Sunday April 28 10:30am
Well the journey begins whether I have regained my health or not. I'm hoping a different climate will elevate my itchy hives and nasty cough. I have to admit getting to just sit and sleep for another 11 hours is extremely appealing! N always loves flying. Any excuse to sit and read and watch TV guilt free he loves. The airport layovers are always the time I have the most to write but the least to write about. So instead of rambling I'll leave off here.
Just boarded our double decker plane! Crazy! Unfortunately we're on the lower level so no lay down beds for us, which they have upstairs.
We finally made it after a long rough flight. There was so much turbulence that on the landing three people around us vomited...a lot. And the pilot made about four announcements about leaving your bags behind if we crash, which did not give the impression of confidence.
We landed at 3pm but didn't get our of she airport until 5pm because we are have no visas which you can do for a 72 hour stay but for some reason it was very complicated. Then it was about an hour drive to the hotel, in rather pricey cab. The driver spoke no English but we think we must be in a sort of non touristy part of the city. The drive through the city we pretty, lots if tall buildings some very pretty others a bit run down. We were suprised by how many trees there are. All along e drive from the airport we were surrounded by aspen and some very pretty deep fusion shrub like trees with flowers. We've also been shocked at how quiet it is. In the airport there was none of he usually buzz you get from large groups it was just so quiet.
Our impression of Beijing has been quite positive, so far. We are a bit surprised to discover how little English is spoke here.
N scored a hotel for 85% off so we ended up in quite a swanky place for $15 a night which is a lovely way to start out our trip. I especially love clean sheets when I am jet-lagged.
N went out for water and take out and rather ironically could not find any takeout food. That was unexpected. He did come back with water that someone paid him to take. He paid the guy and was given back more change than he had paid. He tried to explain the situation to the patron but finally gave up and came back with the water.
We found out that the whole time we are here is national labour day holidays so all the sites will likely be packed. All part of the experience I guess!
View from the hotel
Amazing tasting pineapple bread
Unexpectedly Beijing has amazing bakeries!
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