Hong Kong International Airport has been named best airport for airports serving over 40 Million passengers a year.
I travel regular via this airport and it is high on my list of favorite airports to travel from. Check in facilities are fast good. You can also use the check in facilities in the city, making things much easier.
There is a good number of shops on the airport, and a good variation of restaurants if you need to refuel. It got even better with free wifi covering the whole airport.
Walking around is easy, navigation is good, and the airport is clean. Since I can use my electronic HKIDCARD, immigration is a matter of seconds. Both when leaving and returning to the territory.
Anyway, will be interesting to see how Bangkok airport will do in the rankings next year......
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
chinese econvincing a thief that he was wrong
JINAN, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- A thief has returned a mobile phone and thousands of yuan he stole from a woman after receiving 21 touching text messages from her, a local newspaper reported.
Quite an amazing story printed at Xinhua website, where a teachers bag got stolen. In the bag some serious amount of money (nearly 5000 yuan!!!), papers, bankcards, mobile etc.
The teacher kept on sending sms to the thief, and finally convinced the thief that he was wrong. THe thief returned all the belongings with a promiss to better his life....
Interesting.......
environmental awareness in Hong Kong
It looks like Hong Kong starts realizing that the waste problem should not be solved by looking for more landfills, or waste burning opportunities.......but its time to start looking at the core of the issue.
Lat year in April a number of big chains held a NO PLASTIC BAG DAY. Quite a good initiative that hopefully creates general awareness to look into packaging.
When buying groceries in a supermarket here, it never stops amazing me to see how few people carry their own bag to transport the groceries. The occasional maid\domestic helper does, however the majority of people don't.
Interesting is that every time I say that I don't want a bag, the staff at the check out says thank you! and a few cents are deducted from my bill. Even though its a few cents, its something.
Sometimes, I do take the bags as we use them as binliners at home, or to pack sweaty clothes after a yoga or gym session.
As a result of last years campagne a 2007 edition will follow according to the government.
It is becoming more of a habit, and many companies adapt it by declaring the first tuesday of the month as NO PLASTIC BAG DAY, according to another government article..
It looks like the coin is dropping for people, according to Standard:
Which are definitely promissing results!
ANother (recycling) initiative is gaining momentum, where people can dispose all their electronic equipment waste in a good way. Information about this initiative can be found at the website of the Environmental Protection Department
Lat year in April a number of big chains held a NO PLASTIC BAG DAY. Quite a good initiative that hopefully creates general awareness to look into packaging.
When buying groceries in a supermarket here, it never stops amazing me to see how few people carry their own bag to transport the groceries. The occasional maid\domestic helper does, however the majority of people don't.
Interesting is that every time I say that I don't want a bag, the staff at the check out says thank you! and a few cents are deducted from my bill. Even though its a few cents, its something.
Sometimes, I do take the bags as we use them as binliners at home, or to pack sweaty clothes after a yoga or gym session.
As a result of last years campagne a 2007 edition will follow according to the government.
It is becoming more of a habit, and many companies adapt it by declaring the first tuesday of the month as NO PLASTIC BAG DAY, according to another government article..
It looks like the coin is dropping for people, according to Standard:
Statistics gathered by the Green Student Council showed that on "No Plastic Bag Days" retailers saw a 40 percent reduction in the number of bags used.
The Environmental Protection Department said last November the three major supermarket chains had reported 24 to 29 percent reductions in plastic- bag usage since the program's inception. This was well above the target of 15 percent reduction over a one-year period.
In addition, the number of retailers participating has increased from the initial six to 39, according to the Green Student Council.
Which are definitely promissing results!
ANother (recycling) initiative is gaining momentum, where people can dispose all their electronic equipment waste in a good way. Information about this initiative can be found at the website of the Environmental Protection Department
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
Smiles, sincerity instantly impress tourists
Senior Immigration Assistant Lau Chun-hung has been named the most courteous immigration officer. As the first civil servant tourists encounter on their arrival in Hong Kong, he tells news.gov.hk how to offer tourists a good impression instantly.
source: news.gov.hk
Actually now I come to think of it, my experience with HK border control has been quite good so far. Unlike many other countries where immigration staff looks uninterested, or is more engaged in talking to colleagues rather then assisting tourists.... HK staff seems quite friendly.
They look at the bigger picture as well. As HK resident I can now use the e-channels. My HK IDCARD has identity information, the way to identify yourself is by reading my thumbprint. The system checks it with the computer systems of the immigration department and either allows or denies you to go through the channel.
It is a very fast and convenient system and saves me valuable time when travelling\crossing the border.
THey even have won the 2006 ICT Awards.
Personally I am a big fan of systems like this. When still working and travelling in Europe, I used the PRIVIUM system, this system uses iris recognition.
Especially in summertime this could save me up to 30minutes easily.
Happy travelling!
Monday, 8 January 2007
disconnected!
First of all..... A Happy New Year... that 2007 will bring you all you expect it to bring!
On this side there are some interesting developments on the boiler plate.... more to come shortly :)
In the last week of the New Year I had a really interesting business meeting (funnily enough with an internet company!!). Before I left the house I read the last details, checked the news and read about the earth quake in Taiwan. In the evening before I saw a good friend online, kind of assumed he was ok there.
Upon my return home I noticed that I lost all internet connection. Going through the whole sequence of checking everything....I found out that it still didn't work :). Calling my ISP (www.netvigator.com) didn't really help either as the lines were jammed. When speaking to my girlfriend, I found out that they were without connection as well. And since I couldn't check a website... it was time to switch on the TV. We happen to use NOW BROADBAND, which is IP TV based....even this was slightly effected by the mainly internal internet traffic.
About the next day I found out that it was indeed another earthquake. Information on earthquakes in Hong Kong is distributed by the Hong Kong observatory.
A few samples:
And
Bulletin issued at 22:05 HKT 26/Dec/2006
As well as the main damaging one:
One of the international reports of course came from the BBC, where the focus (obviouslY) was on the people. The second report was made 2 days later describing that some connections were getting back to normal.
This was correct in my experience. The first days, i could not get any connection. Even accessing Hong Kong sites was difficult. My gmail, yahoo mail, yahoo messenger, msn etc did not function. The only communication that seems to come through was skype.
It was not only the internet that was effected. Mainly all electronic international communication was effected, including long distance phone calls. This was caused by the fact that 6 out of 7 submarine cables were damaged, and the 7th one had minor damage. The question I have in this case is why is such important communication only lead over 1 location. The OFTA in Hong Kong has raised some concerns as well to see how we can prevent situations like that.
A major space for improvement is on the communication of the disruptions. It took most ISP's more then a few days to report to the public about what happened and when improvement was expected.
As I mentioned before, the HK Stock exchange didn't have any obvious sufferings. This doesn't count for the traders working at it. Many businesses were affected due to delays in communication or even the absence of communication. Again, not only internet but also international phonelines were affected. A number of banks were affected as their clients could not acces online banking sites.
More details at an article of the HK STandard
My internet connection is doing not bad. After being completely out of email for 3 days, it started coming back slowly. Now i can access most foreign websites again and even do some bigger downloads. This merely due to rerouting of datatraffic.
The cables are still damaged and they have some setbacks. One of the repair ships had to return to harbour due to problems with the stabilizing thrusthers.
according to http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=302116&type=Business
Anyway, it would be interesting to see the response of different parties and see what lessons are learned from it.
On this side there are some interesting developments on the boiler plate.... more to come shortly :)
In the last week of the New Year I had a really interesting business meeting (funnily enough with an internet company!!). Before I left the house I read the last details, checked the news and read about the earth quake in Taiwan. In the evening before I saw a good friend online, kind of assumed he was ok there.
Upon my return home I noticed that I lost all internet connection. Going through the whole sequence of checking everything....I found out that it still didn't work :). Calling my ISP (www.netvigator.com) didn't really help either as the lines were jammed. When speaking to my girlfriend, I found out that they were without connection as well. And since I couldn't check a website... it was time to switch on the TV. We happen to use NOW BROADBAND, which is IP TV based....even this was slightly effected by the mainly internal internet traffic.
About the next day I found out that it was indeed another earthquake. Information on earthquakes in Hong Kong is distributed by the Hong Kong observatory.
A few samples:
Press Releases on Earthquakes
Bulletin issued at 20:53 HKT 26/Dec/2006
A severe earthquake was recorded by the Hong Kong Observatory
at 8:28 p.m. today (Tuesday, 26 December 2006).
The epicentre was initially determined to be over Luzon Strait (21.8N,
120.6E), about 97 kilometres south-southeast of GaoXiong.
The magnitude was estimated to be 7.2 on the Richter Scale.
And
Bulletin issued at 22:05 HKT 26/Dec/2006
A MINOR EARTH TREMOR WAS RECORDED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY
AT 8:28 P.M. TODAY (TUESDAY, 26 DECEMBER 2006).
A NUMBER OF LOCAL RESIDENTS REPORTED TO HAVE FELT THIS TREMOR,
THE DURATION OF WHICH WAS A FEW SECONDS. ACCORDING TO THESE REPORTS,
THE INTENSITY OF THE TREMOR WAS ESTIMATED TO BE III(THREE) TO IV(FOUR) ON
THE MODIFIED MERCALLI SCALE OF XII (TWELVE). PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS PLACED
THE EPICENTRE OF THE EARTHQUAKE OVER LUZON STRAIT, ABOUT 97 KILOMETRES
SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF GAOXIONG.
THE MAGNITUDE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 7.2 ON THE RICHTER SCALE.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR. W.T. WONG AT 2926 8430.
As well as the main damaging one:
Bulletin issued at 11:30 HKT 27/Dec/2006
AN INTENSE EARTHQUAKE WAS RECORDED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY
AT 10:32 A.M. TODAY (WEDNESDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2006).
THE EPICENTRE WAS INITIALLY DETERMINED TO BE OVER LUZON STRAIT (22.1N,120.5E),
ABOUT 65 KILOMETRES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF GAOXIONG.
THE MAGNITUDE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 5.6 ON THE RICHTER SCALE.
One of the international reports of course came from the BBC, where the focus (obviouslY) was on the people. The second report was made 2 days later describing that some connections were getting back to normal.
This was correct in my experience. The first days, i could not get any connection. Even accessing Hong Kong sites was difficult. My gmail, yahoo mail, yahoo messenger, msn etc did not function. The only communication that seems to come through was skype.
It was not only the internet that was effected. Mainly all electronic international communication was effected, including long distance phone calls. This was caused by the fact that 6 out of 7 submarine cables were damaged, and the 7th one had minor damage. The question I have in this case is why is such important communication only lead over 1 location. The OFTA in Hong Kong has raised some concerns as well to see how we can prevent situations like that.
A major space for improvement is on the communication of the disruptions. It took most ISP's more then a few days to report to the public about what happened and when improvement was expected.
Speaking on a talk show, Director-General of Telecommunications Au Man-ho said there is room for improving the notification mechanism. Internet service providers may be asked to report service disruptions as soon as possible, he added.
As I mentioned before, the HK Stock exchange didn't have any obvious sufferings. This doesn't count for the traders working at it. Many businesses were affected due to delays in communication or even the absence of communication. Again, not only internet but also international phonelines were affected. A number of banks were affected as their clients could not acces online banking sites.
More details at an article of the HK STandard
My internet connection is doing not bad. After being completely out of email for 3 days, it started coming back slowly. Now i can access most foreign websites again and even do some bigger downloads. This merely due to rerouting of datatraffic.
The cables are still damaged and they have some setbacks. One of the repair ships had to return to harbour due to problems with the stabilizing thrusthers.
"Repairs on a single spot will take up to two to three weeks, but the bad weather and enwound cables add further complication to the repair work," said an official of China Telecom, China's largest telecom operator.
according to http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=302116&type=Business
Anyway, it would be interesting to see the response of different parties and see what lessons are learned from it.
Thursday, 14 December 2006
The longest man in the world saves dolfins...and happens to be Chinese!
According to an article at a Dutch newssite the longest man in the world, 2.36M long Bao Xishun saved 2 dolfins. There is an English version as well.
The dolfins swalled plastic that had to be removed from their stomachs. However, when doctors were entering the stomachs, they cramped up.
Bao used his 1.06M long arms to get into the stomach and remove the plastic.
So, lets see if it sparks some interest for animal saving....or a slow down on shark fins soup.....
The dolfins swalled plastic that had to be removed from their stomachs. However, when doctors were entering the stomachs, they cramped up.
Bao used his 1.06M long arms to get into the stomach and remove the plastic.
So, lets see if it sparks some interest for animal saving....or a slow down on shark fins soup.....
Chinese drink most beer in the world!
According to an article in a Dutch newspaper (CLICK HERE)are the Chinese the bigges beerdrinkers in the world.... now who thinks again about beerbellies :)
The China consumption last year was around 30BILLION Liters of beer, 1/5 of the total world consumption.
The US take 2nd place followed by Germany, Brazil and Russia.
The China consumption last year was around 30BILLION Liters of beer, 1/5 of the total world consumption.
The US take 2nd place followed by Germany, Brazil and Russia.
Saturday, 9 December 2006
bangkok....new airport and taxi drivers
I am now sitting at Bangkok airport...after spending 2 days in the city delivering a project management exam preparation course.
Am sitting at black canyon coffee enjoying a decent black coffee while updating the blog :)
Good to see that with the new airport, they AOT decided to provide free WiFi for its travelers. The new airport looks clean, organized. There is a good number of shops for people that want to spend their last money.. However, I feel they are a little bit the same. What I miss a little is the variation of little shops there was at the previous airport.
The rest is a serious improvement. Today it took me around 10 minutes to check in, pay the 500TBT airport tax, and go through immigration. The last 2 steps took easily 20-30 minutes in the previous airport.
My from and to trips could not have been more different. Upon arrival I walked to the taxi ramp, which is a little hard to find. Apparently the authorities had the plan to ban the use of normal taxi's and enforce the use of limousines. That would be a little silly. In my case the taxi fare is around 300baht + another 60baht for toll fares. In case of a "limousine" (don't think about a big chevy, or extended humvee, its more like a litle bit above standard car) this would set me back between 700-1000 Baht. So a serious difference without added value.
Anyway, when I found the taxi place again on Wednesday evening I had to queue up. Immediately witnessing an interesting story. Normally for trips outside the Bangkok area the meter is not used but fixed fares are used. So going on a meter would be silly in this case. Anyway, leaving from the airport adds an extra 50baht to the bill for what? Am not sure yet :) My first surprise was that the car was like an MPV type and it looked very well maintained. Then the next surprise was that the driver was fluent in English. THai people in general are friendly and polite..yes even the cab drivers! So that didnt come as a surprise..
---> to be continued as i have to board my plane now....
Ok, back again!
Those days I stayed at www.laresidencebangkok.com again. I had a different room then before till my good surprise. THe aircon here was adjustable in more variation then either hurricane or off. ANd even more important it was not blowing on the bed.
Was in Bangkok for 2 days project management exam preparation training for a major news company. Good crew, very professional approach.
My trip back was more interesting. When leaving the hotel, there it so happened that there was a taxi waiting outside. So, me drops the stuff in. So, i sit in the back...and think VAMOS! Of to the airport. Then the driver was starting to negotiate. 600THB and I had to pay for toll as well. Now, in reality the total fee from the new airport to hotel is around 370THB. Anyway, after going a bit back and forward we settled on my terms. I don;t mind negotiation, however a price is a price and if there is no added value then why added price?
So after 10 minutes delay we get on the road! Through the city towards motorway. When turning onto the motorway, he kind of turns around and mumbles..... do you know the way? Hmm interesting,that explains his way out price during negotiations. He had not been at the airport before.
Now, I dont know my way around Bangkok in detail, however the international symbol for and airport is......a pictogram of a plane! At pretty much every corner, turn etc the driver asked me which way. So my thoughts were, hmmm maybe try to explain the meaning of the sign. After a while I gave up.....as it didnt seem to click in.
The interesting bit was that he didn't know how to get back either. I do hope he has been able to get a return ride!
Am sitting at black canyon coffee enjoying a decent black coffee while updating the blog :)
Good to see that with the new airport, they AOT decided to provide free WiFi for its travelers. The new airport looks clean, organized. There is a good number of shops for people that want to spend their last money.. However, I feel they are a little bit the same. What I miss a little is the variation of little shops there was at the previous airport.
The rest is a serious improvement. Today it took me around 10 minutes to check in, pay the 500TBT airport tax, and go through immigration. The last 2 steps took easily 20-30 minutes in the previous airport.
My from and to trips could not have been more different. Upon arrival I walked to the taxi ramp, which is a little hard to find. Apparently the authorities had the plan to ban the use of normal taxi's and enforce the use of limousines. That would be a little silly. In my case the taxi fare is around 300baht + another 60baht for toll fares. In case of a "limousine" (don't think about a big chevy, or extended humvee, its more like a litle bit above standard car) this would set me back between 700-1000 Baht. So a serious difference without added value.
Anyway, when I found the taxi place again on Wednesday evening I had to queue up. Immediately witnessing an interesting story. Normally for trips outside the Bangkok area the meter is not used but fixed fares are used. So going on a meter would be silly in this case. Anyway, leaving from the airport adds an extra 50baht to the bill for what? Am not sure yet :) My first surprise was that the car was like an MPV type and it looked very well maintained. Then the next surprise was that the driver was fluent in English. THai people in general are friendly and polite..yes even the cab drivers! So that didnt come as a surprise..
---> to be continued as i have to board my plane now....
Ok, back again!
Those days I stayed at www.laresidencebangkok.com again. I had a different room then before till my good surprise. THe aircon here was adjustable in more variation then either hurricane or off. ANd even more important it was not blowing on the bed.
Was in Bangkok for 2 days project management exam preparation training for a major news company. Good crew, very professional approach.
My trip back was more interesting. When leaving the hotel, there it so happened that there was a taxi waiting outside. So, me drops the stuff in. So, i sit in the back...and think VAMOS! Of to the airport. Then the driver was starting to negotiate. 600THB and I had to pay for toll as well. Now, in reality the total fee from the new airport to hotel is around 370THB. Anyway, after going a bit back and forward we settled on my terms. I don;t mind negotiation, however a price is a price and if there is no added value then why added price?
So after 10 minutes delay we get on the road! Through the city towards motorway. When turning onto the motorway, he kind of turns around and mumbles..... do you know the way? Hmm interesting,that explains his way out price during negotiations. He had not been at the airport before.
Now, I dont know my way around Bangkok in detail, however the international symbol for and airport is......a pictogram of a plane! At pretty much every corner, turn etc the driver asked me which way. So my thoughts were, hmmm maybe try to explain the meaning of the sign. After a while I gave up.....as it didnt seem to click in.
The interesting bit was that he didn't know how to get back either. I do hope he has been able to get a return ride!
Wednesday, 6 December 2006
free wireless @ Hong Kong Airport
I am now waiting at the airport for another flight to Bangkok.
Had a flawless drop off of my lugage at Hong Kong station, before boarding the Airport Express. It is not that cheap to use compared to an airport bus that leaves close to my home, however the bus goes right through the city...which can be a bit of a pain during the day.
Anyway, I was already wondering when it was going to happen, but since Friday December 1 Hong Kong Airport has FREE WiFi airport wide! The service is delivered by PCCW's netvigator.
Excellent news this is, as I can now have a pre flight coffee and get the last news in and out :)
Good job guys!
Had a flawless drop off of my lugage at Hong Kong station, before boarding the Airport Express. It is not that cheap to use compared to an airport bus that leaves close to my home, however the bus goes right through the city...which can be a bit of a pain during the day.
Anyway, I was already wondering when it was going to happen, but since Friday December 1 Hong Kong Airport has FREE WiFi airport wide! The service is delivered by PCCW's netvigator.
Excellent news this is, as I can now have a pre flight coffee and get the last news in and out :)
Good job guys!
Tuesday, 5 December 2006
an interesting week in Thailand, the start
Last week was a very interesting week.
I knew I had to fly to Bangkok on Sunday afternoon. Purpose of the trip was to run a PMP project management training. However, I booked 2 flights. One for Sunday and one for Wednesday a week later, in that sequence. When checking my departure time I looked the email for the Wednesday flight. Finding it a little strange to see 16:00hrs I kind of said, hmm then maybe I did book it at 16:00.
Now, Cathay Pacific does have this flight reminder service which means 2 hours in advance you receive an sms whether the flights is on time or not. I always found this a little strange, as by that time people are normally at the airport anyway. And I was about to cancel the service anyway.
Whilst packing my suitcase I noticed an SMS on my phone..... so I checked it. And indeed... 2 hrs to go. Hmm crap that means I had to be at least at HK station to check in. In short, I was running seriously late. Rushing to get to the airport in time......... the last bit by cab as well. And of course the cab driver keeps on driving till nearly end of the departure hall. THe CX counters are pretty much in the beginning.
I checked in online already, which normally means I can drop op my suitcase. However, murphy was waiting and even for drop off was a queue. So i decided to go to business class counter which I can do with Marco Polo Frequent flyer card. The guy looked a little weird at me....which generally means bad news. He calls his supervisor, start calling like crazy. THe result was, sorry sir the flight is closed. I just missed it. I do sincerely appreciate the effort he put in there without me even asking. One of my main drivers to fly CX as their service is just good. Anyway, step 2 lets look at alternatives. The next flight was pretty fully booked, however the strategy was to change ticket to 2 flights later and then go on standby. Thank Goodness, people that think with you! How nice is that.
As we do.........so showing up at the counter after a nice coffee.....didn't get me anywhere. The flight was overbooked, even on business class. Never mind I still could check in for the updated flight. Of course it costed my 500HKD to get my ticket changed, but that was my own fault.
Finally on the plane I have a decent flight to Bangkok. Quite excited as I was flying into the new airport. And yes, pleasantly surprised it looks quite good!
Less pleasant surprises came soon. After cruising around for a taxi stand....i found one. Hmmm that didn't look very good. A queue, people but no cabs. When coming closer......the was a sign put up: CABS ON STRIKE!
Yea, whatever..... hmm it looks serious. Luckily when I arrived at the queue, the cabs just drove up.........pffffffff at least not hours of waiting or getting an expensive limousine service.The ride was ok, always funny with non English speaking cab drivers. I had not printed out the hotel name and adress in Thai...so it took me a little to explain the street of my hotel. Once there I could point out the location as I had been there before.
A good habit is that you need to pay tollfees directly, so at least no fights over it at a later stage.
After nearly an hour we arrived at my hotel. A small place, but convieniently located opposite the work location. It is a little place called La Residence A very fancy name.
The entrance is quite nice, but as soon as you leave it, you end up in a pretty basic place. A good thing is free wifi for guests :)
Since I had been offline for a while....i needed my dosis of bits. Ouch, that didnt work well. After a bit forward backward with the stadd i found out that one connection didn't work (altough according to them it does) and the next one needed a security code.
WOW THat did they job, however the connection strength was so poor that it didn;t work anyway. After 2 hours messing around I gave up, went for a shower and crashed.
Now the next one... the aircon had 2 positions: hurricane or off. After some scientific studies on airflow, temperature etc I decided to swithc it off to prevent being blown away.
Hmmm it got a little hot as Bangkok is still in the end 20;s temp. range....
After a while i fell into a good sleep!
I knew I had to fly to Bangkok on Sunday afternoon. Purpose of the trip was to run a PMP project management training. However, I booked 2 flights. One for Sunday and one for Wednesday a week later, in that sequence. When checking my departure time I looked the email for the Wednesday flight. Finding it a little strange to see 16:00hrs I kind of said, hmm then maybe I did book it at 16:00.
Now, Cathay Pacific does have this flight reminder service which means 2 hours in advance you receive an sms whether the flights is on time or not. I always found this a little strange, as by that time people are normally at the airport anyway. And I was about to cancel the service anyway.
Whilst packing my suitcase I noticed an SMS on my phone..... so I checked it. And indeed... 2 hrs to go. Hmm crap that means I had to be at least at HK station to check in. In short, I was running seriously late. Rushing to get to the airport in time......... the last bit by cab as well. And of course the cab driver keeps on driving till nearly end of the departure hall. THe CX counters are pretty much in the beginning.
I checked in online already, which normally means I can drop op my suitcase. However, murphy was waiting and even for drop off was a queue. So i decided to go to business class counter which I can do with Marco Polo Frequent flyer card. The guy looked a little weird at me....which generally means bad news. He calls his supervisor, start calling like crazy. THe result was, sorry sir the flight is closed. I just missed it. I do sincerely appreciate the effort he put in there without me even asking. One of my main drivers to fly CX as their service is just good. Anyway, step 2 lets look at alternatives. The next flight was pretty fully booked, however the strategy was to change ticket to 2 flights later and then go on standby. Thank Goodness, people that think with you! How nice is that.
As we do.........so showing up at the counter after a nice coffee.....didn't get me anywhere. The flight was overbooked, even on business class. Never mind I still could check in for the updated flight. Of course it costed my 500HKD to get my ticket changed, but that was my own fault.
Finally on the plane I have a decent flight to Bangkok. Quite excited as I was flying into the new airport. And yes, pleasantly surprised it looks quite good!
Less pleasant surprises came soon. After cruising around for a taxi stand....i found one. Hmmm that didn't look very good. A queue, people but no cabs. When coming closer......the was a sign put up: CABS ON STRIKE!
Yea, whatever..... hmm it looks serious. Luckily when I arrived at the queue, the cabs just drove up.........pffffffff at least not hours of waiting or getting an expensive limousine service.The ride was ok, always funny with non English speaking cab drivers. I had not printed out the hotel name and adress in Thai...so it took me a little to explain the street of my hotel. Once there I could point out the location as I had been there before.
A good habit is that you need to pay tollfees directly, so at least no fights over it at a later stage.
After nearly an hour we arrived at my hotel. A small place, but convieniently located opposite the work location. It is a little place called La Residence A very fancy name.
The entrance is quite nice, but as soon as you leave it, you end up in a pretty basic place. A good thing is free wifi for guests :)
Since I had been offline for a while....i needed my dosis of bits. Ouch, that didnt work well. After a bit forward backward with the stadd i found out that one connection didn't work (altough according to them it does) and the next one needed a security code.
WOW THat did they job, however the connection strength was so poor that it didn;t work anyway. After 2 hours messing around I gave up, went for a shower and crashed.
Now the next one... the aircon had 2 positions: hurricane or off. After some scientific studies on airflow, temperature etc I decided to swithc it off to prevent being blown away.
Hmmm it got a little hot as Bangkok is still in the end 20;s temp. range....
After a while i fell into a good sleep!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)