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Departing Hong Kong and Arriving Bangkok were smooth experiences all the way. The airport terminals at both cities are absolutely beautiful, architecture; soaring, glass and metal arches and spotlessly marble floors. The security and airport services staffs wore impressive and pressed uniforms and had professionalism to match. We had no lines to grouch about and didn't have to take off shoes/coats/scarves/........and they all were POLITE> I only mention it here because the comparison with flying in the good ol USA was so notable.
Once on the Cathay airplane to Bangkok, we all noticed something else: it was a full flight but it was Quiet! I mean the mood was palpably calm, serene, and quiet. No pushing, arguing about room in the baggage overhead, complaining, etc. AND on the 3 hour flight, we had a very nice full breakfast served. hhmm. We started to feel the Thai Way. And also started to learn the Thai wai......(sorry about that..) The common Thai greeting is a gracious pressing of hands together and pointing finger tips to the chin, with a bow of the head. There are many levels of etiquette according to age, the prestige, the class, etc. of the greeter and greetee. There is always a smile and is a lovely sign of respect and welcome.
Once at the Bangkok terminal we met our driver from the Mandarin Oriental and had a ride to the hotel in a BMW 7 SERIES LIMO with a driver wearing a white linen suit and white cap!!!
Denise came in with us before we took her to her hotel down the street and we all were greeted at the hotel door with lots of smiles, wais, and garlands of jasmine flowers. Cool drinks arrived at our room right away and the hall butler came by to introduce herself to us. This hotel is our Big Splurge on the trip and it is so cool. We later walked Denise over to a completely renovated Holiday Inn, but not what we think of in the USA... much nicer. She got a room upgrade because they were 45 minutes late with her room ! She'll tell you more about that.
Once on the Cathay airplane to Bangkok, we all noticed something else: it was a full flight but it was Quiet! I mean the mood was palpably calm, serene, and quiet. No pushing, arguing about room in the baggage overhead, complaining, etc. AND on the 3 hour flight, we had a very nice full breakfast served. hhmm. We started to feel the Thai Way. And also started to learn the Thai wai......(sorry about that..) The common Thai greeting is a gracious pressing of hands together and pointing finger tips to the chin, with a bow of the head. There are many levels of etiquette according to age, the prestige, the class, etc. of the greeter and greetee. There is always a smile and is a lovely sign of respect and welcome.
Once at the Bangkok terminal we met our driver from the Mandarin Oriental and had a ride to the hotel in a BMW 7 SERIES LIMO with a driver wearing a white linen suit and white cap!!!
Denise came in with us before we took her to her hotel down the street and we all were greeted at the hotel door with lots of smiles, wais, and garlands of jasmine flowers. Cool drinks arrived at our room right away and the hall butler came by to introduce herself to us. This hotel is our Big Splurge on the trip and it is so cool. We later walked Denise over to a completely renovated Holiday Inn, but not what we think of in the USA... much nicer. She got a room upgrade because they were 45 minutes late with her room ! She'll tell you more about that.
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