Dec 18-19: Going to the Philippines
Luis and I woke up early December 18 to do some last-minute packing and get to the airport early. Our taxi was right on time and the check-in and security processes at Dulles went by smoothly. Luis was really impressed, because he said they have improved so much of the airport. We had Wendy's and Starbucks for breakfast, and patiently waited for our plane.
In Chicago. We landed on time in Chicago and had a bit of a wait before our flight to Hong Kong. So we decided to scope out the airport for lunch options. Thankfully, there was Billy Goat Tavern & Grill (CHEEZBORGER!) in Terminal 1. On our way there, we noticed a tiny booth offering flu shots, pneumonia shots, H1N1 shots ... what the what?! We did a double-take and didn't really believe it at first. We managed to get the regular flu shot, but we've meaning to get the H1N1 shot with no success. It was great that they offered this service at the Chicago airport. The nurse said that Chicago had completed providing the priority folks, i.e. kids, pregnant women and medical personnel, with the H1N1 shot, so they're not offering it to everyone else. So we coughed up the $22.50 and chose an arm. Poor Luis had been vaccinated both on the left arm and the right arm, so he had to choose the less sore arm. After that, we had lunch and waited for our flight. The United flight was delayed and our seats kinda sucked, but at least, we were together.
In Flight. I managed to catch some shut-eye, but Luis managed to watch all the movies. He was mostly annoyed that we didn't have leg room, and the little that we had, they blocked with some sort of box at the bottom of the seats in front of us. Bummer! But I realized that ear plugs are a blessing and a must-have for travel.
In Hong Kong. After a grueling 16-hour flight, we made it to Hong Kong. Though boring, the HK airport was big enough for long walks, which we much needed after being cooped up in our seats. We explored the area and opted for a snack of ramen noodles and coffee from Illy. Thankfully, the flight to Manila was right on time, and we didn't have to wait too long before the trip was over!
In Manila. We arrived in Manila a little before midnight. Going through immigration and getting a baggage was a breeze, but battling through the crowds at the arrival area was not. It was Luis' first time to feel the Philippine heat, so it was a bit of a challenge. But when my parents arrived, we'd forgotten all about it! Mom came over with a bouquet of flowers for me and garlands of the fragrant sampaguita for Luis. Dad borrowed a Toyota Fortuner to get all our bags to fit. The drive home was not too much trouble.
When we got to the condo, Mom and Dad had some ensaymada for our snack. After that, it was bedtime! It's great to be home!!!
In Chicago. We landed on time in Chicago and had a bit of a wait before our flight to Hong Kong. So we decided to scope out the airport for lunch options. Thankfully, there was Billy Goat Tavern & Grill (CHEEZBORGER!) in Terminal 1. On our way there, we noticed a tiny booth offering flu shots, pneumonia shots, H1N1 shots ... what the what?! We did a double-take and didn't really believe it at first. We managed to get the regular flu shot, but we've meaning to get the H1N1 shot with no success. It was great that they offered this service at the Chicago airport. The nurse said that Chicago had completed providing the priority folks, i.e. kids, pregnant women and medical personnel, with the H1N1 shot, so they're not offering it to everyone else. So we coughed up the $22.50 and chose an arm. Poor Luis had been vaccinated both on the left arm and the right arm, so he had to choose the less sore arm. After that, we had lunch and waited for our flight. The United flight was delayed and our seats kinda sucked, but at least, we were together.
In Flight. I managed to catch some shut-eye, but Luis managed to watch all the movies. He was mostly annoyed that we didn't have leg room, and the little that we had, they blocked with some sort of box at the bottom of the seats in front of us. Bummer! But I realized that ear plugs are a blessing and a must-have for travel.
In Hong Kong. After a grueling 16-hour flight, we made it to Hong Kong. Though boring, the HK airport was big enough for long walks, which we much needed after being cooped up in our seats. We explored the area and opted for a snack of ramen noodles and coffee from Illy. Thankfully, the flight to Manila was right on time, and we didn't have to wait too long before the trip was over!
In Manila. We arrived in Manila a little before midnight. Going through immigration and getting a baggage was a breeze, but battling through the crowds at the arrival area was not. It was Luis' first time to feel the Philippine heat, so it was a bit of a challenge. But when my parents arrived, we'd forgotten all about it! Mom came over with a bouquet of flowers for me and garlands of the fragrant sampaguita for Luis. Dad borrowed a Toyota Fortuner to get all our bags to fit. The drive home was not too much trouble.
When we got to the condo, Mom and Dad had some ensaymada for our snack. After that, it was bedtime! It's great to be home!!!
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