Up, Up, Up and Away; I'm Taken Around The Pacific

[anat0l]

Re: Having a bath - japanese style?

[ Again I apologise by the enormous amounts of photos - and possible slow viewing of this thread But I can't resist showing them ]

You and I are of the same writing league!

The serving of food was wonderful and extremely fresh. The set course consisted of 8 authentic courses including a huge tray of sashimi and special marinated fish. (I don’t recall the exact menu but I’m sure can be found on their website).

I see the big boat of sashimi and fresh seafood. The marinated fish looks very good and seems to be flavoured with shallots and soy sauce (shoyu). I also see a pot of what I can only guess is sukiyaki. The rest - I am guessing! - are just the sides and a standard part of the cuisine, e.g. pickles, marinated vegetables and the like.

The room inclusive of meals was around 40,000 yen per night

It's never unusual for a ryokan to be expensive compared to a hotel.

 

[Alanslegal]

Missed the Imperial Palace

Sorry guys/gals I forgot to show the Imperial Palace, its here:-

But I probably wouldn't recommend it for a visit. Firstly you need to pre-book weeks in advance, and its a guided tour where you do a 75 minute tour of the palace grounds. You do not actually go inside any of the buildings and if it wasn't for the mandatory tour / escort / show, one could easily walk the loop (the tour goes on) in 20 minutes flat!

 

[Hvr]

Re: Missed the Imperial Palace

Sorry guys/gals I forgot to show the Imperial Palace, its here:-
But I probably wouldn't recommend it for a visit. Firstly you need to pre-book weeks in advance, and its a guided tour where you do a 75 minute tour of the palace grounds. You do not actually go inside any of the buildings and if it wasn't for the mandatory tour / escort / show, one could easily walk the loop (the tour goes on) in 20 minutes flat!

I was there in Feb 08 and didn't need to book at all for the walk around the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Just turned up to the meeting place at the advertised time and I went with an English speaking volunteer guide group and they took the two of us around staying in places as long as we wanted and then moving on.

In Kyoto I booked about 2 hours before the English speaking guided tour. When I turned up at the booking centre she saw me walk in and printed out the approval form as I walked in. No problems at all.

Love the photos and look forward to reading the rest of your trip report.

 

[kpc]

At night I (+1) met up with fellow AFF’er KPC (+1)in Shinjuku and we ate japanese ramen noodle soup from a random ‘vending machine’ based dine-in shop located in Shinjuku. We explored Shinjuku late at night and managed to walk a great deal to burn excess amounts of calories – as well as absorb some artificial lights from all the neons around us.

Thanks Alan for showing me how to buy noodles from a vending machine - certainly a new experience for me! My favorite quote from the night went along these lines:Alanslegal's +1 says to my +1: Is kpc as crazy about flying / travel as Alanslegal?:shock: Until my +1 met Alanslegal, she thought I flew a lot...not any more!!:mrgreen:

Next is to visit a few more tourist spots – more temples, Harajuku where ‘out-there’ teenagers love to dress up, the ImperialPalace and general shopping. The choices are endless, the presentation is perfect and everything is so organised. Ahhhh I love Tokyo!

Completely agree....love your photos, esp of the Ryokan you stayed in!

A masterpiece trip report:!:

 

[Alanslegal]

Barely Made It

Zoom zoom zoom!! The Narita Express cruises effortlessly through the chilly japanese air as we made good progression towards the airport. After an hour long journey and just a few minutes past 9 in the morning the train comes to a complete halt at the airport station. I am quickly off to get checked-in, onto my flight to HKG with a couple of hours to spare.

I arrive at the desolate CX counters and there is a sign highlighting “Unattended till 1:30pm”!! What the ?!?!?! My flight is at 11am!?! There is absolutely nobody at any of the CX desks!! I can now imagine that my flight has been cancelled and me being stuck there for the next six or so hours. It is then confirmed on the information screens that my original flight CX501 is indeed cancelled!!

Without a CX staffer in sight, I run around to find an enquiry desk and tell them of the urgent situation. I provide the agent with my name and passport details and now the agent is speaking to somebody at CX. I am then handed over the phone when I speak to the CX agent and suggest that I prefer not to wait more than six hours for the next flight, even if I could rest up in the J lounge!

The agent then tells me to put on my running shoes because we are going to run for the awaiting 9:30am flight, and it is now 9:15am. The agent informs me that a CX staffer will come down with my boarding pass and luggage tags and escort me through immigration and security checks. There were two CX staffers who came down, one took my luggage and prepared the tags, whilst the other handed me my boarding pass as we did a quick jog to Immigration and Security, and then more running to the awaiting plane. Funnily, I was chasing a pretty Japanese woman (but for a legitimate reason LOL).

I boarded the plane, having just broken a sweat, and am given a nice cold glass of ………. water! Push back is moments after and before I know it, we are up on the skies. It’s a regional configured J cabin so unfortunately no fancy Herringbone flat seats which I really enjoy.

Meal service commenced as soon as it is safe to.

Starters;
Corn and sesame bean curd, chicken rolled with vegetable and simmer shrimp
Seasonal salad with yuzu dressing
Soba noodles with river shrimp

Main course;
Braised beef w red wine sauce, potato and vegetable casserole

 

[Alanslegal]

Barely Made It

Dessert;
Cheese selection
Fresh seasonal fruit
Haagen Dazs Ice Cream
Red bean pudding on coconut sauce

CX Signature drinks;
‘Oriental Breeze’ being a non-alcoholic sour plum tea and cranberry juice with honey & fresh lemon juice ad a hint of rose water

‘Cloud Nine’ is a combination of Vodka, Cointreau and Sprite with a touch of lemon flavour.

 

[Alanslegal]

Barely Made It

We arrived into HKG a few hours later, and although it was a pleasant flight, I wasn’t totally thrilled that I had to sit in a premium economy seat. Maybe I am now spoilt?! The immigration process at HKG took a bit longer due to the SWINE pandemic and everyone had to get their temperature checked. Maybe it is a futile exercise given that a lot of the SWINE control relies on each and every passenger’s honesty. Imagine being asked “Do you have a Cold or Flu like symptoms?” And then saying yes and only to receive a week in quarantine. With that fear, maybe a lot would have told exaggerated and said “No, I am fine”.

After the formalities of arriving into HKG are complete, it is off to the Airport Express train for a quick 24 minute train ride into the heart of Hong Kong. The frequency is every 12 minutes so if you miss one, there will be another not too long after. Better still, there is always eye candy wondering around the terminal and station given most of the pretty flight hosties also board these trains into town or to their hotel.


Novotel Wanchai:-

Although I am in Honkers for six nights in total, I am booked into the Novotel Wanchai for the first three. It is the value for money option and close to where I need to be for the first few days. There is a courtesy shuttle at the Central HK Airport Express Station that runs every 20 minutes, so from airport to hotel, it can be less than an hour if the timing is right.

Arriving into the newly renovated Novotel Wanchai, it reminds me of a no-frills Westin Hotel. The check-in process is efficient, the bellboys are eager to take my luggage and I am sent away to go see my room. I made a booking under the ACCOR promotion and the room came out to be around $85AUD per night; though if it wasn’t for the dipping exchange rate, this hotel would be really closer to $70 per night mark.

My room was a standard king bed room on a high floor with a view overlooking the infamous Lockhart Road. It was clean, contemporary and although on a smaller size, it would be fine for anyone who believes ‘a hotel is just a place where you sleep at night’. The bathroom again was modern, and after a quick shower in the stand-in shower, it is off to see Hong Kong.

 

[Alanslegal]

Some photos of Hong Kong:-

Most people have been to Hong Kong, seen it on TV, a magazine, or the internet. A picture tells a 1000 words so I'd thought show some of my photos and how I interpret Hong Kong to be.

HK Streets:

Hongky Dim Sum:

New Hongky dessert craze:

Hong Kong Skyline:

Next;- A day visit to the Philippines.

 

[Flashback]

I stayed at the Novotel Wanchai last time I was in HKG as the company we were doing business with in Causeway Bay. Found it to be very decent in terms of location and price, and the lounge wasn't too bad either.

 

[Alanslegal]

CX 901 Hong Kong to Manila
Business Class – Seat 87A – B747

A quick return to the Philippines brought my One World Circle Pacific itinerary to an end and I was glad to be returning to the NGBC Herringbone seats of CX on this final leg. Opinions vary regarding these totally flat, 45 degree facing seats but given each seat has direct access to the aisle, super high dividing partitions then the NGBC isn’t a bad place to be if travelling, only when you are alone.

A quick visit to the CX Wing Lounge for breakfast precedes the flight and it is a quick bite of some croissants, toast, fruits and coffee before heading on board for the two hour journey towards the organised mess of Manila.

I had seat 87A on the upper deck neatly reserved and there were only two other passengers upstairs for today. With a 1:1 ratio of staff to passengers upstairs, the whole service process from boarding to drinks to meals flowed like clockwork.

The pilots were busy as expected, and being so close to the flight deck, I was allowed to take a couple of photos of them, and with me (but not shown):-

Breakfast was served for this short shuttle flight, and I opted for the Frittata w sun-dried tomato and chives, veal sausage bubble and squeak:-

The flight landed on schedule and with only a bit over eight hours in the Philippines there was only a need to bring a small bag that could hold some snacks, bottle water and a few bits and pieces. Not needing to wait for any luggage meant I was off the plane, through immigration, then out of the terminal and into an awaiting taxi in the space of 5 minutes. Straight to the Mall Of Asia – one of the largest shopping centres in Asia - was the direction.

Lota of fried food at the Food Court:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Stuffing myself at Ric's Restaurant

I contacted fellow AFF’er Ric prior and told him that I’d be popping into MNL for a few hours but in true frequent flyer style he was flying all around Asia on his own personal jaunt. Ric was extremely kind in offering a good hearty Filipino lunch at his restaurant in the MOA and informed his friendly restaurant manager (Ms. Marvic) that I would be coming in for a visit. I definitely could not resist not going and it sure beats eating at the American chain restaurant Bubba Gumps as I did the last time I was in Manila.

The taxi trip to the MOA was as expected and with a reasonable traffic delay. I have heard horror stories on how one can be stuck in traffic for hours but I guess all mega-sized cities can be affected by traffic problems, and not just exclusively to Manila. When stuck in traffic the occasional beggar would come by seeking for some $$$ or someone trying to sell cigarettes etc. but the driver forewarned me and as best practice, he locked all the doors prior to setting off.

Four separate buildings made up the MOA and it was HUGE. An indoor ice skating rink for a start, entertainment complex, shops and lots of it, then an open air shopping and dining with views overlooking Manila Bay. After a wander around, it was off to Ric’s restaurant for some real Filipino food. As planned I met Marvic who was a friendly lady and although she was extremely busy, she made the time to sit down and have a chat. Top marks to Marvic. We talked about the Philippines and what to do here, where to go, places to see and how I would plan to visit them all the next time I’m back! We then talked about Ric (and what a nice guy he is) and how I only knew him via AFF. It was a delight to just sit back, enjoy the cool breeze blowing in from the Bay.

Now, the very fun food part, I went straight for the “Crispy Pata” (which is one of QF009’s fav Filipino dishes) and it is pork that is quickly deep fried so that is crispy on the outside but remains juicy on the inside. Very good dish and SUPER sized portions!

My entire meal:-

Crispy Pata:-

I also ordered the “Inihaw na Pusit” – the dish that made us famous ­­­– which is a bbq’ed calamari dish with a light glazing of sweetish *but very secret sauce* and this was super divine. I am a huge fan of bbq’ed stuff and the calamari was soft and tender – delicious!

And Chicken Molo – is soup dish with won-ton inspired balls. I told Ric that it was the least favourite out of the three but never the less an interesting idea which I think is a Filipino fusion Chinese – well that’s my interpretation.

For drinks, I was tempted by the 1 metre tall beer tower filled with San Miguel beer – but with nobody to share it and my host Marvic being on work time – I had to decline and opted for the sensible Green Mango shake. A cool refreshing drink and well suited to anyone with a love for mangoes!

Once again, a big Thank You to Ric for providing his excellent hospitality and allowing me to pop into his very comfortable restaurant and enjoy an authentic Filipino cuisine. Remember that drinks will be on me next then time we get to meet up!!

 

[Alanslegal]

Philippine Airlines 312
Business Class – Seat 2A – A319

I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Straight to the prettiest check-in agent and handed over my passport. I was declined because I could not present the credit card I made the reservation with. I kind of expected that because it was part of the Conditions at booking but tried to tell them it was paid months ago, that there has been no reversal or issues etc and that if it was fraudulent, it would have been picked up by now. No luck. So I told her to just reverse the payment to the original card – and use this new card. She can’t do that on the spot so I’m sent to the Reservations area which is now outside of the check-in terminal.

The Reservations desk says “it’s been paid, no issues, no problems” and I am sent back to the check-in area. Again I am refused. Now I am escorted by a PR agent to expedite security check points but exit the terminal and go back to reservations. This time I tell them to reverse the original and put through the new card, but the chap although understanding my request, says the booking is all paid for ra..ra..ra.. and that he’ll put a note on the system so that I could just get my BP. Back to check-in and again I’m declined!!!! Well it’s now more than 40minutes since I arrived at the airport and that I still haven’t got a boarding pass!! This time the same guy decides to reverse the original card and make a payment with the new card. Frustrating that I was made to run around but at least the end result I got my boarding pass.

Off to the Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge which is really a windowless two room box with a small range of finger goods, soups, sushi, cut sandwiches, fruit and limited choice of drink but at least I avoid waiting at the gate.

I was given window Seat 2A and another young traveller on the other side in Seat 1D. She was from Germany and had a quick trip to MNL for leisure purposes, and was connecting in HKG onto a LH flight to FRA. I didn’t want to promote small talk over the aisle so I left her to her magazine and I twiddled my fingers!

Pre-boarding drinks were served and I can’t recall what I chose, but it was something fruity and refreshing.

PR312 took off without any undue delay and meal service soon commenced. There was a choice for the dinner meal for the short shuttle to HKG and I chose the following:-

Appetizer:- Mixed Seafood in Orange Dressing
Mains:- Chicken Breast w Morel Farce service w potatoes au gratin
Desserts:- Assorted Fruit Slices

After dinner I chatted with the Philippine’s based male flight attendant and he thoroughly enjoyed getting to fly from place to place though preferred not to do those super long MNL to USA flights as it was tiring. In between small talk he was encouraging me to have more of the new bottle of McLaren Vale red wine but before we knew it it was time for him to prep the cabin for landing.

I disembarked the plane first but it made absolutely no difference as all had to be hoarded onto a shuttle bus that would take us to the terminal. I got on first, grabbed one of the few seats, but got out of the bus last!! The same SWINE checks proceeded at the HKG Immigration and I was soon out and travelling on the Airport Express.

Next:- The Wunderful W Hong Kong

 

[Alanslegal]

W Hong Kong

After MUCH MUCH procrastination and delay, I am finally back here to complete this TR with the Wonderful stay @ the W Hong Kong. Yes there is still the QF128 flight home but talking about the SkySlopes seat wasn't as flashy as this W.

I was tempted to add this review on the Starwood Hotels in Hong Kong Master Thread but thought I'd not disturb QF009's excellent reviews on this property.

Having three nights here, it was timed well so Friday and Saturday nights were there for The Living Room night entertainment aka drinking up & mingling whilst the DJ spins out some tunes then a short but hazy stroll back to the room in the wee hours, and then Sunday was purely for some recovery before the flight home on Monday.

The main entrance to the W is a gigantic polished bronze doors that lead to an elevator lobby where one must go upwards to check-in. Don't expect revolving hotel entrance doors cos this is metal cool. A glass walled elevator which overlooks the western side of VictoriaHarbour takes you to Level 6 where check-in, The Living Room and The Kitchen are all located.

W Main Entrance:-

At check-in, one cannot miss the glare from the huge illuminated feature wall that is behind the desks, however as fascinating the wall was, my mind was on other things. After reading so many positives about this W, I was keen on whether I’d get a Fantastic or Marvellous suite?!

Check-In Desks:-

Having excellent porters downstairs who instantly responded and accepted my luggage, the prompt service continued with the check-in agent. I was boldly advised I was upgraded to a suite and that I would be escorted to the room so that they could show me where everything was and how everything worked – but I declined this as I prefer to do my own room exploring. The agent then quickly explained in lieu of the escort, the features of the hotel, the facilities and a must visit to the highest rooftop pool in Hong Kong. I thanked him and left for my suite.

Elevator Lobby on the room floor:-

 

[Alanslegal]

With an action of just swiping the card near the door readers, the door opens into a small foyer/hallway. On one side it is a swirl dark grey with yellow highlights, on the opposite wall is a full length mirror that absorbs and reflects the colours of the other side. I’ll let the pictures do the talking but the separate living area featured a huge 50 inch plasma television with carefully placed yet hidden 5.1 surround sound DVD theatre system. Reports are that you can make the most of the theatre system because the walls are doubly sound proofed – and in practice, I actually thumped those speakers and nobody ever complained!

The bedroom featured a ‘Wonderful’ bed as well as a 42 inch Bang & Olufsen plasma television w matching B&O speakers.

The floor to ceiling views of the industrial side of VictoriaHarbour was perfect. It gave me an interesting perspective of the harbour, as usually I only see the main north-south City skyline. Everything in this room is a push of a button so to close the blinds, one press and the room turned into darkness.

The bathroom is extremely spacious, with double sinks, super sized Bliss bath products, a stand-in shower that featured multiple body jets to the upper body, a bathtub and a 24 inch television.

I’m WoWed by this room, and it’s just the standard Fantastic Suite!

Suite photos:-

 

[Alanslegal]

The hotel features the trendy but price-y Bliss Spas on Level 73 where one can indulge in an endless choice of massages, facial and body treatments. With a limited budget like mine, I could only afford to opt for the complimentary but enjoyable spas, saunas and steam rooms. Sitting in the hot tub gave a great view of the skyline and city below.

To top if all off, the rooftop pool is sa-weet! At 76 levels above the ground, this pool deck had a super view of Hong Kong despite being surrounded by a few but taller buildings. As the pool is facing east, one may argue that they should have built the pool on the western side so capsulate the unobstructed views to the west but also receive the warmer westerly aspect.

At night, sitting in the adjacent hot tub and watch the nightly light shows at 7pm was great. It also was enjoyable to soak up the warm water, especially with the frequent blustery breeze that is common for being so high up!

The pool by day, by night:-

This W has to be the stand out hotel for the trip, excellent service, great facilities and a hot room. The location is beaut for those on a quick visit with the Airport Express station right below, as well as an upmarket but brand new Elements shopping centre, so one could visit Hong Kong and never need to set foot on Hong Kong itself. The hotel is on the price-y side per night, but if one ever wants to stay at a hip and cool hotel, then this would be high on your must stay list.

 

[Alanslegal]

Final Thoughts

Wow, didn’t realise Trip Reporting is such an intensive thing! I should have realised this from my past reports but maybe in the near future I might follow Bundy Bear’s footsteps and get into the short & sweet day-trip reports It’s been great to reflect on my trip – I must admit I did lose a bit of steam during the past weeks – but I am happy to be here at the finale; and then think about my next. A Big thank Q to the QF009 for his itinerary assistance, Ric for his wonderful hospitality in Manila, KPC for meeting up w me in Tokyo, to everyone who assisted w my queries earlier in the year, and great to see you are reading this. Maybe I’ll be reading your report next? Take care everyone and continue your exciting travels! From me, Alan!

 

[Keith009]

sWeet! Thanks Al for the WoW review.

 

[Flashback]

Great TR Alanslegal! Doesn't the W look WoW!

 

[anat0l]

Great report, Alanslegal.

W looks great. I'm taking it though you have SPG Plat status?

As for me, if I ever think about Whiling some time at the W, I can only Wish for a Wonderful experience like yours.....basically I'll have to settle for their loWest class of room .

Love all the reports of the premium cabins.

 

[drron]

I love your style and photo's.Gives me plenty of pleasure.I am not sure though that I am a Wkind of guy.

And anat01 shouldn't that be the WoWest class of room