First post

NI Hao everyone!
Wow, who could ever believe that there would
be so much of an adventure
just getting to China? I am now finally
riding to the hotel in a van
after a 16 hour flight. To make things more
interesting, I have been
up for 30 hours so far. Don’t get me wrong
the plane ride was not as
horrible as I thought it was going to be.
Despite what a 2 million mile
traveler told me Delta actually did a very
good job. Flying the new 777
is the only way to travel internationally
I think. On the plane I had my
own personal TV with access to 10 movies,
numerous shows and a plethora
of music. While the leg room was small, I
luckily had a very short person
sitting next to me so I could take up some
of her leg room. Now to food….
There were 2 meals and one snack served to
us. The first meal was actually
ok. They didn’t have the entrée I wanted
but the back-up was acceptable. The
snack consisted of a portable ramen noodle
bowl. And it wasn’t even
really given to us! We had to go to the
galley and get the cup o noodle
and add the water ourselves. Finally we were
served a “light” meal. I
have to honestly say it was the worst
thing I have had in a long time.
Orange chicken and rice is not supposed
to be kept hot for that many
hours. And you would think that with a
plane full of native Chinese
that the meal would be authentic, but no.
However I think if that is
the biggest complaint I have about the flight
then it went very well.
Shanghai airport is nice I have to say though.
And I was truly surprised
at customs. Chinese customs consisted
of a huge barricade wall and signs
that look intimidating. Once you pass by
the blockade you are in the lobby.
That’s right no inspections, questions,
anything. Ha-ha, love it!
I have learned a few things already on
this trip. First of all, make sure
you weight your bags before you go so
that at the airport you aren’t shifting
stuff from one suitcase to another. For
some strange reason people seem to like
to stare awkwardly at you when you have
your stuff all over the airport floor.
Second, if you don’t have to be at the
airport extremely early, don’t. I spent
4 hours in the terminal trying to fill
the time with FB and window shopping in
the stores. Three, bring a big carryon
because of having extra stuff but be
prepared to have to store your bag 10
aisles back or try and shove it under
the seat in front of you robbing you
of precious legroom. Finally for those
going to China, try and adjust your
sleeping cycle before the flight to
sleep
during the day. It will help so much
with ad
justing. And most importantly don’t
forget to bring your earplugs and
eye patch like I did!

From a highway in China,
Kyle