I just arrived in my hostel in Chengdu!! Today was long, and technically today started yesterday. Mom took the metro with me and walked with me as far as the train, which I then took to the airport. I was feeling a little gloomy after saying goodbye (it feels like a loonnng time before I go back) but excitement returned. Especially when I got to my gate in London and everyone was Chinese. Plus, being in London made me think of Doctor Who, which I really need to buy while I'm here in China. Where it is super cheap.
Anyway, my plane was super long. I got to Beijing and was so happy, except for the fact that I had to go through customs, picking up my bag, re-checking my bag, whatever. And then I turned on my cell phone for the first time in a month and a half, so excited (and, yes, reminiscing sadly over old text messages), and I tried to text Xiao Zhou. But. It. Did. Not Work. Argh. I don't know what's wrong, but I can't text. I need to figure that out.
So I kind of lollygagged in Beijing, almost got on the wrong plane because I really wasn't paying attention (so tired!) but they stopped me, as well they should. Haha, I would have ended up in Chengdu anyways.
Anyway, the Beijing airport certainly doesn't feel like the China I've gotten to know, so I felt like I "arrived" more so when I landed in Chengdu. I found the bus I wanted to take really easily and ended up next to a Chinese man who had just arrived home to Chengdu (for the Chinese Spring Festival/New Year) from Germany. He spoke English very well and pointed out a few things to me as we went through the city.
Then I took a regular city bus to my hostel. I was nervous about the bus being packed into something like Kunming rush hour extremes, but it wasn't too bad and I figured out my stop easily enough. The hostel was a short walk from there and now I can finally relax properly on a proper chair with internet (and I think I saw hot wings on the hostel's cafe menu, although I'm really craving more Chinese-like food, which I'm sure they have). The hostel is really nice actually. It freaked me out a little, upon arrival - I looked around thinking the hostels I usually go to are a little dumpier and cheaper but whatever the price isn't too bad. I booked five nights. Things are going very well so far! The people here are super nice.
Speaking of craving Chinese food, I got a pork bun when we ordered take out last night and it was delicious. It made me think of London and now I want to go back. It was one of the best vacations we've ever been on.
ReplyDeleteI know London was amazing!!!! I def want to go back. And get Dr Who stuff. :) And pork buns (baozi in Chinese, in case you're curious).
ReplyDeleteYeah, Kathleen and I had a great time in London, too, right on your heels. It makes me happy to hear that you guys think your first trip out on your own like that was the best and amazing. Kathleen and Z Skyped today, while K was in NC. Keep your eye out for her, Margaux, she'll be using Skype more from Rio, though still perhaps not during your hours.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dad