Lagos – Addis Ababa
In fact I arrived at the airport over 4 hours before boarding time, as relaxed as it is ever possible to get around here.
The air port was as full as I have ever seen it. There was not a square foot of unoccupied space and moving around was difficult to say the least. I witnessed many a harassed person, trying their best to move with speed, being frustrated to the point of tears. Other types of persons were driven to the point of physical violence and mild scuffles were in evidence as I slowly made my way to the airline office to collect my ticket.
Today, no problems, my ticket showed up on the system and it was time to make my way from the airline office on the mezzanine floor back down into the chaos of the departure hall.
I slowly moved back down to the check-in desk, got my boarding card and negotiated the crush to get to the departure gate. Once through, it was just a matter of going through security, immigration, and a money laundering point where questions about how much currency you were holding were asked.
The contrast once past passport control is amazing. The place always seems deserted or at least very calm compared with the departure hall. You have to wonder why the contrast is so stark. Maybe every traveller brings twenty members of their family to see them off. No matter what, it is a relief to get into this area. I make my way to the First class lounge and partake of the facilities in a relaxed and happy mood.
I have some 90 minutes before boarding and I enjoy a few glasses of Jack Daniels courtesy of the airline.
Eventually the flight was called and I make my way to the gate. The boarding was actually quite organised, each row in the aircraft being called in turn. Once I got settled in seat number 01A right up the sharp end of the aircraft, I was served a glass of Champaign. This is the way to travel.
Never having flown Ethiopian Airline before I had assumed it was just another Mickey Mouse African airline. Nothing could be further from the truth. The little Boeing jet looked spick and span, the cabin staff was superb and the meal served was very enjoyable. Unfortunately, no local food, one could have been sat in any French restaurant. The Champaign was Mumm, the Chateau Nerf du pape was excellent, and the glass of port which was served by the girl on the cheese trolley went down a treat.
Even the after dinner Brandy was served out of an expensive bottle and I like to think the contents matched the label, alas I rarely drink brandy so couldn’t really say.
I’ve had a small after dinner nap, tapped in these few words and the aircraft has descended to the point of meeting the high altitude clouds and the ride has become somewhat choppy. I am going to pack up now as I mentally congratulate Ethiopian Airlines on a fine flight. Certainly if the rest of the journey is as pleasant as this I shall be a very happy puppy when I reach my destination.
Well the captain has taken his foot off the gas or we have run out of fuel. We are definitely going down hill now so I better clear my area.
