More About The Trip & Why I Loved Hong Kong

When I sit here and think about everything I want to share with you about Hong Kong, one thing stands out in my mind: the people there were amazing (and so elegantly dressed too). Being in the service business, I just have to say that I was in complete awe at the level of attention and service I encountered throughout my entire trip. I was touched by the many subtleties that combine together to differentiate between a “good” experience and a “great” experience.

One example of this is when I arrived at the Hong Kong International airport. When we walked up to the Asiana airlines counter, all the attendants stood up and addressed us—even those who had no obligation to attend to us. It’s definitely different (actually, let’s say completely opposite) of what you would normally encounter at JFK International Airport in New York city (you know what I’m talking about New Yorkers).

Another thing I loved: the shopping (check out the picture of me in action). Hong Kong is known as a shopping mecca and it certainly stands up to this reputation. I took the chance to deck myself out on this trip and visit many of the stores Hong Kong had to offer. I also enjoyed the food so much! One great meal was a family style traditional Chinese dinner at Peking Garden. The freshness and originality of the Chinese food was unlike anything I’ve tried here.

Overall, it was a fabulous trip and I can’t wait to go back.

Back From Hong Kong

Got back from Hong Kong late last night and there was much to catch up on today. For those of you who follow my twitter you may have already seen this, but let me just say one thing about Hong Kong: the food is delicious. I absolutely came back five pounds heavier. But let’s talk more about the trip...

I was in Hong Kong to install several different pieces in the Atrium at the Landmark in Central, Hong Kong. The picture above is one piece of the installation—enormous chandeliers hanging all across the ceiling. The chandeliers hung over a calming fountain which I also decorated with beautiful bouquets of hydrangeas.

The audience reaction was a wonderful experience. Everyone craned their necks up to look at the chandeliers, taking pictures and talking to their friends. We’ll talk more about the trip tomorrow, mainly more about the places my crew and I visited and some new things we discovered.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Hello from the plane! My ride to Hong Kong is about 14 hours long, so I have some time to sit here and write a few thoughts for the blog. I was so excited to get on this plane and settle myself in for the long journey. Why? Well, because, a long plane ride is one of the few times I get to step away from my busy schedule and just sit (and read, relax, etc)...

The first question I have when I’m about to go on a trip is: how long is the plane ride? This way, I’ll get a chance to plan how I’ll spend these precious hours in the air. One of the few luxuries I’m lucky to have is getting to fly first class on these long rides.

It’s a real treat to enjoy the amenities of the plane. For example, the flat bed is amazingly comfortable for being on an airplane, and the food is prepared by an amazing chef, and...wait a minute, there’s only one flower on my tray table. What kind of first class is this?? (Just a joke for all those folks who may not be used to my sense of humor.)

I'll post more from Hong Kong soon.

Traveling Around the World: Next Stop Hong Kong

This week, I’ll be going to Hong Kong for the first time! I’m very excited, and it’s had me thinking a lot about the past trips I’ve taken. The picture above is from a fabric warehouse in India. I felt like a kid in a candy store exploring this fabric shop. One of the things I enjoy about traveling is exploring different cultures and seeing what sort of unique  resources each country offers. For example, I heard that Hong Kong has the best tailors in the world. I’m not really a suit wearing person (can you tell from the pictures I post?) but I will definitely get a few made for me while I’m visiting this week.

Later, I will share more pictures from Hong Kong and post updates about what I end up seeing and doing. What’s your favorite place to visit?