Saturday, 9 November, 2013

We are up early to fly back home. We meet Ed in the lobby and catch a cab to Central Station. From there we catch the express train to the airport. I prefer that to the cab all the way as it is cheaper and much faster. Besides, we were able to check-in our bags and get seat allocation at the train station. We request a move from row 31 to the front row, row 30, but were told they would request it but could not guarantee.

Hong Kong airport was a pain with long queues, long walks, high officialdom etc. I said to Ed, and he agreed, that in the old days I would have been absolutely ropeable by then but just roll with the punches now.

We tried to get Ed into the Business Class lounge but they would have nothing of it. Not the best lounge ever, nor anywhere neat the worst – I think Honolulu Qantas was the absolute champion (NOT). Some food, some drinks, some London newspapers from which I grab the puzzle pages.

When we board the plane we are pulled up but only to get our upgrade tickets to Row 30 with more legroom.

The flight was not memorable, good or bad. I cannot recall anything about the food. After doing a bunch of puzzles I watched three movies. The only one I can remember is Two Guns – a kind of Lethal Weapon clone. Service was again a bit ordinary with one Bloody Mary and two glasses of Red all that was offered.

The flight landed early, the process through the airport jungle was smooth, fast getting pre-ordered duty free, fast through immigration, not too long a wait for the suitcases, waived straight through customs. We were being picked up by Gary and Jess and they arrive in a good time. Only negative was that it was raining very hard and, because we did the right thing and caught them down below, as opposed to upstairs where we did for years, started by the (late departed) Lawrie and there is no cover for peons waiting for cars. Any way, Gary pulled across to the bus lane and we did not get horribly wet. I almost did not recognise the car, it had been in for service and had been washed thoroughly – the hub caps had been golden (i.e. dirt brown, sorry Prince Hal) were now shiny silver. Just shows the futility of washing cars, the Black Beauty was filthy within two days from rain, dust, birds etc.

We drop the Benbows off at their place and head home, probably getting there by 10:30 PM. It was nice being away but also nice getting home. Of course, the unpacking and washing to be done. Victoria market for food supplies the goal for the next morning.

So folks, that is it for now. The next international trip is not scheduled until April next year which is New York City under Colin McClaren and potentially a lot of other excitements. Please have a look at my “About” and “2013” pages which provide information about the other things we have been doing and the sites and events in which we participated. Cheers for now!