I came across these notes I took during my trip to Hong Kong. I think I intended to write more, but I only got as far as Chicago. It’s still a pretty interesting read, though, regardless of my original intentions.

8 am at BWI
I am sitting at the gate listening to a guy talk to his girlfriend in (I assume) HK. I’m aggravated even being near him. The conversation is of no importance and he is clearly on the phone just to be on the phone. He is forcing his girlfriend to review video games with him, and they are both reviewing the same websites at the same time and talking about how “this game has a more complex class system than most games I’ve played lately.” He’s one of those arrogant know it all gamers, giving his two cents about where to download the game, who has discounts, and if she needs help downloading it because “he’s not there to walk her through it.” I guess she got a call on the other line, because he said “Who would be calling you at this hour?” (pause) “Well, tell her you are talking to me.” So he’s jealous, too… or controlling. You know the type. I’m embarrassed to be a gamer. If I ever get this irritating, slap me in the face.

8:41 Boarding Plane
Can’t help but watch all of the Asian people. Not trying to be creepy, but I’m fascinated since I’ll be in the minority in about 20 hours. I imagine they’ll be on my flight to HK. Is that a prejudiced assumption? I don’t mean to be.

10 am Chicago
I’m walking concourse c. I figure it’s good exercise before 16 hours on a plane. Sat next to a lovely older couple on the Baltimore/Chicago flight from Annapolis who are headed to Alaska. I asked Helen (and Vaughn) if they were going to say “hi” to Palin while they were there, and she said “no,” and then did something close to rolling her eyes. I liked her immediately. Helen and Vaughn have traveled the world, and they were so polite. Apparently the thing to buy in HK is pearls. Hers cost her $2k but she says it was her best purchase, and I will treasure them forever. We’ll see. She gave me a hug when we said goodbye.

11:05 am Boarding Plane for Hong Kong
You know you rarely see older flight attendants. Why is that? Good pension? Hmm.