Location: Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at SFO International Airport
Asian hospitality is always taken to the next level. Probably Americans, Europeans, and Middle Easterns could stand to learn a lot from the kind of courtesy that is demanded by businessmen in certain Asian environments and even in everday living.
This kind of courtesy rooted in steep cultural tradition emanates from centuries of history, tradition, values, and wisdom. Chinese and Japanese cultures especially, in ancient times, held high respect to others in all aspects of life. Hence the selflessness and random acts of kindness in everyday living. In general, the family unit in Asian cultures is very strong, so you'll easily see the traditional respects of courtesy passed down to today's Chinese and Japanese individuals.
My professional work has me traveling 100% of the time around the globe for better or for worse. The better part is that I experience many cultures, foods, and places that most individuals would never even fathom. The worser part is - sometimes I must endure cultures and environments that are less than hospitable. Those kinds of harsher environments don't make sense to me, and blaming the fault on a "young" nation just isn't good enough of an explanation for me either - because taking Taiwan as a positive example, it is a country that is only about 60 years old too.
Therefore, it is important for me to spend time back in Asia yearly and reconnect with my roots. To feel the energy and vibrancy of my steep traditional culture and values juxtaposed amongst the hustle and bustle of truly fast paced modern society pushing the envelope in technology, electronics, and mobile standards. Sorry New York City, Hong Kong is on steroids compared to you and a whole lot more efficient too. Finally - I return to Asia yearly to eat authentic Asian cuisine which offers the most exotic and finest delicacies in the world. I know I'm right when I judge certain tastes, because frankly, I come from a global palate.
Long story short - Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge in SFO International Airport held me by quite a nice surprise last week. Upon entering, I was greeted warmly, hospitably, and efficiently. No detail was left behind, as I was given the complimentary WiFi password and then courteously welcomed to the breakfast lounge. Complimentary breakfast was served - a minimal standard - but low and behold what really pleased me was the made-upon-ordered traditional breakfast items. Won Ton Noodle Soup, Dan Dan Noodles, and/or Shrimp Fried Rice. Yes, I went for a second helping of the Won Ton Noodle Soup. Better than any place in Chinatown San Francisco, perhaps better than I'd had in numerous places in Hong Kong too. the broth was so tasty, savory, yet clean and light in texture. The wontons were handwrapped and delicate and juicy. The egg noodles were just right, and the few stems of bok choy lettuces were a healthy delight. The kitchen was small but tidy, and very clean. Each little dish came out freshly prepared and your remote beeper would flash as soon as your individual order was read. Of course, efficency at its best, one of what Hong Kong culture does best!
Great job Cathay Pacific for making me feel at home with your hospitality - and by offering me such a simple dish that was so perfectly created, so deliciously appreciated by my hungry soul, that I immediately connected back with my Chinese roots. The perfect way to embark on my San Francisco to Hong Kong 14 hour non-stop flight.
