Just A Thought: The Final Trip

I had a dinner gathering the other night with some beautiful people I had not seen in twenty years.

It was only natural that we would, within the first few minutes, try to catch up and clear up as much as possible. It was then that I learned the reason why an ex-colleague had passed away a few years back. She had succumbed to cancer. She was so young. As the saying goes, she went too soon.

They say Death is a great leveler. It happens to everyone regardless of creed or color, status or wealth, or whether you are young or old (er). You never really know when your time will come. But even before it does, perhaps a question to ask is:

"When it is your time, can you cross over without regrets?"

I have always thought about that. Avoiding regret seems to be the key motivator to make the 'right' choices in life. Even then, there really isn't a guarantee that those choices would ever be enough to say you've lived a life free of regret. Still, as a traveler, you are sometimes forced to have that thought at the back of your head. You always have to be prepared for the worst.

Sure, air travel is supposed to be safer than even driving. Yet there are families who consciously choose to travel on separate carriers during family vacays to have a greater chance of lineage survival should one airplane go down. When you read the human stories of disasters like MH370 and AF447, that preparedness suddenly becomes almost all too necessary.

I never get on a plane thinking that someday the NTSB will find my body still strapped to my fully flat seat, in a field somewhere in the middle of Eastern Europe. For those on that ill fated flight, I am sure they didn't think that either. I have had some scares inflight before but they have never been enough to deter me from packing my bags. I take the view that if it is my time, then I might as well go doing what I love:

Travel.

However, there is a flip side to such a great activity. Frequent flyers can lose their sense of foundation since they tend to be everywhere yet nowhere. Relationship building becomes a challenge and everything goes on a punctuated speed mode. So sometimes, people get an approximation of 'you'. But do they really get 'you'?

So I asked myself: Do people really know me, what I stand for, who I love and loved, what I hoped for myself and for others? Will there be nothing of me afterwards that would be a memorial to a life once lived? Do I have a legacy, even if not in living form like children, that can show that I have done enough?

Over lunch today, deep in thought, I had an epiphany.

I looked around my home. And it spoke back to me. From every corner, floor to ceiling, there was a story to be told.

The beautiful gold leaf artwork on the wall that I got from Jatujak market in Bangkok. The little hand carved doll of a traditional pottery maker in Budapest. The Iznik plates that I got from a boy in Istanbul. The 1:400 scale model airplanes of the various airlines I flew over the years. And of course the entire wall of city magnets from virtually every place I have visited on the side of my refrigerator.

Oprah used to say your home should rise up to meet you. And almost subconsciously, that was how I set mine up. Through many years of exploring this globe, I have been able to place a nugget, a gem of  a memory in every open corner.

Each memory is a chapter. Every chapter is set in some wonderful place in the world. The chapters are part of a book. The book tells the story of my life and features characters from around the globe.

The artwork was by a female artist, the only one in the market that day. I believe in female empowerment so supporting her was important to me. I learned a lot about her creative process though talking with her. I was enriched beyond just appreciating a beautiful painting.

I bought the doll when the young shop assistant told me that there were only two design stores in Budapest, and that they were the only point of sales for young up and coming artists (read: struggling art graduates). I always buy from young talent to help give them a chance, especially in non developed economies. I never forget the generosity I received from strangers when I started out, so wherever I can I pay it forward.

I got the plates after I had my life threatened in Istanbul by thugs in the dead of winter. The boy listened to my story, and told me his own story of coming in from the surrounding rural mountainous areas to find a better life in the capital city, only to discover first hand the dangers of living there. We found safety in our human connection. And now I see him in my home every time I see the plates.

I now have more planes than I have space to display them. But when I look at my collection, I realize how lucky I am to have been able to fly these carriers, in some aircrafts that are not even flying anymore today.

These are just some of the stories that reveal facets of my life. But my story involves many many other lives. Altogether though, I realize my home is my living memorial. And when my time comes, one would just need to come by, look around, and see how blessed my life had been.

They may not be able to hear the details of why each of these items found a spot in my apartment, but if they listen real close, they might be able to hear the whispers of different voices and languages, and perhaps even imagine what it might have been like to have been there when these items were still in their home countries.

So they would not need to mourn me with tears. They should celebrate the fact that for the short while I walked this planet, I had the good fortune, through my travels, to walk with many others on their own journeys.

The life of a traveler is a never ending journey full of gratitude not regret.

Crossing over? It is just another journey.

Flying Malaysia Airlines Kuala Lumpur to Beijing - YES THAT route Part 1

So I said I would not update any of my blogs unless there is something to say.

Well, I had a recent trip that I thought is worth mentioning.

As everyone knows, Malaysia Airlines (MH) is bleeding bad.  Their reputation is shot.  Their shares are down.  Their planes aren’t exactly full.

So they decided to pull off a huge promotion. Depending on destinations, some of the fares were slashed by 2/3 of their competitors'.  I guess it was a necessary evil.  Better planes out of the gate than staying in them.

I was due to fly to PEK.  Yes, the infamous MH370 route.  SIN-KUL-PEK vv.

I had my reservations of course.  What if another twilight zone event happens?  What if the plane is off course again?  What if I was going to go missing and forgot to lock up the porn at home?

The promotion was too good to pass.  And while I gag at giving business to One World I just had to do it.

So this is my trip report in pictures.

First though, a note.  MH First and Business now has a meal service similar to SQ’s Book the Cook. They call it Chef on Call.  Catchy.  Like BTC you can order online up to 24 hours before the flight. Once done, they will email you your confirmed selections. Quite efficient.

Unlike BTC you can’t make changes to selections online after you made them and can only do so through their call center, which really means it's the luck of the draw.  Their call centers based both in East and West Malaysia are inconsistent in service. But having said that, even SQ's and TG's are the same.  Also you have to book both your inbound and outbound meals at the same time.  Which is crazy if you are on an extended trip.  How will you know what you want to eat in 4 weeks?

MAS Golden Lounge Changi Airport Terminal 2

Entry: Business Class / Enrich + One World Premium tiers

Nothing to see here folks.  That sums it all.

Standard lounge, no refurbishment unlike the SATS and SQ lounges on the same floor. Food was passable.  Satay was edible. Showers, you had to sign in as usual. The place was huge and empty, which was nice. Except for a few young Germans, one of whom looked Indonesian but spoke Deutsch. They have a nice massage chair area like TG’s lounge.  

Staff generally unobtrusive but helpful. Spoke to a staffer who was resigning. Learned that MH Crew members start with a monthly salary of MYR 1200 / USD 375!  I was shocked. Even with allowances I wondered how they could even shop in other countries.

SIN - KUL 

MH 624

Scheduled Dep: 1535

Scheduled Arr: 1645

B737-800 

New Livery

Standard regional business class.  It was a one hour flight.  Definitely sufficient.  Leather seats.  Had no real branding.  Juices were offered.  They asked if I would like a snack. Wow.  For an hour’s flight.  Try getting that with US carriers.  So sure.  The crew member had a big laugh when I said that the option of Rendang Pie sounded exotic (with appropriate camp gestures).  That was my first real encounter in a long while with an MH crew member. I quickly remembered that I have always had a good time flying MH.  When they realize you speak their language, all barriers come down. And the flight becomes a hoot!

Back to the food. Tasted like paper. Look at the picture. It deflated like a burst balloon. The dessert was ….edible. Which became the operative word for MH’s catering.

Some South Asian kid in the 1A kept staring at me like I was made of gold. It was weird, he seemed to know the older Chinese guy behind in row 2. But hey hardly spoke. Crew told me he got upgraded from Y. Relationship unknown. Hmm.

Yes honey, I gotcha.  I’ll keep your secret haha.

Arrival into KUL: early.

I was grateful because that meant a quick train ride across to the satellite terminal where the international flights would depart, and a nice rest in the lounge before the flight.

It was impressive.  And it was the only one.  None closer to the gate.  Then again the terminal was not big.  The entry was glamorous.  And it was a good place for plane spotting.

It had similar features like the ANA business class lounge in Tokyo.  They had a cook to order food area.  Basically a noodle bar, you can order meals to be made for you.  I ordered wonton chicken noodle soup.  I got back noodles with slivers of chicken. Hmm.  The staff were friendly though, and you really just don’t have the heart to correct them and reorder. Other than the noodle station, they also have a fabulous ice cream bar.  Well, three flavors but they were yummy.

Standard buffet counters were opposite to the dining area. Food selections were a mix of local Malaysian and western meals.  I wish I had the stomach to test all the dishes but I knew I had another meal coming on board.

The lounge didn’t seem to have power points for you to plug laptops and iPads into.  And their magazine selection was appalling. Then again, even on board, they did not have magazines.  So my usual SQ requests and offloads: Vogue, Business Traveler and Men’s Health were not available.

The lounge also has a spa called Ayer. Malay word for water. The prices were eye popping. Give me the massage chairs anytime.

One other point to note, I only found one toilet near the entrance. I wonder if I did not explore enough.

Warning to the wise.  

There was nothing on the monitor about my flight’s boarding status.  So I went to the counter and asked. They said they would make an announcement and that boarding must have been delayed. So I waited.  Still nothing.  Then I went to the counter again.  They said they would call to check but hey, since the gate was far away I might as well go anyway. WOTTTTT?????

I ran. RAN. And learned that I was the LAST business class passenger to board and they were about to call the lounge to hurry me up.

Thanks Golden Lounge KUL.  It isn’t pretty to look panicked when entering a premium cabin. Note the plosives in my statement?

KUL - PEK

MH 360

Scheduled Dep: 1800

Scheduled Arr: 0020 + 1

A330

Well. Isn’t it obvious. Just like how SQ took out the flight code after the Taiwan accident, MH decided to do the same. But just downgraded by 10, from 370 - 360. And they changed the equipment to an airbus 333 instead of the ill fated B777. Like that would stop people’s hearts from beating a little faster after the door shut.

I chose the first row 1A. For a few reasons. It was not a red eye. So I wouldn’t mind galley noise. I also wanted to check out the leg room.  I figured if the galley noise is that horrendous I would stick to the 3K on the return flight.

Leg room, as expected was better than the rows behind me.  Seat was just ok. A332 seats are made by Recaro, their long range Comfort Line 6150 model. Yeah, honey, there isn’t anything comfortable about them, once you go flat. These seats are lie flat, not fully flat. And when in bed mode, they make you feel like you are on a slide.  Adjustable head rests are adequate. Width is adjustable as the arm rest can be MANUALLY lowered. Not much storage space if you are in the first row.  Storage space in other rows are only for magazines. In seat power supply is well hidden, but has an international socket so you can plug in anything. Oddly, MH included a water bottle ‘pouch’ on the sides of the seat. Frankly they are dust devil traps. Entire communities of germs breed inside.

Upfront:  No amenity kit.  MH changed their policy from flights over 5 hours to 7 hours. Washroom has Etiene Aigner toiletries which are nice. No shaving kit or combs if I recall correctly. Headphones are noise canceling.  Welcome drinks are juices, probably in accordance with Islamic law. I would recommend their signature pink guava.  Awesome. Hot (very hot) towels were handed on a plate.

Meal:  Satay appetizer was dry. Too bad as I was so excited to eat MH satay again I elevated my own expectations.  I remembered it to be better.  The crew thought it was cute that I looked like I was about to receive a Christmas present! The present became something you'd return to the store post Christmas.

That was followed by some dang awful tuna dish. Ew. I knew I would fall sick eating that. Didn't finish it.

My Chef on Call main was beef ribs.  I missed eating ribs in Dubai so I figured why not? Yeah.  Well.  Dry. Dry. Dry.  Even the braised apple slices didn’t help. Didn't finish it.

Dessert was some chocolate cake. Hey everybody, what’s the word?  DRY. Finished it.

Snack before arrival was some open faced sandwiches.  Tasteless.  DRY. Had to finish it. I wuz starving!

The toilet was clean and well maintained throughout the flight.  However, hello engIneering, get your act together.  The silver foil easy fix on the toilet paper holder is not classy.

Needless to say I was nervous a bit, and I consider myself a seasoned flier. But the MH370 saga is unprecedented and unsolved.  I found myself checking the flight tracker to make sure we didn’t turn back towards Malaysia.

You know what made the flight great though?

The crew.

As usual, I spent time to get to know them. Just like with SQ, regardless of class of travel I always make the effort. People think crew members have such great jobs because they get into different time zones often. Truth is, it can be thankless like any service industry job. Their primary role is to ensure safety but more often than not, passengers treat them like servants and waiters.

So I made friends with the Chief. Great guy. Talked a lot about business and travel. He suspected I was from the industry because I spoke his language. We chatted up a storm but had to be mindful for the Tan Sri behind me in 2A!  The rest of the crew was also great. You know they say SQ crew members are plastic and fake. Well, that may be because they are trained to follow the rules and to stick to protocols. Having said that, I have had only one real bad time with SQ crew members.  Well two if you consider the Mumbai flight. MH seems more genuine though. They engage you like they would their own friend. And they are not so stuck to protocols especially when in-flight service may require an out of the box solution.  I know. Because something happened for me on this flight that made it SWEEEETTTT.

Arrival into PEK was on time. Business class passengers had priority immigrations lines. Which ended up being pointless because the counters were totally empty anyway.

So was the fear founded?

No.

I can only imagine what the crew thinks when they are assigned this route. The passenger load isn't great, so confidence in the route and / or airline still isn't there yet. But that will change I am sure.  The airline, like many other Asian carriers have their own internal crap they deal with daily. Same stories like TG and GA. One hopes the nepotism and corruption will give way to the realities of economics and national pride one day.

Footnote:

At PEK, near the train to customs, I noticed that the Etihad flight had just come in too. And the crew members were all waiting to board the train. Saw a tall and strapping crew member trying to find wifi on his cell phone, acting all suspiciously as if he was about to get on one of those dating apps! Inside the train, he turned and smiled at me. I smiled back. Then he turned his body to face me. Oh it’s ON.

So I went out of character and asked him about his flight and life in Abu Dhabi. Told him I was there last year. He asked me to honestly say how it was for me. I went into my tirade about the hypocrisy of the society. He agreed. He had interesting insights that you can only get living there. Learned he was from Prague. Google it. You will see why some think Czech kids are kewt!  We talked all the way to the carousel.  I didn’t have check in luggage. So I could just walk out. He seemed disappointed. We said goodbye.  

Then I thought, hey, you live one life. You’d be lucky if you can make a new friend from another part of the world on your travels. Actually I have been real fortunate and made a few during my trips which is why I love to travel! So while waiting for my boss, I whipped out my name card, and gave it to him when he exited customs.  He said he would request for a flight into Singapore and see if they would grant him that super long flight from AUH - SIN - BNE.

And so we wait.

Part two coming.