Living the Dream

When we got to the airport we went up to the counter to check in. Once again I was wearing my Olympic credentials just in case. The lady took my passport and asked if I wanted window or aisle. I asked for the aisle in the emergency row. She did not really understand me so I just said forget it.

We start walking toward the huge line for the security check. I have no idea why the line was so long...it was almost one of those lines you see Thanksgiving time. As we are about to get in line this lady stops me. Kind of confused I turn around and she goes, "sir, can you please come with me." I follow her back to the counter and I am thinking maybe they made a mistake with my seat or something. She starts getting on the phone and looking at the computer. I asked what was going on and I got the standard, "wait a moment please." So we waited about 5 minutes and this other guy comes up to the counter. He says, "follow me." We didn't have to go through regular security we went through what they called VIP security. He then gives us our tickets. We went from row 15 to 2....first class! I was carrying a big back pack and then a smaller bag and he takes one of them for me to help me carry it. We start walking toward the gate all I can do is laugh.

On the right side of the terminal is all of these first class lounges. We passed about 3 and then the 4th one he says, "right this way sir." Now I am in the first class lounge at the airport. We sit down and he asks if I would like a beer.....sure why not. He brings out a beer and a fruit plate and asks if I would like lunch. I declined and went about drinking my beer. It was 7pm and the flight was boarding soon. We decided to get up and leave and said thanks. They said, "no you can't go yet we will take you in 15 minutes." I told him I wanted to walk around for a little and he didn't seem to understand why I would leave.

We get to our gate but there is no plane...its a bus! First thing that pops in my head is "when in China." We are one of the first few in line and there must be 80-100 people behind us. They take our boarding passes and tell us to get on the bus. Well the bus was the size of one of the rental car buses at the airports in the states minus seats. I get in and go straight for the back and then watch the entire plane board this bus. It is so crowded and with crowded comes hot and with hot comes smells! The bus sat with the doors closed and no air for about 5 minutes and then drove onto the tar mac to our plane. We board the plane and row 2 end up not being first class but it has a huge amount of leg room. Same seats as coach but more leg room then emergency row.

I put my iPod on and start to doze off. The flight attendant taps me on the shoulder and says, "Mr. Salinger if there is anything you need while on the plane please let me know and we will be glad to accommodate you." I said thank you and just started laughing to myself. The flight was a little bumpy and we were a little late. When I walked off the plane there is a woman right on the other side of the door with a sign that says, "Welcome Salinger/David." I went up to her and she says, "welcome to Beijing I hope your flight was everything you expected." We walked into the terminal and she asks me if I am heading to Olympic Village. I said no because I had no idea what would happen if I said yes. I was not sure if they would arrange a car or what. We took the subway home which was easy!

About my badge. This is the greatest thing in the world. These people must have thought I was someone important for them to stop me in the airport, change my ticket, let me in the first class club, and have someone waiting for me in Beijing. The hospitality was amazing. I gave everyone who was helping me Olympic Pins and they were very appreciative.

With that said...when I fly home in 2 weeks I will be sure to wear my badge and have plenty of pins to give out and see what happens. It was a great way to end a great trip.

I need to get to bed..I am exhausted.