Round The World and other travels

A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries

This is: Round The World 2006-07

Return to Bangkok, after 20 years!

It was to be another early start : 0515 to be precise, which I thought was a reasonable time to set the alarm for, given that I had ordered a taxi for 0600. It didn't take me long to get organised and I was checked out by 0550 and aboard my taxi shortly afterwards. As the taxi took me to the station, allowing me a farewell glimpse of the Chion-in Temple in the process, I couldn't help noticing how well-presented it was, to the extent of having lace headrest covers! Furthermore, the driver was in full uniform, complete with cap and white gloves. When we got to the station, the driver unloaded my luggage, spoke to me in Japanese, removed his cap and gave three deep bows, demonstrating again what a wonderfully polite and respectful society this is.

I had no difficulty in purchasing a ticket and boarding the train. I'd thought that, at this early hour on a Sunday morning, I'd be OK with a ticket for the non-reserved section of the train. It proved to be a mistake : it was a bit of a zoo, albeit within the context of that polite Japanese society that I keep mentioning. In any event, I was soon at the airport, checked in right through to Bangkok and relaxing in the small CX lounge.

(Link to flight log in side panel)

Although the check-in agent at KIX had issued me with an invitation to one of the first class lounges at HKG, there wasn't time for any such pleasures   I had to make my way directly to Gate 2 which, tantalisingly, was just in front of The Wing.

(Link to flight log in side panel)

There was quite a wait for luggage at BKK, but soon enough I was aboard the car that the InterContinental had sent to meet me, enjoying a cold towel, some mints and some chilled drinking water   The transfer only took about 30 minutes and, on arrival, a member of staff was waiting to escort me directly to the 37th floor Club Lounge for check-in. Then it was down two floors to another beautiful junior suite with a superb view over the city. I had a shower and returned to the Club Lounge to sample their very nice Happy Hour offerings. After two Business Class meals earlier in the day, a few canapés were going to be quite sufficient as an evening meal. I spent some time finishing off the 'Japanese' entries in my diary and, having been up since 0315 Bangkok time , went to bed for a well-earned rest.