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  1. #1
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    A Highland Fling

    Greetings from London! I hope everyone had an excellent festive season and wish you all a prosperous New Year for 2014.

    Yesterday I embarked on my life and career changing pilgrimage to the Motherland.

    This is not a holiday. Holidays are cheaper than this and don't involve winter, so there's not going to be pictures of fine dining, exotic hotels and cities, and probably not much culture at all.

    However, I do promise some beautiful winter scenes of the Scottish Highlands. I think my phone has anti-shaking technology.
    Lang may yer lum reek...

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    wish you all a prosperous New Year for 2014.
    Ah yes, do they sell bitcoin up in The Highlands?

  3. #3
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    I'm more concerned about them having laundry facilities.

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    I flew up to Bangkok early morning with a few hours to spare for my Bangkok to London Heathrow flight with EVA Air. That cost me about 900 quid well in advance, the bastards.

    I bought a carton of Benson and Hedges for 880 baht (under 20 quid) and was surprised to find out they cost 17 quid a packet back home. So I told the boys on the chat group I had packets going for a tenner a go and had them all sold in 10 mins. so with the profit I bought myself a Marshall Bluetooth Speaker.

    Grabbed a 6" Italian BMT on Italian bread, toasted with cheese, lettuce, onion, jalapenos, carrots and yellow mustard to tide me over from Subway.

    The flight was fine, definitely a meal short though. It was full of eye candy too, originating from Taipei via Bangkok. I was sat next to a deaf guy, possibly English, which was the decider of not having a drinking buddy, so I only had 1 beer and a wine the whole way, watching 4 or 5 movies.

    Arrived in T2 and waited an hour for my bags. Free train to T5.

    I picked up an EE SIM card (apparently best coverage in the Highlands) and the ethnic bastard only gave me half the package I paid for and charged me an extra 2 quid because I paid in cash.

    Got a bus from there which didn't accept cash and checked into the Thistle Hotel for the night.

    My booking wasn't registered for the night, thanks Agoda, then once it was sorted I had to walk half way back to the Airport to get to my room.

    The room was/is small, freezing cold, no heater, only an A/C unit that wont blow out any air at all, never mind warm air. 16deg would have been warmer but nothing. No TV remote.

    So I left the shower on at the full heat with the bathroom door open and ventured down to the reception area to see what the wee 'shop' had to offer. Kettle chips for 9 quid a packet. No thanks. Went back to the now steam room, had a shower and crashed out.

    Gonna check out soon and get breakfast at the airport. 1100 BA flight to Aberdeen. Apparently it's 3 degrees there, compared to 0 here, ya beauty.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    Kettle chips for 9 quid a packet
    I'm in the wrong business

    Long may yer bum reek I believe is the Highland greeting.

    We look forward to the room review at Mrs Morag McThroberson's Guest house and message parlour.

  6. #6
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    Back in time for Burns - enjoy it, you still have time to go out and shoot a few haggis

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post

    Got a bus from there which didn't accept cash and checked into the Thistle Hotel for the night.

    My booking wasn't registered for the night, thanks Agoda, then once it was sorted I had to walk half way back to the Airport to get to my room.

    The room was/is small, freezing cold, no heater, only an A/C unit that wont blow out any air at all, never mind warm air. 16deg would have been warmer but nothing. No TV remote.

    So I left the shower on at the full heat with the bathroom door open and ventured down to the reception area to see what the wee 'shop' had to offer. Kettle chips for 9 quid a packet. No thanks. Went back to the now steam room, had a shower and crashed out.

    Gonna check out soon and get breakfast at the airport. 1100 BA flight to Aberdeen. Apparently it's 3 degrees there, compared to 0 here, ya beauty.
    I stayed at the Thistle last March when I flew into the UK and up to Mcr the next day from T5. I got a really good deal on a room with Agoda and free buffet breakfast the next day (noticeable to see groups of Americans tucking into a full English with baked beans ) and thought the room was great too (I paid 70 quid).

    Obviously, you wanna be near T5 with it being a bit out of the way, but that Bath Road area usually has a few good deals on.

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    Quote Originally Posted by hallelujah View Post
    I stayed at the Thistle
    seemss the jagged thistle for late sporran openers.

    I too will need a Heathrow stopover night this year any ideas sub a ton,breakfast not needed,I'll chow on anything?

    DD should be checking into the Ravel Bodge bothy Inver-a-shirt-thyme-drillersden

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat klong toey's Avatar
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    Used to visit Scotland for hogmanay really enjoyed it lots of snow and booze.Friends owned a hose here great walks and very friendly people.
    Ardfern Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland

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    Quote Originally Posted by david44 View Post
    I too will need a Heathrow stopover night this year any ideas sub a ton,breakfast not needed,I'll chow on anything?
    I got in late so was only interested in a brekky, but there are a few good curry houses off Bath Road. Find a deal on a place there and Bob's your....well, could be anyone these days. I 've usually paid between 50 and 70 quid.

    This was good when I had an early morning flight (not from T5) and often has special offers on.

    https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/lond...athrow-airport

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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    Grabbed a 6" Italian BMT on Italian bread, toasted with cheese, lettuce, onion, jalapenos, carrots and yellow mustard to tide me over from Subway.
    Sounds like my order.....no double meat, double cheese?

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    I flew up to Bangkok early morning with a few hours to spare for my Bangkok to London Heathrow flight with EVA Air. That cost me about 900 quid well in advance, the bastards.

    I bought a carton of Benson and Hedges for 880 baht (under 20 quid) and was surprised to find out they cost 17 quid a packet back home. So I told the boys on the chat group I had packets going for a tenner a go and had them all sold in 10 mins. so with the profit I bought myself a Marshall Bluetooth Speaker.



    Grabbed a 6" Italian BMT on Italian bread, toasted with cheese, lettuce, onion, jalapenos, carrots and yellow mustard to tide me over from Subway.

    The flight was fine, definitely a meal short though. It was full of eye candy too, originating from Taipei via Bangkok. I was sat next to a deaf guy, possibly English, which was the decider of not having a drinking buddy, so I only had 1 beer and a wine the whole way, watching 4 or 5 movies.

    Arrived in T2 and waited an hour for my bags. Free train to T5.

    I picked up an EE SIM card (apparently best coverage in the Highlands) and the ethnic bastard only gave me half the package I paid for and charged me an extra 2 quid because I paid in cash.

    Got a bus from there which didn't accept cash and checked into the Thistle Hotel for the night.

    My booking wasn't registered for the night, thanks Agoda, then once it was sorted I had to walk half way back to the Airport to get to my room.

    The room was/is small, freezing cold, no heater, only an A/C unit that wont blow out any air at all, never mind warm air. 16deg would have been warmer but nothing. No TV remote.

    So I left the shower on at the full heat with the bathroom door open and ventured down to the reception area to see what the wee 'shop' had to offer. Kettle chips for 9 quid a packet. No thanks. Went back to the now steam room, had a shower and crashed out.

    Gonna check out soon and get breakfast at the airport. 1100 BA flight to Aberdeen. Apparently it's 3 degrees there, compared to 0 here, ya beauty.

    This is what i hate about the English, especially the airports. Just the blatant stealing and rip offs. Im sure most countries do it, but the cuntishness in the UK airports (and related businesses) is especially galling as most of them are incompetent fucks at the best of times.

  13. #13
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by klong toey View Post
    Used to visit Scotland
    I transferred a product line to Livingston, Scotland. Was miserably cold. Country side was cool. Pubs were funny as I couldn't understand a fkn word they said and I was told it was English. Sounded like they were talking with a mouth full of food and were about to puke. . Did of course enjoy some good Scotch while there. Wouldn't go back.

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    Quote Originally Posted by david44 View Post
    Long may yer bum reek I believe is the Highland greeting.
    I think it's just the cabin pressure


    Quote Originally Posted by malmomike77 View Post
    you still have time to go out and shoot a few haggis
    1 haggis, a few haggii.



    Quote Originally Posted by hallelujah View Post
    I stayed at the Thistle last March
    Quote Originally Posted by david44 View Post
    I too will need a Heathrow stopover night this year any ideas sub a ton,breakfast not needed,I'll chow on anything?
    I would probably try the Ibis next time, it's directly across the road from the Thistle.



    Quote Originally Posted by Topper View Post
    Sounds like my order.....no double meat, double cheese?
    It was offered, however I had already changed all my cash into Sterling and in a moment off full Scottishness I was adamant to stay within budget of my remaining baht that hadn't rounded up.



    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    Wouldn't go back.
    I've said this 100 times, yet here I am. In Winter.

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    I stole a spoon from EVA Air.

    It was a strange experience.

    I suddenly became aware that this was a bit of a dodgy thing to do. I considered that the deaf guy neighbour which I had not befriended obviously wouldn't say anything. However, the girl one seat back and across the aisle pretty much has nothing to look at except her screen and me. A bit like myself keeping tabs on the girl 1 seat forward across the aisle from me.

    Gotta be sly.

    So I finished eating and folded it into a napkin and stuck in the empty cup I'd stuck in the seat pocket as a mini bin. A bini? (Step 1)

    I thought to myself - I bet that fkr Mendy just finishes his yoghurt, licks it clean, pops it into his shirt pocket and declares to his neighbour that "My daughter collects these".

    So I waited until my 2 spies were sleeping and stuck it into my left leg pocket in with my phone. (Step 2)

    At the end of the flight when I pulled down by carry-on backpack I slipped it into the front pocket along with my phone. (Step 3).

    The perfect crime.

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    The perfect crime.
    Philospohers have long mulled over the virtue of spoon ownership benderism versus don't stir, they can be found at a mass debate daily at Whether Spoons!

    However without a photo mere Spoonerism doncha fink?

    If you only knew what Mendy does with them you wouldna wanta handle one ever again.

    Look forward to you filling yer Sporran and best wishes for the rig run, keep em coming always great to read of sub zero hero here in cool 25 degree Anna, sorry Lanna

    Quote Originally Posted by Edmond View Post
    knobbed to maximum

  17. #17
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    She’s a beauty!

    A Highland Fling-img_5871-jpg

    A Highland Fling-img_5872-jpg

    A Highland Fling-img_5873-jpg
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails A Highland Fling-img_5871-jpg   A Highland Fling-img_5872-jpg   A Highland Fling-img_5873-jpg  

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    I stole a spoon from EVA Air.

    It was a strange experience.

    I suddenly became aware that this was a bit of a dodgy thing to do. I
    The perfect crime.
    It gets easier with time, mate.

    I many different tactics depending on circumstances but have never had a problem. Just be careful about knives if you have a security check to come at a transfer.

    Shutree kindly donated an EVA spoon to the cause earlier this year but I only have the one. I'll swap ya for an Emirates?

    (and that just shows how fickle the spoon collecting world has become... I first wrote 'I'll swap ya for a KLM', but then realised that KLM haven't offered a metal spoon in years and my Dutch carrier spoon collection may soon become quite valuable)

  19. #19
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    @dirk - will we see you in a kilt, traipsing around the Scottish highlands? Reminds me of Braveheart.

    Also reminds me of a guy on YT (algorithm recommended it) who showed several ways to use/ wear a kilt. He was a survivalist/ camping typr of YouTuber.

    ******
    @stumpy - I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't unnerstan' the Scots!

    @mendy - I have nicked blankets from KLM and PAL (Phil Airlines) but I don't know where they are now... Probably in storage somewhere in my bedroom in parents' house.

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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    So I waited until my 2 spies were sleeping and stuck it into my left leg pocket in with my phone. (Step 2)

    At the end of the flight when I pulled down by carry-on backpack I slipped it into the front pocket along with my phone.




    Dirk was hard, but not hard that he didn't shite it off 20 years in Sultan.


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    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    I transferred a product line to Livingston, Scotland. Was miserably cold. Country side was cool. Pubs were funny as I couldn't understand a fkn word they said and I was told it was English. Sounded like they were talking with a mouth full of food and were about to puke. . Did of course enjoy some good Scotch while there. Wouldn't go back.

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    Quote Originally Posted by dirk diggler View Post
    The perfect crime.
    just as well you didn't have a ME switch (not a ref to some kind of Chas chance encounter)

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    Quote Originally Posted by katie23 View Post
    @stumpy - I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't unnerstan' the Scots!
    Man I gotta tell ya Katie, We were at this local pub by the factory. Was a cool little place. Then me and my colleague sat down at the bar and I ordered a scotch, my buddy ordered a beer. I could barely understand the bartender. Then these 3 guys to my left were talking away and I was like WTF language are they speaking and they look like they need medical help. My buddy said..."Oh they are speaking English" and I damn near spit my Scotch out.

    I only had to go back 1 more time and I stayed at the hotel. . I am thankful I got to go on a company paid deal. Saves me from ever wasting my own money going back.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    Then these 3 guys to my left
    even before the advent of 101 genders and LGBTQreachfortheskywhilstbendingoverintheshower+++ + it was difficult in Scotland to know which gender they were, like dwarves in the hobbit

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by katie23 View Post
    I have nicked blankets from KLM and PAL (Phil Airlines) but I don't know where they are now... Probably in storage somewhere in my bedroom in parents' house.
    I blame my new airline needs to acquire souvenirs on Mendy....notice the blanket is in mint condition still wrapped in the original plastic.

    A Highland Fling-20240111_230944-jpg

    Flying peasant class, we do have a nice collection of plastic eating utensils, all stamped with PAL's name if you're interested Mendy.

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