Epilogue (Part 1)

I'm waiting to board Flight 956 to Tokyo for the first leg of the journey home. Airports can be a bit stressful when they are unfamiliar. The taxi dropped me off at Terminal 3 and helped me find a luggage trolly. Then the Information Receptionist pointed to Check in area D26. My passport wouldn't scan, so a Nipon employee checked me in... (Hadn't checked flights since June, so was relieved that nothing had changed!) Then it was down a flight of stairs and onto an airport tram to Terminal E. It was here that I officially got my passport stamped and said Zai Jian to China! Almost immediately there was a security check and a complete body scan. My iPad had its own container.

Once thorough security, I used my remaining RMB to buy a Costa Coffee and an almond croissant before heading to gate E27. So glad to be at this point, and thought I'd do a little writing. Now, where had I put my iPad..??

Oh No!! It's not here! It must be back at security. So much for the relaxing cup of coffee. In a burst, I flew down the terminal and tried to recall which black haired woman had frisked me! I had to walk around and get in for a closer look! And there she was, and next to her was some man trying to figure out whose iPad this might be. Xie, Xie!!!! They didn't hesitate when they handed it over! So now, here I am, back at Gate 27 and about to enjoy my now properly cooled coffee!

On the plane, I sat next to a young Chinese man traveling to the U.S. for the first time. He will do graduate work at Arizona State. He is from Hunan, and yesterday his parents accompanied him to Beijing on the train. They spent the night together and saw him off at the airport this morning. He is their only child and they won't see him again for at least two years. This is his first trip out of China! I can only imagine how those parents are feeling. I shared my mini bottle of white wine with him and we toasted his success. (I remember my first trip to Europe as an eighteen year old and the kindness of a scary looking Frenchman who of all the people in the waiting area happened to be seated next to me. I remember we shared a glass of wine!) Also, gave him my e-mail address and a new five dollar bill to buy a treat in the U.S.!

Another bit of excitement in Tokyo. I've been hand carrying a large blank scroll for this special artist friend of mine. When I went through security, they said it was too long, and I couldn't take it. Couldn't take it??? I explained that this was a special gift, and I had to come with me. I was certain it would fit perfectly in the overhead bin, and I was sure United Airlines wouldn't mind! "Sorry, it's too long." I explained how I've carried this package from Hongzhou to Yuyao, from Yuyhao to Shanghai, from Shanghai to Beijing and now to Tokyo. I simply can't just leave it here. I didn't pack it because I didn't want it to get smashed.

Well, one of the security guards took pity on me and asked his assistant to fill out a form. Package in hand, she then escorted me to the United ticket counter. I was sure the rest would be a piece of cake. Wrong!! Now, the scroll had to be rolled in plastic and checked. The Japanese agent apologized saying this wasn't a United policy, it was a policy of the Japanese government. I wasn't about to argue with the Japanese government, so now I have a 3rd claim check. All I can say is if this scroll arrives safely in Minneapolis, I hope that it turns into one fine piece of art!!
Abrigato!
Joan



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Beijing Airport, August 14, 2012 7:20 a.m.