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| Business-class seats |
I stood with the economy-class passengers as we patiently waited for the booth attendant to announce which groups were allowed to board the plane. As always, I watched with envy as the first-class and business-class passengers pretentiously walk up to the front of the line. For a moment, silly me stood in line pondering how wonderful it would be if one day I could have that same privilege. Then with a quick glance at my ticket, I suddenly remember that I was traveling business today! What? I did not need to wait on line?!
I never thought a day like this would happen to me. I recently got a new job and my company was sending me abroad for training. So here I was sitting in the business-class section for the first time on the Cathay Pacific airline departing to Hong Kong. So this is one of the great perks that most corporate executives get. I must say, it is wonderful flying business class. I had complimentary access to the business lounge prior to boarding the flight. I did not have to purchase food or drinks, those comestibles were provided free of charge and I could take as many snacks as I wanted. And as I had briefly mentioned, I did not have to wait on line to board the plane. For the first time, I did not have to worry about getting on line earlier to ensure I get some space for my carry-on bag. And as soon as I sat down in my seat, a flight attendant came over to provide me refreshments and gave me a complimentary Agnes B. tote bag filled with cosmetic goodies. And in my seat area, there were two extra small flat surfaces for me to place my drink and tote without having to pull out the table. The seats were individually comparted providing private space, and with reclining and massaging buttons to amuse my comfort level. I can actually rest well by straightening out my seat into a bed! This was definitely better than asking for an exit seat!
Half hour into the flight, the flight attendant gave me a bottle of water and the menu for this journey. The menu for business class was extravagant.
Starters: Mango energizer, fruit, fruit yogurt, assorted cereals.
Main course: (choose one of the 3 options)
* Scrambled egg ham roll, sauteed mushrooms, spinach and herb tomato
* Stir-fried noodles with Chinese chives, mushroom and assorted dim sum
* Seafood congee with steamed mushroom rice roll with imperial soy sauceBread basket and tea coffee
This was my Dinner menu:
Starters:
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| Pan-seared jumbo scallops |
Pan-seared jumbo scallops with pesto and
Ratatouille Mesclun salad with grilled vegetables with olive oil and balsamic dressing
Main Course: (choose one of the 4 options)
* Stir-fried pawns w/ XO sauce with egg friend rice & mixed vegetables
* Pan-seared USDA Prime beef tenderloin with rosemary jus, potato gratin, stuffed eggplant & baby zucchini
* Grilled chicken with creamy polenta, asparagus & leeks
* Linguine pasta with truffle oil cream sauce, toasted pinenuts & baby zucchini.
Brie, Manchego, taleggio and Fresh seasonal fruit and Yogurt strawberry cake and Tea & Coffee
And of course, there are cocktails, aperitifs and snacks to choose from throughout the flight. It was fine dining at 35,000 feet altitude. Jumbo scallops on the plane? Really?! Boy, what do first-class passengers get?! Caviar?
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| Breakfast served in my room. |
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| Standard room at JW Marriot |
In addition to flying business class, my company also provided me lodging for two weeks. I stayed at the JW Marriot Hotel at Admiralty Place and got upgraded to the executive level floors with full access to its executive lounge. I have to admit, it felt awesome every time I press the elevator button. Heads would turn and eyes glanced my way, all wondering who could that important woman be. So this is how it feels to be "special" or how wealthy people perhaps live. Never had I stayed in a luxury hotel for this many days. I think I can get use to this type of business travel. Needless to say, my first business trip was a terrific experience.
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| Night view of Hong Kong |
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| Aerial view of Hong Kong |
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