GLOBETROTTER

Although this petite powerhouse travels for
a living, it hasn’t left her jaded as she still
looks forward to trips, both for business and
for pleasure

Vivian Lo has a problem most of us would kill for: “I look too young!” But being taken seriously on the job has never been a problem for Cathay Pacific’s country
manager in the Philippines, and her resumé proves it: Vivian has been with the airline industry for the last 12 years, and loyally all with Cathay Pacific. Which leads to another problem we’d love to have. “I travel all the time,” she says, “but 90% of it is for work. I tend to separate work and play, so I hardly get to see the local scenes.” Or shop, for that matter. “I’m a boring creature of habit who shops in the same places. And don’t ask me for any bargaining tips; I restrict all negotiation to my work!” she laughs. And although Vivian’s been in and out of over 20 countries in the course of her work, she has yet to visit a few places for the first time. “Prague and Budapest—these are two cities I really want to go to,” she says. Then sheepishly admits, ”And New York, the city of life! I would love to go with my friends.” And with
Cathay Pacific launching third daily services from Hong Kong to New York starting mid-November, she has no more excuses!

What is the most unusual destination you’ve been to?
I was lucky enough to visit Lebanon before the war. It was an eye-opening trip, seeing the amazing ruins in Tyre, the panoramic boundless seaview of the Mediterranean in Byblos, and the vivacious “Lan Kwai Fong” of Beirut, the ancient Paris of the Middle East. I was most impressed with the pride the Lebanese have for their country. And Cambodia—the temples in Angkor Wat and Angkor Tom are unbelievably beautiful. That says a lot about how advanced their civilization was then, yet how fragile such a majestic culture could be to lose it all.

What is your most memorable travel experience?
I am a student pilot, so my most interesting experience was to co-pilot a small Cessna aircraft to Boracay during my last vacation. I also tried parasailing for the first time.

FAVORITES
Outfit to wear on the plane: Stylish and comfy PJs by Shanghai Tang— Cathay Pacific’s unique giveaway for its long-haul, first-class service. I know passengers that love it so much that they keep a collection!

Beauty products: Dr. Brandt travel kit and Kérastase hair products in an exquisite Ipa-Nima pouch, another special giveaway.

Watch: I have a few nice watches but actually don’t wear one… but am
always on time. It’s the CX spirit—OTP, On-Time Performance!

Gadgets: My O2 Xda Atom Executive PDA phone, which allows me to read e-mail and access the Internet wherever I am. My iPod nano, and two phones, in case one breaks down. I always bring a camera, so that I can take snapshots of nice scenery or precious moments with my friends—but I much prefer to be the photographer, not the subject!

Destinations
Bars and restaurants:Nice jazz and live singing in The Chater Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong—the hotel will soon be demolished, though… lots of fond memories there; the world-acclaimed Pierre on the 25th floor of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong; Sky Bar in State Tower, Bangkok; Château Cordeillan- Bages, which is owned by the Lynch Bages wine estate; three-Michelin-star restaurant La Pergola in Rome Cavalieri Hilton; and Novu in Milan, a nice fashionable spot to see and be seen. My absolute favorite, however, is simple congee and wanton noodles in a quaint humble shop in Hong Kong.

Tourist landmark: The Hong Kong skyline as seen from Victoria Peak—picturesque and absolutely beautiful. In Paris, Le Tour Eiffel—I’ve been to the top five times, but each time cherish that breathtakingly magnificent view. The most romantic date would be to have a sunset prelude on les bateaux mouches (“fly boats”) followed by dinner in St. Germaine, finished with a relaxing walk along the Left and Right Banks.

Hotel: Business hotel groups, like Shangri-La and Hilton. I love them for
their consistently excellent service.

Spa: The Oriental Spa, The Oriental Bangkok—the ultimate indulgence
in its most classic form.

Europe:I am very partial to Europe—the cultural and artistic diversity makes any visit inimitable! To pick a favorite is difficult, though I really love Paris and can never get enough of her, even after 10 visits! I also like Rome and Athens for their historic sites, and Bordeaux for winery tours.

Shopping

Usual haunts: In Hong Kong, Pacific Place and IFC. My favorite shops are Vivienne Tam and Lane Crawford. In Milan, via Sant’ Andrea and via Montenapoleone. I especially like the Armani complex for
work clothes—I have a petite frame and they do amazing alteration in practically no time!

What you usually buy for friends and family:As I travel so much for work, friends have instructed me to stop buying them souvenirs unless it is something we can consume together, like, say, a nice bottle of wine or food items unique to a country.

Most expensive purchase: I’m not someone who would pay an enormous amount for one particular purchase… except maybe for a Gucci diamond watch for my mum’s birthday.

Most unusual purchase:Not a “purchase,” but something I brought back for my friend, Grace Glory Go: I saw a precious picture of her on the VIP board of Château Cos d’Estournel (a very nice Grand Cru from
Saint-Estèphe)! It was fond memories for Gracie that she herself had forgotten. To me that was priceless.