What a crazy day I had last week in Taipei and Hong Kong. I decided to see some potential clients at the last minute and held two meetings at the Hong Kong Airport. In order to make this happen, I had to alter my plans a bit and fly out for the day from Taipei to Hong Kong. As I had another meeting in Taipei the following day, I had to make this a daytrip. On Wednesday, I arrived in Taipei, a city I had not been to since the American Society of Travel Agents held their annual congress there at least 10 years ago. I remember fondly traipsing around Snake Alley with an ex-colleague, Lori Altman, who was then working for Travel + Leisure. This trip was a little different, and I was there to meet with my new sales representatives from the Evergreen International Corporation. I arrived at the wonderful Grand Hyatt Taipei and was lucky to receive a tour of the property with Luanne Li, Director of Marketing. I had a walk-through of the Presidential Suite, which was designed by Tony Chi. The suite was used by Nicolas Cage during the promotion of National Treasure. We then toured the meeting space, called The Residence, also designed by Tony Chi, and the many restaurants. From here we stopped by the Grand Club on the 22nd floor for some delicious snacks and a drink. I love the Grand Clubs in Asia — there is nothing better! The next morning I took Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong — about an hour-and-a-half flight — where I conducted my two meetings, one at Maxims Chinese Restaurant and the other at Pacific Coffee, next to Cathay’s first-class check-in. After the meeting I had some free time and made my way to Kowloon to do a little Christmas shopping at my favorite shop, Rio Pearl. My two friends, Shirley and Stella, helped me leave a good sum of HK$ in their perpetual care. I recommend you stop by Rio Pearl when you are in Hong Kong. It’s a stone’s throw from the Shangri-La Kowloon. I laughed with Shirley and Stella over some tea while I negotiated a good price. Stella said I would make some people happy at Christmas. They think I work too hard. Back to the airport and back to Taipei. I settled down to the warmth and comfort of the Grand Hyatt! — Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO