Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Ni hao ma!


(on approach to Tokyo's Narita International)

Well folks, a loooong journey, but here I am, in the People's Republic of China.

Let me tell you, exit row seats are definitely worth it, especially for someone of my stature.

Pretty uneventful flights. I'd have posted from Tokyo, but the kiosk required a 100Y coin. Beijing's airport is pretty impressive, and it's obvious everything is gearing up for the 2008 Olympics. The city itself is huge.

Anyway, more later! It's nearly midnight, and I'm safe and sound at my friend R's place in Dongzhimen, in the northeast of the city, a 20 minute cab ride (40CNY, about 5 bucks!) from the airport (yes, they drive crazy here).

Interesting note: apparently the number 4 is an unlucky number, since sì (4) sounds like si (death). The buildings don't have a 4th floor, or anything with 4. R's apartment is on the 21st floor -- which is actually the 19th, since there is no 4, 14!

Wan an, for now!

2 comments:

assiniboine said...

Do say hello to R for me: we seem to pass as ships in the night these days, alas....

Anonymous said...

Please to know you had a safe journey.

Have fun exploring China!

Sincerely,

Dogwood.