Some things are well worth it.

Like a $1600 plane ticket that you were overcharged on with no recourse. Thanks, Continental!

And a three hour delay in Newark. Thanks again, Continental!

And a cramped, noisy ride for 13 hours. *cough* Continental *cough* On a plane where the entertainment system was malfunctioning. I have never seen a dozen reboots of a custom RedHat build in so short a time. Continental.

But I got to Beijing. Where an entire terminal full of passengers was squeezed through a single checkpoint. Nothing to declare? Too bad.

As I waited, I had ample time to notice some interesting things.

1) Deer Airlines – because deer are known for their flying prowess
2) Only women’s restrooms have baby changing areas – is this because men can change babies without the need for a table or because single dads are just out of luck?
3) Graphical explanations of prohibited and declarable items – It was a good try. But one of the declarable items is a pair of lungs. Among the prohibited items appears to be a factory. A ban on sweatshops, perhaps?

As I left with Alimusi on an “invigorating” ride back to the city, I saw that my countrymen have spared no expense to remind you that “YES. YOU ARE IN CHINA.” Check out this toll plaza, for example.

We went to dinner at a super nice restaurant. The food was excellent but what really surprised me was how attentive the servers were. We were seated in the main dining room and there were two waitresses standing behind our table. At all times. It was somewhat disconcerting to be honest. I had a hard time taking pictures. Nevertheless, they were quite good at their job and very enthusiastic. Strange when we fault people for being too good. I would say that the overall quality of service in China is far superior to that of the United States for the types of restaurants I go to.

I would state for the record that Alimusi is a “Nice Guy.” So is his family for that matter. And quite appropriately he has a “Nice Ass Apartment.”

(Here is the view towards the courtyard and the other buildings. Very Blade Runner, I thought.)

It’s very different from what I’m used to. It feels like home.