RHK's start spring Asia trip, sadly sans Gpanda's
May 16th, 2010, 05:04 PM
#22
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fine flight to DC...easy car pick up for drive to dulles...only got lost 2 or three times.... priceline room ($46+) at dulles... room is fine and expect a good nite's sleep before our 1335 flight tomorrow---14+ hours to seoul...
thanks for your generous wishes...
now the trip begins...
thanks for your generous wishes...
now the trip begins...
May 16th, 2010, 05:31 PM
#23
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I too wish that I was sending bon voyage wishes to all four of you, but those wishes will certainly keep until the next madcap journey that you all take together.
Have a sensational trip, Bob and Karen. I look forward with delight to reading about it. (Bali is at the top of my list.)
Have a sensational trip, Bob and Karen. I look forward with delight to reading about it. (Bali is at the top of my list.)
May 16th, 2010, 05:37 PM
#24
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I'm calling their cellphone at 5:30 am tomorrow, just to make sure they get to the airport in time for their flight. I'm awake, why shouldn't they be. That only gives them eight hours to shower, eat breakfast, update the trip report and make it to the airport two hours ahead of the international departure. Maybe I should call at 4:30 am just to be on the safe side.
May 18th, 2010, 02:18 AM
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KOREAN AIR IS FABULOUS!!!!! far superior to singapore.... more on that later..
we are at the hyatt incheon overnite.... nice hotel... fabulous room.. good hors' in the lounge..
leave for bali about 6 PM tomorrow...
we are at the hyatt incheon overnite.... nice hotel... fabulous room.. good hors' in the lounge..
leave for bali about 6 PM tomorrow...
May 18th, 2010, 03:12 PM
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There is zero chance that the OP knew he was making a funny. We rely on Rizutto to bring these bon mots to light. Zero. None. Nada.
Just like him to leave us with a teaser about Korean Air. Three sentences would have sufficed, but no, let's build up the anticipation. There's only a finite number of ways that an airline can be good. An infinite number in which they can be bad.
I also note that the hors' were only good, not great. When did the OP become such an expert?
Just like him to leave us with a teaser about Korean Air. Three sentences would have sufficed, but no, let's build up the anticipation. There's only a finite number of ways that an airline can be good. An infinite number in which they can be bad.
I also note that the hors' were only good, not great. When did the OP become such an expert?
May 18th, 2010, 05:19 PM
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If the hors are set out on a plate, plentiful and free, then they are good. If no hors, or few of them, they are bad.
Andy, we need you over there for a taste test, and to protect the poor GM. Bob is there for less than 24 hrs and I have no doubt the GM will personally escort him out the door and into the shuttle bus for his next leg of the trip. And, we will hear, "such service from the GM."
Andy, we need you over there for a taste test, and to protect the poor GM. Bob is there for less than 24 hrs and I have no doubt the GM will personally escort him out the door and into the shuttle bus for his next leg of the trip. And, we will hear, "such service from the GM."
May 18th, 2010, 05:38 PM
#38
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haha.. just like lame fodorites always willing to point a finger and trying to find fault....
ok here is my take on Korean:
We flew a 777 from DC to Incheon... about 14 hours which flew by just like the now defunct NYC Thai flight.. we were at the rear of the first coach cabin in row 39, the only 2 seater row in that cabin and maybe the whole plane. FABULOUS.. we did back up to the handicaped toilet which was not a problem--could hear flushes sometimes.. it provided a nice private place to stand up, where the seat was missing... the general configuration was 3X3X3... window seat has 2 windows... seats recline just as all other coach seats. seats on the A side might be better as there is a cabinet buffer between toilet and row 39...we were on F side.. we loved our seats..
the seat itself is a bit different... could have had a tad more bottom padding, but was fine really. rather than just the back reclining, the seat and the back moved in tamden providing more comfort imo... there seemed to be some "pistons" which regulated the movement.
service at airport and on the plane was totally organized, "correct", efficient and pleasurable.. boarding was done by rows and there must have been 10 people organizing it.. even though this 777 was not new, it was clean and fresh and seemed new.
seat backs: the best arrangement i have seen. the tray was a fold in 1/2 type with one cup holder recess.. the tray was on sliders.. there was a seperate fold down cup holder when the tray was up. the tv was the largest screen i have seen--maybe 11-12" on the diagonal. the controls were touchscreen and the hand held control (key board on one side and screen control on the other)-- it was mounted on the seat back with an extendable retracting cord (the best ever arrangement). there was a small retractable holder for a purse or electronic cord too...
leg room and all the distances were more than adequate. the middle arm rest could be moved up and out of the way, the others were stationary (i wish they would make them all movable). we had a small compartment over our seats which held our two rollies perfectly.
the staff... all asians 100%, except one western pilot (and one asian). staff all neatly attired with cream and turquoise suits (men in navy--only 2 men i think). the women all had a starched ribbon in their hair which looked like a huge breast cancer or aids ribbon--maybe 8-10" long. the women also all wore a neck kerchief, the ends of whcih were starched and looked like a plane propeller, which was about 6-8" long---a bit weird really, and it must be very distracting... they all had english, but you needed to talk slowly to them. drink and meal service was very efficient... drinks 1 hour after take off, first dinner 2 hours after take off. another full meal 5 hours before arrival.
meals: we had choosen seafood meals. our first meal was a shrimp cocktail with 2 large shrimp on a bed of crisp--yes fresh and crisp boston lettuce, plus a large cherry tomato. the appetizer was smoked salmon with a lemmon wedge and fresh onion. the main course was a bed of perfectly cooked rice (very hot) some asparagus, a piece of brocolli and some cooked carrott (still cruncy), plus a generous grilled piece of a white fish--probably cod... for dessert there was cubes of mellon (ugh--i hate mellon).. a whole wheat rolls and oleo were served too.. water and red and white wine were passed also (several times)---poured from bottles...
the 2nd meal: smoked salmon again... roll, 3 large grilled shrimp over a bed rice, a spicy ragout, grilled zucchini and eggplant, plus a generous portion of white rice... mellon again---didn't they learn from my first meal that i don't like mellon?? just right..
hot towels were passed a few times and drinks (juice, soda, water) were passed a few times.
there was a medium sized bottle of water on our seats when we boarded--a very good idea, imo.. it came in handy.
the entertainment system, which i rarely use, was very nice... tons of music and movies--- i actually watched 3, an all time record.. there were games too and an interactive map.. i also listened to my ipod for several hours...
i slept on and off, but for the first time in years did not take a sleeping pill.
we arrived a bit early into incheon. the walking was quite long to immigration, which was efficient-- 5 minute wait or less. then the only snag... they had trouble with the luggage (they did make ANNOUCEMENTS) and our bags (2) did not come out for 35 minutes... customs a breeze and walk out to the curb where the hyatt bus was waiting... 3 minute ride to the hotel.
ok here is my take on Korean:
We flew a 777 from DC to Incheon... about 14 hours which flew by just like the now defunct NYC Thai flight.. we were at the rear of the first coach cabin in row 39, the only 2 seater row in that cabin and maybe the whole plane. FABULOUS.. we did back up to the handicaped toilet which was not a problem--could hear flushes sometimes.. it provided a nice private place to stand up, where the seat was missing... the general configuration was 3X3X3... window seat has 2 windows... seats recline just as all other coach seats. seats on the A side might be better as there is a cabinet buffer between toilet and row 39...we were on F side.. we loved our seats..
the seat itself is a bit different... could have had a tad more bottom padding, but was fine really. rather than just the back reclining, the seat and the back moved in tamden providing more comfort imo... there seemed to be some "pistons" which regulated the movement.
service at airport and on the plane was totally organized, "correct", efficient and pleasurable.. boarding was done by rows and there must have been 10 people organizing it.. even though this 777 was not new, it was clean and fresh and seemed new.
seat backs: the best arrangement i have seen. the tray was a fold in 1/2 type with one cup holder recess.. the tray was on sliders.. there was a seperate fold down cup holder when the tray was up. the tv was the largest screen i have seen--maybe 11-12" on the diagonal. the controls were touchscreen and the hand held control (key board on one side and screen control on the other)-- it was mounted on the seat back with an extendable retracting cord (the best ever arrangement). there was a small retractable holder for a purse or electronic cord too...
leg room and all the distances were more than adequate. the middle arm rest could be moved up and out of the way, the others were stationary (i wish they would make them all movable). we had a small compartment over our seats which held our two rollies perfectly.
the staff... all asians 100%, except one western pilot (and one asian). staff all neatly attired with cream and turquoise suits (men in navy--only 2 men i think). the women all had a starched ribbon in their hair which looked like a huge breast cancer or aids ribbon--maybe 8-10" long. the women also all wore a neck kerchief, the ends of whcih were starched and looked like a plane propeller, which was about 6-8" long---a bit weird really, and it must be very distracting... they all had english, but you needed to talk slowly to them. drink and meal service was very efficient... drinks 1 hour after take off, first dinner 2 hours after take off. another full meal 5 hours before arrival.
meals: we had choosen seafood meals. our first meal was a shrimp cocktail with 2 large shrimp on a bed of crisp--yes fresh and crisp boston lettuce, plus a large cherry tomato. the appetizer was smoked salmon with a lemmon wedge and fresh onion. the main course was a bed of perfectly cooked rice (very hot) some asparagus, a piece of brocolli and some cooked carrott (still cruncy), plus a generous grilled piece of a white fish--probably cod... for dessert there was cubes of mellon (ugh--i hate mellon).. a whole wheat rolls and oleo were served too.. water and red and white wine were passed also (several times)---poured from bottles...
the 2nd meal: smoked salmon again... roll, 3 large grilled shrimp over a bed rice, a spicy ragout, grilled zucchini and eggplant, plus a generous portion of white rice... mellon again---didn't they learn from my first meal that i don't like mellon?? just right..
hot towels were passed a few times and drinks (juice, soda, water) were passed a few times.
there was a medium sized bottle of water on our seats when we boarded--a very good idea, imo.. it came in handy.
the entertainment system, which i rarely use, was very nice... tons of music and movies--- i actually watched 3, an all time record.. there were games too and an interactive map.. i also listened to my ipod for several hours...
i slept on and off, but for the first time in years did not take a sleeping pill.
we arrived a bit early into incheon. the walking was quite long to immigration, which was efficient-- 5 minute wait or less. then the only snag... they had trouble with the luggage (they did make ANNOUCEMENTS) and our bags (2) did not come out for 35 minutes... customs a breeze and walk out to the curb where the hyatt bus was waiting... 3 minute ride to the hotel.
May 18th, 2010, 06:11 PM
#39
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<<e did back up to the handicaped toilet which was not a problem--could hear flushes sometimes.. it provided a nice private place to stand up, where the seat was missing...>>
Haha...for some reason I read that as the handicapped toilet provided a nice place for you to stand up, since the seat was missing.
Oh, my. Boy did I misread that!
Glad you kids had such a nice trip--really makes all the difference, doesn't it? Looking forward to hearing all about Bali!
Haha...for some reason I read that as the handicapped toilet provided a nice place for you to stand up, since the seat was missing.
Oh, my. Boy did I misread that!
Glad you kids had such a nice trip--really makes all the difference, doesn't it? Looking forward to hearing all about Bali!
May 18th, 2010, 06:29 PM
#40
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the hyatt regency incheon is a typical upscale airport hotel... floors 9-12 are club floors. the lobby area is large and inviting. we went to floor 11 to the lounge to checkin. cocktails had begun so we went back to 9 to our room and dropped things off, freshed up and went back to the lounge for hors' and drinks....1 G&T was all i could handle but K had 3 glasses of white wine --lush..
the canapes were very nice: more smoked salmom, brushetta with goat cheese, a cheese board, breads, asian dishes, sushi, fruits, nuts, grilled small eggplant and zuchini, and many other tidbits. there were 3 or 4 desserts as well.. drinks were the usual top shelf items, including champagne, after dinner drinks, beers and wines, which were served and/or self service. there is about a staff of 5 i think.
there is at least one computer and free wi-fi..
the club overlooks the airport with huge picture windows and has very comfortable seating and one complimentary meeting room..
the fog has just lifted and i can see the airport again for the 1st time this AM... its now 11AM..
we stayed in the club for an hour or 1.5 hours.. then we took a walk around to see the huge and nice indoor olympic sized or larger pool on the 2nd floor and to check out the restaurant which is also very large on the 1st floor-- many seperate areas to the place... we decided we would eat dinner a bit later. after we were back in the room, we talked about room service, but decided we were tired and no longer needed to eat more... K was asleep on the coach in no time...
we watched CNN a bit including bkk coverage---looks like things are finally moving... saw brad delivering beers and thai whiskey to the red shirts...
i took a fabulous shower---no water saving devices here!!
finally we fell into bed about 9:30... that is about 8:30AM EST i think, so we had been on the go for 24 hours, since we got up in DC the previous morning.
i have sleep apnea, so wear a breathing device at night... it is dual voltage.... for the first time in 10 years, it failed me last nite....it worked fine when i went to bed but about 12:30 i woke to no air... i'm not sure what is wrong but something has burnt out i suspect... ken--i remember your boston problems... not sure what i will do but it is not mandatory that i use it, so maybe i can lump along for 30 days without it.. i just won't sleep as well and maybe i will have a stroke, one of the side affects... in that case i have instructed K to take my body to bkk and throw it onto one of the burning piles of tires at the blockade... she can just prop me up on an air asia flt and tell the staff i need to be carried on and off the plane as i am fast asleep...i wonder what their fee is for this service?
i ended up sleeping sitting up on the couch most of the nite..
btw, our room is huge (i have platinum hyatt status). huge bath and dressing area with double door wardrobe down a corridor on the left as you enter the room... another foyer with a bar area on the left...a huge pie shapped room with a king bed, nice decor, a sofa (unusually comfortable--maybe a sofa bed), a double desk and huge windows overlooking the airport....completely sound proof. missing is an easy chair??
at 8:30 we went up to the lounge for breakfast. a nice spread with the usual suspects: make your own cereals with lots of choices--fruit, nuts, grains; fresh fruits, breads, delicious pastry, muffins, juices, coffee and tea, meats, cheeses, salad, beer, one type of dumplings and wet (ugh) freshly scrambled eggs (i need dry)... yogurts??
its now 11:15 and i am still here....K just yelled at me, ".. people don't want to read all that s...".... she reminded me how i feel when i read a boring trip report... i reminded her i skip it in the future or just skim it for facts...
CNN is now reporting that the bkk situation is slow in resolving and might not end either soon or well.. and further this seems like a major successful attempt by the gov't..
next report from bali. our korean 6 hour flight is about 6PM tonight.. i have late 3PM checkout from the hotel.
andy you will be pleased to know that the manager left a personal note in our room and a fruit platter and bottle of red wine... he must have received your e mail warning...
thus far i rate our experience at 99%
the canapes were very nice: more smoked salmom, brushetta with goat cheese, a cheese board, breads, asian dishes, sushi, fruits, nuts, grilled small eggplant and zuchini, and many other tidbits. there were 3 or 4 desserts as well.. drinks were the usual top shelf items, including champagne, after dinner drinks, beers and wines, which were served and/or self service. there is about a staff of 5 i think.
there is at least one computer and free wi-fi..
the club overlooks the airport with huge picture windows and has very comfortable seating and one complimentary meeting room..
the fog has just lifted and i can see the airport again for the 1st time this AM... its now 11AM..
we stayed in the club for an hour or 1.5 hours.. then we took a walk around to see the huge and nice indoor olympic sized or larger pool on the 2nd floor and to check out the restaurant which is also very large on the 1st floor-- many seperate areas to the place... we decided we would eat dinner a bit later. after we were back in the room, we talked about room service, but decided we were tired and no longer needed to eat more... K was asleep on the coach in no time...
we watched CNN a bit including bkk coverage---looks like things are finally moving... saw brad delivering beers and thai whiskey to the red shirts...
i took a fabulous shower---no water saving devices here!!
finally we fell into bed about 9:30... that is about 8:30AM EST i think, so we had been on the go for 24 hours, since we got up in DC the previous morning.
i have sleep apnea, so wear a breathing device at night... it is dual voltage.... for the first time in 10 years, it failed me last nite....it worked fine when i went to bed but about 12:30 i woke to no air... i'm not sure what is wrong but something has burnt out i suspect... ken--i remember your boston problems... not sure what i will do but it is not mandatory that i use it, so maybe i can lump along for 30 days without it.. i just won't sleep as well and maybe i will have a stroke, one of the side affects... in that case i have instructed K to take my body to bkk and throw it onto one of the burning piles of tires at the blockade... she can just prop me up on an air asia flt and tell the staff i need to be carried on and off the plane as i am fast asleep...i wonder what their fee is for this service?
i ended up sleeping sitting up on the couch most of the nite..
btw, our room is huge (i have platinum hyatt status). huge bath and dressing area with double door wardrobe down a corridor on the left as you enter the room... another foyer with a bar area on the left...a huge pie shapped room with a king bed, nice decor, a sofa (unusually comfortable--maybe a sofa bed), a double desk and huge windows overlooking the airport....completely sound proof. missing is an easy chair??
at 8:30 we went up to the lounge for breakfast. a nice spread with the usual suspects: make your own cereals with lots of choices--fruit, nuts, grains; fresh fruits, breads, delicious pastry, muffins, juices, coffee and tea, meats, cheeses, salad, beer, one type of dumplings and wet (ugh) freshly scrambled eggs (i need dry)... yogurts??
its now 11:15 and i am still here....K just yelled at me, ".. people don't want to read all that s...".... she reminded me how i feel when i read a boring trip report... i reminded her i skip it in the future or just skim it for facts...
CNN is now reporting that the bkk situation is slow in resolving and might not end either soon or well.. and further this seems like a major successful attempt by the gov't..
next report from bali. our korean 6 hour flight is about 6PM tonight.. i have late 3PM checkout from the hotel.
andy you will be pleased to know that the manager left a personal note in our room and a fruit platter and bottle of red wine... he must have received your e mail warning...
thus far i rate our experience at 99%
