Travel expert faces many surprises on first trip overseas since 2020

For some, travelling internationally is still an unnerving affair. —Skitterphoto/Pexels

Leaving Hong Kong for my first trip overseas in over two years was somewhat unusual. The airport was empty. I walked towards my departure gate. It was set at the farthest node of the terminal like some secret gangrenous embarrassment. Upgrades were evident along the way.

The colourful Covid-19-hugging fabric seats had been replaced with bland wipe-down hard plastic grey. Angular work spaces with charging points had sprung up. And fresh water dispensing areas were sprouting. Hurrah.