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.