the trip to Phuket was refreshing to say the least.the most memorable bits unfortunately has less to do with the sun, sea or friends but the flight to and fro.
the chinese make interesting travel companions:- thank god they don't spit in the plane (at least not within my earshot) but...
- they go 'Arghhhh' in hoards during take off and landings in an ill-advised attempt to clear their ears...
- they like to sleep with their heads on the dining trays...
- they decide when sleeping time is over (for everyone). they would engage in some random conversation, with the person sitting (at least) 3 rows away. shouting across the aisle. it does not trouble them at all that the lights are dim (for a reason) and that the rest of the passengers on the midnight flight would like a rest...
- once in a while, they would decide they need to stretch a little during the 5 hour flight. fair enough, except that while swinging their arms out, they pay little attention to wherethe arms are going. i received a knock on my head in my sleep. no apologies.
- cabin service, by the way, is non-existent on FM flights. the drinks tray was left in the aisle, good luck winning the fight to the drinks against everyone else.