October 14, 2013
We had to be up and out of the hotel by 7:15 am to catch our cab for Hong Kong station. We checked in for our flight, dropped off our luggage and made the MTR airport express train to Hong Kong International Airport.
Last look at Hong Kong. Headed Home.
Wingchi and his son met us for breakfast at Maxims Jade Garden restaurant the airport.
We had a dim sum breakfast and shared conversation about the trip and the tea fair.
Time grew short as we finished breakfast. We had to get through security then hop a tram and get to our gate for our 11:30 am flight back to San Francisco. We said our farewells to Wingchi and his son, then made it to the security line. Once past security and at the other end of the tram, there was no loss of shopping opportunities in the terminal.
We departed on time. Darrell was able to upgrade our return seats to business class with miles, which was a treat. Being able to lay flat certainly lends itself to better sleeping on a long flight. The only thing that could top the upgrade was to finally get a good flyover view of Hong Kong. It seemed that the takeoff was in the right direction. My anticipation heightened as I waited for that turn of the aircraft to the right direction. It finally came and Hong Kong was into view. As long as the pilot maintained his position, I thought I had a chance. God bless the pilot and the clear skies! I couldn't have asked for a better flyover. I managed to get a few pictures. which captured the view perfectly, but could never duplicate the experience.
We flew into the sun and across the international dateline, so the night came and went very quickly as did the flight because I slept through 8 of the nearly 12 hours. The landing in San Francisco brought feelings of relief to be home after this whirlwind trip. Darrell and I had a good talk about the Tea Fair experience on the drive back to Sacramento. I thought I knew a little more about tea than the average American before this trip. I'm overwhelmed at how little I actually thought I knew. I definitely learned a lot and am in awe of how much I experienced. I'm pretty sure that at some point in the near future, America will become so much more aware of this truly unique beverage and culture!
I hope you enjoyed the blog! Until the next adventure...happy Tea!