I gotta say, when I first heard “your Visa is expired” I was pretty sad. The look on Sam’s face was horrifying. I know it’s a strong word, but my gosh. One second, I thought I could make the trip alone, another second I was on the phone to David saying I’m not going to go either. In back of my head I was thinking “but this is China, this is a brand new China. I just vowed it on my blog”.
Leave it to David to talk sense into me. Carla was meeting us in Shanghai from Peru. How could we both back out on her. So off I went. My very first trip alone. And my very first trip I didn’t have the window seat. Had Sam come I’m sure she would’ve switched with me. Though the gentleman who filled her seat was as nice of a man as I could hope for!! It was a good flight.
I landed and the nervousness began to build up again. Dang, I had to catch a cab alone. It’s crazy the things you think are so scary when you are alone. A partner just makes them all go away. But I admit, I feel a tad bit braver for calling the cab alone. Yup. It’s the little things that make us grow!
1.5 hours later
I love this place! It’s nice to see Carla’s face. As we walked through Yu Gardens we saw a great wedding. The place is packed but the streets so quiet. I guess everyone is at the wedding. And we went to get dumplings. The dumpling place is the one consistency in every trip. Hopefully Sam will share the tradition with Lauren when they come over.
Just waiting to get train tickets. This time Carla did not have her passport so she’s running to get it as I sit and type.
30minutes later
Mission complete. Train tickets bought for the big day tomorrow. We are going to Ningbo. Never been there, so here’s to new landscapes!
And now I must call it a night. I’m exhausted and I can feel myself getting puffy. Ha, and I even had Sam’s salt free peanuts. The plane totally does it to me. I remember the first time, and Lynette go ahead and laugh, but the first time my feet were so swollen I had to wear hotel slippers. Crazy right. Okay, well kinda crazy.
Night!! And good morning to you.
-Denise
Enjoy your trip!!!
Kudos to you Denise for going it alone! It’s a whole different perspective. I flew to Paris by myself a few years ago and met my parents before a tour around Europe. I was really scared even though I can speak French. Oh and I told my parents I was finally pregnant with our dd after 10 years.
Have a great time!! Looking forward to your blog!!
So I’m not the only one who gets “puffy”! I go to see my dad’s side of the family in Japan every few years (13 hours non-stop out of O’hare), and … is it because of the less pressure in the air??? … I always get the swollen face, feet, etc. Also, if I eat pizza, chips, etc. -must be the salt?- the same ….
This story sounds all too familiar to me…working for a different company…traveling with out that associate who turns out to be one of your best friends…but meeting in China and enjoying the dumplings together is the same. You have just given me a great look back in my life, thanks for sharing.
Enjoy the trip and safe travels.
You go, girl! Flying to another country alone is never easy. The first time I flew internationally by myself was to Rome. No suitcase when i got there, no way to let the people know who were picking me up (no unticketed people until after you pick up your bags!) and no Italian. It was a trip to remember! Have fun and enjoy those dumplings.
Brave honey muffin. That’s what you are.
So proud of you!! Doesn’t really surprise me though- I think your nervousness is what drives you and Sam forward. You thrive on it, if your not nervous it just may not be worth your time.
Pamela, I think you might be on to something! Let’s hope you’re right 😉 -Sam
SERENDIPITY!!! ; )