and tasted even better all washed down with a few glasses of Gavi di Gavi Italian wine. Myself, I opted for the same soup but went for the fillet steak and the Franschock South African Red wine, followed by the cheese and bics. Very impressed by the presentation and full marks to galley witch.
A few more whiskies and ginger made the 9 hr flight very comfortable.
Now I know you are all waiting to see if I spoke to SRB. Well you just have to dont you. When would you ever get a chance to be with a great person for a solid 9 hrs[:D]. Approached him asking if he would sign the book that I had bought and which he did without question, wrote a very nice personel message to both Mrs F and myself. After the usual questions, where are you going, what are you doing I popped the question. ' Are you aware of an Internet Forum called V-flyer?'. 'Never heard of it he replied'.......... Only joking. He did say that he was aware of it and his office regulary log in as it is a good point of reference for feedback. Now i don't know if he was bulls***ing or what, but that's what he said.
As far I as i know he was off to Necker island and he had 2 new puppy's in the hold below.
So there you have it, a great man and so down to earth. Approach in to ANU was smooth and landed 25mins ahead of schedule. First into immigration and the bags were in the first batch to come off.
All in all a great flight. Somehow I don't expect the return flight to be so entertaining. 2 small things I could crib about. The Carlos mag is a bit hard reading and serious and the inflight ammenity kit is crap. The one you get in economy has at least a bag you can use for the beach[;)]
Okay, I have 7 more days of hardship here. Will file the next TR when back in Moscow.
Be Good
Iain
Edit by mod...Nick... Removed staff names in line with forum rules, which weren't written when this TR was first posted. [:D]
