My annual trip to the Belgian GP was a little different from the earlier trips. My college friends decided to accompany me to Europe for a 3 nation tour, their first to the Schengen States of Belgium, Switzerland and France. One of my friends accompanied me while a couple left for Europe a few days earlier than us.

This trip also gave me the opportunity to try the New Boeing 777-300ER with a revamped First and Business Class.

We flew out on 18th August 2018 and left Brussels on 29th August 2018.

Mumbai - Brussels ( First Class ) ( 18th August 2018 ) :

The Bags ready for the journey :

The Check-in formalities done and it was time to enjoy the lounge. Since I am a Gold Member of Emirates, my friend was allowed to accompany me.

Some shots of the Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :

Enjoying the Services of our lounge. Mumbai International Airport offers complimentary massage service for the guests :

Food, food and more food!

It was 3 am and time for boarding for our flight to Dubai.

The First Class Suite onboard the A380, top notch and prepped as always :

Preparing for takeoff, the onboard cameras doing a fine job :

Takeoff Video Link :



The Breakfast menu :

Green Pea Poha and Cappuccino for Breakfast :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing Video Link :



Inter Terminal Transfers and Security Checks done, we made our way to the nearest First Class Lounge at Dubai to relax and grab a bite.

A time of Relaxation and refreshing ourselves in the lounge.

It was then time to board our flight to Brussels!

The latest edition of the First Class Suite onboard the New Boeing 777-300ER is a class apart and a winner! Emirates currently flies the new configuration to Brussels and Geneva and will slowly expand to other routes as well. The updated First Class boasts of a lot of new features - Fully enclosed First Class suite with full height privacy screens, seats designed by Mercedes Benz, Virtual Windows, Bigger LCD Screens, Bowers and Wilkins headsets, Binoculars and Dine on Demand service with Video Calling facility. Video calling is quite a cool feature, you can make a call to the Flight Steward and interact, taking the definition of "Room Service" to a whole new level. In-flight showers aren't available though.

The view of the Suites from the front of the aircraft. Quite artistic I must say :

Preparing for takeoff :

Bound for Brussels :

Video Link :



The Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard :

The Flight Map :

You simply can't stop taking pics of this beautiful suite :

Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawns with Garlic and Coriander and Chocolate Ricotta Pudding for Dessert!

The First Class also has Virtual Windows for aisle seats, the cameras relay live feed onto the Screens to give the aisles a window seat feel.

The bed is made. Time to rest!

Afternoon siesta done and it was time to land into Brussels International Airport :

Video Link :



Mercedes S500 to pick us up at the airport!

Brussels - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 29th August 2018 ) :

A Mercedes E250 to ferry us back to the airport :

The Atomium, one of the highlights of Brussels made in Chocolate by Neuhaus :

Not much on offer in the lounge. Passable. Its a common lounge catering to a number of airlines. Hope to Emirates have one of their own soon.

The Seats in Business Class, designed by Mercedes Benz, a bit narrower but equally comfortable :

Takeoff Video :



Whats for dinner?

The Flight Map with Satellite Views :

Live TV, a feature on Emirates Flights :

Crisps and Ginger Ale, Broccoli Soup, Roast Chicken with Pistachio Stuffing and Chocolate Delice for Dessert :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

Landing Video Link :



Dubai International Airport :

The Plane is parked a fair distance from the Terminal building so we are picked up by a bus :

Enjoying services of the lounge while we wait for boarding :

Business Class, a slightly older aircraft this :

The lunch menu :

Some shots while taxiing to the Runway :

Up in the air, homebound :

Takeoff Video Link :



Nuts and Ginger Ale followed by Dhingri Paneer Methi Masala and Badami Halwa!

Hovering above Mumbai :

Landing at Mumbai :



Back in the Bay!

I must say that Emirates have a winner with the new Boeing 777-300ER Offering. It simply is a class apart when you compare it to rival airlines on similar sectors. I hope to see the new plane on my other journeys too. Once again, the hospitality onboard Emirates was flawless and being a Gold Member makes the experience even more special.

It isn't just "Fly Better" with Emirates...Its "FLY THE BEST"!

My Business Class Experience to Dubai in November follows shortly...so watch this space!

I believe I belong to the club of "Self-appointed" Emirates Airlines Ambassadors! July 2012 was the first time I had the opportunity of flying with the airline and as they say..the rest is history. The quality of service has been impeccable, the staff always welcoming and one always yearn for more at the end of each journey. 

Frankfurt was the first destination I flew to with the airline in 2018. I stayed in Mannheim ( since I was attending the F1 German Grand Prix ) for the first leg of the trip and then in Frankfurt.

The First Leg of the Journey was in the Airbus A380 with switching of planes at Dubai. The return leg was an Airbus A380 until Dubai and then the Boeing 777-300ER to Mumbai.

The Outbound journey was on 18th July and return journey on 27th July.

Let us go back in time and refresh our memories!

Mumbai - Frankfurt ( First Class ) ( 18th July 2018 ) :

The Bags ready for the Journey :

My ride to the airport ( Emirates Chauffeur Service ), the Mercedes C Class in its final few months of service with Emirates :

All Airport formalities completed briskly and it was time to enjoy the services on offer in the lounge!

An elaborate menu :

The Lounge!

Time to binge. First Class fliers have the privilege of ordering from an A-La-Carte Menu as well :

Both legs were in the Airbus A380 and this was my First Class Private Suite, so comfortable!

Emirates have revamped the goodies, amenities and accessories on offer. Bowers and Wilkins headphones offer amazing audio quality!

Breakfast menu onboard :

Heading towards the runway for takeoff :

Takeoff Video :

Coffee, Poha and some Idli ( Rice Cakes ) for Breakfast :

The Emblem of Emirates glowing in the First Class Cabin :

Landing into Dubai :

Landing Video :

Dubai International Airport in the early hours of the morning, busy onground and in the terminals :

Security check complete, inter-terminal transfer done and it was time to catch up on some sleep in the lounge :

The First Class Suite on the Airbus A380. So Beautiful!

The Aerobridge withdraws as we get ready for pushback :

The busyness of the Airport in the morning. Emirates flights flying to multiple destinations across the world :

ICE, Emirates in-flight entertainment system offers onboard camera feed on all flights :

Takeoff from Dubai :

Video Link :

The Breakfast and Lunch menu. Dine on demand service offered in First Class :

I was in the mood for an early lunch, placed my order and then decided to head to the Onboard Lounge at the back of Business Class.

Snacks on offer in the Onboard lounge :

Small bites on offer in the Onboard Lounge :

Lunch, Carrot and Ginger Soup, followed by Chicken Cacciatore and Pear and Chocolate Crumble :

Bon Apetit!

I had a good rest and was woken just in time before landing :

Touchdown in Frankfurt ( Video Link ) :

Frankfurt International Airport on a beautiful summer afternoon :

A BMW 730Ld to take me to Mannheim from Frankfurt, Emirates has top class cars for transfers in Europe :

Frankfurt - Mumbai ( First Class ) ( 27th July 2018 )

The Audi A8L to ferry me to the airport! Luxury is an understatement for this car :

Frankfurt Airport is a busy but efficient airport. Check-in, Security and Immigration was a breeze and I had the chance to relax for sometime in the lounge :

Some more stunning shots of the First Class Suite, my seat up until Dubai :

A relatively empty First Class enroute to Dubai, a rare scenario :

The Flight Map being displayed on ICE, Emirates On board Entertainment system :

Preparing for Takeoff :

Takeoff from Frankfurt ( Video Link ) :

Some shots of the Onboard Lounge again :

Ginger Ale and some crisps before the start of Dinner Service :

The Dinner Menu :

Roasted Tomato Soup, Roasted Chicken and Deconstructed Black Forest Cake for Dinner!

A hearty meal and it was time to head to bed. I would eventually be woken 45 minutes before touch down in Dubai. It was a short but very comfortable siesta.

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Dubai International Airport :

A couple of shots of the lounge just before leaving for boarding :

The Dubai-Mumbai leg was on a Boeing 777-300ER, frankly speaking I find the First Class Suite in this a bit more comfortable than the one in A380.

My Suite for the last leg of the trip :

The Lunch Service on offer :

Taxiing to the runway :

Up in the air, homebound :

Video of the Takeoff :

Paneer Tikka Masala and Shahi Tukra for Lunch  :

The Dubai Mumbai flight only lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes. A hour of slumber and we were on our final approach into Mumbai.

The Final Approach :

Touchdown Mumbai :

Video Link :

It was a great experience flying with Emirates to Frankfurt! I would like to thank Emirates for their hospitality.

The new Boeing 777-300ER will feature in the next post of the Flying Diaries..so watch this space!

I have never been to the Continent of Africa. I play a lot of Amateur Cricket in Mumbai and our team participated in a Tournament called "Last Man Stands", the prize being a trip to Cape Town to participate in the World Championships in December 2017. We qualified and were invited to be one of the 32 teams playing the Tournament. 

Thankfully Emirates flies to Cape Town. Tickets were booked, the outbound trip on 8th December 2017 and return on 18th December 2017.

Mumbai - Cape Town ( First Class ) ( 8th December 2017 ) :

Beautiful Architecture in the First and Business Class Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :

Enjoying some of the spread on offer :

The Real Deal :

The First Class Suite for the Flight to Dubai :

The Breakfast Menu :

Arabian Coffee and Arabian Dates, a special feature of the First Class onboard Emirates :

Making our way to the Runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Watching Dunkirk on ICE - Emirates Inflight Entertainment System :

Breakfast time, some fruits and poha, a regional dish from Maharashtra :

Hovering above Dubai :

Landing At Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

I chose to have a quick slumber in the Lounge and it was time to start boarding.

The First Class Suite in the Boeing 777-300ER :

Goodies galore :

A Busy Morning at Dubai International :

Ready for Takeoff!

Adios Dubai!

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Cape Town ( Video Link ) :

Somewhere over North Africa. Stunning views!

Lunch menu enroute to Cape Town :

Lunch is served!

Post Lunch, its time for siesta :

Woke up just before we started our descent into Cape Town :

Touchdown Cape Town!

Landing at Cape Town International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Our Ride to our Hotel in Waterfront :

Enroute to our Hotel :

Cape Town - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 18th December 2017 ) :

A VW Minivan to the Airport again :

Enroute to the Airport :

The First and Business Class Lounge in Cape Town :

Quick a nice spread in the Lounge :

My Business Class Seat for the Return Journey :

The Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Bye Bye South Africa :( you were Fantastic!

Leaving Cape Town bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Dinner Service!

We were served breakfast just before landing :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Business Class Seat for the last leg of the Trip :

The Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Bye Bye Dubai :

Takeoff Bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Up in the Sky :

Just a Dessert for Lunch :

Nearing Touch down in Mumbai

Back home in Mumbai!

Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

I had an amazing time in Cape Town and the Journey was as good as the Destination. Well done Emirates! 

Flying Diaries will return later in the year once the European Season kicks off and God willing I can be a guest at a couple of races.

The Belgian Grand Prix was the second race in 2017 that I had the opportunity of attending. Emirates offers only service to Brussels so it was imperative to have bookings done on time. I decided on a Mixed Class Journey - First to Brussels and Business on Return.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd August and the Return on 30th August

Mumbai - Brussels ( 22nd August 2017 ) :

Shots from the First and Business Class Lounge in Mumbai :

Midnight Binging in the Lounge!

They also have A-La-Carte on offer for Guests flying First Class :

Kathi Rolls, delicious as ever!

The First Class Suite, a new Airbus A380 this :

Mumbai - Dubai Breakfast Menu :

ICE - Emirates Award Winning In-flight Entertainment System :

Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Enjoying some Yogurt and Poha for breakfast :

A Short Haul journey, so the Bar bears a deserted look in front of the First Class Cabins :

Dubai awaits our arrival!

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport :

The 2nd leg of the Trip was in a Boeing 777-300ER and the layout is slightly different to the Airbus A380. I feel the seats are slightly wider.

The Goodies Basket, Mini Bar and Arabian Dates with Arabian Coffee!

Taxiing to the Runway. Emirates Airlines all around us!

Enroute to Brussels!

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Arabic Mezze, Prawn Machbous and Sticky Date Pudding!

The Bed is made, Time for a snooze!

Nearing touchdown at Brussels :

Brussels International Airport!

Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :



A Mercedes S Class to ferry me to the Hotel :

Brussels - Mumbai ( 30th August 2017 ) :

Mercedes E Class for the return pickup :

Enroute to the Airport :

The First and Business Class Lounge in Brussels. The Mousse was excellent :

My Business Class seat for the 1st leg of the return journey :

Live TV on offer onboard!

The Pushback and it was time for takeoff :

Goodbye Brussels :

Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Lunch is served!

Touching down in Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

I was boarding my flight for Mumbai when I got informed that Emirates had upgraded me to First Class! Well Thank you!

First Class Suite :

Breakfast Menu :

Making our way to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Some Crisps, Pakodas and Cappuccino :

Descending into Mumbai :

A Lovely morning at Mumbai International Airport :

Landing at Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Emirates once again ensured that I had a memorable trip. The Upgrade to First Class for the Final leg of the Trip was really appreciated since it was a Red Eye Flight from Dubai. Being a Gold Member on Emirates always has its perks!

Emirates First and Business Class Experience to Cape Town is up next!

The ICC Champions Trophy was held in the UK in June 2017. I was blessed with the opportunity of attending 3 games. This would be my first experience of watching a cricket match overseas.
The Match Seats were reserved, flights booked and I was off to London Heathrow with Emirates in First Class.

I chose EK029 this time instead of EK 01. This allowed me more time in the Lounge and I was the only passenger in First Class!


The Outbound Flight was on 6th June and the return on 20th June.


Mumbai - London ( 6th June 2017 ) :

The GVK First and Business Class Lounge :

A-La-Carte dining on offer in the First Class Section :

The Buffet Spread :

Kathi Roll and the Molten Chocolate Cake, an absolute delight!

A Warm Welcome to the A380 Suite :

My Seat for the 3 hour flight to Dubai :

The Breakfast Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Emirates' In-Flight Entertainment System - ICE i.e. Information, Communication & Entertainment offers a wide array of options for flyers

A Cappuccino will suffice please!

A Beautiful Sunrise beckons on the Horizon!

Flying into Dubai :

Nearing Touchdown into Dubai :

Landing at Dubai International Airport :

Beautiful morning at Dubai International Airport :

A spacious and relatively empty First Class Lounge in Dubai :

An elegant First Class Suite enroute to London. I was the only flyer in First Class!

Goodies Basket, Arabian Coffee and Dates to start the journey with!

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff!

Taking off from Dubai bound for Heathrow ( Video Link ) :

The Menu for the journey!

Lunch Service!

A Well Stocked Bar in the First Class Section :

The Emirates Insignia proudly displayed onboard

An Empty First Class :

A Quick tour of the First Class Suite ( Part 1 ) :

A Tour of the First Class Suite ( Part 2 ) :

After a hearty lunch, I decided to head down to the Business Class Lounge.

Some shots of the Lounge Seating Area, offering some stunning views of the sky.

Shots of the Lounge bar :

Business Class seats, 76 in all :

I returned to my seat and my Bed was set! It was time for a siesta before going in for a shower before landing into Heathrow :

Some Shots of the Shower Suite offered onboard, yes a shower at 40,000 feet!

A refreshing shower and we were nearing our destination :

Hovering over London :

Heathrow Airport!

Landing at Heathrow International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Heathrow the busiest airport in the world catering to numerous airlines!

Well hello Emirates!

A Mercedes Benz S500 to ferry me to my friend's home!

Enroute to Stanmore :

London - Mumbai ( 20th June 2017 ) :

The Return pickup too was in an elegant Mercedes S500 :

Driving to Heathrow :

A Brisk Check-in, Fast Track Security Check and Immigration and it was time to unwind in the Lounge :

The Spread :


Some views from the Lounge :


Heathrow is one of the few airports ( other than Dubai ) that offers boarding from the Lounge :

Shots of the First Class Suite :

Making our way to the runway :

Bye Bye London...until next time :


Takeoff from Heathrow International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The Dinner Menu to Dubai :

Mocktail, Nuts and Crisps kick off the Dinner Service!

Hors D'oeuvres, Light Bites and some catching up in the Business Class Lounge onboard A380 :

The Bed set for the Night.

As always, the Flight Steward woke me up an hour before the flight landed to enjoy the Shower Service on-board :


A Tour of the Shower Suite ( Video Link ) :




Descending into Dubai :


Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The First Class Lounge, oozing class as always :


The Boarding was offered from the Lounge and I soon settled into my First Class Suite :


Taxiing to the Runway :


The Final leg of the trip begins :


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




The Lunch Menu :


Lunch Service. Quite a good meal :


Nearing Touchdown in Mumbai :


Mumbai!


Landing in Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




Once Again, Thank you Emirates for memorable Flights!

The buck doesn't stop here! Trips to Brussels and Cape Town to follow shortly!

The "Flying Diaries" return with the trip to Barcelona being the first documented from 2017. The Spanish Grand Prix was held in May and I had the opportunity to fly down and experience the Hospitality of Emirates in the air all over again.

The outbound flight was on 10th May and the Return on 18th May.
 

Mumbai - Barcelona ( 10th May 2017 ) :

The Stunningly Beautiful Terminal 2, Mumbai :

The First and Business Class Lounge of GVK at Terminal 2. One of the best lounges in the world! A lavish buffet, Complimentary massage services and offering breath taking views of the Planes at Mumbai

I also got the opportunity to meet the Music Maestro A.R. Rahman! Fan Moment!

The First Class Suite to Dubai. Stunning and comfortable as ever!

Arabian Dates and Arabian Coffee for the First Class guests :

Taxiing to the runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai International bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :




I am not much of a breakfast guy but never shy away from Chocolate Croissants and some Cappuccino!

A Beautiful morning beckons as we fly into Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link  ) :




The First Class Lounge in Dubai offers boarding from the Lounge itself. There is a separate terminal to cater to Airbus A380s.

A Quick stop in the Lounge and it was time to board the flight for Barcelona!


Goodies galore in the suite. The basket is replenished also.

The Plethora of Emirates Airlines planes at Dubai :

FlyDubai, the low cost option flying out of Dubai and merged with Emirates now :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Up, up and away!! The Burj Khalifa visible in the distance :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport bound for Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard. Emirates offers "Food on Demand" for First Class passengers.


Lip Smacking Lunch :


A Well Stocked bar in front of First Class :

The Bar and Lounge behind Business Class :

Business Class seats in A380 :

I returned to my seat to find my bed made. Time for a nap along with the Do Not Disturb option!


I was woken up an hour before the flight was due to land for a shower appointment. Yes a shower at 40,000 feet!


I returned from the shower and we had already started our descent into Barcelona :

Touchdown at El Prat International Airport :

Landing at El Prat International Airport in Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




A Mercedes S500 sent to pick me for the drop off at Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona :


Barcelona - Mumbai ( 18th May 2017 )

Emirates sent another S500 for the return pickup! This one came with a Panaromic Sunroof!

Driving to El Prat Airport :
A Quick check in and a brisk completion of all other formalities, it was time to enjoy the facilities the lounge had to offer! The Lounge is multi-airline and I wish they had a better spread on offer.

The First Class seat for the Flight to Dubai :

A Night Flight means an Emirates Night Suit, Amenity Kit, Slippers and Eye Shades are offered as Standard Issue.

Taxiing to the runway :

Takeoff from Barcelona bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :




Dinner Menu :

Time for a movie while the food is prepared!

Dinner is served!

Well Stocked Bar and Lounge behind Business Class :

A Quick tour of the Shower Suite :

Video Link :




Starting our Descent into Dubai :

Nearing Touchdown :


Welcome to Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The Transit time was short in Dubai and I made a run for my connecting flight to Mumbai

The Final Leg of my Journey was on a Boeing 777-200LR, a flight nearing the end of its stint with Emirates.

First Class Seats, an old configuration this :


The Lunch menu for Dubai Mumbai leg :

Taxiing to the runway. Dubai Airport teeming with flights all around!

Bye Bye Dubai, until we meet again!


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




Lunch on the Final Leg of the Trip :

Nearing touchdown in Mumbai. The Vashi Bridge clearly visible :

Mumbai International Airport :


Landing at Mumbai Airport ( Video Link  ) :

 


The Return Pickup, the Mercedes C220 again.


Emirates have never faltered in maintaining the standards they have set. Every trip is a memorable one. There is more to come in the "Flying Diaries" - London next!

Apologies for the delayed posts, but then better late than never!

There are trips that one remembers for a long time to come. There are experiences that stay with us for lifetime. 13th May 2017 was one such date.

I was busy attending the Spanish Grand Prix with Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team when I got to meet Mr. Wright, the co-host in the Pirelli Suite. Mr. Wright, a very gracious man invited me to attend the McLaren F1 Team Gala Dinner happening at the Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona, the hotel I was staying at!

I started watching F1 in 1998 and have been a fan of McLaren & Mika Hakkinen since. 2007 saw Kimi Raikkonen leave for Ferrari so my loyalties became divided but McLaren are a team I always want to see do well.

It was impossible to resist such an offer. I rushed to the Hotel, got ready & down I was ready to attend the event! Hilton, sponsors for McLaren definitely know how to host events.

The event was attended by Sponsors viz. Hilton, Logitech, Reuters, Chandon & open to Fans & Guests of the team.

Logitech also tied up with McLaren to announce the latter's entrance into the e-sports arena, announcing World’s Fastest Gamer – the world’s most intense and demanding competition for virtual racers. It’s a contest that will see the winner offered the best job in esports – a role with the Formula 1 team as one of its official simulator drivers!

Time to give you a quick tour of how McLaren hosted its guests for the evening :

The Pre-dinner meet :

Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Paella, Conversations & more!

The Host for the evening welcoming us ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Vo6Qni5Dg

The Host soon announced that we would be joined by a Former McLaren Driver & 2 Time World Champion MIKA HAKKINEN!

FAN MOMENT!

Mika Hakkinen Q&A ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGm5cta0aJo

Mika Hakkinen wished us well for the evening and he was soon followed by Fernando Alonso! The Evening just got better!

Fernando spoke at length about McLaren's chances for the weekend after his brilliant qualifying result which saw end up in P7 and also the preparations for Indy 500 which was to be held on the Monaco GP weekend. Fernando would head to the airport after the race to get onto a Private Jet to head to Indianapolis for the Practice Session.

Fernando Alonso Q&A ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HepeePy6VQU

I got the chance to get quick selfies with the McLaren Team Principal Mr. Eric Boullier & a rushing Fernando Alonso!

We were now invited into the Ball Room for dinner. The Ball Room in all its glory!

Dinner Service commences! Lip-smacking! One of the best Desserts I ever had!

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren joined us over dinner for a quick interview. The new boss has an elaborate plan to bring the team back to the sharp end of the grid and I like it!

Video Link of the Interview :

While we were enjoying our dinner, Mr. Pedro de la Rosa, Ex-McLaren Driver, Movistar TV Presenter & a thorough gentlemen entered the Ballroom to entertain the guests with his stories! What an amazing human being! He even handed out the latest gear of Logitech - G29 Gaming Wheel & Joystick to a lucky draw winner!

Video Links of his Interview ( Part 1 & 2 ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NhS32n94Ms

McLaren's hospitality didn't end with the Gala Dinner. The team were gracious enough to offer Signed Caps, Signed T Shirts & a Mega Prize of a 3 day 2 Night stay at any Hilton Property of the winner's choice! The audience were asked the questions, hands were raised & prizes won! I couldn't win any though :( :(

Mr. Stijn Bastiaens, Sr. Direction Loyalty Parternships for Hilton Hotels giving out the prizes :

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Stijn who was so happy to meet a Gold Member on HHonors!

Parting Shots from the night :

Saturdays on a Race Weekend are pretty quiet for me when I travel - head to the hotel, hot meal and a shower, get the gear ready and have a good night's sleep. 13th May was really special and I had no intention of making it an early night. I did try my hand at the Simulator which had the Logitech G29 Wheel and I must say its far better than my ageing G25 at home. The ergonomics, buttons' layout, feel, force feedback feels just about right and no I am not trying to flatter anyone. I highly recommend this wheel for gamers.

It was a pleasure meeting F1 loyalists who shared the table with me. It was great to connect with people who are as passionate as a F1 fan can be!

I would like to thank McLaren F1 Team for their hospitality and a memorable evening. A big thank you to Mr. Stijn and the team from the Hilton Diagonal Mar for ensuring top class service throughout the evening. Hatsoff to Logitech for kick-starting the campaign which could open up new opportunities for gamers in the real world.

Finally a thank you to Mr. Wright from Right Formula for inviting me to this wonderful event.

I wish McLaren F1 & its Sponsors all the best for the season ahead! Onwards & Upwards from here!

Barcelona had been a great trip. Ferrari achieved a double podium and I couldn't wait to embark on a new journey - to a new track, a new city, a new nation. Budapest, Hungary and the Hungarian GP was the next stop.

I again chose to fly mixed class, i.e. First Class on the Outbound Journey and Business Class on the return journey.

The Flying dates were on the 20th and 29th of July. Emirates operates a solo flight out of Budapest. The afternoon departure meant an early morning arrival into Mumbai, similar to the flight taken to Brussels in 2015.

Mumbai - Budapest ( 20th July 2016 ) :

July is a relatively light in terms of passenger travel from Mumbai and the necessary formalities of check-in, security and immigration were completed in no time. It was time to relax in the First and Business Class Lounge.

Beautiful GVK Lounge hosting First and Business Class Guests :

A Lip-smacking spread. I tend to binge and at such odd hours, makes you really lazy!

The First Class Suite onboard Emirates! Never get tired of this!

An Air India that flies Trans Atlantic Routes :

Breakfast Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Taking off from Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDKGMOSpRVk

I had a catch in the back and the Massage Function on the Seat was utilized heavily. Thankful for such a feature :

A quick nap and it was morning and time to land at Dubai International Airport. The Early Morning Flight really robs you of your sleep :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EJ6VGI1plk

Dubai International Airport :

The First Class Lounge in Dubai. Unfortunately no Timeless Spa in this lounge :

A good meal and I was ready for my Flight to Budapest. The First Class onboard the Boeing 777-300 was as per the Old Specification and no Suites here :

Goodies kept separately :

Emirates, Emirates, Emirates everywhere :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Taking off from Dubai Bound for Budapest ( Video Link ) :

Breakfast, Lunch and everything in between. Eat until you land!

Nuts and an Orange Fizz to start it all off :

Lunch Service :

Enroute to Budapest ( Flight Info ) :

Flying over Europe :

Budapest beckons! Nearing Touchdown!

Landing at Budapest ( Video Link  ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsZVdxcao4o

Budapest Airport, small yet very beautiful!

My S Class awaits its guest. It still is the most comfortable Luxury Sedan!

Enroute to the Hotel

Budapest - Mumbai ( 29th July 2016 ) :

My Pickup, A Mercedes S Class :

Enroute to the Airport, taking in the sights of this beautiful city one last time :

First and Business Class Lounge in Budapest. Decent but nowhere near the level of more frequented European Cities :

Business Class in Boeing 777-300 :

The Pushback begins :

Well this is a First! Onlookers, Photographers busy watching planes and taking photographs of Planes taxiing to the Runway :

Bye Bye Budapest, Take Off ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkcObkE1kAs

Taking off from Budapest and taking in the sights of this beautiful city one last time :

The Menu for today!

Lunch Service Commences onboard :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Zy8x615M8

Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

Dinner onboard

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3uXfWygxY

Bye Bye Dubai, until next time :

Nearing Touchdown :

Landing at Mumbai International Airport in torrential rain, Amazing piloting skills! ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrD6uCidx6s

Mumbai International Airport on a Rainy Saturday Morning :

Home!

It was quite an eventful trip and I would remember this trip for various reasons for a long long time. Emirates left no stone unturned in offering World Class Hospitality onboard their flights. Its high time that they earn 5 Star status as an airline.

A special mention for the pilots of Emirates too who ensure smooth landings and takeoffs in challenging weather conditions

I continue to be a patron!