Finally, we have arrived in Beijing to finalize our adoption. The morning of the 13th didn't start very well. After only about an hour of sleep, we awoke around 4:15 a.m. to get ready to leave for Standiford Field in Louisville. Don decided to check the flight status on the web. . . eh, WHAT???? The 8:00 a.m. flight to Detroit was delayed for 4+ hours becuase of required rest needed for the crew. Our connecting flight in Detroit going to Tokyo was to depart around 12:30p.m. It appeared as though we would miss this flight and never make it to Beijing with the rest of our travel group. Frantically, Don checked the web for other alternates to get to Detroit on time to make the connection. Only one flight, leaving Lexington at 9:30 would do the trick, but the web only showed 2 seats remaining. (Driving to Detroit was also considered, but also seemed unlikely to be successful because of the weather and potential driving conditions.) He called Northwest, and after about 40 minutes on hold, we were able to book the Lexington flight and made all of our connections on time.
The only other 'hitch' actually ended with good news also. While boarding our last flight from Tokyo to Beijing, we were stopped by Northwest Gate Agents saying that our seats were no longer valid. (We worked EXTREMELY hard to get bulkhead row seating for these (coach) flights and now Northwest double booked the seats???) We were pulled aside by very friendly Tokyo staff as they frantically typed away on their computers. After a few minutes, the gate agent said they were moving us to Business Class!!!
The day (25 1/2 hours total) seemed to be filled with bad news/good news events. We can't believe we're finally here and we'll have Adelyn in a few days. The next couple of days will include a few tours and sightseeing to allow our body clocks to adjust to China time.
*Picture at top is Don at Bluegrass Field in Lexington, waiting to start the day's travels.
The only other 'hitch' actually ended with good news also. While boarding our last flight from Tokyo to Beijing, we were stopped by Northwest Gate Agents saying that our seats were no longer valid. (We worked EXTREMELY hard to get bulkhead row seating for these (coach) flights and now Northwest double booked the seats???) We were pulled aside by very friendly Tokyo staff as they frantically typed away on their computers. After a few minutes, the gate agent said they were moving us to Business Class!!!
The day (25 1/2 hours total) seemed to be filled with bad news/good news events. We can't believe we're finally here and we'll have Adelyn in a few days. The next couple of days will include a few tours and sightseeing to allow our body clocks to adjust to China time.
*Picture at top is Don at Bluegrass Field in Lexington, waiting to start the day's travels.
*Picture to the right is Ree, chilling out in World Business Class seats from Tokyo to Beijing.
7 comments:
Hey Guys,
I'm so glad you all have finally made it to China. 25 1/2 hours!!! I know you are ready for some sleep! Take care.
Debbie
Can't wait until you guys have Adelyn!! It's so close. My students will be so jealous that you get to see the Great Wall. We just studied it.
Love,
Jenni
Glad to see you made it safely! Get some sleep and then go do whatever! Have fun and hurry home with Adelyn!!
Bumblebees,
Roses are red ... Violets are blue (tiny and a hand full!) Grab that baba and hurry home soon. Luv 2 all 3 of u.
Butterflies
Can't wait till you pick up Adelyn.Stay safe..Enjoy your visit..Keep us posted...Miss you both!! Remember this-When you return home, you'll be happy as can be.....Cause your family will have suddenly grown to " Three"....Love Dad
I'm glad to hear from you guys. Have fun sight-seeing. I can't wait to see Adelyn.
Carolyn
Gina and I think your 25.5 hours of travel torture was "labor pains" soooo glad Don could enjoy the experience! Be safe, have fun, cherish the moments, and hurry home to let all the spoiling begin !!! Love ya, LaDonna
Post a Comment