A Bridge to Chinese
Just another weblog about China and Chinese

Journey in America—Life is a journey

I started my trip to U.S. on June 2nd. It is not my first long trip to another country, and it is not the longest trip I have had, but it is the first long journey that I go by my own.  I was busy like a bee every day for half a year before my arrival in U.S., especially the month before my leaving, crazy busy working and studying up till midnight.

After amount of sleepless nights, I got up at 7:00am on June 2nd, had some simple breakfast which prepared by my dear daddy and drove to the Xiaoshan Airport accompanying by my mum and dad. We arrived the airport around 10:00, but was told the transfer flight to Beijing was postponed at the moment I stood in front of the counter of Air China. I realized I should take some action, otherwise I could miss the flight. I rushed to the Air China service desk to confirm the update flight info, the answer still kept the same. Unexpectedly, they didn’t know what time the flight would take off, because the plane was still in Beijing at that time. The earliest flight which can connect to the international flight to SF is 10:40am, which means if I can not make this flight in 15 mins, I will miss the next flight, I will lose time and money, I will not arrive at the same day in S.F. at U.S. time, thus, I might miss my best friend’s wedding party which will be held on June 4th in another city. During this 12 weeks adventure, the first 13 days will be with my friend Yang and her daughter. I did not hesitate to call Yang to check where she was. She was on her way running to the airport.

I made a quick decision that we should change our flight from Air China to China Eastern Airline. There was a picture of missing our international flight in front of my eyes. I was a little bit nervous and tried to clam down. The lady working for Air China showed no worries about the situation, helped a staff who jumped the queue. I was annoyed and said to her if she could not transfer my flight to China Eastern Airline right now, she should find someone else to do it for me. Then I turned to another working lady sitting aside and asked her favor.  When she  made several calls to check the available seats, I called Yang again. Yang and her daughter finally arrived the airport. We were lucky to get 3 seats. Yang was peaceful and communicated the counter staff to check in. My dad took pictures of us, I had no mood to do so. What I thought was no other than being hurry for the passing security check. It was a pity only few words saying goodbye to mum and dad at the airport.

Yang lift two bags, I held her daughter’s hand, we were the only three persons who run to the gate in the big terminal.  People was standing in a long queue waiting for the check in, When we reached the gate 24, the same gate I got on the flight to Beijing in this year’s Spring Festival. Lucky guys, aren’t we? The seats were arranged at first class area. The first time to have a chance to sit at first class owing to the delayed flight. :)

Another one hour was waited for the flight to take off because of air travel restrictions. Oh, my gosh! Time was not wasted, we three tried different functions of the first class chair, it’s a funny experience. Each button on the right hand of the seat was pressed. W aha!  To kill the time, I started to ask Yang what about her feeling on this trip to U.S. Her answer was exactly the same as mine. Not being that excited when we sat on the plane. I explained to myself that it takes time to put ourselves from dream back to reality. We are truly on our way to United States of America, the country on my world travel list. Wowhoo!

Lunch time was just after the taking off.  Not a bad meal! :)

International Terminal Beijing Airport

Mum called me when I was at Beijing Airport. I promised her to call her back a few minutes later, since luggage had to be transferred from China Eastern Airline to Air China. We were safe and on time made the transfer flight. I were happy we were on the international flight, even though the type of this airplane is Boeing 747 disappointed me. 6 years ago, when I flew to Europe, the same type plane attracted me a lot, but not today. 6500 yuan for a round trip is reasonable, I can’t complain.

Having talks and watching movies are the best killing time options. I have watched any movie other than The Princess and the Frog by Disney Pictures. A nice movie, keeping the Disney Pictures tradition with life learning through classical fairy tales. :8 To be honest, to be earnest and down-to-earth echo as the theme from the beginning of the movie to the end. Tiana remains single minded in opening “Tiana’s Place,” working two jobs to save enough money to secure the ideal building for her restaurant. Ray, a Cajun firefly, is honest and brave, he loses his life to save Tiana and Naveen and gets to know his lover Evangeline is a only star far in the sky just before his death. Lawrence, a kind-hearted crocodile, is thinking he can make his dream as a music band player come true. Tiana’s kiss breaks the spell. Finally, the happy couple Tiana and Naveen purchases Tiana’s desired building and opens their restaurant. As the film ends, Tiana and Naveen host a gala opening for “Tiana’s Palace” and dance underneath the Evening Stars. Beautiful end. Welcome to San Francisco appears at the right windows. People cheer. Time shows to 11:20am west coast time of U.S.

flakes

2 Responses to “Journey in America—Life is a journey”

  1. Fei Says:

    Wow!! I just read this now, and knowing you actually had such a story on the way to SF.. I am so happy that you made it sound and safe at the end!!

  2. Ying Says:

    Ha! Life is a journey, so no one knows what it will be at the next minute.

    Fei, U.S. is a nice and great country, but I still love China.

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