I am missing a few steps up to this post like the tragic comedy that was getting visas on my own for 13 people at the Chinese Consulate in Houston.  Super fun times, but happy to report we all passed and have visas! Now I'm scrambling to figure out what to pack and take and … Continue reading Preparing is a full time job. →

The other plans:  my favorite is the one that came in an email with ZERO panache.  That is hard core. Not even a photo. iCloud Mail - Re：Shanghai Beijing Xian Tour Package -- Tour-Beijing.com_Redacted quote-3-with-hangzhou_Redacted and quote 3 also omits the cable car to the top of the Wall.  what is up with that?  I'm … Continue reading Plans part 2 →

Tour proposals have been received and I have tried to get them priced out in a way that everyone in our party can tell what is going on and to account for some activities that part of us are doing but not all.  Getting these done was a huge pain in the ass!  Mostly due … Continue reading The Plans. →

Wow-- have you ever seen an application for a Chinese Visa?  It is seriously cookoo for cocoa puffs.  My initial thought was that I could get the visas for everyone in our party-- and maybe I still can but I am not filling out all those applications!  The idea of doing it for my own … Continue reading Visa Schmisa →