India via China: Breaking through the Great Wall at the airport

Early morning. Still dark. At the airport. Waiting to get my ticket to go to India. I am surrounded by Chinese people.

A group of "the Chinese" descended around me like a gaggle of pelicans, shielding me in with their rolling carry on bags and talking over, around and through me like socialistic radio waves. A once relatively silent morning, tumbles into continuous jabber, unsolicited advice giving and laughter at jokes I don't necessarily catch but don't mind being a part of. Ah. A prequel to India.

My flight to Delhi has a long layover in China. As with India, I am no newbie to China either. My dad happened to be born there. But that:s another long, convoluted story I'll skip for now.

What I've experienced so far in my trips to/from India via China are that:

1. At least one leg of the trip is usually late. My last one, almost a year ago, was 3 hours late. That's why this time I opted for a 6 hour layover in China as a buffer. Yes, I am crazy like that.

2. They usually don't have a vegetarian meal choice. And I never can order it in advance because (1) they don't have the option in online check in and (2) I'm usually out of country when ordering the ticket so they either don't speak English or don't care to be in their office. I remember on one trip a person trying to explain to the flight attendant what vegetarian food is. I couldn't decide who was more ignorant: the attendant, the vegetarian or me for being so smug.

Oh. The Chinese are hovering over me, shouting out commands to each other. Think I better get to the ticket counter before it becomes a great wall of Chinese people!

Just one last thought...

How in the world is the check in baggage limit only 5 kg (11 lbs)???? Communists! One child rule and now this!!

Update: After years of travelling, I forgot a bottle of juice in my carry on bag. They confiscated it at security check! Who do I shamelessly blame for this?? Ah. American paranoia, I shake my angry fist at you!!! Now I am going to India juice-less and deficient in vitamin C!! This is not an auspicious restart.