Full Circle

So, today was last full day in China. We spent the day mostly just lounging around our hotel room in Xi'an before checking out and having lunch at an Italian restaurant nearby. The food was actually quite good, though we were the only two customers there, so we had about 20 restaurant workers staring at us the whole time haha.

After lunch, we took a taxi to the airport and checked in for our flight on Hainan Airlines. Somehow, the taxi ride was half as much on the way to the airport as it was from the airport to the hotel a few days ago, confirming our suspicion that the first taxi driver was scamming us. Sigh...

Anyway, the flight was uneventful and they even fed us dinner despite it only being a 1 hour and 45 minute flight.

Now, here's the best part: We were able to get a room at the Ritz Carlton again in Beijing!!!! As soon as I got the confirmation email this morning, we were so excited. This is just such a wonderful hotel, and it felt very reassuring driving up to it in the taxi this evening. Not only did the bellman remember us and have a nice conversation with us, but they also sent us a fruit basket and personalized note!!

I just came back from relaxing in the jacuzzi and sauna, and I feel so relaxed now. Coming back for one last night at this hotel was truly the best way to end this trip: it is definately ending on a high note! As the note on the room service cart says: "a good beginning makes a good ending."

Tomorrow, I'm going to get up early to relax in the jacuzzi/sauna one last time, have breakfast at the hotel (sooooo looking forward to this - it was so delicious last time!), and head to the airport for our flight home.

I'm a little bit sad to leave, just as I am whenever a vacation abroad comes to a close. But, I've really had a great experience on this trip and I'm sure that I will remember it always. It's definately rekindled my desire to live abroad a little too. But, it will be nice to be back in my apartment where I can sleep in my own bed and eat out of my fridge whenever I feel like it.

Here's to great adventures and great vacations! And here's to the Ritz Carlton!