January 9, 2003 - page 2

Surprisingly, the flight seemed to pass relatively quickly. Seeing the mountains of China rise up out of the clouds was impressive and a nice way to begin a morning that for my body was really early evening.

Now we’re sitting in well-worn lounge chairs in front of a Starbucks, each with his/her own method of passing time. There’s shopping (Cartier in a communist country), cards, reading, and FREE INTERNET! Strange how when one goes abroad, news of home is something one seems to seek most.

I hate payphones. It ate my money, but at least my mom heard my voice for about 2 seconds and she knows I’m safe.