We arrived around 2:30pm into the airport but it took quite a while to get to the hotel. We had to walk quite a bit with our heavy carry-ons (wah right?). Then wait in line for an official to give our passports the evil eye to make sure we were those people. What we were very surprised about was the lack of customs procedure. I think it'll be tougher when we go back into the US. So then we had to take a tram to baggage claim. After my normal panic at not seeing our bags, they came around the corner and looked intact (woot).
We met our guide, Forrest who promptly shuffled us into a van (I've heard bad mafia stories about that sorta thing), that took us to our hotel. Now, let me just say, the Chinese people have no personal space issues. they cram into everything and traffic is no different. Erin was dozing off and on in the van and I was alone in my observation of about 132 'HOLY CRAP you almost hit that guy' moments. But that's apparently the way it is and we arrived safely.
We got into our room and, while compact (no wasted space at ALL) it is super comfortable. We'll be here for 2 more nights as we tour and get to know the other families. I'm surprisingly excited (not always jived for hanging out with strangers at first) to meet them and share this experience. It's the video guy in me but I want to film them seeing their kids for the first time to capture that initial reaction.
It's about 6:30am here and I'm showered and getting ready to go downstairs to see why our keycards no longer work and to see about getting Erin a blowdryer. Then breakfast, then skype with Jack and off to see the sights.
thanks for your prayers
JJ
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