After a rather busy Saturday of three baptisms and a house blessing (will blog later about these), Tracey and I are on our way to Cebu, Philippines. So we start at SFO, leaving the Fremont home Saturday, August 1. We are taking Cathay Pacific Airlines. Our itinerary today is SFO to Hongkong to Cebu City, Philippines. We have a long scheduled layover in HongKong. Mike and Jessie took us to the San Francisco Airport arriving around 9:30 PM.
Our travel agent told us to be at the airport at 10:00 PM for a 12:00 AM flight via Cathay Pacific. We promptly checked in and when Tracey checked the boarding passes, she told me that our flight is leaving 1:20 AM. Bright side of the situation – our layover in HongKong will be shorter. Maybe. Hoping.
Tried to connect to the internet at SFO, but no free wifi; I was not willing to pay the $7.99 daily rate when I only have a two hour wait. What happened to Gavin Newsom’s free wifi campaign?
Finally, after much people watching, we board for our flight to Hongkong. We watch first class and business passengers board before the lowly and common passengers, like us, were asked to queue for boarding. In my next life, I am going to be rich and only fly first class, said she who does not have much leg room in Seat 38 B, next to her daughter on 38C. Cathay Pacific handed out a packet that contained socks, toothbrush, and toothpaste tube to economy passengers. Nice.
I love uneventful flights. I was seated between this 13 year old girl, Karen, from Penang and Tracey. I think Penang is in Malaysia.
Karen never got up once during the 13 hour flight. Oh to be 13 with great bladder control and capacity! She slept the entire time too – except twice when I asked her about her meal choices – dinner and breakfast. She slept bent over, with her head on her lap most of the 13 hour flight. She slept upright for a few minutes that's when I took the pic above much to the disgust of my daughter! But Karen allowed me to take her photo when she was awake. Beautiful girl... traveling alone - unaccompanied minor. Great for her. Lucky girl and her international travels! How come I never had that opportunity at that age? ? ?
For me, I entertained myself with what Cathay Pacific had to offer. There was the moving map- my entertainment preference. Nothing like torturing one’s self on how much longer there is more to this flight ! And realizing that I am almost flying over Russia. Wonder if Sarah Palin can see me from her backyard! Just wondering....
And TV shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians-
Movies like Star Trek. Man, he does not even look Captain Kirk!
There were only a few episodes of turbulence. I was glad, being a wimp of a flyer that I am! All good things must come to an end. Hongkong Airport tomorrow. It is now August 3rd as we arrive in Hongkong, Island # 2 coming up.
Comments (9)
Sounds like your trip is off to a great start! I wish I could sleep in planes like that. Safe travels!
Posted by Annie | August 4, 2009 8:08 AM
Posted on August 4, 2009 08:08
Well, we didn't get to Italy again this summer, but at least you are off on an adventure to a far away place. I look forward to following your blog while you're away. Enjoy the trip and the time with your mother and daughter.
Posted by Kathy | August 4, 2009 4:35 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 16:35
Safe travels,Eden(and Tracey). LOL about Sarah Palin seeing you:)
Posted by candi | August 4, 2009 4:52 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 16:52
Did you wave to Sarah as you flew over Alaska? Sounds like you're having a great time. Take in all the sights for me too since I have to travel vicariously thru you. Enjoy yourself!!
Posted by Donna | August 4, 2009 6:17 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 18:17
Exciting travels with your daughter and family. Enjoy every minute. xo
Posted by Kim Hoopingarner | August 4, 2009 9:39 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 21:39
Have a great trip, Eden, nice toothbrush photo - if Sarah Palin waves back, say hi for me :).
Posted by Marcia | August 5, 2009 10:50 AM
Posted on August 5, 2009 10:50
Have a safe trip and a wonderful visit with family. Looking forward to reading more!
Posted by sheri | August 5, 2009 6:16 PM
Posted on August 5, 2009 18:16
Have a great time. Remember those of us that are still working!
Posted by Sharon | August 6, 2009 1:20 AM
Posted on August 6, 2009 01:20
"Wonder if Sarah Palin can see me from her backyard!" ahahahahahaha...that cracked me up big time! Too funny, Eden! :)
Posted by Anne | August 7, 2009 11:39 AM
Posted on August 7, 2009 11:39