The start

Apologies for not having updated more quickly! It was quite an adventure getting internet in this hotel, but we managed somehow. (In this very moment I still have not been able to find internet, so the preceding sentence is me being optimistic about the future). Once I do find it, though, updates will come daily. 

I had planned to write a positively beautiful entry about the horrors of air travel. I was geared up to describe the seats so small that your personal space will never feel anything but invaded, or how the food most certainly was stitched together from dumpster debris, or that the air seemed to have been left in the sun long enough to become spoiled and rotten. I can, however, say none of these things about the plane we flew on. The seats were rather large, the food was entirely edible, the flight attendants were extremely amiable, and the choice of entertainment was quite expansive. The thirteen  hours and thirty-five minutes of travel time were certainly much better than they could have been. 

We arrived in Hong Kong at a few minutes past six. Originally,  we were to use the five hour layover time to explore the Hong Kong Airport. Unfortunately, there were problems with our group visa and we spent about three hours exploring the 20 square feet near the check-in desk instead. Thankfully, things eventually worked out and we were all able to grab lunch in the enormous food court. I am ashamed to admit that I went straight for the Starbucks (I couldn’t control my instincts!)

We then boarded the three hour long flight to Beijing, which seemed quite quaint compared to the behemoth amount of time spent on the previous plane. Most of us were able to get one or two hours of sleep in. 

We landed in Beijing at around three in the afternoon. We stood in the wonderfully lengthy immigration line for an hour and then went to collect the bags at the baggage claim. Between all of our luggage, instruments, and uniform tubs, it was a little some like chaos. We managed however, and exited the airport to meet our tour guides and buses. (Michael and the blue bus are definitely the best!)

We then headed straight to dinner. Out of a fit of forgetfulness I forgot my camera, which is unfortunate seeing as how the food was unbelievably fantastic. It was interesting to see the different flavors the Chinese are accustomed to. I tried everything but the fish eyes! It was also a bit humorous to see tired students slumped over in their chairs. Some tried to fight their tiredness and other succumbed to sleep and were promptly photographed by those who managed to remain awake.

We then continued to our hotel. I wish I could write a bit more about it, but it was all a bit of a blur. The only thing I remember was collapsing onto my surprisingly firm bed and falling into a wonderful deep sleep. It was a very long day.