Thursday 6^th August, 2020 1530 Five Miles Up

Well I made it but you just know it wouldn't be me if it went smoothly.

The taxi to the airport went well, I updated my green codes, had a quick smoke outside (no smoking anywhere inside, swines) and went through security. Temperature fine, head for the VIP check-in desk.

The girl did whatever they need to do with my phone and then uttered the words I have come to loathe – wait a moment. What was wrong? I had all greens half an hour ago! Of course the cavalry were summoned and they had my passport and both phones but nobody could explain what the problem was. I did however catch sight of the screen on the smartphone which was displaying the Shanghai green code, except now it had “UNDEFINED” in red superimposed!

I still have no idea why but eventually they let me go, telling me my suitcase needed to be inspected in the naughty room – it wasn't, it was a false alarm – and then I went to the scanners and hand baggage check. Much consternation there and I was duly led to the economy area. Becoming more disgruntled by the minute, I protested that I paid for business class and I wasn't queueing for another hour. I think though it was because someone with a bit of nous and clout was over there because she checked everything and I was sent back to the VIP security gate.

So as well as Air China I will now do my best to avoid flying Juneyao out of Lanzhou. They both use the same VIP lounge, left after security. Once again no alcohol, no food other than pot noodles and even the fridges for the soft drinks weren't turned on. The other lounge, turn right after security, has food (admittedly Chinese fare), cold beers and red wine. China Eastern are in there but I am finding out by trial and error which ones to avoid!

Unusually for a three-hour flight the only booze in business is beer. I recall years ago flying Chizhou-Shanghai with them, an hour's flight, and I was offered beer, wine, whiskey, baijiu etc.

Ah well, I'm on the way at least.

2215 Vienna International Hotel, PVG airport

It continued to be aggravating. Follow the signs for taxis and then the signs stopped. No signs indicating to turn left or right or go down, they just stopped. Two police/security sent me on wild goose chases before one actually sent me in the right direction but not until he had berated me for not wearing my mask correctly.

At long last I got a cab to the hotel. The internet said it was 2.5 miles from the airport but that was the longest couple of miles I ever experienced.

Thoroughly hacked off, my spirits were lifted on checking in and seeing Joanna again in the room. She beat me there and had paid for the room. We had dinner and now should be relaxing in the room except yours truly is once again a bundle of trouble.

Anhui province where we are going tomorrow seems to present a problem. Another bloody app has to be downloaded and hoops jumped through. We are currently awaiting my details to be verified which apparently may take a few days! As we are flying there at noon that doesn't make my heart sing.

However, my life would not be complete without having a farmer's tractor firing slurry at me on an industrial scale.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures of Sin Bin!