Friday, February 13, 2015

MD-->VA-->PHI-->LAX-->PEK

Feb 12-14, 2015

Considering my previous experiences with travel through LAX, today was SUPER smooth. April and I stayed at her Uncle Tim's in Tustin (just outside of LA) on Thursday night. We'd arrived in the late afternoon after picking up the rental car and a quick (although poor quality) bite to eat at Weinerschnitzle. We relaxed and played with their puppy, Abby, and grabbed a much needed shower before heading to dinner at the Lazy Dog. It was  a nice "last meal" in the states and we definitely ate our fill.

We arrived at LAX at 6:30am for our 11:50am flight (hey! We were paranoid about LA traffic!) before Air China had opened to check us in. Like I mentioned, it was relatively painless getting through security and to our gate. While we waited I wrapped up a few last minute Mary Kay business items and enjoyed a Chi Tea Latte. On my way to the bathroom a little boy, maybe 4yrs old with a large suit case tripped right in front of me. As I went to help him up, I noticed his dad who grabbed him up, was OWEN WILSON! I made eye contact and smiled (only seconds later recognizing who it was as he spoke to his son). April was jealous I'd seen him and hadn't grabbed a pic. We were on the look out for him at our gate, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Our plane was as expected. 3-3-3 seats. An amazing first class that made your mouth water and your legs weep. I had a window seat and April was in the middle and we were served lunch not long after boarding. We each watched a few movies, napped, got to stretch/pee every once and a while and on the whole it didn't feel like 12hrs. April's butt didn't agree, but I was pretty surprised I didn't get antsy. Am I finally getting used to international travel?! I'm not sure if that's good or bad, haha.

Upon arrival at the Beijing airport we traveled though customs in a breeze. So far all the Chinese women we have encountered are…not the most friendly. April and I will smile warmly only to be met with cold stares and the occasional 1/4 smile. We were VERY happy to see a bright face from our tour guide, Sarah (Pong Lee, or Sarah Lee haha). We are a small group of 19 American tourists and will be together for the next 7 days.

A 40min drive in traffic to the CBD where our hotel was and with no delay we checked in, exchanged money and went over to dinner. The city is already decorated for the Spring Festival, aka Chinese New Year, with lights, lanterns and images of sheep/goats. Out hotel, the Trader, is attached to the World Trade Centers and a small mall. It was super convenient for us jet-lagged, weary travelers to zip over to the mall food court for dinner. Nothing too exploratory on day 1…or 2…I too lagged to figure it out right now haha, but now in this fluffy bed with room to lay flat I'm feeling like that detail doesn't really matter. Tomorrow we are off to Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden Temple, the #1 tourist attraction in the country.

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