Virgin Clubhouse at HKG

After a stop for some Beijing 2008 souvenirs (only US$39 for two caps and a T-shirt!! Apparently these Games will not be making any money) I try to find the train to the outer gates.

After three long down escalators (actually it was 5 but the first two were an error as I stupidly assumed that nearly side by side down escalators go to the same place), I reach the train level. A quick ride in a utilitarian interior with only two seats in an entire car. Yup, wise decision to leave Dad behind.

Three more up escalators and I'm at the Gate Level. The lounges are another level up and, even without any signage, I can spot the outside terrace of the Clubhouse and I know its going to be great! Another escalator and a long and winding trek to the entrance and I'm home. I present my SQ First BP and the friendly Clubhouse dragon invites me to enjoy my stay. I soak it all in and tour the entire lounge, where in 30 seconds, three friendly Clubhousers ask if I would like something to drink. I snap a few pics and settle down to enjoy a G&T and order the Seared Ahi. Is there anything that Branson doesn't get right?

Time to go back to the depressing SKL. Wound up walking (at least they have periodic people movers) the nearly two miles as, unless they were in Chinese, I couldn't see any signs for the train. The signs for Gate 1-39 pointed to a long walk.

Back at the SKL, Dad had made himself another drink and was only slightly worried at my 45 minutes absence. There are now 12 people in the lounge included 2 rug-rats... not sure what's up here considering there are only 8 F pax on our flight and I thought we were the last flight out... OK, maybe *A.