Beijing

Lisa, my tour guide

May 1st, 2005
I arrived in Beijing, the capital city of China, at 5:00 AM after a 12 hour flight. Actually, I am not sure how long the flight was with the time changes and international date change, I think it was a 12 hour flight but it felt longer. The flight was crowded but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I did got a kick out of the accent “Thank You for Frying Air China and Prease, have a Present Fright” announcement.

Across the aisle, there was a little Chinese boy who kept himself entertained for hours playing Peak-a-Boo with the curtain that hides the service area. Of course it drove the flight attendant crazy but it was amazing how a simple curtain could provide hours of entertainment for the little boy.

Upon arrival, I quickly spotted the tour guide leader – Lisa. I was the first out of baggage claim but it wasn’t too much longer until I spotted a few other people wearing their bright Yellow “China Discovery Tour Badges”.

We headed to hotel to check in, change our clothes and start our tours. As we arrived at the hotel, I noticed that there was a Starbucks and McDonald’s next store. If I get tired of noodles and rice, I can always have a Big Mac. Mom would be happy if she were on this trip. I took the picture of McDonald’s to add to the international McDonald’s photo collection that has been taken for my Mom. After I took the picture I thought I should have waited, after all, this was my first official picture in China!

Mom would be proud!