Showing posts with label Travel San Francisco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel San Francisco. Show all posts
Stuck in the Virgin Lounge at San Francisco Airport. Flight is 4hrs delayed. Actually, I can't moan too much as I think this is the first delay I've had on this leg (which I have on average done every 6 weeks for the past few years). I'm sitting near the bar looking at the selection on offer and contemplating the thought of trying some classic 1980's middle class dinner party drinks - like Cinzano or Malibu.
Of course I got the airport (already in a bad mood) only to be told of the delay. The Virgin checkin staff at SFO are a very very mixed bag. It used to be a very constant set of staff, to the point where you got to know the people. However, over the past year or so they are a very mixed bag. I had an issue at checkin, with the lady in meltdown at the simplest of requests. Thankfully a supervisor on hand to help out.
Decided to head into the city for some lunch (Straits, not as good as the one on Santana Row). Stupidly I forgot to take my charger for the Mac out of my checked bag, so ended up having to go to the Apple store and buying one. I like the staff in the Apple Store downtown SFO - always really friendly and helpful (actually Apple bodes very well on the staffing front).
Just 3 more hours to kill...
Well, not quite, but it's my last night here in San Jose.
Overall, it's been a good trip. Managed to get lots of stuff cleared up. As well as have some drinks/dinners in the evenings with people (always a good thing). The downside has been jetlag. Normally it isn't a problem, but this week has been average 3hrs sleep per night - not ideal. Rest assured the day was filled with plenty of cups of coffee.
Day 2 of the San Jose trip.
Hotel Hassles
When I checked in yesterday, I got to the room and did the usual check everything worked etc. At the time I thought there was a fairly loud noise of aircon from outside (one of the big vents). However, decided to keep the current room.
After dinner I went straight to sleep. At 1AM I woke up (presumably as my exhaustion from lack of sleep had passed) and of course the aircon outside was going at full blast. I let it got for about 30mins and decided I couldn't stand it any longer. Went down to reception and asked for a room move. Now being cautious, I asked the receptionist for the key to check the revised room first. Well after about 7 rooms I decided the one I had was the best (no point in having a room that faces onto the freeway). Decided to take some sleeping pills and force sleep.
Woke up this morning feeling a little tired. Decided I'd ask for a new room (a receptionist who recognised me as I visit fairly often) and got a perfect one !
Food
I love Buffalo Wings- one of the really good things about the US. Had them for dinner last night (boneless even better as saves the hassle). Dinner tonight at Malaysian/Indian place (very nice). Thankfully I've managed to stay off the snacking so far !
... A world first ! - I am at the airport on Friday traveling back home a day early due to meeting times being optimal for a change (usually it's the opposite). It will also be good to get home early as I'm sure there will be carnage at LHR due to the poor weather conditions. I'd use the phrase 'meltdown' but that isn't really applicable I guess. I guess there was the wrong kind of snow in London and so everything has come to a standstill.
I'm sure I've gained a few pounds (how quickly I get into the American way of life !) in the trip here. Last night was ribs, have just eaten a steak in the lounge. The Virgin lounge at SFO isn't that great (esp. give it's before security), funny how you get to know the staff in such places. Looking around me there are many clones of 'the brit abroad' - it's like going into a clothing store in Cambridge and all the people look the same (no genetic comment intended).
So the main amusement on this trip is that at the security point as I checked in, the guy had to go off and check my ticket was valid for going home early. I was standing looking at the paperwork and there was a piece of paper titled 'watch list' with a list of names on it. For those who know me and are interested drop me a mail - I have a funny anecdote to tell you regarding the names on the list.
Right, boarding and bed awaits....
