First experiences

Now that we are a bit more coherent from sleep, thought I would jot down a few more details from the flight/arrival.  We flew a 777 which was 3 seats x3 x3.  We were fortunate to have a 3 seat row to ourselves which was nice to spread out.  There were tons of empty business class seats, but we could not talk our way into those.  Another couple traveling with us was not only on the same flight, but sitting right behind us  - So the 3 of them (including 5 year old daughter) and us were able to talk about plans and what to expect, etc.  When we arrived at the airport, some health inspectors boarded the plane and had infrared tempature guns that they shot at everyone's forehead on the plane.  Once we got the all clear that no one was "infected" we were allowed to get off the plane.  Once outside we had to go through another health screening station and show some health related paperwork that we filled out.  There was also an infrared camera station where they were essentially screening people again as they approached this station.  Then through customs (which was easy).  Our luggage arrived pretty quickly (shorter than it does at Logan, but that is not saying much).  We had arranged to have a hotel limo waiting for us at the airport so that we could make it easy on ourselves - what a nice surprise to slide into a BMW 750il for the ride.  The traffic was moderate, but everyone drove pretty safely (not necessarily what you would imagine).  We arrived at the peninsula hotel and were impressed with how nice it is.  Marble everything and very modern amenities.  The staff was excellent and other than the mattress being very firm, pretty similar to other upscale hotels in the west.  The streets here are very clean with flowers everywhere.  I am not sure if it is leftover from the Olympics or not, but a step up from a cleanliness factor from other major cities we have been to (at least what we have seen so far).  We ended up going to a local restaurant after a nap at the hotel and were able to get a few dishes that were up our alley:  Spicy chicken with peanuts, Taiwan style fried noodles, steamed pork dumpling and some Chinese beer to wash it down.  We were amazed to only pay about $18 for all of that.   We paid almost the same for a couple of large waters and some M&Ms from an adjacent convenience store. 

Well, that's it for now - will send an update later after we have seen some sights, etc.

 

J