It's 3am...

(Originally written by hand in notebook at 3am 10/07/2008, transferred to online form once available)

It’s just past 3am Beijing time.

So, it’s just past 5am Australia time.

I’ve been up for 24 hours.

Fun.

Our flight got delayed three times but the lovely people on the desk at Qantas gave us all a $15 meal voucher each to use at the airport.

We spent 11 hours on the plane.

At least there were lots of things to watch on our individual TVs.

I watched everything from Family Guy episodes to a documentary on China.

International economy has really improved since I last did it!

My luggage checked in at 22kgs – I think the three textbooks I had to bring had something to do with that.

It was last off the conveyor belt at Beijing airport too.

That started to get a bit scary!!

Surprisingly, Chinese customs was very stress-free and quick.

Granted it was 1am, but still, the staff were pretty laidback considering the Olympic fever in the air.

Beijing airport is without a doubt the coolest airport I’ve ever been in.

We had to catch a train from the plane to our baggage!

As soon as we walked out of the airport though, the humidity and the pollution just absolutely smacks you in the face.

It’s pollution unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and, mixed with the intense humidity, it’s no wonder we were told to expect sinus infections and asthma issues.

The smog is just so thick!

We had a one hour bus trip to the Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Even at 130am, the driver was honking his horn non-stop.

Cars just don’t seem to stay in their lanes and indicators are seldom used.

My room is really nice.

An awesome airconditioner.

Floorboards, quality furniture and a small but very functional bathroom.

My only issue is with the bed.

It feels like I’m laying on a coffee table.

I’m yet to figure out my internet connection which is made worse by my not having a Chinese sim card yet either.

I need COMMUNICATION!!

One great electrical thing though is that the power-points are the same as Australia, just upside down!

After a bit of a sleep-in, we’re going to go get our Olympic uniforms tomorrow.

I’m hideously tired so I best try to get comfortable on this wood block of a bed.

Peace xo