On to Beijing - 2019
At LAXearly. Not going to duplicateyesterday’s error.
The flight is nearly full, the nearly, fortunately, was the seat adjacent to me.
I quickly realized the effect of the time of departure on my sleep habit on the long flight. Leaving at 6 AM or so from Boston requires early wake up. Sleeping aboard is easy. Leaving after midnight, as I did recently to Hong Kong is a natural time to sleep. At 10 AM departure, I am well rested and alert and not disposed to nap. Well, lots of reading.
Flight time from LA, Dallas Fort Worth, Boston or New York to Beijing are virtually the same time. The flight to a stop across the US, via American is wasted travel time, but the network of carriers with American and United offer better pricing for multi-stop travel and this time I am planning to return through Hong Kong. Although Hainan offers a non-stop between Boston and Beijing, returning from Hong Kong prices this out of reason.
AA flight 181 is on a Boeing787-900 Dreamliner. This plane seems tome a bit more upscale than yesterday’s Airbus. It is serial number 40653, registration number N834AA and was deliveredto American Feb 2018. It was two yearsnewer than the Airbus of the earlier flight, but a light year ahead in comfortand appointments. It said it was manufactured in the CharlestonSC factory, which I have recently read has had quality issues. Fortunately, we landed safely so I cannotcomplain.
A long but uneventful flight. Arrived in Beijing on time. Fast through immigration. No fingerprints requested of me. Not sure if because I have been throughbefore.
Driver met me at the exit, no problem. Dropped me at the hotel, Park Plaza in Wangfujing. A convenient area. Went for a walk to buy a SIM card and then get some funds at the bank. Purchased 5 gigabytes and 50 minutes of time for about $80 USD. We'll see if this was a wise purchase?
Found a Food Street and indulged. Not sure, probably octopus tentacles. Two barbecue sticks for 50 yuan. Covered with sauce. Not really high quality, but fast, interesting and cheap. Bought 5 gigabytes and 50 minutes of phone time for $80 USD. We'll see if there was value in this purchase?
Found a Food Street andindulged. Not sure, probably octopustentacles. Two barbecue sticks for 50yuan. Covered with sauce. Not really high quality, but fast, interestingand cheap.