I Eat My Words.....

The departure was smooth and not particularly eventful. The cyclonic rain not withstanding, one made it to the Calcutta airport in time. Rumjhum got up in time to see me off at the car, and was a trifle disappointed not to be able to come to the airport – but given the rain, no point in taking a chance. Richa ensured that the last of the essentials were fitted into the suitcase even as I decided on them at the last minute. At that wee hour, the International airport was teeming with passengers – and the see – off crowd. Discovered a few flights ( Thai/ Druk/ Air India ) were all delayed – so the chaos was imaginable. Nonetheless, the boarding was smooth – despite the waterfall curtain that was set up at the aircraft door. A little gap between the aerobridge and the door meant that you did not have to reach London to get wet! The captains apology was “These planes were not really meant for Calcutta weather” – Really! If we talk of rains, we talk of London….bit then that will have to wait.

Squeezed myself into the seat – the tiniest space, comparable with good ol’ F-28’s of Biman. Had to juggle a fair bit to get my laptop bag under my seat. But realised there and then that there was no way I could get it out during the flight. And then a one and a half hour delay before we left – the baggage did not match, the external power went off ( and hence the air conditioning) etc etc. Had Moin as the Bangla speaking crew – never could get to ask him if he was Zak’s cousin from Sylhet or not. The rest were a mixed bag of David Beckham’s & grumpy, stocky women. Wonder what happens when Jet/ Kingfisher really pick up with their quality of service. The inflight magazine is average, very average – but had an interesting article on British cuisine. Must ask KC to check out www.books forcooks.com.

Finally we take off – seemed smooth, only later were we to learn about how wrong we may have been! Waited anxiously for the breakfast to arrive. No mega choices here – a straight veg – non veg. The former being “alu – kobi” and announced as such. Took the latter tray with high expectations – and nearly spilt it! For the folding table was broken at the hinge. Not exactly the best maintained are we, eh? The first impact of globalisation hit me – but perhaps the picture is what you’d want to see. Amul butter, Karen Anand’s mixed fruit jam, and a local cheese – along with Priya Cream Cracker biscuits. As desi as it gets – or an acceptance of these brands reputation at the International level? A bottle of Gleneagles Scottish mineral water saved the day – but pray, why ? why not a Bisleri straight? Cheaper and as good. Was it a nationalist identity comment? No clue. The tea was however good.

Drifted off for a few hours. Dreamt of Ananya’s tip about the self service bar at the back of the plane. But did not have the heart to wake up my two neighbours to squeeze myself out. Goutam, a fellow scholar was on the aisle, and a TCS engineer on way to LA sandwiched on the middle seat. A snack service came by – “All Day Deli’, with a cold cheese bun, and some shortbread and a welcome drink of water. Nibbled and let go. Would do justice at lunch.
Figured out the bar – was nice top see miniatures still in use, and my greedy eye tried to espy the few rare ones that would be welcome in my collection. Picked up a few interesting ones too. Now comes the much awaited lunch…..looked forward to a good roast or something. The anti-climax was as sharp as it gets – veg or non veg. Both Indian style. Bhaat-Roti-Dal and a curry. With Kheer to follow. Convinced me that the Brits are 100% Indianised now. Regretted my post of the day before with my resolve to avoid the stuff.

The landing at Heathrow, in good weather was unexpectedly quick – and dramatic. For as soon as we touched down, did we see ourselves escorted by three light- flashing fire engines….something was amiss. Learnt it was something about the tyres. News from Calcutta on Monday clarified it all. ToI had reported parts of the tyre were left behind at Calcutta airport during take – off!

Heathrow 4 looks a lot more like the modern SE Asia airports than the other terminals. Immigration took surprisingly long – the difference between the 30 Sec experience in 2004 was stark. Luggage recovered, co-ordinated with Goutam( a Tata Steel man) and Mukand ( the railway man from Gauhati) to find our way into town.

LSE/ London/ UK ….here we come.

Overall: BA is a direct flight, and is quite disciplined. Other than that, nothing really to speak of. And the leg spaceis significantly less than, say a Thai or a Singapore. But a ten hour straight flight is not bad. And yes, discovered how little I know about central asia and Eastern Europe geography. Could not even recognise most of the names on the air show map. Must make a note to set that right.