HONG KONG—I’m here as a guest of Rustan’s to cover a Diptyque event, as the French parfumeur opens its first shop at the IFC mall (more on that later).
I’m also here to meet my husband who is flying in from Amsterdam after Uncle Hans’ funeral. So yes, he is bound to walk in the door any minute now. I’m so happy. I haven’t seen him since November 3.
That in mind, I flew to Hong Kong by myself (read: no one to hold hands with if the plane starts shaking).
Luckily I spied Dennis Valdes (Tessa’s husband) checking in at NAIA and waiting at the lounge. At least I knew somebody.
Through Twitter I also found out Angelika Schmeing (a.k.a. Belo endorser and Angelicopter on Magic 89.9) was also on board. That makes two!
As soon as I entered the Cathay Pacific plane (777-300ER), I was so happy to see it had the new Business Class seats.
It’s my first time. I was the first one inside, so I shamelessly took photos. That’s my seat
My next door neighbor was an Indian man whom I’m assuming is older than I.
I also took a sneaky shot of Dennis who was on the same row (window seat, two seats away)
I kind of missed the cocoon feeling of the previous business class. But I understand a lot of people feel cramped in it. This seat is much wider, it really feels like a first class seat.
There’s this compartment for your drink, gadgets, and reading materials
Shoe storage
And oh, I really love this hidden mirror. I can comb my hair and apply lipstick before landing.
You can recline all the way flat if you want
There’s this “ottoman” (foot rest). Unfortunately it only works if you’re Swedish or 6-feet tall.
Way too far from my short legs, so I put my bag in there. But you know flight attendants are KJ—they always want to put everything in the overhead bin.
Because they took my bag away, I was too lazy to get my reading materials after take off. I decided to wear my earplugs, pray the Rosary, and sleep.
Mid-flight, I was startled by an announcement by a female voice (flight attendant). I had my earplugs on, and maybe due to watching National Geographic’s documentary on air disasters (wrong mistake), I thought I heard the words “engine trouble.” I started to panic inside. I looked at the time and we were 49 minutes away from Hong Kong.
It didn’t make sense to go back to Manila which was also 49 minutes away.
I looked at the Indian man beside me who was lying down and I gave him the look I always give my sister Ana at times like this: Are we OK?
He looked at me weird. I gave him the thumbs up sign to ask if we’re OK. He looked at me weird.
I looked at Dennis Valdes who had earphones on and reading the Steve Jobs book. He didn’t see me, but he looked like everything was OK.
I also thought, if we’re in trouble, the pilot should say something right?
Fortunately a flight attendant walked by and I asked her, “Excuse me, what’s happening? What did they say?”
“Oh just return to your seat and buckle up,” she chirped. “We’re expecting turbulence.”
Sheesh. Thank You Lord! I was so relieved. For the first time I thanked God for just turbulence. So I braced myself and prayed. Soon enough we landed in Hong Kong.
I spotted Angelika in the airport’s Citibank ATM section
Had a quick lunch at Crystal Jade before heading to the hotel.
Meanwhile, I have to shower na. Work starts at 10!
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. Please leave any comments there.