21 December 2010 ~ Off to Phuket

Here we are at Dalian airport freezing our tails off on the tarmac. We had left our warm winter coats behind because we were off to a warmer climate! We had three flights ahead of us: Dalian to Guangzhou, Guangzhou to Bangkok, and Bangkok to Phuket. Total traveling time from door to door: 16 hours.

Industrial size signs to gates at Guangzhou Airport.

And we're off to Bangkok, Thailand!

We only had about an hour layover in Bangkok before we had to catch our next flight to Phuket. Thai Airlines was awesome. An agent was waiting for us at the gate who lead us on a short cut to the next terminal and expedited us through passport control. We didn't even have to pick up our bags and clear them through customs. They sent them straight through to the next flight. (Or so we thought!)

"Airport of Smiles"

I sure was all smiles cuz I was in Thailand!!

Bangkok Airport--checking in to our next flight to Phuket.

Luckily, we made it to the gate with only moments to spare.

Isaac, Brandi and Doug

Matthew and me

Check this out! I'm on a plane leaving Bangkok and heading for Phuket! Just amazing!

Thai writing!

Matthew and Isaac were given model airplanes.

Getting closer!!

We landed but, sadly, our luggage did not. It's a terrible feeling when you've be traveling for hours and hours, taken three different flights, finally make it to your destination, and the baggage carousel stops before your luggage comes out. I had visions of my suitcase back in China or lost out there somewhere in Asia, but we soon learned that our luggage simply missed the flight to Phuket and was still back in Bangkok. The airline was very helpful. We filled out all the necessary paperwork and were informed that our luggage would arrive on the next flight and be delivered to our hotel by 1:30 am. As promised, at 1:45 there was a knock on my door and there was the loveliest sight in the world...my suitcase! Lesson learned: put glasses (or at least contact lens solution) and a change of clothes in carry-on bag!

They tried, but it was not quite rushed enough!