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Our day started before the sun had started to rise. Dressed and packed we headed out to catch our train to the Airport. Neither of us managed to sleep very well during the night. We got on the airport express in good time. Lucky we checked which out of the 2 airports we where leaving from. The train still went to both so we arrived at the airport 1 hour before check in.
At check in we found we needed a print out of our ticket out of the next country to qualify for the Visa we wanted. We managed to show the airline our ticket but they advice it would be easier at the other end to have a print out. Trying all over the airport we didn't manage to find anyone with either a printer or willing to help. We decided to have the ticket on our phone and write the details down.
Sitting in a cafe next to our gate we drank tea and coffee and ate muffins. I personally didn't enjoy Seoul that much it seem to be developing faster than some could keep up with. I enjoyed the ancient history that all Asian countries have so much of. I also found the Koreans lacked general courtesy not only to tourist but each other. We boarded our flight and sat together. Next stop... Beijing, China.
Landing after our short flight we headed to immigration. With our papers filled in we where ready for 100 questions (for example; who's your daddy and what does he do?). I approached a nice Chinese immigration officer. I explained I had the ticket on my phone which she was happy with after checking the details. Passport stamped we headed on through to another officer. We filled in a form and answered some questions while he took some pictures of us (I - Bev, did not notice that the guy was taking pictures of us). Before we knew it we where on the shuttle train heading to baggage claim. It wasn't as bad as we thought. Bag in hand we headed out to the arrivals lounge.
Beijing international airport is a huge impressive building that rivals any airport across the world. We decided to store our big bag and only take hang luggage into the city. Before we headed into the city we had some food and expensive tea. We worked out that we had ordered enough tea for 12 people... Opps.
We arrived in Beijing in no time. Heading out onto the busy streets. The traffic was relentless but the paths to walk on where away from the side of the road. Volunteers for China's communist Party where dotted all along our route to the hotel. The distance on the map was deceiving, we thought it won't take long to walk, but 1 hour later we arrived at the hotel.
The hotel is a very large 5 star hotel that looks like it was built in the 80's. It was nice enough but age and wear was starting to show, but we where happy enough. Tired from our early start and bad sleep Beverley and I had a nap. After we went down to the lobby for a (expensive) buffet dinner. Quick dip in the pool and then ready for bed. We will explore Beijing tomorrow.
Author: Adam Turner
Editor: Beverley Turner
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