Sunday, May 29, 2011

China Air and Singapore Airline

Just a note to myself so I can find it later when I plan my next trip to China.
Both on China Air and Singapore Airline in economy the maximum checked in luggage is 20kg...but they are not terribly strict about it. I had 22kg (I know WAY too much) and they didn't charge me extra.

If you have along lay over in Changi (Singapore airport) pack your bathing suit in your carry-on so you can go to the swimming pool at the airport. the swimming pool is outdoors and one of the few places where you can feel the outdoor air without entering Singapore.

Brief update

I am in Australia now, in Tasmania.

China was GREAT! I think I will try to go back next year. I have to post some photos but here is in very brief:
- The little bit on Mandarin I learnt was entirely worth it. It made my trip so much more enjoyable. I had a lot of fun trying to talk to people.
- Remember I posted about tonality in Mandarin and how critical and difficult it was. In fact people in china are so happy to see foreigners speaking a little Chinese that they really cut you a lot of slack and understand what you want to say even when you butcher it very badly.
- Chinese people are incredibly friendly, if anything they are a bit over protective of foreigners and take very good care of them (in restaurants, in trains and buses).
- The Great Wall of China was even better that I thought it would be. I think it might be the difference of scale you get between photos and the actual view of the entire landscape so I don't think I will be albe to bring that to you by pictures.
- The food, including street food, is amazing, but surprinsingly not that spicy (even in Chengdu which is in the Sechuan Province)
- Chinese trains are safe and a great experience.
- China is HUGE (and remember I am from Canada so I know huge countries) and you really get a sense of it in the train.

I promise I will post photos when I get a chance.