In last month’s column, I started talking about an eventful trip I took to China in the latter half of the 1990s. I worked at the time for Susie Givens with Givens International, and a major potential customer had requested I travel to far western China to sign the contract — a deal for about $2 million worth of drill pipe. This is part two: Getting There.
We left off with me on the steps of Dulles International Airport. I made my way to the British Airways counter and checked in for my flight. As a “coach” flyer, I found flying business class impressive: larger, more comfortable seats; personal viewing screen for movies; and even slippers for my feet. Upon landing in London, I took advantage of the British Airways lounge to shower and freshen up for the long day ahead. I changed planes and took off for Beijing. This time, I found myself back in coach and my cold was getting worse.