Today is Departure Day

Today, Departure Day! I had a last breakfast with the kids before they left to school. At least saying goodbye easy, they had to catch the train. Time enough to shave, enjoy a hot shower, squeeze the last stuff into my luggage and check if I have all my paperwork with me. At 09:30, time to leave to the airport with Christine. Driving 75 km's and 45 min later we arrived at Brussels airport. Entering the departure hall we were both surprised. A long waiting line at checking, with only Chinese. Seems I was going to be the only non-Chinese on that flight? Whilst queuing for 45 min we could spot six other non-Chinese, so I wasn't going to be the only one. Nevertheless, seems I was going to be surrounded by Mandarin voices already the next hours, having a first trial in understanding what I learned from my Mandarin course. Time past and by the time we arrived to check-in Christine had to return almost to the office. I checked-in and we walked back to the car in the parking lot. Time to say goodbye ... Christine drove off, I looked down from the side of the parking lot and saw her a minute later joining the highway ... bye bye, hope to see you soon back!

#ibmcsc china

Departure from Brussels

I walked back to the terminal, passed security, straight to the gate. I didn't had to wait long, less then half an hour later boarding started. Once everyone was seated a stewardess came to me with a big smile to check my dietary requirements. Anne (from Canada) arranged the travel for the whole team. At the time of booking I asked to add LFML to the reservation (stands for Low Fat MeaL). So, it worked! The food served was some taboulé, steamed chicken breast with rice, broccoli, and lemon-ginger sauce, a gluten free lemon cookie ... A full fat caramelized chocolate glazed cookie. Not sure why they used gluten free cookies and why chocolate glazed cookie should be low fat, but no matter.

Now it's time for some rest ....tomorrow early in the morning I will land in Beijing!