Fifth leg
SYD – EZE: January 10th, QF 17. B747-400. Seat 18A
Boarding was called at 10:20, just as marked on my boarding card. I actually was a few minutes late to the gate as I was checking out the duty free area and when I walked to my gate people were already boarding.
I moved to my seat on the upper deck. It was the same seat I had from Hong Kong into Melbourne. Unfortunately other things would be the same…
Before take off I was offered water by the very nice flight attendants. This time it was two very nice ladies. Just when I thought I would have the two seats to myself again, this middle age guy sat right next to me. I was really pissed off (more than normal, but I guess I was really tired and irritable). Luckily he moved to another row of empty seats prior to take off. Third leg with no one by my side!
My seat:
Cool airplanes:
We taxied the long way to the runway and took off to the north (I think). It was reallyh cool to recognize the spot where so many pictures are taken. However, It was a shame that I was on the left side of the airplane, as I missed the very nice views of Sydney (where I have never been). I was a little lucky, though. As we were turning to the right I caught through the window of seat 18K a very nice and brief view of Sydney, opera house and bridge included.
After take off, we were distributed our pajamas for the flight, so I headed straight to the bathroom to get changed. We were offered something to drink and I had tomato juice.
I hate these business trips. I have a hard time keeping my weight down, and I end up eating very unhealthily throughout. I know it’s my fault, but still. At home I think it’s easier to watch what I eat.
We were then served a very nice caprese salad, which I then followed by a rather tasteless chicken. I do apologize I did not take pictures of the lunch, as mentioned before I was really tired and just forgot to take the stupid pictures.
Sorry about the quality:
Caprese salad:
I did a little research on this route before coming on this trip. I had read on this forum that the route would take us directly south from Sydney and through the South Pole. I believe that someone even posted a route map. This was nonsense. For whatever reason we headed straight for New Zealand and then proceeded south but not any near the south pole.
Leaving the coast of New Zealand:
Well... guess what? Right when we were flying over New Zealand the entertainment system broke down!!! I mean, the previous leg turned out to be a pain for the same reason. Qantas seems to have serious issues with the entertainment system.
I then decided to take some sleeping pills and adjust to the Argentinean time zone. I actually took 4 pills instead of the recommended dosage of 2. I really wanted to sleep. I was growing very desperate by now and although I did not want to overdose I really needed to rest. I woke up good six hours later feeling rested and happy!
I was dissapointed when the flight attendant came and offered me something to eat. The choices were just chocolate or... just chocolate. She said that people had eaten a lot throughout the flight...
This is the moon, believe it or not:
We entered America through Puerto Montt, Chile. We then crossed the Andes and entered Argentina. The weather was beautiful. During this time breakfast was served. I had ordered almost everything on the list, and I got a full plate. Of course, I forgot to take pictures of breakfast as I was really hungry. I had the scrambled eggs, potato cakes, tomatoes, croissant, bread, apple juice and café au lait. No wonder I have a hard time keeping my weight down. Hehe.
I am now writing this report when there is supposed to be 38 more minutes to go, the weather is really nice and we are still cruising at 39000 feet. I will continue later, probably from the hotel. I am really looking forward to Buenos Aires, one of my favorite cities of the whole world.
Ok. We landed in Buenos Aires slightly ahead of schedule. The airport was a bit messy as there was a flight from London that landed just before us. My suitcase came out in no time and there was a car from my company waiting for me outside. So everything was fine.
B707forever From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 459 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (4 years 4 months 1 week 20 hours ago) and read 10822 times:
I hope you get some good sleep in Buenos Aires. It's hard to not go out there since everyone is so attractive! Cuidate!
Great reporting. I as able to get a clear sense of Qantas's long haul service. It seems OK but nothing special.
QANTAS077 From China, joined Jan 2004, 5745 posts, RR: 49 Reply 4, posted (4 years 4 months 1 week 19 hours ago) and read 10669 times:
Quoting Ogre727 (Thread starter): I had read on this forum that the route would take us directly south from Sydney and through the South Pole.
whoever said it goes over the South Pole was kidding, they can only fly down to 72 degrees South...going further south requires polar survival equipment to be carried.
a true friend is someone who sees the pain in your eyes, while everyone else believes the smile on your face.
Thanks to all for your very nice comments. They are very encouraging.
I am flying on Wednesday to Mexico City, so I'll write parts VI and VII that day. On Saturday I am flying back to ZRH, so that'll be parts VIII and IX. Hope to publish next week.
Rogerbcn From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1127 posts, RR: 19 Reply 10, posted (4 years 4 months 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 8229 times:
Hola Ogre727!
I have been reading your reports around the world in two weeks and I have enjoyed them all.
You have been really lucky to fly these long segments without any one sitting next to you. I really like it when you have the freedom to move in and out of your seat any time.
San Telmo's pictures are wonderful, did you go there on a Sunday? Because I have more or less the same pictures as I got there last year.
Looking forward to reading the coming parts.
By the end of the trip yo would have become an expert on Oneworld long-haul product: Qantas, Lan, IB...
Salut!
Roger
[Edited 2009-01-13 00:42:32]
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
Seamefly From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 308 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (4 years 4 months 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 8148 times:
I wonder if you're able to sleep this time in S. America ? I hope you were able to do so because travel can be a bitch if you're feeling hang over (without the alcohol is even worse! )...
I hope you have some time in your busy time to at least enjoy the city wherever you are... At least a time to yourself to feel 'zen'
Anyway, again, truly enjoy every bits of your reports... and just like the others, I am jealous!
Teme1976 From Finland, joined Feb 2008, 22 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (4 years 3 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 6647 times:
It's been a great series of trip reports from your around the world trip so far. Eagerly waiting for the remaining parts, especially your report from MEX-MAD sector. I am scheduled to fly MAD-MED-MAD with Iberia in J class this month and I would love to hear your comments.
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