Stonington In China Short Takes: Days One and Two

A group of southeastern Connecticut locals may have traveled the furthest for April vacation this year. Feng Xue of is leading a group of travelers on a Spectacular China Trip. Here are some notes and photos from the first two days of the trip. 

Day One: Friday April 6

Nineteen of the 21 travelers met at First Han International Language School at 5:15 a.m., then we headed to Newark Airport and arrived there at 8:45 a.m. After we gathered two more travelers from Pennsylvania, we went the United Airlines International Group Travel Check-In, went through security check and customs, and boarded on Flight UA 89, which departed at 11:55 a.m.

The flight lasted thirteen hours and half. The majority of the travelers caught up some sleep in the Boeing 777 aircraft.  

Day Two: Saturday April 7                                         
We landed in Capital Airport Beijing, China at 1:25 p.m..  (This is equal to 1:45 AM, Eastern Daylight Saving time.)

As the plane was approaching Beijing, passengers could see the Great Wall snaking along the mountaintops below.

Upon arrival, we proceeded to the customs and stood in line until our passports were stamped.  We then proceeded to the baggage area and claimed our luggage. Our Chinese local guide and driver met us right outside the baggage claim area. The driver led us to the coach. 

We checked into the Beijing Capital Hotel as a group in the lobby and some of our travelers exchanged money at the front desk. 

We congregated in the lobby at 5:50 p.m. and the coach took us to a local restaurant, and we had our first Chinese meal there. It was delicious! The group had a great dining time.

We returned to the hotel at 8:00 p.m.

The tailor came to our hotel room measured some travelers to make suits for them, and some travelers bought some Chinese ties.