Norway Bound
Monday, July 20th, 2009I flew SWISS from Newark to Zurich on their all business-class business jet. I was traveling through Zurich to Oslo to meet up with Chris “Yammi” Ottaunick, Global Traveler’s staff photographer for a GTee junket in Norway. My flight to Zurich was uneventful — I had a meal, watched a quick movie (17 Again) and slept for the rest of the flight, skipping breakfast. My flight from Zurich, nearly six hours later, was only about two hours. The crew was incredibly attentive and pleasant, constantly making sure I was comfortable. SWISS should use these two attendants as role models for the entire flight crew!
From Oslo Airport, it was suggested we take Airport Express to the city center and walk across the street to the Thon Opera Hotel. What an efficient way to get to the city — 19 minutes and we were in Oslo and making our way to the property. I wish we had something like this in Newark or JFK!
Yammi took SAS’s premium economy class. Look for a future review in Global Traveler. He transferred to Oslo from Stockholm. He arrived eight hours before me and, like the amateur traveler he is, he took a nap!
Once I arrived I was checked in swiftly by Yasmin, the desk clerk. She had a good sense of humor and we exchanged a few laughs. Once I deposited my luggage, Yammi and I hit the town, walking up Karl Johans, grabbing a few beers and a snack at 3 Brodre Pub, which had a pleasant outside area. We watched the goings-on in Oslo! Upon our return, we stopped at the hotel bar for a nightcap and had a lengthy and informative discussion with the bartender, Max, about single malt scotches.
In the morning we were off again to the airport via Airport Express!
More to come!
–Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
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