"airports - the good, the bad and the ugly" by iaint

I've been to Hong Kong a few times, and you just can't beat the approach to the old Kai Tak airport.
Felt like you could see into people's apartments as the plane flew between the buildings.
Once I came in in the dark, and I found it quite scary - glad to get down that time.
Once I flew in with China Airlines which had put a plane in the harbour not long before. Interesting as well.
I haven't been there since the new airport opened. Will it be an anti-climax?

Went to HCM City in 92. I expected a big hassle on arrival, since getting a visa was so difficult (then). Not too bad, however.

And the proximity to the city centre was a plus factor.

Departures was hell. There was a total riot with people trying to get their exit customs clearance, it was hot as hell and humid, and it just made you want to kick someone.

Hope things have improved since then...

I will always remember my first trip. Up at 4.30 for the 6.45 flight from Glasgow.
Meetings all day, then crawled back to the airport for a 7.30 flight home (I soon learned to stay overnight on the way out or back).
Went to airport cafe looking for a quick beer to restore the soul. Never been to Belgium before, so very naive on this subject.
Select Duvel (maybe the label was nice) and gulped it down. Start to feel strange...look at label.. mega strong stuff!
Slept all the way home; lucky I got on the right plane!

Thats on Lewis, in Western Isles, Scotland, for those who didn't do geography at school.
I had to go there from Glasgow on business. Plane was small. They'd taken out the row of seats in front of mine, and space was taken up with island's supply of daily newspapers. No cargo hold, I guess.
When you get into the terminal on arrival, everyone is speaking Gaelic. For a lowlander, its a culture shock - literally! Friendly people tho.

I hate Heathrow, and Gatwick is not much better. Stansted was good a few years back, but now its swamped by the budget airline crowd. Luton is just horrible.
City however, is convenient, small and friendly. . It can only take small planes. You take off and land over the old London Docks, right on the Thames. Its a bit like Kai Tak, because the runway is surrounded by water.
Best way to fly to London.