lorenius

I went to Southeast Asia last August, and I just realized I never posted about it. Oops! I only took like 4000 photos…so I should share something.

Part 1 – Getting There

My first flight was from Newark to Hong Kong on Continental. I was in coach but had snared a pretty good seat. This was a 15hr flight, but I brought books and knitting so I was ok. It was an evening flight so I was able to sleep, which helps to make the time pass.

One of the cool things about this flight was that we took a totally unexpected route. I had assumed we’d pretty much just go west, but it turns out the route is to go straight north and hang a right when you get to the north pole. Then we came south over Siberia and Mongolia and into China. I got to see some cool ice up North.

Ice Flows in Northern Canada

Landing in Hong Kong was interesting. We had to pass through body temperature sensors. They really do really take swine flu seriously! Then I had to run around and try to find where I could check in for my flight to Bangkok. This involved me walking around in circles for at least 30 minutes.

The "Sleeping Lounge" in Bangkok Airport

My second flight was on Ethiopian Air. This was definitely an interesting experience.  The Bangkok stop was a stopover on the way to somewhere in Africa, so most people on the flight were on their way home. I assume most went to Hong Kong to shop. I got to see people carrying on massive shopping bags and tons and tons of fake Louis Vuitton. This was a short (4hr) flight which wasn’t too bad after the one to Hong Kong.

Someone sleeping in Bangkok Airport

I had no problems arriving in Bangkok and clearing customs, but this was only the start of the fun. My flight arrived after midnight and we were flying to Cambodia at 7am the next morning. It wouldn’t really be worth the time and expense to leave the airport so I decided to sleep there. There is good sleeping area in the airport. You go the third level (with all the food places) all the way to the left there is a ton of benches. The only things down there are airline offices/lounges so its pretty quiet. There’s also a bathroom at the very end.  Lots of people sleep there so it’s not too scary and I did see some police types patrol it.

I can’t really say I slept well..but I was jetlagged so I napped a bit. Then I read and knit. Finally I gave up and went to the bathroom to clean up. Spending over 24hrs in the same clothes isn’t that pleasant.  But my friends were meeting me in the airport to head to Phnom Penh..so the adventure was just beginning.