7/20/08 - Beijing to Nanchang

Today we traveled a quick 2 hour flight to Nanchang. We hit the airport early, as the new security measures for the Olympics started today, but honestly, it was very well organized and quick - and I'm saying that even though we navigated through languages! A variety of thoughts:

On luggage/travel - thank you for the tips. I brought a travel scale which has totally made things easier. I saw other people having to switch lines to pay over charges and people trying to rearrange bags. Also thanks for the note 44lbs, not 40lbs! I'm unaccustomed to traveling with so much stuff and find it a bit embarrassing. However, I'm traveling with four people in mind, not just me.

On Beijing - It's a modern, and western-convenienced, city. In historic travels we have been to several third world major cities; Phenom Pen, Cambodia; Cairo, Egypt; Bangkok, Thailand; and I would say that Beijing is no where in that realm. Its more like visiting Chicago with a darker haired population. The architecture is stunning and very modern, the streets are extremely clean, the only pollution in the air. I guess no city can host the Olympics unless it has the infrastructure and conveniences of a major European market. In preparation for the Olympics, they have started shutting down factories (temporarily), cars are now on an alternate day driving system (odd number licensed plates on odd numbered days, even on even). The landscaping is in full swing, with potted flowers everywhere in addition to beautifully kept grass, bushes and trees. Even the major free way leading to and from the airport is lined with flower boxes. There are definitely older parts of town, but just like in New York, these parts are shrinking and modernizing. This is no longer the city of 20 or 50 years ago, the city of bicycles is gone. Cars now rule.

On the Great Wall - totally worth the visit. Hard to explain. Photos tomorrow.

Nanchang - more what one expects from a smaller Chinese city. The pollution is amazingly thick, lots of cars, bikes and scooters. Today we saw a baby sit between her father's feet on a scooter. Now DS1 thinks he should get to ride. We are at the Gloria hotel. It is nice/fine. The city reminds me a bit of Hong Kong, without the updating/renovations. More on the city tomorrow.

On getting closer to "Gotcha Day" - Its amazing its getting here. Yet, last night as we had dinner at a steak house that was totally four star, and DS1 was a complete gentleman (ordering for himself and everything), I had to wonder, when will we be able to eat a civilized meal in a nice restaurant again? Not totally that I care, but my DH has become accustomed. Day after next, we meet him!