Suite dreams on a budget

[Singapore Sling]

Part 1 Suite Virgin

A little trip across to the land off the rising sun. No prize for guessing where I am talking about. But I did get totally lost in translation, if you need any clues.

A first for me this trip, I will be flying Singapore Airlines famous R class, so suites all the way. So the trip started in the normal way with my journey around the M25 to London Heathrow, no problems today, so arrived nice and early. Checked in online so just needed to drop bag and collect my suite boarding passes from the counter for my two flights, nice friendly girl at the checkin, always a good start to any journey. big bird all the way. (A380)

Well the lounge is the same as it always is (not the best lounge in the world) so have a bit to eat and a drink, a Singapore Sling. (really only a tomato juice ) Then go around the shops to kill some time and pick up some of the things I forgot. Flight now showing gate open so I make my way to the gate, by the time I get there boarding is just about to start so I take a seat, a few minutes later boarding starts, so off I go.






As soon as I crossed the planes threshold I was met by the crew who welcomed me aboard by name, a lovely Singapore girl then escorted me to my seat, 3F right hand side off plane to make it easy to reach for my drink, (right handed) you have to think of these things when flying long haul.

[Singapore Sling]

A little show and tell by one off the VASG, (very attractive Singapore Girl ) she then takes my jacket and hangs it up, offered pre-departure drink, the rest of the crew also stopped by to introduce themselves and welcome us on board. I am told I will be the only person in suites today and to feel free to move around as I like after take off.





Before take off the VASG offered newspapers, magazines and bought around the amenity kit, PJs, (I really like the black PJs with the yellow pin stripe) headsets, ect and then spent some time with us explaining the service today. She knelt beside our seat if she was going to be asking more than one question, I was starting to enjoy this just a bit too much, if you know what I mean.

Ten minutes after our amazingly smooth take off my great crew were in full flow, one off the VASG came around with a leather bound menu, took another drink order and offered to make up the double bed for me, I said yes please do. I took a look at the menu (supper, late flight) Then when she came back with my drink she took our supper selection and asked when we would like to eat, so I said as soon as possible, the table was made up ready. Watch them making up the bed, quite a bit to it. Link for a youtube video by DeltaFlyingProf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mv62kzxYqM by the time they had finish, supper was ready and I was making a start.

My Appetiser
Chilled malossol caviar with melba toast and condiments



My Starter
Thick chicken broth with crabmeat, tofu and vegetables



Salad
Refreshing baby spinach, arugula and mache lettuce with hand picked cherry tomatoes and herb vinaigrette

My Main Course
Lamb medallions with minted peas, carrot and potato garlic mash



Next up was dessert which I declined, also passed on the cheeses, but went for some fruits and a blue mountain coffee. (No Gordon Ramsay for me today)

[G_G]

ready for part 2

I'm ready to read part 1

[Singapore Sling]

After supper I went to change into the PJs and get ready for bed, jump into bed and watched a movie, then went to sleep. I slept for only about five hours, perhaps I didn't like the warmish cabin temps or because I never sleep much on planes anyway, watched a few more movies in bed. Then I decided to move back over to 3F to read, by which time the sun had come out so I took a photo out the window. And naturally, every 10 minutes or so, one of my cabin crew would make the rounds and freshen my water, offer drinks and snacks.



Before I went to sleep.


The toilets were not as big as the one on the left hand side J class front A380, but were cleaned after each usage and toilet paper folded hotel style. A little more than an hour out of Singapore the crew began breakfast service.

I started with freshly squeezed orange juice, follow by fresh fruit and cereals. Then onto warm Belgium waffle with mix berries compote and mascarpone cheese. Scrambled eggs with ham, vine ripened tomato and mushrooms. Finish of with breakfast pastries and TWG earl grey tea.



After breakfast was cleared away the crew started to get ready for landing. Touched down at SIN and then exchanged warm personal thank's and "hope to see you again" with my crew. I got off and started making my way to the lounge, stopping to take a photo of the plane on route.


Private room here I come!



When I first entered the front of the lounge area and showed my boarding pass to the SDL I was escorted by one of the lounge guards through the F lounge and onto the PR, then a PR agent took over, showing me to a seat were yet another ask if I would like to order anything to drink/eat. I had a drink, then took a look around (this is not as easy as it sounds, because as soon as you move a member off staff will be over to see if you want anything) before using the shower and having a bite to eat.







As you can see, it gets very busy. So that is why its call the private room!

[Singapore Sling]

Part 2 No Longer A Virgin


Basin inside shower room.




The Foie Gras burger.

Time is now getting close too boarding for my next flight to Japan (A380 R class, only way to fly) so of I go, by the time I get to the gate boarding has started, I am meet by one of the gate staff who take me to the planes threshold and hands me over to the planes crew, were we are again welcomed aboard by all the crew "Hello Mr Singapore Sling and welcome aboard", another VASG then escorted me to my seat. (3F again) I passed on the show and tell this time, as I was now no longer a suites virgin. She said if I need any help with anything to just ask. Then offered pre-departure drink, while she was of getting the drink another VASG came around with newspapers and magazines. The amenity kit and PJs then turn up, soon followed by my drink.



After take off the menu was drop off and my order taken, as I was not feeling very hungry I just went for a little snack. I then ask for the bed to be made as I go and get ready. When I come back out the bed is ready, I ask for a wake up call a few hours before touch down, get tuck in, goodnight kiss and of to sleep I go.



After landing at NRT and clearing customs, I take the train into Tokyo, then get a taxi to my first hotel, Grand Hyatt Tokyo. (being able to speak Japanese would have help, but I made it)









Tokyo Tower. Height 333m, Special observatory 250m. (as high as public can go) Also good for finding your hotel after getting lost.




A good place to cool down after walking around in the 36c heat.

[Singapore Sling]

Part 3 Lost in Translation


The world famous PHT (PHT=Park Hyatt Tokyo) For more on the PHT follow this link: http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9304




Guest library


New York Bar & Grill










Nippon Maru (I think! If I`m wrong let me know)


Imperial Palace (Niju-bashi)

[Singapore Sling]

JR Narita Express (NEX) train taking me back to Narita International Airport about 60 km outside of Tokyo. (1st class) Don`t take a taxi too or from this airport unless you have money to burn.


A380 taking me back to Singapore.

[hon2]

Extra points to the first person to tell me what this photo is.

That's a Japanese toilet!

[SQflyergirl]

Ooh! Blueberry class (TM)!

[milehighj]

You have to guess the name of the next hotel in my TR, who ever wins gets to pay for my next stay there.

Capsule Hotel...

[Singapore Sling]

That's a Japanese toilet!

Spot on.

[Singapore Sling]

Capsule Hotel...

Wrong. That would be to small for me, I like space to move around. Watch the film Lost in Translation if you need a clue.

[Singapore Sling]

Ooh! Blueberry class (TM)!

I made sure I was ready for you to join me, but you didn`t turn up. The champagne was on ice ready, I know how to look after the ladies.

[milehighj]

Wrong. That would be to small for me, I like space to move around. Watch the film Lost in Translation if you need a clue.

Oh no, I might win. And I can't afford to pay for my stay there, let alone your stay there.

[Singapore Sling]

Oh no, I might win. And I can't afford to pay for my stay there, let alone your stay there.

How about a little hotel in Singapore I know, always good for a drink, they name one after me!