China Day 1 - Hong Kong

As I'm sure you can surmise by the title, we have landed in Hong Kong. Thank God!

The difference between Cathay Pacific and United was ridiculous. As soon as we arrived in the check out line, there were about 4 Cathay workers just quietly walking around helping people. Handing out baggage tags, directing people to the counter, etc. There were only 15 people in line also. It was almost disconcerting how helpful they were. We talked with a woman whose daughter is in a travel program for high school in Milwaukee. Jack sat down to copy the Chinese words "Cathay Pacific from the check-in line. She watched him and gave him hints.

The plane was very nice, everyone had a tv with headphone and the headrest on the chair was moveable so you could move it to pillow your head. We basically watched movies and slept. Jack even played a couple games of chess with the computer on the screen.

Watching a movie and eating Haagen Dazs.  Not bad for an 8 year old.

The cabin crew was also very helpful. They were constantly offering things in a gentle, happy manner.

"Coffee, tea, mind-altering substance for you? My I please wipe your nose for you? It would be my honor."

Matt remarked that it was the difference between Walmart and Publix. Walmart has pretty low standards, they don't have to try hard because prices are good and people are coming for the products, not the service. Publix you pay a little more but the store is nicer and people will happily take your groceries out. It's almost like they enjoy working there or something. 

We got to Hong Kong and the airport was pretty cool. A big difference from O'Hare. Even though there was a ton of people in the HK airport, it didn't seem crowded. Everything was big and open and clean.

This next part is where we expose our lack of class. Through our credit card, we got upgraded to Platinum level. It's as fancy as it sounds. They upgraded our room to a suite and had a customer service rep walk us to our room. She lead the way, softly explaining things. We have been traveling for two days, we are tired and are wearing hideous things like swishy pants and shirts with dried chicken curry on them. We get into our room see our king size bed with the fluffy white blanket, the two bathrooms, the complimentary bottle of wine and fruit and it's all I can do not to squeal with delight. Instead I try to act like I don't usually stay at the Motel 6 and eat cookie dough right out of the bowl.

"Ah yes, thank you kind gentlewoman. I approve of the vintage on this...frenchy sounding wine. Please unpack my monocle and buy yourself something pretty with this nickel."

Tomorrow we have the whole day in Hong Kong. But first we shall roll around giggling on our king sized bed. Perhaps a pillow fight with down feathers flying. Something fancy like that.