Getting on a jet plane

Off to Shanghai and Hangzhou today.

I don’t really know what kind of plane I’ll be on this morning, but I will be travelling a lot on domestic airlines and coaches over the next two weeks. Being more than aware of the age of the planes and driving skills of mainland Chinese, I hope those of you who pray spend hours on your knees with your head bowed for my safety during this fortnight. For those who aren’t into that new age-y thing called organised religion, consume as many beers as you think I would over two weekends but for the fact that I’m working.

I hope to be able to check my e-mail. I’ve scheduled some posts to appear while I am away, and I will try to update with trip reports (oh happy day, I’m sure we all wait with bated breath) with any free time I may have. Yes, I have my camera with me.

And no, Neil is not allowed to post entries because he’s too cheeky and will write about farts and poop (not that I won’t, but I’m not as proud of it as he is). I haven’t trained him well enough yet.

• 2 Sep 2004