Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Japan 2010 Day 5

130910 1127 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Hong Kong International Airport, China

Well, this is the final leg of the trip. At gate 65 now, just opposite where I boarded the plane to Osaka on Thursday, and at seat 56A.

This morning I decided to go to Tsim Sha Tsui via the Star Ferry. Of course this resulted in an almighty rush to get here in time, and I barely made it on. On the plus side the weather was brilliant for shooting, no haze at all. My aunt tells me the past few days have been quite bad, and I've got firsthand evidence from Wednesday night to back that up, so I guess I was lucky.

Time for pushback soon, on my first pureblood Cathay 747 flight, then homeward bound it'll be. Seems like a delay though, failure of the automatic fuel system so they're manually refuelling the plane.

1151 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Hong Kong International Airport, China

Seems like they're done, we're pushing back. B-HNN just pulled up beside us too.

1218 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over the South China Sea.

Wow. By some definitions that was my 100th takeoff. And what an astounding view of Hong Kong. 1206 saw the 747 launch itself into the sky and straight past Victoria Harbour. Coupled with the clear skies, a rarity here, the view was awesome.

Watching Top Gear once more, really a good show to watch I flight.

1346 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over Vietnam

Halfway home now. Been a good flight so far, enjoyed the fish and oyster sauce lunch. We're almost there.

1438 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over the South China Sea.

Starting our descent in 3 minutes, and we're just 160nm out of WSSS. Feels good.

1510 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

Touchdown on 20R at 1505 marked the end of this short but enjoyable journey. Now parked at D41 near 9V-SYD awaiting deboarding.

1530 local time (GMT +8)
Singapore, Singapore

Well, that's that. It's been a really fun experience, and I'm sorry it had to be so short. Ah well, someday I shall return to Japan once more.

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