The papers have arrived!

I received the documents I have been awaiting. Now it's time to send off for my visa, buy my plane ticket and get ready to head off to the Zhongguo!

The Invitation Documents are on their way....

I just received an e-mail from Lisa stating that the invitation documents necessary to get my Chinese visa shall arrive in approximately five days. Five days!

I have been scouring the web in search of an affordable ticket. Due to the Beijing Olympics, plane ticket prices are through the roof, and just out of my budget. After some diligent searching, I may have found an agency willing to cut me a deal. I shall call them tomorrow to see if we can work something out. If not, I'll be spending about $1400 on the plane ticket alone!

Money is beginning to worry me. It's not so much a problem once I get there, it's just all the things I need to get before I head out. A Chinese visa is now at least $130, if I employ a service to help me get it, prices climb to almost $200. I need a physical examination, and due to moving from Massachusetts back to Texas I have no health insurance. There are also items I need to bring with me to China such as contact solution, miscellaneous feminine items, books, etc. which will need to be purchased. It's all adding up and the funds just don't seem to be there.

I know, I know, I just need to breathe and let it work itself out.


On Wednesday, Nathan, the cat, and I shall leave the fair Tilghman Island and begin the lengthy journey to Texas. Along the way we're planning on visiting friends and family in such scenic locations as Spartanburg, Clemson, Atlanta, and New Orleans before coasting into Austin. It will be memorable, I am sure.


See you on the road.