Pimp tight in Peking

I admit I was a bit skittish - but you would be, too - had your travel agent hurled a "i've never heard of THIS airline..." as your ticket is booked to fly over the big blue ocean. Hmmm... nothing like a little reassurance.

Turns out, the flight from Seattle to Beijing on Hainan Airlines (China-based International with a new flight to Seattle) was fantastic! Not only were there swarms of sweet attendants catering to my every need (seriously, when I was reclining in my massive chair: someone came over and held her finger on the button so I didn't have to. WHUT?) ... the meals were incredible. Lobster, delicious ravioli with generous fresh cilantro (!) and on from there. Here's the real thing that won my heart: clean bathrooms. The whole way there.

Guess I'm just going to have to start flying in/to China more often now so that I can partake.

Needless to say, this trip is off to a good start. In spite of the fact that I didn't get to sleep until after 4 hours of laying there...mind racing... with the lights out, fluffy satin blanket, a couple pillows, eye pillow and noise cancelling earphones...

So other than not really sleeping (which isn't a huge shocker since I always have trouble sleeping on planes) my trip and arrival as been extremely smooth. Cake walk. I dig it.

Need to get to sleep soon so that I can catch up for the 27 hours of travel - woke up at 3am (Austin time) then arrived Beijing the following day at 5am (Austin time).

Everyone is REALLY helpful, but I get the feeling they may be skeptical of me.

One more comment - don't get me started about how much I LOVE all the gorgeous geometrical print designs on everything. Wait, to do it right, this is gonna need a post all it's own. Tomorrow! Good night (or good morning for my party people back home!)