gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks ago) and read 12604 times:
Africa 7: British Airways LCA-LHR, Business B767
Hi everyone,
Welcome to part 7 of my Africa trip. This report covers my final flight from Larnaca to London Heathrow with British Airways in Club Europe (Business class).
Picking up from where I left off last time, I was picked up from Larnaca Airport by a Budget Car rep, and driven to their depot, where I was given a ugly little Chevrolet. Not long after, I was in a not terribly nice hotel, not far from the airport. Sleep.
The next morning I headed out for the other side of the Island to meet a friend I’d managed to convince to join me on the island (I couldn’t find anyone willing to join me in Burundi!).
My aforementioned car (actually stuck in the mud at this point, doh!)
Nice scenery on the way
I’m sure the fencing is there for a reason
A quick stop at the Sanctuary of Aphrodite
Before long I arrived at Paphos Airport. My friend had elected to fly with easyJet into Paphos from Gatwick, and out from Larnaca.
I hadn’t realised how many Brits were in Cyprus until I saw the PFO FIDS. It’s not terribly clear, but of the 13 flights on there, 10 were from the UK (LGW,DSA,MAN,GLA,BRS,EDI,LTN,BHX) along with two Russian flights, and a TLV. As well travelled as I am, I had completely missed the relationship between then UK and Cyprus – a long and interesting story!
With my friend picked up and out on the car insurance, we headed off to our hotel in Paphos. Unfortunately, the weather was very changeable over the next few days – there was some very strong wind, and plenty of squally showers.
Our hotel pool – too cold to swim though
Sitting in the car waiting for the rain to stop
Rainbows!
Nice Cypriot food
A trip to the Baths of Aphrodite - nice in the sun!
A trip around the rolling hills
The birthplace of the first president of the Republic of Cyprus
A nice little monastery
Part of the UNESCO sites in Paphos
After 2 nights in Paphos, we drove over the incredibly scenic Troodos Mountains towards Mt Olympus and Nicosia.
What’s this? Snow? In Cyprus?
Actually, LOTS of snow
Who knew you could ski in Cyprus?
The military base at the highest point of the island. No wonder our ears popped. We’d driven 1952 metres (6404 ft) vertically in just a few hours.
What goes up, must come down. Next stop Nicosia (Lefkosia)
After parking our car, and finding our hotel (the very nice Hotel Centrum) we headed out for an amazing Meze fish dinner – so much food.
The next day we headed over to Northern Nicosia. This is the view from a tower in Southern Nicosia
A new country! They only stamp passports on request
We spent a pleasant few hours wandering around, eating, and drinking in the sun
This was a cathedral, now a mosque
Back on the other side of the border, we headed to the National Museum, and then for a further wander
On our final day, we stopped at the little town of Lefkara
Another meze lunch
Heading back to Larnaca. My friend’s flight back to LGW was 4 hours after mine, so I left him heading out for a walk around the salt lakes, whilst I headed into the terminal.
The terminal was nice and clean. There was no queue for the Club Europe desk
FIDS
I bought a couple of cheap bottles of Gin
Then headed to the lounge
The lounge was bright and airy, and had some nice views of the tarmac
Food and drink
Our location
Just over half an hour before the flight, I headed down to the gate, where pre boarding was underway. A few minutes later, they invited Club passengers to board – I was first on.
Unfortunately it was G-BNWB, the same plane that took me from CDG to LHR last summer. It was nice to have 2 jet bridges to choose from
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks ago) and read 12763 times:
February 2012
Larnaca (LCA) – London Heathrow (LHR)
British Airways BA 663
Scheduled: 1625-1935 (5h10m)
Actual: 1627-1902 (4h35m)
Boeing 767 G-BNWB
Business
The cabin before it filled up – check it out SN, pillows and blankets! The cabin was clean, and reasonably comfortable given the age of the plane.
Legroom
Neighbours
The ridiculously undersized (the screen is actually smaller than my mobile phone screen) inoperable TV
Programming on today’s flight – due to the positioning of the TVs, I didn’t ‘enjoy’ any of it.
I ended up with a pair of seats to myself (yay) but in front of an OAP couple who kept grumbling and making noises and behind a DYKWIA Russian mother and daughter. The daughter was either extremely grumpy, or feeling sick, and made constant requests of the crew.
We took off a few minutes behind schedule
Flying over Nicosia
Once the seatbelt sign went off, I asked if I could move to the bulkhead on the other side (nobody was there, or in the row behind). I could now recline in peace.
Not the greatest legroom
Not easy viewing
Menus handed out
And hot towels
Canapés and champagne are served – very tasty
As is normal for BA, trolleys were used. The first had drinks and food, and then a few minutes later another trolley with drinks came by offering top ups. I had been lead to believe that the champagne on this flight (for various reasons) often ran out early in the flight. I’m glad to say that on this occasion it didn’t. What did appear to run dry was sparkling water. Apparently there was only one bottle (ONE BOTTLE!!!) loaded for the entire plane. The staff were always really pessimistic with requests….”um, I don’t think we have any”, “oooh, not sure, I’ll go and have a look”. Never was there an “of course, I’ll go and get you some”.
Another issue I had with the crew was their continued use of the rather awful “no, actually yes” joke. Basically, whenever you ask for something, they crew member says “no” and walks off, only to return a few seconds later with a big smile on their face saying “only joking, of course”. Hahaha. Not. This “joke” was played on my three times in close succession by different members of the crew just after leaving LCA. It was actually quite uncomfortable having to fake laugh after a while. This was an example of customer interaction gone very wrong. I wrote to BA about it after the flight, but have yet to hear the official line on the matter.
After from those two issues, I was fairly happy with the crew. They were generally polite and smiley.
African nuts
Another champagne topup
Awful contrast on the tiny screen in front
Dinner – a tasty prawn curry
Sunset
Dessert
Tea
My IFE
Fairly full cabin – roughly 50%, about 27 pax.
Retro bathroom
Eventually the water did run out, and so I resorted to my own stash from the lounge
I also asked for a slimline G&T – more uming and ahhing from the crew....finally it arrived, only to have me knock it over.
Highlife Magazine
Lots of changed at T3 for BA
Safety card
After a fairly relaxing four and a half hour flight, it was time to land.
Now that LCA is operating out of Terminal 3, we had the honour of getting a remote stand. It was a bit strange going from LCA where BA’s daily 767 is probably the most prestigious and important flight scheduled with it being offered 2 airbridges and a convenient gate, to Heathrow, where the daily Larnaca flight is shoved off in a corner and just given a set of stairs in the rain.
One enhancement to the Club Europe service is a private bus from the plane to the terminal, so we were already half way to baggage reclaim by the time the first Y pax were off.
Baggage reclaim
A quick stop at Boots to pick up some reduced sandwiches for the bus, and I head to the bus station.
My bags
So, that brings me to the end of my report, and trip to Africa. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them. For various reasons, i’m off on another rather random trip very soon, taking in the delights of Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and Nepal – I’ll keep you updated! First flight is with Singapore Airlines in their new longhual business class BCN-SIN.
A quick round up of my thoughts and impressions:
Best flight: Undoubtedly Swiss in First from DAR to ZRH. Excellent service, great food and staff, comfy seat
Worst flight: The Brussels Airlines flight from BRU to BJM was very disappointing – old seats, Y class food, unmotivated staff
Most surprising airline: Ethiopian and Aegean tie for this. Both offered service far better than I had imagined
Best country: Hard to say, I loved Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. Rwanda was the only one I got a proper feel for – I need to go back to Africa soon! If I had to decide though, I’d probably say Rwanda – loved it!
Best hotel: The Serena Hotel on Lake Kivu in Rwanda – you need to bargain hard to get a good rate though!
Best beach: Hands down, Jambiani in Zanzibar – gorgeous
Best drink: I’ve already told you this one, the vintage champagne served on Swiss First. Runners up were the mojito in the Dar es Salaam Kempinski, and the Leffe served on SN
Best food: I’d have to say the beef brochette in Burundi – delicious with chips!
Most unexpected moment: Realising you could ski in Cyprus
Best moment: Sitting in a field with a group of Gorillas!
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 2, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks ago) and read 12465 times:
Hey Gab, great roundup on your African adventure! Seems like you had a great flight!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): My aforementioned car (actually stuck in the mud at this point, doh!)
Now that looks like a faux car to me. What's the point of screwing up that Chevy brand like that anyway, since clearly that Daihatsu is the opposite. Can't believe some people buy these cars...
Dinner looks really nice, especially with the proper canapé and stuff. However do they really make substitute for a starter?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Best drink: I’ve already told you this one, the vintage champagne served on Swiss First. Runners up were the mojito in the Dar es Salaam Kempinski, and the Leffe served on SN
So Primus didn't get the first place?
Thanks for sharing
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 12456 times:
Thanks for the final report on your epic African adventure - I have enjoyed every bit of it with envy, and hope can take the time to do my own African excursion! While the meal service on BA looked good, everything else looked way too dodgy for me - the 767's really do need new lighting or something - and what's up with that screen? It really is horrific - to top that, the crew and their "jokes" seemed plain amateurish.
Thanks for document this - and I am glad you went to TRNC - magical place. Next time, go beyond the capital as there are many cool things to do. I did not enjoy the Greek Cyprus as I found it overrun, rude, and teeming with 16 year old Brits wanting to get laid and drunk. Or maybe, I have just become too old.
readytotaxi From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 2596 posts, RR: 3 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 12407 times:
Wow, not happy with that inflight service.
You appear to have enjoyed most of the journey,weather not being to friendly.
Loved the photos of the island,a place to visit in the summer I think.
4hrs is sure pushing it in those seats, and the IFE, horror. Bit of luck you had the laptop.
Thanks for that.
you don't get a second chance to make a first impression!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 6, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 12298 times:
Thanks for the replies!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 2): Hey Gab, great roundup on your African adventure! Seems like you had a great flight!
Thanks, yes, it was quite a good flight
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 2): Now that looks like a faux car to me. What's the point of screwing up that Chevy brand like that anyway, since clearly that Daihatsu is the opposite. Can't believe some people buy these cars...
Yes, very faux
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 2): Hmm, I bet back in the 90s those were high-tech state of the art What did they show on them anyway, moving map, TV-shows?
No moving map, just sit coms
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 2): So Primus didn't get the first place?
Nope, unfortunately not
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): Thanks for the final report on your epic African adventure
No problem, glad you liked it
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): While the meal service on BA looked good, everything else looked way too dodgy for me - the 767's really do need new lighting or something - and what's up with that screen? It really is horrific - to top that, the crew and their "jokes" seemed plain amateurish.
Yeah, those 767s are a disgrace. An overhual can't come too soon.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3):
Thanks for document this - and I am glad you went to TRNC - magical place. Next time, go beyond the capital as there are many cool things to do
Unfortunately I didn't have anywhere near enough time
Quoting readytotaxi (Reply 4): You appear to have enjoyed most of the journey,weather not being to friendly.
Yeah, the island was lovely
Quoting readytotaxi (Reply 4): 4hrs is sure pushing it in those seats, and the IFE, horror. Bit of luck you had the laptop.
Yup, not the best seats/plane
Quoting Avianca (Reply 5): great final of your trip to Africa! what a great way to explore the world!
Thanks
Quoting Avianca (Reply 5): Cyprus looks very nice, I think a visit is more than worth!
Yeah, I'd like to go back some summer
Quoting Avianca (Reply 5): The food in Cyrprus and on BA looks delicieus!
Yup, very tasty
Quoting Avianca (Reply 5): pd: what was the best beer you had on the whole trip?
Umm, not sure. Africa has some ok beers, but nothing overly amazing. The Leffe was lovely, but that's Belgian!
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 7, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 12270 times:
ONE BOTTLE??!! JUST ONE?!
Congratulations on the completion of this mammoth series Gabriel.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The military base at the highest point of the island. No wonder our ears popped. We’d driven 1952 metres (6404 ft) vertically in just a few hours.
Amazing to see snow that deep in Cyprus. I knew it was quite mountainous but thought the ocean would keep it moderated. Liked the look of Cyprus - I would most likely also keep away from the Greek side of it. Food looked quite arabic ... nice.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The staff were always really pessimistic with requests….”um, I don’t think we have any”, “oooh, not sure, I’ll go and have a look”. Never was there an “of course, I’ll go and get you some”.
Thats no good. Yeah, I mean BA FA's need to strike a balance between British humour and formal, obliging service. Most of the time they get it right. Sadly not this time.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): A quick stop at Boots to pick up some reduced sandwiches for the bus, and I head to the bus station.
Man alive, they'de never believe you if you told them you had just come off a business class flight!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 8, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 12115 times:
Hi Gabriel !
Thanks for a very interesting report on BA and Cyprus!
I had no idea you could ski there either! Looks nice though but probably better to visit in the winter time than in the summer for the reason Abrelosojos mentioned.
Service on BA seems absolutely horrible except for the food which looks excellent.
If I was treated like that in Business class I would have been pretty upset and I think it was very good you wrote BA to let them know.
Amazing trip altogether and the next one sounds very promising as well!
I tried a Leffes Blonde a few weeks ago it was horrid! Even worse than Guiness!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24928 posts, RR: 60 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 12101 times:
Hey great final report and BA a mixed bag. Not sure I like the catering to be honest but I guess its personal choice. Glad you enjoyed Cyprus and got a taste of both sides of the Island. People often are ignorant and only look to the British tourist resorts of Ayia Napa etc.. but the Greek side offers so much more than this as you found out. The Ski pictures are great and believe it or not the first time I have seen them so well done for sharing that. Glad you enjoyed the great food. Cypriot cuisine is famous both Turkish and Greek flavors which blend into eachother. I have travelled the whole Island extensively and enjoy both sides for different reasons. I prefer Turkish Nicosia as its like it used to be but I love the Troodos mountains and Pafos on the Greek side. If you ever get a chance to go back hire a car and travel to the pan handle to Aposolos Andreas taking in Salamis/Kyrenia and Morphou. Lots of ancient sites to see and interesting villages.
Great ending to your journey and I agree with you on your highlights and surprises .
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 10, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 12101 times:
Hi, Gabriel,
really good to follow you´re final story around the great Africa trip.
Well done, also the pictures and believe me PFO and Cyprus was especially interesting for me!.
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 473 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 12041 times:
Hi Gab. Great conclusion to your epic journey to Africa and the southeast Med. Great photos from around Cyprus. I had no idea that the island could get that much snow either. Never been there even though I would love to one day.
Just for the sake of staying politically correct (I have made the same mistake in the past ) officially TRNC is not a "country" but an occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus, not recognized by any other country in the world except Turkey. It's cool however that you've added another self-proclaimed state in your log after Transnistria
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The ridiculously undersized (the screen is actually smaller than my mobile phone screen) inoperable TV
You can't be serious. Too bad BA made your flight back to the UK a less than perfect one.
I also liked the nice aerial shot you got of what I believe to be the the abandoned Nicosia airport (NIC). It's one of the few "ghost" airports still out there...
I hope you have as much fun in your new (Asian this time) expedition as you did in this African one.
Thanks for the very entertaining series of TR. Good job!
WBodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 12, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 12041 times:
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): Congratulations on the completion of this mammoth series Gabriel.
Thanks!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): Amazing to see snow that deep in Cyprus. I knew it was quite mountainous but thought the ocean would keep it moderated. Liked the look of Cyprus - I would most likely also keep away from the Greek side of it. Food looked quite arabic ... nice.
Yeahs, it's quite the destination
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): Thats no good. Yeah, I mean BA FA's need to strike a balance between British humour and formal, obliging service. Most of the time they get it right. Sadly not this time.
Yeah, shame they missed the mark
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 7): Man alive, they'de never believe you if you told them you had just come off a business class flight!
Ha, yeah, I like to keep myseld guessing!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Thanks for a very interesting report on BA and Cyprus!
No problem
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Service on BA seems absolutely horrible except for the food which looks excellent.
Yeah. nice food
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): If I was treated like that in Business class I would have been pretty upset and I think it was very good you wrote BA to let them know.
Will have to see if they reply - it's already been a week
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): I tried a Leffes Blonde a few weeks ago it was horrid! Even worse than Guiness!
Really? I agree with the Guiness, but the Leffe is lovely
Quoting OA260 (Reply 9): Hey great final report and BA a mixed bag.
Thanks Paul
Quoting OA260 (Reply 9): Not sure I like the catering to be honest but I guess its personal choice.
Well, I liked it
Quoting OA260 (Reply 9): People often are ignorant and only look to the British tourist resorts of Ayia Napa etc..
Quoting OA260 (Reply 9): If you ever get a chance to go back hire a car and travel to the pan handle to Aposolos Andreas taking in Salamis/Kyrenia and Morphou. Lots of ancient sites to see and interesting villages.
Yeah, I'll have to go back again sometime
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 10): really good to follow you´re final story around the great Africa trip.
Glad you liked it!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 10): Well done, also the pictures and believe me PFO and Cyprus was especially interesting for me!.
Thai744 From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 249 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 11030 times:
Gabriel, Amazing trip report - have followed with interest!
Those grey boat shoes of yours have done some miles! LOL!
Loved your adventures - far too many thoughts and comments, but I think you seemed to answer most of them in your reports or replies to others anyway, so I just wanted to say thanks for all your efforts!
(Love how you show us the local beer in each location - good man!)
Looking forward to more adventures from you in the future!
Sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 10931 times:
Hello Gab,
Nice final report of your Africa voyage.
I didn’t know either you could ski in Cyprus. Quite a contrast in weather there, bright and sunny and rain and snow. Were you able to walk around in short and shirts?
Concerning the flight, I really feel BA should deciding some on what to do with these old 763’s. As nice as it is for us to enthusiasts to fly on them, I think for the normal pax they offer a really inferior inflight product and they have an overall outdated feel.
And indeed I find that crew’s joking behavior quite unprofessional...
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 10806 times:
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 13): Gabriel, Amazing trip report - have followed with interest!
Thanks, glad you've enjoyed them
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 13): Those grey boat shoes of yours have done some miles! LOL!
Yes quite a few, but they're only new, so they still have quite a few miles left on them. And they're green btw!
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 13): (Love how you show us the local beer in each location - good man!)
A fellow admirier!?
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 14): Nice final report of your Africa voyage.
Thanks!
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 14):
I didn’t know either you could ski in Cyprus. Quite a contrast in weather there, bright and sunny and rain and snow. Were you able to walk around in short and shirts?
Only at lunch in Nicosia in the sun did i finally take off my jumper - the rest of the time it was too cold/windy. I think normally in Feb it should be slightly warmer
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 14):
Concerning the flight, I really feel BA should deciding some on what to do with these old 763’s. As nice as it is for us to enthusiasts to fly on them, I think for the normal pax they offer a really inferior inflight product and they have an overall outdated feel.
Well, they've started the refurb process, so just a matter of time before they are revamped. Keeping the 767s this loing wasn't the original plan, it's just that the 787s were so delayed
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 14): And indeed I find that crew’s joking behavior quite unprofessional...
Yeah, not very professional. Still waiting to hear back from BA about that
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 9763 times:
Thanks for the comments, and sorry Stojan for missing your reply earlier!
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 11): Great conclusion to your epic journey to Africa and the southeast Med
Thanks!
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 11): Great photos from around Cyprus. I had no idea that the island could get that much snow either. Never been there even though I would love to one day.
Yeah, it;s quite the island
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 11): Just for the sake of staying politically correct (I have made the same mistake in the past ) officially TRNC is not a "country" but an occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus, not recognized by any other country in the world except Turkey. It's cool however that you've added another self-proclaimed state in your log after Transnistria
Thanks for the info. Still not sure how to define a "country"...perhaps places with their own stamps?
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 11): I also liked the nice aerial shot you got of what I believe to be the the abandoned Nicosia airport (NIC). It's one of the few "ghost" airports still out there...
How come NIC was abandoned?
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 11): I hope you have as much fun in your new (Asian this time) expedition as you did in this African one.
So do I - booking some domestic Indonesian flights as I type
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 16): As usual a very interesting read, from a very interesting series.
Thanks!
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 17): Been expecting this last part and here it is! Nice trip report once again! Seems like you really enjoyed Africa.
Thanks Brendan. Africa was great, can't wait to go back
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 19, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 9673 times:
Hi Gab!
Welcome home! Nice to see your TR up. Was nice following you around the African continent!
Despite the age BA's 767s look quite well. Just apart from the small screen!
The stairs statement made on arrival in LHR made me think about a flight a few years ago from mine.
While departing CVG on how the 767 looked huge in between the ERJs and CRJs. The same 767 would look like a regional jet between the mass of 777's and 747's.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 9573 times:
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 19):
Welcome home! Nice to see your TR up.
Thanks Marc!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 19): Just apart from the small screen!
It's hard to imagine a time when a 3" screen was acceptable!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 19):
The stairs statement made on arrival in LHR made me think about a flight a few years ago from mine.
While departing CVG on how the 767 looked huge in between the ERJs and CRJs. The same 767 would look like a regional jet between the mass of 777's and 747's.
Well, most of the remotely parked planes at that part of T3 are BA's A320s
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 21, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 9558 times:
Hi Gabriel!
never been on Cyprus myself, but wow... some great sights there and I am very much surprised by the snow you got there!
Lovely pictures and a good place to find some rest again between your Africa and UK life
Regarding BA; the 767 is great of course, but an outdated product on this one which is a shame. I think the seats are still good enough, but the overall interior is old fashioned and people will notice. They better update or get rid of these aircraft soon. It's operating on a daily (?) flight to AMS now as well... Might be good to get a ride on it myself also.
The meal is definitely my taste and liking. I didn't get this one yet, but looking forward to try this curry.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 23, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 9508 times:
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 21): Lovely pictures and a good place to find some rest again between your Africa and UK life
Thanks Eric
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 21):
never been on Cyprus myself, but wow... some great sights there and I am very much surprised by the snow you got there!
Yeah, Cyprus was full of surprises
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 21):
Regarding BA; the 767 is great of course, but an outdated product on this one which is a shame. I think the seats are still good enough, but the overall interior is old fashioned and people will notice. They better update or get rid of these aircraft soon. It's operating on a daily (?) flight to AMS now as well... Might be good to get a ride on it myself also.
The meal is definitely my taste and liking. I didn't get this one yet, but looking forward to try this curry.
Hopefully the 787s will be making an appearence soon. Good luck finding that curry!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 22): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicosia_International_Airport
A brief and interesting piece on good old Wiki . Would be amazing to get access to it after all these years and the CY Trident !
Thanks Paul - I actually had a read of that earlier this evening - would be nice for them to reopen it sometime
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 24, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 9109 times:
Hi Gabriel,
nice last part of your series with great pictures from Cyprus! All these food pictures made me hungry - I guess I will only read your reports after lunch or dinner in the future...
BA's catering looks fine, I guess I would have ordered the prawns, too.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The staff were always really pessimistic with requests….”um, I don’t think we have any”, “oooh, not sure, I’ll go and have a look”. Never was there an “of course, I’ll go and get you some”.
Not good!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Another issue I had with the crew was their continued use of the rather awful “no, actually yes” joke. Basically, whenever you ask for something, they crew member says “no” and walks off, only to return a few seconds later with a big smile on their face saying “only joking, of course”. Hahaha. Not. This “joke” was played on my three times in close succession by different members of the crew just after leaving LCA. It was actually quite uncomfortable having to fake laugh after a while. This was an example of customer interaction gone very wrong. I wrote to BA about it after the flight, but have yet to hear the official line on the matter.
I agree it's a bit annoying, but does it justify a complaint? Why didn't you tell them your opinion on the flight?
PH
Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice!
25 gabrielchew: Thanks! Ha, probably a good idea! It wasn't a complaint, more a question of how staff are trained to interact with passengers. Are they encouraged to
26 717Flyer: Hi Gabriel, What a great finale to your big African adventure! Some really gorgeous shots of Cyprus, delicious food both on the ground and in the air
27 gabrielchew: Thanks Glad you liked them Air 2000 vanished quite a while ago - nice to see some signage I think there is strong demand for champagne on this route,
28 signol: Hi Gabriel, nice conclusion, as has been said! Good few days "holiday" with a friend at the end of a mammoth trip. Some great photos too. You can see
29 gabrielchew: Thanks! It's a much nicer island than I expected, no doubt because of the British influence Yeah, it was a bit dissapointing overall. Until the 787s
30 raffik: Very good report. I did expect more from the 767 though- particularly in Business class. The leg room looked well below par! The catering looks good t
31 Carfield: Thank you for your series of trip reprots and I love every one of them! They definitely give me some nice perspective on flying within to and from Afr
32 gabrielchew: Thanks! Thankfully I was expecting a run down cabin so it was such a big dissapointment - manage your expectations! I guess the crew saw me as an "ea
33 FlyingFinn76: Hi Gab, Very nice conclusion to your three weeks on the road. Cyprus looks nice and quiet during the off season. As you saw the weather can be hit or
34 gabrielchew: Thanks for the reply PetteriFinn (I quite like that name!) Thanks I think stay to the East in the winter - the west seems to get the wind and rain Ver
35 deltamartin: Hi Gabriel! Great final to your awesome Africa journey! Nice pictures of Cyprus, I was there once as a kid, although I don't remember much of it! I su
36 gabrielchew: Thanks! Glad you like the photos - time for you to pay a return visit? Waaay too small! I leave in a few days - very excited!
37 roberts87: Like the other reports: thanks for posting! Is that BA 767 one of the European configured birds, without a dedicated C class? Is that actually in use
38 gabrielchew: Glad you liked it Robert Yeah, 99% of the time it's just on EU route. All euro routes have a dedicated C class, just with Y seats! Supposedly, if you
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What did they show on them anyway, moving map, TV-shows?
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) officially TRNC is not a "country" but an occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus, not recognized by any other country in the world except Turkey. It's cool however that you've added another self-proclaimed state in your log after Transnistria 
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