Jake in Asia: Goodbye Hong Kong, Hello Thailand: a Travel Story

No witty titles, just goodbyes

I left HK on Dec21st. I left early, and said goodbye only to those who were downstairs eating breakfast or also leaving. I said quick goodbyes at Mr. Wongs before leaving way to early, as some were just arriving. To those of you who read this in HK whom I didn't get the chance to say this too: Goodbye.

I packed my (most...) of my things and was gone by 10am. Flight at 1:35, and it takes 45min by bus to get there. In all my hurry to leave, joy, ignorance and hustle. I left an important belonging on my desk. I took it out the night before so I'd recall it, instead of leaving it in my jackets breast pocket like I normally keep it. I left my passport on my counter. I didn't realize this till I was on the bus, 10minutes in.

I called my roomie to make sure it was still in my room. He said yes, but was unable to deliver it to me. So that was at least partially good, at least I could leave the country if I got it. I called up my likely best friend Angeline and told her my predicament. Telling here I'd pay for her Cab over, even though I was desperately low on funds. Money didn't matter anymore, only leaving and seeing my dad in Thailand. So I get to the airport and have to trek my way through the entire place, with over 25k worth of goods (over 50lbs). My legs were giving out since I had to navigate Terminal 2 over 4 times. When she got there she was at terminal 2 [top], I was at terminal 2 [bottom]. except I didn't know this...so I walked around with all my stuff for almost 45min, calling frequently, until I figured out Top deck. I went up the escalator and saw here. I pulled by bags towards her, and eventually dropped them as I ran for her. Blasting her away with kisses to the forehead and 'thank yous.' Quick smiles and joy, then I was off to get my ticket.

I waited in line for maybe 20minutes, because of course they only needed to have 3 of their 9 lines open... When I got to the line my ticket had issues. They had me on the flight, but for some reason also needed my 'exit' info. Thats not something I have ever needed before, let alone had any time to print off (or prior knowledge too). So I had to send them via email my itinerary to leave. They didn't get it till 20min left before my flight left, so the internet was almost 15minutes in lag...during that time i had to show them it was real confirmation out, and goto the 1st floor with my computer to resend the info because of worries of poor internet connection. I made it, now how was I supposed to get through customs and get 1/2 way across HK International in that time. Easy, get the ticket checker to assist you by going through special customs and visa services. Thats what I did, I went through the Pilots and Diplomats line. 30seconds later, I was talking my jacket off and putting it through the scanner. It would have taken over 15min normally otherwise. No beeps or issues with my gear, so I quickly repacked my stuff and was off again. The gal helping me sure could run in High Heels, so I give her credit. At this point we had just over 6min left when I reached the underground train we had to ride to get to my terminal. Like the MTR (Hong Kong underground train), but the distance we traveled was less then 500meters. Then an elevator, running across a terminal, over 2or3 'people movers/flat escalators.' I made it there at 1:40pm, was the last person in line, and fortunately my flight was running late, or else I would have missed the 1:35pm departure. I made it on the plane out of breath, with a few people still putting their belongings up in the top rafters. Luckily I word and Under Armour/Neosport Rash Guard as a shirt that day, because I was sweating like a hog (did I mention I was wearing my favorite leather jacket over it...). I sat down, next to an older 'trap' and got ready for a flight to recall.

Most stories have enough excitement there alone, but this is me...
Our flight was decent at first, I choose the Beef and Thai Spaghetti with vegetables over the same platter with Fish, I loved the freezing cold and not fully cooked dinner roll (actually enough that I was so hungry I asked for a 2nd). Turbulence is not your friend, as soon as the meal service ended, it got bad. I mean real bad... I've been in some bad Turbulence before, but the planes wings instead of being at 0* and 180* were at some point 140* and 320* and not because of turns either...just enough to keep the 'seatbelt sign' on for the entire flight, and me to cover my beer top with my thumb at all times to prevent it from foaming over; that Tsing Tao Draft deserved better. Bumps, air pockets, and shakes, 'fun times.' We landed safely and without hassle. Everyone was on nerves though, enough that as soon as the plane landed and slowed down people got up and started to get their stuff, we weren't even at the docking area yet. So the flight attendants went around and made sure people got back in their seats. On the plus-side, I watched some 'Samurai Jack' and 'The IT Crowd'.

Customs wasn't that bad, just long and tiresome after that flight. I made it through with no issues, at least till this part. I couldn't connect to the internet, saved the directions/location to the Hotel (and surrounding area) online...guess what though, you have to pay for it. So I went to the only 'free internet' place, but for some reason my Linfield e-mail was blocked...so I had no way to find out where I needed to go. So I payed the $10US to log on for 3minute [given 1hr]. I was already stressed out when this all occured...
The 2 lines to the stairs were beyond packed. I tried to make my way to them, but was really far back. Mind you, the elevator didn't work either. So I tired to make my way downstairs to the Taxi area, but instead now armed security were running though. In Thailand (and HK) they carry assault weapons at all times. These were out and pointed, needless to say it was't looking safe. I saw 4 people in red-shirts, never a good sign, but the officers weren't running at them. I didn't bother to stay and see. I walked outside and saw below me on the lower floor a fight between 2 European men. A real brawl too. At this point, I just wanted to get out. So I went instead and got a Limo (What they call a nice taxi). They wanted $2200Baht ($73US), I said it shouldn't cost more then $800Baht (not knowing the price at all). We settled on $950Baht ($31US). He carreid my bags, and we went out of the airport. All he talked about was a big tip and booking other travel, such a strong accent that I feel 'big tip' and 'other travel plans, good deal for you' were all he could say in English. Needless to say we hit the famous Bangkok traffic. I made it in, paid him (and gave a $50baht tip) and gave my dad a big hug. He said the trip should have cost only $300baht ($10US) likely from a taxi, but I didn't care because of what was going on.

I rolled my stuff in the room, sat down, exchanged some pleasentrys and requested some food. Gin and Tonics helped too, but so does fresh Thai food. I realized though that I hate the heat more then I thought, especially humidity. Besides that, it was over, and thats what mattered.

HK was a blast, now for Thailand adventures...