My Journey TO Beijing
I made it!
Our 13-hour flight left San Francisco at 11 am on Sunday, November 30. While in air, we crossed the International Date line and landed in Beijing at 3:30 pm on Monday, December 01, 2008. Whew! Talk about a LONG flight! Luckily I was able to sit on an isle seat, and most of the passengers were a part of this People-to-People Education Delegation.
Kari Flies to Beijing
The airport in Beijing is modern, clean, and quite impressive. It just opened in May as part of the recent summer Olympics. I navigated my way through immigration, and showed the attendant my passport, visa, and documentation of arrival to the country. I met the other delegates at the baggage claim.
Beijing Airport
Large busses shuttled us to the Swissotel, where Christmas is in full bloom! I was surprised to see holiday lights and Christmas trees greeting me in the hotel lobby. Dinner was hosted at the hotel, and I met new friends that were part of the conference.
Running on much adrenaline, a few of us toured the city briefly after dinner. It was interesting to see Beijing by night. I even had my first encounter with the Chinese “non-American” restroom facilities. Culture shock!
To view today's photo album, visit share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNGjFw3cM2TpA
Wow! Very cool! I did not
Wow! Very cool! I did not know you were going to China! I am excited to keep up with your blog...how long will you stay?
I'll be back on Sunday,
I'll be back on Sunday, December 7th! I'm headed today to Guiyang, which is a 3 hour flight from Beijing! We'll have to get the ole gang together when I return!
Looks like you have had a
Looks like you have had a great start to your trip. I can't believe you only had 2 suitcases for a trip like this. There are a group of students in our tech club doing a presentation on Christmas in China. If you happen to learn about a unique Christmas custom let me know and I will share it with them. I am going to have fun following your journey on this blog. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your note! How
Thanks for your note! How exciting for your tech club students! So far I've just seen LOTS of Christmas trees and lights! Something that I definitely wasn't expecting. I'll keep my eyes out! We're touring a school tomorrow, and I'll be sure to ask.
Kate, I was able to try to
Kate, I was able to try to get an answer for you today! I asked our tour guide about Christmas in China, and pointed out that I'd seen lots of holiday decorations and Christmas trees. She said that part of that display was to show respect to us, but that they also do celebrate Christmas. They celebrate by having small parties with friends. They also exchange apples on Christmas eve. To use her words, "lovers" exchange Christmas gifts.
Interesting. My oldest
Interesting. My oldest daughter has been invited every year for the past 5 years to be a part of the People to People student ambassadors program. Is this the same program but for adults? Sadly, I have been reluctant to send her overseas alone in our present (hostile) world culture.