I got the upgrade, so my chair was pretty comfortable. To kill the hangover I started off with several glasses of Champagne, as one does 'up-front' :) From there on it all went downhill. Relax, shoes off, comfortable blanket and a couple of good movies while having a, what turned out to be, very decent lunch. Another glass of wine and 4 courses later I passed out. THAT my friends is what made the trip a lot shorter than it could have been! I must have slept for 6 hours or so. When I woke up there were only 8 hours left!
2 Meals and 3 movies later we arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The airport is massive and seems like it is brand new. The arrival process is 100 times more comfortable than it is in the US. The airport is clean and the people are friendly. They even have a little electric survey box with buttons at the arrival where you can select wether the attendant was very firendly or friendly or if you think you had to wait too long or if you are unsatisfied. Never seen that before. After I was screened and let through with a warm smile and genuine welcome, my suitcases had already been unloaded and the driver of the hotel was waiting. PERFECT!
The drive to the hotel was 45 minutes and the manager on duty was waiting at the door. I was brought up to the room and here I am writing down some first impressions.
Some asked for my new contact details as soon as possible... so here is a copy of my new business card. They were waiting for me in the room together with a welcome package from the GM and the HR director. VERY nicely done, made me feel welcome right away! The chef stopped by earlier to introduce himself and see if i needed anything, really all very nice, everyone is very friendly which makes me feel like i will have a great time in Shanghai!!
Anyway, it is definitely time for a beer and a bite right now, it is alost 6 PM and i think i will sleep early tonight. Work starts tomorrow at 9AM and there are all sorts of orientation planned during the week. Should be a great first impression and I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone!
Soon more!!
