We’ve left! A Quick Update.
Posted on 26. Aug, 2010 by Poi in Blog, China
So guess what, Our trip has finally began! I’m currently sitting in the bed of our very first hostel after a loooong journey, desperate to catch up on some sleep but still a bit to excited I think. It’s been an easy journey so far with no problems what so ever.
Our first flight from Birmingham International was delayed by 15 minutes when we arrived at the airport and we we’re bracing ourselves for even more delays along the way. As it turns out the plane left around 45 minutes late but managed to make up the time in the air and arrived in Dubai right on time. Flying with Emirates was a real treat, the food and drink constantly being brought round was included in the original price (including beer J) and the in-flight entertainment is great, movies, television programs, music and games whenever you wanted them and a huge choice, the novel I packed didn’t stand a chance.
Waiting round in Dubai airport was not so much fun but it did have free Wi-Fi and I was able to find out the most important news of the year – Did Tottenham Hotspur manage to make the champions league, the answer was yes, much to the delight of Kirsty who knew any other outcome wouldn’t have made me the best of company for another 7 hour flight.
The flight from Dubai to Beijing took off just about on time and seeing as it was the middle of the night both of us tried to sleep as much as possible, of course it never works and we w’re both in and out of consciousness the whole time. I woke at one point to be given a tray of food for breakfast including fruit and a croissant which went down just fine. I fell back asleep and next time I woke was to be handed a tray for lunch of roast chicken, thanks to the sleep it seemed like 5 minutes between each meal and I couldn’t stomach much of the second.
Good old plane food, beer was the best bit obviously.
We landed early in Beijing as once again the pilot had managed to make good time in the air, it was around 3:30pm when we landed and about 5:30 by the time we stepped on the train to leave the airport and head into the centre of Beijing. We changed twice on the subway and were both amazed by how quick, cheap and simple the subway is to use around Beijing, I think we’ll definitely be taking advantage of it to get around some more whilst we are here.
The streets of Beijing are not what I was expecting, but that’s probably down to the fact I had no idea what I was expecting. I won’t make my judgement yet, we’ve only had two short wonders around, one to find the hostel and one to grab some food and water. Again I’ll leave my judgement of the hostel until we’ve had a decent look around but for now the staff seem friendly enough.
For now, it’s time to try and catch up on that sleep.
An English couple travelling China and South East Asia since August 2010. 
Cam
26. Aug, 2010
I remember that feeling well! There are few more exciting moments than boarding that airplane and knowing its going to be an adventure of a lifetime.
Look forward to seeing the story unfold!
Cheers
Poi
27. Aug, 2010
We’re quite looking forward to seeing how it turns out as well!
Globetrottergirls
26. Aug, 2010
Glad to hear everything went well so far – we’re curious to hear how you like Beijing! And the food
Poi
27. Aug, 2010
After another day walking round the city we’re really enjoying it – it’s huuuuge! Had the first bit of street stall food earlier, not sure what it was but it was good!
Joel
26. Aug, 2010
Congratulations guys! Too bad you didn’t have a bit more time to explore Dubai for a bit, it’s a fascinating place – even for a few hours of sightseeing.
Looking forward to hearing about Beijing, I’m about to apply for a China visa and am in early planning mode!
Poi
27. Aug, 2010
It would have been nice to be able to leave the airport even for a couple of hours, I’m sure Dubai has more to offer than a few (all be them very nice) airport seats.
When are you hoping to be in China by?
Jaime
27. Aug, 2010
WOW HOW EXCITING!!! I am glad to read that everything is going smoothly and that things are fine! I cant imagine all the feelings you had as you left home or were about to land…how crazy!!!
Well congrats on starting your RTW trip!!!
Cant wait to read yalls adventures!!!
Poi
27. Aug, 2010
Thanks for the enthusiasm! I think it’s still sinking in a bit that we are actually doing it, been so long in the making.
Going to take a while to settle in that we can do and go wherever we want
AdventureRob
27. Aug, 2010
Good work, now the fun begins! Can’t beat the excitement of that first aeroplane landing though.
Poi
28. Aug, 2010
I was pretty dead by the time we touched down in Beijing but it was still exciting, still managed to have a good wander around. Feel a lot better after a couple of days here now though.
Nick Laborde
27. Aug, 2010
Wow, that freedom must be awesome. Looking forward to fallowing your adventure.
Poi
28. Aug, 2010
I’ve just woken up now and it’s pretty awesome to be able to do whatever I want today….even nothing.
Andi
27. Aug, 2010
Wow, and you’re off!!!!!!!!! Super congrats! I’m so excited for you both. Enjoy China–it’s one of the best countries in the world in my humble opinion. The Great Wall will take your breath away.
Poi
28. Aug, 2010
Thanks Andi! The great wall visit is on Sunday – really looking forward to it!
Adam
27. Aug, 2010
YAY! So happy your trip has begun. Can’t wait to see it unfold
Poi
28. Aug, 2010
Thanks Adam!
Heather
28. Aug, 2010
YAY!!! You’re on the road. Months of planning, deciding, and a rollercoaster of emotions has led to this moment. Hope your first days go as smoothly as possible. Can’t wait to see how things unfold.
Poi
28. Aug, 2010
Cheers Heather, it has been a long time coming.
megan
28. Aug, 2010
How exciting! Looking forward to hearing about what you get up to in and around Beijing – I’m headed that way in just under a week!
Poi
29. Aug, 2010
We’re staying here for longer now! Say hello!
Jenneil
28. Aug, 2010
Congrats and have fun. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures.
Poi
29. Aug, 2010
Thanks Jenneil!
Diane
09. Sep, 2010
Hi Chris, popped on during my lunchbreak – glad to hear all is going well and your journey has well and truly begun.
Look fwd to reading your updates and learning about all the new and exiting times you are both having.
Take care
Diane
Poi
10. Sep, 2010
Thanks for keeping an eye on me Diane, Hope your having a wonderfull time at COLC.
Speak to you soon!