The Month of February in 2015 was my First Foreign Trip of the year. I was to visit Dubai for the "Gulf Foods" Exhibition, a work related trip.

The Flight to Dubai is just a 3 hour ride and as always I flew with Emirates, my favourite carrier.

Documented below is the Business Class Experience. The Outbound Flight was on 10th February & the Return on 14th February.

Mumbai - Dubai ( 10th February 2015 ) :

Emirates Chauffeur Service to Mumbai International Airport :

A brisk check in and Security and it was time to relax in the newly launched Lounge.

The Newly opened First & Business Class Lounge :

Shots from the Lounge :

Soon enough it was time to board the Flight to Dubai. It wasn't a new flight and still ran the old 777-300ER Configuration.

Business Class onboard the Boeing 777-300ER :

Taxiing to the runway :

Airborne & enroute to Dubai :

The Menu for the day :

The Food never fails to impress onboard Emirates and the Brunch Service was exceptional.

Brunch Service :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

Dubai International Airport :

A Short Drive to the Hotel and it was time for the Business Trip / Holiday to start.

Dubai - Mumbai ( 14th February 2015 ) :

The Return Pickup was from Hotel Atlantis at the Palm Jumeirah.

Emirates Chauffeur Service to Dubai International Airport :

Enroute to Dubai International Airport, always a beautiful drive :

Necessary Formalities complete, it was time to board the Aircraft and head home!

Business Class on the Return Flight :

So, whats cooking ?

Nearing Takeoff :

Up in the air and on my way home :

Lunch Service :

On Time Performance, Brilliant Service, Exceptional Hospitality characterize Emirates!

This was a short "Flying Diaries" post. Trips to Vienna & Brussels coming online soon! So watch this space

1999 was the last time I visited Toronto, Canada. The Next Race I lined up for 2014 was the Grand Prix at Austin Texas. The Itinerary was drawn up and my mum and I chose to fly to Toronto for a trip to visit my uncle as well as attend the race down south.

My Mum and I had gathered enough miles to upgrade from Business Class to First Class all through.

The Only disadvantage was that upgrades were done in sectors rather than a whole trip which was due to availability opening up at different periods of time. As a result, we had to shed more miles than we would have liked to.

This was also the first time when mum would experience First Class aboard the Airbus A380.

The Outbound Flight was on 22nd October 2014 and the return on 7th November 2014.

Mumbai - Toronto ( 22nd October 2014 ) :

The dropoff at Terminal 2, Mumbai :

A brisk completion of the necessary formalities and it was time to relax in the Lounge :

The Spread at the lounge :

An hour of rest and it was time to board our flight bound for Dubai. The A380 boasts of spacious Private Suites and these never fail to impress :

Mum settling into her Suite :

The Menu for the Flight to Dubai :

Breakfast!

We walked to the back of the aircraft, through the Business Class to enjoy the atmosphere in the Lounge, unique to Emirates A380!

In Dubai, First Class Lounge. Feels so different compared to the Business Class one.

Onboard the flight to Toronto, the Private Suite feels so different in the day!

So cozy :) :)

Whats for Lunch, Snacks and Lunch???

Up in the air and the Lunch Service commenced!

We even indulged in some snack time during the 13 hour long flight.

The Lounge in the Business Class :

I always make it a point to have a shower and change an hour before landing. The Emirates Airbus A380 offers a shower spa 40000 feet in the air.

Touchdown in Toronto :

Video Link for landing into Toronto Pearson Airport :

Our Pickup from Toronto Airport, Lincolns!

Enroute to my Uncle's place :

Toronto - Mumbai ( 7th November 2014 ) :

Our Pickup for the Toronto Pearson Airport :

The Lounge at Toronto is pretty ordinary.

Our Private Suites in the Airbus A380 :

Mum in her Private Suite :

The Menu for the return journey :

The fare started with snacks before moving onto a 3 course dinner. Lip-smacking to say the least.

The Bed readied for a quick nap :

Business Class in the A380 with the famous lounge :

Up in the sky, enroute to Dubai in the setting sun.

Dinner Service :

Shots from the Shower Spa, 1 Hour before landing into Dubai :

Nearing touchdown into Dubai :

Video Link for landing into Dubai :

The First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :

The First Class Suites for the final leg of the trip :

We loved the experience in our Suites. One Last time..

The Menu for the Flight to Mumbai :

Dinner Service :

Landing into Mumbai, our pickup was waiting to take us back home

July is the month when the European Leg of F1 is at its busiest. I had the privilege of being at Nurburgring in 2013. 2014 saw Hockenheim host the German GP ( as it alternates between the 2 venues ). This was the first race I had the privilege of attending - Live.

Mum accompanied me for the journey to Frankfurt. We flew Business Class, outbound travel on 17th July and inbound on 24th July ( arrival +1 on 25th )

Mumbai - Frankfurt ( 17th July 2014 ) :

I opted for the early morning flight which enables travellers to land in Europe in the afternoon.

Our Chauffeur service was punctual and efficient as always :

Mumbai Airport's New International Terminal "T-2" is an amazing piece of architecture and a benchmark when it comes to passenger mobility. Completing formalities is such a breeze. ( in Departures )

The "First Class and Business Class" Lounge of GVK wasn't ready yet and we were still making use of the makeshift one for our journey.

Mum Relaxing in the Lounge :

The Lavish Spread in the Lounge :

Brilliant artwork at the airport :

Our Flight being readied for the Dubai Leg :

Our seats in Business Class :

We had been so well fed up until our flight that neither of us opted for breakfast. Just the Beverage Service :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

The Boeing and Airbus of Emirates all lined up at DXB :

Business Class Lounge :

Breakfast in the Business Class Lounge :

A restful time in the Lounge and we were ready for the 2nd leg of our trip to Frankfurt! Our Seats in Business Class :

The Menu for the Food & Beverage service to Frankfurt :

Other operators to Dubai :

Food, Food & More Food!

A good sleep and it was time to get ready for the descent into Frankfurt :

The beautiful sky enroute to Europe :

Nearing touchdown at Frankfurt :

Frankfurt from above!

Frankfurt Airport and it was nice to see national carriers of various countries. Frankfurt is the 3rd busiest airport in Europe.

Enroute to our Hotel, The Jumeirah Frankfurt.

My First Trip in 2014 was to San Jose California in the United States of America.

My Best Friend was due to get married on 30th May and it was time to fly on Emirates for the First time in 2014. Emirates Airlines don't fly to San Jose but to San Francisco. 

My Mother accompanied me for this trip and she was really thankful to be flying in Business Class.

The Outbound Trip was on 21st May 2014 and the Inbound on 11th June 2014.

Mumbai - San Francisco ( 21st May 2014 ) :

Mumbai now had a New International Terminal - Terminal 2 or T2 and believe me it is simply stunning to behold. Everything about this Terminal is so good. Brisk Check ins, Seamless Security Checks, Minimal Waiting at the Immigration and State of the art Facilities. This Terminal has it all!

Shots from the Business and First Class Lounges. The Airlines have a shared space for their premium travellers.

The Spread for the Early Morning Hours :

Mum enjoying her coffee :

Settled in the Business Class Seat :

Some shots of the Business Class onboard the Boeing 777-300ER :

Breakfast Service :

I chose to sleep through the rest of the Flight and soon enough we landed in Dubai on a bright and sunny morning :

Shots from the Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :

Soon enough, it was time to board the Flight for the 16 Hour Long Journey.

The Menu for the Journey :

The Business Class seats :

Breakfast :

A Lavish meal and it was time to catch up on some much needed sleep :

A 6 Hour Nap and I sampled the Pad Thai :

The Air Show and Flight Information on-board :

Time for more food! Lunch :

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 :

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!

Hello Friends!

I am so thankful to all the readers of my blog and being a part of the journey I started in 2011.

I am blessed by God to have such amazing readers and receive such great responses to the blog.

I am planning to start a new series on the blog called "The Flying Diaries" documenting the amazing hospitality I have experienced while flying First and Business Class to various Destinations on Emirates Airlines.

Posts will be coming thick and fast, so watch this space!

Thank you once again for being a part of this blog. YOU make this blog what it is!

God Bless you all :)

Surprises come in many packages and I have been at the received end of some in the recent past.

God Blessed me with some great experiences in the past year and I have had the opportunity to write about them.

2013 started off with a bang and the 2012 fairytale still continues.

Tourism Malaysia ( India ) have always been gracious in offering great prizes. They have maintained this trend whenever the Formula 1 Grand Prix has come to Sepang International Circuit and this year was no different.

A hard but fair battle was fought and there was a winner at the end of the day and Thank God I was the fortunate one, albeit by the skin of my teeth!!

Tourism Malaysia would award me an all expenses paid trip to Malaysia to enjoy the Malaysian Grand Prix!!!

It was time to pack my bags and embark on the journey!!

I flew out on 22nd March 2013 and arrived in Kuala Lumpur Late Evening.

Tourism Malaysia had offered me a fantastic hotel in KL Sentral ( the Hub in Kuala Lumpur ). The Hotel inauguration was on the same day.

A Starwood Property, The Aloft is the new 5 Star in the Heart of KL!!

The Hotel was gracious enough to offer me an upgrade too as I am an SPG Gold member!

The Room was a spacious one and had a fresh feel to it. Some of the shots of my room :

The View from My Room :

Some views from the Passageway :

23rd March 2013 :

The Excitement couldn't be contained. A quick breakfast and I was on my way to the Sepang International Circuit to the see the Saturday Practice and Qualifying for the Race.

En Route to Sepang :

Malaysia Leaves No Stone Unturned in Welcoming Racing Fans!!

The Tourism Malaysia Pavilion at the Circuit!

The Circuit is very close to KLIA and temperatures easily touch the Mid 40s

After a Tiring but Exciting Day at Sepang, it was time to return to the Hotel

( For More on the Saturday action visit : http://tech-know-crat.posthaven.com/malaysian-gp-2013-vettel-defies-mutli-21 )

However before I made my way back to the Hotel, I had the opportunity to test my racing skills at an International Karting Circuit at Sepang and believe me I was unwilling to leave the place!! I kept racing for almost an hour and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

It was a long drive back and after a nice refreshing shower, I made my way down to the Coffee Shop for an elegant meal laid out. I also had the opportunity of meeting representatives of Tourism Malaysia!!

I had some time to explore and burn some calories after the meal. The Aloft is known as a party hotel. It envisages the vision of the W Group of Hotels and one can see the evidence of the same!

The Hotel Facade :

The Re:Mix Lounge :

The Hotel Reception & Business Centre :

The WXYZ Bar :

24th March 2013, THE BIG DAY!!

Post Breakfast, I joined the group consisting of executives invited by Tourism Malaysia and we made our way down to Sepang for the Race!

A Moment with the Director of Tourism Malaysia!! A Very Gracious and Kind Man. Thank you Sir for all the Hospitality!!

It was now time to prepare for the Racing Extravaganza!!

( To Read all about the Sunday action visit : http://tech-know-crat.posthaven.com/malaysian-gp-2013-vettel-defies-mutli-21 )

An Exciting day at the Circuit! Thank you Sepang International Circuit for such a memorable race!!

25th March 2013

I chose to spend my final day shopping at my favourite SURIA KLCC Mall!

Enroute to Suria KLCC :

It was time to drive back to the Airport and return home... 

At the Airport ( KLIA ) :

Sitting in the Lounge, I awaited my flight for Mumbai :

Bye Bye Malaysia ! Thank you so much for all the Hospitality !!

Malaysia = Truly Asia !!

I would like to thank Tourism Malaysia ( India ) for this amazing experience. I shall cherish it. A Big Thank you to the Aloft at KL Sentral for all the Hospitality and maintaining the Quality that Starwood has been renowned for !

A Big Thank you to Mr. Amit Tripathi of Beehive Communication for all the co-operation shown in making my trip preparations a breeze.

Thank you so much Tourism Malaysia!! Hopefully I shall return for the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2014!!!