Golden Helicopter Award

How can you describe the Scilly Islands? - sea, rocks, spray, sun, rain, wind, sea birds, seals, fresh crab, helicopter, bright blue sea, bright white beaches, jet boats, sparkling, magnificent, first landfall coming from the Americas.

We are just back from our most recent few days there which set us up for the whole year - it is simply the most restful, magnificent place on earth. It's more like the Caribbean than being in Europe and the quality of light is quite amazing.

We stay out of the outstanding Hell Bay Hotel on the smallest inhabited island, Bryher.
I have to give both the SCILLY ISLANDS and the HELL BAY HOTEL DOUBLE GOLDEN HELICOPTER AWARDS!

Ditched Helicopter Award

I flew on Air India recently was initially impressed to see than online check-in was from 36 hours before the flight unlike 24 hours on most airlines.

Unfortunately from that moment on it was downhill all the way!

I found that I was unable to check in online at all - and was subsequently told that Air India actually don't have the capability to do so - but they thought it would be a good idea to say that they did!

The flight took off late evening and I therefore told the stewardess that I would not be needing a meal and for me not to be disturbed. I then put on my eye shades and a blanket and went to sleep straight after takeoff.

Next thing I know I'm being shaken awake by a stewardess to be asked if I wanted dinner! When I explained that I asked not to be disturbed I was told "it's a company rule we have to wake you to dinner".

The whole experience was very much like the old days of state-owned airlines and I therefore have to give AIR INDIA a DITCHED HELICOPTER Award.