Shanghai Fumble

Somewhere along the way, Chinese Eastern Airlines dropped the ball.  From employing a disproportionate number of people to ask you to move up two feet in line to having the most confusing security set up imaginable, to leaving 30 minutes late and arriving over an hour late, things were just never quite right.

On the flight, I somehow got seated in the last row in the middle of a large group of Asian women who proceeded to mother me throughout the flight.  The nearest Glee Clubber was about 7 rows away. My new Chinese adoptive parents had the flight attendant bring me a pillow when they saw I didn't have one. They turned on my light when the cabin dimmed.  They whispered about me and then giggled and told me I was clever and beautiful.  They also had me sing for them and filmed it, as well as took several candids of me with the ladies.  Who knows, maybe ill turn up on YouTube one of these days.

Now, it was a 15 hour flight.  One that ended up taking 16 hours.  I had taken long flights before but for some reason I hadn't wrapped my head around how long 15-16 hours actually is.  I managed to sleep, finish a book, watch two movies, and brush up on my Chinese a bit.  And still there were hours to spare.  Standing up was a blessing, as tight muscles relaxed and stretched.  It was as though I had been curdled up inside of some little pod - a walnut or an acorn - and was experiencing this new freedom for the first time.  All I could think about was this movie about Easter Island where a girl has to sit deep inside a tiny cave for months.  I would go insane.

Anyway, we made it to Shanghai.  Or baggage, however, didn't.  About 2/3 of the group, or more than 50 of our people, are missing baggage.  My bag was one of the casualties, but luckily I have a wonderful, travel-savvy mother who has instilled in my a strong appreciation of the powers of carry-on luggage.  Many of the other students don't even have a change of clothes, let alone toiletries or other belongings.  So, thanks, Mom!

Spotted: When you fall asleep during a meal, Chinese Eastern flight attendants out this sticker on the seat back in front of you (where your TV screen would be on a less budget flight) letting you know that you can get it at any time.  I managed to perfectly miss both meals, so I had this sticker twice.  I didn't know what it meant, but my new tiger mothers had it covered.