I hate typhoons

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So, I now wait at the HK airport. For the next 9 hours, thanks to a typhoon delay. I'm just happy I'm getting out of here today. Luckily for me there's also free wi-fi and a movie theater. And I have a library in my bag. Too bad they closed the Krispy Kreme.

Last night it started raining hard in Shenzhen and I noticed the little weather warning logos on the TVs on the metro. But usually they aren't a big deal. Even Anthony thought the storm would pass by midnight.

Woke up about 3 times last night and the storm was fierce. I awoke again around 6am and decided to see what the TV said. Except that I no longer had TV reception. It had been knocked out by the storm. So I opted to leave early in case there was a problem with the ferry. By 7am it had stopped raining, so I ran for it.

After my cab let me off (and drove away) I discovered that all ferries were cancelled. I had some guy with a pink umbrella chasing me around trying to drive me to the HK airport for the "low" price of 500 RMB. After he pesterd and followed me a while I finally yelled at him quite angrily. There were no cabs and I was stuck.

Finally a cab showed up. He wanted 100RMB to take me to the bus terminal. (The nice ladies at the ferry terminal had called and they had a shuttle spot left.) I refused. I know that's about 3 times the amount it should be. After a bit and taking a bathroom break, the cabbie relented and used the meter and I was on my way. The trip cost Y32.

Got the last ticket. The women at the ticket booth laughed and asked "Hong Kong Airport?" while holding an umbrella over my head.

Got shoved into a mini van and all 6 of us drove over the border. They just hand your papers out the window and you wave at the guy in the booth. Easy and I got to sit for all of it.

Finally arrived to find out my flight is delayed until 8:30pm. All of that rushing for nothing. So now I'm at Starbucks, using some nice man's power plug adaptor and drinking coffee. The nice men working here took pity on me and gave me 2 extra shots of expresso in my coffee for free. Good thing, too, or else I'd be guaranteed to have a keyboard imprint on my face by now.

So that's the scoop. I'll still get into Phoenix on Sunday, just 9 hours late. After last year, I know it could be much worse.

Cheers!

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Comments

[Sally Arner]

I hate typhoons
I am happy that you made it through all of that and will be onto Phoenix. I know your folks are eager to see you. And I hope you have lots of fun together. Some day I hope to meet you. Sally