and why I declined VIP tickets offered directly by the band for their Hong Kong concert.
In November 2003, I found myself in Hong Kong conducting business with Tourism Australia and NSW Tourism. Our hectic itinerary concluded with a dinner at Hong Kong's most prestigious restaurant. The China Club is a retro-chic, Shanghai-style establishment and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The club's members include some of the city's most influential individuals, such as government officials and top local business leaders and executives. This exclusive restaurant is accessible by invitation only, offering private rooms for discretion and serving as a notable venue for visiting celebrities and dignitaries.
Photo Credit: Goop.com
That evening, dining in the restaurant was none other than Bill Clinton with guests, while in a different section, The Rolling Stones were present, as they were in Hong Kong for their Licks Tour.
The dinner was exquisite. As guests of the Hong Kong Government’s Tourist Bureau, we were given royal treatment. The food and exquisite wine created a culinary experience unlike any I've ever encountered. The highlight was the impressive entrance and presentation by the head chef with 'The Peking Duck'. A whole, authentic roasted Peking duck was displayed on a large silver platter with its neck held high. Following a brief round of applause from the table and after the duck was showcased at the center of the table for everyone to admire, it was then taken aside for carving.
We had the delightful opportunity to meet the members of the Rolling Stones, albeit briefly. They were all courteous and engaging, privately savoring excellent food and wine. They generously offered us complimentary tickets to their Harbour Concert in the VIP section the next day.
Now, this is where my dilemma begins. The next day was my flight back home. That's not a problem; the flight could have been easily adjusted since Qantas was a major partner and sponsor of our business trip to Hong Kong. However, that's not my concern. I opted for the early flight to Australia to attend a friend's wedding. I intended to arrive in Sydney by 10 a.m., drive 3 hours home, and then attend the wedding that afternoon.
What do I do?, do I miss a mate's wedding for a once-in-a-lifetime concert or do I stay loyal to my friends and return home for the wedding as planned?
What would you do? Well, it turns out I did neither.
Morally, I couldn't let my friend down and I decided to decline the concert tickets and head home the next day for the wedding. On my flight back, I started feeling very cold with aching joints. By the time I passed through customs in Sydney, I had a fever, was experiencing hot and cold sweats, and felt nauseous and very unwell. I went to the local hospital, where they immediately isolated me, fearing Bird Flu since I had returned from Asia. Eventually, it was determined to be a case of food poisoning, and I missed the wedding entirely. It was later discovered that all 15 members of our group fell ill, with some needing hospitalisation in Hong Kong or treatment in their hotel rooms. I was lucky to make it home in time for medical care. We certainly couldn’t blame ‘The Peking Duck’ nor The China Club, as we all ate, drank, and worked together before and after visiting the club. The source could have been any of the places we visited that day, later that evening, or the next morning, as we all shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
We never ended up seeing Bill Clinton in his private room that night, which is likely for the best. I was having dinner with Ms. Lewinsky that evening. No, not Monica, it was a college Marianne Lewinsky, who isn't related to Monica. We thought it was a funny conversation piece during dinner. However, his security team didn't find it amusing when we inquired if Ms. Lewinsky could meet Mr. Clinton.
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted, has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.
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