I am off to London and Geneva on an unexpected business trip.  I was hoping to get all my business travel done before the holidays but that plan didn't quite work.   How can one turn down an all expensed paid trip across the pond?  Knowing that opportunity is never a lengthy visitor, I booked the trip.

I have done this trip to London and Geneva two times before but both trips were in July. It should be interesting to see these European Cities with their holiday decorations and just maybe, I will actually get to see some real London Fog.   All my previous visits have been sunny and warm.

Today I am flying United Business Class 934 direct from LAX to LHR.  It will be close to a 10 hour flight and although I cringe at the length of time. I remind myself that when my ancestors came across the pond, it took weeks, not hours and a few decades ago, there would have been multiple stops between London and Los Angeles.  Ten hours is short!

I must admit, I enjoy flying business class.  I am not bragging about this, I really appreciate the opportunity to fly business class.  Some non-flying friends of mine asked what makes business class so special?  It starts the moment you arrive at the airport, dedicated check in-lines and security lines which gets you through the process within minutes as opposed to hours.  There is a special waiting lounge to wait in with nice chairs, desks, phones and complimentary coffee, tea and water.

On the Plane,  you get extra space with wide chairs that decline.  The personal video system can be used to watch three or four different videos  or too see a map which shows you where on the planet you are along with current altitude stats, time to go, and distance flown.  The extra space alone make the flight so much more enjoyable.

Business class also has a much higher level of service.  You are given a menu with choices, hot nuts are serviced with a glass of wine before dinner is served and opposed to platic dishes you get ceramic dishes and real glasses.

The fight arrived in London at 11:00 AM local time.  Although I felt like it was time for bed, it was time for lunch.  It was going to be tong day, and I knew I was going to have to do it.  I headed for a hot shower which feels so good after a long flight.  I am staying that the Hotel Rubens and although I have stayed here before.  My room was nothing like this on my previous visit.  I must admit, a nice way to start the trip!