Transit at the World's Best Airport (?)

28th May 2011 and 3rd June 2011. Written by Xin Li.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China.
Studying architecture really makes you more aware of the building you are in. While I am not the kind that travels just to look for architecture because I find that quite silly, I do have some interest in the buildings around me.

The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which was ranked number one by Skytrax recently was designed by the famed Foster + Partners. Visitors to London and Berlin should have seen their works before, the Great Hall at British Museum and the Glass Dome of the Reichstag. For locals who are not as privileged to travel that far like us, the UFO at Padang (New Supreme Court) is also their one of their works and commuters to Expo Station will be able to see another f Norman Foster’s work.

The airport is very huge and spacious. There was plenty of natural light (that was bounced into the interior with reflectors and coming from the glass covered concourse on both sides.

Commuters at Hong Kong International Airport are also treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes featuring hills and the bay which looked particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.

If you need power supply or the internet, fear not there are plenty of computer terminals with internet provided, free wifi and even power supply at certain seats. Do take note that the wifi signal is very weak are certain areas of the airport.

For shopping and food options, this is where you have to pay a heavy price. Shops and eateries are very expensive and the cheapest options are probably around the food court area near the check-in counters which are expectedly crowded all the time.

COOKING MAMA 360
Named after the famous game, Cooking Mama, ,the restaurant is located near the main shopping area and offer views of the surrounding hills as well as the airport’s concourse.

The Lemon Tea was plain but the Cocoa Apple Tart with Fruit, Almond and Ice Cream (36++ HKD) was unexpectedly delicious. Then again, warm crispy pastry with vanilla ice cream and fruits is quite a safe combination. The portion seemed a bit small though. The pastry reminded me of prata.

ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY
Located near the departure gates 30 and 28, Espressamente Illy, as the name suggest offers mainly coffee and sandwiches, but it’s not some lap sup coffee but Illy Coffee! The Ham & Cheese Sandwich was terrible, cold, hard, tasteless, torture. My Cappuccino Fredo seemed to act as salt and pepper for the sandwich which each sip after a bite of the sandwich. The sandwich and coffee cost 56 HKD.

It is also nice place to people watch (and sketch) in the airport.

Without further ado, I shall end this with some photos I have during my long transit (6-7 hours) in Hong Kong International Airport (I couldn’t get out!)