Of all the places, airport is the vital vein in a country’s tourism sector. It is the first destination in a country that tourist and travelers alike step foot upon. It’s common sense to provide the best service and comfort to visiting travelers for a lasting impression. Airport could be the main factor for some people, determining whether the country is worth a second visit.

You’d be surprised that some airports are… well, not as impressive. Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam is one of them. I had the worst experience there whereby, flights were delay due to cabin not ready (inexcusable), visitors wondered here and there not knowing where to go (staff didn’t bother to help too) and encountered a bunch of airport staffs peeling and eating mangos idly blocking the airport toilet’s entrance. Maybe i was just having a bad day. Maybe i was hallucinating.

However, it is comforting to know that most airlines are performing their best. For a period 10 months (2007-2008), Skytrax, London had collected 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers in order to find out which airport deserves the top 10 ranking for the World’s Best Airports. This survey is done annually and each airport had been judged on their convenience, punctuality and comfort; from shopping, dining, customer service, baggage handling and delivery to waiting time.

The results for 2008 are finally out. The proud 10 are (taken from http://www.forbes.com/:-

1) Hong Kong International Airport, China

It’s no wonder that this airport has taken the top honors for seven years. It’s easy to navigate and equipped with passenger-friendly amenities like free wireless Internet and a pay-to-use arrival lounge. Business and leisure travelers can also get to downtown Hong Kong quickly on an express train service. Other perks include plenty of shopping, a mix of regional and international eateries and a program that allows frequent visitors to clear immigration quickly.

2) Singapore Changi, Singapore

Since Skytrax began ranking airports in 1999, Singapore Changi has placed first twice. The airport was built in 1981, and it has since added more terminals that cater to both budget and luxury passengers. The up-to-date services and amenities include an indoor orchid garden, a rooftop swimming pool, themed television lounges and a free sight-seeing tour for those who have at least five hours prior to their connecting flight.

3) Seoul Incheon, South Korea

If the 72-hole golf course at this seven-year-old South Korean airport is any indication, your experience at Seoul Incheon will be both relaxing and enjoyable. Passengers can also take advantage of the on-site hair salon, a children’s play room and a business center with overseas shipping. The airport’s Web site even maintains a list of activities by the number of hours a passenger must wait. If you’re within eight hours of a flight, try using the shower and massage services.

4) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This airport has won several accolades since opening in 1998. In addition to ranking forth in Skytrax’s World Airport Awards, it also ranked first on the company’s list of airports with the best immigration service. While passengers are almost guaranteed a seamless arrival and departure experience, they can also enjoy free wi-fi, luxury shopping and reflexology and massage services.

6) Munich, Germany

Staff here want you to be “carefree and relaxed,” according to the airport’s Web site. To this end, they offer miniature golf, a 60-seat cinema, and cosmetic and physiotherapy services, among other cutting-edge amenities. The airport also promotes aviation technology and history with educational experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and “kinderterminals,” a touchscreen that allows children to learn more about how an airport works.

6) Kansai, Japan

The Japanese are known for design, and this Osaka airport is no exception. Built on a man-made island, this sleek structure opened in 1994 and served 16.7 million passengers last year. They may keep returning for perks like on-site dentist and doctor’s offices, a DVD and movie rental service, VIP meeting rooms and a pet hotel.

7) Copenhagen, Denmark

Passing through the Copenhagen airport is an aesthetic experience; the terminals feature works of art and place a visual emphasis on architecture. Passengers even walk on brightly polished wooden floors. It’s a cozy environment for an airport that receives 60,000 passengers daily. When not admiring the surroundings, passengers are shopping at Burberry and Gucci boutiques and swigging Danish microbrews.

Zürich, Switzerland

This airport aims to serve all passengers well but makes a point of catering to VIPs by coordinating on-the-ground limousine service, event planning and access to a VIP lounge. Passengers can also rent day rooms with a kitchen and wake-up call service. The pampering even goes as far as childcare. The airport staffs nurseries and playrooms with trained childcare providers. They are proficient in various languages and will keep an eye on children who are accompanied by an adult.

9) Helsinki, Finland

If flying makes you frazzled, then passing through this capital city airport will soothe your nerves. The airport maintains a meditation room meant to create a “calm ambiance” for all passengers. But fliers who thrive on working non-stop won’t be disappointed either, since there are several working lounges with pay-to-use wireless Internet. If you’d rather shop and nosh, there are plenty of opportunities to do that as well.

10) Cape Town, South Africa

This modern airport in South Africa has simple amenities that go a long way. For a small tip, porters will transport your luggage from one terminal to the next. A medical clinic serves passengers with aches and pains. There are several lounges for airline members, as well as passengers who don’t mind paying a fee for access. And those who want to pray before or after takeoff can be accommodated in a quiet room.

The first time i had been to Bon Odori festival in Malaysia was ages ago. When i was still clad in primary school uniform. I somehow recollect that the music being vibrant, the crowd, joyous and the food, fantastic. It’s been a while since i had been to this festival. I remember being fascinated by the girls in Japanese traditional cloths and clogs too. I wished i had a pair of those.

- Bon Odori 2008 taken from http://www.daisycave.com/ -

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Bon Odori Festival 2008 for some reason. Instead i browsed through some blogs to read about it. Apparently, the air of festivity didn’t not cease after so many years. I see beautiful photos of people smiling and obviously enjoying themselves. There is one thing particular thing that is different this time though. What the hell is Sushi King’s sushi bar doing at Bon Odori?! LOL!

- Sushi King taken from http://www.daisycave.com/ -

I noticed that most people describe the girls at the festival as wearing ‘kimono‘. Once upon a time (Muahaha! Actually it was a few days ago), i too made the same mistake. A friend pointed out that the girls are actually wearing ‘yukata‘ (not Yutaka the Japanese hunk please) instead of ‘kimono‘. While ‘kimono‘ is the Japanese traditional garment with thick layering, ‘yukata‘ is a Japanese summer garment with less layers, worn during the warm summer and at particularly during summer events like the Bon Odori.

- Kimono (top) vs. Yukata (bottom) -

‘Yukata‘ is a cooling garment to wear. With wide sleeves and made of cotton. In fact, it is just a layer of cotton cloth wrapped across the body (like a bath robe) with an ‘obi‘ (sash/belt) around the waist to keep the whole garment intact. It is not to be mistaken for a ‘kimono‘ since a ‘kimono’ is usually made of silk or synthetic fibre and has usually 12 or more separate pieces that makes up the whole garment. Now, you can imagine how warm it would be to wear such garment during the warm weather. It would be like walking around in a portable sauna.

If a female were to have worn a ‘kimono’ instead of a ‘yukata’ to Bon Odori Festival, i think the Red Crescent will have a field day.