Both of us wake up well before the 4:30 am alarms go off. We scurry around and get out to the taxis at 5:45 as planned. The first driver looks at us and shakes us off. The second driver barely looks up. The third driver finds out where we’re headed, then makes us an offer, 100rmb. It usually costs around 80, but we could very easily end up in two taxis (or no taxi) with as much luggage as we have, so I quickly accept. I almost offered more money. I was so relieved.

The line at check-in is long, but moves quickly. We’re flying LOT (Polish Airlines). I noticed on their website there was an upgrade to Economy Premium, but it had to be requested at the check-in counter, so I made the request. It costs about $200 extra per seat, but we escape the extra luggage charge because of the upgrade. The flight is almost 10 hours, and the extra legroom is so nice.

On board, it’s not what we expected. We’ve flown United Airlines Premium Economy previously, and the 5 added inches of legroom made a long trip manageable. The LOT Premium Economy is much different. If I couldn’t see the huge seats in the section in front of us, I’d swear we were in 1^st Class. We have big wide seats, two across instead of three. As we sit down they start bringing juice (champagne if we wanted it). We get a personal packet containing socks, toothbrush and paste, and a sleep blindfold. There’s a big pillow and blanket. The seat itself is a recliner with an adjustable footrest. When the first meal is served we get a menu with several selections. It’s served on plates, not out of aluminum containers. There’s cheesecake and coffee at the end. Yes, I’m a “hick from the sticks.” This vacation is starting off great!

We arrive at Warsaw’s “Frederic Chopin” Airport, for a 4-hour layover. The flight to Amsterdam is almost two hours, and we’re back in the “cheap seats” on this one. At the airport, we catch a “shared shuttle” to the hotel. We’re at the Renaissance in the middle of Amsterdam, one block from the Central Train Station. It’s a crazy ride to get there, crossing bridges and driving down narrow canal roads. Amsterdam is just as we had imagined it. When we finally get into our room, it’s been almost 24 hours since we woke up in Beijing. A bed never felt so good.

Amsterdam Airport