October 4, 2013
Arrival in Hong Kong
The flight went very smoothly. There were only a few instances where the captain got on the PA to call for fasten seat belts, none of which lasted very long. We made our approach into Hong Kong from the eastern side of Lantau Isalnd, so we didn't get a chance to see Hong Kong from the air, as I hoped. It was just as well because it was 6 pm, dusk had fallen, and there was a distinct haze hovering around during our landing.
Hong Kong International Airport.
We made the long walk combined with multiple moving sidewalk rides through immigration and on to the luggage carousel.
Our luggage made it safe and sound, so after piling up two carts, we were out of customs and headed for our way into the city.
The fastest and most carefree way to get to Hong Kong from the Airport is via the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Airport Express train. It only takes 24 minutes to get to the Hong Kong Station with just two quick stops along the way. The Airport Express trains are like brand new, very comfortable, and quick.
The MTR in Hong Kong is a very efficient way to get around. You can purchase a single one way, or round trip ticket, but the ideal thing to do is purchase an Octopus card. They are available at every transportation hub service center, or at conveniently placed dispensing machine kiosks. You can load the card with any amount of money. Fares are deducted at the end of your ride when exiting. The Octopus card can also be used for public parking, toll roads, bridges, and tunnels.
We arrived at Hong Kong Station in Hong Kong and carted our luggage to the cab pick up area. After a very short cab ride, we arrived at the Upperhouse hotel in Pacific Place. The Upperhouse is a unique and wonderfully appointed hotel which sits on top of the J.W. Marriot at Pacific Place. The lobby is on the bottom floor from which an escalator takes guests up about two flights to another lobby area featuring an outdoor lounge, and the elevators to access the rooms, bar and restaurant from floors 38 through 49.
Website - www.upperhouse.com
My room was on the 48th floor, just one floor from the top. I had harbor and island views from the corner windows in the living area and in the on suite.
After a little freshening up in our rooms, we met at the top floor for dinner. The Upperhouse operates Café Grey Delxue on the 49th floor as well as a bar and cocktail lounge, all with spectacular views of Hong Kong harbor. Wingchi Ip, our host in Hong Kong who owns Lock Cha Tea Shop and the Lock Cha Tea House in Hong Kong Park, met us for dinner.
Website - www.cafegrayhk.com
The menu looked pretty appetizing. I decided on the evening's set menu, which included a foie gras starter, fresh mussels in red curry, seared duck breast, and baba au rhum. As far as the foie gras was concerned, it was soooo nice to be out of California!
Dinner was delicious! Doing a little mathematic calculation factoring in a cross over the international date line and our 9am departure from Sacramento minus a few naps on the plane we'd been up about 24 hours... time to make use of the very comfortable bed at the Upper house until morning.