On Location: Hong Kong

Hong Kong - SAR, & Cathay Pacific, the territory's acclaimed airline

By Gray Shealy

I had been saving nearly a million frequent flyer miles for my dream trip to my 7th and final continent (Australia), and the way homeward took us from the antipodal city of Perth through the - now Chinese - territory, and onward to the US. Flying one of the world’s best airlines home was part of the strategic architecture of the trip. And Hong Kong’s renowned Cathay Pacific Airways did not disappoint: cocktails were mixed and made, hot towels served — all while we were still sitting at the gate in Perth. A few airlines have signature drinks that are worth remembering: Jet Airways’ salty yoghurt lassi with cumin seeds and curry leaves is one, and Cathay’s “Delight” is now another for the books: fresh kiwi juice blended with coconut and mint was on repeat order. The bright, sage green concoction brightened the cabin as it was brought to me on white linen.  Service is what this airline is known for, and so the 8 hour flight almost seemed too short given the banquet that followed onboard.

It was my spouse’s first time alighting in Hong Kong, so with a generous 6-hour layover and airport luggage lockers, showers, and a 24-minute train ride into the city, we were able to explore Hong Kong central: first with high tea & pastries at the fading yet lux Mandarin Oriental hotel, and a stroll through the shops and along the waterfront toward the Star Ferry. It was a sunny Sunday, and all the Filipino residential staff filled the streets on their day off—which is always quite the spectacle to see: mini claims of land are made with cardboard sheets, homemade picnic feasts don tablecloths, and even pedicure stands are set up for beauty treatments. How fascinating is this cultural microcosm that has been happening much longer than the two decades I’ve been witnessing this in the city. But, we had our own treatments to attend to—back at the luxurious lounges of the airport – where a shower suite and à la carte noodle windows and self-pour cocktail bars delight. And to complete a ferociously long Sunday, another flight across the Pacific—where we arrived in California more tired than I have experienced in all my travels. And that’s quite something for me to admit.

Syllogi’s ‘On Location’ is a series of trip reports reflecting on our personal travels, as we research and experience the bounty the world has on offer.