First Day - 19th July 2002

The Airport

Thoughts were pounding in my head as I raced towards the airport in the train... what did I miss in my packing, what else did I forget? Passport, ID, money? My mind swept the contents of my suitcase and backpack. Ah, forget it, at least I have my IDs and camera with me. My mind lay down to rest as the train stopped by Tsing Yi station. I arrived at 1145, 15 minutes early at the registered meeting point of Sector H in the airport check in hall.

Minutes later, people walked in, trolleys laden with baggage and children. Being in a hurry, I packed away the camera and checked in the luggage along with the group. Us young people lunched in the Mcdonalds downstairs and returned up at 1245 to pass local immigration. We boarded the aircraft at 1315. It was an MD-82 and had 2 tail engines along with a very narrow, confined body. Fortunately, we did not have to endure long - 5 hours at most. My companion and I were most prepared for a digital photo taking experience. Armed with 2 fujifilm digital cameras, tripods for each and a notebook computer, we could experiment as much as we needed during the few weeks spent here. We played cards here and there and eventually, we made it to Chang Chun (長春) Airport.

In the City

A few surprising sights raised our morale after the long flight and we passed immigration with a breeze. Upon arrival at the double door exit, we became divided into 2 groups: an adult group and a youth group. These groups will board 2 different busses and have different tour guides, but the differences end there. I was sent to the youth group along with the rest of the young people.

We hopped on the bus and the tour guide automatically introduced herself. Our tour coordinators also plodded along in the same direction.

Almost 1900 hours and we were heading for dinner with some officials. Touch the ground and we're carted off for red carpet treatment. What a beginning.

The food was satisfactory, though a little off the hot side. I sincerely hope the food does not degrade through our tour. Chairman Mao made several announcements on and off the podium as we consumed dinner heartily.

Hotel Shangri-La

Having said goodbye, we boarded the bus and headed to Hotel Shangri-La. We attended a small meeting in a small room and then we took the lifts upstairs to our rooms. A good hotel for the first night is, I suppose, crucial for one's continued existance. We waited for at least an hour for our luggage to arrive before we could use the pool facilities on 3F. Spa and sauna facilities are also available there.

---< end of day 1 >---