17 November 2011
Beijing capital airport
Apparently its the second largest airport building in the world after Dubai, the 5th largest building in the world overall, the second busiest by passenger numbers globally, the busiest in asia etc.
However its quiet and peaceful. It features a giant check in hall, shared between domestic and international, and then you go off to separate areas of the building by shuttle train, I suspect the domestic part is much busier, it has 79 restaurants.
Whilst customs was fast and efficient, it involved a full frisk, and emptying the entire contents of my laptop bag and opening up my laptop etc. I have never had to do this before, generally customs are more interested with what you are bringing in, not what you are taking out.
Right now I am sitting in the Cathay pacific lounge waiting for my dragonair flight (a cathay subsidiary) to Hong Kong. So look forward to more boring airport photos from there.
Also, eventually I will get bored of sitting here eating free cake, so I might get lost in Beijing airport yet and miss my flight!
I had to transfer subways twice, then get on the airport express train. It was raining and there were lots of stairs. When I was walking in the rain with my cases, taxi drivers were leaning out the window yelling at me like I was a lunatic.
I was right about the slippery streets, since it rained properly overnight and washed all the whatever the hell it was away, the streets are no longer slippery.
Its me on the train, looking thrilled as usual. Actually I am, I am going to the airport!
Arriving at the airport, impressive station is impressive. Theres very dense fog and rain outside, yet planes seem to be landing ok.
Check in hall, the roof is sort of a red color.
Not a lot I can see out the window due to fog unfortunately.
I have the lounge to myself, well me and lots of staff to fuss over me.
Yep, more dumplings!