Back

Back in the ATL. The flight home was great. For the long hauls, work upgrades us to business class, and it makes all the difference. The jet lag, combined with lack of sleep and being in a pressurized environment for that long really takes its toll. Yes, it's plush and the food is better, but it really helps us get back on out feet easier after the long trip. Thanks Office.

On another subject, here are some travel tips while in Asia.

1. Learn to use chopsticks properly.
Besides learning Chinese, nothing will get you more street cred than being able to use chopsticks well. This means holding them correctly, and there is a correct way to hold them. I do not hold them correctly, but the food still makes it to my mouth. I wish it was different and with more practice, it will be.

2. BYON (Bring Your Own Napkins)
Free napkins seem to be a western custom. Unless you always eat at McDonald's or your hotel restaurant, you're going to run in to a place that doesn't give them away. Every Chinese person seems to have napkins / tissues that they bring, so be sure to BYON. A small pack of ten should do you.

3. Make sure the hotel is "western style".
No, not yee-haw western, western as in up to American and European standards. C pointed this out to me: star-ratings mean nothing in China. What matters is if the hotel is western or eastern style. This will effect things such as beds, bathrooms, and food options. Trust me on this one, opt for western style.

3.5 Do they have laundry service?
This is a theory I'm putting out there, but to dip your toe in to a place before you stay there, find out if they have in-room laundry service. My idea is that if they do, they cater to a more discriminate clientele (business travelers) who need this and other ammenities such as reliable internet access, no mold on walls, and air conditioners that work.

4. Bring cash.
In Asia, local currency is king. Credit cards are not accepted at all places, and if you have an Amex, you may have a harder time, so bring a visa too. I never had a problem at hotels, but food places were hit or miss.

This isn't my last post. I'll link to a full set of pics on Flickr in the next day or so.