Well, things never quite go the way they are "supposed to." Could it be....expectations?!?!? I was told that I'd be booked into a room on the executive level floor at the Presidential Plaza Hotel. When I checked in, I they said no, normal room. I went up, and it was on a smoking floor (uggh) and was a small hovel with a double bed. Double uggh. I'm sorry, but I'm too old for this. I went back down to see what I could renegotiate. Found out that a few of the people on this trip are staying in those rooms, but others are in suites up on the executive floors. Uh huh. I get it. Well, at some point money is made to be spent, and knowing that I often don't travel so well, I sorted out an upgrade. My room expense of 750RMB was being covered. A suite was 1500RMB. Too much to come out of pocke. But a "deluxe room" on the executive floor was 1100RMB. Hmm, that's about $50 a night. Screw it...life is short. Much more vicivilized...large king size bed, a work table, sofa, chair, and access to the executive lounge. That is the key...got spoiled by S back in Shanghai. But at least now I know it exists and is pretty much worth the extra cash. Next time I'll get S to work her travel connection magic and find a cheap upgrade, but I was told before the trip I'd be in a decent room. And I assumed I'd be flying biz. So I'll have some arguing/sorting to do with the organizers. At any rate, my stipend will at least cover the hotel expenses but that isn't the point. *sigh* I'm tired.
Going up...7 blew
Home for the next chunk of days
Nice digs, but I'm worth it
