Wednesday-Friday, May 2-4, 2012
I MADE IT!
After three planes (one delayed),
almost 10,000 miles and 26+ hours I made it! I landed in Beijing
around 11:15 am on May 4. My biggest travel challenge was in the
JFK airport (NYC) as I had to recheck my entire luggage in order
to board my international flight. This required a luggage cart
as I tried SO HARD to pack light, but still ended up with 3
pieces of luggage and a backpack. I found a cart pretty easily
and then made my way to baggage claim. Now keep in mind that it
is around 11:00pm and not many people are around. So after
collecting my luggage I find out that I am not even near Asian
Pacific airlines terminal. My marathon began and off I went on
my 1st “true” solo adventure. My adventure took me in several
elevators, a mile hike (JetBlue stewardess told me it was a
mile), Sky Train and walking outside in the dark! I finally
reached the correct terminal and checked in with Cathay Pacific
and handed over my luggage. I made it through security with no
problem and then I had about an hour to “relax” before boarding
time.
My long flight took off around 1:30am (May 3). I tried to settle
in quickly as my plan was to sleep this loooong flight away.
This was the 15:50 hour flight. At 3:30am they began to serve
DINNER! I was expecting breakfast. I was obviously no way ready
to eat a dinner at this time so I passed it up and went to
sleep. Well, they might have mentioned that “breakfast” wouldn’t
be served for another 11 hours later. Can all you say starving?
I had some snacks in my backpack so I made it to breakfast which
was shrimp congee. Boy, Savannah would have LOVED that! I ate my
fruit and yogurt. I then ordered myself a “cup” of coffee. You
will see by one of the pictures I posted of the “cup” I
received. I had to refrain myself from cracking up. What is
that? That is smaller than Papa’s teacup coffee. I was looking
for a Horton’s XL by this time. Two sips and it was gone. The
rest of the flight was uneventful and I made it to Hong Kong
around 5:30am on May 4.
The Hong Kong airport was deserted at this time. I just followed
my fellow passengers as most of them were traveling to Beijing
too. I met people from all over the world. I was surprised to
see so many young women traveling alone. My age or younger. One
lady next to me on the looong flight was returning home to
Australia and a gentleman on my flight from Hong Kong to Beijing
was from Great Britain.
Well, enough about my flights. I MADE IT TO CHINA!!!!! I am so
stinkin excited. Being back in Beijing has brought back so many
GOOD memories! It is so surreal to be back. I am at the same
hotel as Krystal and I stayed in back in 2010. The only
difference is Krystal is back home. I thought of her many times
yesterday as it was remarkable how much I remember. The sights,
sounds and smells.
Once I got to my room yesterday afternoon things went a little
downhill. I became very ill. I am not sure if I was just
overtired or if it was something I ate. I went to bed and slept
until this morning. I am feeling better now and I hope that
whatever “hit” me is GONE. I have no time for that!
Thank you to all who have prayed for my safe travels. They were
definitely heard and answered. We are getting so close to QUINN
DAY! One little girl has changed our lives like we could have
NEVER imagined and now with open hearts we await the arrival of
our little man. Savannah – Mommy loves you MORE! We have been
blessed, beyond measure, with our 1st Asian treasure and I just
can’t wait until I meet our next treasure for China!
|
Saying Good-bye to the Kids - Hunter and Savannah
(Travis had to work)
Saying Good-bye to Darryl
In-flight Map (NYC to Hong Kong)
Cup of Coffee?
My Plane from Hong Kong to Beijing
Getting Ready to Land in Beijing |
