I wanted to blog about my flight experience when I had a 1h 50min layover at SFO airport. It was my third flight journey. My second flight (NRT – SFO) was delayed and I had to run to catch my third flight (SFO – PHX). I literally ran with my hand carry luggage to clear customs (25mins queue for a 30 secs check). Then ran to baggage claim to collect both of my checkin luggage. Then ran to drop off my checkin luggage followed by to the boarding gate. I made it just in time when the boarding starts.

Moral of the story: Try to book at least 2.5hrs layover for international to domestic flights next time.

I almost messed up… I took free shuttle bus to go Fashion Square shopping mall at Scottsdale and scheduled a return trip back to hotel at the same point. However, the exit was closed because Dillard was closed so I couldn’t exit from there. Luckily I found another way back and was able to find my way out.

I was trying to find my way and remembered my way back in case it was wrong way. All these while trying to come up with plan B to book Uber ride from Fashion Square to the hotel. Then I was struggling to set the pick up point on the Uber app.

Then while walking out and hoping it is the right way, the shuttle bus came and I ran after it and made it in time. Luckily the driver saw me… Otherwise it could be quite scary. Somehow I was able to keep myself calm at that time given that the path is quite dark. Fortunately, there was a group of ladies walking the same path or it will be even scarier to walk alone in that path which is just next to a carpark. It could be quite dangerous for me to walk alone…

I was wide awake after sleeping for 1.5 hrs. It’s quite an achievement given that I usually cannot sleep much on flights. This time I have a goal – to sleep as much as I can without trying to match my destination timezone. Can fall asleep already very good liao haha. I shall not give myself too much pressure. 

I was able to sleep for 1 hr for my first flight (SIN – NRT) and 1.5 hrs so far for my second flight (NRT – SFO). I doubt I can sleep for the third flight (SFO – PHX) as it will be quite shaky since it is a smaller aircraft for domestic short distance flights. 

I hope jet lag won’t be too bad for me and I hope to achieve more than 4 hrs of sleep daily. Last year was especially tough with just 4 hrs of sleep a day during my entire US journey. Even Gulabi got worried for me because I hardly sleep… She knows I can really sleep and will keep snoozing my alarm usually. So she was quite worried why I can sometimes wake up before my alarm.

For my first flight, I was sitting at the front row seats for Premium Economy so there was quite a bit of leg room. Unfortunately I was seated next to a guy who decided to put his feet on the board in front of us. Then he was snoring as well. I can smell a bit of his smelly feet even though I was wearing a mask. I also can hear his snoring when I removed my headset. So I just keep wearing my headset (Bose NC 700) which simply cancels out his entire snoring noise. Definitely can trust Bose when it comes to Active Noise Cancellation. 🙂 

For my second flight, I was seated next to a rather judgemental white lady. She kept looking at what I am doing – using wet wipes to clean my seat, then my bracelets, etc. I was also munching on snacks during take off.

Actually I got a bit of blocked nose and sinus back flow before my flights so I was worried that the same issue that happened in my Hong Kong flights will happen. I realised I haven’t finished uploading my Hong Kong photos so the post about my flight experience is not out yet. 

Luckily so far so good so may it remain this way until the end of my entire trip.

1 person – Travelling alone can be both exciting and scary.
2 weeks – For both work and personal vacation.
3 climates – 3 different parts of US means 3 different climates to adapt to.
4 timezones – 3 parts of US and Japan.
5 bags – Basically my checkin and hand carry bags.
6 devices – All the gadgets I needed for the trip.
7 layovers – Oh, please don’t remind me of this.
8 flights – Setting a new personal record, yet again.

Fun, fun, fun!

Looking forward to the start of my journey and feeling blessed for the opportunities and ability to travel.

I went for haircut at Walking in Sunshine with my new hairstylist, Ivy, today.

I told her I want to cut my hair before I go overseas and she asked if I am going overseas for studies. Then I say for work then she paused for a while. It’s like she was shocked that I am already working. 😮

I’m so happy and this is truly my favourite compliment for this year.

It’s hard work to age backwards, especially in an industry where people age faster than any other industries. 😀

I will continue to take exceptionally good care of myself and age backwards. 🙂