[Finally Finished!] Kyo Does The Land Of The Midnight Sun (aka Kyo Visits Norway)

[StarG]

Finally got through the never ending TR that is finally finished.
Epic TR with lots of beautiful pictures.
Thanks for sharing, Kyo.

[SilverChris]

2 years on and this TR is still popular! Sensational

[Kyo]

Epilogue - Kyo's Lufthansa FRA FCT Adventures

So, where could we possibly go from here?

One would think a TR as long as this deserves a grand finale. You decide if that's the case or not.

Now, we may all have our pet favourite lounges but I had specifically (much to SQflyergirl's horror/bemusement during my pre-planning stages, as I recall) planned this trip (and redeemed an inordinate amount of miles on a one-way return journey) to incorporate a visit to that lounge of lounges that is Lufthansa's pride and joy...


Lufthansa - Frankfurt's First Class Terminal

So, the stage for the finale is set - and the location is Frankfurt's FCT.


Nickbot's visit to the FRA FCT in his truly epic MoaT (Mother of all Threads/TRs) had served as the final catalyst for my deciding to stop by FRA on my way home. Sir, I salute thee!

Even 2 years (and a bit) on, FRA's FCT experience remains entrenched as one of the most memorable experiences throughout my frequent-flying days.


Here's what happened.

Upon pulling up into the arrival carpark of the FCT (off the curving driveway that leads I presume to the main terminal), I was greeted by a porter and an LH Lounge maître d' of sorts.


What Lurks Behind? - Is this really lounge Nirvana? (sorry for the blurry shot)

My sense of anticipation was stratospheric now, I must admit and I admit, I had been slowly but surely buying into all the hype leading up to that moment. I wanted this lounge experience to blow my socks off and then wash and iron them!


Let's dally no further.

There have been many discussions about contenders for the ultimate 'numero uno' lounge facility in the world, but I wanted to form my own opinion. For reasons I won't get into, the BKK TG F lounge isn't the be-all-and-end-all IMO.


I hereby subjectively (and retroactively) submit what I consider to be the worthy contenders:

1) SQ's TPR: The (sic) TPR 'The Private Room' has its supporters, and this was covered earlier on in the beginning stages of this TR.

2) VS's Clubhouse: The 'Clubhouse', in LHR is also right 'up there' and h to be sure - but amongst the lounges available back in September 2009, only three stand out as close competitors

3) LH's FCT: In recent times, with the FRA LH B lounges offering almost comparable amenities/facilities to the FCT (which launched roughly the same time as my visit to the FCT), a popular favourite for those who regularly turn left when they board the plane. The main difference between the B lounges and the FCT, of course, being the chauffeured transportation to the plane.


The LH Lounge maître d' in the picture above was no SQ-equivalent 'SYT/SPG' (pardon the Singlish vernacular) by a long shot, but her polish, poise and professionalism was absolutely flawless. She led me through the main entrance security checkpoint, and made me feel as though I was a valued 'member', if you will, of an exclusive club. I must say, sometimes I find SQ's F T3 check-in facility a little 'aloof'. I feel that I'm only 'passing through' - a different feeling you get when you enter and stay in one place like the LH FCT. Both SQ's attendants at T3 escort you to your seat, and this was also the case for LH's FCT.

Once through the security check (which was carried out also with alot of professionalism and consideration), my request to check-in one of my hand-carries was immediately accommodated without hesitation. The attendant merely mentioned the words "We'll take it from here, you just sit down and make yourself comfortable - may I have your passport to arrange the your transportation (across the tarmac) to your plane and would you like a drink?"

With SQ, the process is also very polished, however they only escort you from the front of the SKL T3 drive-through until immigration and do not follow you up to the lounge/hand you over to one of the F lounge attendants who will guide you into the TPR.

In even starker contrast with VS's CH at LHR by comparison - where nobody at check-in counter had even mentioned that I was eligible for entry (back in those days, an SQ F BP meant entry into the VS CH)! Once again the FCT edges out the competition (I find the SQ process lacking in warmth, as professional as it is, something I didn't expect LH to be able to match).

First, a drink to get the luxuriating started.


The obligatory Mojito - Very good, but a few granules of sugar too many (sugar syrup, please!)

To be honest, I didn't take a whole lot of photos of the interior (and for those who are curious, this is already very well-covered by other SQTalk TRs), but here's a few snapshots anyway.


Leather seats ensure comfort - There's plenty of space to relax


The requisite PC terminal - Lots of leather to make yourself comfortable


A First-rate bar - Without doubt, this bar is COMPREHENSIVE!

And since they were celebrating Oktoberfest, a few extra touches:


Checkered blue-and-white napkins - Totally Bavarian, ironically!


Oktoberfest Bavarian Menu - On the mug!

Where's the regular menu, then?


Regular Menu - A few more choices, of course


I mean - FAR MORE choice!

Lots of variety. Too much swine. One thing was certain - I would be dining very well this evening.


Let the gluttony - BEGIN!

Next post: The FCT Buffet + The Great Soak

[Kyo]

Thank you very much, StarG and SilverChris - but wait, there's more - the TR continues!

[SilverChris]

Thank you very much, StarG and SilverChris - but wait, there's more - the TR continues!

Seriously... Two years on?

[Kyo]

Epilogue - The FCT Buffet + The Great Soak

Warning: The following pictures are likely to induce pangs of hunger.

It's time for calorie-mania.


The Jamon - And the WHEEL OF CHEESE (okay, half a wheel)


The Antipasto section - Let's not forget the 10 bottles of vinegar and olive oils sitting on top of the counter (Aye carumba!!)


The hot food station - 5 trays


Hot food station - Zoomed in


The Olives - and 'everything else' station

Surely, I would have had to muster all my strength to refrain from demolishing the buffet...

Alas, this was not to be.


Kyo+ nibbling - (yes, nibbling) at the 'Feast'

That schweinshaxe monstrosity that had been hastily consumed earlier would end up thwarting my plans for FCT-buffet demoltion.

I managed to only do justice to the following items:


A timbale of Cream Cheese, Chives and Ham - surrounded by shaved salmon


Octopus - Antipasti

Feeling like I was about to burst, I decided it was time to throw in the towel with the savoury items and ditch the earlier plan to try the Bavarian menu and set course for the dessert station. Prawn spaghetti be damned.

I could only manage this:


Creme Caramel - The last thing I ate in Europe.

The verdict of whose lounge food reigns supreme would not be settled this evening. But based on sheer volume and overwhelming variety of choice, I think it'd be safe to say the order can best be summarised as follows:

TPR: Burp (Polite burp)
VS CH: Burpp
FCT: * BURPPP *

There's simply no contest. The FCT knows how to feed those big German boys.


I was overwhelmed. I stared around blankly at the court of my defeat. My eyes glazed over.


Defeated - I stared out in front of me to the tarmac


... is this The End?

Is this the last hurrah of this TR? A Creme Caramel?


I know what you're thinking.


Standard lounge report.


Bla bla bla...

with a bit more bla bla bla........ Boring.


No more boring comparisons!


Let's spice things up a little with a mini-Bath Report.

Oh yes. You heard me. Bath Report Time.


We promised shenanigans, and Kyo+ intends to deliver!

I'd made a booking earlier for a bath, but not just any bath - but that famous one. You know the one I mean. THIS ONE.

Despite having to wait wayyy past normal waiting time for some inconsiderate pax who must have partaken in what seemed like some bizarre hour-long bathing ritual, my patience finally paid off. I was finally summoned for my bath slot.



The Scene of the Crime - Innocently enough, down this corridor.

It's the moment you didn't know you've been waiting for in this Epilogue - and here's the teaser...


The Great Soak - In THAT famous bathtub

Stay tuned... for you're about to bear witness to...


Next post: The Great Soak

[kapitan]

gawd.... how do get all these food into your stomach!!!

[calvinoeh]

Kyo: What a good trip report! You're making me miss the FCT.

[Dent@SUB]

With this kind of FCT story, I think I must delay (on purpose) my yersterday FCL raid's overview (until further notice)... Can't compete with Kyo+++'s.....

Awesome one, mate!!!
(Brupppp...!!! Pardon me.... Still full with yerterday raid... )

[SilverChris]

Did you manage to eat anything for 12 hours after leaving the FCT?

[jhm]

Maybe my tastes are too basic but the FCT food doesn't appeal much. I think I prefer the cheeseburgers and roast pork belly+mash which I had last week in the LHR T5 BA F lounge (i.e. the OW emerald lounge and not the better CCR for F pax) buffet!

[SilverChris]

Maybe my tastes are too basic but the FCT food doesn't appeal much. I think I prefer the cheeseburgers and roast pork belly+mash which I had last week in the LHR T5 BA F lounge (i.e. the OW emerald lounge and not the better CCR for F pax) buffet!

Last time I was at the FCT (years ago) the food was great IMHO. Has their standard dropped?

[Dent@SUB]

Last time I was at the FCT (years ago) the food was great IMHO. Has their standard dropped?

With the assumption that what's inside FCL = FCT, I can assure you that the standard still the same. Three years ago, two years ago, last year, even yesterday...
Still top notch!!!
(Love those Jamon Iberico...)

[SilverChris]

With the assumption that what's inside FCL = FCT, I can assure you that the standard still the same. Three years ago, two years ago, last year, even yesterday...
Still top notch!!!
(Love those Jamon Iberico...)

Good to know May fast the day before my departure from the FCT, to save a some €

[jhm]

Love those Jamon Iberico...

It would be even more yummy if it's jamón ibérico de bellota (which I assume this is not)!