Working Remote, a month in Penang and Koh Lanta, Thailand + HK, Beijing (CX/JL/KA F)
Mar 28, 2015, 10:33 pm
#46
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
I'm happy to hear that the Beijing portion of your trip went smoothly and thank you for the mention (regarding the "FC-->Beihai Park-->Gulou" jaunt).
Regarding your hotel selection, IMO staying in Chaoyang is FAR better than staying downtown for almost all people. During your trip, you really only needed to go downtown once (to kick of the FC++ circuit). After completing it, you were in Gulou, which isn't especially far from the Hilton. Furthermore, downtown is pretty much dead at night (save a few touristy markets) and lacks extensive/quality dining options, whereas this is certainly not the case on the east side.
I typically try to hit Made in China at 1130a before heading over to Tiananmen. While it can be really hot in the FC at 1p, it's also usually less crowded then. For people that are anxious to fill their mornings with other sites, I advise them to start at Temple of Heaven (and meet me at Made in China).
Regarding your hotel selection, IMO staying in Chaoyang is FAR better than staying downtown for almost all people. During your trip, you really only needed to go downtown once (to kick of the FC++ circuit). After completing it, you were in Gulou, which isn't especially far from the Hilton. Furthermore, downtown is pretty much dead at night (save a few touristy markets) and lacks extensive/quality dining options, whereas this is certainly not the case on the east side.
I typically try to hit Made in China at 1130a before heading over to Tiananmen. While it can be really hot in the FC at 1p, it's also usually less crowded then. For people that are anxious to fill their mornings with other sites, I advise them to start at Temple of Heaven (and meet me at Made in China).
The Made in China recommendation was also great. The Sichuan chicken was fantastic, though incredibly spicy.
I don't feel a huge need to go back to Beijing. Not that I've thoroughly explored it, it just didn't grab hold of me like HK or Tokyo. If I'm able to go to mainland China again I think I'll start in Shanghai next time.
Mar 29, 2015, 9:39 pm
#48
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 154
Really nice trip report! Seeing KA F was news to me and I was shocked to see caviar as part of the meal service. Reading what you had to go through for the transit visa in Beijing sounds exactly like what I happened to me two years ago, nice to see they haven't quite fixed it yet. In regards to the hotel, I can say that you would not have been disappointed with the Hilton at Wangfujing, excellent recognition of HH Gold and is still one of the best hotel stays I have had anywhere.
Apr 1, 2015, 10:00 pm
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
Part 11: JL PEK-NRT and Narita
After Beijing, my trip was almost over save for an afternoon in Narita town. I flew JL C PEK-NRT and spent the night at the Hilton Narita. I considered going into Tokyo but since I spent four nights there just a few months ago (and that definitely wasn't my first time) I decided to take things slow and just stay out in Narita.
Surprisingly for a capitol-to-capitol route on an Asian flag carrier, JL servies PEK-NRT with a 737:
Security and emigration at PEK were quick. I spent my remaining yuan on some treats at duty free. After that I only had about 20 minutes in the JL contract lounge before boarding.
The flight was quick and uneventful.
Mediocre breakfast.
Immigration at NRT didn't take too long on arrival. I wound up waiting about 40 minutes for the Hilton shuttle.
Okay then...
I dropped my bags in the room and hopped on the free shuttle into Narita. I grabbed some takoyaki at a stand near the train station and walked down Nakamise-dori. After three days in Beijing (with an AQI of >250) I just spent my afternoon walking around the temple grounds enjoying some clean air.
Spring blossoms had just begun.
I'd read that Narita specializes in my favorite Japanese food, unagi-don, so after enjoying the calm of the temple gardens I walked back towards the village and grabbed some eel.
After dinner, I went to a bar famous as a watering hole for flight crews from around the world:
Complete with a dog trained to step around your beer while he walks along the bar.
After a quiet night it was time to go home.
Up next: JL F to ORD
After Beijing, my trip was almost over save for an afternoon in Narita town. I flew JL C PEK-NRT and spent the night at the Hilton Narita. I considered going into Tokyo but since I spent four nights there just a few months ago (and that definitely wasn't my first time) I decided to take things slow and just stay out in Narita.
Surprisingly for a capitol-to-capitol route on an Asian flag carrier, JL servies PEK-NRT with a 737:
Security and emigration at PEK were quick. I spent my remaining yuan on some treats at duty free. After that I only had about 20 minutes in the JL contract lounge before boarding.
The flight was quick and uneventful.
Mediocre breakfast.
Immigration at NRT didn't take too long on arrival. I wound up waiting about 40 minutes for the Hilton shuttle.
Okay then...
I dropped my bags in the room and hopped on the free shuttle into Narita. I grabbed some takoyaki at a stand near the train station and walked down Nakamise-dori. After three days in Beijing (with an AQI of >250) I just spent my afternoon walking around the temple grounds enjoying some clean air.
Spring blossoms had just begun.
I'd read that Narita specializes in my favorite Japanese food, unagi-don, so after enjoying the calm of the temple gardens I walked back towards the village and grabbed some eel.
After dinner, I went to a bar famous as a watering hole for flight crews from around the world:
Complete with a dog trained to step around your beer while he walks along the bar.
After a quiet night it was time to go home.
Up next: JL F to ORD
Apr 24, 2015, 11:59 pm
#51
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
Part 12: JL F NRT-ORD
I enjoyed a light breakfast at the Hilton before hopping on the shuttle back to NRT. Check-in was quick and JL's private security area for F pax got me into the terminal quick as could be.
The JL F lounge is nice but not amazing, mostly because of how crowded it was. The alcohol selection was top-notch and there's a sushi bar with two chefs but at 9am I wasn't terribly interested in either. There are also complimentary 15 minute massages but I forgot to book mine until halfway through my time in the lounge and by then there were no more slots available before my flight.
When I left the lounge I noticed stairs and a sign to another JL F lounge upstairs, so I'm not entirely sure if I went to the right place or missed something.
While in the lounge I realized I'd left my Kindle at the Hilton but at that point there was no way to get it in time for my flight. I called the front desk and they did find it and arranged to mail it back me (postage due which miraculously only came out to $10) but trust me, NRT is not somewhere you want to be stuck with no reading material!
The only bookstore I could find in the JL terminal had a lousy selection of English-language books. I got lucky though: between the Tom Clancy novels and romance paperbacks was a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a fantastic philosophical chautauqua. When I found it I recalled a computer science professor who recommended the book so I grabbed it. I hoped that between that book and the copy of The Economist I took from the lounge I'd be entertained for the flight (JL isn't known for their IFE selection).
The book was fantastic and way better than what I'd been reading on my Kindle, so it worked out.
Anyways, back to the flight. I stopped at duty-free and bought a bunch of Kitkats and other treats for friends back home and boarded the plane.
I'd flown this flight in reverse last November and the hard product was the same. Still fantastic, my second-favorite F seat behind LH on the refurbished 744.
Some champagne to calm my nerves after all that book-drama.
Amazingly the flight was boarded and doors closed in less than 20 minutes.
After we got in the air the pre-menu bite was delivered. The most confusing thing about JL, for me, is this. Why on earth don't they put in on the menu?
A table setting was laid after that.
And then the meal actually began.
On the left, Green Asparagus, Mozzarella & Duck Raw Ham scented with Lemon. On the right, Cod Brandade, Tomato & Pine Nuts with Sherry Vinegar Jelly.
JL does a great job with their bread. Today was Fougasse, Rye Bread, Cereal Bread, and Special Bread from MAISON KAYSER (which I assume is one of the fancy French bakeries that's popped up in Tokyo).
Caviar with salmon tartare.
Wagyu beef filet with risotto.
Mmmmmm.
I'm a *huge* fan of JL's cheese service. On my JL flight in back in November it was one of the best parts of the meal and today was the same. Last time was better though, each cheese came with a specific accompaniment and the pairings were sublime.
Dessert today was a Strawberry & Coconut Blanc-manger with Raspberry & Strawberry Granité.
I'm a big fan of JL's catering. Higher quality than CX but without the wacky items that pop up on LH flights (nobody wants a green tomato confit for dessert, ever). Given the ease of earning AA miles and reliable award availability, JL is easily my favorite carrier for TPAC travel.
After the table was cleared, a post-meal treat from Jean-Paul Hevin was brought over:
Who can say no to macaroons?
I finished up with JL's coffee service—a french press at your seat!
I was so engrossed in my book that I barely slept on this flight because I just wanted to keep reading. I spent most of the remaining ~9 hours reading and sipping JL's cold green tea. Incredibly refreshing, especially given the warm cabin temperature on this flight.
About halfway through I ordered a snack.
JL's signature curry. Tastier than it looks.
"Spring Vegetable Salad"
Dessert plate with a trio of Fôret Noire with Pistachio Cream, Fromage Blanc with "Sakura" Jelly and a Chocolate Tart.
Shortly before landing I ordered the roast beef sandwich and a fantastically-prepared fruit plate.
Look at that lemon peel!
Our pre-dawn approach into a snow-covered Chicago was surreal:
Global Entry got me through immigration and customs so fast my feet almost didn't stop moving and my bag was the very first out. I even managed to score PreCheck on my domestic leg. No idea if it helped but I scanned my GE card at the AA kiosk when I reprinted my boarding pass. A brief stop in the AA Flagship Lounge, a forgettable domestic flight and I was home again.
I enjoyed a light breakfast at the Hilton before hopping on the shuttle back to NRT. Check-in was quick and JL's private security area for F pax got me into the terminal quick as could be.
The JL F lounge is nice but not amazing, mostly because of how crowded it was. The alcohol selection was top-notch and there's a sushi bar with two chefs but at 9am I wasn't terribly interested in either. There are also complimentary 15 minute massages but I forgot to book mine until halfway through my time in the lounge and by then there were no more slots available before my flight.
When I left the lounge I noticed stairs and a sign to another JL F lounge upstairs, so I'm not entirely sure if I went to the right place or missed something.
While in the lounge I realized I'd left my Kindle at the Hilton but at that point there was no way to get it in time for my flight. I called the front desk and they did find it and arranged to mail it back me (postage due which miraculously only came out to $10) but trust me, NRT is not somewhere you want to be stuck with no reading material!
The only bookstore I could find in the JL terminal had a lousy selection of English-language books. I got lucky though: between the Tom Clancy novels and romance paperbacks was a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a fantastic philosophical chautauqua. When I found it I recalled a computer science professor who recommended the book so I grabbed it. I hoped that between that book and the copy of The Economist I took from the lounge I'd be entertained for the flight (JL isn't known for their IFE selection).
The book was fantastic and way better than what I'd been reading on my Kindle, so it worked out.
Anyways, back to the flight. I stopped at duty-free and bought a bunch of Kitkats and other treats for friends back home and boarded the plane.
I'd flown this flight in reverse last November and the hard product was the same. Still fantastic, my second-favorite F seat behind LH on the refurbished 744.
Some champagne to calm my nerves after all that book-drama.
Amazingly the flight was boarded and doors closed in less than 20 minutes.
After we got in the air the pre-menu bite was delivered. The most confusing thing about JL, for me, is this. Why on earth don't they put in on the menu?
A table setting was laid after that.
And then the meal actually began.
On the left, Green Asparagus, Mozzarella & Duck Raw Ham scented with Lemon. On the right, Cod Brandade, Tomato & Pine Nuts with Sherry Vinegar Jelly.
JL does a great job with their bread.
Today was Fougasse, Rye Bread, Cereal Bread, and Special Bread from MAISON KAYSER (which I assume is one of the fancy French bakeries that's popped up in Tokyo).Caviar with salmon tartare.
Wagyu beef filet with risotto.
Mmmmmm.
I'm a *huge* fan of JL's cheese service. On my JL flight in back in November it was one of the best parts of the meal and today was the same. Last time was better though, each cheese came with a specific accompaniment and the pairings were sublime.
Dessert today was a Strawberry & Coconut Blanc-manger with Raspberry & Strawberry Granité.
I'm a big fan of JL's catering. Higher quality than CX but without the wacky items that pop up on LH flights (nobody wants a green tomato confit for dessert, ever). Given the ease of earning AA miles and reliable award availability, JL is easily my favorite carrier for TPAC travel.
After the table was cleared, a post-meal treat from Jean-Paul Hevin was brought over:
Who can say no to macaroons?
I finished up with JL's coffee service—a french press at your seat!
I was so engrossed in my book that I barely slept on this flight because I just wanted to keep reading. I spent most of the remaining ~9 hours reading and sipping JL's cold green tea. Incredibly refreshing, especially given the warm cabin temperature on this flight.
About halfway through I ordered a snack.
JL's signature curry. Tastier than it looks.
"Spring Vegetable Salad"
Dessert plate with a trio of Fôret Noire with Pistachio Cream, Fromage Blanc with "Sakura" Jelly and a Chocolate Tart.
Shortly before landing I ordered the roast beef sandwich and a fantastically-prepared fruit plate.
Look at that lemon peel!
Our pre-dawn approach into a snow-covered Chicago was surreal:
Global Entry got me through immigration and customs so fast my feet almost didn't stop moving and my bag was the very first out. I even managed to score PreCheck on my domestic leg. No idea if it helped but I scanned my GE card at the AA kiosk when I reprinted my boarding pass. A brief stop in the AA Flagship Lounge, a forgettable domestic flight and I was home again.
Last edited by txflyer77; Dec 6, 2015 at 2:27 pm
Apr 25, 2015, 12:11 am
#52
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
Conclusion
5 weeks. Hong Kong, Penang, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Hong Kong again, Beijing and Narita. CX, JL, KA, TG, AA and a tiny prop plane. $300 bottles of Salon on JL and 50c plates of curry in Thailand.
Quite a trip.
No concrete plans yet since I don't really know where things are going for me ATM but I'm hoping to spend a month working from Tokyo next year, maybe even with a swing back through Lanta afterwards. There's also a chance I'll be going to Istanbul and Scotland in the fall and I'm eyeing a very attractive TK C award with NH miles. Either way, always looking for the next adventure.
5 weeks. Hong Kong, Penang, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Hong Kong again, Beijing and Narita. CX, JL, KA, TG, AA and a tiny prop plane. $300 bottles of Salon on JL and 50c plates of curry in Thailand.
Quite a trip.
No concrete plans yet since I don't really know where things are going for me ATM but I'm hoping to spend a month working from Tokyo next year, maybe even with a swing back through Lanta afterwards. There's also a chance I'll be going to Istanbul and Scotland in the fall and I'm eyeing a very attractive TK C award with NH miles. Either way, always looking for the next adventure.
Apr 25, 2015, 3:01 am
#54
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: NCL
Programs: FB Plat; BAEC Gold
Posts: 930
Great report and what a perk form your former job. Sorry it seems to of gone wrong at some stage.
Started this report a few weeks back on your first post then lost track of it. Nice to get to read the full report in one go.
Started this report a few weeks back on your first post then lost track of it. Nice to get to read the full report in one go.
Apr 25, 2015, 10:31 am
#55
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
Apr 25, 2015, 4:45 pm
#57
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 41,991
Amazing report, op;
-many thanks for taking the time to document your travels
-I also like jl f, ex-japan
-your company policy is really cool; in fact, we're planning on implementing something similar based, in part, on this trip report
-many thanks for taking the time to document your travels
-I also like jl f, ex-japan
-your company policy is really cool; in fact, we're planning on implementing something similar based, in part, on this trip report
Apr 25, 2015, 4:47 pm
#58
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
Careful implementing the same policy, my former company eliminated it just after firing me.
Apr 26, 2015, 11:05 am
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,782
txflyer, I wonder if you and I ate at the same place when I spent a few hours in Narita. The meal presentation, even the bowl, look eel-ily familiar.
Mine, from February:
Mine, from February:
Apr 26, 2015, 11:47 am
#60
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
Unagi is one of my favorite foods, though I've had better than what I found in Narita.