Well, what an interesting, eventful, unforgetable start to our journey
Firstly my carry-on backpack was pulled aside going through security screening. After being asked the usual questions about do I know what's in my bag, did I pack it myself, etc it was discoverd we'd left a half drunk bottle of water from lunch. A carry-on no-no.
But the following comfort, quietness and luxuriousness of the Sydney Airport Etihad Airways Business Class lounge helped me relax from the stress that had built up from that little episode. Delicious food, fabulous service, relaxing pre-boarding time.
The Etihad flight to Abu Dahbi was uneventful, even if it was one of the older 777 still flying - the seats did fully recline to a bed albeit not the most comfortable I've enjoyed (we really were spoilt for comfort by Qantas in 2013!). The flight was absolutely chockers full, lots of movement around the cabin all during the night, some very heavy footed travellers up and down the aisles. (Val slept reasonably well and missed all the footsteps and movement)
Arrived in Abu Dahbi, with 2 hours between flights (next leg Abu Dahbi to Milan was Etihad partner flight by Alitalia), so we were directed to the lounge nr gate 35. Only trouble was, the flight left from gate 21 - at Abu Dahbi airport, that's a 25-30 minute brisk walk!! After wasting our time getting there we were very politely told that we could go to the lounge near gate 21 (as it turned out only 5 mins from that gate!!). So, by the time we got back to that lounge, there was only time for a quick breakfast snack, charge up the ipad, etc, and it was time for boarding.
Down to gate 21, we were directed to to the check-in gate for buses to travel to the plane. All business class were directed to the side, apparently there would be a special bus. Only trouble was, that check-in attendant then boarded a bus to accompany the previous checked-in passengers to the plane. When the next check-in attendant turned up shortly after, he looked at us and very politefully and helpfully wanted to know who we were and what we were waiting for!? He then very promptly directed us onto the very next shuttle bus for the plane. Just gotta love disorganised chaos.
Abu Dahbi airport - even as gi-normous as it currently is - is currently undergoing some massive development. It'a building site. We taxied between mounds of rubble but come back in 12-18 months and it will be impressive. It already makes that tin-shed beside the landing strip at Mascot (called Sydney airport) pale into insignificance.
Boarded Alitalia, much newer 777, lovely softer seats/beds, more comfortable flight. Business class less than half full, so much more quieter.
Arrival in Milan uneventful and dead on time at 13.30. Looking good, because we had tickets to go and see Michaelangelo's The Last Supper wall "fresco" at 16.00 (tickets essential, otherwise you're in a queue for hours ). Milan airport is 35 mins from Milan by fast train. Should be plenty of time.
Waited for bags to come onto the carousel .... waited ..... waited ...... and then we recognised about 10 or so other busines class passengers still waiting, and everyone else off the plane has got their baggage and gone.
Two hours later after several other flights has come and gone, someone spotted their luggage. Then some more. So, after a short minute there were only the two of us waiting - still missing one of our bags. Off to the Lost and Found Baggage department at the airport where we were abley assisted. Details were taken, and it was suggested that the bag was probably still in Abu Dhabi. Details of our accommodation over the next few days were taken and we were told the bag would be couriered. At least we'd get it back (hopefully) but our plan had been to leave one suitcase at the hotel in Milan so we weren't dragging 2 suitcases around Cinque Terre and Como unnecessarily.
The delay at the airport meant we missed our chance to see The Last Supper and there is no refund or transfer
The missing suitcase contained our fabulous cruise wardrobe. If it didn't arrive what would we do. It contained many irreplacable like Greg's 'dinner jacket'. Where could we find another $6 jacket in Italy? Do they have Vinnies here?
Got the train from the airport to Milano Centrale station which was directly across the road from our hotel. We mentioned to the hotel about our bags and they indicated it was not uncommon for bags to be delivered during the night ... lost luggage, a frequent occurrance?
About 10pm that night Greg got a text message from a courier company saying one item had been picked up and gave a couple of phone numbers. What a relief! I couldn't help remembering my friend Niki whose 'wedding trousseau' suitcase never did turn up. Checked with the front desk who said nothing need be done, they "usually" deliver about 2am.
Morning came, 6am down to the desk, and there it was, covered in a few more tags and labels, including a rather official plastic security tag through the zipper tagholes with our little security lock (at the airpot they had asked for the combination of any security lock). Customs must have opened it for checking.