Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly in ultimate luxury? Well, let me tell you about my experience flying business class and stepping into the exclusive private lounge. Brace yourself, because this story is about to take you to a whole new level of travel indulgence!
As stated in my previous post: Journey Across-the Pacific, I made a jaw-dropping promise to divulge further information about my extravagant business class encounter, and I am delighted to announce that I have fulfilled that commitment. So, here it is for your perusal and prepare yourself for a laugh riot!
Now, hold your horses, my dear readers, before we embark on this tale of opulence and swanky extravagance, let's rewind a bit and revisit the very question that lingers in the air like a lingering flatulence (lol) - why on earth did we decide to splurge on business class, even in the midst of crazy-expensive flight prices thanks to the global oil crisis? Madness? Foolishness? Or just an insatiable desire to rub elbows with the elite while sipping champagne? Let's find out, shall we?
Let me put it this way, folks - the brilliant idea of experiencing business class was, (drumroll please!!!) predominantly the brainchild of my dear husband (Fiancé at that time). Yes, you heard it right! He was the mastermind behind this extravagant decision, leaving the responsibility of enjoyment solely on my shoulders. Ah, the joys of being engaged! Lol!
Well, the Fiancé visa interview was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Months of preparation, gathering all the necessary documents, and proving our Fiancé stability to the US Embassy had finally paid off. It was a moment of relief and happiness that I couldn't wait to share with my soon-to-be husband. And so, as soon as I stepped out of the US Embassy in Manila, I dialed his number with shaky hands, barely containing my excitement!
When he answered the phone, I could hear the anticipation in his voice. I wasted no time and blurted out the words he had been eagerly waiting for, "I passed the Fiancé visa interview!" There was a brief moment of silence, and then erupted a cheer from the other end of the line. It was a mixture of joy, relief, and accomplishment. Yay! We did it!
Without wasting any more time, my husband immediately took charge of the situation. As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but wonder what his next move would be. Little did I know, he had already booked us a ticket from Cebu to Boston, just a little over a month after my successful Fiancé visa interview.
Naturally, I couldn't help but inquire about the cost of the tickets for the three of us. When he told me the cost of the tickets, I was shocked. It was a significant amount of money. At that moment, I couldn't help but think about the possibility of putting that money into a high yield investment. And did you know you could build a ridiculous adorable tiny house in the province for that amout of money? I kid you not!
But my husband, being the comfort aficionado that he is, places such high value on his plush experience, having luxuriated in first-class indulgence before and has been living it up in business class whenever he jetted off to visit the good ol' USA back when we were still living the tropical dream in the Philippines. Can you believe it? While I was chilling in economy class, tightly squeezed between armrest hogs and crying babies, my dear hubby was living the high life , sipping champagne, (Oh, maybe not this one. We're talking about a man who rarely, if ever, indulges in the elixir of boozy delights! Lol! Why fly high in the lap of luxury if you can't even enjoy a good old-fashioned martini? Ah, the mysteries of life! Haha!) and lounging on plushy seats like a true boss. Talk about jackpot envy! But hey, I guess someone had to keep the economy class seats warm, right? Haha
And, the little ol' thrifty me would have happily settled for economy class, saving a pretty penny. I mean, have you seen those economy seats? I'm practically a contortionist! Haha! Just joking, of course. But hey, in the end, we found ourselves soaring high in business class, living the bougie life! Who would've thunk it?
The thought briefly crossed my mind, but I finally dismissed it. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to start a new chapter in our lives, and in the grand scheme of things, the cost of the tickets seemed insignificant compared to the experiences and opportunities that awaited us.
Nevertheless, considering the long hours of travel from the Philippines to America with a toddler, you can imagine the challenges we may face during the journey.
So, going back to the heart of the matter. As soon as we crossed the gate of the immigration officers, I had a feeling that this was going to be a unique experience. This gate, which I mentioned before in this post ,was filled with exciting and unexpected moments.
I waltzed into the waiting area with my beautiful family feeling like a VIP. As I strutted through the business class line, I couldn't help but give a little wave to the economy class passengers, secretly hoping they didn't notice my smug grin. Sorry, not sorry! (Hey, it's a once in a lifetime experience for me, so let me relish it, just this time! Okay?) Haha
Once I settled into my plush, wide seat, I felt like I had just plopped down on a cloud. It was comfier than my grandma's orthopedic shoes, and let me tell you, that's the epitome of coziness!
But the perks didn't stop there, my friends. Oh no! The flight attendants treated me like royalty (like a dream come true). They sauntered over with big smiles, ready to cater to my every need! It was like having a personal genie, except instead of granting wishes, they handed me hot towels and refreshing beverages. Talk about living the high life! (Lol)
A friendly flight attendant approached us and handed our son a set of activity books and crayons. It was such a thoughtful gesture, considering I had packed some activities for him, but having additional goodies onboard was a pleasant surprise.
But that wasn't the only surprise in store for our little one. The flight attendant also handed him a mini headset, which left him wide-eyed and amazed. He had never seen a headphone that small before, and he was absolutely thrilled to have his very own personal entertainment system.
As if the activity books and headset weren't enough, Emirates had a few more surprises up their sleeves. Our son received a bag filled with goodies and even some stuffed toys as complimentary gifts. It was like Christmas came early for him, and he couldn't believe his luck.
I must admit, watching his face light up with delight as he discovered each new surprise made the entire experience even more enjoyable for us as parents. It's times like these when you truly appreciate the little extras that make flying business class with Emirates an extraordinary adventure.
With these unexpected treats, our son was kept entertained throughout the flight. He immersed himself in coloring, engaged in games, and happily snuggled up to his new plush companions. It was a truly special experience for him.
As for us, witnessing his joy and excitement brought a lightheartedness and happiness to our journey. It reminded us that sometimes, it's the little surprises that make all the difference, turning a regular flight into a memorable and fun-filled adventure.
I believe the decision to secure business class tickets was a wise one. Despite our son's tendency to experience motion sickness, whether in a car or on a plane, he surprisingly remained calm and content throughout the entire flight.
Flying business class with Emirates was not just about the comfort and luxury, but also about the small, unexpected moments that added a touch of whimsy and laughter to our journey. It's an experience we won't soon forget, and one we would eagerly recommend to anyone looking to add a little extra fun to their travels.
Now, let me spill the beans on the food. It was almost like dining at a five-star restaurant in the sky. My husband couldn't decide if he wanted to try every dessert on the menu or just have an exclusive dinner of chocolate mousse. Hey, when you're traveling Business Class, dessert becomes a major food group.
As I savored every bite, I couldn't help but let out a muffled giggle thinking about my one economy class experience munching on stale dried green peas. Oops, did I just snort out a laugh? My bad! Haha
But the real icing on the cake (or shall I say, the champagne in the glass) was the entertainment system. I had more movies, TV shows, and music at my fingertips than a blockbuster store in the '90s!
Oh, and did I mention the legroom? It was like stepping into a vast expanse of freedom. I could stretch my legs out so far, I was practically doing yoga poses in my seat! Warrior one, anyone? (Lol)
As the flight continued, my husband and our young child peacefully drifted off to sleep, comfortably nestled in their seats. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but feel like a rockstar. The flight attendants kept checking on me, making sure my glass was never empty and my smile was firmly in place. It was as if I had my own fan club, cheering me on through turbulence and all.
Of course, I wanted to capture these extraordinary moments to relive in the future. However, taking photos proved to be quite the challenge. Every time I attempted to snap a picture, a flight attendant would come over, ready to assist or offer a delightful conversation. It seemed as though they were determined to ensure that not a single moment of my business class experience went undocumented.
Although my photo gallery may have been lacking shots of the plane cabin, it was filled to the brim with cherished memories and extraordinary service. Who needs pictures when you can hold onto the genuine warmth and attentiveness of the flight attendants? Haha!
Next, is the infamous personal care bag from Emirates!
My eyes couldn't help but gravitate towards the personal care bag that awaited me, emblazoned with the prestigious "Bulgari" logo.
My heart raced with anticipation as I unzipped the bag, expecting to be greeted by an assortment of lavish products worthy of Bulgari's esteemed reputation. To my delight, I found a small tube of lip balm, a dainty bottle of perfume, a compact mirror, and a tiny tube of lotion. Ah, the sweet scent of luxury! Haha! Or so I naively thought.
So, I examined these items, I couldn't help but question the practicality of their inclusion. Don't get me wrong, I certainly enjoy having kissable lips and smelling like a bouquet of roses, but would my fellow passengers appreciate me touching up my lip balm in the dimly lit cabin or subjecting them to an impromptu perfume spraying session mid-flight?
Feeling like a teenager, a mischievous twinkle in my eye, I contemplated experimenting with the Bulgari lip balm. Would it magically transform my ordinary pout into a glamorous, pout worthy of the red carpet? Alas, it was not the case. My lips remained disappointingly ordinary, albeit with a faint scent of luxury that wafted as I spoke. (Lol)
And let's not forget the lotion. So when attempting to squeeze a pea-sized amount of moisturizer out of a tiny tube, it barely covered half of my hand, leaving the rest of my skin yearning for the luxurious touch of Bulgari goodness! (I didn't dare to wash my hands for the fear of washing away the previous Bulgari lotion remains, haha!)
Guess what? As my skin pleaded for more hydration, I couldn't resist the urge any longer and called over a flight attendant. With a sheepish smile, I explained my dire need for Bulgari goodness and requested an extra lotion. The flight attendant, couldn't contain her laughter and disappeared for a moment.
In utter disbelief, I stared at the flight attendant, my eyes widening with a mix of surprise and amusement. Not only had my persistent request for more lotion been granted, but I had also given another personal care bag! My excitement bubbled over as I clasped my hands over my mouth to stifle an excited squeal.
The flight attendant, still chuckling uncontrollably, leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "We have too many of these and not enough passengers, shhhh." It was as if she had just revealed a classified airline secret, one that would remain between us and the surplus Bulgari loot.
In disbelief, I sat back and marveled at the absurdity of the situation. Who would have thought that a simple request for extra lotion would result in receiving another personal care bag filled with equally petite treasures? It felt as if I were unlocking a secret Bulgari treasure trove, hidden within the depths of the airline's storage compartment.
With newfound enthusiasm, I eagerly unzipped the second personal care bag, unveiling the same lip balm, perfume, small mirror, and lotion as before. The only difference was that I now possessed an extra supply, enough to conquer the driest of skins and turn the entire cabin into a cloud of Bulgari fragrance! Haha!
Well, next time you find yourself faced with a Bulgari personal care bag on an Emirates flight, remember my story. Embrace the absurdity, unleash your lotion-loving spirit, and who knows, you might just become the savior of dry hands and the ambassador of Bulgari hydration! Haha!
As for the compact mirror, it was a true lifesaver – at least for my entertainment. I somehow enjoy peering into it, observing the contorted reflections that appeared because of the turbulence! Somewhat a constant reminder that even the most elegant and distinguished brands couldn't escape the hilarious reality of flying.
Our Dubai Layover.
Now, let me take you through our layover in Dubai, where we experienced the epitome of elegance at one of the most stylish airports I've ever laid eyes on. Alright people, prepare to be amazed!
With a six-hour layover ahead of us, we decided to treat ourselves and make the most of our time in Dubai. And what better way to indulge than by splurging on a private lounge? My husband figured, if we're going to be stuck in an airport, we might as well do it in style!
As we approached the counter to check-in for the private lounge, my husband's face lit up with disappointment. He mistakenly thought that the price of our tickets included access for all three of us. But alas, reality slapped us square in the face - only my husband was entitled to the lounge perks.(Lol)
There was a brief moment of panic as we all exchanged glances. "Whaat?! We have to pay for me and my son" I blurted out, trying to hide my disappointment. My husband sheepishly nodded, realizing that he could have paid a better price if he had opted for the lounge package when he originally booked our tickets. (Sighhh)
Despite the unexpected cost, we decided to go ahead and pay for me and our son to join my husband in the lounge. After all, it was an opportunity to experience a touch of luxury during our layover, and we didn't want to miss out.
And let me tell you, once we stepped foot into that private lounge, all worries about the extra expense faded away. It was like stepping into a world of sophistication and comfort. The plush seating, complimentary refreshments, and tranquil ambiance instantly made us forget about the bustling airport right outside.
The culinary wonder of a private lounge.
This time, I want to share my incredible experience with the delectable delights. Trust me, it was like a feeeast for the senses!
So, my husband couldn't contain his excitement over the premium dates they had on offer. These luscious beauties were proudly presented in a fancy glass box, almost as if they were precious jewels. I must admit, they were truly exceptional - juicy and sweet. Of course, I took a handful because I couldn't resist, lol! The taste was unlike any other dates I've ever had. Each bite was a burst of sweetness, and the texture was so tender, it felt like they were melting on my tongue. It's safe to say that we couldn't get enough of those premium dates!
Now, let's talk about the beverages because there were no ordinary drinks. They had the fancy Perrier sparkling water, the kind you'd usually come across at a high-end dinner. It added a touch of sophistication to the whole experience. Aha!
Once I had satisfied my thirst, I turned my attention to the vast array of culinary delights spread out before me. Oh boy, where do I even begin? (high pitched voice) There were options from every corner of the globe, offering a tantalizing fusion of flavors and aromas. From spicy Indian curries to refreshing Japanese sushi, it was a global food festival at my fingertips.
The choices were overwhelming, to say the least. I had to make some tough decisions, but I couldn't resist trying a little bit of everything. (Lol) The variety was mind-blowing, and each bite was like a symphony of tastes dancing on my palate. I was in food heaveeeeen!
Now, our son is quite the picky eater, and croissants happen to be one of his absolute favorites at that time. So, when we saw they had some at the lounge, we knew we had to get a few for him. And sooo glad, he liked it!
You see, our son has a knack for being a croissant connoisseur. He can tell if a croissant is good or not with just one bite. So, we held our breath as he took his first bite. And to our delight, he loved it!
But here's the funny part - if the croissant didn't meet his expectations, he wasn't afraid to let us know. There were times when he would complain, saying things like, "This isn't a croissant! It doesn't have any flavor!" It always made us chuckle.
It's amazing how kids can be such little food critics, isn't it? They have these preferences and definite opinions about what they like and what they don't. And let me tell you, our son definitely knows his croissants! Haha!
Despite his pickiness, it was a joy to see him enjoy that croissant at the lounge. It's these little moments of discovering new treats and seeing their reactions that make parenting so rewarding. Even if it means dealing with some candid critiques along the way!
But wait, the adventure doesn't end there. Let's talk about the grand finale - the desserts. With every siiiiinful option you can imagine, it was a true paradise for those with a sweet tooth like me. The creamy cakes, emperor's ice cream, and crispy pastries were simply divine. I found myself going back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths! Because why not! Haha!
I noticed that most people in the lounge weren't taking photos, which made me hesitant to do so as well. However, I had the courage to quickly snap a few pictures of the food. Unfortunately, upon later review, I realized that most of them turned out blurry because I was in a rush not to get caught taking photos of the food. I mean, I had intended to capture the sheer beauty and mouthwatering appeal of the food, but all I got was a blurry mess. Talk about a photo fail! Haha!
Oh well, lesson learned, I suppose. Sometimes, it's best to just enjoy the food in the moment rather than stressing about getting the perfect shot. Besides, blurry or not, those flavors and textures were still amazing.
So, my journey through the culinary wonders of this private lounge was a whirlwind of flavors and a treasure trove of gastronomic experiences.
We lounged in style, enjoying the delectable treats and sipping on refreshing beverages as we savored every minute of our time in the lap of luxury.
As the hours ticked by, we took full advantage of the lounge amenities. We caught up on messages from family and friends, streamed some our son's favorite shows, and even treated ourselves to a nice warm shower. It was a little piece of heaven within the airport chaos! (Lol) It was as if the worries of travel melted away, leaving us with a sense of relaxation and contentment.
Later on, our little bundle of energy embarked on a grand adventure of building a fort. Using two small couches, he created a masterpiece that would make any architect proud. With pillows and blankets, he transformed the space into his very own fortress. The sheer excitement on his face was priceless.
What made the experience even better for us as parents was the immense space inside the lounge. There was plenty of room for him to explore, run around, and play to his heart's content. The best part? We didn't have to worry about chaos or overcrowding. It was a perfect balance of freedom and tranquility. (Hallelujah!)
Eventually, all the excitement took its toll, and our little one drifted off into a deep slumber. I mean, who could blame him? After a day packed with fun and adventure, it was only natural to need a long, peaceful nap.
As parents, it was a true joy to see our son thoroughly entertained without any concerns about safety or too many people around. The private lounge provided that perfect blend of space and serenity, allowing us to relax and enjoy every precious moment with our little explorer.
Of course, deep down, we couldn't help but laugh at the little hiccup with the lounge tickets. But hey, sometimes you have to embrace the unexpected and roll with the punches. In the end, it was a small price to pay for a taste of sophistication and some much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of traveling.
After our layover, I was granting the opportunity to experience the majesty of business class not once, but twice. And... that means I got another extra goodies. I am now a proud owner of extra goodie bags of Bulgari , haha! And who doesn't enjoy a double dose experience of business class?
Before I knew it, the flight was over, and reality snapped back into place. I bid farewell to my business class bubble, knowing I would soon be back in the land of cramped seats and limited legroom.
But hey, for those glorious hours in the sky, I lived like a king (or queen, of course). So, if you have the chance to splurge on a business class ticket, go for it! Why not treat yourself to a dose of pampering and luxury! After all, life is too short to spend it crammed in an economy seat, right? And if you find yourself on a layover in Dubai, I highly recommend indulging in the private lounge experience. Just make sure to double-check the details and perhaps opt for the package when booking your tickets to avoid any surprises at the counter. Lol!
So here we are, a little over a year later, reminiscing about that moment when a simple business class ticket and a private lounge makes a huge difference in our travel experience. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, it's okay to splurge and indulge in life's luxuries. And that sometimes dreams are meant to be chased, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zones.
As I sit in our comfortable home here in the United States, surrounded by the life we've built together, I can't help but be grateful for the day in Manila when I passed the Fiancé interview, and so far, my last encounter with the immigration officer. It was a day that set us on a path of growth, love, and endless possibilities. Even though we chose to splurge a bit on the tickets and may not have that extra investment, what we do have is so much more – a life filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories.
That's it for now, folks.
Until then, let's keep dreaming of fluffy clouds, limitless legroom, and a life where every day feels like a first-class getaway. Happy flying, my fellow adventurers! And remember, the sky's the limit – especially when you're flying business class!
Xo,
Gilaine
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Hey there, lovely people! I'm Gilaine, aka Purepinay on the Hive blockchain, and your resident Filipina momma on a quest for the next big adventure. I've got a gorgeous little munchkin, a doting husband, and a thirst for all things delicious, snap-worthy, and wanderlust-inducing.
My ultimate goal for this blog is to inspire others through my stories. If my ridiculous adventures and misadventures can put a smile on your face or ignite that travel bug within you, then my mission is accomplished.
So join me, as I navigate this crazy world one snap of the shutter at a time. Let's eat, laugh, and get lost together. Because life's too short to not embrace every moment and leave a trail of smiles and unforgettable memories behind. Cheers to new adventures and unforgettable stories!
Visit Purepinay's blog page for additional content to read.
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