And so the training begins....

I finally checked in at the hotel at 8.00am. Am feeling tired, weepy and sick. We are supposed to be going on a tour of the city in one hour. We have been spared the tour and are allowed to rest. After lunch we are going to Beijing Language and Culture University for the opening ceremony.



At the opening ceremony we are treated to the usual speeches by Chinese Ambassadors from various countries. I have to use those earphone things to get translations. I feel very important. It is like being at the EU summit (I imagine). We are also treated to Chinese drummers and performances from the Peking Opera. Amazing! 

Time zones & jet lag

Friday November 19th.
Have landed at Beijing airport. It is 6.00am (local time). I am a little dazed by it all as I have been travelling for about fifteen hours, but it is twenty six hours later than when I left home - I think!! We have been met at the airport by representatives of Hanban with camera's. They want photo's already. Had to unchain myself from my Chinese friends as they are travelling on to Shanghai. Had my photo taken with a cardboard cut out of Confuscious and met Frank. Frank is to become the new Bob!!!!

All checked in and nowhere to go.

Thursday 18th November 6am (GMT). Have entered terminal 1 and surprise, surprise, still no tears or tantrums. I am being terribly grown up for someone so panicky. I  have checked at least ten times that I still have my passport and am clutching my e-ticket wondering what to do with it. A very nice assistant has come to my rescue. He will be known as Bob 2. Can't believe in this day and age there are still so many Bob's in the world! After checking me in and booking my seats Bob 2 says a cheery goodbye and sends me to check in my luggage.

Going through the security check was very strange. Had to put my liquids in a clear bag and remove my coat, belt and boots. The metal detector didn't go off so obviously my fillings are o.k! Haven't a clue what to do next and can't see anyone who looks like they might be from a school. I hear two Chinese ladies speaking Mandarin and my ears have shot up at the word 'Hanban'! I ask if they are going to Beijing. They are and are happy for me to tag along. I have now chained myself to them and will spend the next hour nodding appropriately at their conversation while not understanding a word!!! Think they may be referring to me though as I keep hearing 'ying guo ren' which I know means English person/people!

I'M ON MY WAY.

It is 4.00am Thursday 18th November. I am just leaving for Heathrow Airport. Didn't get to sleep until 1.00am, so am tired already. Have checked I still have my passport fifteen times! Suprisingly for one who hasn't been out of the UK for thirteen years I am surprisingly relaxed and I haven't taken my Kalms! Mr D is kicking me out at the door of Terminal 1. A good idea I think. If he comes in with me I will either cry or beg to be taken home - or both. Will let you know how I'm feeling in about fifteen hours time.

:s     :(      :)

Better Late Than Never!!

Couldn't access a computer while I was away, so was very disappointed not to send any new posts! Now I have my lap top, so here goes.

Bob's Your Uncle!

What a nightmare. Thank goodness for Bob at the sorting office. Bob might be someones uncle, but he is my hero! I arrived there at 11.30am only to be told that the office shuts at 12.30 and the postie wouldn't get back there until 1.30. Oh my, what's a girl to do? I burst into tears and played the 'femme fatale' card and the lovely Bob immediately took pity on me.

I returned at 1.30 and Bob found my passport for me. I was so relieved to get it I gave him a hug. He was horrified! He wished me a safe trip and ran back to the safety of his office. I LOVE YOU BOB. X

Wednesday 17th... Oh please Mr Postman!!

Hm, I have to leave before the postman arrives so my lovely neighbour kept a beady eye out for me.  Mr Postman wasn't very happy to leave my shiny new passport with my neighbour so it now means I have to wait at the sorting office for him to bring it back there! 

Tuesday 16th

My itinerary arrived by email this evening and I now know all of the exciting things I will be doing and seeing on my amazing adventure.  Now I just need my passport to turn up in the post tomorrow ready to fly out on Thursday!  Fingers crossed...