Pretentious? Moi?

Couldn't help but poke fun at this little gem from the Carlton in Bratislava.

Another BA Delay

Today's flight from BHX to VIE (BA4163) was delayed once again. We were informed of a 30 minute delay in good time and told that it was due to "the late arrival of the operating aircraft". Later we told that it would leave an hour late. In the event it left a little later still, but the captain had the good grace to tell us the truth; that the delay was caused by a staff shortage, so they had to wait for a cabin person (whatever is one supposed to call them?) to come down from Edinburgh.
So, there you have it. Not a single spare member of cabin crew in the vicinity of England's second city. Still the only people to suffer are those of us who wasted an entire day getting to Vienna, only to arrive late for our business.

A Feast Only For The Eyes

Having once again put up with British Airways running a service from BHX to VIE for their own benefit, rather than their customers', I found myself at the Carlton Hotel, the best (and most expensive) in Bratislava by some distance. Once again, I found that trying to get a decent meal is nigh-on impossible.
I sat on the terrace looking out at the fantastic Opera House and ordered the following meal. To start, a stuffed breast of partidge with the most god-awful orange sauce. This was followed by battered (as opposed to breadcrumbed) veal escalope with a saffron risotto (as in Risotto Milanese). So the veal was bit greasy, but passable, but the chef was obviously never taught how to make a risotto. Neither was he told to be careful with ingredients he doesn't understand, like saffron, which was rather overused in this dish. In any case the dreadful consistency of the risotto and the metallic taste were as nothing compared to the solecism of adding some veal jus around the outside of the risotto. No matter, as I didn't eat that anyway.
I had to console myself with a wander around Bratislava's old town area, which proved again that this city is a feast for the eyes, but not for the belly.

Amazing Paris Hotel Experience

Just arrived at the Libertel Sèvres-Vaneau, 86 Rue Vaneau Paris. I confirmed this room 3 times by email (don't ask!) and when I got there I was informed my reservation was for tomorrow, but that I was lucky, because they had a spare room. I guess I was lucky as it was 11pm and I'd just arrived in Paris, with no opportunity to find a room elsewhere.
I entered room 103 and found that it was grubby, dingy with a lamp base (and no shade) on the mantelpiece. The bulb had failed. The bulb on one of the bedside lamps had failed too, so I took them both out and asked for replacements from the shamefaced night porter.
What a shitty start. Then I opened the door to the minibar to find it empty, sans minibar, and nothing but a wooden carcass.
I can't find another room in time for tomorrow, but I know I won't be coming back!