SKY TIMES M - Falling in Love with Springtime Top Tips for Getting Tipsy in Beijing
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SKY TIMES
010 MAR/APR 2018
Top Tips for Getting
Tipsy in Beijing
Falling in Love
with Springtime
Industry Giants
Outline Plans for
Improvement in
2018
Spring
Editor’s Forward
into a
Letter Fresh
Future
“G
one were but the Winter, come were but the Spring.”
Spring is a time for fresh starts, no matter how tough the
winter has been. Just as British poet Christina Rossetti
wrote in her beautiful poem Spring Quiet: “Full of fresh
scents are the budding boughs arching high over a cool green house; Full of
sweet scents, and whispering air…”
So, in this splendid springtime, what plans have you made for the year
ahead in regards to your life, career, family, study, or even a vacation? Maybe
Sky Times can give you some inspiration. In our spring issue, we have invited
nine key influencers from our past issues — from Finnair, ANA Airlines, Air
France-KLM, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon Airlines, American Airlines,
Lufthansa Group Airlines, British Airways, Emirates Airlines, and Airbus —
who have been dedicated to the aviation industry for many years, to share
their stories and talk about their blueprint for 2018 (page 14) .
There are so many elements to spring that we discuss in this issue. When
spring arrives, everything takes on a new look and people’s mood changes.
Photo by Shalom Mwenesi
How do you plan to embrace it? In the People section, we are Falling in Love
with Springtime — four stories about flying, fitness, cooking, traveling, life
and love, giving different perspectives on these key issues in relation to the
season (page 62).
Although 2018 is the Year of the Dog, we bring you some amazing
photos of a Chinese monkey. Through the lens of Ding Kuanliang, a Chinese
photographer who captures images of wild primates, the golden snub-nosed
monkey is caring, harmonious and humanistic. For Ding, taking photographs
is a way to protect nature and wild animals (page 56).
As a foodie who has been living in Asia for the past five years, contributor
Mina recently visited Taipei. Coming from the urban jungle of Beijing, it
was refreshing and utterly relaxing to be in a city with a bit less hustle and
bustle. In the Travel section, she takes you to Taipei to experience the food,
attractions and colorful culture there (page 45).
When night falls, where can one get tipsy in Beijing? In the Lifestyle section,
we give you top tips, the best bars, some interesting people and the great wine
(page 74).
CAAC Inflight Magazine Cao Shenshen
Now, open your blind, relax and enjoy your springtime with Sky Times. As
with the largest circulation Executive Editor always, we wish you a pleasant journey.
of all inflight publications.
01
SKY TIMES 010 MARCH/APRIL 2018
04
Responsible Institution: Civil Aviation
Administration of China (CAAC)
Sponsor:
Now
China Civil Aviation Publishing House
President: Ma Songwei Vienna Opera Ball Creates Buzz in Austrian Capital
Publication: Clowns Congregate for Joseph Grimaldi Memorial
People 61
China Civil Aviation Publishing House
Ice Diving: A Truly Unique Experience
Editor-in-Chief: Li Yong
Switzerland Hosts Carnival of Basel
Executive Editor: Cao Shenshen
Editors: Feng Shuangqing, Wang Ruosi Sensational Sights at Singapore Airshow
Editorial Consultant: Dominic McIver,
Austin George Smith Falling in Love with
Editor-Visuals & Photographs: Lu Ning
Advertising Director: Zong Miaomiao
Designed By: Alinea Productions
Talk 09 Items 10 Data 12 Springtime / 62
Advertising:
CAAC Magazine Corporation Focus 13
73
Address: CAAC Journal, Civil Aviation
Industry Giants Outline Plans for Improvement
Building A, Shilihe, Chaoyang District,
Lifestyle
Beijing, 100122
in 2018 /14
Printing:
Travel
C&C Joint Printing (Beijing) Co., LTD. Top Tips for Getting Tipsy in Beijing / 74
Advertise in Sky Times
35 Chic / 82
Email: caac_magazine@163.com Lapland: A World of Fun
Tel: (86-10) 87667513
Books & Films / 84
87387176 and Fantasy / 36 Grand Italian Castle Opens Doors to Guests / 86
Immersed in the Heart of Singapore / 89
Park Hyatt Beijing: A Shining Beacon in the City / 90
主管: 中国民用航空局
主办: 中国民航出版社
社长: 马松伟
出版: 中国民航出版社
主编: 李永
执行主编: 曹慎慎
编辑: 冯霜晴、王若思
语言顾问: 多米尼克 · 麦基弗、 史傲丁
视觉编辑: 路泞
A Foodie’s Take on Taipei’s Tasty Treats / 40
Beautiful Spring Scenery at Beijing West Leisure Resort / 44
Flying 91 Visa - Free Transfer Policy
Sees Beijing Boom as
广告总监: 宗妙妙
设计: 利雅法盛
International Hub / 92
广告独家代理: 中国民航杂志社
地址: 北京市朝阳区十里河民航空管楼A座
中国民航报社
印刷: 北京华联印刷有限公司
Culture 49 Ask the Captain / 94
News / 96
The Warmth Within Paper
Fibres / 50
ISSUE 10
March/April 2018 Focus Falls on Golden
国际标准刊号: ISSN2096-1375 Snub-Nosed Monkey / 56
国内统一刊号: CN10-1381/G1
02 03
Back cover: Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy, photo by Bogdan Dada
S K Y TIMES | Now
Vienna Opera Ball
Creates Buzz in Clowns Congregate for Joseph
Austrian Capital Grimaldi Memorial
Each year on the first Sunday in February, clowns from across the United Kingdom gather in East
The Vienna Opera Ball is an annual Austrian society event that takes place in the building London’s Dalston to attend a church service in memory of the clown Jospeh Grimaldi. It has been
of the Vienna State Opera in Austria’s capital on the Thursday preceding Ash Wednesday an annual tradition since 1946. The service moved to Holy Trinity Church in 1959, and in 1967
(a religious holiday). Together with the New Year Concert, the ball is one of the highlights permission was given for the clowns to attend in their costumes. Joseph Grimaldi is regarded as
of the Viennese carnival season.The tradition of the ball dates back to 1814 during the the greatest British clown. He was born in London in 1778 and died in 1837. His performances at
time when the crowned heads of Europe and the aristocracy searched for entertainment the Sadler’s Wells and Drury Lane theaters were extremely popular and helped to establish the
after the Napoleonic wars. On the eve of the event, the rows of seats are removed from British clowning traditions that continue to this day.
the stalls, and a new floor, level with the stage, is built. The dress code is evening dress:
white tie and tails for men; usually floor-length gowns for women.
04 05
S K Y TIMES | Now
Switzerland Hosts
Ice Diving Carnival of Basel
A Truly Unique Experience The biggest carnival in Switzerland, the Carnival of Basel, which was
inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Divers prepare to go ice diving. It is not just a change of scenery; it is a Heritage of Humanity in December 2017, was held on Feb. 19-21. It is
change of mindset. The one word every ice diver speaks of is “explore”. a Swiss spectacle, on a par with cow parades and cheese by the ton.
The koan that you can never step into the same river twice is true, but it The people of Basel wear dramatic costumes and make lots of noise.
is that much truer of the ice diving realm. Winter never carves the same Thousands of them march to the rhythm of drums, the shrill piping of
frozen landscape and the path to the floe edge shifts with cloud cover. piccolos and the slightly off-key melodies of brass bands. In addition
Those who venture to and under the ice see what no other diver will. to daily parades, there are lantern displays, food and beverage tents,
Possibly ever. and skits in decorated party cellars beneath Basel’s Old Town.
06 07
S K Y TIMES | Now S KY T I ME S | Talk
We invite four Chinese
Do you like What is your
college students to share watching TV series favorite type of
their viewing habits.
in your leisure time? show to watch?
I seldom watch TV series. It The first TV series that springs to
is not a bad way of killing mind is It Started With a Kiss. It is
time when I am bored, but a Taiwan-based romantic comedy
I prefer reading novels, featuring good-looking actors, and it
which can stimulate my was extremely popular when I was in
imagination and expand my primary school. The leading male is
Mavis Chen knowledge of a particular tall, rich, handsome and intelligent,
Chinese language and topic. I like the way novels while the leading female is pretty,
literature major are not limited by images. but stupid.
Rarely. To tell you the truth, I do not Who’s the Murderer is my
like TV series. It takes too much time favorite reality show. It is a
to finish one episode. Popular TV detective show that requires
series Game of Thrones, which had participants to find a clue to
a predetermined story running over help solve a fictitious case. I like
seven seasons, is a typical example. In the feeling of being immersed
Sherwin Deng comparison, reality TV shows are much
better. Each episode is self-standing,
in the mysterious and tense
atmosphere. I enjoy this kind of
Clinical medicine major
so I can watch one episode at a time show where you can discover
when I have free time. and create the story yourself.
Sure, it is a good way of killing My favorite TV series is Agents of
time. Most TV series I watched are S.H.I.E.L.D., the fifth season of which
American dramas. Thus, watching came out in December 2017. It
TV is not only entertainment, but is a complex show, focusing on a
also a way to improve my English situation whereby the Earth is no
listening skills. I have watched longer suitable for human survival
Trista Tan many genres of TV series, including and superpowers are urgently
Actuarial studies major romance, sci-fi and soap operas, of required, which has developed my
which sci-fi is my favorite. interest in science.
Sensational Sights at
Singapore Airshow Not really. I watch TV series sometimes
but only for the purpose of improving
my Japanese. It is undoubtedly that
Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma is
the best anime show I have ever
watched. Before it came out in
The Singapore Airshow was held on Feb. 6-11 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, watching TV series is a good way of 2015, I had been a big fan of its
Singapore. Like all its previous editions, the biannual airshow this year brought learning foreign languages as it can comics for years. The third season
together the global aerospace community and key commercial, government offer specific language circumstances of the show was recently released
and military delegations at Asia’s largest aerospace and defense event. Thanks Xiao Qiyuan and pure Japanese usage. But the and I am keen on it not only
to its hand-painted tiger livery by artist Clodoaldo Quintana, Embraer’s new Language school student reason why I don’t like it is that the plot because it is the best-produced
E190-E2 narrow-bodied aircraft made for one of the most eye-catching sights at of TV series often follow the similar Japanese anime, but also for the
mode which makes it unimaginative. To sense of persistence shown by its
the Singapore Airshow.
some extent, anime is much better. protagonists.
08 09
S K Y TIMES | Items
Xiaoya AI Speaker
SMART SPEAKER LEADS TO A Xiaoya AI Speaker is a smart speaker announced
by Himalaya and Orion Star. Based on rich content
on Himalaya FM platform and cutting-edge voice
Smart Life
technology of Orion Star, it enables human-based
voice interactions and far-field voice recognition.
In terms of connectivity, the device supports
Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4G Wi-Fi, but not 5G Wi-Fi.
Google_home_
max_explode
In 2017, a host of smart products hit the market in China, from the first smart speaker released by Lenovo in January, to the “content-oriented
speaker” jointly developed by Himalaya FM and Orion Star on June 20, to the voice assistant device Tmall Genie X1 launched by Alibaba in July, and
to the recent AI speaker announced by Xiaomi. But what are really smart home products?
DingDong 2
In March 2015, Beijing LingLong Co., was established.
It is a joint venture between JD.com, China’s renowned
e-commerce platform, and voice recognition powerhouse
iFlytek. The company recently unveiled its second-
echo_2nd generation smart speaker – DingDong 2, the world’s
first smart gadget that features both screen and a voice
echo_button assistant speaking Mandarin. The device can be waked
by self-defined commands – finally you can give it a good
name by yourself.
Amazon Echo
Amazon is the forerunner of
smart speakers. In November
2014, the company released its
first voice-enabled speaker Echo
(priced at US$179.99), which
connects to Alexa to organize a
calendar, check daily information,
call a taxi, or order a takeaway. homepod_side_
It is in-built with multiple online large_2x
music content providers and
designed to support the control
of other smart home connected
devices. So far, Amazon has
delivered more than a dozen
such smart speakers or similar
products, forming a complete
production line of hands-free
speakers.
Google_home_max
Google Home Apple HomePod
As an Internet giant, Google soon followed The user experience-focused Apple Inc. announced
suit and unveiled its smart speaker Google its smart speaker HomePod (priced at US$ 349) at
Home (priced at US$129) at the annual IO its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC)
Development Conference in May 2016. Google held in June 2017. With the legacy of simplicity
Home supports smart voice assistant, massive in mind, HomePod is wrapped in a seamless
online content and smart connected devices, mesh lantern structure. Available in white and
echo_look and it can even push audio/video content dark gray, it has a small factor form. Through
directly to your CHromecast. There are two Siri, AirPlay and HomeKit, the speaker can play
echo_dot
versions of Google Home: the Mini and the a rich list of online audio content, communicate
Max, both with multi-room music support and with other speakers, and have access to smart home
amazing sound performance. control. Also it can perfect match with your iOS devices.
10 11
S K Y TIMES | D ata
Comparing the Past and the Present
Fifty years ago, the world people around the world think the answers are influenced by
was a very different place and their lives are compared with their views of the current national
much of the global population 50 years ago? Pew Research economy. Countries that are
had yet to experience Center put that question to more upbeat about their national
substantial improvements in life nearly 43,000 people in 38 economy are more likely to say
expectancy and material well- countries in 2017. life today is better compared
being. How much better do Some analyses indicate that with the past.
The 2018 Spring Festival Travel Rush
Spring Festival is the most important
holiday in the Chinese calendar. It is
Focus
seen as a time for family reunion and
reconnection, prompting relatives to
travel long distances to sit together
around one table.
According to China Daily, more
than 3 billion trips are made
during the 2018 Spring Festival travel
rush between Feb. 1 and March 12,
representing a 10% increase
year-on-year. Hundreds of millions of
Chinese workers and students travel
back to their hometowns, clogging
票 highways and railways, and causing
chaos at airports. The graph below lists
the top 10 domestic places of departure
during the Spring Festival travel rush.
12
Fo cus
INDUSTRY
GIANTS
OUTLINE
PLANS FOR
IMPROVE
MENT IN
2018 Text Cao Shenshen & Feng Shuangqing
P ho to s Wang Yang, Lu Ning & Ba Gen
Il l ust ra t i o n by Chi Xiaojiong
A
s an old Chinese proverb says: “Make your whole year’s plans in the spring, and your day’s plans early in the morn-
ing.” No matter how harsh things get in winter, there is always something to look forward to — the splendid spring-
time, breathtaking flowers and the beginning of a great year. In this issue of Sky Times, we have invited nine key in-
fluencers from our past issues, who have been dedicated to the aviation industry for many years, to share their stories and talk
about their blueprint for 2018.
14 15
Fo cus
ST: What is the Vauramo: This year is all about growth
highlight of for us, adding new routes and
Finnair’s plans frequencies to our network. The
for 2018? highlight of the year will be the
opening of our seventh destination in
Greater China, when we launch our
Nanjing-Helsinki route in May. Then
is adding more than 230 flights to
we will celebrate our 30-year anniver-
Lapland for the winter season, offering
sary of connecting China and Europe.
more connections to the popular winter
We also have new upgrades, bringing
destinations of Ivalo, Rovaniemi, Kittila
our unique Nordic experience to a
and Kuusamo during the peak travel
whole new level.
season. Altogether, the airline will offer
We will offer a wider range of dining
482,000 seats to Lapland during the
and wine options, served on-demand
2018/2019 winter season, an increase
and at a customer’s preferred time.
of 15 percent year-on-year.
Finnair is also introducing the classic
Finnish tradition of kahvikutsut—
ST: What is Vauramo: We have added new destina-
a coffee serving with seven different
your most tions to our network in Europe — Ber-
treats — for long-haul flights departing
recommended gen and Tromso are great for exploring
Asia in the morning.
travel destination the beautiful nature of Norway. We also
The airline will bring a more Nordic
in spring? now fly to Stuttgart in Germany and
feel to the cabin interior of Finnair
Pekka
Lisbon in Portugal, and those are high
A350 aircraft, with new cabin textiles
on my recommendation list for people
and amenities, including stylish seat
looking for a lively city break. I also
covers, pillows, blankets and chinaware
recommend checking Helsinki, with its
with prints from the iconic Finnish
lively restaurant scene, city saunas, and
design house Marimekko.
an abundance of festivals and events in
Vauramo
In terms of food offerings, Finnair
the spring and summer.
has introduced its first-ever Nordic
cooperation with Swedish chef Tommy
ST: Do you have Vauramo: As we grow, we continue to
Myllymaki, bringing Business Class
any personal recruit more people. My goal is to meet
customers unique Nordic flavors.
plans for 2018? every new employee joining Finnair in
Finnair has also teamed up with the
2018 at the “Join Finnair Day” events.
Culinary Team of Finland to design a
Finnair CEO menu for Economy Class. These new
ST: What is Vauramo: It always makes sense to
menu options for both cabins have
your most fly the shortest route — it is better for
been offered to passengers on long-
“We are ideally located on a straight line from Finland to most air hubs in Eu- recommended the environment, and it saves time and
haul flights departing from Helsinki
rope, which means the shortest traveling time and most comfortable option for pas- route? hassle.
from Feb.7.
sengers,” Pekka Vauramo, the CEO of Finnair, said in the first issue of Sky Times.
Driven by demand from Asia, Fin-
Having joined Finnair in 2013, Vauramo has been in charge of leading Finnair’s ST: What is your Vauramo: Fresh white fish caught by
nair will add frequencies to popular
A350-era jets. At the end of 2015, Finnair became the first airline to operate the favorite seasonal myself from the Turku archipelago. I
destinations in Europe for summer and
A350 XWB to China, in Shanghai, following up with routes to Beijing and Hong cuisine in spring? like it smoked, fried or even as sashimi.
winter in 2018. It will fly to Madrid
Kong. In 2017, Finnair paid more attention to digitalization in the China market, Alternatively, spicy dan dan mian noo-
with a total of 10 weekly connections
achieved a strategic partnership with JD Travel and became the first European air- dles in Hong Kong in one my favorite
in winter, and Reykjavik will also get
line to provide an official WeChat account for ticket bookings and payments. restaurants on Gaugh Street called
two additional weekly flights. Finnair
Shanghai Lane.
16 17Fo cus
ST: What are Abe: We feel people-to-people exchang- become the foreign airline of choice for
the highlights of es and cargo transportation is more Chinese people looking to transport
ANA’s plans for lively than previously. The new sales goods all over the world.
2018? method, focusing on online ticket sales Regarding personal goals, I’m hoping
targeting individual tourists and travel- to pass HSK 6. I am yet to sit any ex-
ers with open itineraries, has displayed aminations. Japanese and Chinese are
further growth this year. This year, our related, but Chinese is still a difficult
planning and strategic style involves language for the Japanese people to
more rapid decision processes. We plan learn.
to conduct more operations in this
Chinese style. ST: Please Abe: For spring travel to Japan, I
Our focus on platforms such as Wei- recommend your recommend Masuda in Shimane. There
bo and WeChat has also strengthened favorite travel is a river there called Takatsu-gawa,
this year. We will strive to ensure that destination in which produces extremely delicious cat-
our official ticket retail prices are the spring. fish in spring. There is also the appeal
lowest on the web. Alipay is currently of the sakura cherries in that season. In
supported, whilst providing support autumn, red leaves everywhere make
for WeChat Pay is scheduled for future the place beautiful. Also, the landscape
implementation. around the river is incredibly beautiful,
ANA is extremely grateful to the and the quality of its water is renowned
Chinese government for allowing us to throughout Japan. Masuda is also easy
launch our own business here. To repay to reach. Just fly from Beijing to To-
this kindness, in 2018, we will contin- kyo’s Haneda Airport and then transfer
ue with the contributions we make to to the nearby Iwami Airport. A one-day
society. We have already made dona- trip is completely feasible.
tions to two Hope Schools in Luanping
County and Xinglong County of Hebei ST: What are Abe: Whether in China or Japan, food
Province. We hope to strengthen our is rarely tied to the seasons, but I would
Shinichi
your favorite
relationship and contributions to these still like to recommend the catfish that In 2017, ANA was certified as
spring dishes?
two primary schools this year. I mentioned before. This kind of catfish a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax for the
This year, we plan to work with is different from the bearded Chinese fifth consecutive year. “We bring the
Minsheng Bank to issue the ANA credit variety. It is quite small, and might be world closer together to inspire in-
card. There will be two kinds of credit called sweetfish in China. It is usually finite possibilities,” said Shinichi Abe,
Abe
card, the first will be a UnionPay card, made by covering it in salt and skewer- the senior vice president and general
the second JCB, for payments in Japa- ing it with a bamboo stick before cook- manager for China. “The wings
nese yen. All articles have already been ing over a fire. It is extremely delicious. within us help to fulfill the hopes and
agreed, though a specific launch date is dreams of an interconnected world.”
still under review. ANA operates 24 Sino-Japanese
routes per week, including Hong
Abe: My biggest goals are work related. Kong, and 2018 marks the 40th an-
ST: What are
niversary of the signing of the Treaty
ANA Senior Vice President
your personal I hope that ANA can become the first
goals for 2018? international airline of choice for Chi- of Peace and Friendship between and General Manager for
nese passengers by 2020. Specifically, China and Japan. Abe believes such
landmarks will be a positive turn-
China
from the perspective of passenger trans-
portation, I hope that ANA can become ing point for Japan-China bilateral
the first choice for Chinese passengers mutual exchanges, and ANA wants
on China-Japan routes. With regards to to make contributions to it.
freight transport, I hope that ANA can
18 19Fo cus
ST: What is the Balm: The goal for Air France-KLM able than other places.
main goal for Air in China is to grow by about 5 per- I liked Hangzhou as well, with its
France-KLM in cent to 6 percent year-on-year. It is lakes and beautiful scenery. Besides,
the China market also very important for us to continue I like also Xi’an, Lijiang, and I have
in 2018? and strengthen cooperation with our heard many great stories about Cheng-
Chinese airline partners: China Eastern du and its wonderful spicy food.
Airlines, China Southern Airlines and So I love all these cities.
Xiamen Airlines. Our longstanding,
strong relationships enable us to reach ST: What are the Balm: Right now, it is fairly mixed,
secondary cities through hubs in China. tasks that take as I have a lot of different areas to
We offer the most combinations of up most of your concentrate on. Of course, I have
flights between China and Europe. time on a normal to understand the basics of how we
We also have partnerships with working day? do business here in China. So I look
many Chinese digital companies such at figures a lot and need to dig into
as WeChat, Ctrip and Fliggy, and we the figures to understand how are
plan to grow in the digital segment. we doing, what our position is and
WeChat payments are a good example what the competition is. In addition,
Toon
of how Air France-KLM can learn I invest a lot in communicating with
from the big Chinese tech companies my colleagues. We have a management
and grow in China. team, but we have a large workforce
The traditional way of selling tickets of more than 150 people working in
through travel agents remains import- the commercial, sales, marketing and
Balm
ant. At the same time, we invest in communication departments. Current-
training our sales team so that they can ly, I try my best to spend as much time
add value to the performance of Air as possible with my colleagues to get
France-KLM in China. to know them better.
ST: Which Chi- Balm: First and foremost, Beijing. ST: Could you Balm: Well, the good thing here in
Air France-KLM nese city is your Before I came to Beijing, I thought it recommend China is that spring comes earlier than
favorite? was very big, and that it would be very some cuisine for what I am used to back in Europe. I
General Manager for crowded and noisy with lots of traffic. spring? really like to eat outside when weather
Greater China But in the few weeks that I have been is nice, so for me, having a barbeque is
here, I have found that though it is a very important. My spring food idea
big city, it is also quite relaxed, well or- would be something of the barbeque,
Even though he has only been in Beijing for a few months, Toon Balm has al- ganized and everything works. Beijing and it does not really matter whether it
ready fallen in love with the historic city. Having previously served as a comman- is a very nice city. is meat or fish.
do in the Royal Netherlands Army, Balm has now worked for Air France-KLM for Shanghai is also a great city, because
19 years respectively in Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. it has different historical and cultur-
For Air France-KLM, the China market is its biggest in the Asia-Pacific region al atmosphere. It has a pleasant city
and second-biggest among all international markets. center, so I think for touristic reasons
“The first flight from France to China is at the heart of our history. Since then, it is a fabulous place to visit.
we have been continuously striving to share our most innovative products on our I also like Guangzhou because of
China routes,” said Balm. the climate there. It is hot and humid;
sometimes it is much more comfort-
20 21Fo cus
ST: What is the Diu: The year 2018 is set to be one of ST: What is Diu: Lately, I have been to Nanning, the
highlight of the Cathay Pacific Group’s most significant your most capital of Guangxi Province, twice for
2018 annual years in terms of network expansion recommended business. As you know, Cathay Dragon
plan for your and capacity growth. In addition to travel destination has launched four flights a week new
company? Washington DC, which will be served in in spring? services from Nanning to Hong Kong
September, the airline is launching year- on Jan.8, 2018. I am impressed by its
round services to Brussels and Dublin in city planning and infrastructures, I
March and June respectively. A seasonal also found that Guangxi offers a lot
service to Copenhagen and Cape Town of good scenic spots not far from the
commence in May and November Nanning, such as Lijiang River, Elephant
respectively. The new service will offer Trunk Hill, Detian Waterfall, Mingshi
passengers from the Chinese main- Rurality,Tongling Grand Canyon and
land more options when connecting etc.As Guangxi is not far away from
to Cathay Dragon’s extensive regional Hong Kong, I always recommend my
network or the international network of colleagues and friends to pay a visit to
Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong. Nanning.
Cathay Pacific is committed to contin-
uous investment in new aircraft, our ST: What is your Diu: It is very dry in spring in Beijing.
world-beating seats, lounges and other most favorite As I come from Hong Kong, my favorite
Titus
products to provide our customers with a seasonal cuisine dish is double-stewed soup. People in
superior travel experience. Our first A350- in springtime? the Guangdong area are really good at
1000 is scheduled to be delivered this cooking soup, and green vegetables are
spring, which will be deployed on various also really good in spring. For me, the
long-haul routes — Washington DC, an best Cantonese restaurant in town is the
Diu
ultra-long-haul route will be operated by Hong Kong Jockey Club Beijing. They
an A350-1000. Moreover, Cathay Dragon have the best double-stewed soup as
has ordered 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft, well as Cantonese dim sum.
replacing its current fleet of 15 A320 and
eight A321, which are scheduled to be ST: What sports Diu: I started skiing in Canada since
delivered between 2020 and 2023. On do you like to the early 1990s. Being lived in Hong
top of its A350 fleet, the Cathay Pacific do in your spare Kong most part of my life, similar to a
Group will also introduce high-speed Wi- time? lot of Hong Kong people, I enjoy snow General Manager,
Fi to its entire fleet of Boeing 777 and scenery very much. I find that it is really
Airbus A330 fleets from mid-2018. This is convenient to go skiing in Beijing. For
China of Cathay Pacific
in response to strong market demand on instance, it only takes me 45 minutes to and Cathay Dragon
inflight connectivity. drive from where I live in 3rd Ring Road
ST: Do you have to Jundushan Ski Resort. They have
any personal Diu: I have been planning a trip to well maintained skiing trails for both Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon are often praised for
plans for 2018? New Zealand with my family during beginners, intermediate and high-level its service, products, fleet and networks. “It has always been Cathay Pacific Group’s
the Chinese New Year holiday. I have skiers. Other than skiing, there are a lot motto to put our passengers first. We focus on delivering our brand promise to enable
never visited New Zealand. Cathay just of nice resort hotels that offer very good a ’Life Well Traveled’. That means being an organization that is truly committed to
launched its Christchurch service in hot springs. I have also been to other our customers,” said Titus Diu, General Manager, China of Cathay Pacific and Cathay
December 2017, so we can fly directly ski resorts in the Mainland including Dragon.
to Christchurch. I can drive a rental car Zhangjiakou, and I was impressed by Diu has been working at Cathay Pacific for more than 25 years. He joined Cathay
to the scenic spots all the way down to both the skiing facilities there and the Dragon in 1991 and has subsequently held a number of senior positions within the
Auckland and then come back home. fast increasing popularity of skiing company in both Hong Kong and on the Chinese mainland. Sky Times interviewed
This will save a lot of travelling time, among Chinese young generation. Diu in March 2017. Let us see what he is talking about one year later.
as in the past travelers had to make a
stopover to Christchurch.That will be a
great trip for my family and me.
22 23Fo cus
ST: What is Hodges: In March, we will introduce the operation of both airlines, with more
the highlight B787-9 for PVG-DFW/LAX and PEK- diverse and travel options for passengers
of American DFW/LAX routes. Premium Economy on traveling between the two biggest air
Airlines’ plan for the 787-9 Dreamliner is configured with travel markets.
2018? leather seats with 38 inches of pitch, ex- From Jan. 18, American passengers
tendable foot, leg and head rests, person- have been able to connect via CZ flights
al on-demand entertainment systems and to Guangzhou, Shenyang, Changsha,
large touchscreen monitors. Customers Dalian, Shenzhen, Harbin, Changchun,
will receive noise-reduction headphones Chongqing and Nanning through Beijing.
and amenity kits, and will enjoy en- As part of this partnership, CZ passen-
hanced meal services with complimentary gers may book seats on connecting AA
wine, beer and spirits, while every seat flights from Los Angeles to Houston,
will be equipped with Wi-Fi capacity. Chicago, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Phoe-
American Airlines and Fliggy are forming nix and from San Francisco to Dallas and
a strategic partnership providing travel- Phoenix. Tickets are available on China
ers in China with the ability to directly Southern’s official website and are autho-
purchase AA’s services and products. In rized third-party ticketing platforms.
addition, eligible Fliggy loyalty program
members will be able to enjoy select elite ST: Do you have Hodges: My personal goal for 2018 is to
status benefits of American’s world-class any personal continue to inspire our commercial team
AAdvantage program. goals for 2018? here in the Asia Pacific region to realize
According to the two parties’ loyalty their true potential and deliver excep-
programs, Fliggy’s eligible F1, F2 and tional service in a highly professional and
F3 loyalty members will be able to enjoy ethical way.
select benefits that American offers to its
AAdvantage elite members. F1 members ST: What is your Hodges: I highly recommend our new
will receive preferred boarding; F2 mem- most recom- Beijing to Los Angeles route as we just
mended route?
Shane
bers will enjoy certain AAdvantage Gold launched this service in November last
After working at Starwood Hotel and Resorts for more
elite tier benefits such as complimentary year. Los Angeles is one of the most
than 22 years, Shane Hodges joined American Airlines on
preferred seats; and F3 members will popular United States destinations for
July 1, 2017. Moving from the hospitality industry to the
gain select AAdvantage Platinum priv- Chinese travelers.
aviation industry, everything was new but exciting for him.
ileges, including complimentary main
Hodges said that despite feeling nervous at first, joining ST: What is your
cabin extra and preferred seat allocation. Hodges: I like Peking duck a lot. Every
Hodges
American Airlines quickly became the best thing to happen favorite seasonal
Future plans for the partnership also time I visit Beijing, I order Peking duck
to him as he was able to understand a new industry and dish in spring?
include the implementation of Alipay as for dinner. The special way you eat the
work with a wonderful team of people in the Asia Pacific
a form of payment. sliced duck meat in a pancake with spring
region.
From the beginning of February, Fliggy onion, cucumber and sauce is something
American Airlines committed to making a US$200 mil-
loyalty program members have been able that I can rarely find in the West.
lion equity investment in China Southern Airlines in March,
to access AAdvantage Member Privileges,
2017, creating a strong foundation for a long-term relation-
American Airlines Vice according to the membership level on the
ship between the two carriers; it launched a nonstop route
Fliggy APP or Fliggy official website.
President of Sales for Asia from Beijing to Los Angles on Nov.6, 2017; and formed a
China Southern Airlines and American
strategic partnership with Fliggy, a travel service platform
Pacific of Alibaba Group on Jan. 16, 2018.
Airlines jointly announced a codeshare
partnership effective on Jan. 18, adding
new momentum to the international
24 25Fo cus
ST: What are Polat: Well, 2017 was a successful year currently serve the Shanghai-Zurich
the plans for for Lufthansa Group, with the highlight route with this aircraft.
Lufthansa Group coming in December when we awarded The Shenyang-Frankfurt route will
in China in 2018? the Skytrax 5-Star rating. Lufthansa be relaunched on March 27th, while the
German Airlines is now the only five-star Nanjing-Frankfurt route will celebrate
airline in Europe and one of 10 airlines its 10-year anniversary in April. It is a
worldwide. The award was well-de- huge success to operate an interconti-
served recognition of our major efforts nental route in a tier-2 city for a decade.
to make Lufthansa one of the world’s
leading premium airlines. We made huge ST: Do you have Polat: I want to find more time to read,
investments in our fleet, updated all any personal exercise and do some meditation. I am
our cabins, introduced digital services, goals for 2018? interested in taichi, which has a great
opened new lounges and improved our tradition in China. I also want to learn
Veli
service on board and on the ground. some basic Chinese.
The combination of premium offerings
with the quality and professionalism of ST: What is your Polat: My tip would be Hamburg,
our employees has earned Lufthansa the most-recom- Germany. In spring, it might have some
status of a five-star airline. mended travel rainy days, but when the weather is
Polat
In 2018, we have great plans for destination for good, it will give visitors an amazing
Lufthansa Group Airlines in the Greater spring? impression of one of Germany’s tradi-
China region. In January, we launched tional towns with its rivers and a great
WeChat accounts for Swiss International harbor. The next suggestion would be
Airlines and Austrian Airlines, showing Zurich. In spring,the sunshine turns the
that Lufthansa Group pays close atten- scenery at the lake into something from
tion to social media trends and uses the an oil painting.
most popular communication channels Lufthansa Group Airlines
to interact with passengers. ST: What is your Polat: I am a big fan of vegetables and
Austrian Airlines launches its new favorite seasonal especially the seasonal ones. It feels like
Senior Director of Sales
Premium Economy Class at the be- cuisine in spring? a reward to enjoy them, because we for Greater China
ginning of March to Beijing, Shanghai have waited the whole year to eat them
and Hong Kong, while from the end with friends. I am curious to find out
of March, we will deploy the A380 for more about local vegetables. In June, 2017, Sky Times met Veli Polat in the Lufthansa Group
flight operation, starting from Munich office on Nanjing East Road in Shanghai. At that time, he had recent-
to Beijing and Hong Kong. ly been appointed as senior director of sales for Greater China. As a
Swiss will finalize the refurbishment German Turk who was born in Ankara, Polat moved to Germany in his
of all A340 models in the summer, with teens, and attended a training program for Lufthansa Cargo Pro Team
the newest seats and product features in 1994. He has now worked for Lufthansa Group for 24 years, with
in First and Business Class cabins. We postings in Baku, Istanbul, Moscow, Los Angeles and New Delhi before
arriving in Shanghai.
Polat feels that China’s aviation market has vast potential. Since its
first flight to China in 1926, Lufthansa Group has had a happy 92-year
history in the China market and maintained a leading position in terms
of air routes between China and Europe. This spring, we met up Polat
again to discuss 2018.
26 27Fo cus
ST: What is the Noella: We are working to become flight; regional meal options served
highlight of the preferred airline for travelers from according to destination, for instance,
British Airways’ China to the UK and Europe.Our for our flights between China and Lon-
plans for 2018? chairman and CEO, Alex Cruz, has don, we serve chicken in spicy Chengdu
recently announced that we will make sauce and Chicken Congee; a tuck box
a £4.5 billion (US$6.4 billion) invest- with chocolates and crisps such as Dairy
ment over the next five years, covering Milk Buttons, Twix, Kit-Kat and Mini
the installation of the best quality Wi- Cheddars available in the galley for
Fi and power in every seat, fitting 128 customers to help themselves to; a hot
long-haul aircraft with new interiors breakfast on longer overnight flights; a
and taking delivery of 72 new aircraft. graze movie-snack box on longer flights;
We are also investing £600 million in and complimentary drinks from the bar.
upgrading Club World Business Class, Our customers tell us that when they
including outstanding catering and lux- are taking a long-haul flight, great food
urious White Company bedding, plus, and beverages make a real difference
from 2019, a new seat with direct aisle to them. It is a huge driver of customer
access. This year, we will start service satisfaction, so we want to make sure
on six new routes, including Nashville we deliver a great experience. With
and the Seychelles. By summer this year, this multi-million pound investment
we will be flying 264 routes — a rise of we have focused on introducing more
17 percent in two years. quantity and quality to the catering,
We are committed to further strength- delivery tasty meals and great snacking
ening our presence in China by provid- options throughout the flight.
ing customers with better choices, great-
er flexibility and a top-quality onboard ST: What is your Noella: In spring, I would recommend
experience tailored to their needs. most-recom- the Seychelles, where we start flying to
This year, we announced a very mended travel in March this year. I love to chase the
exciting development for our customers destination for sun, so Seychelles would be my perfect
traveling in World Traveller Economy spring? spring destination.
Noella
Class. From Jan. 17, our customers
have been able to enjoy a new catering ST: What is your Noella: Any cuisine — I absolutely
In September 2017, Sky Times published a story about
menu, which provides more quantity favorite seasonal love food! Perhaps Italian cuisine in
British Airways’ services, products, digital development and
and quality to both meals and great cuisine in spring? spring, using fresh spring vegetables
global strategies, in which Noella Ferns, the company’s ex-
snacking options throughout the flight. that are in season.
ecutive vice president for Greater China, said: “The Chinese
These include: pretzels with a welcome
Ferns
market is so important, and the competition between Chinese
drink; a four-course meal with starter,
carriers and foreign carriers is challenging.”
entree, dessert, and cheese and biscuits,
Ferns has more than 28 years’ experience at British
accompanied by a bread roll and bottle
Airways across senior management, sales and airport opera-
of water; a second meal or substantial
tions in the Asia Pacific region as well as Greater China and
snack depending on the length of the
Australia. “British Airways has created a lot of success stories
British Airways Executive since it began operations on the Chinese mainland more than
35 years ago. It hopes to keep serving customers for years to
Vice President for Greater come,” she said.
China
28 29Fo cus
ST: What is the Li: Inflight experience is the heart of ST: What do you Li: Finding the right person at the right
main goal for our brand and service proposition. In think makes a time. Motivating everyone in the team,
Emirates in the China, Emirates will further grow its successful leader? to maximize everyone’s potential in the
China market in business and maintain steady growth areas that they excel in or have the most
the near future among fierce competition. I wish for interest in.
and how can it longstanding and rapid development for
achieve that goal? Emirates in China. I hope more passen- ST: What has Li: The market keeps changing, so do the
gers will experience our outstanding been your great- ideas and mindset of younger generations.
and innovative services and products. To est challenge or As new staff join Emirates, it is obvious
achieve our business goals and ambi- career setback that they are developing new ways of
tions, Emirates will continue to deliver and how did you doing things, such as the social media and
high-level services and introduce more overcome it? new channels for sales. I have been trying
innovations and advancements in terms my best to keep up with new trends and
of both on-ground and onboard services be openminded when it comes to inno-
for Chinese passengers. vative thinking, which has been proved
successful.
ST: On a normal Li: My role is to direct the strategic
working day, development of Emirates in Chinese ST: Where do Li: I would love to travel to the South
what things take mainland, including strengthening you most want to Pole in Antarctica.
up most of your relationships with political representa- travel but never
time, and what tives, government authorities, airlines, have been?
tasks are the most commercial accounts and key travel
important? industry representatives, while ensuring
that both the nationwide revenue target ST: Could you Li: Dubai is a great place to visit in spring,
and company standards for passenger recommend a because the weather is mild and comfort-
handling are achieved. couple of des- able. Some of the European destinations Emirates is the largest airline in the
So, liaising with different parties, tinations and are also highly recommended, such as Middle East, operating more than 3,600
including the company headquarters in Emirates routes the UK, Spain, Germany and France. The flights per week from its hub at Dubai
Dubai, local authorities and customers to travel to in the European destinations are good choices International Airport to more than 140
in China, takes up most of my time. spring? for Chinese visitors in spring, because they cities in 81 countries across six continents.
One of the most important parts of can avoid the summer peak season and The strength of Emirates’ China services is
my work is to communicate with my enjoy more of the benefits on offer. highlighted by an average seat factor of 82
team and know what they are thinking percent over the past five years.
to create the best synergy among the Adam Li joined Emirates in January
team. This is also the most meaningful 2006 as Manager of Passenger Sales in
part of my work. Beijing. Emirates has achieved an outstand-
ing sales performance in Beijing under Li’s
ST: In your spare Li: I like to go to the gym and workout leadership. In November 2011, Li was
time, what kinds to help me relax after a hard day’s work. promoted to Emirates Vice President for
Adam Li
of activities do China. He says that Emirates has witnessed
you like to do the growth of China into one of the world’s
in order to relax most important aviation markets, and has
and do your job increased the frequency and capacity of
better? its China services in a progressive manner
to develop its network and meet growing
passenger and cargo demand. Sky Times
Emirates Vice met with Li this spring to talk about 2018
President for China plans for both Emirates and himself.
30 31Fo cus
ST: What achieve- Mi: 2017 is a year with great momen- an orphanage school in Anhui Prov-
ment has Airbus tum for the aviation industry and civil ince’s Jinzhai County, developing young
made in the year aviation in China. Airbus is honored to people’s competence in engineering,
past? support this development with our prod- mathematics and aviation. When my
ucts, services and industrial cooperation colleagues and I visited the school, I
projects. We delivered 176 commercial found there were flower beds, but no
aircraft to China throughout the year, flowers in the flower beds. It was such a
which is the eighth consecutive year of pity that there were so many girls in the
more than 100 deliveries. One fourth of school, but no flowers. So I promised the
Airbus’ total deliveries went to China in school that the next year when we came
2017, including 141 A320s, 32 A330s again, we would plant flowers in their
and three A350XWBs. campus and make sure that they had the
For Airbus, China is a crucial market right system to look after the flowers.
and a strategic partner with win-win
cooperation. The cooperation expanded ST: What is your Mi: I think Europe is the best destination.
to the area of wide body aircraft, while most-recom- You find different local cultures in every
the A330 Completion and Delivery mended destina- village and every region in Europe, for ex-
Centre in Tianjin was inaugurated in tion for spring? ample, such as different architecture styles.
September 2017. And two aircraft have Among all the European countries, I love
been delivered to the Chinese customers France most. For me, the most beautiful
from Tianjin in 2017. metropolitan city is Paris, which gives you
In 2017, Airbus has selected the a sense of romance and freedom. Ro-
Lindsey Mi
southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, mance is in the way the city presents itself,
widely considered to be the Silicon the way you look at it, its style.
Valley of China, to establish its Airbus
China Innovation Centre (ACIC). Airbus ST: What is your Mi: I recommend spring pancake, a
has also signed a cooperation frame- favorite seasonal traditional Chinese food that people eat
work agreement with Invest Shenzhen to cuisine in spring? on the day called Li Chun to celebrate
establish a long-term strategic partner- the beginning of the spring. In spring, I
Airbus China Vice ship to accelerate innovation and shape usually bake spring pancakes by myself,
the future of flight. with fresh vegetables, such as bean
President,Communications
“The win-win cooperation makes sprouts, fragrant-flowered garlic and
Airbus and China here today. We will meat inside, and invite neighbors to
surely find more fields to expand it, in the share the delicacy with us. I think spring
innovation sector or something yet to be pancake is suitable for people of all ages.
discovered. It is our mission and chance.”
ST: What occu- Mi: If there are big events coming up, I
ST: What is your Mi: I love gardening, so I look forward pies most of your have to spend a lot of time on strategic
personal plan for to spring. Maybe due to the time I was working day? planning, and close to the date of the
During her 17 years at Airbus China, Lindsey Mi, vice president in charge 2018? born, three days before spring according events, I have to make sure the plans are
of communications, and her colleagues have managed to build the brand to the Chinese lunar calendar, I love implemented seamlessly. Last year, my
into an established transnational corporation, making great efforts in intro- nature. I talk with the trees, flowers and team organized about 100 events.
ducing the company’s products, technology, corporate culture and successful plants, and am passionate about looking Usually, I spend most of my time reading
experiences. In her eyes, Airbus not only sells planes, but is also committed to after them. I have a garden where I have emails and attending meetings, and about
growing together with China’s aviation manufacturing industry. planted more than 100 plants. Every one-third of my time communicating and
spring, I have an agenda of moving back coordinating with other functions.
from the city to my villa, located on the
slope of a mountain in the northern part ST: What Mi: Great leaders are passionate, moti-
of Beijing. I then plant more trees, flow- attributes are vators and have superior communica-
ers and vegetables such as cucumbers. prerequisites for tion skills.
Airbus has a charity program with excellent leaders?
32 33Fo cus
Outlook for 2018 Suggests Strong
Airline Profitability
The world’s airlines will carry a record number of passengers and earn all-time high collective revenues in 2018, according
to International Air Transport Association forecasts. Strong demand, efficiency and reduced interest payments will help
airlines improve net profitability in 2018, despite rising costs.
The global industry net profit is expected to rise to US$38.4 billion in 2018, an increase on the US$34.5 billion net profit
expected for 2017 (revised from a US$31.4 billion forecast in June).
Highlights of expected performance in 2018 include
1 A slight decline in the 2 An improvement in net 3 A rise in overall revenues 4 A rise in passenger
operating margin to 8.1 margin to 4.7 percent to US$824 billion (up 9.4 numbers to 4.3 billion
percent (down from 8.3 (up from 4.6 percent in percent on 2017 revenues (up 6 percent from 4.1
percent in 2017) 2017) of US$754 billion) billion passengers in
2017)
5 A rise in cargo carried 6 Slower growth for both 7 Average net profit per
to 62.5 million tons (up passenger (up 6 percent departing passenger
4.5 percent on the 59.9 in 2018; up 7.5 percent in of US$8.90 (up from
Travel
million tons in 2017) 2017) and cargo ( up 4.5 US$8.45 in 2017)
percent in 2018; up 9.3
percent in 2017) demand
Regional outlook
All regions are expected to report improved profitability in 2018 and all regions are expected to see demand growth outpace
capacity expansion. Carriers in North America continue to lead on financial performance, accounting for nearly half of the
industry’s total profits.
North America
Latin America
Airlines in this region are forecast to generate the
Airlines in Latin America are forecast to generate a
strongest financial performance with net profits of
US$900 million net profit in 2018 (up from US$700
US$16.4 billion in 2018 (up from US$15.6 billion in
million in 2017). Passenger demand is expected to
2017). Market conditions are expected to continue to
grow by 8 percent in 2018, outpacing announced
be strong, with announced capacity growth (3.4 per-
passenger capacity growth of 7.5 percent.
cent) likely to be slightly less than the traffic forecast
of 3.5 percent.
Middle East
Asia-Pacific Middle East carriers are forecast to see net profits
Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are forecast to improve to US$600 million in 2018 (up from US$300
see profits of US$9 billion in 2018 (up from US$8.3 million in 2017). Demand in 2018 is expected to
billion in 2017). The strong cyclical rise in cargo grow by 7 percent, outpacing announced capacity
markets has been a particular support for this region, expansion of 4.9 percent (the slowest growth since
whose carriers account for 37 percent of global cargo 2002).
capacity. Anticipated growth in demand of 7 percent
will outpace announced capacity increases of 6.8 Africa
percent.
African carriers are expected to continue to make
small losses of US$100 million in 2018 following a
Europe collective net loss of US$100 million in 2017. Stron-
Airlines in Europe are expected to deliver a net profit ger forecast economic growth in the region is expect-
of US$11.5 billion in 2018 (up from US$9.8 billion in ed to support demand growth of 8 percent in 2018,
slightly outpacing the announced capacity expansion
2017). Announced capacity increases of 5.5 percent Lapland: A World of Fun and Fantasy /36
trail the expected 6 percent growth in demand in of 7.5 percent.
2018, supporting a strengthening of the region’s A Foodie’s Take on Taipei’s Tasty Treats / 40
performance. Source: International Air Transport Association
Beautiful Spring Scenery at Beijing West Leisure Resort / 44
34T ra vel | World
Fun and Fantasy
A World of
L
Text Wang Ruosi
apland is Finland’s north- tures unique aurora landscape and
ernmost region, a sparsely indigenous cultures. It takes just 90
populated area border- minutes to fly from Helsinki to Kit-
ing Sweden, Norway, tila, a Lappish city where you can
Russia and the Baltic Sea. With enjoy the magic of the Northern
three-quarters of its territory lying Lights, skiing and saunas under the
in the Arctic Circle, Lapland fea- starry sky. P ho to by Wang Ruosi
36 37T ra vel | World
Steaming saunas a year of polar nights, the local of year, but Lappish prefer local you need to see it with your eyes
With around 2.5 million saunas Finnish people are warmhearted, food, which is natural and more and feel it with your own body.
in Finland, some people say passionate and full of imagination. environmentally friendly. Narratives can hardly exert the
it is possible for the country’s During the polar nights, it is not same effect as personal experience.
population of 5.4 million to take a as dark as one might expect, as the Indigenous culture The feeling when you are standing
sauna at the same time. They can moonlight is reflected on the white As Europe’s only indigenous on the top of a mountain and
be found everywhere, including snow, increasing visibility. people, Sami live in the Arctic gazing into the pristine wilderness
in apartments, summer cottages, Finns created the concept of region of Finland, Norway, is too joyful to be described using
public swimming pools, fitness elves — small beings with magical Sweden and northeast Russia. words, but it fills you with great
centers, hotels, ships, airport powers. In addition to the red Numerous Nordic mythologies excitement.
lounges and even on public buses. elves that help Santa Claus, there are derived from the Sami people’s Reindeer are the symbol
Historically, the cleanest room are also green wild elves who keep ancient belief in animism, which of Lapland for one very
in a Finnish home was the sauna gardens in good order and yellow states that all significant natural good reason: the number of
house where the embers of a barn elves that are full of wisdom. objects possess a soul. According reindeers in the region is nearly
smoke sauna would ensure it was Peeking into the magic world of to one of their myths, the equivalent to the local Lappish
bacteria-free, a perfect place for elves is not easy, because they live Northern Lights were made by a population. Reindeer husbandry
giving birth and cleansing the in the depths of forests. You can firefox running over the land and is an important aspect of Sami
bodies of the deceased. ride a snowmobile to the fantasy swinging its red tail around. culture and reindeers have been
Lapland is the region with the Elves Hideaway, learn one or two Sami people believe that the domesticated for transportation.
most traditional smoke saunas. Elvish phrases or make handiwork ability to interact with nature is Today, tourists can experience
Of them, Immelkartano is a at the Elf’s School. There is also a the most supernatural ability that the joy of a reindeer sleigh ride
popular smoke sauna resort in Lappish restaurant called Tonttula, humans have been endowed with. and a husky-driven excursion in
Kittila, where men and women go and a souvenir shop selling old- Like all other spiritual practices, Lapland.
to sauna separately. Locals enjoy fashioned snowboards and
heating the stove to a temperature weaving products with Lapland-
of 100ºC and then running outside style patterns and textiles, as well
to jump in the lake or have a roll as other elf-related items.
in the snow at -20ºC, experiencing Delicacies of Lapland include
the extremes between hot and cold. cloudberry, white fish and
The best option is bathing in a hot reindeer meat. During the
tub under the open sky, drinking long wintertime, veggies are
beer together with the Northern understandably rare on the menus
Lights above you. in local restaurants, as they
can hardly be planted in such
Elf experience a climate. These days, people
In Lapland, winter lasts eight can get food from anywhere
months, but despite more than half around the world at any time
38 39You can also read
