Manila, Philippines
September 30, 2013
Got upgraded to first on the trip to Narita – headed to Manila. It’s cool that I am adding another country to my list for this year. Liberia, now Philippines and soon Zimbabwe. I like first vs business because the seats are larger, and I think the screens are larger. They give you two pillows and a nicer comforter plus now they have added a thing to put underneath you too. It’s okay but not as nice as Emirates. The food is more interesting. And you can have your stuff around you instead of on the floor and having to cram it back into your bag at the end of the flight. The United person at the front check in desk was virtually non-communicative. It was apparent she barely wanted to be there, let alone even look at me to answer my question about the upgrade. God forbid I should bother her!! On the other hand the guy at the gate was very nice – of course he was also the guy who gave me my upgrade! The team on board is pretty nice. But they are all my age more or less. I think they have been attentive enough. One thing that was different this time is the huge bottle of water they offered me – a whole liter, it was great, I drank the entire thing. Watched three movies – Monsters U., Earth After, and Tonto/Lone Ranger. It was okay, but I felt like Johnny didn’t really have much to do in it. And there was a lot of indian slaughter, which was bad. Nice ending though, with the train and all. Took a pill and managed to sleep for about 5 hours, and so I feel pretty good at this point. Hour and a half until Narita, then a two hour layover before 4.5 hours to Manila. Operated by All Nippon, which I don’t think I have ever flown. Looks like the arrival in Manila will be pretty easy, and taxis easy to find. I will need to get change though, appears they do not take USD. New Currency for the collection!
Since we don’t get into the hotel until 10 or later, I figure I won’t be doing any work tonight. Maybe check email and work mail before bed. Or, maybe not, since it will be the middle of the night anyway. Take half a day just to see the city of Manila a little bit, anyway. Double check the place I am meeting Christine for dinner on Tuesday. Maybe plan for a nap in the middle of the day, with 12 hour difference- need to get out into the sun during the day (jet lag management!!), so I will need to get up early enough to go out to the pool or to exercise.
Anyway, even though I have a lot to do, I am looking forward to this trip and to the conference and kind of relaxing. There will be people here that I know, and it’s good work – so I feel pretty comfortable about it. Stuff to learn and think about, and to pass on to the team.