CHINA Oct 30-Nov 13: Part I

CHINA OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 13, 2014

PART I

Beijing Skyline

We flew First Class from LAX to Hong Kong (layover) and then on to Beijing.  First Class service is exceptional.  There were only 3 people out of 9 available seats with 3 stewards.  VERY comfortable seats with a flat larger sleeper.  There was a comfortable duvet and pillow to ease you into sleep.

Cathay Pacific First Class

The food was a B+ and served in courses.

My only criticism was the choice of movies.  There were enough options but not to my liking.

We are in China as part of a sponsored tour from Imperial Tours.  Imperial Tours is a Virtuoso tour company exclusively in China and Hong Kong.  They are the top tour operators which pride themselves in employing their guides.  They have unique itineraries with special surprises along the way.  I am excited to experience what these surprises are.

Beijing

Cathay Pacific First Class

When we were flying into Beijing Airport, the sky looked dark and hazy.  Pollution here is much worse than our last visit 9 years ago.  The haze was dark and orange in color.  Beijing appears to be in perpetual gloom.  You can almost taste the air.  I mention pollution because it is a reality 24/7 here in Beijing.  Please notify your doctor if you are considering a visit to adjust any medications you might be on.

We were greeted at the arrival gate by an airport representative who escorted us through Customs and baggage claim.  After customs, you get into a train for a 5 minute ride to another terminal where you collect your luggage.  At this point, the representative passes us onto our Imperial Tours guide.  We were quickly taken to the car and away we went on our 45 minute transfer to Beijing.

Waldorf Astrotia, Beijing

Waldorf Astrotia, Beijing Bedroom

We were dropped off at our first hotel, the Waldorf Astrotia, Beijing.  We were going to stay at the Peninsula, Beijing but a colleague notified me that they were about to begin an extensive refurbishment and things were not fresh.  The Waldorf Astroia is lovely with comfortable beds and baths with dual sinks.  The service that the staff provides and their English  is a step down from The Peninsula but the staff seem eager to please.

We had lunch at their Brasserie which is also the location for breakfast.  The food was quite tasty and plentiful.

After a quick nap, we decided to talk a walk over to the pedestrian area 1 block away.  The city has changed quite a bit.  9 years ago, there were street vendors and now there are mega malls complete with the same stores you see in the U.S.  I think they moved the street vendors to a small area 5 minutes walk from our hotel.  If you are in the mood, this is where you can taste fried insects!

A "Mega" Mall in Beijing

Today, we are visiting friends that we met 9 years ago.  Angela used to work for Abercrombie and Kent as one of their premier tour guides.  We've stayed in touch over the years.  Can't wait to tell you all about tomorrow!

The World is Our Playground!

Mari