It's up early Sunday and Mark rode me to the airport for a 10am flight to Vancouver then a delayed flight to Beijing. In Vancouver I meet up with my colleague Michael Copeland, Toronto chapter president and long-time federation of Canada-China Friendship organization member. He's a great colleague to travel with with a deep knowledge of China. The plane is packed in the back. I note they have 3-3-3 seating instead of the 2-4-2 we have on the overnight to UK. In the front I have a cosy pod wih a window and am well looked after on the flight, with two meals, really too much food, and good service. We land on time after a fairly uneventful flight, only a couple of bumpy patches over Russia, and glorious views over the Rockies, then N. China.
It's no hassle passsing through visa control and baggage area at this very efficient airport. Much different from in the past when they bused you in from the outposts of the airport. Now a fast underground train whisks you to the baggage terminal, where our bags are waiting when we get there. Calgary, take note, it can be done.
Beijing Capital Hotel is a government owned hotel where most of the delegates for this event will be housed. Probably not Princess of Tonga, but who knows.
After the long journey, Michael and I find our comfortable rooms in different towers but all linked on the main level, we freshen up and take a walk round the block to a small friendly, bustling restaurant. No English spoken here but food is good and cheap. Michael's mandarin is passable. We run into the hotel receptionist who recommended it. Probably that's why our bill for 2 half litre beers, huge plate of made on the spot dumplings, s/sour pork, comes to 83 yuan (no tipping please) which divided by about 5 is $16, or $8 each!
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