China > Takeoff Towards Beijing

The weather in the Netherlands is still pleasant. I decide to walk to the station. While pulling my travel bag behind me, I walk through the blooming bulb fields. Two tourists ask me if I can take a photo of them. They ask where I’m going. They laugh when I answer “China.” I arrive at the station earlier than planned. I am just in time to catch an earlier train. At Schiphol airport, everything goes smoothly—check-in, baggage control, and customs. There are no waiting times anywhere. Because of this, I’m soon enjoying coffee with a sandwich. Shortly after three o’clock, it’s announced that my flight is delayed due to extra maintenance. Boarding begins three-quarters of an hour later. This doesn’t really matter much on an eleven-hour flight. By half past four, everyone is on board. I already meet a fellow traveler—she is sitting next to me. We start talking as the plane takes off towards Beijing. Outside, the weather is extremely clear. Even at ten kilometers altitude, the landscape below is still clearly visible. I put on a movie. Meanwhile, dinner is served. Because my travel companion has specially ordered a vegetarian meal, which is served first, I also receive my meal early. That way, you can eat together, I’m told. I order a glass of wine with the chicken meal.

China - In the past the walled city was only accessible to the emperor