A little soggy

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We are doing well. We have dried off a bit. If we could have sent Papiroon to Texas we would have. I know Hong Kong did not need it.

We ended up spending the night at the airport hotel in an overpriced room. We were lucky. During dinner we heard someone say the hotel was booked. The club lounge was nice. It is a special lounge area for certain rooms. That made it okay. The wind and the rain were fierce all night. By morning it had stopped raining but was still windy .

Our 8:15am flight to Shanghai was cancelled so we went to the club lounge for breakfast. They were closed when we initally headed to the airport. We had checked out of the hotel. We gave them the sob story and they let us in for breakfast. The flight we were supposed be on around 11am did not leave until 5pm. I think the airline gave us the plane for another flight. They kept postponing us until several people had finally had enough and found out what was happening. We were sent to a gate clear across the airport and wouldn't you know it the sign was for another flight to Shanghai. People for that flight were beginning to show up and were told they had been postponed. Lucky for us. Hopefully by now they are back on track. We made it to Shanghai, got our flight for the next day and went to the hotel. I had started getting a cold which by the time, we got on the flight to Tianjin was not pleasant. I spent Saturday and today just trying to rest. I am still stuffy but starting to feel better.

We are now in Tianjin TEDA and I start apartment hunting and being given the grand tour tomorrow. I have an English speaking guide for the week. So far the language barrier has been okay to overcome. Dave said he was breaking me in gradually. That is an understatement. I am thinking we should not have gone to Hong Kong, Most people speak English well enough to help. I was getting comfortable with English again. Here, I am beginning to wonder if anyone speaks English. Those that do, barely do. I know I will adjust. It is a matter of hanging in there and learning basic communication skills. The company still has not approved the actual move. We hope something moves forward this week.

We did do a bit of shopping today for snacks and some easy to prepare food. Instant noodles anyone? I found peanut butter and saltine crackers. There are some comfort foods, but you really have to pay attention to the package. The snack food people like to add interesting flavors to american snack food. The favorite is tomato ketchup flavoring on Bugles and potato chips. If found regular Lays and it said American flavor. So much for the simple.

I have to admit it would be nice to be out of the hotel and into a place that feels like we can spread out. Although, it is good prep for living on a boat.

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Photos

Waiting Taxis
I don't think they were planning to go anywhere.

Watching Typhoon Papiroon
there is land across the bay. You just can see it. It was a level 3 which is the equivalent of Category 2 Hurricane.

Watching Typhoon Papiroon
It is raining that hard.

Fallen Tree
This was in a protected courtyard by the pool. I guess I am glad we were not on a plane.

Relaxing in the club lounge
At least we got free drinks and hors doevers (sp?)

Our living room
It was a bit excessive but better than sleeping on a bench in the airport which was also at a premium.

And Jacuzzi
Not bad...

Are we there yet?
They drug us from gate 68 to gate 18 to take another flight's plane to Shanghai. After 30 hours in the airport, they could wait a few hours. We appreciate their sacrifice.

Comments

[Mom]

Togetherness
Good thing you like each other.