UK flights are so random these days. We can feel the loads slip. Cabins are empty, most probably due to this economic downturn. The Pound Sterling being in the crap also helps ! People do not fly as much or think twice before booking their tickets. Especially small businesses. Leisure travel is still (from the passengers I talked to) quite strong despite the trend. As his HH said, “we’ve hit the bottom and there’s only one way up now. Air travel is the only way to travel now, people won’t sail from a continent to another, it’s just far too hectic” and ooooh sooo medieval. Who on earth would get stuck on a cargo ship for 3 weeks when you can do the same journey in 12 hours ?
So with this in mind, I go to briefing for my only UK flight in many months. Bound for ‘Brum’ or Birmingham. Large city north west of London, near the Welsh border. We flew over with 137 pax when we could of flown 400 (economy only). We had fun, speaking to passengers as we served them drinks and meals. I love taking my time and actually make contact while working. Quite the opposite of my previous Bombay rush. And it is extremely rewarding when customers leave the plane all smiles with a zen attitude. People came down the back galley to chat. Trips like that are really nice. In an empty cabin, people feel so much less cramped that their karma changes instantly. You see the difference straight away. People are much nicer compared to a full aircraft. Everything seems to flow too during service, there’s no pressure. Happy Crew = Happy Passengers !
Surprisingly, and contrary to customs, our passengers didn’t empty our bars, far from it actually. They were more happy getting high on tea, coffee, biscuits and little snacks ! I couldn’t believe it !
Before I left from Dubai, I had an email from my very good friend Alethea. She used to work in Paris with me at those FrogPubs before she decided to hang her boots. We loved our time there as it was all play, everyday. A bit like the atmosphere here in Dubai but on a much smaller scale. It’s like being at Uni all over again ! So she emailed me saying she could make it to ‘Brum’ with Seb (her 8 month son) from Stradford-Upon-Avon, which is where Shakespeare was born. If you have the chance to stop in that little country town, please do so as it is amazingly cute. Country houses, pebbled streets etc. Very nice little town !
So she took the train up to Birmingham and in complete sync we met in the hotel lobby. Now this was a true miracle knowing how organized I am with maps and times. We had calculated this to perfection ! Not loosing a single second to go out for some lunch and bubbles. We wondered around the Bull Ring, which used to be the biggest European Mall. But nothing too impressive after seeing the Dubai Mall or even Mall Of The Emirates. Birmingham itself…erm… [pause]… is quite an ugly place. Nothing much to it. No charm at all. I was hoping for some cool english architecture or something attractive but didn’t manage to do so, instead a grim, grey and sad place altogether enhanced with rain, cold and no sun. The only cute thing I saw was Moor Street Train station. It had an old steam/cole locomotive inside, felt just like a Harry Potter book… But sightseeing wasn’t on the agenda. I had lovely Thea and her boy with me and loved seeing them both. Thea seemed very healthy and happy as Sebastian did. Those two together are very entertaining ! I’m not used to having toddlers around me, except maybe those devils we encounter on-board, and I can say I really enjoyed it ! Very different to what I would of done if I met Hayley from the FrogPub in Toulouse (who later on that day emailed to say we could of met, but me being me, completely forgot she lived in Birmingham… For next time).
We scouted around for a pizza place until Thea nearly screamed when she saw a Wagamama sign. I jumped in awe, as you know. I’m a huge fan. The prospect of having a Katsu Curry triggered the decision to stop by and stuff ourselves with noodle/rice goodness. We spent quite some time in there chatting away, sharing gossip and news, things we had done and to be done etc etc. Your normal meetup conversation really. Laughed quite a lot too. Seb was happily sitting next to us enjoying his time in the restaurant. Everyone kept coming to us and say how lovely the boy was. I bet they also thought I was the father !
We finished there and agreed it wasn’t enough, so we went into the mall to see if we could find bath toys. Had a right giggle with all those toys. Especially the rolla-frog bubble machine. Of which Thea could see herself playing with at the Rex Club in Paris, high on some Cuba Libres. So much fun spending time in toy shops I would never of guessed. Maybe I should spend more time in Toys’R'Us at MOE next time I go there !
After this, we needed some drinks. We headed to a simili french Brasserie called Cafe Rouge (it’s a chain of french cafes all around the UK). We sat down and ordered Sparkling wine (they didn’t have real Champagne, which was a bummer) with Fondant Au Chocolat. The bubbles did the trick, as I felt quite tipsy (try to drink straight after a flight and you’ll understand how I felt). Chatted more and played with little Seb. Everyone was getting tired by now so we decided to part. I took THea to the station and left her to go back to the hotel for some much needed sleep. It was great. Love catching up with friends. I took pictures for you guys (See below).
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The way back was just a little busier, but very enjoyable non the less. Especially with the nicest crew I had in months. Bruno, Kriti, Chimi, PJ, Elena, Zubeida, Lois, Eveline, Ashem, Jenny, Jasmit and the two very funny Flight Crew Dean and Christopher.
I’m now back in Dub-Dub, next trip will be Jo’Burg (it seems we’re deadheading back). Will, of course let you know how that went. In the meantime I’m going to enjoy my bed. Peace out fools. Until next time !
Sounds like you had a good trip! You’re right, it makes a big difference when the flight isn’t full and the passengers are happy! When they’re happy, we’re happy!
And that’s a funky looking hotel room! I like!
Yeah I didn’t mention the hotel room, but it was a right OD of colors. too much to my taste. These swedes have something about putting a lot of color in their rooms. Felt like sleeping in an IKEA showroom…
The Frenchman writes so well. Liked reading it