akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9307 times:
Introduction
Amigo(a)s querido(a)s ,
“...quitarme solo decir , te quiero mucho...”
“…just leave me saying, I love you so much…”
I never thought that this particular passage of Andalucía’s tourism videoclip befitted my feeling about my godmother, Ma Ingrid, who passed away last 31st October 2011.
Saddened as I could not make it to attend her cremation in Semarang, I tried to comfort myself by anything she has ever told me.
Odd enough, how hard I was trying, I could only recall, ‘Suryo, always look at the bright side of life,’ and nothing else.
Should I set up my report that way? Looking at the bright side of our journey in Andalucía?
Rest in peace, my dearest godmother. This report is inspired by you and I wish to dedicate it to you and people who are no longer with us in this world.
Amigo(a)s, will you join me and Herman along Iberian Peninsula to see something like this?
But do you know that you can do time traveling as well in open air in Córdoba or Corduba as the city was called after being founded by the Romans in 152 BC?
Imagine yourself as a proud Roman warrior arriving at Puente Romano, a much restored Roman bridge which formed part of the old medieval walls that are reputed to have been some twenty two kilometers in length.
Puente Romano
Walking up the bridge and meeting admirers.
Japanese tourists
Towards La Puerta del Puente which was redesigned by Hernán Ruiz III in the sixteenth century to mark the visit of Philip II to Córdoba.
La Puerta del Puente
‘Just a moment! Are we not going too fast?’ My conscience Ariel protested.
‘Ah, Ariel! Nice to know that you are around. No worries! With time traveling, you can turn back time. How about being a scholar who frequented Abd ar-Rahman III’s court sometime after AD 711 when Córdoba fell to the Islamic invaders?’
Mezquita
Imagine being together with your Jewish and Christian schoolmates watching ritual ablutions of Muslim schoolmates before prayer at Patio de los Naranjos.
Patio de los Naranjos
Under the shadow of the crowning glory of the complex.
The Minaret
The minaret towered 48 meter at its peak. Sadly, only 22 meter of it still survives.
‘Can we visit the Mezquita as well?’ Ariel wondered.
‘Of course. Let’s do that at 08.30 as the entrance is free and groups are not admitted until 10.00,’
‘That early?’
‘Yes. We will better see why the Mezquita’s architecture was revolutionary for its time,’
Prayer hall
The terracotta-and-white striped arches suggested a hallucinogenic forest for date palms, and supported the roof with 856 columns. The columns were a mishmash of material collected from the Visigothic cathedral that had previously occupied the site, Córdoba’s Roman buildings and places as far away as Constatinople.
The Mezquita’s greatest treasure was built by Al-Hakim II.
The Mihrab
In front of Mihrab, Al Hakim II added a new royal prayer enclosure, Maksura, with multiple interwoven arches and lavishly decorated domes.
One of the Maksura domes
Previously, Mezquita counted 1,293 columns. The missing columns were presumably removed to allow construction of the Capilla Mayor in the sixteenth century upon permission of King Carlos I against the wishes of Córdoba’s city council.
Capilla Mayor
King Carlos I famously regretted with the results. ‘You have built what you or others might have built anywhere, but you have destroyed something that was unique in the world.’
Plaza de la Corredera
‘Could this be the place where King Carlos I tried to forget the Capilla Mayor’s debacle?’ Ariel wondered.
Overview
‘It could be. This was the site of Córdoba’s Roman amphitheatre, and also the location for horse races, bullfights and Inquisition burnings,’
‘Burnings?’
‘Not anymore and no bullfights either. Instead, you will see locals take out their pets,’
Pet piglet
Patios Cordobeses
‘Could the locals have invited King Carlos I to their patios to cheer him up?’
‘Probably. The famed patios of Córdoba have provided shade during the heat of summer for centuries,’
‘Which patio could have been King Carlos I’s favorite?’
‘There are too many patios in Córdoba and we cannot ask King Carlos anymore,’
‘Err, how about making a tiny selection of patios and asking our ‘amigo(a)s from A.net?’
‘That is more I like it!’
Amigo(a)s, which one is your favorite of the following three?
Just tell us while enjoying an evening treat.
A glass of Rioja, a bread basket and a bowl of chorizo slices
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9334 times:
Seville
While Granada became the last bastion of Al-Andalus, Seville or Sevilla in everyday language became the most important Castilian city by the fourteenth century.
However, King Pedro I maintained an alliance with the Muslim emir of Granada, Mohamed V, who was responsible for much of the Alhambra’s finest decoration.
Do you know that this longstanding alliance resulted in the single most stunning architectural feature in Seville?
Alcázar
‘It is a déjà vu!’ I gasped.
‘What are you talking about?’ Ariel wondered.
‘Just look!’
Long queue
At busy times of year, it is worth booking ahead for the palatial fortress which has rightfully been listed since 1987 as a part of UNESO World Heritage listed monumental complex along with Cathedral and Archivo de Indias.
After the rather long wait for the entrance tickets, we cheered up by the sight of Patio del León.
Patio del León
Off the garrison yard of the original Al-Muwarak palace is Sala de la Justicia with beautiful Mudéjar plasterwork.
Plasterwork close-up
And an artesonado (ceiling of interlaced beams with decorative insertions).
Part of artesonado
After its construction in the 1340s, Christian king Alfonso XI disported here with one of his mistresses, Leonor de Guzmán. She was reportedly the most beautiful woman in Spain.
I can hardly imagine how she might look, but with neighboring Patio del Yeso, the couple must have enjoyed time together.
Patio del Yeso
‘Dear Heaven!’
‘A déjà vu again?’
‘Yes!’
Mohammed V apparently sent along many of his best artisans when Pedro I created a new palace within Alcázar between 1364 and 1366, thanks to their alliance. The result of this unique synthesis of Iberian Islamic is the crown jewel of Alcázar, Palacio de Don Pedro.
Façade of Palacio de Don Pedro
At the heart of the palace is Patio de las Doncellas surrounded by beautiful arches, plasterwork and tiling.
Patio de las Doncellas
Do you notice the sunken garden on the picture above? It was uncovered by archaeologists in 2004 from beneath a sixteenth century marble covering.
Still amazed by the detail, we were intrigued by yet another spectacles inside Salón de Embajadores at the end of Patio de las Doncellas.
Wooden dome symbolizing the universe
With Arco de Pavones futher up which was named after its peacock motifs.
Arco de Pavones
Another style of architecture art mesmerized us at Salones de Carlos V.
Gothic palace interior
Right outside, Jardin de las Danzas was awaiting.
Overview of Jardin de las Danzas
Where a friendly host greeted us.
A peacock
And guided along a passage beneath Salones de Carlos V to Baños de Doña Maria de Padilla.
Baños de Doña Maria de Padilla
Amigo(a)s, the sight somehow reminded me of neighboring Cathedral and Giralda at night.
Cathedral and Giralda towering beside it
‘What about our visit there?’ Ariel became impatient.
‘Well, come along then!’
Cathedral and Giralda
‘Let us create such a building that future generations will take us for lunatic’ the church authorities decided after knocking down the great twelfth century Almohad mosque after 1401 due to its decaying state.
The result is the biggest church in the world measuring 126 meter long and 83 meter wide.
Cathedral overview
With ninety meter decorative brick tower on the northeastern side, the mosque’s minaret (Giralda).
Giralda
Such awe-inspiring building in its scale, no wonder we were not the only visitors.
Queue
Look at the immense interior.
Lofty corridor
Inside stands the monumental tomb of Cristóbal Colón.
‘Cristóbal Colón?’
‘Yes. Does the name say anything to you?’
‘Well…’
‘What about Christopher Columbus?’
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
The tomb contains what were long believed to be the great explorer’s bones, brought there from Cuba in 1899.
‘Do you hear that?’ Ariel whispered as we started our climb up to the belfry of Giralda. ‘Vangelis. Conquest of paradise,’
A series of ramps seemed disappearing steadily beneath us. ‘Hey, I am on horseback!’
With every beat we came higher.
Upstairs, the refrain joined in.
Bells
Accompanying stunning view of the surroundings.
Calle Mateos Gago with white cars parked along it
Green oases of Alcázar Gardens on the background
Plaza del Triunfo on the bottom left
Archivo de Indias partially hidden behind the Cathedral’s rooftop
‘The refrain is fading,’ Ariel whispered. ‘It is time to leave. Time to recall our impressions the appropriate way,’
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 3, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9324 times:
Ronda
‘Did I have sangria too much?’
‘How am I supposed to know? One thing I can tell you though. What you see is for real,’ Ariel said.
Puente Nuevo over El Tajo Gorge
The towering stone bridge separates the old and new towns of Ronda. This most spectacular town of Málaga province was established in the ninth century BC.
New towns on the left and old towns on the right viewed from Puente Nuevo
Apart from being one of Spain’s oldest towns, Ronda also houses one of the oldest and most revered bullrings in Spain, Plaza de Toros.
Interior overview
Built by Martin Aldehuela at sixty six meter in diameter, it is the largest and, therefore, most dangerous bullring. Blood-spattered costumes worn by Pedro Romero and 1990s star Jesulín de Ubrique are displayed as confronting evidence at on-site Museo Taurino.
Hotel Rural Molino del Puente
Mi casa es tu casa. My home is your home.
Hotel overview
Ian, Elaine and family have indeed moved up to Ronda eight years ago, but with twenty year living experience in Spain, they do know the art of hospitality.
Our room with double bed
Jacuzzi and shower
Ian’s specialty was by no means to be sneezed at.
Simmered lamb and couscous
Which made me regret, ‘Why did we stay only for one night?’
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9327 times:
Malaga Costa del Sol Airport
‘Could Bruce Fairbanks be the descendant of Seville’s church authority member?’ Ariel wondered once we arrived on the second floor of Terminal 3.
Lift shaft under the roof
‘I do not know. But I know why the question. The lift shaft is like a chapel inside a cathedral,’
“Shall we?” Herman beckoned.
“Sure,”
Our walkway to the first floor revealed more of mesmerizing architecture of this particular terminal which was opened on 15 March 2010 by King Juan Carlos.
Right curbside
Another masterpiece was waiting for us inside.
Public hall overview. Note the glass wall
Check-in area overview
With eighty six check-in counters, we needed FIDS to locate our counter.
‘Really? How come?’ Ariel became sharp.
‘Alright! I did not do my homework properly,’
FIDS
Airport check in
The counters were not yet opened as we got there, though it was 10.50 already.
Unmanned counters. Note the passage on each side
Five minutes later, Iberia customer service agent Macarena arrived.
“The counter will be opened in five minutes,” She notified us while preparing the two counters for our flight.
“Alright,”
322 for Club Europe and 323 for check-in assistance
More fellow passengers were lining up behind us. But yet, our queue was nothing compared to others.
People all over the place on our left
In the meantime, Macarena had everything set behind counter 323.
“You may come forward. But if Business Class passengers arrive, they will be attended,”
“Okay,”
We were attended anyway as there were no premium passengers in sight.
“Your final destination is Amsterdam?”
“Correct,”
“And you have two pieces of luggage to check in?”
“No, just one,”
“Oh, I see two pieces on my screen. Let me just correct it for you,”
Herman looked at me. “Why have you done that?”
“I am not sure whether our suitcase will be overweight,”
The scale indicated twenty three kilograms. Our joint suitcase was coincidentally packed to single passenger’s maximum allowance.
“Your plane will be landed at 13.00. But we will board at 13.00 anyway,” Macarena said while returning our documents. “Enjoy your flight,”
“Thank you,”
We were processed just in time as Macarena noticed a man standing in front of counter 322.
“Business class?”
“Yes,”
Indeed, this premium passenger got attended before fellow Economy passenger behind us. But hey, we got our boarding passes, did we not?
My boarding pass. Note the missing gate number
“Shall we go inside?” Herman suggested.
“Sure. I would love to do some spotting. We have plenty of time,”
“Well, I am thinking more of shopping,”
“As you wish,”
Queues before security control
Again, we chose the wrong lane. Others moved up quickly, but ours. Still we made airside after five minutes. Good job on this, AGP!
Schengen area
FIDS. Sorry for the reflection
“Darn, still another hour to find out our gate,”
“How about checking the duty free?”
“Just let’s do it. The shopping area is right on our opposite anyway,”
Duty free ‘chapel’ of T3 ‘cathedral’
“I wanna boom bang bang with your body-o
We're gonna rough it up before we take it slow
Girl let me rock you rock you like a rodeo
It's gonna be a bumpy ride…”
‘Mohombi’s Bumpy ride!’ Ariel broke the silence as we entered the shopping area. ‘What is the occasion? Hey, look there!’
Dancing couple
“I'm gonna pull you over, pull you under
Make your body surrender to mine, heeeee hooooo…”
Our purchase
The couple was indeed performing in front of Jameson, but we made our body surrender to Famous Grouse.
Amigo(a)s, let me show you something,
Four Arrows Food & Beer Pub facade
Do you remember the very first photo on my report? If you know where it belongs to, you deserve this.
A pint of Guinness
Heineken for all I care. It will be yours anyway.
Just sit back and enjoy what we have got for you.
Easyjet G-EZTY
Aeroflot VP-BRY
Swiss HB-IOL, dedicated to Gabriel (Gabrielchew) and Philip (OA260). 27th January 2008 and 8th December 2010?
Monarch G-OJMR, dedicated to Eric (Airbuseric), Martijn (CrimsonNL) and Matt (DunaA320)
At 12.45, something sleek in distinguished livery touched down.
“Dear Heaven!” I gave a cry by this sight. Unintentionally loud that a father and his toddler who were enjoying the view just nearby, turned their face to me.
“Sorry,”
Hazy view of G-LCYM
G-LCYM rolled towards the end of the runway and became out of sight.
‘The gate must be announced by now,’ Ariel whispered.
FIDS. Note the delayed Germanwings
“Our plane has arrived. Shall we go to the gate now?” I notified Herman.
“Do you know our gate number?”
“Yes, C thirty two,”
Border control before C pier
There were some passengers being attended at the border control. So, we decided to wait. It was just a matter of seconds though.
Gate C32
Gate screen
Macarena and her colleague were already at the gate. It was still 12.55, five minutes before indicated boarding time. But it did not make any difference for some fellow passengers.
Boarding queue
Boarding
“Enjoy your flight,” Macarena said after the boarding pass reader flashed green.
“Thank you,” I stepped onto the walkway.
C32 walkway
I got funny feeling. ‘Could this be… ?’
IB bus
‘… a bus gate? Yes!’
However, it happened to be the only bus deployed for our flight.
Interior view. Packed to the brim
But it did not matter with my strategic position. Another surprise was even waiting.
G-YMMB, dedicated to Palmjet. 3rd December 2010?
As we got closer to the remote apron next to General Aviation Terminal, the silhouette of G-LCYM came in sight. I had my camera at the ready, but in all sudden, our bus stopped some thirty meters away of G-LCYM.
Three disabled passengers obviously still had to disembark which delayed our boarding for another ten minutes. In the meantime, I could not help murmuring. ‘Embraer jet, so close, but yet untouchable,’
As the bus doors eventually slid open, I was in cloud nine, ‘I am about to lose my virginity to this beauty, familiar to Gabriel and Palmjet!’ Amigo(a)s, I made grateful use of being the last to leave the bus!
We were welcomed by friendly cabin crew member Louise. She was in charge of Euro Traveller. Her colleague, cabin manager Sharon, was in charge of Club Europe.
I hardly believed that I was on board of E-jet even with full sight of our seats.
25A and B. Our sanctuary
“Oh, it is a small plane!”
By this remark of a fellow passenger, how could I possibly deny?
I was amazed by the roomy 2-2 seating arrangement.
Decent legroom
Talking about legroom, my seat has been the best I ever experienced for the last row. Even Herman was impressed by his.
Rooms to spare
By the way, row 25 is marked as an emergency exit row. Could this be the reason of the great legroom? Anyway, the whole interior looked immaculate.
Overhead panel
Cabin view
Unoccupied 25C and D. Markus, Hannah (Infodesk), where were you?
2L door was closed just before 13.30. 1L closure followed couple minutes later.
Captain Horrige was on the microphone, “Good afternoon, this is your captain speaking. We are still waiting for the permission to start the engine,”
We did not have to wait long though as the GE-CF34 engines came to life at 13.30. Oh dear, somehow the GE engines were humming Pitbull’s sultry Calle Ocho.
“I know you want me
You know I want cha
I know you want me
You know I want cha…”
Safety demonstration was interesting. A pre-recorded tape was played while Sharon and Louise performed the manual demonstration. As usual, they advised us to consult the safety cards at any time.
Front page with six languages. Note E190SR version
Instructions for during the taxi and emergency landing
Instructions for emergency landing in the water
Taxi
At 13.40, G-LCYM started moving towards 13 runway marking and became second to delayed 4U D-AKNU in sequence.
4U D-AKNU dedicated to Marius (Luftfahrer). 13th May 2010?
D-AKNU performed an unusual long take-off roll. I wonder if the flight deck crew just gave up the idea of catching up with the delay.
G-LCYM got the permission to enter the runway once D-AKNU was no more in sight.
Lining up
Take off
G-LCYM gradually accelerated without increasing sound level. Ariel tried to follow the sequence.
‘V one…. V… what?’
Rotate
G-LCYM lifted off just not even using 1,300 meter out of 3,200 meter runway of AGP! Her steep climb revealed the surroundings, though rather foggy.
Terminal 2. Note the new runway construction on the background
The fog however became thicker.
Guadelmar
Sierra Nevada
Torre del Mar
In flight
Interestingly, some two minutes after the lift-off, I heard unbuckling sound from the back. Louise got herself ready for the cabin service. So might Sharon as well.
Louise was on the microphone, “We will start our cabin service. You can enjoy our freshly prepared sandwich, tea, coffee and full bar service,”
Five minutes later, sandwiches were distributed.
Louise in action
“Pickle and cheese? Pickle and cheese?”
I liked how chirpy Louise promoted her sandwiches.
“Pickle and cheese, Sir?” She smiled by the time she reached our row.
How could I say no?
Mature cheddar cheese and sweet pickle on malted wheat bread
Rich filled sandwich
“How do you like it?” Herman asked.
“The silky pickle calmed down your palate at every burst of the cheddar. The bread is a tad dry but it sees to a tiny break between the flavor explosion. I love it!”
In the meantime, Louise carried on the bar service.
Drink trolley with wooden panels.
Herman was attended first.
“What would you like to drink, Sir?”
“Red wine, please,”
Herman’s Spanish red
“How about you, Sir?” Louise turned to me.
“Can I have gin and tonic, please?”
“Would you like ice and lemon in it?”
“Yes, please,”
My G&T. Cheers, Gabriel, Jonas (LH4116)
The sky cleared up a bit as G-LCYM was cruising above Spanish interior.
Madrid Barajas airport
After tea and coffee service some fifteen minutes later, Louise disappeared into Club Europe cabin, presumably to assist Sharon.
‘When the cat is away, the mice will play!’ Ariel whispered.
‘Behave, Ariel! How could you say that? But, thanks for pointing out the opportunity,’
Aft galley
Mini lavatory
I did not realize that Louise was busy with rubbish collection.
At one stage, my photo-taking caught her attention.
“Is everything okay?”
“Oh, yes, it is lovely. I just want to document my travel experience,”
“I just want to make sure that everything is okay,”
“Well, thank you,”
As Louise was about to distribute the landing cards, I did not want to get longer in her way and returned to my seat.
The weather was clear, so why should I not take advantage of my window seat?
Noirmoutier-en-I’lle hidden behind frost flowers
Montoir airport
French coastline between Cancale and Granville
Jersey
At 15.50, Captain Horrige was on the microphone to announce our landing within twenty minutes.
‘Really? That soon?’ Ariel was surprised.
‘Apparently. Time flies when you are having fun,’
Some five minutes later, G-LCYM made landfall.
Town of Hastings
Landing (UK time)
Fasten seat belt signs were illuminated as G-LCYM was set for the landing position. The view was rather unfamiliar.
Queen Elizabeth II bridge
But that was a good sign. London City Airport was indeed ahead!
Thamesmead West
Flare with North Woolwich on the background
Finally, la moment supreme at 15.10.
Touch down
G-LCYM rolled graciously towards the end of the runway while introducing her sister.
G-LCYN, our ride to AMS
Showing more of the surroundings.
Central railway station
G-EUNB
Before coming to a stop at 15.15.
Terminal building. Note the arrival doors
Soon enough, everyone was free to get off.
Cabin rush
Disembarking
At farewell, Louise lead us to amazing apron view. It was like being on a podium of beauty pageant.
‘Are we not supposed to go through the border control?’ Ariel wondered a little while later.
‘We have done that!’
‘Oh really? I did not realize it,’
‘It must have been one of the advantages of tiny airport. Shall we?’
Signage
Surprisingly, we found ourselves inside public area.
Check-in area overview
LCY’s compact design does not seem to allow any separate transfer area, but I do not mind at all. In fact, it makes the check-in area suitable for a short meet up with amigo(a)s from UK.
“Are we going for departure?” Herman wondered.
“We have got our onward boarding passes already. So yes, what are we waiting for?”
My boarding pass
Past automatic boarding pass control, we were subject to security check which took some ten minutes as the official was really interested in our purchase from AGP.
Post security
Airside turned out to be a huge lounge area.
Overview
How could you deny being in a lounge once you looked at FIDS?
FIDS
“How about having some drinks?” Herman suggested while pointing at Rhubarb.
“Good idea,”
“A big glass of Amstel would be nice for me,”
“Alright. Let’s see what they have further on offer,“
My Stella Artois and Herman’s Amstel
Stella Artois is indeed Belgian. But hey, as long as it was not Heineken or any other Dutch brand, I did not care. Too bad, Rhubarb was not the place to be for spotting.
We should have walked further inside.
Central hall. Note the spotting bar at the end
To have this window view much earlier.
Cityjet EI-WXA
Around 16.30, gate 21 was displayed for our flight.
“Our gate has been announced,” I notified Herman.
“Just say you desperately want to go there,”
Herman knew me too well!
Gate signage. Note the odd numbering
Gate 21
Gate screen
‘Beep!’ I was legal to enter the coziest holding room I ever experienced.
Holding area
And another perfect place for spotting!
G-LCYJ, dedicated to Matt. 26th July 2010?
EI-RJF, dedicated to Tim (Vandenheuvel)
Boarding
As common boarding was announced at 16.45, in all sudden, the dark leather couches did not feel comfortable anymore.
Boarding crowd
Surprisingly, there was no rush at all among fellow passengers. Everyone leisurely walked on the tarmac to the 700th E-jet ever built, G-LCYN.
The weather was perfect for photography. Darn, why did I have to be too discrete? Amigo(a)s, I am sorry that I do not have any other pre-entrance photo than this.
“Good afternoon,”
“Your boarding pass, please?” Cabin crew member Francisco replied.
“Thank you,” He returned our boarding passes after a quick glance and turned to passengers behind us.
Markus, could this be what you call business friendly?
For a change, we selected the right side.
Our row
Amigo(a)s, should I tell you who got the window seat?
Legroom. Note the coat hook on the right
Forward cabin view
Unoccupied 25A and B. I wish you were there, amigo(a)s
At 16.50, 2L door was closed. 1L closure followed five minutes later.
Captain Kenney was on the microphone to inform us the flight details including flight time of thirty five minutes.
G-LCYN was still waiting for the clearance at the end of his announcement. Much to my spotting delight!
D-AECG. Nice to see you again since last 19th August 2010 in Munich
G-ZAPK
As soon as our clearance was granted, Francisco performed manual safety demonstration in our cabin while in-flight cabin manager Sharon took charge of Club Europe.
Taxi
‘I did not know LCY was that pedestrian friendly!’ Ariel remarked as G-LCYN was about to complete her backtrack.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Look!’
Turning. Note the pedestrian walkway
‘And look over there!’
Entering the runway. Note the campus building of University of East London
Lining up. Note Dockalands and Tate and Lyle sugar factory on the side of the water
‘Do you know what? I just let you in peace. Enjoy your moments now!’ Ariel retreated.
Take off
Indeed, how I missed these moments earlier at LGW.
Powerful take-off roll
This might be not typical LGW view, but what do you think of this just after 900 meter spot of 1,508 meter runway?
Power climb
Then turning east towards AMS?
London 2012 Olympic Stadium with surrounding Olympic park
LCY overview
In flight
Not even five minutes after our lift-off at 17.05, Francisco already started snack distribution.
Francisco in action
All Day Deli was on menu without any further bar service.
All Day Deli
It consisted a packet of each savory and sweet snack and a cup of mineral water.
Indian korma snacks
Not mildly spiced, but fiery, just how I wanted korma to be. Do you believe me if every bite of it reminded me of korma dish I had last February in India?
Honeycomb biscuits dipped in chocolate
The biscuit’s moist texture and sweetness saw for nice transition and at the same time accompanied joyful munching sensation towards the finish. All washed down by refreshing drink.
Still mineral water
While enjoying the view.
Town of West Mersea and Mersea quarters
The rubbish was not collected immediately as Francisco had to assist Sharon at Club Europe. But, the All Day Deli packing came with a hole on one edge to serve a particular purpose.
Rubbish ready for collection from the coat hook
At 17.30, Francisco returned to collect the rubbish bags and what a speed, thanks to the handy packing design!
Soon enough, Captain Kenney was on the microphone to announce our descent from cruising altitude of 25,000 feet towards sunny AMS at sixteen Centigrade.
Landing (Dutch time)
At 18.45, fasten seat belt signs were illuminated.
“Can I have the camera? I have to capture something,”
I passed our camera on and Herman quickly moved to the other side of the plane.
Offshore wind park North Sea
G-LCYN was indeed approaching Netherlands.
Ijmuiden
Dunes near Egmond
Egmond-Binnen
G-LCYN banked sharp to the right which could only mean one thing. Landing at Polderbaan for the third time in sequence of this year!
Touch down at 18.55
During fifteen minute trek to the terminal, I could not take any decent picture due to backlighting. We were seated on the wrong side thanks to my own stupid mistake!
While I tried to put up with the situation, Mr. 24C got impatient and started playing with his IPad.
Fransisco immediately approached him, “Sir, you have to switch it off!”
Mr. 24C mumbled something back.
“It is the regulation, Sir. You really have to switch it off!”
Mr. 24C obeyed at the end as soon as he realized that Fransisco did not budge an inch.
At 19.10, G-LCYN came to a complete stop next to a home beauty who patiently waited for Palmjet after his E-jet adventure last 1 November 2010.
KLM PH-BXZ
Disembarking
The ritual started all over again, though more civilized.
Cabin rush
While waiting for our turn, I entered into a conversation with Fransisco.
Do you know what? He was nice after all!
“Are you going to write about us?”
“Sure,”
Fransisco just smiled upon my reply.
“Well, it is free now,”
The flow was indeed gone. Time for us to say goodbye to Fransisco and Sharon.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 8, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9300 times:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Somehow I was not too excited by this sight.
Border control
Our Andalucía adventure came to an end.
‘Always look at the bright side of life, Suryo’ I suddenly heard a whisper.
‘Thank you. For reminding me,’
Conclusion
Amigo(a)s, if you ask me what the bright side of my life will be, it is the opportunity to discover the world and making friends with companion of Herman, my partner.
My first gratitude goes to Herman for everything including his valuable photographical contributions.
Secondly, I wish to thank Hannah and Markus whose trip reports have become my inspiration. I genuinely invite you to read them:
My further gratitude to all BA’s customer service agents, cabin managers and crew members for the memorable journey, in particular Captain Anderson, First Officer Slede, Yasmine, Ian, Leanne and Louise.
My gratitude to Ian and Elaine for making us feel at home in Ronda.
To all of you for your replies, 717Flyer, (Matthew)767747, Alex (Abrelosojos), aflyingkiwi, Eric (Airbuseric), Lee (AlwaysOnAPlane), Alan (amax1977), Mark (Ba319-131), Burj, CaptainRed, Martijn (CrimsonNL), Matt (DunaA320), eastafspot, flightsimboy, P. (FlyingFinn76), Gabriel (gabrielchew), Jezrel (JetBlue777), Fabrizio (JL418), JOE777, William (Knightsofmalta), Leo (LFutia), Jonas (LH4116), Daniel (LH4532), Luke (lukeboy95), TEW (luv2fly), lychemsa, Mohammed (malioil), Mohit (mk777), Marc (MSS658), Philip (OA260), Palmjet, Robert (parton87), PlaneHunter, Roy (Quokka), Roger (ROGERBCN), Roni (ronerone), RvXKaz , signol, Blaž (SloAir), Anosh (SR 103), Stiptica, Nils (Sultanils), taichen, Lars (The777Man) and Nick (TravelsUK).
And all others for reading my reports.
If you are interested in my earlier reports, do not hesitate to read them:
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 9, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9241 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Suryo,
thanks for this masterpiece of writing.
First of all RIP to all beloved persons, that can't be with us any more.
Your pictures of the sights of Andalucia are really spectacular and I especially like El Rondo.
Also nice to have a view again on AGP airport, as I was there in spring this year.
The service on Cityflyer looks very good and LCY is always a breeze.
Also I find the seat comfort better on the E-Jets than on 737s and A32Xs but thats just my opinion.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 10, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 9211 times:
Lovely report, thanks, and great timing. I'm on BA 8488 in 15 days time! (routing LGW-AGP-LCY, following you!) Great photos of Andalucia as well. I'm stuck deciding what to do with my one full day from Malaga (I have a car)....Granada, Seville, Ronda or Cordoba?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Swiss HB-IOL, dedicated to Gabriel (Gabrielchew) and Philip (OA260). 27th January 2008 and 8th December 2010?
Hm, impressive that you found that! I had to go back and check my records! Indeed I flew her LHR-ZRH
.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 5): Talking about legroom, my seat has been the best I ever experienced for the last row. Even Herman was impressed by his.
Very good legroom. Do the seats in the back row have full recline as well? What was the load?
I never thought that this particular passage of Andalucía’s tourism videoclip befitted my feeling about my godmother, Ma Ingrid, who passed away last 31st October 2011.
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1135 posts, RR: 19 Reply 11, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 9051 times:
Hola Suryo!
Impressed to say the least!
What a wonderful beginning dedicating the Trip Report to your godmother... a very nice touch.
Visiting in some days Granada, Cordoba, Ronda and Sevilla is one of the most impressive trips you can take in Europe, great and really beautiful towns; Sevilla, one of my favorite cities, is a great place, truly beautiful and great to visit. I am most impressed by the pictures you took and all the patios you had a pick at... they are really beautiful places, especially during the summer months, which could be quite hot in the South. Ronda hosts an XVIIIc. bullfighting festival at the end of September, Corrida Goyesca, when the city blooms in style.
You ended your trip in true style, flying an E90 to LCY must be one of the best ways to finish a trip as yours.
Fantastic.
Salut!
Roger
[Edited 2011-11-24 07:39:37]
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 12, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 8754 times:
Hey Akhmad,
Thanks for the great report. Looks like you had two nice flights back with BA. I'm impressed with the service on the EMB-190's ... looks pretty good.
Looking forward to your next trip - Andalucia is a place that looks amazing to visit!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6082 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 8752 times:
Hi Suryo!
Fantastic report with fantastic pictures! Nice with the dedication to your godmother, may she and other recent departed souls rest in peace.
Amazing pictures from Spain ! I really need to go there sometime! Perhaps late next year; I just have a lot of trips planned before that......
I guess I prefer the second of the three patios you pictured!
Nice that you flew via LCY on the EMB-190! It's a great airplane and the take off experience from LCY seems to be great with a really strong acceleration.
Can't wait for your next report !
I hope to see you at BER in June ?
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 14, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 8601 times:
Hoj, Suryo,
what a superb detailed story.
How should one buy a travel book when there is such a detailed and well pictured story around.
You should offer it to the Andalucian tourist bureau.
And you know, I like you´re writing style with you´re fellow travellers Herman and also Ariel, for sure good company and
always the way to fit in some interesting communication this way, really well done, Suryo.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): about my godmother, Ma Ingrid, who passed away last 31st October 2011.
Really nice words and what a well written dedication. I´am with you, you know.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Rest in peace, my dearest godmother. This report is inspired by you and I wish to dedicate it to you and people who are no longer with us in this world.
More nice words, warm welcomed to follow this, really good.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Amigo(a)s, which one is your favorite of the following three?
Number two is my choice, definitely.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
‘Do you hear that?’ Ariel whispered as we started our climb up to the belfry of Giralda. ‘Vangelis. Conquest of paradise,’
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Unoccupied 25C and D. Markus, Hannah (Infodesk), where were you?
We should be there, definitely.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Markus, could this be what you call business friendly?
So it feels like.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Unoccupied 25A and B. I wish you were there, amigo(a)s
Another one for us.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Secondly, I wish to thank Hannah and Markus whose trip reports have become my inspiration. I genuinely invite you to read them:
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 15, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 8499 times:
Hi Suryo!
Another beautiful tripreport of yours!
Nice to read about your return journey. After I had to change my booking so I couldn't fly to LCY in September, I have now booked another flight to experience this very special airport. So if everything goes as planned, I'll be flying into LCY in March.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Odd enough, how hard I was trying, I could only recall, ‘Suryo, always look at the bright side of life,’ and nothing else.
That's a great advice, and I'm sure she appreciates you dedicating this report to her.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Amigo(a)s, which one is your favorite of the following three?
I think I'll have to say the second one.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Our walkway to the first floor revealed more of mesmerizing architecture of this particular terminal which was opened on 15 March 2010 by King Juan Carlos.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 18, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 7957 times:
Hola Suryo!
Wow, that was a really pleasant story! Great pics of those magnificent sights you've visited in Spain. Although Spain is not my n°1 holiday country, I found those places quite impressive. I'm delighted as well to read you have finally lost your 'jungle jet' virginity . Those BA ones look pretty fine indeed!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Rest in peace, my dearest godmother. This report is inspired by you and I wish to dedicate it to you and people who are no longer with us in this world.
Very nice of you to dedicate this report to her, I'm sure she must've been honored. May she rest in peace and be in your mind forever Suryo.
stipica From Croatia, joined Feb 2011, 398 posts, RR: 8 Reply 19, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 7868 times:
Hi Suryo ... amigo Stipica calling !
beautiful and very educational trip report ... you really know how to sell things ... right timing, great photos, historical motivating topics , oiliness and kindness ...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Amigo(a)s, which one is your favorite of the following three?
for me fusion between No.2 and No.3 ... but one ... ok No.2
Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): But, the All Day Deli packing came with a hole on one edge to serve a particular purpose.
packing packing packing ... how many packing for a small snack ... horror
my name is very rare in Croatia and with your intervention I am totaly exotic .... hmmm but ... Sti ( the first three letters of my name) ... plus ...ptica (means birds in croatian) ... the result is that I have a new profile name hihhihiihih
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Rest in peace, my dearest godmother. This report is inspired by you and I wish to dedicate it to you and people who are no longer with us in this world.
Thank you Suryo very thoughtful of you
I am big fan stipica
717Flyer From Finland, joined Jun 2011, 303 posts, RR: 10 Reply 20, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 7863 times:
Hi Suryo,
Having completed my last exam of 2011 today I was looking for something really enjoyable to read this evening. And indeed the report on your return journey from amazing Andalucía fitted in perfectly! Thank you for this experience!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): I never thought that this particular passage of Andalucía’s tourism videoclip befitted my feeling about my godmother, Ma Ingrid, who passed away last 31st October 2011.
I am sorry to hear this. Very nice of you to dedicate this report to her and may she rest in peace.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Amigo(a)s, will you join me and Herman along Iberian Peninsula to see something like this?
Well, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have ended up here leaving a comment!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Indeed, Alex (Abrelosojos) did time traveling in the air
I always find a bit of magic in flying HEL-ARN as you may leave at 8.00 a.m. and arrive at 7.50 a.m. - quite a fast flight!
You of course gave the word "time travel" a whole new meaning in this report, something I can only thank you for.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ‘Just a moment! Are we not going too fast?’ My conscience Ariel protested.
Well, Markus has Mr. S. and now I've learned about Ariel. I feel alone, perhaps I should end this one-man-operation and get some company for my next trip. But we'll see what I come up with for my next report.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Amigo(a)s, which one is your favorite of the following three?
All three are amazingly beautiful, but somehow the second one is filled with peace of mind. I'd love to, one day, have a patio like that.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Amigo(a)s, the sight somehow reminded me of neighboring Cathedral and Giralda at night.
What a wonderful picture!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): With eighty six check-in counters, we needed FIDS to locate our counter.
‘Really? How come?’ Ariel became sharp.
‘Alright! I did not do my homework properly,’
But Suryo, how could you?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): “Business class?”
“Yes,”
Indeed, this premium passenger got attended before fellow Economy passenger behind us.
Makes me remember the fact that in a couple of weeks I'll be flying in "business class" for the first time ever...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Again, we chose the wrong lane.
..and I'll be allowed to use the the Fast Track security lane
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): In the meantime, I could not help murmuring. ‘Embraer jet, so close, but yet untouchable,’
Indeed the Embraer looks gorgeous! Myself I still haven't flown on the Embraer 170 or 190, but the ERJ-145 is more familiar to me. I remember how excited I was (even though that plane wasn't even close to as shiny as the BA examples you scored).
(Sorry, I couldn't resist to add a picture of it...)
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): ‘I am about to lose my virginity to this beauty, familiar to Gabriel and Palmjet!’
Next time it would perhaps be suitable to lose the 717 virginity, don't you think?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 5): Unoccupied 25C and D. Markus, Hannah (Infodesk), where were you?
There's always a seat for an A.netter on a plane.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Eric (Airbuseric)’s Compare VLM With Cityjet? RTM-LCY // LCY-AMS (by Airbuseric Aug 23 2009 in Trip Reports) required caution of photography. But, the sight of our beauty was just too tempting.
Looking absolutely gorgeous in the sunshine!
>
Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): Markus, could this be what you call business friendly?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): To all of you for your replies, 717Flyer
It has been my pleasure to follow your Andalucían adventure and I am looking forward to many other inspiring stories that the future has in store.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 8): Our Andalucía adventure came to an end.
Then it's time for you to start thinking your next trip, don't you think?
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1241 posts, RR: 34 Reply 22, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 7715 times:
Hi Suryo,
A masterpiece, as all your reports are.
Thank you for sharing so many wonderful photos of Andalucia with us, it makes me want to go and book a trip there right away. I love the way you have taken the time to mention so many fellow members in this report and for you to research which aircraft they have flown on, that is dedication for you! (And thank you for not forgetting the female readers with your amigo(a)s!!)
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Rest in peace, my dearest godmother. This report is inspired by you and I wish to dedicate it to you and people who are no longer with us in this world.
I think there must be a few smiling faces up there, after all the dedications they have received the last few days.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Amigo(a)s, which one is your favorite of the following three?
I particularly like the colourful buildings and that rooftop swimming pool.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Sure. I would love to do some spotting. We have plenty of time,”
“Well, I am thinking more of shopping,”
Sounds like a fair distribution of activities!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): It was still 12.55, five minutes before indicated boarding time. But it did not make any difference for some fellow passengers.
Ah you know, Suryo, the Brits always like to queue
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Unoccupied 25C and D. Markus, Hannah (Infodesk), where were you?
Missing out on some fun, so it seems!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Pickle and cheese? Pickle and cheese?”
I liked how chirpy Louise promoted her sandwiches.
That is a new way to promote them. „Mayo & tuna, salad & ham etc.“, sounds strange, doesn’t it?! Still, the sandwich looks very tasty.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Amigo(a)s, should I tell you who got the window seat?
I’m guessing you & Herman have a similar arrangement to me & my husband. That means, I always get the window seat!
The all day deli you got served on the LCY-AMS seems like a good soultion for such a short hop, a little like the goodie bag on AB between BCN-PMI.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Unoccupied 25A and B. I wish you were there, amigo(a)s
It brings back memories of my first E70 flights, on the way to and from Paris to travel on the A380. Pretty much every other seat taken, except for the aisle seats on the last row, me & Markus by the windows!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Always look at the bright side of life, Suryo’ I suddenly heard a whisper.
‘Thank you. For reminding me,’
Suryo, you’ll have me crying in a minute!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Amigo(a)s, if you ask me what the bright side of my life will be, it is the opportunity to discover the world and making friends with companion of Herman, my partner.
What beautiful words.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Secondly, I wish to thank Hannah and Markus whose trip reports have become my inspiration. genuinely invite you to read them:
Suryo, how sweet of you. What more can I say?
Thank you once again for a fantastic read. When's your next trip?
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 16): "as usual" I have to add, because you always create outstanding reports!
Quoting signol (Reply 17): once again you have produced a masterpiece of literature, a delight to read. Thank you!
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): I always find a bit of magic in flying HEL-ARN as you may leave at 8.00 a.m. and arrive at 7.50 a.m. - quite a fast flight! You of course gave the word "time travel" a whole new meaning in this report, something I can only thank you for.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): A masterpiece, as all your reports are.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 11): What a wonderful beginning dedicating the Trip Report to your godmother... a very nice touch.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): Nice with the dedication to your godmother, may she and other recent departed souls rest in peace.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): Really nice words and what a well written dedication. I´am with you, you know.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 15): That's a great advice, and I'm sure she appreciates you dedicating this report to her.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 16): Good choice, Suryo. Your found the right words.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18): Very nice of you to dedicate this report to her, I'm sure she must've been honored. May she rest in peace and be in your mind forever Suryo.
Quoting stipica (Reply 19): Thank you Suryo very thoughtful of you
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): I am sorry to hear this. Very nice of you to dedicate this report to her and may she rest in peace.
Quoting mk777 (Reply 21): what a great dedication suryo.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): I think there must be a few smiling faces up there, after all the dedications they have received the last few days.
Amigo(a)s, thank you. You have brought tears in my eyes.
Matthew, Lars, 717Flyer, Hannah:
Quoting 767747 (Reply 12): Looking forward to your next trip -
Quoting stipica (Reply 19): for me fusion between No.2 and No.3 ... but one ... ok No.2
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): All three are amazingly beautiful, but somehow the second one is filled with peace of mind. I'd love to, one day, have a patio like that.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 10): I think LCY-AMS is the only flight on the BA network without a bar service
I believe you.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 10): funny that they can manage on the AMS-LGW/LHR sectors, but not LCY.
Probably due to the longer block time for LGW and LHR?
Roger:
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 11): Visiting in some days Granada, Cordoba, Ronda and Sevilla is one of the most impressive trips you can take in Europe, great and really beautiful towns
I strongly agree with you.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 11): Sevilla, one of my favorite cities, is a great place, truly beautiful and great to visit.
Mine too along with Granada.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 11): Ronda hosts an XVIIIc. bullfighting festival at the end of September, Corrida Goyesca, when the city blooms in style.
We were apparently too early for the festival.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 11): You ended your trip in true style, flying an E90 to LCY must be one of the best ways to finish a trip as yours.
E90 and LCY just had to be a part of the whole experience.
Matthew:
Quoting 767747 (Reply 12): I'm impressed with the service on the EMB-190's ... looks pretty good.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 12): Andalucia is a place that looks amazing to visit!
I can only recommend you to visit Andalucía through LCY.
Lars:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): Amazing pictures from Spain ! I really need to go there sometime! Perhaps late next year
I encourage you to go to Spain, especially Andalucía.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): I just have a lot of trips planned before that......
Nice to know you are back in business.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): Nice that you flew via LCY on the EMB-190! It's a great airplane and the take off experience from LCY seems to be great with a really strong acceleration
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): what a superb detailed story.
How should one buy a travel book when there is such a detailed and well pictured story around.
How nice to hear that. You are very kind, Markus.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): You should offer it to the Andalucian tourist bureau.
Thank you for the honor. But I prefer offering it to A.net.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): And you know, I like you´re writing style with you´re fellow travellers Herman and also Ariel, for sure good company and
always the way to fit in some interesting communication this way, really well done, Suryo.
The same to you with Mr. S., Markus.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): More nice words, warm welcomed to follow this, really good.
I dedicate it to your father as well.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): That fits, I feel some shudder coming up.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 15): After I had to change my booking so I couldn't fly to LCY in September, I have now booked another flight to experience this very special airport. So if everything goes as planned, I'll be flying into LCY in March.
Stipica, I do hope I have got your name right this time.
Quoting stipica (Reply 19): beautiful and very educational trip report ... you really know how to sell things ... right timing, great photos, historical motivating topics , oiliness and kindness ...
You are too kind. Thank you so much.
Quoting stipica (Reply 19): packing packing packing ... how many packing for a small snack ... horror
Oh dear!
Quoting stipica (Reply 19): my name is very rare in Croatia and with your intervention I am totaly exotic .... hmmm
Oh no! What have I done to you?
Quoting stipica (Reply 19): ... Sti ( the first three letters of my name) ... plus ...ptica (means birds in croatian) ... the result is that I have a new profile name hihhihiihih
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Having completed my last exam of 2011 today I was looking for something really enjoyable to read this evening. And indeed the report on your return journey from amazing Andalucía fitted in perfectly! Thank you for this experience!
Thank you for the honor! I hope your last exam went well.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Well, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have ended up here leaving a comment!
Well, in this case, you will pass your exam. No doubt about it!
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Well, Markus has Mr. S. and now I've learned about Ariel. I feel alone, perhaps I should end this one-man-operation and get some company for my next trip. But we'll see what I come up with for my next report.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Makes me remember the fact that in a couple of weeks I'll be flying in "business class" for the first time ever...
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): ..and I'll be allowed to use the the Fast Track security lane
Do fully enjoy the experience and share it with us.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): I remember how excited I was (even though that plane wasn't even close to as shiny as the BA examples you scored).
I would have been. I am still EMB145 virgin.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): (Sorry, I couldn't resist to add a picture of it...)
No problem at all. Thank you for the picture!
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Next time it would perhaps be suitable to lose the 717 virginity, don't you think?
I would love to.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): There's always a seat for an A.netter on a plane.
Who am I to disagree with you?
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Looking absolutely gorgeous in the sunshine!
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): It has been my pleasure to follow your Andalucían adventure
Thank you for the honor.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20): Once again, Muchas gracias , Suryo.
Ha sido un placer , 717Flyer.
Mohit:
Quoting mk777 (Reply 21): BA didn't disappoint. I was just wondering what are those number markers on the tail wing on the E190??
Good point. I do not know.
Hannah:
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): it makes me want to go and book a trip there right away.
What are you waiting for? Andalucía is a perfect romantic getaway for you and your husband.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): I love the way you have taken the time to mention so many fellow members in this report and for you to research which aircraft they have flown on, that is dedication for you!
How sweet of you. Thank you.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): (And thank you for not forgetting the female readers with your amigo(a)s!!)
My pleasure!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): I particularly like the colourful buildings and that rooftop swimming pool.
So, will you be considering Seville for your next destination?
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): Sounds like a fair distribution of activities!
You know how things work.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): Ah you know, Suryo, the Brits always like to queue
I become more and more aware of that.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): Missing out on some fun, so it seems!
How about sometime in the future?
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): That is a new way to promote them. „Mayo & tuna, salad & ham etc.“, sounds strange, doesn’t it?!
Aha, BA must be on culinary sandwich adventure.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): Still, the sandwich looks very tasty.
I loved it!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): I’m guessing you & Herman have a similar arrangement to me & my husband. That means, I always get the window seat!
The best marriage settlement!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): The all day deli you got served on the LCY-AMS seems like a good soultion for such a short hop, a little like the goodie bag on AB between BCN-PMI.
Goodie bag! OMG, how stupid could I have been for not liberating the bag!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): It brings back memories of my first E70 flights, on the way to and from Paris to travel on the A380. Pretty much every other seat taken, except for the aisle seats on the last row, me & Markus by the windows!
I remember that. It looks like every A.netter is entitled to a free last row on board of E-jets!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 22): Suryo, you’ll have me crying in a minute!
Hannah, you should have seen me while writing these.
saint1862 From Singapore, joined Nov 2011, 9 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (1 year 5 months 4 weeks ago) and read 7504 times:
Hi Suryo,
Thank you for sharing the pictures of your journeys and holidays.
You help us go to places that we would not otherwise have a chance to go.
I look forward to reading more of your trip reports and viewing your stunning pictures.
Cheers
Saint1862
25 burj: Wow! What an awesome trip report! I've been to Granada and now it is clear I have to return to Spain and visit Sevilla and Cordoba! Looks like BA trea
26 LH4532: Good evening Suryo , You have written a very nice Trip Report to remember . It has been very nice for me reading it . The pictures you and Herman have
27 knightsofmalta: Hi Suryo Cool trip you wrote there. Those are some lovely pictures you took and you certainly visited some very spectacular places on your trip. I am
28 FlyingFinn76: Hi Suryo, Another masterpiece of yours - simply stunning as always. Those gorgeous photos from Andalucia were a nice amuse bouche, your history lesson
29 NZ107: Hi Suryo, Fantastic report once again! Thanks for sharing! Photos are wonderful. I do thank you again for another history lesson in part! I can say th
30 aflyingkiwi: Hi Suryo, Great report complete with superb photo's. I have to say that Andalucia looks amazing, hopefully I'll be able to visit that region someday.
31 MSS658: Hi Suryo My condolences for your grandmother passing away! May she rest in peace.. Thanks for giving us a tour of Andelucia, looks like you had a good
32 MH017: Suryo, What a nice read !!! Good to see the differences between transitting LGW or LCY; guess, which airport would be my favorite ? Nice to see the An
33 akhmad: Querido Saint1862, Burj, Daniel, William, P., Nicholas, aflyingkiwi, Marc, P., You are just great. Thank you so much for your replies. I have an embar
34 CaptainRed: Hola Suryo, awesome report, very detailed and again very well written. Really enjoyed it. Nice how you pointed out all the historical details while ta
35 NZ107: Yes, that's correct - more chance to get more miles under my belt too! I'll let you know about it! I think I have 2 or 3 flights on the BA A319 so I'
36 The777Man: Thanks ! Yes, good to be doing a lot of travelling again! Planned for now by October next year: Saskatoon, Singapore, Cartagena, Manila, Nice and Rom
37 RvXKaz: Hello Suryo, It has been a most beautiful read from start to end. I can only admire your great attention to detail, supplemented by magnificiently tak
38 akhmad: Querido CaptainRed, Nicholas, Lars, Gavin, How delightful to read your replies. Thank you so much for dropping by. CaptainRed, Gavin: You have brought
39 Palmjet: Hi Suryo I've now finished reading your report and the detail and quality of your pics is superb. I really enjoyed this instalment, made all the more
40 flightsimboy: A nice opening statement to this trip report. As well as a great tribute and dedication to your grandmother. May she always continue to inspire you!!
41 CrimsonNL: Hi Suryo! Another great report. I love all the pictures and details as I've come to expect from your reports. Thank you for the ZB picture I bet you w
42 airbuseric: Hoi! a lovely report Suryo, also sorry that I haven't replied earlier. I find the pictures you've shown to us from Andalucia just great! Also for me a
43 AlwaysOnAPlane: Hi Suryo, For starters, amazing pictures from beginning to end. I really enjoyed your showing us around the local area. Favourite for me is the Baños
44 akhmad: Querido Palmjet, flightsimboy, Martijn, Eric, Lee, Thank you for your replies. I truly appreciate that you have taken your time to write them. Palmjet
45 eastafspot: Hello Suryo Excellent return leg of your holidays, you've offered us a truly valuable commentated free tour while at home, thanks to the numerous high
46 LH4116: Hello Suryo, finally got a chance to read your report, and it was a great one as usual! Lovely pics as well, really seems like your skills are improvi
47 signol: Jonas, UK is not part of Schengen, and all passengers arriving who do not have an EU passport must fill out one of these and give it to the border co
48 akhmad: Querido EAS, Jonas, signol, Thank you so much for dropping by. You really make me happy with your replies. EAS: Thank you for your kind words, also on
49 OA260: Hey Suryo A fitting tribute and typical of your kindness. What a nice thing to do . Thanks Your memory is so much better than my own ! Really enjoyed
50 akhmad: Querido Philip, I was looking forward to your reply. Thank you so much, What a heartwarming words of yours. Thank you. I feel honored. Thank you, also
51 parton87: Hello Suryo! At first sorry fo the late reply. I´ve been busy and haven´t time to read your lovely report properly until now. As always Suryo your s
52 akhmad: Querido Robert, Never mind the late reply. Thank you so much for taking your time to read my report. Thank you for your kind words. You really make me
53 parton87: Maybe one day No I think it´s to much responsibility to have a pet especially when travel quit much. You have to have one to look after it when you
54 abrelosojos: = May her soul rest in peace Suryo. I think you did great tribute to her with this report, and to her belief of looking at the brighter side of life
55 eco: Hi Suryo, Thank you for trip report about LCY - my favorite airport I really enjoy reading it. It's very good that you can you it as transfer airport.
56 akhmad: Querido Robert, How nice to meet you again. I can understand it. Herman and I have a pet goldfish called Visje. We are lucky that we have our neighbor
57 JL418: Hi Suryo! Impressive read, which I had the time to read only today. I've been doing a short stopover in AMS and I've been looking for the cafés and b
58 ghifty: Beautiful trip report! I went to many of the same places..
59 akhmad: Querido Fabrizio, Cameron, Merry Christmas to you all. Fabrizio: I have been looking forward to your reply. Thank you for taking your time to read my
60 SloAir: Hi Suryo, sorry for the late replay, but I had to take my time and read this report in peace and enjoy it. Another great job you did with a lot of det
61 akhmad: Querido Blaž, You really make me happy with your reply. Never mind. I am honored to know that you have taken your time to read my report. Thank you.
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