Well, if happy endings are only for fairy tales, it is no wonder that the brothers Grimm wrote of the German forest and not the Chinese consulate. I was not successful today. They refused to give me a visa before Monday afternoon, and the Tuesday flight would not get me to the most important parts of my group's trip. I have notified my companions I'm a late scratch on the trip, and am back home in SEA.

I arrived at the consulate at 7:30, and was about 20th in line, which I would call "close to the front" when they opened at 9. After moving through security, I took a number. Windows 8 and 9 were for visas, and I was 12th in line for a visa issue. I was called to the window shortly before 10. I nicely explained my case, and initially got the response that same day was not possible except for medical emergencies. I then tried the angle that it should not be much work, because they had already given me a visa for this trip last week...the work was done. The agent took my paperwork, saying she would ask the consul after the morning meeting. Hope.

About 11, just as I noticed a Prem/E+ seat finally opened on tomorrow's flight, my phone rang calling me back to the window. The consul had decided: not for a tourist visa. I asked, smiling and kinda laughing (because this is stupid) if they'd talk to me. But, functionary says no. She'd get me one for Monday afternoon. Doesn't help me, I said; I need to cancel my trip and go home.

I retreated to a Starbuck's to review options. TWOV doesn't work for me, even with a quick stop outside PRC, because my destinations are all coastal fishing communities outside TWOV zones. Resignation.

UA was again understanding beyond my expectations. They had already changed my K fare to let me leave later and insert the 36 hours in SFO for the visa with no change fee or refare. When I further explained my plight, the agent put me on the next flight back to SEA, charged me for an SEA-SFO roundtrip, and issued an ETC for the balance, with no change fees. I give them tremendous credit for helping me give this my best shot.

Then I had some Mongolian beef for lunch.

There are some silver linings:

• I spent last night in the Queen Anne Hotel near the consulate, which has a wonderful Victorian ambiance. Charming.
• Immediately upon return, I got to meet up with a college friend who lives in EBB but is in SEA for a conference this week.
• Since my meetings and classes next week are already canceled, I may just spend all of next week hiding at the library catching up on real writing.
• My kids have decided that I left for China, but never came back from China.

For now, my (now invalid) passport is still missing. (Is that Chinese visa still good?) I expect I'll have a chance to recreate some of the value of this trip sometime in the coming year. Also, I get to deal with the insurance claims on the expenses I incurred replacing my passport, etc. A Briggs said they insure for replacement value, which I hope covers their fees and my new passport. Let's see what my Sapphire Reserve travel interruption insurance will cover.

Thanks for all the help and encouragement! I don't regret the effort.