Hey Tim,
My lag was minimal, even though my adopted time zone was 15 hours ahead of home.
I think there are as many suggestions for jet lag reduction as there are for common cold cures! Mine is to start on my new "clock" as soon as possible before the trip (and before the return trip home). This usually involves staying up all night and trying to sleep during the day a day or two before departure. My thinking is that I'm going to have to go through it sooner or later and I might as well get the hard part over with at home rather than cutting into the enjoyment of my vacation (or my life when returning home). I also plot out all my air travel in terms of the new clock and try to sleep (or avoid sleep) on the plane rides accordingly. If lucky, you may find a flight that coordinates with your new sleep time. If so, I'd get a scrip for Ambien CR or similar timed-release sleep aid and pop one after gaining altitude (and eating a meal, if they're serving one). I managed to sleep for 8 hours straight on a 10-hour run from Seoul to LAX.
If you don't have the luxury of getting a head start on the new time zone, the standard prescriptions are: start thinking in your "new time" asap. Don't drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages in transit and upon arrival. Once at your destination, stay out in the light during the day as much as possible. And try your very best not to sleep at least until evening.
To me, the plane flights are kind of a release from "normal" life. I bring lots of stuff to do: books, crosswords, PDA games, etc. The flights are not as big a deal as they may seem, especially in light of where you're going!
Have a ball. Let us know how life is on the Blue Corner!
Best Regards,
