So here I was again, on the return portion of a great trip.
It seems every time I fly Emirates, their service seems to get better.
The flight from DAR-DXB was no different than my inbound flights. Courteous crew, a decent inflight system (though the ICE is better), and a smooth flight.
DXB-LHR proved even better, but then, Business Class (upgrade with miles) has a service that you'd expect to be even more pleasant. The lounge at DXB Airport was pretty decent, with an unlimited supply of various food from appetizers, curries, rice, desserts, drinks and more throughout. The main dishes varied with the time of day, and spending well over 14 hours at the airport gave me a chance to see what they had to offer.
Shower facilities, internet access, a business center, courtesy phones, tv programs and comfortable sofas are offered in both the lounges located either adjacent to Gate 22 or Gate 9, however the former is a slightly bigger and more elegant place.
After the extended stay-over at the airport, it was time to board the 8 hour flight to London in their Boeing 777. The seats on board were pretty comfortable, and as always, passengers in both Business and First are offered some refreshments prior to take off. The menu cards, which I find extremely pleasing, and which are offered to all passengers on the flight, is a great way to let the passengers know what to expect during the journey, meal wise. There is plenty of time to make a decision prior to meal service, unlike other airlines where making an on-the-spot decision without truly knowing the entire menu, could be a little disappointing in some ways.
I opted to try the pan fried duck - it seemed extremely interesting. I have tried duck before, and I recall the first time it was an event in itself. Duck does not taste like poultry such as chicken or turkey, but it seems to be a cross between the former two and red meat. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of rare meat so I had to return the duck in exchange for a healthier option (indicated on the card) of chicken. That was too bad since my alternative would have been the fish and prawns, but they ran out of it.
Dessert was really elegant, as was the appetizer prior to the main meal.
The cabin crew were extremely courteous, pleasant, and overall, anyone wishing to travel in style, I would highly recommend Emirates at anytime, no matter what class of service they are in.
The entertainment system, ICE, was up-to-date with recent movies and the latest sitcoms, shows, etc.
Arrivals into London Airport was efficient, unlike my previous experience with the immigration. This time a real gentleman was at the desk, and with relevant questions and a pleasant attitude, it made flying to the United Kingdom a pleasure again, rather than feeling like a label that cried "possible alert: name is Mohammed; he is Muslim."
There was the option of using the lounge once again on arrival, but it was time to get home as the chauffeur service was on hand for Fast Track passengers.
In about three weeks, it's back to flying with British Airways, and based on my last flight with them, I do look forward to their services yet again.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Leaving Dar, It's Impressions
The trip to Dar in Nov 2007 is now down memory lane, but it would be impossible to not mention what impression the growing city left me with!
With a little bit more exploration around the city and its surroundings, Dar es Salaam has truly gained momentum in its endeavor to become a major metropolis in East Africa. The major downfall is the city infrastructure, common amongst all cities and towns where the it was not meant to expect such a rapid growth. The roads are small, single lane trails within the city which poses a quagmire of sorts during peak hours. However, it will be no surprise that within a few years from now, the single lane roads that currently have two way directions are likely to become a nightmare as they change to one way, double lanes, in order to accommodate the increased flow of traffic through the bottleneck streets. It could follow the idea of Britain where many small streets have had no alternative but to shift to only a single direction for the same purpose.
I noticed many older buildings have been torn down to rubble in order to accommodate their successors who will occupy the same spot with all their glory, as each one tries to outdo another with their modern, yet tasteless, architecture. Some newer buildings have been fitted with ugly exteriors, but many have tried to live up to the millenniums expectations with a splash of odd colors and strange decors. As you drive along the famous coastline that once housed grassy surfaces alongside threatening cliffs, Oyster Bay presents itself to be lucrative to developers and property hoagers alike. With the exception of one tower that hosts about ten floors, and which was fully furnished with furniture from IKEA until the governments belly exploded with anger by power hungry executives, and which now remains haunted at night with vacant rooms visible from the main road, many houses along Ocean Drive are quaint and more pleasant, facing the crashing waves and endless waters of the Indian Ocean. I can only imagine the breathtaking views of the morning sun as it slowly ascends to start a new day on the Eastern shore. The starlit nights are even more exuberant as they stretch thousands of miles to meet the ocean in the spectrum of the horizon.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, there seems to be an endless possibility of starting any sort of business in the hopes of succeeding, provided the right mindset is used in order to do so. Computer parts and supplies are rampant and aggressive; cell phones shops and stalls boast the latest technology of yesteryear; phone card stores look empty but contain much of the prized possessions of the refill scratch cards needed to make calls; fast-food restaurants dot the streets for those taking a break from the intense scorching summer heat; elegant dining places are also flourishing with boastful cuisine; auto part shops are a guarantee on almost any street; currency exchange bureaus try and outdo one another with detailed chalk boards bragging their exchange rates outside their main entrances; tourist gift shops are stuffed with goodies that haven’t changed much in time; internet cafes are popular since many do not own personal computers; and open air fruit & vegetable markets are selectively located while their vendors are unsuspectingly competing against each other as their customers haggle to get the cheapest groceries from their own neighbors. Depending on the business and in many cases almost any business, it is a myriad of several opportunities that can establish loyal customers and prove fruitful in many ways.
Overall, it is certainly a charming cityits own right.
With a little bit more exploration around the city and its surroundings, Dar es Salaam has truly gained momentum in its endeavor to become a major metropolis in East Africa. The major downfall is the city infrastructure, common amongst all cities and towns where the it was not meant to expect such a rapid growth. The roads are small, single lane trails within the city which poses a quagmire of sorts during peak hours. However, it will be no surprise that within a few years from now, the single lane roads that currently have two way directions are likely to become a nightmare as they change to one way, double lanes, in order to accommodate the increased flow of traffic through the bottleneck streets. It could follow the idea of Britain where many small streets have had no alternative but to shift to only a single direction for the same purpose.
I noticed many older buildings have been torn down to rubble in order to accommodate their successors who will occupy the same spot with all their glory, as each one tries to outdo another with their modern, yet tasteless, architecture. Some newer buildings have been fitted with ugly exteriors, but many have tried to live up to the millenniums expectations with a splash of odd colors and strange decors. As you drive along the famous coastline that once housed grassy surfaces alongside threatening cliffs, Oyster Bay presents itself to be lucrative to developers and property hoagers alike. With the exception of one tower that hosts about ten floors, and which was fully furnished with furniture from IKEA until the governments belly exploded with anger by power hungry executives, and which now remains haunted at night with vacant rooms visible from the main road, many houses along Ocean Drive are quaint and more pleasant, facing the crashing waves and endless waters of the Indian Ocean. I can only imagine the breathtaking views of the morning sun as it slowly ascends to start a new day on the Eastern shore. The starlit nights are even more exuberant as they stretch thousands of miles to meet the ocean in the spectrum of the horizon.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, there seems to be an endless possibility of starting any sort of business in the hopes of succeeding, provided the right mindset is used in order to do so. Computer parts and supplies are rampant and aggressive; cell phones shops and stalls boast the latest technology of yesteryear; phone card stores look empty but contain much of the prized possessions of the refill scratch cards needed to make calls; fast-food restaurants dot the streets for those taking a break from the intense scorching summer heat; elegant dining places are also flourishing with boastful cuisine; auto part shops are a guarantee on almost any street; currency exchange bureaus try and outdo one another with detailed chalk boards bragging their exchange rates outside their main entrances; tourist gift shops are stuffed with goodies that haven’t changed much in time; internet cafes are popular since many do not own personal computers; and open air fruit & vegetable markets are selectively located while their vendors are unsuspectingly competing against each other as their customers haggle to get the cheapest groceries from their own neighbors. Depending on the business and in many cases almost any business, it is a myriad of several opportunities that can establish loyal customers and prove fruitful in many ways.
Overall, it is certainly a charming cityits own right.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Emirates' Website & Destinations...
Just a quick update on my previous post on the website of Emirates Airlines.
They have recently done a major over-haul on the site, and it is certainly spectacular and very user-friendly. Infact, their online price quote reflects an easier way to select your fare matched with preferred dates - a feature many airlines now offer, and one that was not available for EK passengers up until a couple of weeks ago. All within reach of your finger tips.
Furthermore, their Toronto service just began recently, and their non-stop flights to Houston and São Paulo is one heck of an amazing growth! Personally, I intend to fly their first A380 flight, but as of now, I do not have the details as to between what cities it will operate.
For the moment, I shall be flying them shortly again, this time perhaps on business class, so watch out for a blogging with their upgraded services soon. This time, I hope my bags arrive without anyone taking them off the belt! Until then, enjoy your travels!
They have recently done a major over-haul on the site, and it is certainly spectacular and very user-friendly. Infact, their online price quote reflects an easier way to select your fare matched with preferred dates - a feature many airlines now offer, and one that was not available for EK passengers up until a couple of weeks ago. All within reach of your finger tips.
Furthermore, their Toronto service just began recently, and their non-stop flights to Houston and São Paulo is one heck of an amazing growth! Personally, I intend to fly their first A380 flight, but as of now, I do not have the details as to between what cities it will operate.
For the moment, I shall be flying them shortly again, this time perhaps on business class, so watch out for a blogging with their upgraded services soon. This time, I hope my bags arrive without anyone taking them off the belt! Until then, enjoy your travels!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Dar es Salaam
It's 7pm. Living in the city has its merits, and one of them is in the evening. The moment you leave your home and walk the streets, depending on the area and the wind direction, a beautiful aroma wafts through the concrete pavements and uneven roads. The spicy mixture of bbq grilled chicken, beef kebabs, and the likes can literally induce hunger even after a meal.
The small metropolis of Dar es Salaam is known for the amazing local cuisine which comprises mostly of BBQ food. Most restaurants have their precious grills on the city's sidewalks, as plastic tables and chairs dot the entrance to their heavenly kitchens. During the day time, enjoying fried beef kebabs along with a 'mix' of potatoes, lentils dumplings, and coconut chutney is the norm, together with a steaming cup of spiced tea.
Aside from the food, and on another note, the city that was known for its paltry buildings and ancient structures is slowly evolving as the skyline changes. Taller buildings are now cropping in place, although they lack the architecural design or color to complement the modern era as in other parts of the world. Due to the design of the city, not much expansion can be done within the city center itself and what used to seem as long distances back in the days, having lived in the West for many years, everything seems much closer around the city. In fact, it is no surprise that a 20 minute walk is enough to move from one end to the other of the city center itself. The disadvantge of having such huge (new) buildings within a stones throw of each other is the immense dust that flies across the dotted skyline as they are constructed mostly of stone and cement. Overlooking the negatives, it is certainly much needed space as the city gets overcrowded.
As far as technology, and ofcourse we include the business conglomerates and rich people in their safe havens that extend towards Oyster Bay and beyond, even the street hawkers and farmers seem to be on a roll with cell phones buzzing in their pockets as they stop their carts and baskets to answer demanding calls. This is as far as technology goes. Internet Cafes sprawl on various streets but speeds are ungratefully slow even though they register 100mbps on the flashing icon in your system tray. I was surprised that the cafes are almost full, especially in the evenings when the peak time reaches its climax as the cafes advertise competetive prices for their customers who are getting used to tapping information of the world from semi-private stalls.
Overall, the lifestyle here is extremely laid back. Work usually begins around 9am and runs through to about 1pm. A two hour lunch & nap is almost mandatory as the afternoon wears on with shops opening around 3pm and closing a little after 5 or 530. As the summer heat intensifies over the next few weeks, it is a city that leaves much to the imagination, and that imagination is now flourishing as we complete the decade mark of the next century.
It is a city that is truly a mixture in the global world; the new blends in with the unrelenting old, but with a hint of apology and politeness, people seem to be adjusting their lifestyle. I would not be surprised if food delivery from these restaurants begins in the next 5 years, but as of now, it's a luxury which is far below a cell phone, or as they call it here: a mobile phone.
The small metropolis of Dar es Salaam is known for the amazing local cuisine which comprises mostly of BBQ food. Most restaurants have their precious grills on the city's sidewalks, as plastic tables and chairs dot the entrance to their heavenly kitchens. During the day time, enjoying fried beef kebabs along with a 'mix' of potatoes, lentils dumplings, and coconut chutney is the norm, together with a steaming cup of spiced tea.
Aside from the food, and on another note, the city that was known for its paltry buildings and ancient structures is slowly evolving as the skyline changes. Taller buildings are now cropping in place, although they lack the architecural design or color to complement the modern era as in other parts of the world. Due to the design of the city, not much expansion can be done within the city center itself and what used to seem as long distances back in the days, having lived in the West for many years, everything seems much closer around the city. In fact, it is no surprise that a 20 minute walk is enough to move from one end to the other of the city center itself. The disadvantge of having such huge (new) buildings within a stones throw of each other is the immense dust that flies across the dotted skyline as they are constructed mostly of stone and cement. Overlooking the negatives, it is certainly much needed space as the city gets overcrowded.
As far as technology, and ofcourse we include the business conglomerates and rich people in their safe havens that extend towards Oyster Bay and beyond, even the street hawkers and farmers seem to be on a roll with cell phones buzzing in their pockets as they stop their carts and baskets to answer demanding calls. This is as far as technology goes. Internet Cafes sprawl on various streets but speeds are ungratefully slow even though they register 100mbps on the flashing icon in your system tray. I was surprised that the cafes are almost full, especially in the evenings when the peak time reaches its climax as the cafes advertise competetive prices for their customers who are getting used to tapping information of the world from semi-private stalls.
Overall, the lifestyle here is extremely laid back. Work usually begins around 9am and runs through to about 1pm. A two hour lunch & nap is almost mandatory as the afternoon wears on with shops opening around 3pm and closing a little after 5 or 530. As the summer heat intensifies over the next few weeks, it is a city that leaves much to the imagination, and that imagination is now flourishing as we complete the decade mark of the next century.
It is a city that is truly a mixture in the global world; the new blends in with the unrelenting old, but with a hint of apology and politeness, people seem to be adjusting their lifestyle. I would not be surprised if food delivery from these restaurants begins in the next 5 years, but as of now, it's a luxury which is far below a cell phone, or as they call it here: a mobile phone.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Emirates
So my trip started off on a sour note. I missed my flight from LON-DXB but luckily, there was another flight in 2 hours - made it on the dreaded standby list.
The 10pm flight to Dubai was full - but despite the capacity of the flight, it was superb! Their inflight entertainment system, ICE, was installed on this aircraft and comparably, maybe just a bit better than British Airways.
The interior cabin was much better - brighter and the light made it seem spacious and comfortable. Their meals were amazing. Emirates has stepped up a notch with their service and plating, all too pleasing for the eye. No doubt their food and the concept of their meal selection is outstanding, cannot complain about anything yet.
I have heard some negative remarks on Emirates, but hey - when looking at the overall impression, I think it is by far one of the best services out there, and good value for your money.
My arrival was hassle free - with the exception of a surprise visa fee payment of US$100.00 for US Citizens now entering Tanzania. This is up by $50.00 effective September 2007. The process for visa is slow, but the friendly staff compensated for the long wait. I was very impressed with the courteous services of ground staff much to my surprise.
With the unfortunate event of having my suitcase taken by another passenger and returned to the airport 4 hours later, everything was smooth. Piece of advise: please check your bag tag label and name before taking your suitcase! :)
The 10pm flight to Dubai was full - but despite the capacity of the flight, it was superb! Their inflight entertainment system, ICE, was installed on this aircraft and comparably, maybe just a bit better than British Airways.
The interior cabin was much better - brighter and the light made it seem spacious and comfortable. Their meals were amazing. Emirates has stepped up a notch with their service and plating, all too pleasing for the eye. No doubt their food and the concept of their meal selection is outstanding, cannot complain about anything yet.
I have heard some negative remarks on Emirates, but hey - when looking at the overall impression, I think it is by far one of the best services out there, and good value for your money.
My arrival was hassle free - with the exception of a surprise visa fee payment of US$100.00 for US Citizens now entering Tanzania. This is up by $50.00 effective September 2007. The process for visa is slow, but the friendly staff compensated for the long wait. I was very impressed with the courteous services of ground staff much to my surprise.
With the unfortunate event of having my suitcase taken by another passenger and returned to the airport 4 hours later, everything was smooth. Piece of advise: please check your bag tag label and name before taking your suitcase! :)
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