Today is the day!
Woke up a million times to check the clock.
Got showered and downstairs for breakfast. I couldn’t bring myself to eat this meal once again. The sight of these:
for 30+ days is enough to turn anyone’s stomach!
I have no idea what type of bird those eggs come from, but come on! How is that appetizing?
(the photo doesn't do this sight justice)
Anyway, after eating, I went upstairs to check on my flight and make last minute preps.
Surprise! The flight from Shanghai to Chicago is already delayed 4 hours!
This means I will have an 8 hour layover in Shanghai.
I called United because I was going to miss my connection to Columbus. I got switched to the later flight and all was “good”.
Called for a bell boy to come take my bags down.
Took one last look at the room and headed downstairs.
There were about 15 of us on the shuttle bus.
It was about a 45 minute ride to the airport. I apparently fell asleep.
Upon arrival, I got a cart to pile all my bags on. It was quite the scene!
While waiting in line, I discovered that 2 other guys on the crew where also on the flight from Shanghai to Chicago – so I broke the news about the delay.
5 of us were on the Qingdao to Shanghai flight and were treated with the VIP service with special lines for check in, luggage, security and passes to the lounge. Even upon landing in Shanghai, we had a special VIP bus that took us to luggage claim. It (the bus) had couches in it. (Wish I had taken a photo)
We had to get our luggage in Shanghai and then re-check in with our airlines taking us home. It was after we had our luggage that for the first time in weeks, there was no one there to guide us. Our days as VIPs was apparently over.
I found an Olympic help desk… lights off, no one home.
So asked a few airport employees where to go… they didn’t exactly speak English. I pointed to our credentials and they didn’t care.
Eventually we figured out we had to go to a different level for International departures. The only way to get there was on a small elevator. So one at a time, we stuffed our crap onto the elevator and rode to the 3rd floor.
2 people were on Air Canada and 3 of us were on United. So we found our lines and we discovered we couldn’t check in until 1 o’clock, the others, 2 o’clock.
We decided to eat – all the places were upstairs. Again, tiny elevator, so one at a time we crammed our luggage in and rode up.
We ate at an Italian place. It was okay. Pretty tasteless.
After eating, we ventured back down to the ticket counter. Got checked in… again, no more VIP treatment. We had to coerce them into giving us VIP passes to the First Class Lounge.
Made it thru customs, immigration, security, etc with no issues.
Found our lounge and those of us on the United flight had 5 hours.
It was nice… there was plenty of beer, wine and snacks.
Surprise! The flight from Shanghai to Chicago is already delayed 4 hours!
This means I will have an 8 hour layover in Shanghai.
I called United because I was going to miss my connection to Columbus. I got switched to the later flight and all was “good”.
Called for a bell boy to come take my bags down.
Took one last look at the room and headed downstairs.
There were about 15 of us on the shuttle bus.
It was about a 45 minute ride to the airport. I apparently fell asleep.
Upon arrival, I got a cart to pile all my bags on. It was quite the scene!
While waiting in line, I discovered that 2 other guys on the crew where also on the flight from Shanghai to Chicago – so I broke the news about the delay.
5 of us were on the Qingdao to Shanghai flight and were treated with the VIP service with special lines for check in, luggage, security and passes to the lounge. Even upon landing in Shanghai, we had a special VIP bus that took us to luggage claim. It (the bus) had couches in it. (Wish I had taken a photo)
We had to get our luggage in Shanghai and then re-check in with our airlines taking us home. It was after we had our luggage that for the first time in weeks, there was no one there to guide us. Our days as VIPs was apparently over.
I found an Olympic help desk… lights off, no one home.
So asked a few airport employees where to go… they didn’t exactly speak English. I pointed to our credentials and they didn’t care.
Eventually we figured out we had to go to a different level for International departures. The only way to get there was on a small elevator. So one at a time, we stuffed our crap onto the elevator and rode to the 3rd floor.
2 people were on Air Canada and 3 of us were on United. So we found our lines and we discovered we couldn’t check in until 1 o’clock, the others, 2 o’clock.
We decided to eat – all the places were upstairs. Again, tiny elevator, so one at a time we crammed our luggage in and rode up.
We ate at an Italian place. It was okay. Pretty tasteless.
After eating, we ventured back down to the ticket counter. Got checked in… again, no more VIP treatment. We had to coerce them into giving us VIP passes to the First Class Lounge.
Made it thru customs, immigration, security, etc with no issues.
Found our lounge and those of us on the United flight had 5 hours.
It was nice… there was plenty of beer, wine and snacks.
There were also little cubicle rest areas which was pretty cool.
The highlight was the bathroom….. toilets with all kinds of options. Mainly the lid lifted as soon as you entered the stall. And the seats were heated. Actually, a little too hot, but would have been awesome in the winter! Here is the control panel:
Even better than the fancy toilet, was the sign on the cappuccino machine:
I sure am going to miss spotting signs like this :)
The 5 hours wasn’t that bad. It would have been much worse if I had been alone, that’s for sure.
Once it was time to board, I was crossing my fingers that I still had a row to myself. I did when I checked in 6 hours ago, but that can always change.
Thankfully, I did!
I can’t believe I am finally leaving!
I stayed awake long enough for the first meal – which was really bad. I picked at the mashed potatoes and roll and gave up. Had a Tylenol PM and stretched out.
When I woke up, I was all whacked out on time. I think I slept for 5 hours, but that just didn’t seem possible.
I felt terrible. Headache and just lots of congestion. Figured it was allergies, so took a Benadryl and laid back down.
In all, I think I slept about 9 hours of the 13 hour flight. Which is really good!
Having the row to myself made all the difference in the world!
Upon arriving in Chicago, I had 2 hours. The line for immigration was forever long. I was so hot! I am back on U.S. soil and am still sweating!
After immigration, you have to claim your luggage. This took another 30 minutes. How? We had been on the ground for an hour and our bags take that long?
Anyway, excited that all 3 bags made it! Loaded them up on the luggage cart and headed to customs. After that, you drop you bags back with United and then venture on to the domestic terminals. Which means, you have to go thru security again. Grrr..
Finally got to my terminal and to the Red Carpet Club. It was hot as hell in there. Called the parents – they were very happy to hear I made it. Called Dave to make sure he was picking me up in a few hours.
Went to the bathroom to freshen up. Was wishing I had brought a change of clothes in my carry on because I was drenched with sweat. Oh well. I remembered a toothbrush and toothpaste, so that was better than nothing.
Made it to Columbus without issue. All bags made it too!
Got home and got out a few gifts for Dave and we chatted a while.
It’s good to be home, but seems very surreal.
Went to bed around 3:15a.
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