Cathay Pacific Hong Kong to Vancouver – A Bittersweet Journey Home
The Final Journey Home
As our Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER lifted off from Hong Kong International Airport, a wave of emotions washed over us. The familiar skyline gradually shrank beneath scattered clouds, and just like that, our two-month Asian adventure officially began its final chapter. Settling into our economy seats for the 12-hour journey back to Vancouver, we found ourselves flipping through photos and reminiscing about the incredible places we’d experienced.
The Flight Experience
In-Flight Service
The cabin crew demonstrated the legendary Cathay service from the moment we stepped onboard. The entire crew maintained a perfect balance of attentiveness without intrusion throughout the flight.
The meal service deserves special mention. Usually not fans of airplane food, Cathay Pacific meals in Economy may even outdo other airlines and their Premium Economy and even Business class meals. The braised beef with jasmine rice was particularly noteworthy, reminding us of the incredible culinary journey we’d been on over the past weeks.
Entertainment and Amenities
Each seat came equipped with a headset, and a responsive touchscreen entertainment system loaded with new releases and classics. The interface was intuitive, and the selection comprehensive enough to keep us entertained when we weren’t sleeping or reminiscing.
Looking Back: An Asian Adventure Japan: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation
As the aircraft cruised at 38,000 feet, we scrolled through countless photos, each sparking vivid memories of our adventure. Looking out at the endless blue Pacific below, we couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that was now coming to an end.
Japan: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation
Our adventure began in Japan, where we experienced the perfect blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. The Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto stands out as perhaps the most elegant accommodation of our entire trip. This relatively new luxury property, built on the grounds of the former residence of the Mitsui family, seamlessly blended 300-year-old gates and walls with contemporary Japanese design.
The thermal onsen baths within the hotel grounds became our nightly ritual, washing away the fatigue from the day’s spent exploring Kyoto’s temples and gardens. The staff’s meticulous attention to detail—from the hand-written welcome notes to the perfectly timed turndown service—embodied the Japanese concept of omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality).
From Kyoto, we ventured to Osaka, where we were among the first guests at the newly opened Osaka Station Hotel. Its prime location directly connected to the transportation hub made exploring the vibrant street food scene of Dotonbori and the historic Osaka Castle incredibly convenient.
A day trip to Nara brought us face-to-face with the famous bowing deer that roam freely throughout the park. There’s something profoundly humbling about standing beside the massive wooden structure of Todai-ji Temple while gentle deer nuzzle your hands for crackers.
Our Japanese journey continued to Beppu, where we splurged on a ryokan and private onsens. Soaking in our own open-air hot spring bath under a canopy of stars while overlooking the twinkling lights of Beppu Bay was nothing short of magical. The multi-course kaiseki dinner served in our room featured seasonal specialties that connected us deeply to the region’s culinary traditions.
In Fukuoka, we embraced the local custom of dining at yatais—mobile food stalls that line the riverbanks after sunset. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and fellow travelers on tiny stools, slurping the city’s famous tonkotsu ramen while sake flowed freely, created connections that transcended language barriers.
Korea: Unexpected Delays and Spectacular Celebrations
When we began our simple stay in Busan for three days, we discovered our visit coincided with Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). The unexpected drone show over Gwangalli Beach, with hundreds of synchronized drones painting elaborate patterns against the night sky, remains one of the most breathtaking technological displays we’ve ever witnessed.
The journey to Seoul brought both challenges and unexpected joys. Being placed on standby for our flight to Kuala Lumpur initially seemed like a disaster, but the adrenaline rush of finally securing the last two seats of a different airline before departure is now a story we’ll tell for years. Those nervous hours the last evening was not how we want to remember our South Korea trip and we will definitely have to return to make better memories.
No segment of our journey contrasted more sharply with bustling city life than our five days in the Maldives. Even now, as we fly over the Pacific, closing our eyes brings back the hypnotic turquoise waters visible from our overwater villa at Le Meridien.
Our daily routine became blissfully simple: wake to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the stilts beneath our villa, breakfast at the Turquoise with a beautiful view of the water, then alternate between snorkeling the vibrant house reef and lounging on pristine white sands.
The underwater world revealed itself in all its glory—from curious sea turtles to kaleidoscopic coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. Our night snorkeling expedition, guided by expert marine biologists, introduced us to an entirely different ecosystem that emerges after sunset.
Even now, halfway across the Pacific, we catch ourselves daydreaming about returning to that overwater paradise, where time seemed to stand still and the world’s concerns felt impossibly distant.
Malaysia: Urban Exploration and Unexpected Medical Adventures
Kuala Lumpur offered a welcome return to urban energy after our Maldivian retreat. The city’s diverse cultural influences created a fascinating tapestry to explore. We spent mornings in specialty coffee shops hidden within restored colonial buildings, where third-wave brewing techniques met Malaysian hospitality. The baristas at each café seemed genuinely invested in our journey, offering recommendations that led us far from typical tourist paths.
Our most unexpected Malaysian memory came from our medical examination. We booked our examinations well in advance and it was a fascinating glimpse into Malaysia’s advanced healthcare system. The clinic staff, learning we were travel bloggers, proudly showcased their facilities and explained how medical tourism has become a significant sector of their economy.
Hong Kong: Family Connections and Urban Energy
Our final destination before heading home, Hong Kong held special significance as the homeland of Ange’s grandparents. Though considerably modernized, the neighborhood’s character remained intact—the sounds of mahjong tiles clicking together and the aroma of char siu wafting from decades-old establishments created a sensory connection across generations.
The visit to Ange’s grandparents was emotionally charged—seeing them light up as we shared photos and stories from their childhood neighborhoods brought history to life in ways no tourist experience could match. Their insistence on sending us home with traditional Chinese remedies and snacks (somehow we’ve managed to fit a small suitcase worth of dried plums and herbal teas into our already bulging luggage) is a testament to love that spans oceans and generations.
The Bittersweet Return
As our Cathay Pacific flight begins its descent into Vancouver, the familiar outline of the North Shore mountains emerges through scattered clouds. There’s comfort in returning home, to our own beds and daily routines, yet an undeniable melancholy in knowing this chapter of discovery has closed.
The flight attendant’s announcement to prepare for landing pulls us back to the present moment. Our Premium Economy seats have served us well—comfortable enough to reflect, rest, and begin processing the wealth of experiences we’ve accumulated.
What started as separate destinations on an itinerary has become an interconnected journey of growth and discovery. The luxury of The Mitsui Kyoto taught us about mindfulness and attention to detail. The deer of Nara and the waters of Maldives reminded us of our place within the natural world. The challenges in Seoul airport showed us resilience, while family connections in Hong Kong grounded us in our personal histories.
As the wheels touch down on Canadian soil, we’re already discussing where our next adventure might take us—perhaps Vietnam and Cambodia? Or maybe New Zealand’s south island? For now, though, we’ll unpack not just our souvenirs but also the memories, lessons, and perspectives this journey has gifted us.
If there’s one truth we’ve confirmed over these past two months and fourteen flight segments, it’s that the journey itself—with all its unexpected detours and discoveries—creates the richest stories. Our Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver wasn’t just transportation; it was a necessary pause, a liminal space between adventure and return, allowing us to begin processing how this journey has changed us.
