Arriving

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Wow, talk about a long commute. After a 9 1/2 hour plane ride to Tokyo, a 3 hour layover followed by a 3 1/2 hour ride to Beijing, and three different check points serviced by employees with masks and eye goggles I finally . . . got out of the airport at 12am (it was a brisk 80 degrees). Next I bargained for a taxi that turned out to be sketchy as hell, but no worries, after a half hour ride around Beijing's 4th circle, we finally made it through the narrow alleyways of Xuanwu District and found the hostel.

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Photos

City in the sky
The flight from Seattle to Tokyo wasn't half bad.

Tokyo Airport
There were lots of people just passed out on these sweet couches.

Emporers Guest House
This place is off the chain.

My room # 202
I had reserved a multi-bed room to cut down the costs, but because I got in late they gave me a single for no extra charge.

Comments

[My San]

GREAT to hear from you!
Thanks so much for writing and sending pictures----------priceless! I especially loved the "Passing out" shot. I am so excited for you. Hope the cab ride did not set you back too much. Can't wait to hear more from you. Love the pictures and titles. Grandma and Grandpa were looking and reading over my shoulder as I read and looked at them. I called Aunt Sherry right away so she is now checking her e-mail as well (I got them subscribed). It all looks fantastic. Hope you are having a good day and hope you are feeling much better. Love you lots!

[sherry Holtzman]

wow
I thought of you all morning.....talk about a different reality...how exciting Love,Sherry

[Elsbeth]

Just smiling!
Accck! My previous message didn't show up. Everyone I know is excited about your adventure and sends their best wishes and love. The photos are great and I liked reading the comments. The hostel looks incredible with all the lanterns and hanging cranes. What a different reality then America! I am looking forward to hearing more about your trip, the people you meet and what you see as you travel. Glad you have your journal and art supplies as it is going to be fun for you to draw and paint such a different environment. Much love to you honey. mom oxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo

[Melanie]

holy crap.
HARRISON. Your pictures are sick (those couches are totally sweet) and I'm stoked over being able to stalk you from thousands of miles away. Seriously though, your trip looks amazing so far and it's only been a couple days - I'm way jealous. Are you traveling with someone or did you take that picture of you passing out by yourself?

[Susan Horwitz]

WOW
Hi Harrison, I finally got a chance to check out your blog entries. It sounds like an amazing trip. More phots please. Happy trails to you ...Susan