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Letters

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification
I refer to the report, “High-speed sleeper trains make maiden trips from Hong Kong to Beijing and Shanghai” (June 15).
I found it amusing to read about the complaints regarding Hong Kong’s new high-speed sleeper train service. As a frequent traveller on sleeper trains in Russia, I have a different perspective on what constitutes a truly enjoyable journey.
In December 2023, I took a train from Moscow to Kazan. My flight had been delayed, causing me to miss other options and leaving the train as my last resort. However, it turned out to be a wonderful experience that would remind me of the golden days of sleeper train travel across Russia.
I never gave thought to the absence of Wi-fi or power outlets on those trains. Instead, I cherished the opportunity to disconnect and engage in genuine human interactions. Sharing a carriage, sipping tea and exchanging stories with people from all walks of life – that’s an experience you simply can’t replicate when you are engrossed by your phone or laptop.
The 12-hour journey from Kazan to Moscow was always a delight. It was the ideal way to travel, departing in the evening and arriving refreshed in the morning. While I sympathise with the Hong Kong passengers who complained about the lack of connectivity on the new sleeper trains, they are missing out on the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the journey.
Indeed, modern amenities are convenient. However, there are times when disconnecting and being present can significantly enhance the travel experience. Hong Kong passengers would benefit from adopting the Russian sleeper train approach and learning to value authentic human interactions. After all, those are the experiences you will remember long after the journey is over.
Ilnur Minakhmetov, Yau Ma Tei
Travel makes the heart grow fonder of our airport
I recently visited the United Kingdom. It was my first time taking a British Airways flight to London’s Heathrow Airport for a connection flight to Edinburgh. Normally, a 90-minute transit would be enough time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me; slow processing at customs made me miss the next flight.
The scanning machines went off, prompting the security staff to check bags manually. It seemed almost every traveller was searched by hand, while each line of passengers and bags appeared to be handled by one employee.
At one point, a staff member checked my boarding pass and said there was enough time to get to my gate. But by the time I passed the security check, it was already 10 minutes past gate-closing time. I had to take the next earliest transfer flight, which turned my plans for hotel check-in and rental car pickup upside down.
When I finally arrived in Scotland and was ready to start my trip, it was to find my checked luggage was still at Heathrow. I requested that my luggage be sent to my hotel. Instead, it was sent back to Hong Kong International Airport and I had to backpack for the first time.
When I returned to Hong Kong, I was spoiled by the efficiency of our airport. It only took me 30 minutes to get off the plane, collect my luggage and leave the airport.
As I wait for compensation, I can’t help but think of how Hong Kong International Airport’s recent upgrade to 3D scanners is in stark contrast to the power cut at Manchester airport and the airline luggage system failure at Heathrow happening within three days of each other.
Nevertheless, two flight-delaying incidents at Hong Kong airport, involving a cargo plane bursting its tire and a computer glitch, should also be a warning to us. Hong Kong airport was once the world’s best, and we shall have to be more reliable and technologically advanced to reclaim that title.
Alison Ng, assistant lecturer, Centre for Applied English Studies, University of Hong Kong
The West continues to embrace Zelensky
Before the end of Volodymyr Zelensky’s term as Ukrainian president in May, it was interesting to see how Kyiv would deal with questions over his legitimacy, given the suspension of elections in the country. However, what transpired was most anticlimactic.
Despite the expiry of his term, Zelensky remains very much in power, with neither the United States nor the European Union batting an eyelid. Switzerland even played host to Zelensky and other leaders for the Ukraine peace summit this month.
It is noteworthy how quickly Western officials have turned. Last year, US senator Lindsey Graham and Tiny Kox, then president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, were pushing Ukraine to hold parliamentary and presidential elections despite the Russian invasion. This year, Western officials don’t seem to care. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock went as far as to voice her support for Zelensky’s legitimacy, after his term ended.
Ukrainians are pretty tired of war and the deplorable situation in the country. They could change things by electing another leader. But this might disrupt the West’s geopolitical plans for the region.
Arsul Hariyadi, Ampana, Indonesia


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Hong Kong society

How to get more out of Hong Kong’s high-speed sleepers: only disconnect

Passengers tuck in as a new high-speed sleeper train departs from West Kowloon station for Beijing on June 15. Photo: Elson Li

How do Hong Kong high-speed sleeper train amenities rate?

Some passengers have complained over a lack of charging facilities in the cabins. Photo: Elson Li

Travellers wash their faces in the morning as the train approaches Beijing. Photo: Elson Li

Land or air? The Post weighs up options as China Railway launches new high-speed sleeper train from Hong Kong to Beijing, Shanghai

Hong Kong prepares to launch high-speed sleeper services to Beijing and Shanghai. Photo: Handout

Sleeper cabins on trains to be used on services between Hong Kong and Beijing, as well to Shanghai. Photo: Handout

What is Ukraine fighting for? The same thing wartime China valued

A woman displays a portrait of a Ukrainian serviceman in a memorial area to fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters at Kyiv’s Independence Square on May 27. Photo: AFP

Opinion

Readers discuss what Hong Kong sleeper train passengers are missing out on, British airport chaos, and democracy in Ukraine


Readers discuss what Hong Kong sleeper train passengers are missing out on, British airport chaos, and democracy in Ukraine.


.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Readers discuss what Hong Kong sleeper train passengers are missing out on, British airport chaos, and democracy in Ukraine

Readers discuss what Hong Kong sleeper train passengers are missing out on, British airport chaos, and democracy in Ukraine