On the way

Leaving is always a trauma. Last-minute packing (no, I can't ever get it done in advance.) The fourth attempt to contact the backpacker hotel in Tibet and the officials I"m meeting in Beijing (not picking up e-mail.) A story to finish.

And what, oh heavens, did I forget this time?

But that's all behind me. I'm now in Chicago, ready to board my Shanghai flight.

14 hours, 30 minutes.

People ask how I survive long-haul flights. The RX: No e-mail, no phone calls. The to-do list maker shuts down, and I get 14 uninterrupted hours to read, sleep, watch bad movies.

I love it. Of course, Ambien helps.

When I arrive, it will be Thursday, thanks to the marvel of the International Date Line.

See you then.