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Good Morning Shanghai

10/13/2009

I left Honolulu on Monday morning and I arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday evening. Of course, crossing the International Dateline made one day disappear from my calendar but I know that it will magically reappear upon my return eastbound across the International Dateline. It does make for some confusion when trying to manage your time and make flight connections in Tokyo. There is only a one hour time difference between Tokyo and Shanghai, so my best advice is change your watch in Tokyo to match Shanghai time.

Another tip for a smooth transition, stay awake during the flights and in Tokyo. My strategy of staying awake for the duration of the journey here was to ensure a quick transition to the time zone. The firm beds here in the Guest House and an exhausted body were the perfect combination. I slept almost all night with only one interruption at 4:30 am. After checking the time I went back to sleep with no problem. Unfortunately, my alarm clock did not work but I did wake up in time for my first meeting this morning.

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Aloha Honolulu

10/12/2009

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The day starts early with a 6 am wake-up call. I am already weary as I did not sleep well last night. Unbelievable as I was physically exhausted by 2 hours in the ocean on Sunday. But after a quick breakfast, I check out of the hotel and take the shuttle to the Honolulu International Airport. Check in with ANA was smooth as silk. I simply rolled my luggage into the ANA Club line and walked right up to a check-in line. Showed my passport and they weighed my luggage. They claimed the one bag was over by a pound, but no extra charge. I would hope not. I weighed the bag and it was not over the 50 pound limit. My luggage is checked all the way to Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. As I approached the rather lengthy TSA line, I saw the Gold Line for All Airlines. I slipped right through without waiting. Even though I have a TSA approved Laptop case, I still must remove my little Asus Eee PC net-book and allow it to ride in a gray tub through the x-ray machine. Still it is rather quick and I gather my items and proceed to the United/ANA lounge to await my flight. The lounge does not have free Internet service, but it is comfortable with refreshments and power for my computer. So here I am awaiting the call for my flight.

Next stop Narita International Airport. Hopefully there will be free wireless Internet there as I have 4 hours to catch up on my email and blog. May I add how much I love my netbook. It is light and easy to carry.

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My Journey West Begins

10/4/2009

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Well the adventure begins. I arrived to the SLC International Airport two hours prior to my flight. Yesterday I had attempted to check-in online but due to my upgrade on the return flight, I was unable to check-in. I arrived at the airport with a 28 inch Pullman, 24 inch Pullman, and my rolling carry-on topped off with my computer bag. As my car pulled up to Terminal 2, the Sky Cap immediately stepped forward to assist with my luggage. He encountered a problem with my check-in, but resolved it with a quick phone call. It is amazing how quickly they can charge the luggage fees, print the receipt, and luggage tags once my problem was resolved. Of course, it cost another $10 since I had to check-in at curb side. I verified the airport code for my destination and quickly corrected the Sky Cap when he attempted to place my tags on the wrong bags. Suddenly my check-in was completed and I gave him $6 in tip for the speedy assistance.

I quickly ascended the escalator to the 2nd floor and proceeded to the TSA screening. I was able to walk right up to the entrance of the TSA station . . . I was taken by surprise that there were no lines. Where was everyone today? Absolutely no lines for any security line today! I walked right up to a vacant but open screener and was greeted with a smile. The TSA officer explained that I had selected one of the new screening machines. Did I want to proceed to this new machine or did I prefer the old style of screening? Suddenly, I remembered an old movie with Arnold Swarzenegger on Mars . . . I think it was called “Total Recall.” It seemed a bit science fiction, but I was game. Let Linda try it! I removed all my metal items and they even asked me if I had any papers in my pockets. Did that include my money belt? Yes, so there I was stripping off the money belt and holding it above my head. The doors on the booth closed and then opened as quickly as they closed. I stepped out and awaited the clearance before retrieving my items. Observations: The process was easy and quick, but it did mean that my carry-on items were momentarily left unguarded. This process would be advisable for two people traveling together. One person could delay the entry of your computer until you had proceeded through the screening. The second person would be free to retrieve items from the x-ray machine after passing the screening. This type of screening would be best for those people who have pacemakers or metal implanted in their limbs. It was painless and easy but it did seem to take a bit longer than the metal detector screenings.

I discovered that Salt Lake International Airport provided free wireless Internet service. That was very customer service oriented. I commend the management of the airport for their wisdom in providing this amenity. Then just as our flight was boarding several GoGo representatives were distributing free wireless connection for our flight. Fantastic, I would have Internet service on board the flight to LAX. Since this flight was on an older plane with only the drop down screens, I was pleased to have Internet service. During the flight they were showing some television show . . . it did not appear to be of any interest to me. I opted to connect to the Internet to catch-up on tasks. My new Asus Eee PC Netbook was a perfect fit for the cramped quarters of Coach seating. I completed an assignment for my online educator course from the Utah Education Network and sent it off from the air. It is a wonder how the world is changing. Who would have imagined that I would be emailing and drafting an assignment while traveling at 15,000 feet?

Well just when my expectations had been raised by all the free Internet access, I arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport. Terminal 5 looked a bit worn and in need of an Internet station. Yes, there were 2 charging stations . . . both were filled with travelers charging their telephones, computers, and other rechargeable devices of every shape and color. I found one open plug and moved into position. When another power plug became available I added my Kindle to this power pit-stop. No wireless Internet at any of the restaurants. After searching to obtain Internet access I discovered that they had a for purchase option for wireless Internet. With less than an hour remaining before my next flight, I skipped the purchase of Internet. Well, the next flight seemed to start off with a late departure due to late arrival of our plane from Atlanta. Our flight attendant announced that they were attempting to reboot the entertainment system. There would be no wireless Internet because our flight was over the ocean. The entertainment system was broken so there were no games, music, movies, television, or any other distractions.

I pulled out my computer and went to work brushing up on my lectures for this week and writing this blog. I will be lecturing in 3 classes and giving a presentation to the faculty of Maui Community College. The perfectionist in me tweaks all my presentations until I deliver them . . . and often again after I have finished the presentation. It is great that my small netbook fits on the small tray table. Additionally, its long battery life enables me to work without the fear of the battery dying. I can reference the books on elearning on my Kindle as I modify the PowerPoint slides. I complete all the presentations and read a book before I begin to tire.

Two hours left before arriving at Maui and I am weary. It is approaching my bedtime in Utah and my body wants to sleep but I am determined to remain awake in order to adjust to the time differences. Restless leg syndrome appears to hold my legs hostage. I have done several exercises to keep the blood pumping and eliminate swollen ankles. I am wearing compression socks but my left leg aches. Off come the shoes and my toes enjoy freedom to stretch and wiggle with abandon. I have walked the Coach cabin several times . . . but there is only so far you can go in a plane. Several people are walking the aisles . . . two women are really getting in their steps. There is no room in the gallery or by the restrooms as they are filled with people, so I return to my seat. Oh yes, steps for health. I have been able to get 7850 today . . . over 5,000 before this flight. Still lacking 2200 from my daily goal. Fortunately, the cabin lights are on in coach. We cannot seem to even get the overhead lights to work since the entertainment system is broken. So the flight attendants have left the lights on to allow people to read or work games. The only thing that seems to work on the entertainment system is the flight progress and flight path map. We can watch our progress to Maui. It is approaching 10:30 pm at home and my body wants to sleep. Some passengers are providing a bit of entertainment by coloring on napkins. A flight attendant keeps posting them on the partitions between the first class cabin and coach. The passengers applaud the posting of our own art gallery. I have listened to my Ipod, read a book on my Kindle, and revised three lectures. Now I have concluded this blog. Will I slip into a light sleep for an hour or two . . . as our flight approaches the Hawaiian Islands? My screen indicates that we are flying at 35,000 feet elevation, at a ground speed of 500 miles per hour. We are encountering a slight headwind (47 mph) and it is a frigid minus 56 degrees outside. Maybe it is time for a bit of Sudoku or solitaire. My brain is acting sluggish and my eyes are tired. Less than 2 hours to go . . . will the UTourDoctor make it all the way without falling prey to the Sandman? We will have to see.

As I arrive in Maui my body rejoices at the thought of escaping the confines the airplane. It is humid and warm even though it is now approaching 9 pm in Maui. I call Liping as I walk down the terminal. As I arrive in the baggage area the airport comes alive with people. Several flights seem to be arriving from the mainland. I immediately rent a luggage cart and proceed to the appointed baggage area to claim my luggage. My luggage arrives without delay and I meet Liping and Rob at the curb. After storing my large suitcase and small carry-on in the trunk, the second checked bag goes into the backseat with ease since their car is a convertible. All aboard for Kihei and the hospitality of Liping and Rob Reed. Without delay I collapse into bed in preparation for teaching class tomorrow morning at 9 am. Sleep comes with no delay . . . I don't even remember dreaming.

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Dallas-Fort Worth Skylink

9/24/2009

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It has been several years since I had made connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Typically, I fly in and rent a car so this trip to Texas A&M University (TAMU) would be a test of my ability to traverse the sprawling terminals (A-E) in an attempt to make a connection on American Eagle to College Station. DFW covers almost 30 acres, has 3 control towers, 7 runways, and 5 terminals. It is the 3rd largest airport in the world in terms of operations and 7th in terms of passengers. The terminals stretch the equivalent of 7 foot ball fields. So I must admit I was prepared with my running shoes laced up and double knotted in preparation for the race. When I plan a trip by air I typically scope out the airport and I was aware of the Skylink. Unfortunately, several of my past encounters with "ground transportation" had left me with the decision to run for it rather than take the chance with the inconvenient systems. Well I was pleasantly surprised by the DFW Skylink people mover system.

Skylink is an elevated automated people mover system located above the airport, in this regard the Skylink is similar to the monorails of Disney World fame. The rail line is 50 feet above the ground. The sleek cars even feature large windows allowing the passengers to enjoy the unobstructed view of the Dallas-Fort Worth skyline. The Skylink trains arrive at each station (2 per terminal) every few minutes and speed its passengers smoothly to their destinations at 35-38 mph. The best feature of the system is that it operates within the secured area of the airport. There is no need to depart the airport and re-enter through the often frustrating TSA security screenings.

As my arrival flight taxied to its assigned gate, the flight attendant announced our arrival gate and then reviewed a litany of destinations and their corresponding departure gates. My seat assignment was in row 8 so my exit from the plane was relatively quick. My eyes spied the bright Skylink signs and the escalator quickly whisked me up to the station. I arrived at the Skylink station above the Terminal C just as the train was slipping quietly into the station. The automated voice announced the arrival of the train just as the doors opened and passengers poured out into the concourse. I slipped aboard and took a seat at the end of the first car. My ride lasted less than 7 minutes as the train cruised into a 2nd station in Terminal C, two stations in Terminal A, and then into the two stations of Terminal B. As the train paused perhaps a minute or two in the stations, most of the time I either checked out the view of the Dallas-Fort Worth skyline or reviewed the terminal guide considering my options for a quick lunch. I marveled at the calm demeanor of the passengers as they boarded and patiently awaited their appointed station. Amazingly, the Skylink is so efficient that the passengers do not jostle each other or push their way into the train like so many ill-planned or overcrowded ground transportation systems I have had the misfortune of enduring.

Fortunately, the speedy transfer afforded me the time to enjoy a healthy lunch at Subway and relax before my next flight. I commend the DFW Airport Authority for their foresighted attention and investment in a smooth operating people mover. I also aappreciated the number of volunteers providing information booths located in the terminals. They were always smiling and pleasant as they respond quickly with information and maps. My only recommendation is to provide free wireless Internet access. Unfortunately, every one of the wired Internet locations were filled with passengers. I would have appreciated access while I waited for my flight.

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Good Morning Shanghai

Aloha Honolulu

My Journey West Begins

Dallas-Fort Worth Skylink

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