Sydney to Iceland via China. Mostly J, some China Domestic Y and Magnetic Levitation!
Dec 5, 2011, 8:56 pm
#46
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Would you mind elaborating about these complexities? I live in China and have never found getting around, eating, sleeping, etc to be any more difficult than in the US or Europe. Furthermore, I'm a staunch proponent of independent travel.
Dec 6, 2011, 2:31 am
#47
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Iceland is expensive by most European standards but is much cheaper than Sweden (my next stop on the trip). So it really depends upon your frame of reference. I've been advised not to hire a car there unless you want to deprive your children of their entire inheritance.
But it is a fantastic experience. Hang the expense! You'll love it.
Jun 12, 2012, 12:41 am
#48
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I too am a proponent of independent travel. In fact this was must first ever tour and in hindsight, I'm glad I did it that way.
I'm sure you're right about getting around in China. It was my first trip there and without any experience I thought the lack of English, sheer size of the place and mystery would make it difficult to do independently. It was my perception at the time.
If I went back, I'd probably do another tour, but would definitely appreciate more free time or extend my trip to give me a few days by myself.
Jul 22, 2012, 4:45 pm
#50
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Enjoy your trip. One year down the track and I still think it's one of the most interesting places I've ever visited. Definitely eat some lamb chops (one of my lasting memories).
For day trips I can recommend GTI (Gateway to Iceland). I think it will be close to the season for the northern lights. That is also well worth a night out.
And remember the key phrase "eg tala ekki islensku". It means I don't speak Icelandic.
Enjoy.
For day trips I can recommend GTI (Gateway to Iceland). I think it will be close to the season for the northern lights. That is also well worth a night out.
And remember the key phrase "eg tala ekki islensku". It means I don't speak Icelandic.
Enjoy.
Jul 22, 2012, 8:19 pm
#52
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Thank you. I normally do a fair bit of research on each country I'm about to visit and at least try to be able the say the basics (hello, yes, no, thank you, good bye, two beers please), but since I was just transiting in Vienna I didn't do as much research as I should. Thanks for helping.
Dec 15, 2012, 11:38 am
#54
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FM9207 - PVG to XIY. 19 Oct 11.
Seat 23D. B737-800.
Domestic Economy Class
12:00 scheduled departure.
Domestic, economy, China, discount airline : All the signs of a winner right!
Shanghai airport is a massive beast with gates up to C223.
Signs were dual language pointing to exotic destinations.
One of the shops in the airport was selling live crabs. Their nippers were tied in place, but the smell was obvious and I was hoping nobody on our flight had a taste for these delicacies.
Aircraft B-5320 was in fair condition.
I didn't get to sample the lounge as I was flying on a pre-organised economy fare and I also can't report upon the 8 first class seats (although they did look very comfortable and they were very ornately decorated).
Economy was the usual 3-3 configuration. Leg room was normal for economy domestic. (Remember I'm 192cms tall.)
A normal person fits like this:
We were subject to several safety briefings, some pre-recorded, some live and unlike the previous Air China briefing there were largely legible to my western ears.
Push back was a few minutes late due to air traffic control prior to a tour of all the taxiways. Well it seemed that way.
Lunch was a choice of fish and rice or beef and noodles. I was one of the last server and they had just ran out of beef. Beer or soft drink was available. It was all tasty enough, served on a plastic tray and with a plastic cup for the drink.
There was generally poor cabin discipline with people wandering through the cabin while the seat belt sign was on and even during push back and using mobile phones while taxiing.
Before landing we entered the toxic air of a Chinese city made worse by the manufacturing base of Xi-An burning brown coal by the metric truck load.
The airport signs were in Chinglish.
And there was the usual scrum for bags. For once, mine as one of the first off and that was without the aid of a priority tag!
Seat 23D. B737-800.
Domestic Economy Class
12:00 scheduled departure.
Domestic, economy, China, discount airline : All the signs of a winner right!
Shanghai airport is a massive beast with gates up to C223.
Signs were dual language pointing to exotic destinations.
One of the shops in the airport was selling live crabs. Their nippers were tied in place, but the smell was obvious and I was hoping nobody on our flight had a taste for these delicacies.
Aircraft B-5320 was in fair condition.
I didn't get to sample the lounge as I was flying on a pre-organised economy fare and I also can't report upon the 8 first class seats (although they did look very comfortable and they were very ornately decorated).
Economy was the usual 3-3 configuration. Leg room was normal for economy domestic. (Remember I'm 192cms tall.)
A normal person fits like this:
We were subject to several safety briefings, some pre-recorded, some live and unlike the previous Air China briefing there were largely legible to my western ears.
Push back was a few minutes late due to air traffic control prior to a tour of all the taxiways. Well it seemed that way.
Lunch was a choice of fish and rice or beef and noodles. I was one of the last server and they had just ran out of beef. Beer or soft drink was available. It was all tasty enough, served on a plastic tray and with a plastic cup for the drink.
There was generally poor cabin discipline with people wandering through the cabin while the seat belt sign was on and even during push back and using mobile phones while taxiing.
Before landing we entered the toxic air of a Chinese city made worse by the manufacturing base of Xi-An burning brown coal by the metric truck load.
The airport signs were in Chinglish.
And there was the usual scrum for bags. For once, mine as one of the first off and that was without the aid of a priority tag!