Job Discussion Forums

[nickpellatt]

I thought I would post this so you can all laugh at my lack of forward planning, and be amused by my naivety!

Im safely in Hainan at my new home, but oh what a journey!

I had the wise idea of dressing up for my Hong Kong flight, in the hope that when I asked for an upgrade it would be viewed favourably, needless to say, it wasnt. So not only was my flight a long one, it was also an uncomfortable one, as Im not fond of formal attire!

After landing at Hong Kong, I hadnt booked my connecting flight, as I reckoned it would be considerably cheaper in Hong Kong, but suprise suprise, it was more expensive than booking it at home, not sure of that because of the season, but $1700 Hong Kong dollars one way, was more than I had budgeted for.........

Anyway, at least I got a seat on the plane, so ticket in hand I trotted off to the information desk to ask for directions to the travellers lounge, where I had read online I could stay overnight, get some sleep, use the net, and eat - only to find out it is on the other side of the departure gate. The one you cant get through until you're checked in....but as my flight was the next day, and check in opens at 8am....I couldnt get through.

So here I am, stranded, tired...and thought hell, I cant stay in the airport all night, so I went to the airport hotel and took a room...now its a nice room....but was the princely sum of $2360 HK dollars..........

And of course, as comfortable as it is....the time difference meant I couldnt really sleep - so after maybe 3 hours of fitful sleep, Ive sat up watching 'Lost' on DVD eating sour cream and onion pringles, (ones I'd brought with me, no cash left for the mini-bar ones)....

I couldnt figure out the aircon either - and the room was bitterly cold, so much so that when watching DVDs on my laptop I had to wrap myself up in the bedcovers to stay warm!

At least the pringles were good.

I cant believe how stupid I was (am) - LOL, my credit card is in 'meltdown'. Thought Id share it with you.....so the experienced amongst you can chuckle at my stupidity...and the newbies can take it as a warning........this travel malarky isn't easy when you havent done it often!

As much as I hate sales motivational speeches, I really have learnt, "Perfect planning prevents p*ss poor performance"

Im still unable to sleep - its 5.45am, and I have a cleaner coming in my house at about 8am....any tips for jetlag appreciated!

[spiral78]

Nick, great post! It's rare for the forum to get a real-time reality check like this. Best of luck to you in China.

I think the general rule of thumb in terms of travel is that it's always cheaper when you make arrangements in advance. The providers can then assume that they have competition - whereas, when you're standing in front of them with a need to get somewhere - or to sleep - they know you have few/no alternatives.

[tedkarma]

The cheap regional carriers in SE Asia are certainly cheaper if booked online and far in advance.

[nickpellatt]

You live and learn....or thats the theory!

I felt it worth posting my travel experience as I know plenty of people may be taking their first tentative steps into their first jobs...

In fairness, I think travel ISNT difficult, but it is dead easy to get it wrong...Id like to say I wont that mistake again.....but who knows.

Im kinda settled in OK now, still struggling with jetlag - but its getting better....just waiting to see my timetable and looking forward to getting into class, and getting into a routine.

[southofreality]

Welcome to Asia, Nick. Good luck with everything. Hope all goes well for you.

[tedkarma]

[jimsaruff]

it's also true for in-pats, wouldn't you say?