International departure gates!
Early start yet again, up at 5 something. Wendy and Mr Tang took us to the airport in Guilin.
Check in story: China southern and China eastern are Sky Team members. Sad Delta is in the same group, as both China airlines are in the dark ages as far as customer service to non Chinese are concerned. Their baggage policies vary with no consistency. We were expecting to pay an excess on this flight, however the lackadaisical incompetent member of staff took her sweet time understanding what she was supposed to do, despite our Chinese guide conversing with her. Then she proceeded to hand write a receipt for the sum due. Meanwhile another employee wearing a sky blue satin Skyteam sash took a photo of the receipt on his iPhone, walked back to the original baggage check in desk to show the agent proof.
Then after at least 8 attempts with 3 different credit cards the incompetent woman announced that as my cards weren’t working (of course to the guide in Chinese as she couldn’t speak English), that I would have to pay cash. Bollocks. That there was an ATM on another floor. Scam? I think so. Left with no choice I had some $ which I handed over. Of course she looked at me as if I was giving her Micky mouse money! Fortunately our guide gave her the cash in local currency and took my dollars which she can change at the bank.
Arrived at transit airport, Ghanzhou, had to do Chinese customs, immigration, passport and security again. Second flight slightly delayed.
Man!Isn’t it incredible?! An entirely self-sustained country without a single person at the airport speaking english!