After our pleasant visit to the Silver Kris Lounge early this morning we boarded our Upper Deck seats in UA's 747 flying to Hong Kong on its way to the U.S. We enjoyed another typically terrific Asian-based crew and the four-hour flight, while a little bumpy in spots, was enjoyable.
Once we arrived at HKG we experienced a half-hour lineup at Immigration, not at all bad for a major airport. After some vacillating, we decided to buy a special Octopus Card (public transit) for tourists, that includes trips both ways on the Airport Express, and three consecutive days of public transit. We'll have to confirm whether or not we can "top up" this card for additional travel but it appears to be a reasonable deal.
We rode the Airport Express train into Hong Kong's Central district,the third stop, then got off and waited about 15 minutes for the free airport shuttle bus. The Conrad is the second stop on the H1 route. Once we arrived at the Conrad, we were quickly whisked up the Executive Lounge, where Eunice herself, the manager so highly regarded by fellow FlyerTalkers, checked us in. She's just as friendly and hospitable as we've heard.
We're sitting in the Lounge a bit after 1:00 p.m. local awaiting our room and enjoying a rather incredible view, even on a cloudy (foggy?) day, of a portion of the harbor.
Later today we'll do a little wandering around but for now it's fun just to relax after 10,000 or so miles of flying over the past few days.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.
http://www.pacificplace.com.hk/en/mall/dining/
So far, between the wonderful breakfast in the Garden Cafe and afternoon tea and evening appetizers in the Executive Lounge, we haven't eaten in another restaurant.