Father-daughter time
Last March break, Jean treated himself to something extra special: some one- on- one time with his 11-year- old daughter in Hong Kong and Manila. Jean loved watching his daughter take in the brand-new sights and sounds of these faraway places. When they missed one of their f lights in Manila, they had to purchase tickets for a new route, and the father- daughter duo quickly learned how to adjust to unforeseen circumstances in a foreign country. The situation gave them plenty of room to bond.
Q: Where you travelled?
A We spent three days in Hong Kong, three days in Manila, and three days in Paris.
Q: Why that trip was special?
A My daughter was my travel companion, and I enjoyed having one- on- one time with her, exploring the different cultures around the world, and realizing how lucky we are to have each other. I also loved watching my daughter’s facial expressions as she absorbed the rich culture on one hand, and the poverty on the other. She had to adapt to the population density in Hong Kong, a street child begging for change in Manila, and the richness of French history in Paris. We missed our f light back to Hong Kong from Manila, but it all turned out well, and we were able to buy two new tickets, flying to Bangkok, and reconnecting with our flight in Paris. It was hectic, having to leave the airport and drive through traffic to find a local travel agency in Manila, with only a few hours to spare, but it made the experience that much more interesting, and now we have this story.
Q: The souvenir you brought home?
A Important mantras: don’t take life for granted; be happy with what you have; and eat what’s on your plate!
Q: Your favourite site on the trip and why?
A The view from Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak, riding a horse and buggy in Old Manila, and climbing the Eiffel Tower (and seeing who would reach the top first).
Q: Your favourite meal on the trip and why?
A Ruth’s Chris Steak House, because they don’t just eat Chinese food in Hong Kong.
Q: If you could go back to this part of the world, you’d?
A I would visit mainland China to observe the difference in lifestyle.
Q: When your f riends go to Hong Kong, you always recommend?
A Shopping and visiting the Peak.
Q: Where you’re going to next and why?
A We are going to Hawaii to celebrate the New Year. I look for promotions that let you save miles by redeeming them.
Q: In your experience, what is the best way to use the Aeroplan program?
A I use my miles for long- distance travel in business class, for destinations like Asia, Australia, or Fiji. The website is extremely helpful by providing us with many different optional routes and airline choices.