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This is the only blue sky I saw whilst in Beijing - but what a sky it was! Blazing sunshine as a backdrop to some very progressive and funky art in the 798 ArtZone, aka Dashanzi. Have I mentioned how lousy Air China is? Well, after being delayed on my flights into China, thereby missing connections and nearly missing my brother's wedding (the only thing that got me there was some majorly stubborn behavior and pleading on my part, some surprising kindness from United Airlines, and begrudging compliance from Air China, with whom I was ticketed), they delayed my flight out of Shanghai to Beijing, and, yes, missed my connection to get back home, thereby missing both July 4th fireworks and time with my family before heading back to work. Adding insult to injury they put me in a truly terrible, mouldy (yes, visible mould), and in all ways unpleasant airport hotel that was quite something to see. My only recourse? To get out of there, and see something I had missed and wanted to see in Beijing, Artzone 798.
This place is a gem - artist studios, cafes, and art installments in a former communist factory zone. The art installments are epic, the studios are a delight, and the cafes are so worth a visit. If you've seen the historic sights, and have an extra day to burn in Beijing, this is the place to go. As it happens, it's quite close to the airport. I will be posting more pics from the ArtZone, but for now, I loved this flying lion, unexpectedly placed on a rooftop, shining gloriously against the bright blue sky.
My apologies for a slightly bitter post, but I promised the people at Air China I would write about their horrible customer service, over and over again. Did I mention that they refused to reimburse me for losing my luggage for over 2 days after they had said they would reimburse if it was lost for more than 24 hours?? Yes, that would be lost luggage when I had to go to a wedding, with none of my clothes, personal belongings or gifts. Thanks Air China.
To see what more felicitous Skywatchers were looking at, click HERE.
P.S. Feel free to share your own Air China or general travel sob story here ...
This place is a gem - artist studios, cafes, and art installments in a former communist factory zone. The art installments are epic, the studios are a delight, and the cafes are so worth a visit. If you've seen the historic sights, and have an extra day to burn in Beijing, this is the place to go. As it happens, it's quite close to the airport. I will be posting more pics from the ArtZone, but for now, I loved this flying lion, unexpectedly placed on a rooftop, shining gloriously against the bright blue sky.
My apologies for a slightly bitter post, but I promised the people at Air China I would write about their horrible customer service, over and over again. Did I mention that they refused to reimburse me for losing my luggage for over 2 days after they had said they would reimburse if it was lost for more than 24 hours?? Yes, that would be lost luggage when I had to go to a wedding, with none of my clothes, personal belongings or gifts. Thanks Air China.
To see what more felicitous Skywatchers were looking at, click HERE.
P.S. Feel free to share your own Air China or general travel sob story here ...
Oh. This is why I hate air travel and honestly, I don't know if I'd ever be brave enough to fly to China. I balked at going to San Antonio three years ago (the last time I flew and yes, they lost our luggage) to see our son graduate from basic military training at Lackland AFB. I don't blame you for being bitter but how cool you got to see that art place. The lion looks like a butterfly to me. I love it. Thanks for stopping by IHATH and I hope you'll return!
ReplyDeleteAmazing art. Sorry to hear about your flight sagas.
ReplyDeleteSydney - City and Suburbs
Hey girlie!
ReplyDeleteFirst.. love that you got to get some beauty after all the crap from China's airline... Dorks...what a freakin' nightmare!
So did you ever get your luggage again? Was it just on it's own trip for 2days?
I noticed a lot of folks are traveling with just a roll on and taking it on the plane instead of checking them.
I do have an air travel nightmare. For my 20th HS reunion I took my two babies with me (1&2) - as in a double stroller, diaper bag, car-seats and luggage all by superwoman myself from Boise to ST. Louis (after driving 2.5 hours to get to Boise) via Denver, and United Airlines.
It was when United was on strike.
OH my god... not one of them would assist me with my kids or the gear. The layover terminals were miles apart! Other passengers were helping me board, get off, etc. Then a delay in Denver for 3 or 4 hours - all I can remember is it was HELL. It was so miserable. Diaper changing, feedings, crying babies, etc. NIGHTMARE! When I finally got to St. Louis my sister was crying... she was so worried... It has taken me 10 years (this past month) to fly UA again. And, it was so much better.
AAAARRRRRGGGGG!
beautiful images
ReplyDeletethank God i don;t have to go all through that when i was there, ^0^
ReplyDeletetruly understandable why you detest air china that much, couldn't blame you.
China has indeed some fascinating and wonderful things to see esp. its history but one thing i couldn't stand is their people.
they still need to learn about etiquette and manners,
i did have horrible and unpleasant encounters with hotels and staffs too, but setting aside all that, the place was truly unforgettable.
btw, where's this artzone in b.jing?
bec. time's short, we only visited those must-see tourist spots.
the shot was magnificent btw. ^0^
Now I know why I don't fly!! That lion looks like it might take off anytime!!! Thanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteOh my what an impressive creation, the art zone does look like good fun though. Sometimes as much as travel is interesting and enlighthing the best part can be getting back to your own space.
ReplyDeleteFabulous works of art. Love the pictures...and the flight info is so true, sadly today.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for leaving the lovely comments on my blog. They mean a lot!
Your Friend in ART,
Linda
Hi, Sue! Oh my! I am so sorry to hear you had so many troubles during your travel. Delayed flights, lost bags, and more! I hope you at least got to see your brother's wedding! And I'm glad you did something that you wanted to do, to help restore your sanity. Sometimes we just have to take a moment for ourselves! Hope you have a terrific weekend! :-)
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