Shanghai - the arrival

31 December 2010

Hello all! I very much hope that this message reaches you. I appear to have coverage here. Won't text or call will keep in touch via email - please keep in touch with me too - I don't have to go online - it is auto as part of my tariff as it is in the uk.

So.... After a very eventful morning, which involved travelling to Heathrow rather than Gatwick, we made it. With time to get a bite at Garfunkels! Ricks 'treat' to me as he had been in charge of all travel arrangements. My omlette arrived mere moments (about 12 seconds) after I ordered it, and suddenly I was transported back to the Little Chefs of my childhood...

The first leg of the flight was uneventful - I had the hindu vegan meal - which generally looked much safer than anything else, and tasted okay too. Qatar airways was actually really posh. As much booze, food and premiere films as you like, no limits. Rick got a taste for whisky and ginger and I stuck to a revolving mix of alcoholic, soft, hot and weird drinks - to make sure I got my lionshare.

However, we missed our landing time and ended up in a queue of 17 planes. The result was that as we were landing in Doha our connecting flight had already boarded! All I can say, is that I drew on all of the strength I had, and channelled my inner Dad. I ran. And ran and ran and ran some more. And we made it - only just, but at 1.30am Doha time (6.30am Shanghai and 10.30 London) we settled down to the next round of vegan meals (something with okra this time) endless drinks and films.

The second leg was through the 'night', which was simulated by cabin crew throughout the plane, even though the sun was shining brightly. It was an even posher plane - and the entertainment system had 30 series 5! Rick slept for a bit, and I had a bit of a manic time at around 3am london time (9am shanghai) where I watched the Lost Boys, the Aristocats, beauty and the beast and then listened to the complete Fleetwood Mac...I felt ropey - but very satisfied too.

I brushed my teeth with minature toothpaste and fold-out brush before landing and then we made our way to passport control.

Here, we entered a new level of fear. I presented my visa and all other docs and passport. They then proceeded to tell me that the photo in the passport was not me - and confiscated it! Taking my drivers licence and other photo id too. Several othert officials got involved - Rick tried to help - but they wouldn't let him come over. I eventually had my picture taken about 20 timesd by them and they took specical 'note' of me and my id. They let me go after I protested about 50 times that the photo was taken of me when I was 19 - I am 10 years older now. However, the passport still has more that 6 months on it, as required in China, and visa and all other docs were there too. I don't know if they just didn't like the look of me, or if it really is just the worst photo ever where I look like a featureless ghost, but I can't wait to get a new one.

Apparently, we are supposed to report to the local police station every 24 hours or something mental like that - but I think that's only if you don't have someone that you're staying with. Either way, it wasn't that welcoming a start.

Anyway, next installment tomorrow, I am already getting a bit paranoid about what I'm writing in a bloody email about a faceless security person! I think the paranoia must be contagious. Or maybe its just lack of sleep?

Either way, I have still had no sleep and Anna, Nik, rick and I are off for food then to the club Nik is djing at! Break on through to the other side!

Their flat is lovely and they have been very welcoming. China is freezing! Siberian winds don't you know. Though I think they say that about Cambridge too.

It is nearly new years here - and whilst I'm away from you - I am with you too, as always.