Advertisement
Published: August 9th 2011
Edit Blog Post
My trip started in Ottawa because I had to pick up a few things that I needed for my assignment, and attend some meetings. While I like Ottawa what this also meant is that it extended my next flight from 11 hours to over 15 hours, because I had to fly west back across Canada to Hong Kong. What did make up for this, however, was one thing - BUSINESS CLASS.
For those of you like myself who have never flown business class, let me try to describe what it's like. Picture a tasty slice of cheesecake, topped with strawberries, whip cream, and about 10 orgasms. To sum up it's outstanding. Flying coach sucks for most people, but being 6'3 makes it that much worse. The seats are cramped, my knees feel like they're in my chest, and I feel like I'm always touching the person next to me.
In business class on Cathay Pacific you get your own little pod that comes complete with a fully adjustable seat that reclines right back like a bed, footstool, tv, and even a seat back that massages you at the push of a button. I had barely got my butt in
the seat before a flight attendant asked me if I'd like a glass of champagne - yes please! Warm, scented hand towel to wash up with - don't mind if I do! Excuse me, I actually get a menu to choose from? I am on an airplane right? Finally I get to see what happens on the other side of that infamous curtain and I loved every minute of it.
After almost 15 hours I finally touched down in Hong Kong at about 4 in the morning and I was immediately struck with the beautiful scenery. It looked a lot like Vancouver with mountains in the background but as soon as I stepped off the plane I knew I wasn't home, because it was HOT and HUMID. The one thing that did make me feel at home were all the Asian people and it was very similar to Richmond except I probably saw more white people at the airport! The place was deserted except for the odd person sleeping on all of the benches because it was so early so I walked around trying to find the Cathay Pacific lounge. Of course the first time I walked in the
completely wrong direction so it took me about half an hour to find it but once I did it was like an oasis. I hadn't showered since the day before in Ottawa so I was feeling pretty sticky but once I found that lounge I was in heaven. I was directed to the showers which were pretty much like being in the nicest spa back home and it had everything you need to clean up, even razors and shaving foam. After I freshened up I went to the actual lounge area for some breakfast. The food was amazing and they had everything from the best scrambled eggs I've ever had to these little pork dumplings that I'm completely addicted to. The view from the lounge was amazing so I enjoyed that experience for a little while and then went to my gate which was on the other side of the airport. Near my gate was yet ANOTHER lounge so of course I had to check that out and this one was even better. It had seating for probably 100 people, another amazing view and the same great food. Off to my gate for the flight to Bangkok.
There was
already a lineup of people waiting to board so I decided to pick off the sex tourists while I waited. These guys could have been completely legit business men or tourists but man do they ever fit the profile. White guy - check. In your 50's - check. Pot belly - check. Looking around nervously - check. Wearing sunglasses on the flight - check. There were two of them in particular that caught my eye and they happened to be sitting right in front of me in business class so I got to do a little more surveillance. The chubby guy sat down right in front of me and I couldn't believe what was written on the back of his baseball hat - "Shanghai Tang". You're kidding me right? Later that day google told me that was just a brand name of clothing but at the time it made for great entertainment.
After a quick 2.5 hour flight I arrived in Bangkok and as soon as I stepped off the plane I knew I was there. I read another travel blog where it said, "Bangkok blasts you in the face" and that's very true. The humidity is intense and
it even has a certain smell to it, not a good or bad smell but something distinct. The airport is very modern and appeared brand new and it took me about 10 minutes to walk to the immigration processing booths, but after a quick picture and two stamps in the passport and I was set.
That takes care of my journey to Thailand, I'll save details of the actual city for my next post. Until next time....
Derek
Advertisement
Tot: 0.054s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 5; qc: 43; dbt: 0.0318s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Pete
non-member comment
Love the fact there are more White people in HK airport than in Richmond
Great blog! Very funny and interesting...good start...keep them coming...especially pics of "food"