I've just had the 'pleasure' of travelling from Bangkok to Paris by Air France. The flight was pretty uneventful and as far as service, comfort and food goes, was about much the same as many other airlines. The ticket wasn't cheap though, so travelling from Europe to Thailand you get a better deal than the other way round.
Transit in Paris was also pretty painless although having to go through the security checks was a pain putting it mildly. I was also unimpressed by the two Arabic speaking ladies on security who were more interested in their conversation than me or my luggage going through the x-ray machine.
An onward flight transiting Cardiff was a mega pain. From getting off the aircraft to re-boarding the same aircraft I had to identify myself three times and show my boarding card three times. Short of Scotty beaming someone else into my body at least one of these was unnecessary. As the security chap, who seemed to be of Indian origin, frisked me after I had passed the door frame check, I came to the conclusion he was either trying to count the change in my pocket or the hairs on my legs.
The 'helpful' taxi driver from Glasgow airport took me on a little run around adding about another 30% on the fare. So, it's not just in Thailand or Bangkok or Pattaya that you get taken for a ride!
As for Glasgow, no complaints. I was though amazed by the number of signs everywhere:
No Parking;
The hotel is not liable for damage to vehicles or the loss of item stolen from vehicles;
This area is covered by CCTV; CCTV may be operational in this area;
No Smoking;
Smoking is only permitted in the designated areas;
and the list could go on and on.
Supermarkets are doing their bit to maintain profits - you now have the opportunity or privilege depending on your attitude to bag your own groceries after you have check them through the scanner. Hell, who needs staff these days! One of these days don't be surprised if you just have to walk through aroma-rich aisle and be psychologically 'fed'. There might be no need to eat at all, just pay for your 'food' on the way out!
One place worth a visit if you find yourself there is just off Buchanan Street in a side street is Bier Halle which serves mostly value-for-money pizzas, including one with Haggis topping which I though was especially good and tasty. The hot Camembert served with some thin slices of roast beef, some sort of German platter is intended, was especially scrumptious!
Ireland is if anything colder than Scotland and as I type there is a familiar, steady soft drizzle! As was the case in Scotland there are lots of premises for rent. The crunch is still biting hard. Yet, with all that, people still manage to greet you with a smile and continue to look on the bright side of things although even the bright side is somewhat matt-finished these days and not all that bright.
Up to now I have met up with some old friend and still have a lengthy list to get through as well as meeting up with some newer friends from encounters in Pattaya. A quick check a while ago with Metro has put my mind at rest so I can have a few snorts without worry!
There might well be some I don't get in touch with. I currently can not access my Facebook contacts as those nice people at FB seem to think that I'd only access my account from Thailand. The result is they have sent a 'code' to my Thai mobile number even though I am in UK and can't access that code until I get back to Thailand.
Not to worry. Let's see what the next few weeks bring!
Meanwhile I am still checking Metro Apartments mail so keep in touch.
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