We're back (and why we hate flying right now)

OK, so yes, airlines do useful things like get us to/from wonderful places like China, but, damn, it ain't a pleasant experience in-process.

So, we started traveling (left hotel) at 8:30 am China time Saturday (8:30 pm Friday US EDT). We boarded at 11:15, sat on the plane for over 2 hours, finally getting out of Beijing 1.5 hours later than we were supposed to. We arrived in San Francisco, worried about the short amount of time we'd have to catch our flight from SF to Newark. After waiting insufferably long to get our bags and racing thru customs to get the bags checked for our connecting flight, we learned our worries were for naught. You see, United had canceled our SF -> Newark flight, and rebooked us to catch a later flight for Washington DC (Dulles), with a puddle jumper getting us into Newark at 11:15 pm US EDT, 4 hours later than our original plans.

(NB: The United Express service out of DC was about the most disorganized, chaotic thing we've ever experienced. It was only by sheer luck and repeated questioning that we got the information that our flight was boarding and we were supposed to board. Another couple, trying to get to Allentown, missed their flight even though they asked the gate attendants several times about whether it was time to board the flight. No announcements, multiple flights leaving out the same gate. Really just sad that United has sunk so low.)

So, it was only the prospect of reunion with our beloved Aussie shepherd Bingley that was keeping us going as we approached home at 1 am.

Those who know poor Dick's problems with jet lag will be sad to know that he was up at 5 am this morning. We're hoping he'll have a better night tonight.

Anyway, we are very glad to be home, very satisfied with a trip full of highlights and amazing stories, very much looking forward to getting back into our usual routine (Jim has missed his morning runs with his pal Astry), and very tired.