We eventually arrived in Beijing and then got held up waiting for our shuttle from the internal terminal to the international terminal at the airport. By the time we got to our gate, the flight was already boarding, and it was not long before we were airborne and on our way home.
Journey Home.
Once again, I noticed that although the plane for the long flight home was larger, the room in our seats was smaller than it was for the internal flights. I enjoyed a few films and ate a last meal before we arrived at Gatwick slightly early. We arrived early, but there was no gate for us to use, so we had to sit on the runway for a half hour before we got a gate.
We all left the plane, collected our luggage and said our goodbyes. I can honestly say I will miss the new friends I have made on this trip and hope that I get to see some of them again. My friend Tony met me at the airport and drove me home to Fareham.
Mum.
When I got home, I found out that Mum had been ill again whilst I had been away. Her cousin Evelyn had been looking after her and had called the doctor more than once. The doctor had told Mum she should be in hospital, but Mum refused to go into hospital. When I returned, the doctor was due out again. Mum finally said she would go into the hospital, but as the doctor explained, the Great English Health Service closed down over the weekend and it would be pointless taking her. He arranged for her to go into the hospital on Tuesday next week.
I am pleased that Mum's cousin Evelyn stayed on for another day as it gave me a chance to unwind after a long flight whilst still knowing that Mum would be looked after even whilst I was asleep.
Summary.
This was a fantastic holiday. It was a hectic holiday, and if you want a relaxing break, this holiday is not one you should consider taking. I saw some amazing things in China and met some fantastic people. I had eaten far too much and tried strange things like starfish, snakes and scorpions. I had been to see my first opera, seen giant pandas and walked along one of the world's modern wonders.
I had met and become friends with some great travelling companions and hoped to remain friends with them for many years. I had realised what a small world we live in. Some of my companions for this trip were born near where I was born, some live in places I have travelled to while tracing my family tree, and some live closer to me and drink in places I have drunk for years. My long-standing memories of this holiday will be fantastic places, adventures and people. I want to thank my travel Rep Branwen, the many local travel guides who showed us around throughout China and all of our drivers who got us about safely and made it a great holiday. Most of all I would like to thank my travelling companions for your company, friendship and the great memories you have given me of this holiday. I will be meeting some of you again and I hope we may all meet again somewhere, maybe on another trip, but I wish you all love, laughs and happy travel memories from this trip and the ones you are still to make.