Trip to Beijing-Day 1

Starting the year 2010 with a trip to one of my dream destinations (to
see the Great Wall of China) appears to be a year of dream-come-true
adventure trips to facinating countries. What's next? Sri Lanka?
Thinking....spring break is coming in March. I was in Thailand last
month during the Thanksgiving holiday week. I am so grateful of the
blessings I have to travel to destinations of my dream. I've been to
thirty one US states, Canada, the Philippines, Japan, and the Arctic.
Wishing upon the star to travel to the Antarctic in my possible trip
to Argentina. Ecuador and the Galapagos are my destinations this
coming summer. I want to see the islands where Charles Darwin spent
time in tracing the flights and migrations of the finch birds.

A little excitement brings out the "kid" from within me--I was sooo
excited just like the way young children's expression of joy (...and I
am glad that in my early 40s I have maintained my "youthful" feeling,
jeah!). Jeje!

January 1, 2010 marks the year of my continuous journey. From the
early morning rise (5:30 am alarmed clock woke me up) to seemingly
flawless two -hour drive from home to San Francisco International
Airport, the adventure has begun. Roads and highways were practically
empty (New Year's day holiday) and "where are the crowds?" in the
airport. Security check went fast. I intended to travel light and less
unnecessary things. Thick jackets occupied the most volume in my
luggage. Winter in Beijing is colder than central coast winter in
California. I have been monitoring the weather since I decided to move
on to this trip about a month ago.

I am in the plane while typing this blog on my iPhone and my email
will automatically send it to my blog once connection is established
upon landing in Beijing. It has been five hours since the plane took
off. I normally get bored in long plane ride like this (I ignore the
movie they show. I do something else.) but now I do not even look at
the time. I took a quick nap (30 mins-pretty good amount of sleeping
time in plane for me). I have the three seats - very spacious (one
advantage of travelling on a holiday). I am keeping myself busy-
reading visitor's guide to China (It's funny to be aware of many
Chinese ways such as how direct they are in asking personal questions,
unethical to take out any bone (from food) from the mouth with hand,
instead, acceptable among Chinese is to lower the head to the plate
and spit it out.

The plane is expected to land in seven hours. I expect to see the
driver at the airport who will take me to the hotel. All is set-the
hotel, itineraries, and the attractions to see and things to do. I
will sign off now. My eyes are a bit stained from typing in dim light
here. Happy New year to all!

"Nothing is better than this day."
-Goethe

Sent from iPhone 3G S