Day 1 and 2

Day 1

 Wake-up at 4:50 AM. The first flight to Stockholm at 7:00. At check-in, I’m informed that I’m on standby because the flight is overbooked. It is not ideal, but it is not a disaster either. Plan B is a direct AirBaltic flight to Amsterdam, which would actually get me there earlier than my planned transfer through Stockholm (which I chose for the significantly lower price). With a 12-hour layover in Amsterdam, I didn't see why to pay more for a direct flight. In the end, I was accepted to the flight as the last passenger.

A quick stop in Stockholm, then onward to Amsterdam. Not my favourite major airport in Europe, but with all its intercontinental connections, it’s a necessary stop.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, it unfortunately became 100% clear that my fellow renegade and travel companion, Alex, didn’t get his visa in time for the evening flight. After a quick discussion, we cancelled his ticket. He’ll stay in Amsterdam for a couple of days and, if his visa comes through, will try to catch up with me later.

Next on the agenda: a 12-hour flight to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines. Hopefully, today’s hiccups are just an exception, and I won’t be dealing with worst-case scenarios every day on this trip...

Day 2 - Guangzhou

Not much to say really. 12 hours flight, which luckily went very smoothly. Then 8 hours at the airport waiting for my next flight.

Funny that almost every shop in the airport sells tea and several of them are fully dedicated to tea. Tea really is a big thing here. Restaurants are mostly Chinese chains, selling local food. Pretty sure we would have stepped in with Alex and given it a try, but alone I just took a safe Subway.

Now, another 7+ hours flight and I will start to get closer to my final destination. Hopefully, it goes as well as the previous one. Alex still hasn't received his visa...new hope tomorrow.

Track the trip here: https://www.polarsteps.com/.../16373321-renegades-to-the...

Hannes