Dubai was the last destination I travelled to on Emirates Airlines in 2013.

I got the opportunity to attend the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and this time I had a co-traveller. My Mother got the first taste of Emirates' Hospitality and believe me, she was thoroughly impressed!

Mumbai - Dubai ( 30th October 2013 ) :

Shots from the Lounge :

Mum is all smiles :

The Flight to Dubai was a Brand New Boeing 777 - 300 ER and the seats were comfortable as always :

The Touchscreen Controller shaped as a Tablet adding to the Premium Feel :

Mum settled in her seat :

Breakfast time!

Time to rest :

In less than 3 hours, we had reached Dubai :

Fast Track Services meant minimal time at the Immigration and soon enough we were on our way to our hotel :

Dubai - Mumbai ( 8th November 2013 ) :

Enroute to the Dubai International Airport in a Volvo :

The Burj Khalifa towering above the Dubai Skyline :

Shots from the Lounge :

Mum relaxing after a good meal :

Boarding commenced from the Lounge and this time we were flying in the Airbus A330 - 200.

Taxiing to the runway :

The Beverage service on Emirates is always amazing :

Enroute to Mumbai in the Setting Sun :

Dinner :

This was the shortest journey during my association with Emirates. My mother was all praise for Emirates. The Hospitality shown to her was special and as a Gold Member, I always felt welcomed.

This was the last trip in 2013 but 2014 saw me completed 2 trips to the Americas with a trip to Germany in between.

There is more to come in the "Flying Diaries" Series, so keep visiting. God Bless and Take Care!

September 2013 saw me take the First Emirates Flight as a Gold Member on Skywards.

F1 travelled to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix and this gave me the opportunity to fly First Class on Emirates once again.

The Outbound journey was on 4th September 2013 and Inbound on 13th September.

Mumbai - Milan ( 4th September 2013 ) :

Shots from the Lounge :

The First Class Suite in the Boeing 777-300ER is one of the best in the Airline Industry. I also got a quick peep into the cockpit. Some stills of my seat :

Taxiing to the Runway :

The Breakfast Menu :

Breakfast. The Presentation excellent as always :

Time for some privacy and time to catch up on some sleep :

The Doors of the Suite shut to ensure complete privacy and also have a "Do Not Disturb" feature and believe me, no one disturbs :)

The Mumbai Dubai Leg is always a short flight and soon enough we were approaching Dubai International Airport :

Nearing Touchdown at Dubai :

Touchdown and we had the company of the famed Airbus A380 :

Shots from the Dubai International Airport :

The First Class Lounge offers A-la-carte dining to its guests and I helped myself to some lip-smacking Indian Starters and Delicious Desserts :

Shots from the Emirates First Class Lounge :

The 2nd Leg of the Journey wasn't as comfortable as the first as it was an older aircraft. However we only had 2 guests onboard in First Class and the crew left no stone unturned in ensuring a comfortable flight for me.

My Seat :

Taxiing for Departure :

So, What's for Lunch?

Time for a quick bite onboard :

The Flight to Europe offers some Picturesque views :

My Bed for the next few hours. Very Comfy and I immediately fell asleep

Nearing touchdown at Milan Mapensa Airport :

Touchdown at dusk :

My ride to the Hotel was a Mercedes Benz S 350.

Milan - Mumbai ( 13th September 2013 ) :

A Mercedes Benz S 350 for the pickup again :

Enroute to the Airport :

The sky looks stunning :

Milan Mapensa Airport :

A Brisk Check - in, Fast Track Security and Immigration and it was time to enjoy what the Lounge had to offer!

Dinner Time in the Lounge!

Boarding commenced from the Lounge and I quickly settled into my seat, no Suite on this flight either.

Night Flights always reward you with some amazing amenities. Who can forget the Goodie Basket!!

Dinner Menu onboard :

Time to have some dinner. The Options were brilliant and the food was really well made :

I chose to head to bed immediately after dinner and the Lie-Flat Bed does its job amazingly well.

The Time advances and after a 3.5 hours of sleep, we were nearing touchdown at the Dubai International Airport :

Touchdown on a hazy morning in Dubai and a line of Emirates Aircrafts ready for Departure.

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

The wait at the Lounge was a longer one and I really enjoyed some sleep in the Quiet Room.

It was time to board the afternoon flight to Mumbai for the Final Leg and the Boarding commenced from the Lounge.

Settling into my seat :

Dubai International Airport is a big hub for various airlines and here are some sharing airspace with Emirates :

Various Emirates Flights leaving for different destinations across the world :

Takeoff from Dubai and bound for Mumbai :

Lunchtime :

No Mattress or Duvet onboard this flight :

Mumbai and we are home :

There is definitely a difference between the services offered in First Class and Business Class . However one must opt to fly First when First Class Suites are on offer.

Emirates Airlines strive to ensure that their guests have an enjoyable flight and it was nice to see the crew recognize my Gold Status. Offering Personalized Services is a hallmark of Emirates and I would like to thank them for all the Hospitality shown to me.

Next post? - Emirates Business to Dubai and this time I have a co-traveller. Watch this space! 

July 2013 was my First Business Class Experience on Emirates Airlines.

I flew to Düsseldorf to attend the 2013 German Grand Prix.

The Outbound journey was on 4th July 2013 and the Inbound on 13th July.

Mumbai - Düsseldorf ( 4th July 2013 ) :

A Prompt Transfer service to the airport, a brisk check in and breezy completion of the formalities characterize the service of Emirates on-ground.

I quickly settled into my seat as we waited for pushback :

The Flight to Dubai was a Brand New Boeing 777-300 ER and the control console was a fantastic looking tablet. The Tablet has a plethora of functions from controlling the Personal TV Screen to activating the in-seat massager. Lighting Options and Seating options add other value additions.

ICE - Information, Communication and Entertainment, the award winning Inflight Entertainment of Emirates offering programs for all ages :

Business Class Seats :

The Menu Onboard :

Taxiing to the runway :

Breakfast time! Emirates pampers their Business Class Guests!

Keeping myself entertained during the journey :

Nearing Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

A Journey of 1948 kms and we have arrived at Dubai!

Dubai International Airport boats of dedicated lounges for its Business and First Class passengers and numerous lounges are spread across the 3 different terminals.

Enroute to the Business Class Lounge :

View from the Lounge :

Shots from the Lounge, Boarding commences from the Lounge itself!

After a restful 3 hours in the Lounge, it was time to board the flight for Düsseldorf.

The 700-300 ER to Düsseldorf was an older aircraft but then this isn't the most frequented sector.

Personal TV Screen :

The Seat Console :

My Seat in Business Class :

Enjoying Apple Juice as I settle into my seat :

Waiting for Pushback :

2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button and his partnership with Tag Heuer.

Takeoff for Düsseldorf!

Some Sprite and Assorted Nuts in the Beverage Service :

The Menu for Lunch!

The Lunch Service Commences :

After a fantastic 3 course meal, I chose to catch up on some sleep and the 3 hour nap was extremely comfortable in the Lie - Flat Bed!

6 Minutes to Touchdown :

Arriving at Düsseldorf. An Amazing City from the Sky :

Emirates Chauffeur Services in Europe are top - notch and I had a BMW M5 waiting for me in the arrivals hall to take me to Cologne!

Enroute to Cologne :

It was a very comfortable and smooth 1st leg of the trip and I was taken care of very well by Emirates!

Düsseldorf - Mumbai ( 13th July 2013 ) :

I always opt for the late evening flight and the return leg was no different.

Emirates never fails to impress me and this time they had a BMW 750 Ld waiting at the hotel to take me to Düsseldorf.

The Exquisite Luxury of the BMW 750 Ld!

Enroute to Düsseldorf, spotted my personal car, the Passat on the Autobahn :

Düsseldorf Airport :

Brilliantly built Airport :

Shots from the Emirates Lounge in Düsseldorf :

A Lavish Buffet spread in the Lounge :

Boarding commenced from the Lounge and I quickly settled into my seat. This time the Boeing 777-300 ER was the new aircraft!

The Sunset nearing at Düsseldorf Airport and we wait for the pushback :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff Time :

Video Link of the 777-300 Takeoff :

Enroute to Dubai in the setting sun :

The Console for Seat and the Joystick to make calls :

Dinner Service on-board. I had my fill in the Lounge but the spread on-board is too much to resist. Gluttony!

Emirates replicates the Constellations seen in the sky within the plane during a night flight. They leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you sleep under the stars :

A 4 Hour Nap and it was time to land into Dubai. Emirates AV welcoming their guests into Dubai International Airport :

The Business Class Lounge next to the gate :

Buffet Spread for Breakfast :

The Last Leg was in an Airbus A330-200 and this plane seemed to be a generation old.

Pushback :

Takeoff Time :


I chose to sleep the final leg of the trip and returned home after a refreshing trip.

A Big Thank you to Emirates Airline for all the Hospitality showered on me. The Business Class on Emirates Airline is a fantastic product offering but once you have travelled First.. you will forget all else.

The Next Update would feature the First Class Experience to Milan in the month of September ( 2013 ).

God Bless everyone!

July 2012 was my maiden flight on Emirates Airlines. I have always dreamt of flying First Class on Emirates A380 and the wish came true in July 2012 when I visited the UK for the British Grand Prix.

Soon enough, I drew up new plans to visit the United Kingdom again but this time it was for Football. I would attend games at Old Trafford ( Manchester United ) and the Camp Nou ( FC Barcelona )

It was time again to fly First on the Emirates A380 to London Heathrow!

Mumbai - London Heathrow ( 20th November 2012 ) :

I flew out on 20th November 2012 but this time took the First Flight out of Mumbai which would help me reach London at 1:30 in the afternoon

My Ride to the Airport :

A Brisk Check-in, Easy Immigration and Hassle-free security ensured a restful time in the Lounge before boarding commenced.

Shots from the Lounge :

An Elaborate Spread :

The Boarding commenced and I was ushered into my Private Suite :

The 24" LCD :

Minibar, Makeup Kit and the Writing Kit :

The Touchscreen console which controls all the features of the Suite :

The Suite :

The Bed :

The Suite lights up in brilliant blue during takeoff :

The Breakfast Menu :

Breakfast :

A Slight delay in landing meant a quick switchover to the A380 which was bound for London :

Video Link to the Emirates A380 Taking off from Dubai :

The Goodie Basket featuring Chocolates, Crisps, Gums, Mints!

Post Lunch, I decided to take a stroll down to the Business Class Lounge at the back of the Business Class!

The Lounge offers Canapes, Hors D'oeuvres, Sandwiches and Drinks :


What can I serve you sir?

After spending sometime in the Lounge, I returned to my Suite to find my Bed ready. Time to relax before heading for a shower prior to landing at Heathrow!

An Hour before landing, I was woken up by a crew member. It was time to head to the Shower and freshen up prior to landing :

A refreshing shower and I was all ready for arrival into London


Video Link to the Emirates A380 Nearing Touchdown at London Heathrow Airport :




Emirates A380 landing on a cold and rainy afternoon at Heathrow :


Fast Track ensured a quick completion of the arrival formalities and I had my ride waiting for me at Heathrow!

A Mercedes Benz S-Class courtesy of Emirates Airlines!!


London Heathrow - Mumbai ( 12th December 2012 ) :

I always prefer late evening flights.


My Ride, another Mercedes Benz S Class courtesy of Emirates Airlines :

Night falls early during winters in London :

There was a considerable amount of passenger traffic at Heathrow. However Fast Track made the experience a lot easier.

Shots from the Emirates Lounge at Heathrow :


The Emirates A380 being readied for the Journey to Dubai :


Food, Food and More mouth-watering food!!


Emirates offer a plethora of drinking options :

Boarding commenced from the Lounge and it was a breeze!

Shots from my Personal Suite!!

Emirates offered us some amazing amenities!

The Aircraft taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link to the Emirates A380 Takeoff from London Heathrow :



The Flight Path to Dubai International Airport :

The Elaborate Dinner Menu for First Class :

Dinners are always special on Emirates Flights and this one definitely didn't disappoint :

Gluttony isn't good and going to bed immediately after a meal is worse...but in an Emirates A380 First Class, all should be forgiven.

The Bed ready!

As always, I was woken one hour before touchdown in Dubai to enjoy my Customary Shower On-board, an experience I can never get enough of!


Nearing Dubai :

Dubai from the Sky - Simply Stunning :


Video Link to the Emirates A380 nearing Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :



Dubai International Airport :


The Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport ranks among the best and one can never get tired of visiting it over and over again!


Savour the Spread..simply amazing :


I made the most of my time at the Lounge - had a wholesome meal, got a massage & caught up on some sleep!

The Final leg to Mumbai was in a Boeing 777-300


The First Class Seat in a 777-300 ( not much difference compared to the Business Class barring the Lie-Flat Bed ) :

Shots from Pushback and Taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link of the Emirates Boeing 777-300 taking off from Dubai International Airport :



Final Shots of Dubai :

The Lunch Service to Mumbai :


Emirates Airline leaves no stone unturned in taking care of its guests and as a First Class Traveller, I was really pampered.

It had been another memorable trip in the First Class Suites of the 777-300ER and the famous Emirates A380!

I even earned promotion to the Silver Tier at the end of my First Leg of the Trip! The Extra Baggage allowance came in handy during the Return Leg!

I want to thank Emirates for all the hospitality and care showered on me throughout the journey.. it was an experience that is still etched in my mind.



Next up is my first "Business Class" Experience on-board Emirates ( Mumbai - Düsseldorf - Mumbai ) .. so watch this space.

Sundays are always hectic be it any Grand Prix. Everyone waits expectantly as the tension mounts for the main event to get underway.

The Result on Sunday is what matters. All the mistakes made earlier in the weekend are forgiven.

So how was the Sunday at the 2013 Indian GP? Lets find out!

Enroute to the Circuit :

Waiting for the Paddock Club to open :

The Paddock on Sunday Morning :

The Circuit in all its glory!

Shots from the Lotus F1 Garage ( Pit - Lane Walk ) :

The Lotus E21 Firing Up :

More Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

The Mercedes AMG Petronas Team firing up their Mercedes 2.4 L V8 Engine! Sweet Music :




The Pit Lane Walk ended and we were visited by Romain Grosjean in the Suite!!


Lunch!!


It was imperative to finish one's lunch quickly else you would miss standing in the best places and capturing all the activity happening below :


Raikkonen and Hulkenberg do reconnaissance :

Mechanics rush to prepare the Grid Slots :


Kimi being rolled into his grid-slot :


Preparations in full swing for the Race Start :


Media interviewing Bottas, Alonso and Lauda :

Moments before the Formation Lap :


The Formation Lap :



Mechanics rushing back to the Pits :



The Race Start :

Video Link :



Shots from the 1st Half of the Race :

Lotus F1 Team in action :


More Stills from the Race :

Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen moving up the grid :

I was taken downstairs for the final part of the race and had the privilege of witnessing the Podium Celebrations up close.

Sebastien Vettel won the race comfortably and was crowned champion for the 4th Time! Red Bull Racing secured the Constructors' Championship too! Congratulations to them for a fantastic season!

Sebastien Vettel's elaborate doughnut celebrations following the chequered flag earned himself a reprimand and Red Bull Racing were given a €25,000 fine, for failing to go straight to parc ferme.

Nico Rosberg finished 2nd for a very satisfying afternoon for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Romain Grosjean produced a stellar drive to finish 3rd after starting 17th on the grid!

Kimi Raikkonen ran 2nd and then 3rd for a major part of the race but a disastrous decision to prolong his 2nd stint meant that his tyres went off the cliff and the Finn had to eventually pit from 7th Position on the Penultimate Lap and finish the race in 7th.

Alan Permane ( Lotus Trackside Operations Director ) came under fire for his controversial and abusive radio message ( we heard the uncensored version on the Team Radio ). Romain was already suffering from loss of air pressure in his engine ( in the last 15 laps ) and caught Kimi whose tyres had lost all life. Kimi didn't yield at the corner that the team expected him to and Alan shot off a harsh message to him. Kimi responded quite bluntly that it wasn't possible for him to let his Team-mate pass him at that corner. Permane had to bear the brunt on social media and some Kimi fans went over the top in their criticism. The matter is now doused though and everyone accepted that it was in the "Heat of the Moment"

Nevertheless it was good day for the Lotus F1 Team!!

The Mechanics are all smiles!


Sebastien Vettel, Triumphant once again!

Podium Celebrations and Trophy Presentations!

Video Link :




David Coulthard performing the Podium Interviews :

Video Link :



Celebrations in the Lotus F1 Team Garage :

Romain's Mechanics are all smiles!!


James Robinson mobbed by the crowd!!

A moment with the Trophy :

The teams frantically packing all up. The 2013 Abu Dhabi GP was in 7 days time!!

Debriefing :


What a Home Race this was. Its Sad that F1 doesn't return to India in 2014. The Fan Following is great out here and I shall always miss being at my home race.

3 Fantastic Days!!

A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality! A Big Thank you to Anne-Charlotte Remy, Oliver Anderson, Fred Garcia and James Robinson for all the kindness shown to me.

Abu Dhabi GP Paddock Club Diaries coming soon!!

Thank you all for your patience! God Bless!

Saturday at the Grand Prix is always a busy affair. An early start to the day as teams perform Pit-Stop Practice followed by Third Practice and then the Qualifying to decide the grid on Sunday.

Lets see how it all unfolded on Saturday!!

Enroute to the Circuit :

The Paddock Club was yet to open so got some shots from above :

Shots from the First Pit-Lane Walk of the Day :

The Saturday Practice started with a slight delay due to poor visibility.

Shots from FP3 :

Lotus F1 Team in Action in FP3 :

Sebastien Vettel topped the Timesheets again! Romain Grosjean was 5th Fastest and Kimi Raikkonen was 11th.

A Sumptuous Lunch was served!

I finished my lunch hurriedly. It was time to go down for the 2nd Pit-Lane Walk of the day and meet the ICEMAN KIMI RAIKKONEN again!!!!!

KIMI RAIKKONEN!!

Shots from the 2nd Pit-Lane Walk :

We made our way back to the Pit Building and it was time for the Qualifying to start!

Shots from Q1 :

Lotus F1 Team in Q1 :

Jenson Button Topped Q1. Kimi Raikkonen was P6 and Romain Grosjean was eliminated in Q1 in 17th!!! Bad Strategic call by the Team not to run the Option Tyre!

Shots from Q2 :

Lotus F1 Team with Kimi in Q2 :

Sebastien Vettel was Fastest in Q2. Kimi Raikkonen was 4th Fastest!

It was now time for the Top 10 Shootout in Q3! The Top 10 Places would be decided for Sunday's Race!

Shots from Q3 :

Lotus F1 Team in Q3 :

Sebastien Vettel was on Pole again! Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton completed the Top 3!

Kimi Raikkonen could only manage P6 but a strong grid to start from nonetheless.

Post Qualifying I had the opportunity of going down to the Motorhome thanks to the graciousness of Oliver Anderson again!

With Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean!

I couldn't get a moment with Kimi Raikkonen but got as close as possible to my Favourite Driver!

Kimi Photos!

Shots from the Motorhome :

Stills from the Paddock :

Returning from the Circuit :

It was a pleasant day 2 at the Indian GP but I never thought that a big drama would unfold the next day!! It will be revealed soon!

A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality and Once Again a Big Thank you to Oliver Anderson for being so gracious in allowing me to roam through the Paddock on a Saturday evening!!


The Sunday experience coming soon. God Bless everyone!!

2013 has been an amazing year for me!! It would be criminal to not attend your Home Race after travelling all across the world for F1!

The Buddh International Circuit is the 2nd fastest circuit on the calender and boasts of some State-of-the-art Facilities!

It is a shame that F1 does not return to India next year. There have been some great races in the past couple of years and this year's event too wasn't a downer.

As usual Photos and Experiences from DAY 1!!

The Passes ( 3 day pass as usual :P )

Enroute to the circuit :

The View of the Paddock from above :

Jules Bianchi and Giedo van der Garde walking to the Garage :

The Hospitality Suite :

The First Friday Practice was already upon us!

Shots from FP1 :

The Lotus Boys Strutting their Stuff!

Sebastien Vettel was the Fastest in FP1. Romain Grosjean was 4th and Kimi Raikkonen 17th!

Oliver Anderson was gracious to take us downstairs post FP1 for a quick tour of the Garage!

The Time came for the Pit-Lane Walk and meeting Davide Valsecchi!

Shots from the Pit-Lane Walk :

Davide Valsecchi!!

Lunch as always was Sumptuous!!

After a filling lunch, it was time to engross yourself in FP2! Teams would be doing Race Simulations as well as some Low-Fuel Runs!

Shots from FP2 :

Lotus F1 Team in action during FP2!

The Cars Rolling back to the Garage :

Sebastien Vettel led the Timesheets again! Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen were 3rd and 8th respectively.

The Mechanics busy washing the Tyres Post the Practice Sessions!

The Paddock in the Evening!

Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean debriefing on Friday Evening!

Team Principals after the Friday Press Conference and Answering the media :

Returning Home!!

All in all a great Friday at the Indian Grand Prix. The Lotuses looked good on the Long-Run Settings!!

Couldn't wait for the Saturday and Sunday!!

More Coming from the Indian Grand Prix Weekend. So watch this Space!!

2013 has been an amazing year for me! A lot has been happening in my life so the Blog was neglected to some extent. For those who have been waiting patiently for my next post, THANK YOU for being such amazing fans!

The 2013 Indian GP was the 3rd Race of the Season for me and a truly memorable one! I attended back-to-back races in India and Abu Dhabi and the Lotus F1 Team celebrated a podium too in India.

The Buddh International Circuit has been an amazing track and its a shame that F1 won't return to India in 2014. I must say I was bowled over with the facilities and the marked improvement since the Inaugural GP in 2011.

As always, the First post of any GP experience is a "Gallery of Memories".  Voila!

Davide Valsecchi!! A Great Friend and Lotus F1 Reserve Driver!

KIMI RAIKKONEN!!! All over again!!

The Team were gracious enough to give me a paddock pass and I got access to the Team Motorhome!

Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean!!

I got really close to getting a nice photo with Kimi...Unfortunately it still remains a dream.....

Romain Grosjean on Sunday :

The Race got over and we rushed down to see the Podium Celebrations!! Sebastien Vettel was crowned World Champion for the 4th time, so Congratulations to him and the Red Bull Racing Team for winning the 4th Constructors' Championship too!

Romain Grosjean bagged 3rd Place for the Team!!

Some More Stills from the Podium :

Celebrations in full swing in the Garage :

Romain's Mechanics all smiles for the Shutterbugs!

James Robinson, a hit with the Marshals :)

A Moment with the Trophy!!

3 fantastic days!! A Big Thank You to Oliver Anderson, James Robinson, Anne-Charlotte Remy, Federic Garcia for their Hospitality!

A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for a Memorable Weekend!!

Lots to come.... soon

The Formula 1 season is now coming to a close. I have had the privilege of being at 3 Grand Prixs and the Indian Grand Prix was the 4th and Final Race I would be at.

Once again I was a guest of the Lotus F1 Team. A Big Thank you to God and my Dad for their support and for understanding my love for Motorsport.

A Big Thank you to www.excluvsivegp.com too for all the arrangements and making the experience really memorable.

Lotus F1 Team didn't have many guests this year and a Team Suite couldn't be organised. We were accomodated in the Club Suite near the entrance of the Pit-Lane ( 3rd Floor ). It eventually turned out to be a Blessing in Disguise as the Suite was shared by 5 other teams... so the chance to meet other Drivers was bright.

I won't write more.. let the Pictures say it all. ENJOY!!

 

Jerome D'Ambrosio - Lotus F1 Reserve Driver :

 

 

Lotus F1 Team Pit-Crew ( Celebrities in their own Right )  :

 

 

Star Sports Presenter Sanjeev Palar ( Engine Block Fame ) :

 

 

Sebastien Buemi ( Red Bull Racing Team's Reserve Driver, Ex-Toro Rosso ) :

 

 

Johnny Herbert ( Ex-F1 Driver, 3 time British GP Winner ), Simon Lazenby, Sky Sports Presenters. I Love Sky Sports Formula 1 HD. Best Coverage of F1 Races!

 

 

Bernd Maylander ( Formula 1 Safety Car Driver ) : 

 

 

Chris Goodwin ( Ex Co-Commentator with Steve Slater for Start Sports ). Remember listening to him when I was a newbie in the Worldwide followers of Formula 1. Fantastic Presenter. Now he manages Bruno Senna ( Nephew of the Late Great Ayrton Senna ) :

 

 

David Coulthard ( Ex - McLaren Mercedes, Ex - Red Bull Racing, Now a BBC Co-presenter ). Mika Hakkinen's tem-mate. Was a fan of Mika until his Retirement in 2002 and subequent replacement by KIMI. ( Jake of BBC getting Wired-up for the post-qualifying show ) : 

 

 

Daniel Ricciardo ( Scuderia Toro-Rosso Driver ) :

 

 

Pastor Maldonado ( Williams F1 Team Driver, Catalunya GP Winner ) :

 

 

Bruno Senna ( Williams F1 Team Driver, Nephew of the Late Great Ayrton Senna! ) :

 

 

Valtteri Bottas ( Williams F1 Team Reserve Driver ). Another Finn in F1. Had a nice chat. Might support him once Kimi Retires..

 

 

Timo Glock ( Marussia F1 Team Driver ) :

 

 

Charles Pic ( Marussia F1 Team Driver ) :

 

 

Harbhajan Singh ( Indian Cricketer, 400 Scalps to his name!! Fantastic Player ) :

 

 

Martin Brundle ( Ex - F1 Driver, Now a Co-Presenter for Sky Sports F1 ) :

 

 

( L to R ) - Oliver, Fleur, Mable ( Lotus F1 Team ). Thank you Guys for all the Love and Hospitality. Shall Cherish this all my Life!

 

Once again a Special Thanks to www.exclusivegp.com for all the efforts and all the arrangements done.

 

Stay Tuned.. More to Come!

My London Trip will always be remembered as a trip that fulfilled many dreams.  2 years have passed since the day I read about the A380 Private Suite of Emirates Airlines.

The Opportunity to fly to London for the Silverstone GP arrived and I knew it was time for the FIRST EMIRATES EXPERIENCE!!

So the Tickets were booked and I flew on the 4th of July.

Emirates Airlines know how to pamper their Passengers. An Elegant Mercedes C - Class was sent to drive me down to the International Airport.

The Check-in, Immigration & Security Procedures were like a breeze and I was ushered into a Plush Emirates Lounge!

The Lounge is very well planned as it ensures complete privacy for guests.

Emirates Airlines are famous for their hospitality!! Savour the Spread!!

A Few more stills!

 

The time had come. It was time to embark on a memorable journey.

MUMBAI ( BOM ) to DUBAI ( DXB ) - Boeing 777 - 300 ER First Class ( 4th July 2012 ) :

2 seats were all that was occupied in First Class. However I was disappointed by the Absence of Private Suites ( what was promised ). The Lack of Travellers seems to be the only reason. 

The Seat was quite comfortable though with a full-flat bed and many other optional configurations. The Massage function did a commendable job.

The Rains refused to budge and we were stuck at the Gate for almost an hour.

 

ICE - The Award Winning Entertainment system has loads of options to choose from. Never seen such a Huge Entertainment In-Flight.

 

The Breakfast on borad was Outstanding! Special Dietary Requirements were adhered to inspite of a short notice. Words are not enough...

 

Some More Stills of the Feature-laden seat :

 

It takes only a couple of hours to reach Dubai. Dubai is more than just beautiful. Here are some shots :

 

Touchdown and Dubai Airport - ENJOY!!

 

The De-boarding was efficient and the Transfer Procedure caused no delay!

I was simply awed by what I saw at Level 1 of the Airport. 2 Lounges - One for First and Other for Business Class Passengers and both almost a Mile Long!!

Emirates Airlines had redefined what a Lounge is supposed to mean!! The Lounge was more like a Hotel!!

Have the choice to sit near fountains and marvel at the Architecture or occupy a sofa and admire the efficiency of the Airport Services who handle large number of Departures and Arrivals everyday.

Emirates Airlines deserve 5 Stars for their Hospitality. The staff is prompt and courteous in Service and leave no scope for complaint. The Buffet was fantastic encompassing dishes from various parts of the world.

 

The Transit time was only 3 hours. My desire to spend more time would be fulfilled on the return leg.  Now for the BIG JOURNEY!!

 

 

DUBAI ( DXB ) to LONDON HEATHROW ( LHR ) - AIRBUS A380 - FIRST CLASS ( 4th July 2012 ) :

 

First Impression? - Airbus A380 is Huge!

The Private Suite is out of this world!! A room for the Traveller who likes to travel in an exquisite way, the Suite has it all - from Knick-knacks to features that simply humble the Competition.

Featured here is a teaser to what a Suite is and the preparation for Take-off.

 

Travel Kits, Writing Kits, Goodie Basket ( Replenished as you consume ), Nightwear, Cosmetic Kit, Eye-shades, Slippers; the list goes on!

 

Burj - Khalifa Towering above the rest! The King of the Dubai Skyline!

 

Salted Nuts and Carrot Juice was followed by a wholesome meal of Salad, Soup, Main Course and Dessert. Lip - Smacking!

 

While my meal was being prepared, I decided to stroll down to Business Class. A380 has 14 First Class Suites and 76 Business Class Seats. Quite a Number!! Highest for any aircraft.

Business Class isn't a bad prospect.... but First Class is worth it!

The Aircraft also houses a Bar at the back of the Upper - Level. A Deal-Clincher for those who love their drinks. 

 

Post Lunch I decided to have a quick Siesta. The Pillow, Mattress & Duvet in place. Sleeeep.

 

A Couple of hours sleep was relaxing. Now to get Refreshed. London was still an hour away and I was fortunate to get the last appointment for the Shower Spa!

Taking a Shower at 40,000 Feet!! Yes a Shower on-board!! 2 Treatments were Available - RELAX and REVIVE... depending on the Guest's need!

Only 5 minutes of water though, so have to be wise in usage.

 

Tea and pastries were waiting for me after I returned from the Shower.

 

Nearing Touchdown. London from above.

 

Fast - track service ensured minimal delay in getting out of the Airport. The Chaffeur Service Arrangement took some time though. However the Pick - up was the World-renowned, Luxury Redefining Three-pointed Star - MERCEDES S - CLASS!!

A Memorable Journey!!

 

THE RETURN LEG :

LONDON HEATHROW ( LHR ) to DUBAI ( DXB ) - AIRBUS A380 - FIRST CLASS ( 13th July 2012 ) :

 

The Pick-up was punctual and the S - Class was as elegant as ever. 

 

Priority Check - In and Fast - track hastened the procedures, however finding the Emirates Lounge took some effort. Its quite a walk but I was impressed when I was informed that Boarding would commence from the Lounge itself - Sweet!

The Business and First Class Passengers shared this lounge.

 

The Buffet was exceptional!

 

I enjoyed the push - back of these Huge A380s from the Terminal from the comfort of the lounge. Emirates isn't the only Airline that boasts of A380s.  A Qantas rolls into the Terminal here.

 

The First Class was fully occupied this time! The Flight was completely booked! Clearly shows that the travellers appreciated the quality of Service offered by the Airline.

The Private Suite!! A Class of its own!

 

The Dinner!

 

This was a Night Flight and the Steward was kind enough to provide me something comfortable to change into ( Goodies! )

 

We Traversed different time-zones and Morning dawned sooner. Time for a shower just before arrival into Dubai!!

 

Breakfast! Bread Basket and Cut Fruits - Simple and Filling.

 

Descent into Dubai!

 

The Glory of the A380s. Emirates Boasts of the Largest A380 Fleet in the World. Here is a glimpse...

 

A Longer Transit - Time helped me to catch up on some sleep. Enjoyed a Back Massage at the Timeless Spa in the Lounge. Very Relaxing!

 

DUBAI ( DXB ) to MUMBAI ( BOM ) - BOEING 777- 300 ER - FIRST CLASS ( 14th July 2012 ) :

The First Class was more populated this time.

Some more shots of First Class.

 

Lunch featured a traditional Indian Meal - Nice. It was time for a quick nap post lunch.

The Arrival was brisk and a Mercedes C-Class was waiting to take me home.

 

Fantastic Experience. Words fall short in describing the level of efficiency and excellence this airline has shown.

Will I want to experience it again??? - You Bet!!

PLANS DRAWN for the NEXT TRIP!!

 

HELLO TOMORROW!!