“CHASE IS NO LONGER COURTEOUS”

“CHASE IS NO LONGER COURTEOUS”

When I lived in NY I banked at Banker’s Trust, which eventually was taken over by Manny Hanny (Manufacturer Hanover), then Chemical and after that Chase. With each subsequent takeover, the gap between my original personal relationship with the bank kept widening, despite the increasing dollars that were being proffered by my business into its coffers. After I retired and moved California, I closed my account, as there was no longer a need to have a business relationship with a large institution. Now, being a senior, I was lured into the attractive offers made by Washington Mutual to open a free personal checking account including free checks. Faced with a choice of what my new personal checks should look like, I opted for the duplicate checks they offered. Since the bank, no longer sends cancelled checks with their monthly statements it is as an easy way to check my bank statement against the carbon copy of each of the few checks I now write. I have been doing this for the last 5 years. On occasion when I renewed my order for additional checks a debit would appear on my bank statement charging me for checks. I would go into my WaMu branch and point out that free checks were included in my type of account. Each time, a teller would acknowledge this and credit my account for the amount charged. That was until yesterday.

I went into the Solano branch of the now Chase bank, which has taken over WaMu. When I first learned of this takeover, I mused, “Chase is chasing me.” I went over to the teller and showed him my latest bank statement debiting my account for $25 for the recent order of checks. He looked thru my records and saw that I had never been charged for checks previously. He went over to one of the assistant managers (Mitra), who came over and informed me that while checks are usually free, the duplicate checks I had ordered are not free. I told her these were the same type of checks I always used since opening the account and I never had to pay for them before. She replied that not being charged was an error on the bank’s part each time I was credited. When I replied that maybe it was because the bank valued me as a customer and extended this waiver as a customer courtesy and asked that Chase do the same. Her reply, “Chase is no longer courteous.” My anger turned to laughter as I guffawed and announced out loud to the other waiting patrons, “Did you hear what she just said, “Chase is no longer courteous.”

Embarrassed by my out loud pronouncement, she offered to “rescind” this charge this one last time. I responded that in that case I may just “rescind” my account at Chase. She then withdrew her offer and said I would have to consult with her manager.

After waiting 8 minutes for her manager, I told her manager that I was no longer angry as I have a headline for a column that I was going to write entitled: "Chase is no longer courteous” The manager was very polite, but again would only let the no check charge be reversed this one last time. She asked me, ‘Please don’t write about this.” My response, “Are you kidding?”

Musings from my journal

What has become of the books and friends that have influenced my life?

Childhood friends. My youthful soul mates. Albie Meyer—the scrawny kid who when slightly older could be the character in Charles Atlas ads always having sand kicked in his eyes. He was my first boyfriend at age seven. We were inseparable. I, always defending Albie against the tougher boys. Albie, who upon entering Junior High School was tested as a genius and trotted off to a special school—away from me—never to be seen again-- only a few years ago to be googled and discovered to have been married, divorced, remarried and father of four sons and a tenured professor of math at Harvard. A few emails passed between us and then once again the silence.

Or my girlfriend, Lorraine. Friends through childhood, who, because of her need to copy everything I wore by having her mother purchase identical outfits, inspired me by age 12 to start to design and sew my own clothes. I remember going to her wedding when I was pregnant. But after her marriage, we never saw each other again. In fact, I don’t even remember how I know she had 4 sons.

I know one of my early loves drowned off the Norwegian Coast while swimming, away on vacation with his 2 sons. That remains vivid. But, what about the piano player who would serenade me each night with Gershwin? Or the college students waiters working summers in the borsht belt hotels, when only weekends would be free for us female employees to fraternize with them after they spent weeknights stupping the wives of the husbands who would only come up to the mountains on weekends.

What happened to the first boy I kissed, whose name I have forgotten.

What has become of most of the people I went to school with and worked with, who, despite seeing names on various reunion sites are no longer familiar?

You can’t go home again. I often look at life as standing on the outer rim of a carousel as it turns and I make fleeting contact with each horse and rider.

Vivid memories do remain of various people and various times. But my brain is like Swiss cheese, unable to see the complete picture. The fragments remain--the old photo album of my mind with its pictures fading and crumbling.

The Case for Burkas

The case for burkas

Having emerged from my hot shower and tending to my morning preparations, I observed my face closely in the mirror, examining the additional aging lines that had formed overnight and thought, maybe we should be more supportive of women who wear burkas.

China's Tour Group Wrap up

Back from China.

Having passed through the temperature gauges without being quarantined, created that golden envelop of life permitting me to experience a country radically changing.

It also permitted me to share 14 days with fellow travelers so individual, that they had difficulty interacting with one another.

Of our group of 24, eight were four couples that often traveled together. A very friendly octet, originally from Indonesia, now living in ultra conservative parts of Southern California—Nixon and Reagan counties—Republicans by geography—but politically uninvolved and uninformed. Two members of this group stand out: Hans, for his friendliness and flirtatious, but gracious ways. He loved to tell off color jokes—shocking and distancing himself and his group from the mostly ultra moral Midwestern couples on this trip, who were advanced enough to travel together without benefit of matrimony, but were aghast by 4 letter words. The other member of this group who stood out was Mary. Mary incessantly talked without saying anything, constantly commenting on whatever came to her head, unfiltered. Her husband was so quiet; that I don’t think anyone remembers his name.

Four other members of the 24 traveling together were a family from a small town in Minnesota. Mom is a pediatric nurse and Dad a successful mortician. Their friendly and personable 21 year old son, dropped out of college for a few years, and now was finding his way back by entering mortuary school to follow in his father’s footsteps. Poor kid, I sensed that he tried hard and almost got away from his roots, but was recently dragged back—however, I feel that there is still hope for him. His 17-year-old sister, on the other hand, is entering her senior high school year. She is beautiful with an Uma Thurman face and body, but would do better if she were flat chested rather than having a flat personality.

From Kansas City, Mo. came 2 young special ed teachers, Lorelei and Nancy. Adventuresome in spirit, but not in food experimentation as they searched and found fast food restaurants, malls and grocery stores to insure their caloric intake would be supplemented by Snickers, Pepsi’s and chips. They only ate the French fries that occasionally might accompany the Chinese food that we were always served.

From the East Coast of Georgia, came Jim and Joy. He, originally a Rhodes scholar taught at University and she, a vegetarian, was a nurse. They kept to themselves, barely speaking to anyone—except for the last day when we were waiting at the airport to depart for home. Joy asked, “What did you think of the hotel we stayed at in Beijing?” When we replied that it wasn’t as nice as the other hotels, her outpouring of, “How disgusting it was.” shocked us. Her diatribe against not only this last hotel, but the previous ones, complaining of remnants of cigarette smoke, and lack of other home conveniences. “Perhaps,” she explained, “It is because I don’t travel much. Jim travels more and is able to put up with all this. Maybe, I’m just pickier, but I found it disgusting, etc.” I bit my tongue, so I wouldn’t blurt out, “You think?”

Then onto the Golden Girls—straight out of Florida. There was the ringleader, Bea Arthur herself, Adele. She had traveled to China some 30 years earlier with her husband who was in the furniture business. She was the leader of “les girls.” She knew everything, and therefore they should follow what she wanted to see and do. She roomed with her friend, Barbara. Barbara was a lovely widow originally from Boston, and when Barbara could get a word in edgewise over Adele bragadociousness, you discovered that Barbara’s life was truly more interesting. The third member of this trio was Selma; you could tell she was the “tag along”. I got the impression that Adele was not too pleased that Selma was on the trip. She was also a neighbor and member of the Boynton Beach Florida Widow’s club. At 85 she was very spirited, but dotty. She had her own room and Adele included her reluctantly in what they did. Selma couldn’t keep her money straight, overpaid each vendor on the streets of China, was taken at every corner and eventually ran out of money. Those of us with extra cash would give her cash in return of her writing us personal checks.

Another Midwestern couple—Nancy and Jim. There were four Nancy’s and three Jim’s on this trip. Nancy, also from a small town in Minnesota, divorced and a special ed teacher was traveling with her long time friend Jim, an ER nurse. Early in the trip, Nancy introduced herself and her traveling partner, Jim, to me by saying, “Don’t mind Jim. He was physically abused as a child and has a vagus nerve stimulator implanted under his skin to trigger off the seizures that he is prone to.” Later I found out that a VNS is similar to a pacemaker. A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is a small device implanted under the skin near the collarbone. A wire (lead) under the skin connects the device to the vagus nerve in one’s neck. The doctor programs the device to produce weak electrical signals that travel along the vagus nerve to the brain at regular intervals. These signals help prevent the electrical burst in the brain that cause seizures. After it is implanted in the body, the battery-powered device can be programmed from outside the body by your doctor. You can also use a handheld magnet to turn the device on if you feel a seizure about to start, and turn it off if it is causing unpleasant side effects.

Personally, I wish his VNS jolted him more often, as there was an angry undercurrent running through his demeanor most of the time.

The final couple was Ruth and Jim from the Carolinas. She taught at a nursing school and was lovely. Jim stood out from the crowd, as his hair was recently shoe polished black. For the first week, I kept debating with myself, “Someone should tell him how awful it looks. Should it be me?” I reluctantly kept mum, deciding it was Ruth’s place to tell him and who was I to say anything, if it didn’t bother her. Jim lives with his mother and they are members of a four-piece country western band. He claimed that his music is reminiscent of Chet Atkins.

This makes up our group of twenty-four. I can’t imagine how they must be describing me. One thing I know I’ll be described as the only one in the group who could eat with chopsticks.

Flying the unfriendly skies

At one time I was a business flyer. Now retired, I find I only fly to reach holiday travel destinations. Although, I still collect frequent flyer miles, I no longer belong to the “elite” frequent flyer club. So NWA may just ignore my letter.

If I ever ran my business like NWA, I would have been bankrupt, rather than taking an early retirement. After retiring I dabbled as a “secret shopper”, evaluating the business dealings and customer service of various companies. If I were to do an evaluation of NWA, there would be many minuses.

To iterate my experience with NWA:

On Tuesday, July 14^th, 2009, I was booked on NW Flight 27 leaving SFO at 1:35 PM, scheduled to arrive in Shanghai, China at 9:15 PM to meet up with a tour group in Shanghai. The scheduled arrival gave me ample time to get to my hotel, meet the other members of my tour group, and get a good night’s sleep prior to taking off at 7AM the next morning for a 12 day whirlwind tour of China’s capitals. The flight was essentially non-stop with a refuel in Noritz, Tokyo. The flight was scheduled to leave on time--something I was aware of since I had signed up to NWA departure status email service.

Upon landing in Norita, those passengers who were continuing on this flight to Shanghai were told they would have to get off the plane stay the night in Tokyo as the continuation of the flight was cancelled. All this info was being disseminated as we stood in the aisles waiting to deplane. As we deplaned I expected to see a NWA representative at the gate explaining the situation. All we saw was a confused NWA person who spoke no English, telling us we had to go down to arrivals and enter Japan. Most passengers complied, except for 7 of us who wanted an explanation as to what happened and to see if we could make other arrangements to get to Shanghai that evening. We stopped another airline employee—(no indication that they represented NWA). Our group of 7 demanded that we see a NWA supervisor. After repeated calls from this person to request that a supervisor come up to the arrival center to speak with us our requests were ignored for more than ½ hour. Finally, we were told to go down to the departure desk to speak to the supervisor who was waiting for us. By the time we were directed to the supervisor all flights on other airlines had already left or were completely booked and thus we were unable to be rebooked on another flight. I asked the supervisor for his business card and his response was he didn’t have any on him. I then asked to use the phone to call Boston, MA to inform the tour company that I was delayed. At first the supervisor said that we were entitled to a 3-minute call once we reached the Norita Hotel. When asked what happened to our plane, we were told that there was a plane scheduled to come in from Seattle that was cancelled. This didn’t make any sense.

After imploring the supervisor that it was after 1AM in Boston and I didn’t know if I could complete a call in 3 minutes, he finally granted permission to use his phone and I was able to call Boston and hold on for the night person on duty to tell them my dilemma. Later, I was informed that the Shanghai tour director was at the airport in Shanghai and had no notice of the flight being cancelled and spent hours at the Shanghai airport waiting to pick me up. The first indication that the flight was cancelled was from the information I gave the Tour Agency in Boston who was finally able to reach the Shanghai director to inform him that the flight was cancelled until the next day.

So I spent a restless and sleepless night in Norita being told that we would be leaving at 4:40 in the morning from the Norita Hotel for the rescheduled flight scheduled to leave at 6:15 AM. We were given a meal ticket to have an inedible meal at the Norita Hotel.

Upon leaving the hotel in the morning for my flight to Shanghai, I ran into 8 other people on my scheduled tour. One party from Minnesota was informed of the delay prior to flying from Minnesota to SFO to connect with the plane toShanghai. I find this curious as the time is earlier in Minnesota than at SFO and there was no indication at SFO of the flight ending in Norita. He was also informed that the delay was because of the hours put in by the crew on our flight would exceed the permitted flying time and there wasn't another crew to take over in Tokyo.

We left Norita, Tokyo 11 hours and 50 minutes from the original time of our scheduled departure. Something I also find curious, as I know flights delayed more than 12 hours have to compensate passengers.

Well, finally we reached our tour group and rather than having a calm sendoff, we were rushed to catch up with the rest of our group who had already experienced a welcome and good night’s sleep. It took me days to adjust to the hectic pace—something that I was anticipating when I planned to get into Shanghai a day earlier in order to rest.

While in China, I flew two Chinese airlines, one to Xian and another to Beijing. I can’t tell you how efficient the service was along with the modern terminals and planes and crew. The only similar thing to NWA was the airline food.

I returned to San Francisco on July 27^th from Beijing on Flight 008 at 8:55 AM landing in Norita and connecting to Flight 028 from Norita to SFO. I was seated in 36C. The flight schedule went without a hitch, save for the fact that I never drink airline water and usually ask for a can of club soda. On the Norita to SFO leg of the journey, I was awaken by a crew member who offered water and, in my stupor, took the cup and sipped some insipid water and quicklystopped when I overheard one flight attendant say to the other, “Did you see the yellow things in the water?’ “Yech” was the reply as they continued to serve the rest of the cabin. The flight continued and we landed nearly on time and safely at 10AM. I continued home, went to bed and awakened with my stomach in knots. I had just spent 14 days eating Chinese food, drinking bottled water and felt fine. The following day I had a case of Montezuma’s revenge. I’m sure this was because of the water from the plane as the reaction was immediate and lasted for 24 hours, my having consumed no other food or drink except for what I was served on the plane ride. I've written to NWA asking them to investigate if any other traveler on this flight had a similar problem.

I look at China, with its developing infrastructure of its highways, rails and airlines and terminals. This trip was an educational one for me. The analogy I picture is China and the US on escalators. Only China’s escalator is going up as America’s is, sadly, going down. With NWA merger with Delta, I see it joining other American corporations on the way down.

Blog 11

Blog 11.

This will be my last blog from China.

This morning we met at 8:30 to go off to the Beijing Zoo to view the Pandas. There are only 30 pandas around the world’s zoos. All of them borrowed from the Chinese. If the Panda gives birth while on loan to zoos, the citizenship remains with China. That is their agreement with all the countries. America pays close to one million to borrow the Pandas we have on display. Pandas have very short lives—about 30 years. They eat Bamboo and fruit. They are lazy, but cute. There have been studies in China with regard to reproduction and the pandas are very reluctant to mate. There is only a short period around 7 – to 10 years of age. Artificial insemination is being used. Also, they have studied that Panda in captivity have become so reluctant to mate, that they have resorted to showing Pandas films of other Pandas mating. I think this is the only porn allowed in China.

Viewing the pandas was very difficult because of the crowds of people. It was like Times Square Subway station during rush hour.

The weather is holding today, although it is hot it is dry. We’ve had rain, but only showers and they only last while we are indoors and stop when we go out. The gods are looking after us.

We left the zoo after a short time and road to the Summer Palace. Again a magnificent place for the past emperors. I wonder what they would say when they look over the vast land and gardens they had for themselves and their court and now find it is open to the masses who are descending on their land.


Got back to our hotel about 1PM. I’m too tired to do any more tourists things. I’m getting old. Tonight we are having our farewell dinner—Western style. Supposedly steak. Have to pack tonight, as we have to be up and ready to put our luggage outside our rooms at 5:00 and leave at 5:30 AM for the airport.

I was going to take BART home rather than car service, but my dear son, (love him), ichatted me and said he would pick me up. After having to be up at 4:30AM to be ready to leave at 5:30AM a day later than I arrive, flying all day to arrive at 9:50 AM Monday. I lose a day. What a blessing to be able to see a familiar face to help this weighed down exhausted person get home.

Blog 10

Blog 10

Good morning tagalongs. We are winding down our trip.

We had breakfast and left at 8:30 to visit a Cloisonne Factory. Watched them demonstrate how they make Cloisonne. Also inquired why the workers didn’t wear respirators or masks while they worked. Was assured that it wasn’t dangerous. When I asked about silicosis, the reply was “Oh no, the only danger they face is cuts on their hands.” I’m happy that the men retire at 60, the women at 55.


Our bus driver is a calm man. How he can remain so calm in such a stressful job is beyond me. I asked our local guide Steve, if bus drivers retire at 35. He told me that our driver might be 35 but he has a heart of a 55 year old with the stress of driving. When you sit up front you see all the near misses of cars, pedestrians and bicycles. There are always cries from the people in the front seat of our bus. We rotate each day, but as the days go by fewer and fewer people want to sit in the front seat.

Back to the Cloisonne factory. The prices are exorbitant. The quality is good. I think might have to take out some of my old cloisonné jewelry to wear. I can’t believe the prices here. I think it is cheaper in the states and yet I am amazed at the people buying. Most of them are from small towns across America, so their exposure is limited. I guess the reality is that I’m too cheap to spend that kind of money for trinkets. Do I really want a 4” cloisonné Elephant for $300 or a candy dish for the same price? It may, however, be a good way to cut down on affording to buy candy.

After visiting the Cloisonné Factory we headed to the Kongfu School. They put on a special show for us Grand Circle Travel group. This is a boarding school for the future Jackie Chan and Bruce Lees. They are accepted (both boys and girls) starting at age 5. The summer students were there. I shot film of the show and took a few pictures. The kids are adorable.

We then came back to the downtown part of the city. Beijing is huge and takes forever to get around with all the traffic. Some of us were planning to take the Hutong tour and a lot of the group was suffering from Western Food withdrawal, so they begged to be taken to a MacDonald’s. We went to a MacDonald’s (which is a big thing here as is KFC), but Nan our tour guide and I opted out to eat at a nearby noodle restaurant. Had a wonderful meal there. The folks who went to MacDonald have found the burgers spicy.

After MacDonald stop we went for the Hutong tour. Hutong are small houses in the downtown area of Beijing. They were being torn down and replaced by tall apartment buildings, but the elders objected. They had lived in these communal type houses for years and like the sense of community, which is lost in high rises In1949, the government took over the Hutong Properties and forced the owners out to bring in the military for housing use. A few years ago, when the government decided to stop destroying these hutongs in the downtown area, it made provision to those people who could prove they originally owned the hutong to return them. Those people who still had proof of original ownership moved back and the government gave money for them to fix up their small places. A Hutong is usually small and there is a communal bathroom and shower with your neighbors. Younger people have no desire to live in them, but the elders do. The values of these properties are way up. A hutong usually is a center house with rooms for about 8 families. They are small It reminds me of the gentrification of town houses and/single room occupancies in the slums of NY, which became high value neighborhoods. There are some people who were able to claim the whole Hutong and others who have bought whole Hutongs for over 3 million American Dollars and have fixed them up. They hutongs are built along alleyways and the way we toured them was to go by Pedi cab—the modern rickshaw—bicycle driven.


We were hosted to tea by a Hutong owner who inherited her small house, which belonged to her grandfather. He had originally owned the whole property, but was only able to prove ownership of the one room. It is small, but neat and clean. It has a kitchen, but no bathroom. Our hostess uses a communal toilet and shower, but she likes the sense of community of her neighbors.

After the tour, we got back to the hotel in the late afternoon. I’m too tired to go out and after my large noodle lunch I’m not hungry. It is now after 8 PM and I’ve spent the last 4 hours on my computer downloading photos, etc.

Tomorrow we go to the Summer Palace and visit the Panda Bear. We will then have a Western Style Farewell Dinner.

The next day we leave at 5:30 AM for our flight to the airport.

Blog 9

Blog 9

We went off to the Peking Opera with dinner. This in no way compares to the Met.

The Peking Opera is a combination of song, costume, mime, acrobatics, and martial arts.

It is colorful and brought to mind the Ed Sullivan Show of many years passed. I can just envision Ed Sullivan crossing his hands in front of him and announcing…”And now from Beijing, The Peking Opera performing…”

Jumping back to the Forbidden City. There were a lot of student tours going on there. The students would come up to us Caucasians and ask in English if they could take a picture with us. They made me feel like a celebrity as they encircled me and asked if I would comply. Then each one would stand next to me and the rest would photograph us. This went on for many minutes as I stood next to at least 20 students, one at a time. They were charming as they tried out their English. I asked our guide, Nan, why did they want their picture taken with me and she told me that some of the students come from remote towns where Caucasians have never been seen and this way they can go back and show their relatives and friends that they met a Caucasian and what they look like.

Tomorrow we go to the Great Wall and on the way visit a Jade Factory, then lunch and after Ming Tombs with Sacred Way.

We went to the Jade Factory. They were not giving anything away. In fact, nothing is inexpensive here. I have found very few bargains—nothing like my experience in Thailand.

We then went to the Great Wall. I climbed to Tower Three. It is a tough walk, very steep, but even harder to go down. Exhausting. It has been raining intermittently here. Seems mostly while we are traveling by bus. Traveling in this spread out city of Beijing is tough. The Chinese are a patient group. Never again will I complain when I’m stuck on 880. More and more people here are able to afford cars and thus, the traffic snarls are unbelievable.

The railroad system has been renovated in the last 20 years--from steam engine to diesel to electric and now monorail. It makes one reflect on what we Americans have neglected to do for our infrastructure. Here more farmers’ children are leaving the outlying areas to get better jobs in the big cities to improve their lot. The government, in order to encourage farmers has, for the last 3 years, lifted taxes. So farmers are doing much better, but that doesn’t stop the younger people to move into the big city. Now in the city, rather that the old hutong way of living, all these condos are going up. Average size is 800 to 1000 feet for family of 3. Remember the one child rule is still in effect. The costs of the condos are about $100 per foot and the condos are actually leased to the buyer for 77 years. They are between 12 and 18 stories with central heating and central air-conditioning. They are also expanding to the suburbs where rapid rail transit speeds close to 300 kilometers an hour. So commuting time is cut 2 ½ hours to 35 minutes. To think this new rail system was built in 3 year. One has to wonder about LA’s subway system that is a complete bust—both financially and rider ship—as well as not being completed these many years. BART system seemed to go up quickly, but nothing has expanded for years. I used to dismiss thinking about mass rail-- poo pooing the fuss made about it. Now, I have a new respect for the need for our country to expand and update our rail system. I can’t help comparing countries. This country is so old and yet so modern. Maybe it is better to first be communistic and then capitalistic—rather than the reverse. This trip furthers my beliefs that we are really living on our past laurels and we better wake up before it is too late. Our arrogance will be our downfall.

After the Great Wall we went to The Ming Tombs and after the gardens. I’ve added more pictures to my Shutterfly site

http://chinatour709.shutterfly.com/#n_19

While driving along I saw a bumper sticker reading “Mama On Board”—so different than our perspective “Baby on Board”

I was also stopped at The Great Wall and became a celebrity again with school children asking to take a picture with me.

We had another Chinese Dinner tonight at a local restaurant. The food is getting better or else I’m getting used to it. I think one of the weaknesses of this tour is that we are not experiencing Chinese food of the difference provinces—one night Hunan, another Mongolian, etc.

Now I’m back at the hotel all tired out from the day.

Blog8

Blog 8

Went to bed last night at 8:45 and awakened at 5:30. Everyone is anxiously waiting for the solar eclipse. Left the hotel for the airport hoping to experience eclipse, but the cloud cover is too thick. There are so many people who traveled to Shanghai and other areas to view it—I wonder if they were able to experience it. Well, I guess we have to wait till 2132 for the next one.

Right now I am sitting in Xian airport. It is 9:55. Our plane departs for Beijing at 10:25.
One of our guides told a Chinese joke: The American, Russian and a Chinese Presidents were traveling along a Chinese highway each in their own chauffeured limo. When the American came to a crossroad the driver asked which way should he turn, the American President replied: right. When the Russian President reached the same crossroad, he told the driver to turn left. When the Chinese President reached the crossroad, he told the driver to signal left, but turn right.


We arrived in Beijing and taken to our hotel, The Feng Ze Yuan. It is well located, just a few blocks from Tiananmen Square, but it is nowhere as modern or large as our other two hotels. Beijing is very humid and it is raining intermittently. There is a dank smell in our hotel. One interesting thing about my room is that when you enter, the bathroom is on the left, there is only a shower, no bath, and the bedroom is much smaller than the other hotels. As I looked around the bedroom I noticed different buttons. Most were for turning on lights, adjusting the air conditioner, etc. There was one strange looking set of buttons on the left wall of the bedroom. (The wall adjacent to the bathroom.) I pushed the button and like a hidden panel, the wall, (which was not a wall, but a shade in the same color of the wall) started to electrically rise as a film screen would. Lo and behold, a total view of the shower and bathroom could be seen from the bedroom. How strange. I asked our guide, Nan, why there should be such a shade? She said she didn’t have it in her room. I asked other people in our tour, but no one else either noticed or it doesn’t exist. They were all going to see and tell me today. I could understand if the button was on the bathroom side and if someone was in the bathroom and wanted a wider view or was feeling claustrophobic, but can you imagine sharing a room, you would never feel privacy in the bathroom, because that privacy could be interrupted at any time without your okay. In a country that frowns down on porn, this is rather weird.

When we arrived in Beijing, we had about an hour before we went out to dinner of Peking duck. The dinner was okay. Getting used to the food. But I’ve had Peking duck before and love it; this version was too salty and not exciting at all.

We have three women here from Boyton Beach, Fla. They all know each other. Two are rooming together, Adele and Barbara and Selma, in her eighties, is rooming by herself. Adele is the leader of the group and they follow her every lead. It is very funny to watch. What Adele wants to do, they obediently follow. Barbara is very lovely and easygoing. Selma is a bit dotty but very friendly. She still hasn’t figured out the money and has continuously been taken. She paid 250 Yuan for something I paid 20 Yuan. Last night at dinner, “les girls” were oohing and aahing over the wine bottle cover in the restaurant. --something you can find in any Chinatown in the states for a couple of dollars. They were for sale. The waitress said $2.50 a piece or 100 Yuan for 5. When asked how much in Yuan, they were told by the waitress 30 Yuan. I said no, 20-Yuan (which is closer to $2.50) Selma hands the waitress a $20 American bill and was willing to pay $20 for it, until I stopped her. It is a good thing she was left enough money by her late husband, whom I sure handled all money matters. I have no idea how much she has been taken since she got here, but she told me that she is running out of cash and has to go to the ATM. She reminds me a little of Edith in All In The Family. But she is a trouper.

It was raining hard, when we left the restaurant, and so rather than go out last night, I stayed in and went to sleep even earlier than the night before. I find this trip more tiring than my others. I don’t know if it is because I’m getting older or because the group is not too stimulating. We are all still cordial, but no close associations have been formed.

Today we are seeing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Tonight the Peking Opera with Dinner.

More later.

Today, we walked our feet off on Tiananmen and the Forbidden City. Too much to take in. We saw the spot where the world famous picture of the student defying the tank just before the 1989 suppression.

It is very muggy out today, but not rain. It is now 2:45 and we will be leaving at 5 for dinner and the opera.

Blog7

Blog 7

Okay, I’m not saving the best for last. I just got back from having a 70 minute Chinese Foot Massage and I’m in heaven. Cost 140 Yuan about $20 American Dollars. I am so relaxed. We are leaving Xian tomorrow morning to Beijing. I do like this city.

Earlier in the day, after breakfast, we went to a Lacquer ware Factory. Didn’t buy any furniture although I took a picture of a piece of furniture that would make a great table for a large set TV. I liked the design, but I’m not interested in buying any furniture. I downsized when I moved from New York and don’t want to start collecting again.

I did purchase a jade pendant for my grandson. I think it is very unusual and I hope that he and his mother like it. The carving is supposed to represent a healthy life and as he wears a modern day magnetic resistor necklace, I thought this might complement it—something old and something modern. The one thing my grandson asked for me to bring back from this trip is metal bottle caps for his collection. I have some people on this tour helping me find them. They are scarce, but I have a couple. I hope I’m not stopped by customs and have to explain this unusual request.

After the Lacquer ware Factory we went to view the small Pagoda. I was more fascinated by the little children and took pictures of them.

We had lunch at a Restaurant in a first class hotel. Again, service was many dishes on a large glass lazy Susan. I don’t know if I mentioned it before, but we usually sit at round tables accommodating eight people. We often shift around so we sit next to other people.
Often there are over 15 dishes served on the lazy Susan and we have small plates, a small soup bowl, chopsticks and a glass. The napkins sometimes are smaller than cocktail napkins, other times; large dinner napkins that are tucked under the dish and you leave the napkin tucked in and just lift the edge to wipe your face and hands. Well, there are times that the Lazy Susan gets out of hand as it goes around and people don’t wait for others to finish serving themselves before they turn it to get to the next dish. In order to be fair, I asked everyone if they were familiar with ER? When they responded, “Yes,” I reminded them that when someone was going to be paddled the doctor says “Charge.” before he paddles them. I suggested we use the same method. When we want to turn the lazy Susan, we now say, “Charge.” This is working out very well and everyone is now being polite. It is my communist manifesto. (lol)

Either I’m getting more used to the bland Chinese food, or it is getting tastier. Today’s meal was very good. Did you know that the Chinese here end their meals with watermelon? I’ve had more watermelon in the last week than I’ve had in years—but it is refreshing. Unfortunately, most of us still are craving chocolate.

After we left the restaurant we went on a City Tour of the Old Muslim Area and Great Mosque. The Mosque looks more like an old Pagoda. We walked through the Muslim market with its different foods. It was interesting. I for to mention that at last night’s Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner, sitting at the table next to us were 4 women wearing burkas which totally covered their faces except for the eyes. It was fascinating to watch as they carefully lifted the Burka flap each time they took a mouthful of food. I would have loved to get a photo, but there was no way to take a picture discreetly.

Then we returned to our hotel at 2:30 and left for the foot massage at 3:30. Ah, what more can one say when one is so relaxed.

It is not 6:15. Dinner is on our own, but I’m not hungry. Been eating much too much.

I will spend the evening repacking and watching the MADMEN Netflix DVD’s I brought along.

Internet is free in Xian. It was inexpensive in Shanghai. I have no idea whether it is available as easily in Beijing.

That’s it for now. I’m leaving for the Airport at 8:30 tomorrow morning for Beijing.

I originally thought I would take BART when I got back to SFO, but I think I’ll be carrying too much to shlepp it.

Blog 6

Blog 6

Today we were able to sleep in a bit as we were taking off to see the Terra Cotta Army, about 1 hour drive outside of Xian. We had another buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing in our air-conditioned coach. Viewing the statues and excavation at the museum where the Terra Cotta Army was discovered is fantastic. The discovery is only thirty years old and they haven’t finished unearthing and repairing many of the statues. I believe there are 8,000 statues, each with a different face and costume. I have downloaded, but not edited or added descriptions of the photos I have taken thus far. It is on my Shutterfly site and I believe it can be accessed by:

http://chinatour709.shutterfly.com/#n_19

if interested. I haven’t downloaded the videos yet. The great thing of having my computer along is that I can download my photos each day and have a clear flash card for the next day’s photo. (Great for me, maybe not so great for you).

It is hard to describe the view of the Terra Cotta Army Museum. The buildings are all modern. It is crowded.

We found out that there is going to be a solar eclipse on Wednesday. The next one is 300 years away. Supposedly the best place to view it is in China. Therefore, we have seen lots of tourists from other countries that have timed their trip to coincide with this event. We ran into eclipse tours at the museum from Princeton, MIT and UCLA. It is possible that we might miss this event as we will be going or be at the airport to fly to Beijing.

After the visit to the museum, we went on another Grand Circle Tour Discovery and had lunch at a local farmer’s home. We were warned prior to this visit by our guide director Nan that we might not enjoy this food. Actually, it turns out to be the best meal we’ve had to date. The farmer’s wife makes some embroidered hanging stuffed articles that are symbolic, I chose two to buy and Nan informed me that one represents long life and the other prosperity. I better get the prosperity so I can afford the long life.

Grand Circle Tours Foundation gives $10 from members of their groups’ trip costs to charity. In China, the gift, which amounted to $8000 this year, went to Shao Pingdian Primary School. Unfortunately, it is summer and school is out so we weren’t able to see the children. We were told that the money went to build a toilet facility this year, as last year when visitors came it was raining and the stench from the Eastern type toilets was unbearable. We were also told that children start to learn English in the 3^rd grade. (Compulsory education is to the 9^th grade.) Grand Circle Tour visits, we were told, have

inspired the children to strive to speak English better as they now have a better understanding of who those “big nose” people are and enabling them to associate us as a people rather than as a far away country.

This country is changing so fast from communism to capitalism. The government no longer is providing free health care or education. With the new freedoms come more individual responsibilities. It is hard to conceive how the older people have adjusted. If you can imagine how we feel when our children start to grow up and do things slightly different than us, think of how the older generation feels and has to deal with a belief system and economic system that is 180 degrees different that what they endured under Mao. The sense of the speed of time here is what is so apparent. The last 10 years here is equivalent to the changes it took us at least 50 to 75 years to achieve. That is what amazes me the most about China. It is like a speeded up film.

We have arrived back at our hotel. It is 4:00. Tonight we are going to a Tang Dynasty Show with dinner.

Just got back from the Tank Dynasty Show. They have a website that I haven’t checked out: www.xiantangdynasty.com.

Wow. It was held in China’s Premier Cultural Entertainment Theatre Restaurant. The Entertainment started off with an ancient Chinese instrumental ensemble. Then a Cultural dance segment with fantastic dances and costumes. It was further highlighted by a hand plucked string instrument with Pai Xiao solo musical presentation using an outdated wind instrument that is a cross between a harmonica and a mouth harp. The song played was a spring Orioles song. Sounded like an Oriole whistling.

A grand finale with ornate costumes from the Tang era with a lot of scarf dancing summed up the entertainment, but that was only half of the evening. While all this was going on we were served a multi course delicious dinner. The menu:

Pearls of Cathay—Delicacies of chicken fillet in special sauce with dumpling specialties a la Xian

The Royal Marriage: Black mushroom consommé

Heart of The Dragon: Crispy fresh king prawns accompanied with honey glazed cashew nuts highlighted with special dressing

The Princess’s Pin: Backed succulent tenderloin of beef served with garden vegetables and fried rice

The Willow’s Melody: Orange surprise with palm seed

And to finish all this off: A platter of assorted imperial “dim sum”

and Jasmine tea.

All through dinner a special wine to the region was served warm. The wine was a white cloudy color . It was delicious and the patrons were encouraged to drink lots of it as it is supposed to extend life.

That’s it for now.

Blog 5

Blog 5

Today we didn’t have to be ready till 9:45 to take our bus to the airport to fly to Xian (She Ann). We ate our last buffet breakfast at the Hotel Royalton and stuffed ourselves full, knowing that our lunch would be the airplane meal on SNA. Xian is about a 2 ½ hr flight. Rather than ride the bus to the airport, some of us wanted to experience the new magnetic train that goes from downtown Shanghai out to the airport. It is the only one of its kind being used commercially. It goes as fast as 400 kilometer and floats on air. It is unbelievably modern. We left all of our baggage on the bus, which would meet us at the airport with those of the group who didn’t want to experience or feared medical problems with the magnetic train. It is unbelievably fast and we were warned that when a train passes us in the opposite direction, speed is reduce to 300 kilometers, and you hear and feel a tremendous jolt, otherwise the train is smooth and quiet. We arrived at the airport and our plane was slightly delayed. We boarded the plane and took off for Xian. We were served lunch, which wasn’t edible—overcooked rice and strips of fish, overcook edamame, yeasty roll, salad of two pieces of lettuce and cucumber and processed meat slices and a spicy and oily dressing, and a muffin which might have been banana. One half bites of everything and then gave up.

We landed in Xian at 3:30 in the afternoon and went to our hotel, which is centrally located. My hotel room is as big as my apartment with a nice view. All the hotels are well equipped and modern. I downloaded all my pictures thus far to Shutterfly, but haven’t labeled or edited them yet.

After unpacking and orientating myself in the room, I searched high and low for the safe, which every room is supposed to have. I store my computer in the safe. I couldn’t find the safe. I had to call downstairs to the desk to request where it was. They sent someone up to show me that the closet, unlike the one at the previous hotel, slid the opposite way to expose the room safe. Egads, sometimes I think I’m losing it.

After resting, we met at 5:30 to take our bus and go to a restaurant known for its Dumpling Dinner. There we sampled over 18 different types of dumplings. Even one shaped and tasting like walnuts, which was its filling. I have to tell you that my group is filled with Midwesterners, who are ultra cautious and miss their Big Macs. Most of them are unwilling to try anything and constantly questioning what they are eating and when told, turn their noses up. Now, I don’t think the food is great. To me it is the equivalent of Chinese food in the Midwest, or opening a can of chop suey, but it is not unusual or tasty. To me it is rather bland, to them spicy. East Coast and West Coast Chinese food is much tastier and if you like the spices and variety of Thai food, this is nothing. But how can anyone not like dumplings? So I ate myself full and after we got back to the hotel we walked to a large supermarket, where they were able to purchase cookies, coke and candy. Why am I heavy, when I don’t eat that type of stuff and all these people are thin?

Got back to the hotel at about 8:30 and onto the computer. The weather is hot and sticky, but I don’t seem to mind it. Living in the desert for so long really has made me immune to the heat.

Forgot to mention, 10 minutes before we left the hotel in Shanghai, I decided I would take a look in the hotel store. There was a sign that said 80% off. I went with Nancy who had been in the store earlier in the week and said there really wasn’t anything there. But I said, “Hey we got 10 minutes, let’s check.” I saw an embroidery picture of a koi fish in a setting already framed. There were others, but Nancy and I both liked this one. I tried to convince her to buy it, but she said she had bought too many things already. Well, it was on say for 100 Yuan (about $15), A far cry from the embroidery prices of the other day. I negotiated and got the salesman to accept 90 Yuan. $13.24. It is in a box, it is 24 x 24. Now I just have to get it home. It is the only thing I bought thus far. For those of you who know me, you know I can’t pass up a bargain.

Tomorrow we visit the Terra Cotta Army sculptures. Can’t wait.

Blog 4

Blog 4

Today we go to Suzhou (Sue Joe). It is 35 minutes outside of Shanghai via Bullet Train. We got up at around 7:00 had our breakfast at the hotel. It is a fantastic buffet and I stuffed myself full. We took our bus to the Railroad station and boarded the train, which sped at 200 kilometers. It is a modern train and once again all along getting there you see building construction for housing all the people coming to Shanghai for work. It is really amazing to see this Industrial Revolution take place. The speed of development is truly mind-boggling. Not only to you see housing going up (I’m not talking about one or two buildings, but hundreds, each at least 18 stories tall), but new highways being constructed. Because of the housing shortage in Shanghai, these apartments are being built to accommodate workers who will then be able to commute on this fast train.

We got to Suzhou and were met by our local guide Chris, and a bus to take us to a boat ride along the canal. Again, the old and new are coming. Suzhou is called the Venice of the East, as it is a series of canals reminiscent of Venice. The homes along the canals are old. Built on rocks and because of the heat, they are all air-conditioned. The canals, which once housed fish, have become polluted because of all the industrial waste, so this area is not longer farming and fishing. Similar to Venice, many small bridges pass over the canal. There are also many Chinese Gardens.

After leaving the boat, we drove to Suzhou’s Silk Factory and were shown how silk is made. We saw silk worms feeding off mulberry leafs, the cocoons that are formed, extracting the silk filaments, boiling and reeling into silk thread, It was fascinating to find out that sometimes there are twin cocoons which cannot be used to make silk materials, because the one filament from each cocoon (a mile long thread), is twisted with the twin cocoons and the filament cannot be extracted in one piece. The twin cocoons are cut open, the pupae extracted and they are stretch into duvet fillers, for those people who would rather use non allergic silk rather than feather comforters. Although tempted to buy a silk comforter, I resisted.

After we went for a buffet lunch. Nothing to write home about. At our meals, the choice of drink is regular Coke Cola, Sprite, Bottled water or beer. If you guessed I have been drinking beer, you guessed right. From lunch, we walked to the Suzhou Gardens, traipsing thru alleyways that smelled to high heaven. It is very hot and humid today and we are sweating. The gardens are lovely and after spending time there we wound our way back to a bus to take us back to Shanghai.

We got back around 5. Dinner tonight is on our own. I might just skip dinner. I am tired and wanted to write this, though I am too tired to proof.

Tomorrow we fly to Xian.

Blog 3

Blog 3

Had a good night sleep last night. Got up at 7:30, dressed and went down for Breakfast at our hotel, The Royalton. Wonderful buffet breakfast serving both Western food and Chinese and Sushi. I breakfasted on the Chinese and sushi. Most of my group is Southern Californian or Midwesterners, with 3 widows from Boyton Beach, Fla. We tally 24. One group is a family of 4 from the twin cities, Ron and Nancy and their children Kyle 21, and Kyra a high school junior; 8 people who always travel together and originally from Indonesia; now living in Whittier and Simi Valley, Ca—one member of this group is Hans—who loves to tell off color jokes. There are two special ed teachers from Kansas City, Mo. Lorelei and Nancy; a couple from the mid west Jim and Nancy;
the 3 widows, Selma, Adele and ?, and a few others. It is a pleasant group, but not as friendly to each other as previous groups. They are cordial, but here it is day 3 or 4 and we really don’t know each other. I’m the only one here who can eat with chopsticks and they are very picky when it comes to food. I seem to be most friendly with Jim and Nancy.

At 9 AM, we departed for a visit at a Carpet Factory. Interesting watching them weave silk carpets and tapestries. No sale here from me.
Then we went to visit a Senior Center, where the seniors with dancing, a fashion show and singing entertained us. A Madame Ding who looks as if she is right out of the Cultural Revolution runs the program. Her body movements represent that time, although she was very friendly. After this program, we went to a home host lunch. We broke up into groups of 8 and dined at the apartment of three locals. Meals are served in small, but many dishes that are placed on a large lazy Susan. Most of the Chinese food I have eaten thus far is rather bland and similar. It is very different from my experience in Thailand where the variety and taste was great. The home host, spoke very little English, but was very lovely. She tried to teach me some Chinese, and said my pronunciation was good, but after I went over the numbers 1 to 10, I quickly forgot them. My retention ability for language is nil.

After lunch we got back on our bus and entered the world of traffic of Shanghai to go to the famous Bund. It is totally under construction. On one part of the river are buildings built early in the century and on the opposite side are huge skyscrapers of much different architectural design not more than 5 years old. The modern architecture is so varied with each skyscraper taking on a distinct character of its international architects.

We got back to the hotel at 3:30. I was not able to get on my blog site to write my blog, I think that blog sites are sometime blocked. However, I was able to send out two email to some of those who wanted to see the blog, (and probably to those who have no interest) I
don’t have my blog signup so just trying to send it to the people who requested it. Please forgive me if you didn’t want to receive these.

We went out to another Chinese dinner –similar food as we have been having and then after we went downtown to the Ritz Carlton hotel which has a theatre and saw a magnificent Acrobatic show. Got back to the hotel at 9:45 to write this, download my photos to my computer and now am ready to collapse. I have a 6:30 wake up call because we are taking a side trip via train to Suzhou City for the day.

2 or 3rd day of trip

Wednesday? or whatever day it is.
After a fitful night of sleeping on the hour every hour, I had a wake up call set for 4 AM. Got up and dressed and boarded hotel bus to airport at 4:40. There are other people on my tour on this plane, (I’m able to figure out there are 7 of us—that’s 7 out of our group of 24) which left at 6:15 this morning. We are now in flight. We weren’t able to get complimentary flight vouchers for a future flight, but got a certificate for $25. Evidently, you can’t get comped unless you are delayed 12 hours. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 7 last night and by getting out at 6:15 this morning the airline got in under the wire.

We just finished a typically terrible airline breakfast. The only good thing was the green tea. Airline coffee gets worse. I’m beginning to feel like a curmudgeon, but I’m sure I’ll be more positive once we get with our group. More later.

Landed in Shanghai at 8AM. Met by Jackie of Grand Circle Travel. There are 9 of us. Easily got thru customs and now on our way to the Royalton Hotel an hour away.
We are informed that the rest of the group has graciously voted to delay the scheduled departure on the day’s activities and wait for our arrival. We get to the hotel, greeted by Nan Liu, our group director. Quickly get our room assignments and go to the room. Returning to the lobby in 15 minutes. The hotel room is large and lovely with lots of little accoutrements, however, no bidet. I quickly change clothes store my computer in the room safe and rush down to meet the group and even quickly change some us dollars into RIM.

We then get into our bus to go to Yu Garden. Driving in Shanghai is like nowhere else. There are cars bumper-to-bumper driving along many lanes with light signals, changing from red to green and arrows pointing red and green for turns. Each lane has its own indicator. Thus cars in the far right lane can suddenly turn left in front of 5 other lanes of cars of which 4 are going ahead and the far left lane is position to turn right. While this is going on, there are bicycles riding in the bicycle lane on the right who might cross over three lanes if a car is parked there or might just cut in front of moving traffice if they are crossing an avenue. Picture this: as pedestrians try to manever their way across the street without any street lights indicating when they syould cross. I amazed at this as I watch waiting for there to be a pileup. I ask Nan are there many accidents and am told there are, yet you would think that the cars that are driving would be banged up and yet they are I pristine condition. I am going to try to film this. It is amazing. I’m a good driver, but I would never attempt it here. I have been to Mexico, France, China and even Thailand and this is beyond any dangerous or congested driving I have every seen. There are close to 18 million people living in Shanghai and the population is growing, as more laborers are moving here. Expo 1210 is going to be here and the construction is all around. The architecture of the building is difference and creative. It is truly a bustling city. Most buildings are over 18 floors high.

From Ly Garden we went for a Chinese lunch. I was not impressed, but we stopped at an embroidery gallery of embroidered painting that looked like oil paints. I see the prices in both RIM and US dollars. I’m tired but almost bought one of these beauties thinking what a bargain, until I realized the 5800 dollars didn’t have a decimal point. Fortunately I didn’t embarrass myself before it was too late,

After lunch we went to the Shanghai Museum, What a great collection of Bronzes and ceramics. I’m in heaven, but too tired to really give it the attention I would like to. After
the museum we came back to the hotel. Running late, we have 1 hour to get ready for dinner. Is it Tuesday, and am I in Belgium? I take a shower and don’t really want to get out of the bath. It is hot and humid in the 90’s, but our busses are air-conditioned as is the places we go to when we are not outside, so it isn’t bad. We go to another Chinese dinner (again I’m not too impressed with the food) it is very bland and perhaps Americanized for our group.
We have a professor prior to being served giving us a lecture on the Cultural Revolution of 1967 to 1976. Again it is very interesting, but my eyes keep losing focus and I see two of him. The rest of my group of 24 is very pleasant. More about them later as I get to know them better. We get back to the hotel at 8:20and I go to bed and leave a message for a 7 am call.

The Day my Travels Began

7/14/09 12:08 pm.

I am waiting at Gate 9 at the International Terminal to board NWA Flight 27, boarding at 12:45 for 1:34 takeoff. According to the boards we might be taking off earlier at 1:15. Bay Porter picked me up with a grouchy driver. Only made one stop to pick up another passenger at DoubleTree at the Marina. Pleasant chap returning to Philadelphia from a meeting in Berkeley. No problem traffic wise and we reached the airport early. Going thru security was easier than expected. Didn’t feel rushed. Happy I decided at last minute to change to slip on shoes rather than laces. This truly makes the security check easier, especially when you have to remove the computer and put it in its own bin while juggling showing your plastic bag of 3.5 oz or less of liquids. I’m proud of myself. Each passenger is permitted a luggage weight of 50 lbs. My bag weighed only 30, although I still know I over packed. Travel tip: Buy Hefty 2.5 gallon Ziploc bags (hard to find, but I found them at target 3 years ago and keep reusing them.) Put each outfit you intend to wear in a separate bag, put bag on hard chair or bench. Sit on to squeeze air out of and zip it. It is compressed, stays un-creased, and easy to just pull out a bag to wear rather than trying to decide what to wear while traveling.
Boarded plane on time. Sat in seat 34C, which is the one of the aisles on four seats across. Very lucky. There wasn’t anyone sitting in the two center seats and thus, I was able to spread out. Watched 3 movies, Duplicity, Taken, and Gran Torino on this 12-hour flight landing in Tokyo and then continuing on to Shanghai. All was fine until we landed at 4:30 in the afternoon and were told that our flight continuing onto Shanghai was cancelled and we would have to spend the night in Tokyo. Northwest service was lousy with directing and/or explaining what happened. A group of 5 (yours truly included, naturally) protested and refused to enter Japan customs. We insisted that a NWA representative meet us and get us on another airline flight to Shanghai. After arguing for a better part of the hour, and all other flights to Shanghais were booked, we had to accede to staying in Tokyo overnight. NWA put us up at the Narati Nikko hotel and gave us a food voucher for its restaurant. By this time I was exhausted. Upon arriving at the hotel, I took a shower and went down for a lousy meal. I hardly ate and came back up to the hotel room, which I have to admit is lovely. It is now 8:15 Local Time and the flight leaves at 6:15 tomorrow to arrive in Shanghai at 8:15. I have a wake up call for 4 AM as the bus for the airport leaves at 4:40. I have to say I am very disappointed in NWA. They only told us that the plane wasn’t continuing to Shanghai and it was landing and they had no representative to meet the passengers and direct and explain what happened. Their attitude was too cavalier for my tastes. I guess that story will have to go on another blog.
The Hotel has a bidet, slippers and robe laid out with many other conveniences. Now, I hope my luggage isn’t lost.

Countdown begins

I'm nearly packed and ready to take off tomorrow for Shanghai. Plenty of room in my suitcase although I know, as usual, I overpacked. Hopefully, I pass the fever test upon deplaning. I would hate to be put into quarantine. I have been reading up on people who have been detained because they were sitting near a passenger who had a fever. I have decided if I'm in quarantine, I will write, write, write to keep from going crazy, crazy, crazy.

Hopefully, I have easy Internet access and will let you know if I passed "Go".