FYI:
Knowing some of the crew members (not all, mind you) and since I do understand them it is quite true that this is a well coordinated team flying for God knows how long (20 years at least, maybe even longer).
This is their home airport and they know all the visual cues. As for the chit-chat it is informal but it goes with the level of traffic (extremely low), good weather and familiarity with the terrain (ergo the chicken story).
As for mentioning of Africa - presumably this crew has flown there (and in Asia) for too long to be used to "visual only" approaches.
I would gladly be on that a/c or with that crew, whenever and wherever (and I probably was, many times).
At least 727 nas no hidden FMS related surprises.
Cheers