Trip Reports - Eighteen hours in Taipei

(aka SJC-TPE-SJC AA 151/150 for 9/7 to 9/9)

Part I – Pre-departure

Our mileage run turned Flyer Talk gathering began “officially” in the SJC Admirals Club early on Friday afternoon, September 7. For many of us, the actual journey began on Thursday (or even Wednesday) but for the sake of clarity, we have decided that each member will be posting his individual variances and connecting flights as additional posts to this thread.

This report relies heavily on my memory as well as the experiences of AAdvantageGuy and Dudster. Your mileage may vary.

In all, our trip involved fourteen Flyer Talkers – myself (techgirl), AAdvantageGuy, Dudster, mwp2paris, renila, Flipside, marchie7, mat935, Zenman12, AAnonymous (husband of AA board regular ChaseTheMiles who will be making the run later in the month), PeteFlys, GeneCMH, Scott CMH, and, on the ground in Taipei, coordinating our evening activities, our host taipei.

We had no set plans other than to “meet up in the Admirals Club” and as none of the original thread posters had ever met one another (let alone discussed specific meeting plans), many of us were unsure as to how we would assemble the group. Flipside (and friend Marchie7) were actually the first to arrive, followed by me, but somehow missed meeting up with us initially. I parked myself near the entrance, yellow FT luggage tag visible, and logged on to check the day’s posts. The decoy worked – within minutes, I had a whole cluster of FTers assembled and chattering (AAGuy, Dudster, mwp2paris, mat935, and Zenman12). We were monitoring the flight arrivals board quite closely between greetings, as several key SJC inbound flights had been cancelled or delayed, and as no one was taking the “direct” route to arrive, we were unsure of which flights our cohorts were on.

Our entire group took advantage (or took AAdvantage as AAGuy quipped) of our two drink coupons. Some had the wise idea of trading them for two bottles of water for later, but I was the only one who was allowed to pull that one off before the AC bartender decided that was not allowed. Some decided they could not wait to be onboard and invoked early dehydration by consuming the libations available in the AC.

The four of us in business class on 151 who had already checked in decided to change our seats to sit together and headed to the counter to do so, somewhat concerned that our fifth J class friend, renila, had not yet arrived. Not to worry, though, as we found her at the counter checking in. The AC agent was nice enough to let us come around the back of the counter and check the seat maps. (Where I also managed to quickly read a VERY interesting memo about UA elite comps to AA.) After a quick recitation of the AA meal service order direction rule (“the odd kids sit in the back of the bus” or meals served back to front on odd numbered flights), we reassembled ourselves in the last three rows of J so we would have first choice of meals.

We then proceeded to the gate where we met up with Flipside and marchie7 (who somehow mastered a special “double upgrade” to F) and had a nice surprise from FoothillsFlyer who came to see us off at the gate. As a Taipei mileage run veteran, he was able to not only impart some wisdom about our upcoming journey, but also explain to us why our flight was slightly delayed in boarding (problems with the onboard entertainment system). Fortunately, the appropriate technicians had been summoned and we soon boarded.

Part II – SJC-TPE AA 151

The view from J. Again, your mileage may vary.

Upon boarding AA151 (on a 777-300), Dudster, AA Guy, and I decided to rearrange our seating one final time since J was only about 60% full. A few seats had various malfunctions (non-functioning video), non-extending footrests, and non-reclining seats. The three of us took our final positions in the center of the final row of J (which would give truth to the statement that the odd kids really DO sit at the back of the bus – AA Guy in 14D, techgirl in 14E, and dudster in his original 14G). mwp2paris was able to join the rowdy crew from his home in 13H and renila slept quietly for most of the flight in 12H.

We finalized our choice seats and then scurried around the remaining seats collecting extra pillows. We received our Bose noise-cancelling headsets (some of which did not work) and did a cursory scan of the upcoming entertainment for the flight. Origins amenity kits were torn into for desired items (Lip Remedy was the row 14 favorite). Our taxi out was toasted with champagne by the “J Class Five” (to be renamed shortly).

The flight took off as scheduled and menus were distributed immediately for lunch.

The J class menu was as follows (notations for F have been added, thanks to Flipside’s recollections):

Wine Selections

Champagne – Pommery Apanage
White – Laboure-Roi Chablis Grand Cru & Kenwood Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
Red – Chateau Lynch-Moussas & King Estate Oregon Pinot Noir
Sherry – Osborne Amontillado Sherry
Port – Graham’s Vintage Port

To Start

An assortment of warm nuts.
A selection of canapés featuring Foie Gras with Fig, Smoked Salmon, and Asparagus with Prosciutto

(Caviar service in F)

Salad

Spring Mix accompanied by shredded Radish offered with Wasabi Herb Dressing or Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

(Lobster Tail and Claw in F)

Bread Basket

Assorted breads – in this case, AA sourdough and seven-grain rolls

Entrees

Choice of:

Lamb Medallions enhanced by a Ginger Soy Demi-Glace presented with Chinese Broccoli, Taro, Carrots and Daikon Saute

Miso Chicken complemented by a Star-Anise Miso Sauce presented with stir-fried Cabbage and Taro Chips

Rosemary Shrimp topped with a light Garlic Cream Sauce served over a bed of Lemon Rice and featured with an Artichoke Spinach Saute

Lasagna Noodles layered with Cremini and Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach and Cheese, enhanced by a roasted Red Bell Pepper Pesto Sauce and freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Dessert Cart

Turtle Brownie with Dulche de Leche Ice Cream topped with Raspberry Sauce

Fruit plate featuring sliced Pineapple and Honeydew

(Godiva chocolates in F)

Our crew managed to diversify enough to have one of each entrée. The Miso Chicken and Rosemary Shrimp were pronounced standouts while the Lamb Medallions (overcooked and/or undercooked depending on the individual serving) and Wild Mushroom Lasagna (too many competing flavors) were not favored.

Our ice cream dessert was outstanding – and was eaten Asian-style by all of row 14, who felt the need to test the international standard that everything can be eaten with chopsticks. Guess what? The standard is true – our bowls were cleaned – no spoons required.

We ate heartily as our FA, Vincent, convinced us that the meal service on the return flight would be substandard at best and that we would starve in Taipei outside of the Westernized hotels and import restaurant chains.

During and after lunch, the row 14 gang settled in to all watch Someone Like You (other movie choices were Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles, Enemy at the Gates, and Hit Team). We continued to sample the AA wine selections before converting to AA Guys drink of choice (White Russians) when we were informed that the wines were for meal service only.

We had a couple of interesting incidents in J. First, a passenger (who appeared to be deranged) wandered up into our cabin and asked AAGuy if he had “connections to cocktails”. He continued babbling incoherently until the FA’s gently steered him back to coach (we suspect he was mixing substances). We then ordered another round of drinks to be informed by the FA (our excellent SOS-earning FA, Vincent, was on crew rest at the moment) that we had been cut off from additional alcohol consumption. Fortunately, Vincent came back and delivered us beverages – apparently many coach passengers (including our deranged friend) had to be cut off early in the flight and the FA was being much too conservative.

After the movie, we raided the Snack Attack Service (Godiva chocolate, Jelly Belly jelly beans, Taro chips, SnackWell cookies, assorted Pepperidge Farm sweets and crackers, mini cheeses, and more) and began taking the bounty back to our friends in coach (mat935, Zenman12, and AAnonymous).

After this, we got ready to nap but our Afternoon Refreshment was delivered. This time it was a choice of Hot Taiwan Country Style Noodles or a Snack Box (Camembert Cheese, Euphrates Crackers, Grapes, Strawberries and a Double Chocolate Brownie). Due to the number of sleeping passengers, we were given both (with the suggestion that we take the box contents with us for later in our journey). The noodles were excellent and accompanied by a white dragon chopstick rest, which would provide the J group’s new nickname “The Dragon Smugglers”. Guess why? All I can say is that AA Guy initiated it – he really does take AAdvantage of these things.

We all managed to get three or four hours of sleep before we were woken for Supper (menu as follows):

Salad

Mesclun Mix presented with Cherry Tomatoes complemented by Caesar Dressing

Entrees

Choice of:

Crab Legs served over a bed of Shiitake Salad accompanied by fresh Mango and Cucumber Dip

Orange-flavored Chicken served over Rice and Vegetables including Snow Peas, Peppers and Carrots enhanced by Sweet Sesame Soy Sauce

Bread Basket

Dessert

Crisp Cookie enhanced by a White and Dark Ganache

Mixed Nuts

I had the crab legs, but wished I had chosen the rice bowl instead – the crab was a bit “stringy” and the bowl smelled fabulous. Everyone seemed to like the rice bowl entrée.

After supper, we all had the chance to freshen up (after many hours in flight) for our arrival in Taipei. Our amenity kits got put to good use (and the J bathroom floor quite dampened, although no one confessed to putting the paper towels down on the floor).

I’m also going to include the coach menu for those who may be interested. I have no comments on the food, but hopefully one of our other travelers will be able to provide some critique.

Lunch

Appetizer

Asian Shrimp served with Daikon and Mixed Greens

Main Courses

Choice of:

Chicken with Shanghai Noodles and Vegetables

Beef Steak enhanced by a Black Bean Sauce served with Red and Yellow Peppers, Snap Peas and Rice

Dessert

Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Afternoon Snack

Choice of: Cup of hot Noodles or Smoked Turkey Sandwich Snack Box

Light Supper

Choice of: Seasonal Fruit Appetizer and Uno’s four Cheese and Pesto Pizza or Beef complemented by Oriental Sauce

Part III – Eighteen Hours in Taipei

The view from the Hilton, suite 1501. Most likely, your mileage WILL vary.

We arrived in Taipei almost an hour ahead of schedule. Our local host (Taipei – a FT-er who was already in the country on business) had arranged to meet us in the airport lobby after we cleared customs. He allowed us plenty of time to clear customs (which was not bad for non-Chinese passport holders) so we ended up clustering in the lobby waiting for him to arrive. He did at the promised time, bringing with him several members of the local travel club who were eager to show us the city and practice their English. We all boarded the airport transit bus for the Hilton (those Westin-ites and Hyatt-ites would be on their own once we got there) and took the journey into the city. It was already dark, so we didn’t get to see much until we pulled into the metro area – and what a sight that was – bright lights, congestion, a McD’s or 7-11 or Starbucks on every corner.

We all got settled into the Hilton – Gold HHonors all got suites and Diamonds ended up in executive rooms (bigger than the suites). By now, it was 7:30 and we had an 8:30 tour departure so we quickly cleaned up. Some of us met for drinks at 8:00 in the Executive Lounge where they had a nice heavy appetizer buffet set out. The lounge officially closed at 8, but they allowed AAGuy and I to sit in there until 8:30 which took care of dinner for us. After a quick peek at the 20th floor rooftop garden and hot tubs, we joined the rest of the group.

We were joined in the lobby by PeteFlys (who arrived the prior day), GeneCMH (who was a victim of the cancelled SJC arrivals and was rerouted on AA to NRT/CX onto TPE), and his friend Scott CMH (who was with us on AA 151 but didn’t approach our group when we assembled at the gate). Taipei and about a half-dozen local friends took us off on a tour of some of the night sights.

First, we were shown the TPE underground system. Our first stop was the Lungshan Temple, a large and popular temple dedicated to Kuanyin, the goddess of mercy. The temple was crowded with worshippers and some of our group members decided to participate in some of the temple rituals. There were several tableaus dedicated to various gods throughout. One particularly popular god is a focus of students attempting to be accepted to universities. These students bring a copy of their admissions application and place it in a basket before the tableau with the hops of the god blessing them with admission to the university of their choice. Other rituals include incense burning and the burning of ghost money. Our trip to Taipei coincided with Ghost Month, a time when ghosts from hell are thought to walk the earth.

Our next stop was the night market at Snake Alley. Here we had the opportunity to purchase local wares, watch snake handlers, and smell local street vendor smells. A couple of the members of the group were brave enough to try street food, but despite our adventurous spirits, most of us were rendered nauseous by the turtle slaying we witnessed and decided to play it safe. Those who shopped found a few bargains, but the best shopping by far was with the tailor back at the Hilton. Four custom tailored shirts for $100 US (plus $30 US shipping), custom suits, ladies silk wares, and silk pajamas for both sexes at about $500 NT – roughly $16 US.

Many of us wound the night up relatively late (after all, it was daylight back home in the US) with nightcaps in various suites throughout the city. Some (like Flipside and marchie7) decided to forego the evening activity for a night out on the town. I’m still waiting for the scoop on that one!

On Sunday morning, everyone was pretty much on their own. Several of us went to the CKS Memorial early in the morning (mat935 and I left the Hilton at 6 a.m.). We climbed to the top of the memorial where we were able to watch various groups practicing tai chi in the park. This was a nice sight and shouldn’t be missed by any of the future travelers on the TPE runs.

After our early activities (or upon wake-up for a few) some of us converged on the Executive Lounge for breakfast (which is where I met up with AAGuy, GeneCMH, and ScottCMH). The spread at the Hilton was great (and for future reference, Gold or Diamond members may also host one guest in the lounge for breakfast for $540 NT - roughly $18 US). The buffet featured traditional American continental fare (eggs, bacon, sausage, fabulous hash browns, cereal, breads, yogurt) as well as regional fare (porridge, shrimp fried rice, miso soup, smoked meats, cheeses). The fresh fruit was great and the juice selection included fresh squeezed watermelon juice as well as carrot juice.

A cab ride to the airport at 9 cost AAGuy, mat935, and I $1200 NT between us. Dudster and mwp2paris managed to grab a ride from the Westin in a Mercedes for $200 NT each. They mentioned that the trick is to go to the airport bus stand and wait for a taxi to pull up. Apparently there is a restriction on airport cabs that does not allow them to go back to the airport empty (or maybe it was against doing city runs). The point is that the cab drivers will look for riders to take to the airport and offer them reduced price transport to the airport in many cases.

When we arrived at the airport, several group members took off for duty-free and the EVA lounge. Dudster, AAGuy, and I decided to brave the two terminal system and check out the Cathay Pacific lounge. To do so, we had to go outside our terminal, catch a bus to the other terminal (the buses run every 15 minutes) and go through their terminal. We had a small shock when we got to the terminal. As we were about fifty feet in the terminal, we heard yelling behind us. We turned around to see the bus driver chasing down Dudster who had left his digital camera on the seat. I doubt that would happen in many places (and Dud, we would have been really mad at you had we lost some of those great photos you shot!)

For anyone who attempts to locate the CX lounge – you must either take the stairs up to the second level or go up the escalator and then halfway back down the stairs as the lounges (including the NW lounge as well) are located BETWEEN the first and second levels of the terminal.

The CX lounge was much smaller than I expected, with seating for about 20. The desk agents did not seem too happy to see us, but had to accommodate us per OneWorld rules. They had the usual self-serve alcohol, a case of pastries/dumplings, and a dessert spread. We had a drink, cake, and cheesecake before heading back over to the other terminal to meet the others.

We did a small amount of duty free shopping at the terminal before heading up to the EVA lounge. For future reference, there are several duty free shop clusters in the AA terminal. To the far left, one can find the designer stores (Hermes, Burberry, etc.), straight ahead, the stores selling primarily cigarettes, cigars, alcohol, and chocolates, and to the right down the corridor, a general duty free shop (including Hello Kitty, Barbie, film, and various sundries) and a second large cosmetics and perfume shop. I only checked out Lancome, but I was surprised to find they carried about 60% of the full line (although colors were limited to the pale skin tones on the palette).

The EVA lounge was, in my opinion, a better choice than the hike to CX. Their lounge had a slightly smaller food selection, but more beverage choices and much more room to check out. Some of the group also checked out the More lounge and found it to be nice (I recall hearing something about workout facilities but can’t vouch for it myself). If you don’t have lounge access, the area on the lounge levels OUTSIDE the airline lounges would also provide a more relaxing haven than the general terminal. This area is on the second floor also, removed from terminal chaos, and features about fifty cream-colored sofas and armchairs arranged lounge style.

We headed down to our gate at boarding time and had a very simple time going through departure security and customs.

Part IV – TPE-SJC AA 150

The view from J. Again, your mileage may vary.

We had once again rearranged ourselves at the airport. Dudster, AAGuy, and I together again in the center of row 10 flanked by mwp2paris on one side, Flipside and marchie7 a couple rows back on the other side, and PeteFlys also a bit further back on the other side. The other six were spread out throughout coach.

Our crew was much calmer on the return flight than we had been on the flight over. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it was almost midnight back in the United States and most of us had been going at full steam for nearly 48 hours. We had to buckle in tight on the initial ascent and we took a northward and semi-turbulent routing to avoid a typhoon that was circling back toward Taipei as we departed. Supper was served almost immediately after departure.

The J class menu is as follows. The wine selections were the same as on the outbound flight. Our group consumed considerably less wine on this flight than we had on Friday.

To Start:

An assortment of mixed Nuts with a selection of canapés including Foie Gras, Lobster Salad Éclair, and Squid in a Shiitake Cup

Smoked Snapper accompanied by a Radicchio and Endive Mix, Seaweed Salad, Daikon Julienne and sliced Ginger

A Salad Mix of Lollo Rosso, Green Leaf and Romaine Lettuce garnished with Red Pepper Daikon offered with creamy Red Pepper Dressing or Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Bread Basket:

Garlic Toast, Herb Roll, or Sesame Roll

Entrees:

Choice of:

Pepper Filet of Beef complements by a Creamy Sauce presented with a Vegetable Mix with Bacon and Herbed Potato wedges

Tortellini stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta enhanced by a Tomato Cream and Pesto Sauce tossed with diced Tomatoes (Grilled Chicken added upon request)

Shrimp and Scallops sautéed in a Black Bean Sauce featured with Sugar Snap Peas and Chinese Noodles

Steamed Chicken wrapped in a Lotus Leaf accompanied by Asparagus, Red and Yellow Peppers and Egg-Fried Rice

Dessert:

Seasonal fresh Fruit Medley

Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream presented with a Berry Sauce

Our row sampled the Tortellini and the Steak – for future reference, there are only two Tortellini meals catered for the flight. After scoping the other entrees, I think the chicken looked like the best option available.

Our return movie selections included Bridget Jones’s Diary, You Can Count On Me, Driven, and Breaking the Silence. The row 10 group all settled in to watch Bridget Jones’s Diary (and I don’t think Dudster and AAGuy appreciated the fine and quite animated lip-syncing that mwp2paris and I were doing on either side of them throughout the movie). AAGuy was asleep before the movie ended and Dudster and I were out shortly after (but not before running a quick lap back through coach to say hello to our friends). The coach cabin FAs did NOT appreciate us cutting through the back galley, though, on our lap – we got quite stern looks from them as we breezed through.

Snack Attack service on this flight was much more limited – one kind of cracker, M&Ms, cheese, and fruit.

A Midnight Snack was offered to passengers who were not sleeping – I woke up just in time to get mine. There was a choice between a Smoked Salmon Sandwich box lunch (with grapes, cheese, and crackers) or Hot Noodles with Pork and Shrimp Wontons and Baby Bok Choy. These noodles were probably my favorite entrée of the entire trip.

I am quite certain that a couple of our group got no sleep at all on the flight. The row 10 posse was quite delighted to find that we had considerably more recline there than we had in row 14 (something we didn’t consider when swapping assigned seats). After our outbound sleep trials, we all had a much better understanding of what it would take to get to sleep (for AAGuy, it was Ambien and him sitting in the middle seat to keep Dudster and I from talking).

Before landing, we had breakfast. It was fresh fruit, a choice of bread (warm croissants, almond Danish, or French rolls), a choice of entrée (cereal and yogurt or french toast and the infamous AA meAAt product or congee).

Again, for reference, here is the coach menu:

Dinner:

Appetizer:

Chinese Shrimp served with Daikon, Cucumbers and Carrots enhanced by a Sesame Sauce Iceberg Salad with Herb Vinaigrette Dressing

Main Course:

Choice of:

Beef Stew accented by a Demi-Glace presented with buttered Broccoli, Carrots and fried Potato wedges

Roasted Cod complemented by Oyster Sauce featured with a Celery and Wild Mushroom Mix and Cantonese Noodles

Dessert:

Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Midnight Snack:

Choice of:

Smoked Turkey Sandwich Snack Box

Cup of Noodles

Light Breakfast:

Fruit Appetizer

Choice of:

Cereal

Croissant and Breakfast Bread

Part V – Home Again, Home Again

Our exit of AA 150 was made by staircase, as we were led across the tarmac to the Immigration building. Passport control was a breeze. Customs was not, at least for me. Alas, Flipside and I were the first to go through. He had it easy – my inspector was not nearly as pleasant.

Customs Inspector: Where are you coming from?
Techgirl: Taiwan

CI: How long were you there?
TG: One day?

CI: Business or pleasure?
TG: Pleasure.

CI: For one day?
TG: Yes sir.

CI: What is your occupation?
TG: Consultant.

CI: Why were you in Taiwan?
TG: Pleasure.

CI: Where do you live?
TG: Dallas.

CI: Why were you in Taiwan?
TG: Pleasure.

CI: What business did you transact while in Taiwan?
TG: None. I was there for pleasure.

CI: Is San Jose your final destination?
TG: No sir.

CI: Where are you continuing to?
TG: San Diego.

CI: Where do you live?
TG: Dallas.

CI: Why are you going to San Diego?
TG: Business.

CI: Why were you in Taiwan?
TG: Pleasure.

CI: Why did you go for one day?
TG: I wanted the miles.

CI: Miles for what?
TG: The flight. 6500 miles each way plus bonuses.

CI: Let me see your tickets.
TG: (Shows tickets).

CI: Why do you only have the stubs?
TG: That is all I keep.

CI: I need the long portion.
TG: They tore it off in Taiwan.

CI: Let me see all of the other stubs from this itinerary.
TG: (Pulls stubs out of wallet.)

CI: What are you going to do in San Diego?
TG: Exhibit at a conference.

CI: What conference?

Oh bless… I can’t type this anymore… it was too weird at the time (and too hilarious now considering that it went on much longer than I have the strength to type)… but at least I made it through without my bags being searched.

I should have done what renila did (number three to go through customs):

CI: Where are you coming from?
R: Taiwan.

CI: Where you there for business or pleasure?
R: Pleasure.

CI: How long you were you there?
R: Just a day – it was a mileage run.

CI: A what?
R: A mileage run… you see, you fly this $550 ticket on AA and you get all of these miles and you get your status on the airline and with the miles you can get free first class tickets.

Sigh…

After that, everyone got through with few problems – they just nodded and said – oh, you were with the group doing that mileage thing.

After everyone made it over to the terminal on the customs bus (and after the nicotine addicts in the group stopped for their fix – you know who you are), we all reassembled in the SJC Admirals Club. This time, we were a much calmer (read: more tired) group than we were on Friday, but we were still lively. Some of the guys spent time queuing to use the one shower, while others used the community pc to check to see whether any segments had posted yet. A couple of us at a time drifted off to catch our outbound flights, as the journey was over for no one – everyone had at least one (and in most cases two or three) segment left before the mileage run would be complete.

Of course, some of the group members already had a second (or third or fourth) TPE ticket booked for September. Others of us have decided to join the cult. Look for members of this crazy sect some Friday or Sunday on an SJC-TPE flight near you. You might just get hooked in.

Thanks muchly to techgirl for doing all the heavy lifting on the trip report... I'll just add my nickel's worth of advice plus a few short paragraph's of "why a mileage run is like having a one night stand"...

First the advice/report...

Do try the Milk Tea (prounounced something like 'shun tzu nai bah') - similar to a Thai iced tea except with currant like things floating in it... very famous and very yummy... get your hotel to write down the name so you can get one (and if you like it sweet and/or spicy)

The Hilton bus back to the airport is about $14US if you're too tired to walk back to the bus stop in the morning (leaves at 9am and 11am - prebook with reception)

The Bao (sticky buns) in the EVA lounge were an excellent lunch - much better than the beef stew in coach - plus you can play taster's choice with all the cool drinks (I've always wanted to try POCARI SWEAT... no, really)

The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial is only two metro stops from the Hilton and a great sight. I believe you go out exit 5 from the CKS stop.

MWP2paris sez the port side bathroom in J is much less claustrophobic than the starboard side - useful info when in the service of keeping hydrated you drink 4 bottles of Evian and use those thrones....

taipei is, as his moniker implies, the Taipei God... do try to hook up with him or his college student travel club to get an insight into Taiwanese culture you won't get on your own

So.... it occurred to me as I wandered bleary eyed from the Hilton that a mileage run felt an awful lot like a one night stand without the sex...

You stay up all night with strange men (and women) you just met - and you have code names for all of them Now that you've spent quality time with them, you worry that you'll never see them again :-( You have long involved conversations about the size of your hotel room and the comfort of your mattress and how little sleep you've had You keep drinking the alcohol because it's free You keep talking about the number of years you've been in AA When you try to explain what you're doing everybody gives you blank stares and thinks you're crazy... yet as soon as you get home you want to tell everyone about it You keep thinking "my body's too old for this"... except that there are at least 5 older FT'ers on the run and you realize "nah, I'm just out of shape"


Cheers and thanks to all for the great weekend. "Merry Mileage to all and to all a good night."

Irene

Here are some things to add . . .

I started on Thursday - flying DFW to LGA - overnighting in NYC and then Friday a.m. JFK-SJC (Flight 151). That flight was smooth - fruit, eggs, meat, etc. This was in J - the FA decided to load me up with a "care" package and I of course shared later with other members on the mileage run in TPE.

I returned via SJC-ORD-DFW - with an hour delay on the ground and an hour delay in the air. Got home around 11:30pm (yawn . . .)

Some of the finer points.

Some of those in J received the limited edition stylish AA slippers. We wore these throughout the flight. Also, noted, some of the amenity kits are the Honeybee gardens instead of Origins. One of the FA’s advised us that Honeybee is better . . . we shall see.

As I was peacefully asleep, I was wedged between techgirl and dudster. I was cold on the plane, so I wrapped comfortably in the fancy AA burgundy blanket. However, at various times throughout the flight, I was abruptly woken by this stream of heat on my neck and face. I got tired of this, so I investigated and confronted the problem. Dudster assumed the role of the Taiwanese Fire-Breathing Dragon. I thought he was asleep, perhaps he was, but his eyeshades he had worn weren't on his eyes, but rather firmly planted on his forehead like a bad hairpiece. Just be aware of those you sleep with on the plane. (No pun intended).

I was amused by the lip-synching sensation of Techgirl and mwp2paris. That was a treat.

Watch out for drunks in coach - they tend to wonder up front and cause problems.

That’s about all I know.

See some of you this weekend!

AAdvantageGuy

Well, sorry to have missed you'all, but I was on an offset of one day, leaving 9/8 and returning 9/10.

As before, my upgrade for BOS-SJC cleared, and it was a comfortable 6 hrs to SJC. With PLT status once again, breezed into the SJC AC and actually received 4 drink coupons because I wandered out of the AC to get a pack of gum. Upon re-entry, I was handed two more coupons, which I then exchanged for water bottles.

Getting on board AA151 was a bit annoying, because my seat [23H] was malfunctioning severely. The video didn't work, and this was true for the adjacent seat [23J] as well. The seat power didn't work. But as soon as the doors closed, I found myself a nice center section where the only other occupant was at the other end of a 5 seat row. With seat power and plenty of room to stretch, the flight went quickly. Other than a poorer selection of food, I couldn't imagine being more comfortable in J. Very glad I didn't spend the miles to upgrade.

Arriving in TPE, the light load on the plane means I was able to breeze through customs within 20 minutes of arrival. Thanks to a tip, I kept my eyes open and found the airport bus terminal. $100NT [$3 US] took care of the bus fare, which DID go through a rather disreputable stretch of highway.

But just as a clarification for those of you who took the bus, the small stands with neon-lit windows and a young girl [usually in short skirts] are not really (ummm....) houses of disrepute. They're selling a tobacco-derivative that's chewable, and like the theory that cute waitresses tend to drive more traffic to bars, these stands are populated by young girls. Their audience is mainly blue-collar or youths (bad!). While I would not want to speculate on the possibility of side-business, don't make the wrong assumptions. There are true red-light districts in Taipei, but those stands aren't it.

For this trip, I was in Lai Lai Sheraton. Would not go back again unless the rates are far lower than Westin. The bed was hard, the bathroom was small and poorly furnished, and the whole room smelled like an astringent bathroom cleaner. Uggh.

But the locale was nice, and I enjoyed an excellent dinner visiting the various little shops. Total expenditure <$250NT [$7 US] for food that'd cost at least twice that much in Boston. Enjoyed a little shopping at the Shih-Lin night market. Fun. Didn't do the tourist stuff because I have family in Taiwan and I've already seen all the standard attractions.

Waking up @ ~7am, hit the gym for a quick workout. Very inconveniently placed, as I had to go to the ground floor in order to shift elevators. Got a little breakfast and hit the bus for CKS airport @10:30am.

Check-in took all of 30 seconds, although I'm growing to actively disklike those weird ramp escalators. Hard to keep a wheeled luggage cart upright. As techgirl reported, the Eva lounge in T2 was pretty nice. I though the chairs were a bit small and uncomfortable, but I spend most of my 45 minutes there in the business center, where there was a nice array [6] of internet-connected PC's.

Headed out from the Eva lounge to the departure gate about 30 minutes before departure and got there just as Group 1 was being called. Good timing!

This time, I had bulkhead/exit row in 31H. There was someone next to me, but she soon evacuated to one of the (many) empty center rows. I don't understand why people remain seated in the front part of coach [19-24] when there were so many empty seats in the back. I stayed where I was because I wasn't planning on sleeping much anyways.

Another uneventful flight, with lots of legroom, an empty seat next to me, and a working power port. I really think that's the best part of the fleet upgrades. With my laptop, I have work and entertainment built in. Another reason to love AA -- many power prots.

So here I sit in the SJC AC, waiting to board my flight home. I'm about as relaxed as I would be after a weekend at home, which my colleagues find a little difficult to believe. From my perspective, this run breaks down into 2 very long days, rather than 3 days. I get work done, got some good naps in, and enjoyed a couple of movies I haven't seen before. They should try it sometimes. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Plato90s (edited 09-10-2001).]

I shall add my $200NT to what has already been said...

I began on 9/6 with the 5:00 pm DCA-BOS Fabulous Foker Flagship service in FC, seat 4B. Nice little snack of smoked chicken on bed of greens (very fresh) with the cheese and crackers and Pepperidge Farm cookie, plus the obligatory G&T (or 3).

Overnighted at the Sheraton Four Points, Boston Logan (actually only about 3 1/2 Points) in Revere, MA. The hotel restaurant is a Japanese sushi bar and steakhouse that seemed to be very popular with the locals. I opted for a quick refreshment at the Uno's next door before retiring. I did have to question the front desk about my Platinum arrival gift, and was assured one would be sent up. It was a basket with two waters(what I wanted) and a large selection of fruit which I felt guilty leaving behind. The housekeeping staff must enjoy an endless supply of fruit from these large baskets.

Sinced it had already happened to a fellow FTer on his first attempt at a TPE run, I was quite fearful of oversleeping and missing my 8:00 flight so I set the internal alarm for 5:00 and wakeup calls and alarm clock for 5:30. This was all overkill because I rose up at 4:30 looking forward to the next step on my adventure.

Caught the 6:00 shuttle back to Logan, proceeded to the AC for check-in where the very alert agent collected my VIPOW, which was not lifted the night before at DCA, and related a horror story of an elite AA customer who had miles and status stripped for not surrendering the appropriate VIP certs on 7 flights. While she was smiling as she related this, I believe her true message was "if we don't ask, you must offer" your VIPOWs at your first flight or we will track you down. Lesson duly noted.

I thanked her for her thoroughness and then reminded her of the Boston Flagship Lounge and questioned where I might find the entrance...she immediately apologized for not offering the invitation earlier and escorted me directly into the "inner sactum" of elite travel...Wonderful lounge with continental breakfast, an esspresso machine and a selection of drinks, chocolates and other finery. Nice way to relax for an hour.

At 7:30 I wandered down to the gate and the BOS-SJC flight began boarding soon after. I took my seat in 5E on the 757 and was relieved when the door closed and there were only 10 other souls in FC..coach looked equally empty. I scooted over to the window and settled in for the lovely breakfast of cream cheese stuffed French toast and a couple of mimosas. Thankfully, the mimosas assisted me in sleeping through most of "Doctor Dolittle 2" which wins my award for one of the most useless films ever made.

Later in the flight, one of the FAs asked if I was coming home to SJC and I felt compelled to relate to her the TPE adventure I was on. I really enjoy the glazed looks people get when you explain the benefits of flying 1/2 way around the world in a weekend for $500.00...although this FA got it. "You only live once so make the most of it and have fun" was her general attitude about the whole thing.

We arrived into SJC a bit early and I walked directly into the AC, although my passage was momentarily blocked by a redhead who seemed driven to beat me in. Only after I noticed the large and tastefully colored (that school bus yellow gets your attention) FT tags on her luggage did I realize I was in the presence of techgirl herself.

I defer to techgirl's account of the trip over and back...I will say that the west-bound BC FAs were wonderful. Ross, who was working my aisle, greeted me by name and used my name throughout the flight. He seemed to really enjoy his job. I did overhear the galley FA complaining a bit to another FA, upon observing Ross do one last swing through with the coffee cart, that "he is making this harder than it needs to be." I just thought he was giving really nice Flagship service and thanked him appropriately upon deplaning.

This was all in contrast to the east-bound crew who seemed intent on getting the service done, the shades drawn, and the lights out quickly so they could resume there very loud conversations in the galley. The Bose headsets are good, they are not that good.

I am afraid techgirl, that those around me were not as entranced by my lip-synching and seat-dancing to "Bridget Jone's" on the SJC-ORD flight as Dudster and AAdvantageGuy were to SJC. There was only a smattering of applause after my SOCK-IT-TO-ME interpretation. Having seen the movie 3 times from TPE-ORD, I do have a wonderful combination worked out for the closing credits...next time we fly together, I'll teach it to you.

I was the last to leave SJC, and finally at 1:00pm wandered down to my flight to ORD. They had just begun to board FC when they announced a ground hold, but since they needed the gate, we would sit on the tarmac for what would turn out to be about an hour and a half. With the help of a G&T, the jetlag caught up to me and I slept soundly through the delay. Kudos to AA for loading snacks and water for the entire plane to enjoy during the delay...very pro-active.

Arriving late into ORD due to weather, I was on my way to the AC when I saw AadvantageGuy still in ORD waiting for his DFW flight. We were momentarily joined by Flipside and marchie7 who were also experiencing a slight delay. After one last laugh, they headed off to their flights, and I, upon AadvantageGuy's advice, made my way to the Flagship Lounge which was being kept open late due to a delayed LHR flight. Love those chicken queso things and Godiva mints.

Now home, it is wonderful to read back over these accounts. It was a great mileage run, yes; more importantly, it was a delight to share it with some really wonderful folks.


To all those other dedicated FTers who boarded AA151 on Friday, September 7, thanks for the memories...let's do it again (OneWorld Istanbul run anyone?)

Best to all, and may the operational upgrade gods smile generously upon you.

Mike

As my first post to FT I would like to add my two cents worth (actually $0.67 NT) and start by saying thanks. Thanks to new friends and fellow travelers, and thanks to the Travel Club members who took us “under their wings” and made the trip easier and much more interesting. I am not new to Taipei but I saw places and things that I had not before.

I was the lone outcast who stayed at the Imperial Inter-Continental Taipei hotel, a short $100NT cab ride from the Hilton. A comfortable hotel with a large and varied buffet for breakfast ($500NT). One very convenient feature was the Internet modem access available in all rooms (Not just the business rooms which are also available.). You simply setup a dialer (MS DUN in my case) to dial phone extension “66” and use a generic userid and password provided in the hotel services guide. That’s it, your connected with a 33.6K+ speed line for a reasonable $56NT first minute, $7NT each additional.

Finally went to bed around 2:00 AM after watching a movie on HBO. Woke up several times throughout the “night” before finally getting up at 6:00 AM, determined that the first question I would ask, upon rejoining my fellow FT’ers, would be “Why the heck are we doing this???????”. But after the buffet breakfast things looked much better again. There are several options for transport back to the airport from the Imperial but I recommend the ABC Airport bus. Buy your ticket at the hotel’s front desk for $100NT instead of $120NT at the bus. The bus stops on the street, right in front of the hotel, several times an hour. I’m still not sure exactly what its schedule is but it did pull up just as I was leaving the hotel. Sunday morning the streets are mostly empty and we (all five passengers) returned to the airport in less time then it took the previous evening to arrive. The airport was nearly deserted with no lines to wait on.

The EVA lounge is the place to go. Diners Club card gets you entry so if you don’t already have one sign up now before the next trip. Quite flight home and then Customs. RENILA was already with an agent when I got my turn.

Agent: Have anything with you?

Me: Uh, No?

Agent: Have a nice day.

Me: Thanks, Bye.


I took five steps forward and waited while a gloved supervisor approached RENILA. I guess they finally realized the odds against that many people coming up with the same wacky story and let her enter too. Final farewells at the SJ AC and the last leg back to DFW. Glad that I had chosen not to make the return multi-segment. Home by seven and right back into the normal flow of things. The shortness of the trip did not allow time for jet lag.

Until Next Time.........

A footnote and a suggestion...

The Footnote

While some in this group (you know who you are) would have you believe that the Hilton-Taipei is the classy choice amongst world travelers, I would offer up (and I think Dudster would agree) a truly wonderful place to rest one's head on a TPE run...the Westin Taipei. Only two years old, it still sparkles. I was upgraded to a suite, and having observed the rooms two of our travel companions occupied at the Hilton, have to say that they looked dowdy and tired, while the Westin rooms were smart and sexy...very Christopher Lowell contemporary. And I had to have 3 showers in my large, marbled, room-size walk-in shower. Plus...The Westin Heavenly Bed...need I say more?

Great bar where Dudster and I enjoyed our free drinks thanks to my Starwood Platinum status (and, yes, they do have Macallan 18 Year and 25 Year at a reasonable price--I found two servings of the 18 helped erase the turtle decapitation scenes that were lingering in my mind from our night market visit).

The next morning, Dudster and I also enjoyed a (for elite-floor guests only) lovely breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold selections set up in the very smart lobby lounge overlooking a reflecting pool and fountains. Again, compliments of Starwood.

I highly recommend the Westin...where "those in the KNOW stay, when in Taipei!"


The Suggestion

Anyone looking for a smart gift to bring friends and family members back home might consider a can of Asparagus Drink purchased from a vending machine for $20NT at the CKS memorial. The can is quite unique with a picture featuring a flute of the juice in the foreground and a row of neatly arranged asparagus spears in the background. I, has yet, feel no need to actually taste the contents, and am enjoying the can and its accompanying memories for the present.

For those interested, our dear guide and friend Taipei says it is sweet, and can be purchased by the case at the Taipei Costco.

Great reports everyone. I don’t have much to add.

As most of the FTers know, or knew, I overslept on what was to be my first TPE run on 8/24. Being a night person, I usually don’t go to bed until 1 or 2am. This time I opted for not sleeping at all. I left my house at 5am, picked up “Marchie” (I didn’t know he had an FT name, he’s an old family friend that I persuaded into going) who lives around the corner.

I found it no great surprise to discover that he was still sleeping when I got to his house. He was already packed, so as he got ready I went to get coffee. We left about 5:15 and made the 20-minute drive to SWF.

We were issued our boarding passes all the way to TPE, and to my delight, my 3A seating SJC-TPE actually held up. The other agent being in a wonderful mood decided upgrade Marcello for the route as well and moved us to 4H/J. I still wasn’t convinced it was going to hold up until we were actually sitting on the plane.

Nothing noteworthy to report on the SWF-ORD, ORD-SJC legs. Arrived on time for all connections. I thought I saw Techgirl in the AC, but wasn’t sure. Marcello and I wandered around the airport looking for a power adapter for his laptop and when we returned there was a “large group” assembled.

First class was called to board, and I squeamishly walked up, handed over my boarding pass and a sigh of relief came over my as “OK TO BOARD” appeared in the lovely green LED display. Whew…

Marcello was right behind me. He handed over his boarding pass and the sound you don’t want to hear when boarding shrieked out of the machine. Those lovely beeps that inform you there’s a problem. Uh oh. I heard it go though again, and the same sound came out. Well, as it turned out, he handed the agent his SWF-ORD boarding pass. Oops. Needless to say, the correct boarding pass worked just fine.

F was completely full. Of the 18 seats, 7 were non-rev. 1A was a flight attendant observer, 4AB were crew seats, and I don’t know what the other non-rev’s were doing. I thought I was in for a special treat in F on the way over. At the time, I thought it was pretty good, although I had experienced it before ORD-NRT upgrading from J to F. The amenity kits were the “Origins”. The only difference between the F and J kits is that “face spray” stuff and the brand. I really didn’t sleep much; I just couldn’t get comfortable on those flat beds.

I watched about an hour of Hannible on the personal video, but got bored with it since I read the book. I spent most of the flight trying to sleep and flying along with Microsoft flight simulator. I got in to TPE about 5 hours earlier then the plane I was on did. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I also spent a lot of time chatting it up with our purser, Sheri. She was really nice and made a lot of the time fly by.

Our arrival story mirrors the above posts.

Marcello and I decided to take the city on by ourselves, but learned that was probably a mistake. Taipei was a great host, and was kind enough to have one of his “tour guides” write “Hilton” in Chinese on a piece of paper so we could hand it to a cab driver. Thank god for that.

We really didn’t see much. We walked around what was a really crowed “retail” type area. Had a beer at TGIF’s (great cultural experience, I know). The bartender there said we should go to a bar called “45” and wrote Chinese directions for us to give to a cab driver. It appeared the driver was really lost as we circled the same block about 6 times. We finally just got out and asked for directions on the street using our “map”. Well, we were pretty close it turns out. The bar was packed with many westerners. There was nowhere to sit so we just left. We walked around a lot, decided we had no idea where we were going or what we were doing because we couldn’t read anything and went back to the hotel using our “Hilton” paper.

I’ll reiterate that the executive lounge breakfast at the Hilton was probably one of the best “free” breakfasts I’ve seen at any hotel in the world. We took the $1200 NT cab back to the airport and checked in. It took over an hour for me to be checked in. My ticket needed to be re-issued for some reason, and the EVA folks had to look up how to do it in the Sabre manual.

I don’t know if I was just more comfortable, or just really tired but I slept like a baby on the way home in J.

SJC-ORD was an hour late in, and the ORD-SWF flight was three hours late. I’ve been an AC member for years, but I’ve never used the showers in ORD (or any club for that matter). I decided to give it a go, and all I can say is that I was pretty impressed. I felt great afterwards. On the way to the gate for the final leg home we ran into mwp2paris, and AadvantageGuy waiting to board their Dallas flight. Everyone looked like they got hit by a bus and couldn’t wait to get home. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It was great to meet all of you. I’ll see whoever is going again on 9/21.

Mike, when is the Istanbul run? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Flip

Flipside,
I will doing the run 9/21 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Hope to see you there! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
Albert

Techgirl excellent report,where did you find the energy to write that and set up your show in San? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I left a day earlier the flight DFW/SJC was on time and o.k.

In SJC went to the AA club and watched tennis and went looking for some wheels for my carry on. Boarding to TPE went well only 10 people in J class. The flight was fine and on time.

Arrived at TPE and had the Hyatt send a car for 1800 NT. Traffic was bad and about an hour to get to the hotel. The Hyatt Grand...This is the place for those who have Hyatt status. They met me at the car and took me to a nice corner suite
on a Regency Club floor. The RC is very large and has servers and I only went up there once for breakast. Went to the cafe for most of my meals and had the Buffet. The lunch at the Hyatt allowed me to skip the fine cusine in Snake Alley...oh those poor turtles!
The Hyatt is located across the street from two large department stores and Warner Brothers movie theatres. Also, there is a Ruby Tuesday's, a Micky D's and Starbucks.
Went shopping Saturday AM and then slept until it was time to go to the Hilton and meet everyone for the evening... I had a great time on my first run and want to thank Taipei for all he did to make this a great time. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starsmilie.gif
Finally clearing customs in SJC after techgirl went like this:

Agent : how long in TPE ?
me : 2 days
agent : business or pleasure?
me : pleasure
agent : are you with that group that flew over for miles?
me : yes I am (showing him my new FT baggage tags)
agent : was it worth it?
me : yes it was http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
agent : go on through...

Enjoyed meeting you all and hope to meet you on another run soon.

I'd have to second mwp2paris. The Westin is definitely much nicer than the Sheraton, even though its locale is not as convenient if you don't know Taipei. If you'd be comfortable with the MRT or taking a cab, it's not a big problem at all.

On the other hand, the night club in the basement of the Sheraton is pretty fun too. Even on a Sunday night, it was hopping.

I think the SJC immigration agents are getting used to us FT'ers. The agent didn't even blink when I told him I was only in Taipei for a day. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'll see many of you on the 21st!

Thanks for all the report additions...

reni - I almost fell off the bed laughing while reading your mileage run/one night stand comparison... so true!

AA Guy - ah, yes... the slippers! How could I forget? I think they will be my footwear of choice when we go to AAdvantage at the PIM (and I might wear my eyeshades in the Dudster-hairpiece style for good measure). And don't forget, you got Honeybee, but *I* still got Origins...

Plato - we are sorry we missed you...

MWP - Please send me the steps... I'll need them when we do the repeat in September (and this time I'm making AA Guy join in)!

AAnonymous - your first post and your first mileage run! It was a pleasure having you along... thanks for the update on the Intercontinental

Flip - Glad you finally found us. I was so sure you and marchie were out having the time of your lives while we were watching the turtle slaughter... maybe next time?

Pete - I had no idea that Ruby Tuesdays was international! Definitely the opposite of Snake Alley!

I'll post the rest of my trip on Wednesday... see, I'm still out on the road, so I haven't completed my contract of carriage yet! Seven LONG days... sigh!

I hope everyone is well !, I am still here, my flight was cancelled, they put me in the Hilton. Its been a really sad sad day

Taipei--hope you made it home soon--you and your Taipei young friends were a joy to be with! What a nice way to be introduced to a new country.

This group of travelers was an extremely congenial mix-- a pleasure to travel with. It was even nice to see someone close to my age group be afflicted with the Mileage Fever (sorry, AAnonymous). So much fun that I'll do it again 9/20-23, as well as 9/28-10/3. But none of us can keep up with AAdvantageGuy who is doing every weekend in Sept.

Keep your seat belt buckled and keep on flying!

------------------
AA 2MM, MR Silver
From: Austin, TEXAS

Postscript – as promised, finally

I broke a promise to you all. I promised to post the remainder of my trip report on Wednesday, after returning home on Tuesday. Unfortunately, I was unable to keep my promise until now. I’m sure you’ll understand – you’ve been there too.

I was the first of the SJC mileage runners to depart, and the last to return home (although I don’t “win” the honors, as they actually belong to Taipei who has unfortunately been detained in his eponymous city by the tragedies of the last three days).

And I’m not home yet. But if I don’t post now, I might never finish this trip mentally.

What I would have posted then certainly seems trivial now. A bunch of garbage about whether or not the Admirals Club was up to standard, how the food service rated in-flight, and my successes or failures at getting an upgraded room at the properties where I stayed. The little things that we use to keep score in a game with hazy rules.

In retrospect, that isn’t important right now. Not that I will make the somber commitment that I will never care about those things again. I’m a realist, and I will confess publicly that when I checked into my room last night (after changing hotels due to rate gouging), I called down to the front desk to ask about my Hampton Touch. The irony of the fact that as I compose this (as I am being ferried home finally), I am simultaneously completing my sixtieth segment on AA metal has not been lost on me either. Those things will be important again as time wears on, I’m certain. Actually I really hope that they WILL be important again. I (as I’m sure we all) will need something to fixate on to keep my mind off the events of the last three days.

But right now, I just want to go home. I want to go see my parents, sit in my office, and sleep in my own bed. I want to talk about the things that have happened that I was going to keep to myself. I want to take out the trash that I forgot to deposit when I left last Wednesday morning. I want to unpack my rollaboard for once.

My “adventure” started last Wednesday in Vail. Another business trip (although as one FTer commented to me last week, it certainly doesn’t seem like I ever “work”). I had the leisure of waking before sunrise on Thursday morning and taking a hike halfway up the mountain. There I stopped and sat on a rock and, for the first time in a long time, I found myself in deep meditation and prayer. And, I’m happy to report, I felt at peace. It was nice to be still for a while. As someone who never stops moving, I don’t sit enough. I watched the sun come up… I hiked down a bit and watched the water roll along the rocks through the stream. I breathed. And I felt perfectly at peace with the decisions I’ve made… to travel heavily, to work hard.

I left Vail on Thursday and drove, in weather too foul for early September, back to Denver. A treacherous drive in snow, then sleet, then rain, then fog – through the mountains, along winding unfamiliar roads. Oh how I longed for the familiar safety of a jet… I hate to drive; I would rather fly.

I met a fellow FTer by complete chance on the airport shuttle on Friday that would deliver me for my DEN-SJC run. (The Bandit, I believe is his handle, a self-admitted three year frequent lurker). I told the group in San Jose when we assembled that I felt meeting another FTer completely at random, by chance was some type of good omen for the journey to come, but why, I couldn’t reason.

We went to TPE. Plane took off, plane landed. Rewind, reverse, and repeat. The things we again take for granted. Nothing new to report that we haven’t already expounded upon at length above.

I left my fellow travelers and ventured to SAN. I almost had a blow up with the front desk staff at my hotel. This is the second time in two weeks that I’ve gotten short with personnel – prior to this, I took pride in the fact that I have never done this before. Maybe the travel is getting to me, I thought. Time to chill out, I told myself.

Conference starts… blah, blah, blah. Same story, different town. Business conducted, e-mails to read, hands to shake, deals to close.

And then Tuesday morning, it all came tumbling down. Quite literally.

Suddenly I found myself stranded in SAN with no way to get home until at least Thursday. A self-admitted control freak was now completely helpless. I mean, sure, I could have rented a car and driven the two days straight back to DFW, but for once I decided to press pause and think rationally about what I was doing.

I satisfied my control impulses by becoming an information junkie. I didn’t leave my hotel room for more than thirty minutes for a day and a half. The news was always on, and I spent countless hours logged into FT Chat while trying to continue working from my hotel room. Colleagues e-mailed and faxed me the project work I needed to complete, clients still called, the world began to move again in baby steps.

And I realized what the omen was from the shuttle van on Friday. FT was my lifeline. This is more than a website to me – it is a community, a family. My fellow Taipei travelers called or e-mailed to check in on me, SAN area FTers offered assistance if I needed it, and we all clung together to get through the upheaval of our daily routines. For all Americans, the occurrences of the past three days will affect them for a lifetime – the knowledge that we can no longer feel completely safe on American soil. For us, the ripple effect is much deeper.

No longer will I go through security and consider myself “lucky” that I breezed through. Already today in SAN I asked for a supervisor when I wasn’t asked for ID or boarding card and when I made it through the metal detectors with no alarm with full jewelry on. I watched every single passenger board our plane, vowing to get off if I saw individuals I considered suspicious. I saw genuine concern, even fear, in the eyes of our crew, airport personnel, and the dead-headers on our flight. I hope that my fellow travelers will be equally vigilant… rather than worrying about my pre-departure drink, I’ll now be worrying about my own personal safety check.

Travel has resumed for me today. And it will go on as planned next week, and the week after that, and so on indefinitely. But it has changed.

I’ll never forget my first international mileage run. I only hope that it wasn’t my last.

I just posted the above from the SJC Admirals Club.

I didn't think about it until I hit *submit reply*, but I'm sitting in the same place I was exactly last week about this time.

The mood is completely different.

What an odd juxtaposition.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by techgirl:
CI: How long were you there?
TG: One day?

CI: Business or pleasure?
TG: Pleasure.

CI: For one day?
TG: Yes sir.
</font>Oh wow, I wonder how much of a hassle I'm going to get in November when I tell the agents I was in SIN for 8 hours.

MY short trip report home:

Sunday the 16th, I left the Hilton at 9:30am, there was Typoon in Taipei so the weather was bad (the Hilton is all boarded up, and after I left on Monday, it poured 3 feet a rain, Taipei is in horrible shape, many deaths, heavy floods, MRT shut down, do not come within the next few days into the city, heavy damage, big floods!!).

At the airport there was a long line in ecomony, I used the Gold line which had no line, but the police looked at everything, opened everything, every box, very very good check, made me feel good! Also at the gate 7 police checking all carry on bags ! The flight left about 1/2 hour late, maybe due to security checks, the flight was normal, good service, but plastic forks, spoon, ect, no metal. Arrived in SJC a few minutes late, long customs check only 2 agents. IN San Jose, we have to go outside to the baggage clain area, then re enter the gate area, no ID check, I was surprised, only showed my boading pass from Taipei at security and no check at the gate, only insert boarding pass (I expected an ID check as they did in Taipei ??), the flight left a few minutes late, but ok short flight to Orange County(I sleep the whole flight). No problems, and glad to be home !

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by chexfan:
Oh wow, I wonder how much of a hassle I'm going to get in November when I tell the agents I was in SIN for 8 hours.</font>

Just have me go through customs in front of you to take all the hassle...

... always seems to work for anyone who travels with me! ;-)

For the 9/7 mileage runners - if you did not give me your e-mail address on Sunday, please send me an e-mail if you would like the link to see the photos that dudster has posted from the trip.

I'm missing e-mails for: mat935, renila, GeneCMH, and taipei

Hello from "Taipei"

My email is:
Taiwantravelclub@yhaoo.com

thank, I also have photos and will try to get it online too !

Sorry the correct email address is:
Taiwantravelclub@yahoo.com

Techgirl---mat935@texas.net

Many thanks!

------------------
AA 2MM, MR Silver
From: Austin, TEXAS

Thanks for the nice mention, Techgirl. It was a pleasure meeting everyone. But unfortunately your observation about the mood of the airport right now is all too true...

Did the Hilton have pool/hot tub?

Two mimosas at sunrise today has me feeling, er, reflective.

I'm sitting here in the SJC Admirals Club for the first time since the 9/7, 9/9, and 9/14 mentions above. Since this place (along with a certain hotel bar in SAN with a seemingly bottomless supply of vodka) plays such a pivotal role in my recollection of the events of mid-September, I can't help but let my mind wander.

I'm bumping this up just to say "thanks" although this probably isn't the place to do it. The 9/7 TPE run was my first group FT gathering and, well, things haven't ever been the same since.

To all the Flyer Talkers who I've met in, wow, less than seven months (and there are well over a hundred of you now, at least), all I can say is thanks. Some of you know just how much your friendship and companionship means to me... and some of you have no idea. I just had my "latest" FT gathering last night in SJC... yet another wonderful night of good food, fabulous wine, and delightful tales from the road. There's nothing like kindred spirits to warm the soul.

If you have to have an addiction, you really can't do it without your enablers. A debt of gratitude to all of you.

And now I'm going to have one more drink and toast the warm fuzzy memories....

You folks are a riot!

I'm planning on going to Taipei in June -- do you have any advice on getting good rates at either the Hilton or the Westin?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by robinhood:
I'm planning on going to Taipei in June -- do you have any advice on getting good rates at either the Hilton or the Westin?</font>

I just completed a trip from PDX to JFK "via" TPE. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I can't offer any specific advice regarding good rates given that I used points but I heartily recommend the Taipei Westin. The room was very nice, the staff friendly and Starwood platinums are provided with a superb breakfast at the "East West Buffet".

UA flights from SFO to TPE typically arrive fairly late so, to keep the costs down a bit, I actually spent my first night at the CKS Airport Hotel at a rate of approx NT$2300. The property is in great need of renovation but my needs were not that great so late at night.

As has been suggested on FT in the past, you should consider taking a bus from the airport to the city. There are several lines to choose from but the one that goes directly to the Westin is called "Fe Go" (sometimes labeled "Free Go") and is easily identified by the picture of two large Dalmatians on the side of the bus. The current one way fare is $NT134.

TechGirl, it was nice meeting last week in PDX. I also attended a little FT gathering near SFO on Saturday evening, where I had the pleasure of chatting with quite a number of fellow FTers, both old acquaintances and new.

Having done a couple of these runs last fall, on both sides of 9.11, I am all the more disheartened to read the disaster news from this Island, the latest of which occured over the weekend with an earthquake. The last time I was in Taipei, just an overnight at the Sheraton, the city and island had just been through a major typhoon, and another was on the way. The MRT underground portions were flooded, and thus out of commission for weeks. I was fortunate not to have to experience the full intensity of these storms, but felt odd about passing through in the way I did on that mileage run.

I do hope most of us do feel similarly about the places and people we visit, when we read such stories in the newspapers. Travel should make us appreciate and better understand the way others must live from day to day, but also be thankful for the way we have been so fortunate in our own lives.

techgirl, thank you for the original trip report and the update.

My husband went on the mileage run before 9-11, and I went two weeks later. We will forever compare and differentiate our trips as the before and the after. The before trip was definitely full of innocent exuberance and flair. The after was dotted with extra caution and sadness. One thing is true, there are many many good people on Flyertalk and I have really enjoyed participating in this community.

First of all, techgirl, it was a pleasure making your acquaintance in Fort Worth this February.

Second, Taipei is a fine city and Taiwan a beautiful country. The people are very warm and welcoming. They will be in my thoughts and prayers following yet another in a long string of disasters. When I visited in November, 2000 the CKS airport community was recovering from the Singapore Airlines crash.

I anxiously await the opportunity to return to Taiwan and explore more of the beautiful island.

Just posted to see how everyone in this groups is doing, a few years later ! I saw a link to this report on the Hyatt Taipei posting on the Hyatt Board. Updated info, there is no more Hilton, it was remodeled and is now the Ceasar Park.

Do try the Milk Tea (prounounced something like 'shun tzu nai bah') - similar to a Thai iced tea except with currant like things floating in it... very famous and very yummy... get your hotel to write down the name so you can get one (and if you like it sweet and/or spicy)

Hi, i accidentally came across this thread (i think it is only the 2nd time that i've read anything from Trip Reports since i first joined FT!).

just wanted to come up with the Chinese pronounciation of some of the terms which came up here, for future reference

The milk tea with the black "pearls" (which is made from tapioca power i think!) is called "Zhen Zhu Nai Cha".