gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Posted (9 months 6 hours ago) and read 7857 times:
Truly Great Britain: BE/BA EDI-IOM-LCY with the Saab
Hello!
And welcome to my latest report. So, why “Truly Great Britain”. I’m definitely not the sort of person to be very patriotic, and before this summer, don’t think I have ever waved a Union Flag (aka Union Jack). However, with the Queen’s Golden Jubiliee, and then the Olympics, the majority of the nation, flag wavers or not, seem to have got into the spirit of being British. For me, this meant drinking Pimms, playing croquet, burning holes in the grass with portable BBQs, visiting some new parts of the UK (Northern Island, and as you’ll see in this report, the Isle of Man), complaining about the weather, and generally feeling smug as we climbed the Olympic medal table (obviously all thanks to me shouting at the telly).
So with the Olympics finished, I embarked on a short camping trip to Devon, before heading up to the Scottish Capital of Edinburgh to take in some of the world famous Festivals occupying the city for August. A friend from uni invited me to the festival – I’d been a few times before, and really enjoyed it so took him up on his offer. How to get there? Transport to Edinburgh in August is busy and expensive, especially when booking relatively late. After a long time weighing up various options, I found a cracker of a deal in the form of a train ticket to Glasgow for £21. Alas, it was cheap as I had to change in Watford and Manchester, before buying a further ticket on to Edinburgh, meaning a rather laborious 8 hour journey. Still, the saving was significant (direct trains were over £80), and I wasn’t in a major hurry. For the geography geek in me, it would be nice to see the West Coast line up to Scotland (going through the Lake district), rather than my usual East Coast line on the gloriously scenic coastal route (sit on the right side Northbound between Newcastle and Edinburgh, and keep your camera handy).
From Edinburgh, how to get home? I came across a very good fare for £44 from EDI to IOM…the Isle of Man, somewhere I’ve long fancied a trip to. It would be operated by a Loganair Saab 340. And from IOM to London? Just a month or so ago, BA launched a joint venture with quality regional carrier Eastern Airways. One Saab 2000 would be painted in BA livery, and operate thrice daily on the LCY route. Perfect! Even more perfect was that I could link it with a one way redemption I have down to Milan in September for no extra cost (free domestic add ons)…not even any extra tax.
My route now looked like this (Courtesy of GC Mapper):
Off to Scotland…it was a long day on the train
Some fairly grim weather up north
I managed to arrive safe and sound, met up with my friend, and went off to hit the town. For those of you not in the know, Edinburgh has been hosting a variety of competing festivals in August since the 1940’s, covering everything from comedy, to music, drama, film etc etc.
There is something for everyone (it’s the World’s largest arts festival), with both household names and newcomers performing. I’d pre-bought tickets to see the NewsRevue (very funny, always sold out) and Fascinating Aïda (also pretty funny... see here for haters of FR!). In addition, we did quite a few other free shows, which ranged from some pretty good magic, to some appalling stand up. It was a great weekend! I’d thoroughly recommend a visit to everyone…but be warned, it’s terribly popular, so book accommodation and travel well in advance (like 6 months) otherwise you’ll be stuck travelling on odd routes, and staying miles out.
Of course, as well as the Festival, there is the castle
And Arthur’s Seat, a great place for a Sunday morning walk with a view
Sadly, before long it was time for me to leave Edinburgh, and head on to the Isle of Man. There is a (reasonably) fast, but regular, comfortable and cheap bus out to the airport.
Outside
Having learnt the last time the pointlessness of OLCI with FlyBE, I elected to check in at the kiosk instead (with OLCI you have to pay for reserve a seat – if you don’t they assign it, and you can’t change it. Seat assignment is free at the desk or kiosk). This flight was operated for FlyBE by Loganair, “Scotland’s Airline”. In the not too recent past, they operated as a franchisee for BA, operating a host of routes in and around Scotland’s Highlands, Islands and cities. I had a very nice flight with them a few years ago on the EDI-INV route on G-GNTF …plenty of booze to be had on the short hop.
Today, despite operating for a No Frills airline, Loganair routes still qualify for free luggage (20kg) and a snack (alas just tea or coffee). As such, I checked in a bag before heading through security.
There was a little delay going through when a suspicious object was found in my bag…
(In a thick Scottish accent) “You got hair gel in there?”
“Um, nope”
(opens bags, and pulls out an orange)
“It’s the only way to get liquid through security!”
Thankfully my off the cuff remark brings a wink and a smile from him…clearly he’s not as dense as a lot of people working in airports today.
FIDS. I hadn’t realised that TK had added EDI recently.
Departures
There were some tables next to the windows offering some decent views. Plenty of U2 here
This Titan plane was operating for BA down to LGW
GA
TK
FR
EI Regional
I was very happy to see the Golden BA again…I’ve now seen here in LIN, LHR and EDI. I also saw her last week flying over the Docklands after getting off my IOM-LCY flight, but sadly failed to get a photo
FlyBE
LH
Off Gold goes
FR
There were plenty of FlyBE/Loganair Saabs around, mostly heading up North
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 1, posted (9 months 6 hours ago) and read 7935 times:
August 2012
Edinburgh, Turnhouse (EDI) – Isle of Man, Ronaldsway (IOM)
Flybe BE 6813, operated by Loganair
Scheduled: 1415-1515 (1h00m)
Actual: 1418-1557 (0h39m)
Saab 340 G-LGNI
Economy
Without having to wait too long, the IOM flight was called, and the 20 or so pax filed down onto a bus, before being driven to G-LGNI (previously with Crossair and Moldavian)
I was the last person to board so took the opportunity to upgrade myself from my single aisle seat at the back, to a nice empty pair near the front.
Good view of the prop
And reasonable legroom
Row to myself
Just a few minutes late, we take off into the sunny Scottish afternoon
The famous (and very important) bridges crossing the Firth of Forth. The red UNESCO Forth Bridge is for trains
The white bridge on the left is the Forth Road Bridge.
Less than 10 minutes after take off, the very friendly solo FA wheeled her trolley to th front, and handed out refreshments.
Tea or coffee, and something sweet from her tray…I went with a Tunnock’s Caramel, possibly the best foodstuff to ever originate from Scotland (other contenders being deep-fried Mars bars, and Marmalade). Perfect for a short hop across the sea.
Once the service was done, I asked about a copy of the Flybe Magazine. These should have been in every seat pocket, but they were missing from all six seats in my row, and the row behind. The lovely FA went to find me a copy, saying that everyone must have nicked their copy!
Safety card
Nice views
Detail on the headrest
Our route took us over sea, back over land, before more sea, then finally island.
Welcome to the Isle of Man!
A Manx Let
My seat upon disembarkation
FlyBE is probably the dominant carrier in IOM
As you can imagine, for an airport serving a population of just 85,000, it wasn’t long before I had got my luggage and made it to the arrivals hall. I had a 48 hour stay on the island, and decided to hire a car for the last 24 hours, relying on public transport for the first 24.
Waiting for the bus into town
I decided to try couch surfing again – they guy I ended up staying with showed me some nice places around the island.
Douglas sea front
From the Manx dairy
The town of Peel (Peel Holdings ring any bells?)
Peel Castle
Lovely sunsets over here
Nice lighting back in Douglas
The next day we caught the Electric (and open air) train up to Snaefell, the highest point on the island. A day ticket for all the trains, buses and trams on the island was £16.
Lovely view from the top
The grey box is owned/run by NATS (Air Traffic Control)
Back at the bottom, you have to change trains to head back to Douglas
Nice in the sun…unfortunately it started to rain, so we got rather cold and wet
The horse drawn tram
View from the Douglas Promenade
Time for a ride on a proper Steam Engine. Sadly, we only had time for 1 stop, before getting the last train home.
Comfy carriages
The next day I collected my hire car….nice to see different plates over here. The IOM is a lot more devolved that I had first imagined. They have their own parliament, postal service, money, language, internet code (.im), aircraft registration (M-reg), tax status and passports…independent in nearly all but name. I asked my CS host about an independence movement, but he said they weren’t interested, and acknowledged they couldn’t afford to go it alone…these Manxmen are a bit more canny with money than their Scottish/Cornish counterparts! Officially they are a Crown Dependency. The UK takes care of external affairs and defence (not too dissimilar to Hong Kong/Macau’s statuses). They are not part of the EU or the UK.
Heading for the mainland
Driving up towards Snaefell again. Lovely scenery
The feral chickens….
Something the island is famous for (in certain circles) is the annual TT and motorbike Grand Prix. I was on the island just before the Grand Prix, with plenty of bikers zooming around. There were a large number of German-registered bikes, and plenty of “Links fahren” signs..
Tywald Hill, home to possibly the World’s oldest parliament
And some friendly locals who explained what they do on the hill
A crofters cottage by the sea
Interesting flag…can you identify all the “countries”?
The Calf of Man (Manx version of Land’s End)…lovely that the scenery changes so quickly here. Half an hour ago I was in Scotland, now I’m in Cornwall. As you can see, I was very lucky with the weather.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 2, posted (9 months 6 hours ago) and read 7912 times:
Next to the airport is the Manx Aviation Museum, and worth a quick look
My penultimate stop before handing back the car was at the Manx Cat Sanctuary. Some Manx cats are tailless%u2026an interesting genetic mutation. If you like cats, definitely stop by. If you%u2019re allergic, don%u2019t. If you ever wanted to see what the crazy cat lady%u2019s house looks like inside, pay a visit. If you aren%u2019t visiting the IOM anytime soon, but would like to see anyway, I found their webcam!
Count the cats!
As I had a spare few minutes before I needed to be at the airport, I made one last stop. It was great to have a quick walk knowing that in less than 3 hours, I%u2019d be in Central London!
Nice view from the hire car park
And my plane, waiting patiently
75 minutes before departure, and there was no queue to check in. every time I had tried to check the seat map, it was unavailable, even at OLCI. I had been assigned 3F, however, which suited me fine, especially with no neighbour.
A quick look outside at the 3-legged Man
Terminal
U2 from LPL had just arrived. They%u2019ll be launching LGW-IOM soon
There was no queue for security, and I was in the rather plain departures lounge in seconds. My Saab 2000, operated for British Airways by Eastern Airways on behalf of BA Cityflyer.
FIDS
Dornier 228
Departures
Manx 2 to Gloucester M5
U2 pushing back
BE landing
Well ahead of schedule, we were invited to board.
August 2012
Isle of Man, Ronaldsway (IOM) %u2013 London City (LCY)
British Airways BA 3287, operated by Eastern Airways on behalf of BA Cityflyer
Scheduled: 1740-1900 (1h20m)
Actual: 1733-1823 (0h50m)
Saab 2000 G-CDEB
Economy
I was greeted by a friendly FA in full BA uniform (although I imagine she was an Eastern Airways employee). Interesting to see legrests on a Saab.
Nice views from row 3 %u2013 much bigger engines than on the -340.
EI regional again
Flight was about 40% full.
Off we go.
The Calf of Man
Why I love BA!
It didn%u2019t take long before my refreshments were delivered
Interesting articles in the Highlife magazine
Nice memories of flying BA to SAN last year
The new IOM-LCY route is not on the map yet
Nice full size safety cards
Above the clouds
A took a [url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vxUoFAOkIE&feature=youtu.be]short video[/url] of my favourite part of the flight%u2026.dipping into the sea of clouds
With some 25 minutes left to run, I asked the FA for a further drink, but I was told that the bar had already been sealed%u2026I thought this was rather premature. On my last 3 flights into LCY (once on BA, the other 2 on Cityjet), I%u2019d for a final drink as late at 7 minutes before landing without problems. Never mind.
The Shard standing tall%u2026now Europe%u2019s tallest building
Some nice late summer rays
The approach to City from the East is less than spectacular, quite unlike the Western approach over the city. The white and green round towers to the left are student accommodation at the University of East London%u2026.better views than from my student halls!
Nearly 40 minutes early and we%u2019re down.
Skywork
The Swiss love LCY!
Sadly, despite our very early arrival, it took a long time to leave the airport. Taxi time 5 minutes, wait before door opening 5 minutes, walk to baggage reclaim, 5 minutes, wait for bags, a staggering 25 minutes.
Walking to baggage reclaim
This might not seem long, but it%u2019s pretty appalling for LCY. My record from touchdown to train was just 5 minutes, including immigration and baggage reclaim. Apparently, the bags were sent to an international belt, then they had to wait for someone to bring them to the domestic belt.
The walk from there to the train was just 2 minutes. Not long after our STA, I was on the DLR heading into London.
So, apart from the rather slow arrival procedures at LCY, it was a pretty good trip around Truly Great Britain! So, come and visit, and have a nice time enjoying the sights and sounds of these lovely Islands!
***I am aware that the Isle of Man is not actually part of Great Britain! The title %u201CTruly Great British Isles%u201D wasn%u2019t quite as catchy!***
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 5, posted (9 months 5 hours ago) and read 7703 times:
Hey there Gabriel Chew, what a quaint little report!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I’m definitely not the sort of person to be very patriotic, and before this summer, don’t think I have ever waved a Union Flag (aka Union Jack).
Well I've always seen you as very patriotic by the way you consume those G&T's
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Edinburgh has been hosting a variety of competing festivals in August since the 1940’s, covering everything from comedy, to music, drama, film etc etc.
Interesting that they're making adverts for a Swedish cider brewery, something we don't see much here in Sweden. I assume cider is a popular drink in the UK?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I decided to try couch surfing again – they guy I ended up staying with showed me some nice places around the island.
My, you really seem to have luck with CS. How do you manage to get your couch requests approved, you ask long or short in advance?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): It didn%u2019t take long before my refreshments were delivered
Now that's some quintessentially british "snacks". Surprised they didn't throw in a slice of cucumber in the G&T, because that's the way they do in Scotland after all
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 6, posted (9 months 5 hours ago) and read 7660 times:
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): what a quaint little report!
Thanks Jonas
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): Interesting that they're making adverts for a Swedish cider brewery, something we don't see much here in Sweden. I assume cider is a popular drink in the UK?
Cider is popular in the UK. It wasn't the festival advertising the cider, rather the cider advertising itself in one of the hundreds of venues.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): My, you really seem to have luck with CS. How do you manage to get your couch requests approved, you ask long or short in advance?
Generally ask about 7 days in advance.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): What the hell happened to them?!
No idea...foxes?
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): Did the aircraft wear a OneWorld logo too?
I guess it did
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): Now that's some quintessentially british "snacks". Surprised they didn't throw in a slice of cucumber in the G&T, because that's the way they do in Scotland after all
Actually it depends of the gin as to what fruit you add. And I wasn't in Scotland when I had the gin!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): Sealed, for what reasons? So that the staff won't nick those miniature bottles and bring them home?
Standard procedure to seal alcohol carts before arrivals for duty reasons.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 7, posted (9 months 5 hours ago) and read 7606 times:
Hi Gab, interesting to read the story after seeing all the pix! Great stuff.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): heading up to the Scottish Capital of Edinburgh to take in some of the world famous Festivals occupying the city for August.
Something which really interests me. Maybe next year
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I found a cracker of a deal in the form of a train ticket to Glasgow for £21. Alas, it was cheap as I had to change in Watford and Manchester, before buying a further ticket on to Edinburgh, meaning a rather laborious 8 hour journey. Still, the saving was significant (direct trains were over £80), and I wasn’t in a major hurry.
For the UK, indeed a steal. And not a waste of time. I think trains make me in the good mood to catch up some sleep
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): And from IOM to London? Just a month or so ago, BA launched a joint venture with quality regional carrier Eastern Airways. One Saab 2000 would be painted in BA livery, and operate thrice daily on the LCY route. Perfect!
As you say, indeed perfect. Also with the good mileage redemption... a reason to do this myself within week too.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Today, despite operating for a No Frills airline, Loganair routes still qualify for free luggage (20kg) and a snack (alas just tea or coffee).
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I went with a Tunnock’s Caramel, possibly the best foodstuff to ever originate from Scotland
When I see that bar and label, it invites me to try this out.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 2): U2 from LPL had just arrived. They%u2019ll be launching LGW-IOM soon
Might give a boost to IOM traffic and tourist... maybe a 'not so good' step. The island might get much more busy with 'cheap' tourists.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): Sealed, for what reasons? So that the staff won't nick those miniature bottles and bring them home?
Of course. Ground staff Jonas. Common sense... cleaners, technicians... they all like to grab a free drink during work. No way. Airlines will go bankrupt even quicker.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 722 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (9 months 4 hours ago) and read 7514 times:
Another interesting read there - i guess the bank holiday has given everybody a chance to catch up with report writing! I've got the intention to try out that flight to the IOM but I'm having doubts if ill actually get round to it - im led to believe its going to be replaced by an E-Jet in the future.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): There were some tables next to the windows offering some decent views. Plenty of U2 here
Makes a nice change to be able to see out of the window!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (9 months 3 hours ago) and read 7430 times:
Hi Gabriel,
very nice report with good pictures. Edinburgh is indeed beautiful, went there in June. And it seems I really need to visit the Isle of Man. Great scenery.
My first Saab 2000 experience is not far away, it's about time.
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 10, posted (9 months 3 hours ago) and read 7389 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Gab,
nice report about the new LCY service.
This flight seems very popular among a.netters lately.
The service on both Eastern and Loganair look good and its great to fly the small Saabs.
Also very nice pictures from IOM, i would love to be there in time for the Tourist Trophy.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 7): I think trains make me in the good mood to catch up some sleep
Yeah, I guess they do
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 7): a reason to do this myself within week too.
I'm interested to see how it works out for you
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 7): Might give a boost to IOM traffic and tourist... maybe a 'not so good' step. The island might get much more busy with 'cheap' tourists.
Well, I think an 319 load of Londers will do a lot of good for the island
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 8): I noticed this on their website and was curious about trying this one out just for the chance to fly somewhere different.
I think they used to continue that flight down to JER too
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 17, posted (8 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 6269 times:
Hi Gabriel,
Interesting report! Good to catch these 2 not so common airliners from the same manufacturer! The Isle Of Man is definitely a lovely place to visit and not only for the TT!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Something the island is famous for (in certain circles) is the annual TT and motorbike Grand Prix. I was on the island just before the Grand Prix, with plenty of bikers zooming around. There were a large number of German-registered bikes, and plenty of “Links fahren” signs..
Oh yes, the legendary TT, a must-do for next year, although it will most probably not be by plane
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (8 months 4 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 6110 times:
Hi Gabriel, nice to read about your trip to IOM.
Great that BA started the LCY-IOM route. Flew it myself in 2009 on VLM Airlines when they operated with the good old Fokker 50. Unfortunately the weather was horrible that day so I didn't get to see much of the island, so your pictures now made up for that. The Saab 2000 is a great aircraft too, just flew my first one last Friday in Sweden.
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 19, posted (8 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 6004 times:
Hi Gabriel!
Nice report! Glad to see you visited Isle of Man, brings back good memories from my trip there last summer. England And An Isle ARN-CPH-MAN/BKL-IOM-MAN-ARN (by deltamartin Aug 18 2011 in Trip Reports)
Seems like you had a couple of nice Saab flights, unsurprisingly the Saab 2000 is my favourite prop-aircraft.
I know that place! Shame to think that that place will always (for the foreseeable future anyway) be associated with such a terrible thing.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): met up with my friend, and went off to hit the town. For those of you not in the know, Edinburgh has been hosting a variety of competing festivals in August since the 1940%u2019s, covering everything from comedy, to music, drama, film etc etc.
Hey, nice to see Kopparberg there, the Saabs wasn't the only Swedish thing in this report!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The next day we caught the Electric (and open air) train up to Snaefell, the highest point on the island. A day ticket for all the trains, buses and trams on the island was
Nice to see you made it all the way to Snaefell, I only had time to go to Laxey. I enjoyed the tramride though!
Thanks for the great pics. You have done IOM tourism proud and certainly looks alot more interesting than I thought it would be . Love the BA props they look so cool in the BA livery .
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 21, posted (8 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 5745 times:
Hi Gab
Interesting report, thanks for sharing your latest story.
I've been in EDI once before when you where able to take the ferry from Zeebrugge here in Belgium.
Great city btw
Nice to see you where able to catch the Saab's. Something high on the list for me as well.
IOM looks quite interesting.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6087 posts, RR: 56 Reply 22, posted (8 months 4 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 5563 times:
Hi Gabriel !
Thanks for another great report with nice pictures !
Edinburgh is really nice and I went for a visit back in 1988 as part of a EuroRail trip but I was there in late September so missed all the festivals.
Isle of Man looks nice to and great that you were able to catch a Eastern Airways Saab 2000. I have yet to fly on a Saab 2000 but still have more chances.
Looking forward to your next report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): The Isle Of Man is definitely a lovely place to visit and not only for the TT!
Yes, it;s very nice
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): Yes it is a nice scheme although I prever the 'dove' one more.
I've yet to see the Dove one in person, so can't say for sure
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): That's a funny name, what does it refer to?
Ha, it just means the estuary (or firth) of the Forth River!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): That'll be for sure worth a stop on my visit then!
Check the opeing times beforehand!
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 18): Hi Gabriel, nice to read about your trip to IOM.
Thanks
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 18): Great that BA started the LCY-IOM route. Flew it myself in 2009 on VLM Airlines when they operated with the good old Fokker 50. Unfortunately the weather was horrible that day so I didn't get to see much of the island, so your pictures now made up for that.
I had no idea they operated that route. Shame you had bad weather
Quoting OA260 (Reply 20): Always wanted to go to the IOM but never got round to it . Need to get there as Im so close to it !
Yesm you are very close...go now on one of the cool Lets!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 20): Thanks for the great pics. You have done IOM tourism proud and certainly looks alot more interesting than I thought it would be .
Thanks!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 21): Interesting report, thanks for sharing your latest story.
No problem Marc
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 21): I've been in EDI once before when you where able to take the ferry from Zeebrugge here in Belgium.
Great city btw
How long did that take?
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): Thanks for another great report with nice pictures !
Glad you like it
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): Edinburgh is really nice and I went for a visit back in 1988 as part of a EuroRail trip but I was there in late September so missed all the festivals.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6087 posts, RR: 56 Reply 24, posted (8 months 3 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 5340 times:
Yes, but it's not a priority. I'm currently focusing on famous international sights like the Pyramids of Giza, Chinese Wall etc. In a year or two, I should be done with that and will then focus on going to countries I've haven't been to before. So it may be a while before I go back to Edinburgh.
Hope to see another report from you soon!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 26, posted (8 months 3 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 5242 times:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 24): Yes, but it's not a priority. I'm currently focusing on famous international sights like the Pyramids of Giza, Chinese Wall etc. In a year or two, I should be done with that and will then focus on going to countries I've haven't been to before. So it may be a while before I go back to Edinburgh.
Fair enough...I'm sure Edinburgh will still be going strong for a few more years
Quoting The777Man (Reply 24): Hope to see another report from you soon!
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 27, posted (8 months 3 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 5170 times:
Hi Gabs,
Well it's about time you started giving your lovely home country a bit more attention, something it sorely needs. The UK is a lovely place, hands down the most interesting and best country in Europe in all respects, so good for you!
I was sort of expecting you to be posting someting Dutch next, though...
IOM is a lovely place, I almost booked something similar than you for October to score that Eastern Airways Saab, but at the last moment decided to head to Albania instead - hope I won't regret it! Lovely pictures from Manx, I want to go back so much, it is such a great island!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): generally feeling smug as we climbed the Olympic medal table (obviously all thanks to me shouting at the telly).
You walked away with some medals? Wow, I'm shocked!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I was very happy to see the Golden BA again…I’ve now seen here in LIN, LHR and EDI. I also saw her last week flying over the Docklands after getting off my IOM-LCY flight, but sadly failed to get a photo
Man, I hate that livery. It is ugly as hell, just like that plane flew through a big hen shack and is now covered in egg yolk. That "Olympic" font is also horrible. Very bad, BA!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I went with a Tunnock’s Caramel, possibly the best foodstuff to ever originate from Scotland (other contenders being deep-fried Mars bars, and Marmalade). Perfect for a short hop across the sea.
Hey, don't forget deep fried pizza!
Isn't that Caramel the stuff that destroys your teeth?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The lovely FA went to find me a copy, saying that everyone must have nicked their copy!
Really annoying that they don't really mention the Nordic operation at all. Nor list those planes at all - as if they are ashamed of the whole Nordic operation. Which is probably what they are, and I hardly blame them.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The next day we caught the Electric (and open air) train up to Snaefell, the highest point on the island. A day ticket for all the trains, buses and trams on the island was £16.
Ahh yes, the Manx Electric Railway - love it. Unfortunately I only had time to do a quick run up to Ramsey and back with the next train on my visit there.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Something the island is famous for (in certain circles) is the annual TT and motorbike Grand Prix. I was on the island just before the Grand Prix, with plenty of bikers zooming around. There were a large number of German-registered bikes, and plenty of “Links fahren” signs..
Damn, these annoying scum are everywhere! They should ban motorcycles on this islands, such nasty machines.
You might be right. Suitable to those white collar criminals, it is not like they have petty crime in this paradise.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): My penultimate stop before handing back the car was at the Manx Cat Sanctuary.
Hah, looks interesting. Reminds me of the "cat boat" in Amsterdam!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): U2 from LPL had just arrived. They%u2019ll be launching LGW-IOM soon
That LPL route puzzles me - how on earth can they make any money on it?! Or maybe they are selling some cargo space to somebody, would be a first for Ezy I guess.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 28, posted (8 months 3 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 5073 times:
Hi Gabriel...
Truly a Great Report... see what I did? ANYWAY!....
No it was very enjoyable.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I’m definitely not the sort of person to be very patriotic, and before this summer,
Come on! I've rarely seen someone so patriotic... and that's only in your consumption of G&T's. But yes - you certainly got into the spirit of things this summer. Rather a silly time for me to be away.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): it would be nice to see the West Coast line up to Scotland (going through the Lake district), rather than my usual East Coast line on the gloriously scenic coastal route (sit on the right side Northbound between Newcastle and Edinburgh, and keep your camera handy).
Yes - both railways have flurries of brilliance at the end (towards Scotland). The West Coast is fairly miserable for the first 3 hours though!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I’d pre-bought tickets to see the NewsRevue (very funny, always sold out)
Don't rub salt into that wound. It is the first tickets I have not honoured. We are pinning our hopes that the service does well. It is funny because I was due to depart in August and might well have bumped into you at the airport. RTN tickets were £97! But it is just seasonal...
Odd - I wonder how this route will perform in the LR. I can't see a huge market.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 1): I went with a Tunnock’s Caramel, possibly the best foodstuff to ever originate from Scotland (other contenders being deep-fried Mars bars, and Marmalade).
It is a class act I must admit. Very old fashioned but nom nom. Forgot about marmalade!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): an independence movement, but he said they weren’t interested, and acknowledged they couldn’t afford to go it alone…these Manxmen are a bit more canny with money than their Scottish/Cornish counterparts! Officially they are a Crown Dependency. The UK takes care of external affairs and defence (not too dissimilar to Hong Kong/Macau’s statuses). They are not part of the EU or the UK.
I think the more informed of Scot's also recognise we will struggle to go it along with out our Big Brother. I've always argued that some of the African countries shouldn't have been so quick to get independence and instead take the crown dependency the Uk is obliged to provide.
HA! I think my chickens have become fairly feral as they sleep in the hedge now instead of their hut.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 27): The UK is a lovely place, hands down the most interesting and best country in Europe in all respects, so good for you!
What nice words from the Finn! Thanks...
So. As ever - I must try and mention aviation a little. The BA SAAB is a beautiful aircraft. Really nice to see more diversity of aircraft in BA colours. A second G&T was more than called for.
I am fascinated by the Triskelion of IOM. It is a brilliant logo - quite something. But as for the Island itself - I have heard it's people are a bit rude/ backward/ racist/ religious - but you seemed to have a great time! Didn't they only stop thrashing people with birch like a few years ago?!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 29, posted (8 months 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 4999 times:
Thanks for your kind words Mr Finn!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 27): Well it's about time you started giving your lovely home country a bit more attention, something it sorely needs. The UK is a lovely place, hands down the most interesting and best country in Europe in all respects, so good for you!
Yes, I really should see more of this wet, expensive country!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 27): I was sort of expecting you to be posting someting Dutch next, though...
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 27): Isn't that Caramel the stuff that destroys your teeth?
Um, probably, but it's SO tasty
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 27): Damn, these annoying scum are everywhere! They should ban motorcycles on this islands, such nasty machines.
Well, the bring in the $$$$
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 27): The name of that airport is very interesting - I don't think any other airport in the world is named after a nearby motorway!
Ha, it's the best thing going for it (town and airport)
Well, at least you're not missing out on any nice UK summer weather
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 28): Yes - both railways have flurries of brilliance at the end (towards Scotland). The West Coast is fairly miserable for the first 3 hours though!
Everything south of Newcastle (either side) is rather glib
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 28): Odd - I wonder how this route will perform in the LR. I can't see a huge market.
Well, both places have lots of banks....
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 28): I am fascinated by the Triskelion of IOM. It is a brilliant logo - quite something. But as for the Island itself - I have heard it's people are a bit rude/ backward/ racist/ religious - but you seemed to have a great time! Didn't they only stop thrashing people with birch like a few years ago?!
Yes, it's (very) backwards, but nothing to detur tourists overly. Living there on the other hand is decidely 1980's ish.
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1242 posts, RR: 34 Reply 30, posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 4735 times:
Hi Gabriel,
I really, really enjoyed this super report. Despite me having spent more years of my life in the UK than in Switzerland, I've seen more of this country than I have of the place I grew up in. You've put me to shame, as I've never been to Edinburgh or the IOM. Seeing your pictures though reminds me how I really need to visit these places.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): and generally feeling smug as we climbed the Olympic medal table (obviously all thanks to me shouting at the telly).
Oh, that's how it works is it? I'd have shouted louder next time if I'd known!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): And Arthur’s Seat, a great place for a Sunday morning walk with a view
What gorgeous views.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I elected to check in at the kiosk instead (with OLCI you have to pay for reserve a seat – if you don’t they assign it, and you can’t change it. Seat assignment is free at the desk or kiosk).
What a strange system, surely you shouldn't be penalised for OLCI?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Thankfully my off the cuff remark brings a wink and a smile from him…clearly he’s not as dense as a lot of people working in airports today.
I'll just ignore that remark, shall I?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Tea or coffee, and something sweet from her tray…I went with a Tunnock’s Caramel, possibly the best foodstuff to ever originate from Scotland (other contenders being deep-fried Mars bars, and Marmalade). Perfect for a short hop across the sea.
Nice to see them offering something local.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Once the service was done, I asked about a copy of the Flybe Magazine. These should have been in every seat pocket, but they were missing from all six seats in my row, and the row behind. The lovely FA went to find me a copy, saying that everyone must have nicked their copy
The pictures of the sea front, and the ones of Snaefell that you posted, reminf me so much of Llandudno & the Great Orme on the N Wales coast. Well, if you took away the sea they'd be next to each other!
Oh, Gab, how can you do that to me?! I just love mint choc chip ice cream and it's so damn hard to find here. Mint and chocolate is not a combination the Swiss are fond of.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Time for a ride on a proper Steam Engine. Sadly, we only had time for 1 stop, before getting the last train home
Great to see the steam engine and those vintage coaches.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 31, posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 4663 times:
Hi Gab
Sorry it's taken me an age to posting a comment - I read your report last week and re-read it this morning.
Enjoyed reading about your local travels, just as much as your far flung ones. Great stuff!
Nice to see the Saab 2000 and yes, it looked very familiar. I hope the route works out for them. The load on my flight (admittedly it was a Sunday afternoon on a bank holiday weekend) was very light - no more than 20 passengers. We also had a single flight attendant. If the flight had been full - I cant remember whether that would have meant needing a min of 2 crew?
I loved your pics in EDI and IOM too. I really should spend some time in the IOM next time!
Finally, I disagree with the Finn - I really like the Firefly A319. It's much better than the dove. It took me a while to get used to the Olympics font as well but having seen it around the place here now for many months, I've come to like it.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): They have their own parliament, postal service, money, language, internet code (.im), aircraft registration (M-reg), tax status and passports…independent in nearly all but name.
wow, I knew about some of those things but not everything, very interesting
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 33, posted (8 months 3 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 4531 times:
Thanks for all the comments!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 30):
I really, really enjoyed this super report
Thanks Hannah
Quoting infodesk (Reply 30): Despite me having spent more years of my life in the UK than in Switzerland, I've seen more of this country than I have of the place I grew up in. You've put me to shame, as I've never been to Edinburgh or the IOM. Seeing your pictures though reminds me how I really need to visit these places.
Well, I've really not done that much in the UK....It's taken me til this year to do IOM, Aberdeen and Belfast. Only ever spent 1 night in Manc and Liverpool, never been to Leeds/Cardiff.......
Quoting infodesk (Reply 30): What a strange system, surely you shouldn't be penalised for OLCI?
Yes, not the best system. No incentive to OLCI unless you plan to pay for a seat anyway, in which case you'd have paid upon booking (and then not need to OLCI....)
Quoting infodesk (Reply 30): I'll just ignore that remark, shall I?
If you like, bit I was referring to the odd 90% of airport staff that just "process" people rather than the few that actually listen and intereact with them....the info desk definately fits into the latter category!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 30): Oh, Gab, how can you do that to me?! I just love mint choc chip ice cream and it's so damn hard to find here. Mint and chocolate is not a combination the Swiss are fond of.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 31): Sorry it's taken me an age to posting a comment - I read your report last week and re-read it this morning.
No problem. I often read, then reply much later
Quoting palmjet (Reply 31): Enjoyed reading about your local travels, just as much as your far flung ones. Great stuff!
Thanks!
Quoting palmjet (Reply 31): Nice to see the Saab 2000 and yes, it looked very familiar. I hope the route works out for them. The load on my flight (admittedly it was a Sunday afternoon on a bank holiday weekend) was very light - no more than 20 passengers. We also had a single flight attendant. If the flight had been full - I cant remember whether that would have meant needing a min of 2 crew?
I think it's max 50 pax per crew, so they can do it on their own...I think
Quoting palmjet (Reply 31): I loved your pics in EDI and IOM too. I really should spend some time in the IOM next time!
Thanks. You should
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 32): Another great report on your visit to the IOM.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 32): Love your pictures of IOM, what a beautiful place
Thanks!
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 32): wow, I knew about some of those things but not everything, very interesting
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 37, posted (8 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 2854 times:
Quoting NorthStarDC4M (Reply 36): That flag shows up at the so called highland games we have here in Canada all the time, I looked it up years ago to figure out what it was about.
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