Over the Pacific

It takes a long time to de-ice a big plane. We finally got off the ground at 4:30 am, more than an hour and a half late. By then I was soo tired. I slept for the first five hours of the flight or so (missing school for scoundrels) and then awoke feeling much better. The China Airlines cabin crew is one of the most courteous I have ever seen. They are providing a great service without any of the grouchiness that is often evident with American carriers. Right now it is 12:35 pm Alaska time, 5:35 am Taipei time and we are somewhere over the East China Sea with about two hours left before Taipei. The beginning of twilight can just barely be seen out the window.

The last couple of days have been pretty nerve-racking as I prepared for the trip. The New Years bombings in Bangkok added to this stress, especially because they were an external force that I could not control. Everything else (packing, etc.) was within my control. I am definitely excited now and know that I will have a great experience.