Beijing - We have arrived

Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - First night in Beijing

We just arrived in Beijing from Tokyo about an hour ago. The three and a half hour plane trip over was uneventful. It is hard to say much about Beijing at this time because it was dark when we arrived.

I scheduled car service from the hotel to pick us up at the Beijing International Airport. Little did I know that meant they would greet us at the gate. Literally, when we stepped off the jet way a young man was standing there to greet us and usher us through immigration, customs, and into the parking garage where our driver and car where waiting. I felt like someone important for a little bit :)

It was clear when we landed that the smog is heavy in Beijing. My eyes and throat started to burn as soon as we hit the outside air. I am hoping that this will improve during my trip here so we are not fighting sinuses and upper respiratory infections the whole time.

The drive to the hotel took about 30 minutes. The highway system is in very good shape in Beijing and it is supposed to be easy to navigate. The streets run north, south, east, and west and the city is surrounded by multiple loops that are called rings. Our hotel is located near the second ring. The first ring is around the very inner part of Beijing. All in all, I am impressed with how well constructed and westernized Beijing is at this point.

We are staying at the Grand Hyatt in Beijing and it seems to be top notch. The room (see pics below) is comparable to our room in Tokyo at the Keio Plaza. The hotel is also nicely located next to some important historical sites like Tian'an Men Square and the Forbidden City.

My program starts on Thursday morning, so Meg and I have all day tomorrow to explore. There is a suit tailor that some of the previous classes have used. Meg and I are planning to wander over and I am going to see if I can get two suits made. The cost is around $100 per suit and the quality is top notch. One of many good deals I am sure we will get while in Beijing.

As you have probably noticed, I still have to write a blog post describing Monday and this morning in Tokyo. I plan to do that after I get some sleep. Love to all!

Jason and Meg