Hong Kong International Airport

[khiemtran]

I'll be returning to Xiamen shortly (in blog form, at least), but first a note of praise for my favourite airport, HKIA.




Where, apart from getting the basics right, such as ample space and seating, fast and efficient security, showers, shopping, public transport access and helpful staff, they also manage to come up with food you actually want to eat...

Just about every cuisine is covered somewhere, but if you just want a quick pick-me-up after a long flight, you can't beat the cheap Chinese fast food stalls, like the Tasty Congee & Noodle Wantun shop.



Can't decide what to order? Just stand and browse the wall...



If you're feeling brave, you can try out your dim sum Cantonese to order. Then get told off for using the wrong words. It's the only way you'll learn. (Otherwise, you can use English or just order by number).

After you've ordered, wait for your number to come up. They'll usually call them out in Cantonese, but, hey, you'll pick the numbers up pretty fast. You can also ask for takeaway if you'd rather eat at your gate.



While I was waiting, I could hear a Australian girl (not quite clear yet on the concept of "Hong Kong") calling out to her friend - "Hey, we can get EGG TARTS! Hey, we can get dumplings! HEY, WE CAN GET YUM CHA!!!"

Cheung fan with dried shrimp for me. Just the thing to "touch the heart" after a day spent sitting in planes and airports...

Comments

[birdsedge.livejournal.com]

I was well impressed with HKIA when we overnighted in HK on the way to Australia in 2000. The airport itself (spacious, comfortable and with mega shopping!) the little train into the city including people to help you on and off with baggage, and the cityside check in on the way out again. Check your bags for the flight, board the train and never have to handle your baggage again until you arrive in Australia (or wherever). Very civilised.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Yes, I love the way you can even catch a ferry to Macau and they'll collect their bags for you and put them on the boat. It's almost as though they're not even trying to make things hard for you. If this goes on, they'll be the laughing stock of airport corporations around the world.