Thursday in Hong Kong and Home

Thursday January 31

Up early again. I went to the hotel buffet again. Then looked out at the somewhat clear day. I took my luggage down to the concierge and went on one last walk. This time my target was a temple nearby. I again took a different road. I found an interesting apartment building. It had two lobbies. One on the first floor, and one of the fourth. Both opened to a street. That is how steep the mountain was at that point.

I went across to the escalator again, this time going down, then back to the Man Mo Temple. The temple was busy, with Spring Festival around the corner. I looked around. Then back to the hotel.

The shuttle bus came at 12:30. I boarded and headed off to the airport. I took some pictures on the way. Mostly of Logistics, in case I ever teach that again. Shipping at first, then more at the airport. Airports are a “Mecca of Logistics”, moving people, luggage, food and airplanes in a very efficient manner.

I went to the Duty Free. I was looking for some Chinese liquor. I found a great bottle (I actually only wanted the bottle, not the liquor). When I went to pay, I was told I could not take liquor on any plane that lands in the USA. We land in Anchorage for one hour to refuel and change crews. As such HOMELAND SECURITY prevents me from bringing home any liquor from the duty free. Thank you for F**KING the rest of the world, and fearing more revenge, my friends to the south.

I boarded my plane for the 17 hour journey around the world to the other side. I leave Hong Kong at 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 31. I will arrive an hour early, thanks to a tail wind, at 8 PM on Thursday, January 31. Lin and Reggie will meet me there and I will live happily ever after.

That should be the end of the story ...

I get through immigration in a hurry, and off to gather my two big suitcases. One comes down the chute ... and I wait ... and I wait ... OPS! The belt is off! Only one suitcase.

I have my MASH and JAMES BOND DVD’s, my tailor make traditional Chinese shirts, but I am missing 300 plus DVD’s and my two tailor made suits.

I file a claim, and leave, saddened at my loss.

Next afternoon I get a call. They found my luggage. It was home sick and decided to stay in China. It is at the Hong Kong airport. They will rush it to Toronto and courier it to me on Sunday.

Sunday morning a call from the courier company. It will be here at my home around 11:30. Is it full? Empty? I do not know. At noon, the door bell rings, and my 32 kg suitcase has arrived. Intact and everything in it. Cathay Pacific did a good job.

Next, wrap up and analysis. In a few days.