A week spent in the company of my mum and talking on the phone with friends.Terrible floods in England and fires in Europe. It has been sunny at times in London and despite being with my Mum and looking forward to Norway. I am missing Australia. Today am visiting my brother and his family.
Sat 21/7/2007
Lovely hard bed and a good night’s sleep Up at 6am for breakfast and a shuttle at 7am
Breakfast was pickled cucumber and cabbage with a spicy twist and steamed bread..I found it nice as well as the early morning spice boost.
Shuttle ride was a little less hectic in the morning. I must say that most of the city’s drivers seem to be taxis. I have never seen so many Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Airports at busy time X 5 Probably even more cabs than LONDON!!
Check in was interesting. We were approached by a lady offering help as we floundered at the setup ..I was with a Slovakian and as we finished filling out the forms she asked for money (10 RMB $1.50AUD each) she got 10RMB but it was evident that she was being protected by a man wearing an airport pass. I told her I was a student she seemed satisfied and they both went on their way. The first part of check-in was fine though the duty free had to be checked in (We live in hope!!)
Immigration cues were long and took about 45mins to get to the front and another 15mins through the search…So leave in plenty of time! There is no electrical duty free past immigration a surprise for a country that makes most of the world’s electric products SO BUY before you fly if transiting in Beijiing.
Friday 20/7/2007
Got to the airport in plenty of time Thanks Pat
Could not resist a duty free bargain
Good flight and some great movie action Ten canoes, History boys, Shooter, Happy feet
Love Qantas
Arrived in Beijiing on time 25 degrees and two jackets too dark to see anything much
Despite all the advice to the contrary I was told that a visa was not needed for transit of less than 24hrs…so I could leave the airport…So I booked a hotel
I have to say that the hype about the smog I expected more than was evident….
The hotel was comfortable at $70AUD with a free shuttle bus all arranged from the airport and after paying a deposit and a short wait we were off
If you are arriving in Beijiing and need to travel by road for the first time it is an experience I can only compare to driving in Nigeria but worse. It seems that indication and the side of the road you choose is optional!
I found that most people understood basic English and all were friendly..with the repeated use of “No problem” though that was occasionally accompanied with a smile a blank stare and very little action. I eat in the hotel a basic fried rice was $3AUD and the local drop from Beijiing $2AUD for a 600ml bottle
Access the internet it was included and I was greeted and welcomed by the manager who was happy to see me and offered his help if the need arose.
Arived safe and sound after a dash to Brisbane Airport. Thanks Bruce! Nice to catch up with a few friends that I will miss.
Forecast is for freezing weather in Sydney
Good preparation for what lies ahead!
On Friday I went to say my thanks and goodbye's at the International office.
While there I met the incoming Nursing students from Stavanger
Welcome Ladies and thanks for the info on Stavanger
Enjoy Southern Cross Uni!
In Brisbane now
What a shock the weather is freezing, despite being 200klms further north
I guess it is preparation for what is to come
Stay warm!
So much to do and now (last minute) people are hoping to see me before I go.
I need to support a fundraiser for a recently injured rugby player; my thoughts are with him and his family.
"There but for the grace of God go I" unknown quote
Leaving Lismore this weekend and heading to Sydney via Brisbane.
I fly out on 20th July; it will be a long journey with a two stops 15 hours in Beijing and a brief 1.5 hour plane change in Helsinki before on to London.
The time approaches for the journey!
Lismore, Australia to Stavanger, Norway!
What an Adventure!!
