After writing blogs, posting videos, running into a student, and so many other things….including a big, succulent slice of pizza, I went to my gate and they were already boarding. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 5-star airline they call Cathay Pacific. The efficiency was magnificent getting on and we left right on time.
Aircraft A330-300 – an aircraft that flies middle-distance flights, was on hand today. 2-4-2 seat configuration with a fair amount of space was decent. This was a bit different from the previous once I’ve flown before on Singapore Airlines. Flight attendants were attentive and cooperative. What was really fascinating was the Thai flight attendants for Cathay are very proficient-speaking compared to others.
Immigration — Racial Profiling Hell
Yikes. This was definitely the worst I’ve ever been profiled since maybe America. Sure, some instances had risen in Thailand where immigration profiled me, but it was just a dirty look. When they got the information, they couldn’t do a damn thing but give me back my precious, American embedded document.
However, Hong Kong has its own share of racial profiling. Upon leaving the airplane, I past two immigration officers before one asked me some dumb ass questions while I was walking in about a 15-second “wtf-are-you-serious” walk. So, that was the beginning. They went to an Asian and a few others, too…so I felt better.
Boom, got to the long immigration line and was standing before an Indian man with a Chinese passport. Didn’t really know what that was about, but then I got to the immigration counter, just before the Indian guy who was standing there for some time…and just like that, the immigration officer signaled a girl over and I guess they had to do a thorough background check on him.
The immigration officer then asked, “are you with him?” Ummm….fuck no? Wtf? No…bitch. I’m America. You’re going to put some respek on my name. He cleared everything quickly and then I left to get my baggage.
This was the ugly part. At the “do not declare” zone — a green zone where people go not declaring any goods — an immigration officer picked me out of the entire crowd, looked at my luggage and gave me passport to another filthy officer who then asked me to put my luggage through the scan. No one else around. I was trying to fester up the words at that moment to sarcastically destroy such a repugnant human being, but I kept my cool and said, “ok, you guys win this time. Those were two quick, idiotic profiles….I’m coming with an insurmountable amount of heat, sarcasm and smiles next time.”
I know, “Arsenio, you will never win an argument.” Completely agree. That sense of peace and standing up for all colored people by telling white-media driven hooligans at immigration that what they’re doing is wrong — priceless. That’s true fulfillment.
Critical Stage
Do two, racist, vehement government enforced monsters represent an entire nation of people? Absolutely NOT. Can’t allow dumb shit like that control your mind, people. This stage is very important because I know a lot of us, including myself, hold an entire country accountable for a pair of jackasses. That’s unfair. I’ve met some amazing Thai people….should they be held accountable for others’ actions? Nope. Completely unfair. Now, of course the media demonizes the hell out of black people saying “one bad apple spoils everything.” Just because they do doesn’t mean everyone else should.
Let it go. Let ridiculous situations go and never take it so personal because it’s not about YOU! It’s about what the media has made it, twisted it, and impressed on the minds of those who are completely weak and unwilling of having their own opinions.
Hotel – Lackadaisical Staff
The reviews were a whopping 8.7, but very sub-standard. Hotel staff were unhelpful and the wait was ridiculous. However, there was one lady who was friendly, so I’ll point that out. No amenities, pools, bars, or ANYTHING. So there’s no way I can give this place anything above a 6-6.5 because they lack everything.
As the days progress, it will get better. I’m sure of it.
Stay tuned!
Arsenio's ESL Podcast 
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