12AUG08 Arriving in Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
I awoke when we touched down at 7:40a by the runway in front of Terminal D. As it was this early, there were no planes at the gate.
We taxied into the gate in about five minutes or so and it was time to gather my stuff and disembarked.
This was quite a trip. At this moment, it was 8:45p on Tuesday in Beijing, People's Republic of China. I had been traveling since Monday morning at 5:05a Beijing local time, that is 6:05p on Sunday night in Houston. You figure out how long that is :-).
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall, Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Houston-Intercontinental., Houston TX (IAH)
CO1727 12AUG08 Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall, Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Houston-Intercontinental., Houston TX (IAH) 5:40a 7:50a 735 N??609
Flight Time: 2:56
Seat Map
I boarded and took my seat after finding a pillow and asking the flight attendant to find a blanket for me. The passengers got settled in rather quickly and one customer got a last minute upgrade and then the doors closed at 5:36a. This aircraft has 8 First class leather seats in a 2-2 configuration. Economy class has 106 cloth seats in a 3-3 configuration.
Four minutes later, we pushed back and the safety demo commenced manually as this aircraft has no entertainment system.
Our taxi out started at 5:45a and by 5:48a, the Captain told the flight attendants to be seated. It was 5:50a when we took to runway 28 and into the dawn.
I looked outside a bit and saw that there was already traffic on one of the major highways below in both directions; good grief. I actually fell asleep for a few minutes and awoke when the Captain on the PA and advised we were at 34,000'. He expected a smooth ride and said that we would land on schedule. The city was expecting thunderstorms later, but the current weather was 83F and partly cloudy. I still wonder about the merits of giving the weather report for your destination when you leave your origin, but maybe it is only me.
Almost about the same time, we were served breakfast of 2% milk with corn flakes plus a banana. Beverages came a few minutes later. This was all cleaned up in a few minutes and then another beverage service followed.
I was really tired so I went to sleep. The seat I was in does not have a recline, but I slept well anyways. At one point I looked out and the sun was shining brightly and the ground was close; we were landing.
Flight Time: 2:56
Seat Map
I boarded and took my seat after finding a pillow and asking the flight attendant to find a blanket for me. The passengers got settled in rather quickly and one customer got a last minute upgrade and then the doors closed at 5:36a. This aircraft has 8 First class leather seats in a 2-2 configuration. Economy class has 106 cloth seats in a 3-3 configuration.
Four minutes later, we pushed back and the safety demo commenced manually as this aircraft has no entertainment system.
Our taxi out started at 5:45a and by 5:48a, the Captain told the flight attendants to be seated. It was 5:50a when we took to runway 28 and into the dawn.
I looked outside a bit and saw that there was already traffic on one of the major highways below in both directions; good grief. I actually fell asleep for a few minutes and awoke when the Captain on the PA and advised we were at 34,000'. He expected a smooth ride and said that we would land on schedule. The city was expecting thunderstorms later, but the current weather was 83F and partly cloudy. I still wonder about the merits of giving the weather report for your destination when you leave your origin, but maybe it is only me.
Almost about the same time, we were served breakfast of 2% milk with corn flakes plus a banana. Beverages came a few minutes later. This was all cleaned up in a few minutes and then another beverage service followed.
I was really tired so I went to sleep. The seat I was in does not have a recline, but I slept well anyways. At one point I looked out and the sun was shining brightly and the ground was close; we were landing.
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Arriving in Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Baltimore, MD (BWI)
12AUG08 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Baltimore, MD (BWI)
We touched down at 12:32a and taxied into the gate in Terminal D. On the way there, I could see a number of Southwest Airlines airplanes. It's been a while since I'd flown in this airport and a alot has changed.
Five minutes later, we blocked into the gate. The agent advised us to wait until all the bags had come to the door and then she would let us off the plane.
I noted the registration as I walked on the tarmac and mounted a set of stairs that led to the jetway. It was actually quite cool outside; much like it was in New York.
I saw a lady sleeping on a bench across from gate D7 and hoped that would not be me in a few hours. As it was already almost 1:00a and my flight departed at 5:40a, I decided to just hangout in the airport.
I looked for a power outlet and found one close to gate D10 and set up there. Soon, everyone was gone except the lady across the gate and I. A few cleaning people showed up, then left. At about 1:30a, I saw a passenger, then more passengers, apparently another flight had just arrived, I think it was a United flight.
As there is no complimentary WiFi in BWI, I signed up for Boingo's 24 hour service for $7.95. T-Mobile had it for $9.95, but I opted not to do that.
I got some work done, checked in for the flight and chatted with my buddy who had now made it home from Los Angeles, (CA) to Atlanta, GA (ATL). While I slummed it in Economy class across the Pacific, he drank Dom Pernignon in Singapore Airlines' (SQ) First Class service, but I digress. I had to fill him on my adventure so far.
I called Southwest Airlines (WN) and checked on their flights to Houston. They had one at 6:00a that stopped in New Orleans, LA (MSY) arriving in Houston-Hobby (HOU) at about 11 something. I am assuming it stopped somewhere else before it got to New Orleans.
There was a nonstop at 7:20a arriving at 9:35a. This was my backup flight. If I did not make the 5:40a, I would not wait for the next flight at 7:15a, I'd just go for the Southwest flight since the agent said it was open.
It was kind of fun watching the airport get ready for passengers. There was some activity on the ramp as well and i got to see a few workers arrive.
At 4:13a, I saw three passengers show up for the 5:40a flight. Wow, what time did they get here I wondered? I contined to work as more passengers arrived.
At about 5:15a or so, the agent called my name and I got a seat. She even apologized for it being a bad seat and I told her, I was just happy that it was a seat.
We touched down at 12:32a and taxied into the gate in Terminal D. On the way there, I could see a number of Southwest Airlines airplanes. It's been a while since I'd flown in this airport and a alot has changed.
Five minutes later, we blocked into the gate. The agent advised us to wait until all the bags had come to the door and then she would let us off the plane.
I noted the registration as I walked on the tarmac and mounted a set of stairs that led to the jetway. It was actually quite cool outside; much like it was in New York.
I saw a lady sleeping on a bench across from gate D7 and hoped that would not be me in a few hours. As it was already almost 1:00a and my flight departed at 5:40a, I decided to just hangout in the airport.
I looked for a power outlet and found one close to gate D10 and set up there. Soon, everyone was gone except the lady across the gate and I. A few cleaning people showed up, then left. At about 1:30a, I saw a passenger, then more passengers, apparently another flight had just arrived, I think it was a United flight.
As there is no complimentary WiFi in BWI, I signed up for Boingo's 24 hour service for $7.95. T-Mobile had it for $9.95, but I opted not to do that.
I got some work done, checked in for the flight and chatted with my buddy who had now made it home from Los Angeles, (CA) to Atlanta, GA (ATL). While I slummed it in Economy class across the Pacific, he drank Dom Pernignon in Singapore Airlines' (SQ) First Class service, but I digress. I had to fill him on my adventure so far.
I called Southwest Airlines (WN) and checked on their flights to Houston. They had one at 6:00a that stopped in New Orleans, LA (MSY) arriving in Houston-Hobby (HOU) at about 11 something. I am assuming it stopped somewhere else before it got to New Orleans.
There was a nonstop at 7:20a arriving at 9:35a. This was my backup flight. If I did not make the 5:40a, I would not wait for the next flight at 7:15a, I'd just go for the Southwest flight since the agent said it was open.
It was kind of fun watching the airport get ready for passengers. There was some activity on the ramp as well and i got to see a few workers arrive.
At 4:13a, I saw three passengers show up for the 5:40a flight. Wow, what time did they get here I wondered? I contined to work as more passengers arrived.
At about 5:15a or so, the agent called my name and I got a seat. She even apologized for it being a bad seat and I told her, I was just happy that it was a seat.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Newark Liberty International, Newark NJ (EWR) to Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall, Baltimore, MD (BWI)
CO3215/11AUG08 Newark Liberty International, Newark NJ (EWR) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Baltimore MD (BWI) DH4 8:30p 10:02p aircraft #782 operated by Colgan Air
Flight Tme: 0:32
Seat Map
I greeted the flight attendant as she told me to watch my head as I entered. The doorway is really short on this plane; shorter than the ERJ even.
This is a Bombardier Q-400 aircraft a quiet turbo prop they say. I had flown this type before from Horizon Air, but this was my first time on the Colgan Air-operated one. It has 74 leather seats in a 2-2 configuration and has two flight attendants as it is more than 50 seats but less than 100.
I made my way down to my seat and realized that the guy in the aisle had moved over to the window. He asked if I wanted him to move and I told no, it is fine and took the aisle after putting my stuff in the overhead which was too small for my backpack.
As we waited, the Captain came on and said it would be 0:32 to Baltimore and apologized for the delay due to Air Traffic slowdown. He continued saying that we would have a 15 minutes or so taxi and he was not expecting any additional delays.
The door was closed at 11:15p and the manual demo started to the automated instructions. After that was done, the flight attendants did their security checks and we waited.
The Captain came on the PA at 11:21p and announced that the gound crew had noticed a loose hatch by the entry door and had called maintenance to come over and take a look. He said he would keep us posted.
At 11:25p we had push back and the Cpatain said the panel was O.K. It was not until 11:32p, that we started our taxi out to the runway.
At 11:50p, the Captain said we were #3 for departure and asked the flight attendants to take their seats. Seven minutes later, we were airborne.
The flight attendant announced that there would be a beverage service which I thought was cool for such a short flight. That soon started with a pack of peanut handed plus your beverage of choice. Clean up was soon there after.
I fell asleep for a little bit and awoke to hear the Captain say that we were 39 miles out of the airport with 10 minutes to go and we would start our descent. He also advised the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for landing which they did.
Flight Tme: 0:32
Seat Map
I greeted the flight attendant as she told me to watch my head as I entered. The doorway is really short on this plane; shorter than the ERJ even.
This is a Bombardier Q-400 aircraft a quiet turbo prop they say. I had flown this type before from Horizon Air, but this was my first time on the Colgan Air-operated one. It has 74 leather seats in a 2-2 configuration and has two flight attendants as it is more than 50 seats but less than 100.
I made my way down to my seat and realized that the guy in the aisle had moved over to the window. He asked if I wanted him to move and I told no, it is fine and took the aisle after putting my stuff in the overhead which was too small for my backpack.
As we waited, the Captain came on and said it would be 0:32 to Baltimore and apologized for the delay due to Air Traffic slowdown. He continued saying that we would have a 15 minutes or so taxi and he was not expecting any additional delays.
The door was closed at 11:15p and the manual demo started to the automated instructions. After that was done, the flight attendants did their security checks and we waited.
The Captain came on the PA at 11:21p and announced that the gound crew had noticed a loose hatch by the entry door and had called maintenance to come over and take a look. He said he would keep us posted.
At 11:25p we had push back and the Cpatain said the panel was O.K. It was not until 11:32p, that we started our taxi out to the runway.
At 11:50p, the Captain said we were #3 for departure and asked the flight attendants to take their seats. Seven minutes later, we were airborne.
The flight attendant announced that there would be a beverage service which I thought was cool for such a short flight. That soon started with a pack of peanut handed plus your beverage of choice. Clean up was soon there after.
I fell asleep for a little bit and awoke to hear the Captain say that we were 39 miles out of the airport with 10 minutes to go and we would start our descent. He also advised the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for landing which they did.
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Arriving at Beijing Capital International from the city
11AUG08 Beijing Capital, Beijing People's Republic of China (PEK)
We arrived at Terminal 3 at about 5:42a. I alighted and headed towards the front of the terminal. I did not see Northwest Airlines there, so I went inside and asked. This terminal is alike a copy of the one in Hong Kong. It is absolutely beautiful.
As it turns out, it was not Northwest's terminal so I returned to the cab. My friend had already paid the cab, so we started the meter again (10 Yuan) and headed for Terminal 2.
Once there, we paid again and alighted then headed past security and into the Terminal. We found the check-in area, checked-in and then headed through Immigration and security and into the terminal.
After a little last minute shopping, we headed for the Lounge. Only my friend could use it, so I busied myself with some picture taking.
Soon , it was time to board as we met up with each other once more at the gate.
We arrived at Terminal 3 at about 5:42a. I alighted and headed towards the front of the terminal. I did not see Northwest Airlines there, so I went inside and asked. This terminal is alike a copy of the one in Hong Kong. It is absolutely beautiful.
As it turns out, it was not Northwest's terminal so I returned to the cab. My friend had already paid the cab, so we started the meter again (10 Yuan) and headed for Terminal 2.
Once there, we paid again and alighted then headed past security and into the Terminal. We found the check-in area, checked-in and then headed through Immigration and security and into the terminal.
After a little last minute shopping, we headed for the Lounge. Only my friend could use it, so I busied myself with some picture taking.
Soon , it was time to board as we met up with each other once more at the gate.
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Leaving The Olympic Area for the airport
A friend of mine joined me last night at about 10:30p. He had mis-connected the night before in Tokyo and had spent the night in the Narita area.
I went to meet him in the pouring rain and then we went out to the Village; by now it had stopped raining.
The next morning, we were up atom at 4:15a and was out of the hotel by 5:05a. it was smooth sailing to the airport except that all the other cabs were passing us out.
We did not know which terminal Northwest uses at the airport so we decided to go to Terminal 3 first. The lady at the hotel told the cabbie where to go before we left. The plan was that if we got there and it was the wrong terminal, we would just go to the next one.
We noticed that there was a turn off for Terminal 3 and there were no signs that told us which terminal was which.
I went to meet him in the pouring rain and then we went out to the Village; by now it had stopped raining.
The next morning, we were up atom at 4:15a and was out of the hotel by 5:05a. it was smooth sailing to the airport except that all the other cabs were passing us out.
We did not know which terminal Northwest uses at the airport so we decided to go to Terminal 3 first. The lady at the hotel told the cabbie where to go before we left. The plan was that if we got there and it was the wrong terminal, we would just go to the next one.
We noticed that there was a turn off for Terminal 3 and there were no signs that told us which terminal was which.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Fantastic
You know I usually don't talk about the destination, except for exceptional circumstances, well the Olympiad is one of those.
Go see pics at this location; will write something later.
Go see pics at this location; will write something later.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Arriving at the Olympic Park
09AUG08 The Olympic village - Choayang District
This was the picture when I stepped out of the subway in the city; people needing tickets for events. I guess I've arrived at the XXIX Olympiad.
You can see more pictures here:
Bird's Nest
The Cube
An Overview of the Games
Women's Field hockey
This was the picture when I stepped out of the subway in the city; people needing tickets for events. I guess I've arrived at the XXIX Olympiad.
You can see more pictures here:
Bird's Nest
The Cube
An Overview of the Games
Women's Field hockey
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Arriving in Beijing Capital, PROC (PEK) from Newark Liberty, Newark NJ (EWR)
09AUG08 Beijing Capital International, Beijing People's Republic of China (PEK)
We touched down smoothly at the end of the runway. I noticed a few airplanes on the left, one of them a Northwest Airlines Boeing 747-200. I did not think they flew those anymore, so I was wondering what it was doing there. Next to it was Air Force One, a Boeing 747 as well as a Boeing 757-200 in U.S. Government colors as well as a C147. So the President of the U.S. is in town.
We exited the runway and then made our way to the gate. It was not that I got my first look at the new terminal. It is quite cool indeed. Hard to see with the skies the way it was murky.
Here are some other items that were on the tarmac:
We pulled up to our gate and then I disembarked and headed for Immigration. As I left the plane, I was handed a pamphlet labeled "Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad in China." It was specifically done for the Olympics and the Paralympics. It talked about registering with the U.S. Consulate, etc. I briefly read it and continued on. I cleared Immigration with ease and the same thing for customs.
I headed outside and noticed that they had a train, so I asked some questions and found it eventually. Sadly, I had walked outside the airport so I had to go through security checks to get back in. No issues there.
I paid the 25 Yuan fare and with my trusty map that was given to me on arrival and the hotel information, figured out how to make it to the hotel. I would need to change at the first stop and then take the Metro for 2 Yaun for about four stops.
I had just missed a train, but the wait for the next one was about 10 minutes or so. Once it arrived, we all boarded and took the 20 minutes ride to the next stop.
Here are some pictures of the city on my way to the city.
Inside the train.
The highways are empty.
A lone rider on this big street.
Another lone rider on the street; this is unusual as usually there are a lot of other bicycle riders.
It was easy to switch trains arriving at my destination without issues.
We touched down smoothly at the end of the runway. I noticed a few airplanes on the left, one of them a Northwest Airlines Boeing 747-200. I did not think they flew those anymore, so I was wondering what it was doing there. Next to it was Air Force One, a Boeing 747 as well as a Boeing 757-200 in U.S. Government colors as well as a C147. So the President of the U.S. is in town.
We exited the runway and then made our way to the gate. It was not that I got my first look at the new terminal. It is quite cool indeed. Hard to see with the skies the way it was murky.
Here are some other items that were on the tarmac:
We pulled up to our gate and then I disembarked and headed for Immigration. As I left the plane, I was handed a pamphlet labeled "Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad in China." It was specifically done for the Olympics and the Paralympics. It talked about registering with the U.S. Consulate, etc. I briefly read it and continued on. I cleared Immigration with ease and the same thing for customs.
I headed outside and noticed that they had a train, so I asked some questions and found it eventually. Sadly, I had walked outside the airport so I had to go through security checks to get back in. No issues there.
I paid the 25 Yuan fare and with my trusty map that was given to me on arrival and the hotel information, figured out how to make it to the hotel. I would need to change at the first stop and then take the Metro for 2 Yaun for about four stops.
I had just missed a train, but the wait for the next one was about 10 minutes or so. Once it arrived, we all boarded and took the 20 minutes ride to the next stop.
Here are some pictures of the city on my way to the city.
Inside the train.
The highways are empty.
A lone rider on this big street.
Another lone rider on the street; this is unusual as usually there are a lot of other bicycle riders.
It was easy to switch trains arriving at my destination without issues.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Beijing 2008 - The Summer Olympiad: Newark Liberty, Newark NJ (EWR) to Beijing, People's Republic of China (PEK)
CO89 Newark Liberty International, Newark NJ (EWR) to Beijing Capital International, Beijing People’s Republic of China (PEK) 12:10p 1:50p+1 Day 777 N78003
Flight Time: 12:46
Seat Map
I boarded and was greeted by a flight attendant who directed me to my window seat in the BusinessFirst cabin. I made a right at the door in this 2-2-2 configured cloth seat cabin which is adjacent to the Economy class cabin with its 3-3-3 configured cloth seats.
I said hello to my seatmate who was on the phone and she allowed me to get to my seat. While I was settling in, a menu and an amenity kit was handed to me. An offer for a drink was made so I got some white wine to start off the trip; it arrived in a few minutes.
My main course choice was taken and I chose the stir-fried chicken over the chef’s selection of grilled Sterling Silver New York sirloin steak, herb-crusted halibut and Chinese noodle bowl. I also had to choose my salad dressing of blue cheese over the Champagne vinaigrette.
I wrapped up some calls and checked e-mail for the last time. I also plugged in my new adapter and it was not working :(. Baffled, disappointed and a bit angry, I tried the outlet for the other seat and still nothing although the light was green on both of them. It was not when I had initially plugged it in.
I am traveling with two computers, yes I am a geek, but I do mix vacation with work as that works well for me. One of them was out of power and died while I was reading an e-mail. Bummer I thought. I let it all go and tried to relax thinking that later I’d figure it out.
An offer of newspaper came by and I picked up what was left of the New York Times, the sports section and the China Daily. Except for the Financial Times, I still had not read the papers I picked up back in Houston.
We started our pushback soon and the safety video also began in English with Mandarin sub titles. By now, my seatmate and I had exchanged pleasantries after both wrapping up last minute calls. She was actually going to Beijing for the Olympics as well but in a slightly different capacity than I. There were obviously a few others going for the same thing as well.
I was not really paying much attention (I was having a wonderful conversation with my seatmate), but we pulled up really close to a Kalita Boeing Cargo 747. This was really the first time I had seen one of them up close. There was cargo in the plane already and more was being added.
After a short wait, it was our turn and we took to runway 19-11 and were airborne in no time making right hand turns as we did so. I was sitting right next to the engine so my view was somewhat obscured.
After takeoff, the lead flight attendant explained the service to us. We would have lunch in a bit as well as a mid flight meal and then about 1.5 hours before landing yet another meal. Duty Free is available onboard, etc.
As soon as we leveled out, I tried the outlets at two other open seats and still no go. I was now convinced that it was my unit that was broken. The lead flight attendant helped me out a bit too, but nothing. To my delight, my seat pulled out her device and offered it to me as she said her computer was fully charged and when she needed it later, she would just take it back. Fair enough I though; a random acts of kindness! Her device is a little different as it allows you to plug a normal plug into the hub. I had seen some of those while shopping yesterday, but they were much bigger than this one.
I played around with the connectors and realized that the guilty party was the connector from the hub of my device to the seat. Go figure that I buy a new device and it is dead out of the box. I then plugged in the work laptop and caught up on some e-mails for a bit.
I had started to look through the movie selections but nothing seemed to jump out at me at the moment. Here is what’s on tap today:
The meal service started with an offering of hot towels (I noticed that this was done in Economy class as well). This was followed with offerings of mixed nuts (cashew, almond, pecan, etc.) and beverage of choice. I had some French Chablis.
Next came the appetizer cart with smoked salmon with cream cheese and caviar accompanied by creamed horseradish sauce and roasted duck accented by red chili pepper. Well, this is what the menu said, but we actually got shrimp and crab meat instead of the smoked salmon and caviar. There was no notice nor explanation of the switch though.
The mesclun salad mix and romaine lettuce with baby pear and pecans with my choice of blue cheese dressing arrived next with generous helpings of bread throughout the service.
After this, the main course arrived with chop sticks as a choice of utensils.
I looked at the screens and realized we were heading due north, fantastic! Here are some pictures.
Cheese and crackers plus fruits followed and then dessert.
I chose the ice cream sundae over the warm fruit cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. I really was very full, so I asked to have my sundae later, but the flight attendant said I could not as it would melt. Reluctantly, I had it.
Duty Free came by and I declined the offer. I started to think that maybe there was a device in the catalog, so I checked it out. Indeed there was and it was the same device that my seatmate had at a cost of $125 about the same cost as what I paid for my device and it was tax free! I thought about purchasing it, but I remembered seeing one at my local Micro Center store for $39.99, only it was a bit of a monster. The note on this said it was the world’s smallest such device. Indeed it was compact. I guess I’ll have to make some time to shop for this item in Beijing. I really need to be productive on my way back as well.
I was falling asleep on myself, so I connected the personal computer to the power port as the work one was now fully charged and went to sleep without haste. A bottle of water was handed to me just before I went to sleep though. Here is where we were in terms of location:
I awoke for some strange reason in time for the mid-flight snack of Taiwanese-style noodle soup of prawn, soya egg, meat sauce, bok choy, bean sprouts and noodles in a rich broth and cherry linzer cake.
We had about 5:48 to go and had just passed the International Date Line. We were flying North of the eastern tip of Russia now. This is actually my first time flying the Polar route as the first time I attempted it on my Newark to Hong Kong flight, the flares were too high so we did the normal route.
It was now time to do some stuff on the personal computer so the next few hours was spent being very productive as that was a part of the plan of sitting in this cabin in the first place.
I took a walk down the Economy class cabin and people were sleeping, watching the movies, playing with their electronic devices, reading and just staring about. Kids were running around and entertaining themselves. I guess the time has to be passed somehow.
At 11:30p (1:53 to go) local time in Newark, NJ the arrival service started in the Economy class cabin. The BusinessFirst service did not begin as yet. Two minutes later, the cabin lights came on in the BusinessFirst cabin, looks like it was time for breakfast.
First there was a hot towel, then a tray came with utensils, water, butter, salt, pepper and fruits (grapes, strawberry, cantaloupe and pineapple).
After the meal, landing cards arrived. Each person must fill one out for China. We now had 1:06 to go and Beijing was dead ahead on the map. Our estimated arrival time is 1:24p and it is 12:18p in Newark, NJ.
The lead agent came on the PA and advised that the documentation is being handed; possession of a non-Chinese passport must fill out this form. If you have items to declare then you have to fill out a Baggage Declaration form. All transit passengers must complete the form as well. He also re-iterated the flight number and the arrival date as August 9, 2008. He concluded that a video will be shown as well in just a bit. The announcement was repeated in Manadarin.
Soon, we started descending into Beijing...
Flight Time: 12:46
Seat Map
I boarded and was greeted by a flight attendant who directed me to my window seat in the BusinessFirst cabin. I made a right at the door in this 2-2-2 configured cloth seat cabin which is adjacent to the Economy class cabin with its 3-3-3 configured cloth seats.
I said hello to my seatmate who was on the phone and she allowed me to get to my seat. While I was settling in, a menu and an amenity kit was handed to me. An offer for a drink was made so I got some white wine to start off the trip; it arrived in a few minutes.
My main course choice was taken and I chose the stir-fried chicken over the chef’s selection of grilled Sterling Silver New York sirloin steak, herb-crusted halibut and Chinese noodle bowl. I also had to choose my salad dressing of blue cheese over the Champagne vinaigrette.
I wrapped up some calls and checked e-mail for the last time. I also plugged in my new adapter and it was not working :(. Baffled, disappointed and a bit angry, I tried the outlet for the other seat and still nothing although the light was green on both of them. It was not when I had initially plugged it in.
I am traveling with two computers, yes I am a geek, but I do mix vacation with work as that works well for me. One of them was out of power and died while I was reading an e-mail. Bummer I thought. I let it all go and tried to relax thinking that later I’d figure it out.
An offer of newspaper came by and I picked up what was left of the New York Times, the sports section and the China Daily. Except for the Financial Times, I still had not read the papers I picked up back in Houston.
We started our pushback soon and the safety video also began in English with Mandarin sub titles. By now, my seatmate and I had exchanged pleasantries after both wrapping up last minute calls. She was actually going to Beijing for the Olympics as well but in a slightly different capacity than I. There were obviously a few others going for the same thing as well.
I was not really paying much attention (I was having a wonderful conversation with my seatmate), but we pulled up really close to a Kalita Boeing Cargo 747. This was really the first time I had seen one of them up close. There was cargo in the plane already and more was being added.
After a short wait, it was our turn and we took to runway 19-11 and were airborne in no time making right hand turns as we did so. I was sitting right next to the engine so my view was somewhat obscured.
After takeoff, the lead flight attendant explained the service to us. We would have lunch in a bit as well as a mid flight meal and then about 1.5 hours before landing yet another meal. Duty Free is available onboard, etc.
As soon as we leveled out, I tried the outlets at two other open seats and still no go. I was now convinced that it was my unit that was broken. The lead flight attendant helped me out a bit too, but nothing. To my delight, my seat pulled out her device and offered it to me as she said her computer was fully charged and when she needed it later, she would just take it back. Fair enough I though; a random acts of kindness! Her device is a little different as it allows you to plug a normal plug into the hub. I had seen some of those while shopping yesterday, but they were much bigger than this one.
I played around with the connectors and realized that the guilty party was the connector from the hub of my device to the seat. Go figure that I buy a new device and it is dead out of the box. I then plugged in the work laptop and caught up on some e-mails for a bit.
I had started to look through the movie selections but nothing seemed to jump out at me at the moment. Here is what’s on tap today:
- 88 Minutes/Ojo Critico
- Annie Leibovitz: life Through a Lens/All Greek to Me
- Snow Angels
- The Drama Channel
- Continental Presents HBO: Sex and the City, Rome, Entourage, Extras
- Sleepwalking/What It Takes
- Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House/Global Trends
- Continental Presents Independent Films: August the First/Pure and Simple with Michael Nischan
- Continental Presents House
- The Storm Riders
- Leatherhaeads/Behind the Scenes
- Continental Family Channel 1: How to Eat Fried Worms/Animaniacs, Powerpuff Girls
- L for Love, L for Lies/Full Record of the World
- What Happens in Vegas/30 Rock
- Continental Presents CSI
- Comedy Programming: Creature Comforts, The Facts of Life, Everybody Hates Chris, Welcome to the Captain, The New Adventures of Old Christine, The Cosby Show
- The Entertainment Channel
- Airshow
- Opera
- Now & then
- Ambient Groove
- Latin Fiesta
- Continental Lounge
- The Classics
- The Hit Factory
- Jazz Beat
- Continental Talk
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Country Roads
- Live Broadway
- Club Continental
- B&B Groove
- World Music
- B Tween
- Hindi Music
- Japanese Favorites
- Chinese Pop
- Shalom
- Chess
- Poker
- Solitaire
- Invasion
- Elephant Memory
- Bzzz
- Blackjack
- Crave Crunch
- Caveman
- Hangman
The meal service started with an offering of hot towels (I noticed that this was done in Economy class as well). This was followed with offerings of mixed nuts (cashew, almond, pecan, etc.) and beverage of choice. I had some French Chablis.
Next came the appetizer cart with smoked salmon with cream cheese and caviar accompanied by creamed horseradish sauce and roasted duck accented by red chili pepper. Well, this is what the menu said, but we actually got shrimp and crab meat instead of the smoked salmon and caviar. There was no notice nor explanation of the switch though.
The mesclun salad mix and romaine lettuce with baby pear and pecans with my choice of blue cheese dressing arrived next with generous helpings of bread throughout the service.
After this, the main course arrived with chop sticks as a choice of utensils.
I looked at the screens and realized we were heading due north, fantastic! Here are some pictures.
Cheese and crackers plus fruits followed and then dessert.
I chose the ice cream sundae over the warm fruit cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. I really was very full, so I asked to have my sundae later, but the flight attendant said I could not as it would melt. Reluctantly, I had it.
Duty Free came by and I declined the offer. I started to think that maybe there was a device in the catalog, so I checked it out. Indeed there was and it was the same device that my seatmate had at a cost of $125 about the same cost as what I paid for my device and it was tax free! I thought about purchasing it, but I remembered seeing one at my local Micro Center store for $39.99, only it was a bit of a monster. The note on this said it was the world’s smallest such device. Indeed it was compact. I guess I’ll have to make some time to shop for this item in Beijing. I really need to be productive on my way back as well.
I was falling asleep on myself, so I connected the personal computer to the power port as the work one was now fully charged and went to sleep without haste. A bottle of water was handed to me just before I went to sleep though. Here is where we were in terms of location:
I awoke for some strange reason in time for the mid-flight snack of Taiwanese-style noodle soup of prawn, soya egg, meat sauce, bok choy, bean sprouts and noodles in a rich broth and cherry linzer cake.
We had about 5:48 to go and had just passed the International Date Line. We were flying North of the eastern tip of Russia now. This is actually my first time flying the Polar route as the first time I attempted it on my Newark to Hong Kong flight, the flares were too high so we did the normal route.
It was now time to do some stuff on the personal computer so the next few hours was spent being very productive as that was a part of the plan of sitting in this cabin in the first place.
I took a walk down the Economy class cabin and people were sleeping, watching the movies, playing with their electronic devices, reading and just staring about. Kids were running around and entertaining themselves. I guess the time has to be passed somehow.
At 11:30p (1:53 to go) local time in Newark, NJ the arrival service started in the Economy class cabin. The BusinessFirst service did not begin as yet. Two minutes later, the cabin lights came on in the BusinessFirst cabin, looks like it was time for breakfast.
First there was a hot towel, then a tray came with utensils, water, butter, salt, pepper and fruits (grapes, strawberry, cantaloupe and pineapple).
After the meal, landing cards arrived. Each person must fill one out for China. We now had 1:06 to go and Beijing was dead ahead on the map. Our estimated arrival time is 1:24p and it is 12:18p in Newark, NJ.
The lead agent came on the PA and advised that the documentation is being handed; possession of a non-Chinese passport must fill out this form. If you have items to declare then you have to fill out a Baggage Declaration form. All transit passengers must complete the form as well. He also re-iterated the flight number and the arrival date as August 9, 2008. He concluded that a video will be shown as well in just a bit. The announcement was repeated in Manadarin.
Soon, we started descending into Beijing...
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