Cathay Pacific and Qantas First Class SFO-HKG-MEL-SYD-LAX including QF A380 First
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Hong Kong
Day 1
Unfortunately, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung to Big Buddha was not operating. So we were stuck on the #23 bus ride for 35 minutes of winding roads and changing elevations. So glad Mrs. SFO wasn't with us. But once at the top, it was well worth the effort.
Some wonderful scenery today...
And it is so sweet to see father/daughter days. LOL.
Day 1
Unfortunately, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung to Big Buddha was not operating. So we were stuck on the #23 bus ride for 35 minutes of winding roads and changing elevations. So glad Mrs. SFO wasn't with us. But once at the top, it was well worth the effort.
Some wonderful scenery today...
And it is so sweet to see father/daughter days. LOL.
Last edited by SFO777; Mar 15, 2012 at 10:07 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Great pics as always. If I may ask, why didn't you do the RC Hong Kong? Seems like place to stay (I'm staying in a Club Level room in June) but you can't go wrong with MO HK. Also, that property has a distinctive valet box feature to pass newspapers, shoe shine, etc which I didn't see in your photo.
Thank you lavag for your kind comments... much appreciated.
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Hong Kong
Day 1
Since we passed on the street food at Buddha, we were starving by the time we got back to Tung Chung at about 2:45P. There is a shopping centre at the station with a huge food court. After a quick walk around to assess the options we made a good choice.
More sights of the city as we take the MTR back to Central.
Day 1
Since we passed on the street food at Buddha, we were starving by the time we got back to Tung Chung at about 2:45P. There is a shopping centre at the station with a huge food court. After a quick walk around to assess the options we made a good choice.
More sights of the city as we take the MTR back to Central.
Last edited by SFO777; Mar 15, 2012 at 10:09 pm
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Hong Kong
The IC Bar, Symphony of Lights and Spoon
For dinner tonight, Mrs. SFO opted to return to one of her faves, Spoon by Alain Ducasse. Although the rooms need a make-over, the Intercontinental has one of the best locations in Hong Kong. And the lobby bar has to have one of the most spectacular views anywhere. Even better during the Symphony of Lights and sound. ^
Another amazing culinary treat tonight. But, no food shots as Mrs. SFO warns "give a rest" tonight.
Apparently pics of the interior of Spoon are OK though.
And a few outdoor pic before our taxi ride back to Hong Kong.
The IC Bar, Symphony of Lights and Spoon
For dinner tonight, Mrs. SFO opted to return to one of her faves, Spoon by Alain Ducasse. Although the rooms need a make-over, the Intercontinental has one of the best locations in Hong Kong. And the lobby bar has to have one of the most spectacular views anywhere. Even better during the Symphony of Lights and sound. ^
Another amazing culinary treat tonight. But, no food shots as Mrs. SFO warns "give a rest" tonight.
Apparently pics of the interior of Spoon are OK though.
And a few outdoor pic before our taxi ride back to Hong Kong.
Last edited by SFO777; Mar 15, 2012 at 10:10 pm
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Hong Kong
Day 2
Star Ferry and The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong at The ICC Centre
Only a 10 minute walk from the MO to the Star Ferry Terminal, past the new Apple store. At only HKD$2.50 (US$0.35) one way, what a bargain.
We used our 24 hour MTR pass to navigate our way to the ICC Centre.
And then to the 106th floor lobby entrance of the RC. What an absolutely amazing view from the two restaurants on 106. Unfortunately, Ozone Lounge on the 118th does not open until noon.
Back down at street level...
Next up: Goose lunch with Short hair Francis
Day 2
Star Ferry and The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong at The ICC Centre
Only a 10 minute walk from the MO to the Star Ferry Terminal, past the new Apple store. At only HKD$2.50 (US$0.35) one way, what a bargain.
We used our 24 hour MTR pass to navigate our way to the ICC Centre.
And then to the 106th floor lobby entrance of the RC. What an absolutely amazing view from the two restaurants on 106. Unfortunately, Ozone Lounge on the 118th does not open until noon.
Back down at street level...
Next up: Goose lunch with Short hair Francis
Last edited by SFO777; Mar 15, 2012 at 10:16 pm
#53
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HKG/YVR/NYC
Programs: AC 75K, A3*G, AS MVPG, AA LT Gold 1MM, JL/JGC (OWS) , Marriott Titanium, Hertz 5*, Avis PC
Posts: 3,697
Lounge and crew were great, food was so-so, but... the ancient, ugly 744 cabin and old narrow seats were really weak. And 14 pax stuffed into the pointy end. Wow, no wonder UA can survive on the SFO/LAX-SYD routes.
I was thinking maybe I should have just gone with CX J on this one.
I was thinking maybe I should have just gone with CX J on this one.
No you don't, HKG-MEL is on a old herringbone J, if you thought the 744 F was narrow, think again
#55
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,587
Thanks AAerSTL. I didn't even know about the RC until we were in HK. Wow, it looks simply stunning. We visited it the morning we left HKG and we will likely try it next trip. BTW, I took lots of pics and will post them shortly. No regrets about the MO though. It is an amazing hotel in a great location. Indeed, the MO valet box feature is wonderful. I simply forget about it when I was taking the pics.
#56
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Iver
Programs: BA GOLD/OWE BA Amex Prem Plus Tesco Airmiles Qantas Bronze IHG SPG Eithad
Posts: 2,902
Oh wow, those photos of HKG were fantastic, made me feel that i need to go back again,to be honest have not been there since it became china, so that shows how long ago that was. The photos from the IC Bar were amazing. think you top everyones TR with all the super photos, maybe there should be a competition for the best TR photos. Keep it coming, and look forward to the next stage of your trip. ^
#57
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,155
Amazing TR SFO 777 just like many others you have done. Very inspiring ^
I've been reading this one from the start. The clarity in your photos in incredible and lots of them too which I really, really like. ^
My favourite part of Flyertalk is the TR Forum and probably always will be! Thanks for sharing, it really is appreciated. I must get a new camera after witnessing this!
Cheers
Pete
I've been reading this one from the start. The clarity in your photos in incredible and lots of them too which I really, really like. ^
My favourite part of Flyertalk is the TR Forum and probably always will be! Thanks for sharing, it really is appreciated. I must get a new camera after witnessing this!
Cheers
Pete
#59
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: ROM
Programs: BA Silver, UA, DL Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 321
SFO777, Was that red car your ride in Hong Kong? I wonder how many miles would be needed to rent that car, if the possibility even existed.
I'm looking forward to your comments on QF, because I'll be flying on the a380 F cabin, and would like to now what to expect.
Thanks for another great TR.
I'm looking forward to your comments on QF, because I'll be flying on the a380 F cabin, and would like to now what to expect.
Thanks for another great TR.
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
that ride was only for the boys going out on the town, I couldn't see Mrs. SFO taking a taxi why the boys were in the red car...
SFO777, Was that red car your ride in Hong Kong? I wonder how many miles would be needed to rent that car, if the possibility even existed.
I'm looking forward to your comments on QF, because I'll be flying on the a380 F cabin, and would like to now what to expect.
Thanks for another great TR.
I'm looking forward to your comments on QF, because I'll be flying on the a380 F cabin, and would like to now what to expect.
Thanks for another great TR.