Now the first tough experience was getting there. Due to corporate cost down procedures, I got booked into the "Animal Class (Economy Class). " God! how I miss the good old days of Business class in previous jobs! Boarded China Airlines around 16:00hrs but takeoff was delayed, waiting for transfer passengers. Wait wait wait, and wait. Finally, take off was granted and we were on our way.
First ass test: 9 hours in flight to Anchorage - which would be fine with a good selection of movies. But, the plane was an old model. TV screens are up in the air and the color was terrible. So much for lousy movie titles, tried sleeping. Finally dozed off, but was awaken by chattering and giggling from the corridor near the bathroom. Some teenage girls from HK (speaking Cantonese) were making noise near the toilets and emergency exit. Picture taking on flight with Flash (*$#%&*#@;!!) and sitting onto the emergency door totally ignoring the "don't sit here" sign. I wonder what would happen if they accidentally opened the door?
Still hoping they would get sucked out, made my complaint to the flight attendant, and stared them down from my drowsy eyes. Finally dozed off again and was awaken for breakfast. Watched a movie "The Box" starring Cameron Diaz. Can't find the words to describe it, but it was SURELY THE WORST MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN!
Finally, Anchorage arrived! Waited to get through immigrations and then to transit. For future travelers, there's a separate bathroom on 2nd floor near the smoking room (also on 2nd floor). There, you can have some peace of mind if you want to empty your body of excess stuff and liquids.
Looking out the window, Alaska is beautiful! You can seen the crispy layer of ice still on the mountain tops waiting to be melted. The best time to visit Alaska (as the airport security says), is June ~ July time frame.
OK, boarding call! Have to board the same old flight from Anchorage to NY. Unexpectedly, joy to the world! The HK girls were NOT on this flight! They got off at Anchorage. So happy sleeping for me. But still, Ass test 2: 6 hours from Anchorage to NY. Have to feed again as we get into flight. Man! These airplane food are really terrible! So to make up, I drowned myself with beer and asked for peanuts (you have to ask these days). I wonder what happened to the good old days when they gave you free peanuts without asking? Probably that darn cost down considerations again.
To be continued...
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