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Part 9.5 - Virus News Intermission
To truly understand Hong Kong or HKer, one needs to trace back to recent history. The easiest way I can explain to an outsider are the following Thought Process “2003 SARS Pandemic” = “2019 Coronavirus Worldwide Pandemic” “2003 Article 23 Legislations” = “2019 Anti-Extradition Protest” If you follow those two mentalities, chances are you won't be far off from local sentiment. Above all else, expect HKer to be quick and practical, otherwise m̀hgòi get out of the way 😛 And yes, as George Clooney will say, some of us “Asians, They got a Thing for Slip-On shoes” 🤪 Virus News between January 24 - 30, 2020 Jan 24, 2020 – Xi says China faces “grave situation” as virus death toll hits 42 Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZO005 Jan 24, 2020 – China expands lockdown against virus, fast-tracked hospital Reference - https://apnews.com/article/09be6cd29...e6686da6bbbffb Jan 24, 2020 – Virus Panic Causes Face Mask Supplies to Run Out Across Asia Reference - https://time.com/5770903/coronavirus...ia-face-masks/ Jan 24, 2020 – Mask prices soar as HK Residents stock up amid Wuhan coronavirus fears Reference - https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...soar-residents Jan 24, 2020 – In Hong Kong, Wuhan Coronavirus Brings Back Memories of SARS Reference - https://time.com/5769314/hong-kong-s...n-coronavirus/ Jan 24, 2020 – Shanghai Disney shuts to prevent spread of virus Reference - https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/24/shan...-of-virus.html Jan 24, 2020 – With Wuhan virus genetic code in hand, scientists begin work on a vaccine Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZN2J8 Jan 24, 2020 Parties unite over Taiwan's exclusion from WHO anti-virus planning Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZN0QG Jan 25, 2020 – Hong Kong leader declares virus emergency, halts official visits to mainland China Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZO0B7 Jan 25, 2020 - Residents fret as China's virus exclusion zone widens Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...on-redirect=ca Jan 25, 2020 – Virus anxieties cast shadow over Year of the Rat festivities Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-l...-idUKKBN1ZO0B9 Jan 26, 2020 – Hong Kong bars Hubei residents from entering city as coronavirus fears intensify Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZP0H1 Jan 26, 2020 – Hong Kong protesters fuel coronavirus chaos by lobbing petrol bombs at empty housing complex Reference - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...g-complex.html Jan 26, 2020 – Virus death toll in China rises as US prepares evacuation Reference - https://apnews.com/article/6e3165077...2c2d031c2e6272 Jan 26, 2020 – Taiwan offers virus help to China but tightens visitor rules Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZP09U Jan 27, 2020 – China Virus death toll now at 81, more than 2,700 cases confirmed Reference - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/...ases-confirmed Jan 27, 2020 – China vows to beat “devil” virus as countries rush to evacuate citizens Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZR0CF Jan 27, 2020 – China county offers reward for identifying people from virus-hit Wuhan Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZQ1BN Jan 27, 2020 – Mongolia closes border, China extends holiday to fight virus Reference - https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireSt...eaths-68551150 Jan 27, 2020 – Philippines halts visa on arrival for Chinese on virus fears Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idINKBN1ZR0A3 Jan 27, 2020 – Kazakhstan restricts visa regime for Chinese over virus Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...on-redirect=in Jan 27, 2020 – Wuhan virus fears become new source of unrest for battered Hong Kong Reference - https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/ea...ered-hong-kong Jan 28, 2020 – Germany confirms first human transmission of Wuhan virus in Europe Reference - https://www.theguardian.com/science/...08e13324738430 Jan 28, 2020 – WHO weighs science and politics in global virus emergency decision Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZR2KS Jan 28, 2020 – WHO to reconsider declaring global emergency as China virus evacuation begin Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZR2VG Jan 28, 2020 – China virus turns Macau into gambling ghost town Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZS0EN Jan 28, 2020 – Hong Kong Partially Closes Border with Mainland China as Virus Death Mount Reference - https://www.rfa.org/english/news/chi...020123316.html Jan 28, 2020 – Taiwan advises against all China travel, releases mask stocks Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUKKBN1ZR14J Jan 28, 2020 – South Koreans call in petition for Chinese to be barred over virus Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZR0QJ Jan 28, 2020 – Russia ramps up controls, shuts China Far East border crossings over virus fears Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZR0TU Jan 28, 2020 – White House tells airlines it may suspend all China-US flights amid Coronavirus outbreaks Reference - https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/28/whit...-outbreak.html Jan 29, 2020 – In coronavirus outbreak, China's leaders scramble to avert a Chernobyl moment Reference - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world...2fe_story.html Jan 29, 2020 – Health Experts: Human-to-Human spread of new virus worrying Reference - https://apnews.com/article/a980aeb44...674a6e67c19da6 Jan 29, 2020 – China's Southeast Asian neighbors step up controls amid Coronavirus Fears Reference - https://www.rfa.org/english/news/chi...020064804.html Jan 29, 2020 – UAE confirms first case of coronavirus Reference - https://gulfbusiness.com/uae-confirm...f-coronavirus/ Jan 29, 2020 – Hong Kong nurses call in sick in protest of refusal to close border Reference - https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...rses-call-sick Jan 29, 2020 – Over 15,000 Hong Kong medical workers join new union, threaten strike unless gov't closes border Reference - https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/29/wu...closes-border/ Jan 29, 2020 – Airline suspend, scale back direct flights to China amid virus fears Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZS341 Jan 29, 2020 – Kazakhstan suspends transport links with China over virus Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZS178 Jan 30, 2020 – Hongkongers queue overnight to buy face mask amid citywide shortage Reference - https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/30/wu...wide-shortage/ Jan 30, 2020 – China virus triggers global rush for protective masks Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...on-redirect=in Jan 30, 2020 – China's factory activity stalls as virus risks grow Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idINKBN1ZU03H Jan 30, 2020 – Taiwan repeats virus help offer to China, says wants its people home Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idINKBN1ZT1DA Jan 30, 2020 – Hongkongers takes no chance with deadly coronavirus Reference - https://www.theguardian.com/world/ga...us-in-pictures Jan 30, 2020 – Russia closing its land border with China Reference - https://apnews.com/article/4ab3d1f10...204727e620afc4 Next Part Part 10 - Off to Hunt for Mask, Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 Business HKG-KTM |
Very interesting read! - have been following from the outset, so definitely someone is reading your story :tu:
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Originally Posted by SKT-DK
(Post 33006100)
Very interesting read! - have been following from the outset, so definitely someone is reading your story :tu:
Very happy to see there's still people following this TR :tu: Replies are Motivational so please keep it coming :) For curiosity sake, how is BKK during the pandemic with 1000 times less Farang than normal? :p As for the read I have to admit, the style of this TR did changed to reflect for travelling during these trying times. Yes, the photo detail-ness, cheekiness reflected by the emoji will always be a staple of a SHF Trip Report 💡 The "Virus News" blurb? That 100% weren't in the initial draft and yes its time consuming to go back to search/reference articles from those dates. However, I think it would be a disservice not to have "Virus News" there to try to reflect, the situation or the mood of that day. Guess this idea is drawn and expanded from "Eminem has his 8 Miles, I'll have my 4 Miles" (Jul 2012) I do have to thank wakesetter93 for whipping me a bit yesterday :D Part 9.5 that was posted today was completely new bit written/researched today. Yes Part 10 was mostly ready to go, but it would've read incomplete without having Part 9.5 as an added reference point/evidence. Next Part should be ready to go up tomorrow daytime North America. :tu: |
Originally Posted by Short hair Francis
(Post 33006157)
The "Virus News" blurb? That 100% weren't in the initial draft and yes its time consuming to go back to search/reference articles from those dates.
However, I think it would be a disservice not to have "Virus News" there to try to reflect, the situation or the mood of that day. The first concern I saw from anyone was a lunch in early February when a co-worker didn't want to go to China town in London for lunch due to the virus in China. I thought it was an overreaction - and also racist. I lived in Toronto during SARS, and still at that point figured Covid-19 would be SARS-like - outbreaks in a few areas, but mostly locally contained. By the end of February, I was still travelling (a ski trip to Austria), but we were already talking about the virus and the impact with the virus in Italy just over the border. Within a week, my next ski trip to Switzerland at the end of March seemed unlikely to occur - and within a few weeks everything was shutting down. I would be interested how as someone from Hong Kong you viewed SARS. It hit Hong Kong harder than Toronto, so wondering how it compares to Covid-19. Toronto during SARS was pretty much as normal, with a few added protections around temperature checks. Visitors were down, but nothing stopped completely. Enjoying the report. Looking forward to more. |
Originally Posted by GregWTravels
(Post 33006469)
I am quite enjoying the virus news blurbs spiced into the report. Obviously we all know in hindsight the importance of these news report, but I was aware but not really concerned about the virus causing any issues until February. A bit like Chekhov's gun - all those news reports playing in the background as I got ready to go to work about a virus in China.
The first concern I saw from anyone was a lunch in early February when a co-worker didn't want to go to China town in London for lunch due to the virus in China. I thought it was an overreaction - and also racist. I lived in Toronto during SARS, and still at that point figured Covid-19 would be SARS-like - outbreaks in a few areas, but mostly locally contained. By the end of February, I was still travelling (a ski trip to Austria), but we were already talking about the virus and the impact with the virus in Italy just over the border. Within a week, my next ski trip to Switzerland at the end of March seemed unlikely to occur - and within a few weeks everything was shutting down. I would be interested how as someone from Hong Kong you viewed SARS. It hit Hong Kong harder than Toronto, so wondering how it compares to Covid-19. Toronto during SARS was pretty much as normal, with a few added protections around temperature checks. Visitors were down, but nothing stopped completely. Enjoying the report. Looking forward to more. I think the best answer I can give you is 25% Hindsight, 75% Realist 🤔 The best theory/concept I can reference to comes from Pompeo's speech this past summer, yes I know I'll get flamed for quoting him here 😂 “When it comes to the [Chinese Communist Party], I say, we must ‘distrust and verify.’” So to me at that moment, and I say to alot of HKers (Pro West and Pro-Beijing alike) that have the horrors of 2003 in their back of their minds, what the eff was happening in Wuhan and then Hubei province that justified locking 60 Million people in a cage??? 😱😱 Undertaking Lockdown alone quashes the "no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission", seeing how that type of quarantine measures were last used for the Spanish Flu and Bubonic Plague. How HK felt during that week, I say RTHK has a good answer for that one. Sadly they didn't transcribed this episode "Golden Week of Pandemic Prevention" with English subtitles *Key Points that were brought up on the show - 7:04, If the Mainland is locking down themselves, why isn't HK closing the border, are you trying to let them come in and spread the virus? - 7:50, I can't feel the Gov't Sincerity, You can close libraries, playgrounds, gyms, pools, BUT oh can't close the border! - 8:43, Grandpa (term of endearment for old person), what time did you come to queue up, 2am As for no Chinese meal and how that is racist, personally I don't see it that way. I would even daringly suggest it was a bit naive not to think this way, realistically how are Dim Sum and Chinese cuisine (Noodle Bowl excepted) eaten? Everyone picking into the dish using chopsticks! At that moment, I was more or less suggesting individual dishes for family outings (outside of my bubble) LOL :eek: Remind me of the Late Feb/Mar stuff later on in the report, don't want to spoil the details. I guess the biggest lesson to take from all of this, Virus don't have ideals, but they are VERY real! :idea: This should be a Tough Lesson for anyone in the West, to have constant vigilance. Being a Peace Loving Hippie, overly Idealist and Naivety with no care for history or sense of danger is a Real Danger, that type of thinking is reckless endangerment and lots of people ended up paying the ultimate price ⚰️⚰️⚰️ Oh and who knew you need 2 tests before seeing somebody new right now, RT-PCR and an STD Test 🤣🤣 |
Great response to GregWTravels Continuing to enjoy this report!
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Part 10 – Off to Hunt for Mask, Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 Business HKG-KTM
Part 10 - 12 is what I would call the Great Travel-Reset. How visa restrictions are no longer the only major travel barrier and obviously touches on Yours Truly decision in fleeing from Asia. After coming back to HKG on the 22nd, it was just days until Lunar New Year (25th) and the Year of the Rat. Truthfully renaming the Year of the Bubonic Plague wouldn't be far off. 😷😷 As bad news after bad news surfaced first from Wuhan (1/23), then Hubei Province (1/24), combined with HK's #1 Mother Carrie Lam's steady refusal to close the HK/CN border, I started debated bailing from HKG. 🤔 The only problem about bailing at that time, it's Lunar New Year! :rolleyes: And bailing from a bunch of family luncheons/dinner at that particular moment have dearsome consequences and creates more in-family fighting. 😔 The best comparison I can give to a Caucasian is this, how would your family feel if you were to bail from Thanksgiving or Christmas, 10 mins after you got in the door. By the 27th, my mind was made up, it was time to bail. 💡 As HK hospital workers pleaded for quarantine measures, the unwillingness for Carrie to close HK/CN border (especially the High Speed Rail checkpoint), outright mask shortage in the city, CN/KP, CN/MN closing border or simply outright distrust of government were all major contributing factors in my decision process. With award travel is mostly unavailable due to Lunar New Year demand, I fortunately had a HKG-KTM open Business segment remaining (expiring Mid Feb 2020) for use. Add a cheap Premium travel ex-KTM ticket and that was the direction I decided to undertake this go-around. :) ☺️☺️☺️ By miracle, I pre-did my Nepali visa back in Early Jan, talk about fate. Everything was in place, it's time to head back to North America. 👍 For MamaSHF and PapaSHF, they decided to stay behind in HKG due to other reasons. Jan 31, 2020 – Wednesday KA 104 HKG – KTM 7:00pm – 10:05pm (333/J) For this afternoon, I arrived at the airport at 2:30pm for a 7pm flight Hong Kong International Airport https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0a3639b3_b.jpg UGH the stupid Water Barriers are finally gone 😒😒 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8b549691_b.jpg *The Injunction Order however remains https://hongkongfp.com/2019/08/14/ho...s-rescheduled/ Cathay Pacific Airways First Class Check-In https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1467ccf2_b.jpg After quickly verifying my visa and return ticket and my boarding pass was quickly issued by the Check-In agent. Eva Air Airbus 321-200 Hello Kitty Friendship Bow “B-16207” https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b820b9c3_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1c100010_b.jpg After exiting HKG immigration control, I went to my home lounge, the Cathay Pacific “The Pier” First, Twice in 17 Days. 😍 HKG Cathay Pacific Airways “The Pier” First Class Lounge https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7258e3b2_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...08d13f16_b.jpg *Back in my World of Bliss :) :) :) Since I had some lunch before leaving the apartment, I got on the massage queue and went for a shower first. Afterwards I retreated myself into the office cubicle and worked for the next 2 hrs or so before the massage. I finally made my way to the restaurant around 530pm, safer to have a bigger meal here in case the Dragonair meal wasn't up to taste. Lunch/Winter Dining Menu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b3f31a7b_b.jpg Time to Eat! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0f3ecbe7_b.jpg 1st Appetizer, Lunar New Year Fortune Platter https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...27925e2b_b.jpg *Seared Tuna, Crisp Taro, Melon, Vegetables, Sesame Dressing 2nd Appetizer, Huadiao Chicken https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...39b6da26_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cc8fa4e1_b.jpg *20 yr Aged Zhaoqing Wine, Celtuce Root, Goji Berries Main Course, Wagyu Beef Cheese Burger https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e42d1ac1_b.jpg *Gruyere, Pickles, Barbecue Relish, Brioche Bun, Potato Fries, Salad Extra Side of Fries https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...300aa80b_b.jpg *Yes I had the munchies today 😋 Dessert, Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b1ec7117_b.jpg The food here has definitely fallen a fair amount when it reopened in 2016. As I was running a bit late finishing dinner at the Pier, I only got to the gate at 6:20pm. Gate 44 for tonight's departure to Kathmandu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b898572c_b.jpg *5th flight of the Trip, 3436 Miles Flown Cathay Dragon 104 Hong Kong to Kathmandu Scheduled - 7:00pm – 10:05pm, 5 Hr 25 Min flight Actual Departure – 6:54pm On-Time Arrival – 10:08pm Business Class, Seat 10A Food – Dinner Equipment – Airbus 330-300 (24J/293Y) 33H Configuration “B-LEK” https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...60a410f0_b.jpg In similar HKG fashion, F/J/W/Y lines were set-up and I was lined up #2 at the First boarding lane 😊 Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f161bf0e_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a336c799_b.jpg Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 Business Class Cabin https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8cd744cd_b.jpg Part 10 Continues Below |
Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 Business Class Seat
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6cec453c_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...38b8c990_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...82bb686a_b.jpg Pre-Departure Beverage with Wet Towelette https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c5657fc2_b.jpg *Towelette was useful for wiping down the seat. Drink Stand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ec5947fa_b.jpg Small Storage Space https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f326ef51_b.jpg Welcome Aboard https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6926a4da_b.jpg 5 Hours Exact for Tonight's Flight https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...56df6193_b.jpg It still amazes me how East Asia can board a widebody in 20-25 mins and in North America that can be easily 45 mins plus. Tonight's Door Close at 6:54pm and again no seat neighbor tonight 😊 And Pushback on Schedule at 6:57pm https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a7a8190_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...933f9e4c_b.jpg 15 Min Taxi to Runway 7R https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...51e27e4f_b.jpg And we took off from Runway 7R at 7:16pm https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...242c68d3_b.jpg Nighttime Departure Photos are always a Tough Cookie https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...16b9b219_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5f06a07a_b.jpg *Right Turn at the Ma Wan Channel (PORPA) then another right turn Southwest at (BREAM) And no you can't turn right before Ma Wan Channel since Lantau Island has at least 2 Mountains above 2500ft. Sometimes pilots can forget this HUGE Warning 🚨⚠️ ⚠️🚨 “Due to Terrain, RIGHT turn must NOT be commenced before PROPA or ROVER as appropriate. Shenzhen Air Runway 7L Go-Around - Incident: Shenzhen A320 at Hong Kong on Jun 26th 2016, below minimum safe altitude during go around and unexpected 360 Atlas Air off Runway 7R - https://www.flightglobal.com/atlas-7...125839.article Air China off Runway 25L - https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/a...airport-ca428/ Two Right Turns later and we were flying towards Vietnam Flying towards Hainan Island and Hanoi VFR https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f47e6f2e_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...60db364b_b.jpg Cathay Dragon Entertainment System https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...22b664af_b.jpg *Selections were the same as CX 503 KIX-HKG since we're still in January Cathay Dragon Business Class Dining Menu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ba2c5f78_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...29e56c26_b.jpg Cathay Dragon Business Class Beverage Menu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...391ce29a_b.jpg Part 10 Continues Below |
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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...644edc61_b.jpg The dinner choices were the same for KTM as well as DAC, hence why a meal to a Hindu country would also be a Moslem meal. Benefit of flying Dragonair vs. Cathay Pacific, Meals are served way quicker. 🙂 Mixed Nuts to Start https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...74f32bd4_b.jpg Tablecloth https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e2b97ec4_b.jpg Appetizer Tray https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62829f22_b.jpg *I do have a soft spot for Naan Bread on a flight, wonder why??? Appetizer, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, with Potato, Kidney Bean, and Cucumber Salad https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f874e8a_b.jpg Seasonal Salad with Balsamic Vinigrette https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4b12a628_b.jpg Main Course, Beef Rendang with Spicy Green Beans and Steamed Rice https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...41ac7060_b.jpg Dessert, Macadamic Nuts Ice Cream https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6aa334a9_b.jpg Just how fast can Dragonair finish a meal service? https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3be65ff1_b.jpg 25 Mins after Wheels-Up, Drinks 40 Mins after Wheels-Up, Appetizer Tray 50 Mins after Wheels-Up, Main Course 1 Hr after Wheels-Up, Dessert Cathay stinks in comparsion to how long it takes for them to get a meal completed. Oolong Tea to Finish the Service https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5d9679b5_b.jpg And we've just only got to Hue https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bfb47a34c3.jpg I decided to edit my photos and enjoy some music during the flight. Cathay Dragon aircrafts do not have wifi. Only Halfway there https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...49aa15a2_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b2357fc8_b.jpg A Chamomile Tea https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f331343f_b.jpg After the tea, I took a 2 Hr rough nap for the remaining part of the flight. At 30 Mins prior, Pilots came on to report it was+7C/45F and Clear Skies tonight at Kathmandu. 15 Minutes to Landing https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...95acc2df_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8bf1e154_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ff6c9e0b_b.jpg Is there another approach into Kathmandu? If there is, I certainly haven't had it. As such, we were using Romeo approach for landing on Runway 2 Landing at 10:05pm https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...14054d2c_b.jpg Very Quick Taxi to the Tarmac, Kathmandu ramp space is Tiny https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...044e8560_b.jpg Part 10 Continues Below |
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And KA 104 parked on Position at 10:08pm, I bid the crew farewell and said “See You Tomorrow” 👋 The crews themselves will also be looking for mask during the layover. The airstairs were locked in position and we were in the buses to be driven over to the Arrival Area. No Jetbridges at Kathmandu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...63737cde_b.jpg Hello Kathmandu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...abe7da2b_b.jpg Welcome to Nepal https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...24da9fcf_b.jpg With a Visa already on hand and no Load Shedding at the Immigration Hall, I was quickly stamped into Nepal and went downstairs to the Taxi Booth for a ride to Fairfield. 750 Nepali Rupees for the Taxi and I was at the Fairfield for the 1 night stay 15 mins later. The hotel graciously confirmed by need for a 4pm late checkout. Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f6886d54_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...69b52e95_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fa220932_b.jpg King Room https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f66ea2c0_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e4cba786_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9ec1cf76_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...97f05fee_b.jpg Welcome Card and Fruit Plate https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f213596_b.jpg Again, this room is fine for 2 people travelling. I saw no major issues with this hotel, breakfast benefit and 4pm checkout benefits were honored. Water didn't smell the greatest, but you are in Kathmandu afterall... Biggest issue I would say is, if you're planning to walk the 5 mins into Thamel. Your shoes are guaranteed to be VERY dusty!😠 View of Thamel the Next Morning https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fd9a8e42_b.jpg *There might be less virus here for now, but doesn't mean the air is breathable, API is 225. Considering this is the 5th time I've been to Kathmandu, I was frankly running out of places to tour here LOL 😂 Also I was technically here to hunt for mask to send back home and not to “Tour”, you won't be seeing a tourist version of Kathmandu from me. For those that are interested to visit Kathmandu valley in the future, my suggestion at minimum is plan for 3 days and do the following. - Kathmandu Dunbar/Patan Dubar/Swayambhunath - Boudhanath/Bhaktapur Dunbar - Mt. Everest Scenic flight And a Guide + Driver here is not expensive, and makes for an easier time to travel here. For the record, the furthest I've travelled from Kathmandu Valley was Nagarkot and that alone is enough of an adventure. With my mid-morning wall, I was luckily able to find and buy a few N95 Masks on Kanti Path. I also found boxes upon boxes of CN-made 2 ply mask at Mahankal (Pharmacy Alley) which I wanted no part of. With some masks secured, I went to visit the Narayanhiti Palace, the former palace of the Nepali Kingdom. Narayanhiti Palace Museum https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...82951859_b.jpg Unfortunately this museum doesn't allow for photos inside, for your imagination think of the décor in the Independence Palace in Saigon and you're not too far off. And then I walked around Thamel looking for some souvenirs and coming away empty handed. Thamel https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2907bcf2_b.jpg With a little bit of sightseeing completed, I went back to the hotel room at 315pm to clean up and get ready for the flight back to HKG. Virus News Jan 31, 2020 - Coronavirus declared Global Emergency by WHO Reference - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51318246 Jan 31, 2020 - Hong Kong closes school until March Reference - https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/31/br...bal-emergency/ Jan 31, 2020 - Hong Kong leader rejects calls to close border despite virus fears Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZU1K6 Jan 31, 2020 - Hong Kong to New York flights cost $193 – With a Stop in Wuhan Reference - https://time.com/5775158/hong-kong-t...-flight-wuhan/ Jan 31, 2020 - Apple to close all China Mainland Stores due to Virus Outbreak Reference - https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-ch...-idUSKBN1ZV3F5 Jan 31, 2020 - “I am not a Virus”: France's Asian Community pushes back over Xenophobia Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZU2PV Jan 31, 2020 - Mongolia closes border to China until March 2 to stop virus Reference - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-c...-idUSKBN1ZU0VH Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 Business Class Quick Review Check-In - Having CX/KA merging check-in counter works to my advantage as OW Emerald, experience is more private than previously. Zero wait as always 😁 Security - The New ID scanning machine at the checkpoint are definitely slower than previously having agents checking passport. 😑 Lounge – I don't think I would mind spending the entire day at “The Pier” First, would you? 😂 Boarding – The Usual Cathay 4 Boarding Line set-up, my favorite procedure Cabin Ambiance – With the 24 Seat Business Class Cabin, it feels snuggish and not in a good way. Very much lament Cathay shrinking the old Regional cabin from 42 Seats > 24 Seats. :( :( ☹️😞 Seat – Touches up the previous Dragonair 320 review, this seat for 2 Hr Daytime flight is fine. 5 Hr Medium Haul, Yeesh I'm sorry even TG offers better. 😤😤 Food – There's something with this route, I like these meal choices. 😋 They are certainly way more tasty/innovative than HKG-JP/ASEAN routes at least. 🙄 Could use a Snack Basket/small muchies for the HKG-KTM sector though. Entertainment – Standard across the CX/KA 333 fleet, dual touchscreen/remote control. Content is also standard fleet-wide. Crew – They were quick to go through their routine, Pre-Departure Beverage, Meal Service, Beverage service for remainder of flight. It's harder for the soft OW Emerald benefits to stand out in Business Class. Overall Impression – Reminder to Self, I'm paying ex-KTM fares and not ripoff HKG-PEK/PVG prices. 😥 I won't feel as annoyed when reminded of how much I pay. Next Part Part 11 – RIP Dragonair, Cathay Dragon Airbus 330-300 Business KTM-HKG |
Originally Posted by lamphs
(Post 33006831)
Great response to GregWTravels Continuing to enjoy this report!
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Originally Posted by Short hair Francis
(Post 33006157)
For curiosity sake, how is BKK during the pandemic with 1000 times less Farang than normal? :p
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Originally Posted by Short hair Francis
(Post 33005316)
FINALLY!!! Mazel Tov! :D Mashallah :D
A Reply! 🙌🙌 I was starting to wonder if there was anybody even reading the thing :( wakesetter93, 🤦🤦🤦 I hope the 1st Nine Parts weren't that bad, the photo quality should still be there granted the content is dull/too common for here. 🙁 How many folks have the joy of posting SFO777 inspirational stuff? Unless someone wants to lobby for a Last Air Force 1 TR from the "Twitter-In-Chief" himself? 🤣🤣🤣 Rephrase from the Thought Police, "Former Twitter-In-Chief" 😝 I'll try to post 1 more part up over the weekend, but its' not quite ready yet. Slacked too much the last 2 week with winter hiking in the Pacific Northwest :) |
Originally Posted by SKT-DK
(Post 33007808)
To be honest, it is lovely - can go anywhere around town and outside with it being nice and quiet :) I remember sometime last year we went to the City Pillar Shrine and it was a completely different (and pleasant!) place without the masses of people. But it does, sadly, come at a huge cost to the economy and the livelihood of many people.
Honestly that altitude was similar to what I experience in HKG this past summer from locals too, less suitcase-rolling Mainlanders hitting you. Biggest cost to the economy has to be CX, tour guides and border bus drivers. Secondary is retail. And the big after-effect of a semi-border closure were the "Mainland Anchor Babies" that were born in 2001-11. "Mainland Anchor Babies" were kids born in HK, when neither parents have ties or Right of Abode in HK. They typically lived in Shenzhen, and sent the kids to HK school, crossing the border 5 days a week. Except now Oh, No crossing for you unless you quarantine :p And e-learning? Our Glorious leader didn't give you permission via the "Great Firewall" :D
Originally Posted by wakesetter93
(Post 33008733)
We can't all keep up with SFO777, my next trips are a bunch of domestic Southwest flights to go skiing!
Wakesetter93, You couldn't fly AA/UA to the ski hills? :confused::confused: |
Originally Posted by Short hair Francis
(Post 33012931)
Southwest?!? :eek: Wakesetter93, You couldn't fly AA/UA to the ski hills? :confused::confused: |
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