I leave in 48 hours. Hmmm, maybe I should actually start packing.

Oh what does one bring to China for one month?  Lucky for us, we have had a tremendous amount of information sent to us from the National Committee on US-China Relations to help us prepare for the trip.  The National Committee has administered the Fulbright-Hays program on behalf of the US Department of Education for more than 30 years. 

The National Committee on US-China Relations was founded in 1966 by a coalition of academic, civic, religious and business leaders with the aim of building a network of accomplished, credible individuals from a broad political spectrum committed to open discussion and debate and to improving US policy toward China.  The committee's mission was to explicitly educate the US public, but it had the opportunity to offer information and advice to President Lyndon B. Johnson and other political leaders and in 1972 was in a position to co-host (along with the US Table Tennis Association) the Chinese Ping Pong team's famous tour of the United States, an event that captured world attention.  The National Committee is a network of Americans from all parts of the country as well as corporations and professional firms.  Members of the Committee and its board of directors include many distinguished citizens:  former secretaries of state Madeleine Albright, Henry Kissinger, and Condoleezza Rice and other former Cabinet secretaries; all former ambassadors to China; Richard Holbrooke, former chair of the Asia Society and Special Envoy to Afghanistan; leading scholars such as Jerome Cohen, Harry Harding, David Lampton, Susan Shirk, Ezra Vogel,  and many corporate executives interested in China.

There were three briefing books sent to us that cover everything about history, current events and travel in China.  Below is the section that most pertains to my plan of the day.

All professional programs I have traveled with in the past leave little question as to what to expect or what you will need.  The information is straightforward.

Here are examples of travel advice out of the book:

"Please note that all airline weight restrictions will be strictly enforced.
On international flights, you are entitled to one checked bag that weighs up to 50 pounds/23kg each and up to 62.0 linear inches (157cm) L + W + H. The charge for the second bag is $100. Within China, passengers are only allowed one checked bag with a maximum weight of 44 pounds/20 kilograms. You will be responsible for any overweight charges, and these can become expensive." 

44 pounds.  1 month worth of stuff.  Alrighty then. 

"You are traveling to China as a professional and as a representative of the United States. Please dress accordingly. Shorts and T-shirts should be reserved for sightseeing. Cut-off and distressed shorts are not appropriate for any portion of the trip and running shorts are suitable only for running. Long pants (for men) or trousers, skirts, or dresses (for women) should be worn to all briefings. Tight, short, and sheer fabrics should be avoided. Women should also stay away from plunging necklines, low backs, revealing tank tops, bare stomachs, and anything too flamboyant."

"It is customary to take small gifts to present to hosts, guides, and interpreters, as well as others who are helpful during the trip. It is not a good idea to give clocks as gifts, because the Chinese pronunciation for the word clock has the same pronunciation as words associated with death. In addition, green colored hats are not good gift ideas because they can be viewed as a sign of cuckoldry in traditional Chinese culture."

These are two talented woodworking artists from Winthrop Maine.  Mike Blanchard and Todd Park, owner of A Moment In Time Art Gallery and Workshop.  They collaborated on creations for me to take to China to give as gifts.  I wanted something that would reflect our state, and something that was locally made. 

"The Chinese have known for centuries how to create edible delicacies with anything at hand. As a result, practically everything that grows is eaten. Some of the more exotic items are tiger lily buds, lotus roots, birds’ nests, tree mushrooms (“wood ears”), chrysanthemum petals, sea anemones, elephant trunks, and shark fins."

"A Chinese banquet, which sometimes consists of as many as twelve or more courses, is a challenge for any gastronome. Traditionally each course is served on a large platter placed on a lazy susan in the center of the table. Chinese hosts will usually serve their guests – at least on the initial go around of each course. Expect more food than anyone could possibly finish; to show hospitality Chinese order more rather than less. Since politeness requires that a guest sample every dish, it is wise to take only a small portion of food at each course and to develop the fine art of “pacing” oneself. Dishes will periodically be removed and replaced with clean ones, so you don’t have to worry about uneaten food piling up on your plate."

"Be aware that playing with one’s chopsticks is unacceptable."

"Travelers may be exposed to dirt, roaches, smells, public spitting, and nose blowing, which can be distracting and even disturbing at times. Some people are more comfortable traveling with instant hand sanitizer for those times when a sink is not readily available. Public toilet facilities outside your hotels rarely, if ever, have toilet paper or paper towels – some of them will be Asian style with a squat toilet rather than a western toilet. Visitors should carry an ample supply of tissues and moist towelettes with them at all times."  I will admit I did whimper when I read this.  And cried a little on the inside.  My friend Jenny on the other hand, would actually scream.

"The Chinese do not mind being asked personal questions about their family or work. As in the West, they expect to shake hands upon introduction. Other forms of touching, such as hand-holding or a slap on the back, are common between members of the same sex, but generally avoided between men and women."

"Strict punctuality is observed for social occasions and appointments; it is even proper to arrive a few minutes before the specified time."

"Visitors are usually free to photograph almost anywhere, with the exception of airports, airplanes, and other sites where signs are clearly posted. Pictures of the military are also not permitted."

"Foreigners are often surprised by the chaotic driving in China; in general, drivers do not strictly abide by traffic rules.  It is important, then, to be very careful when crossing the street as a pedestrian; take your cues from the Chinese around you."  Can't wait to see this.  The pic above was taken in Shanghai. 
 

From the time I started writing this post this morning, til now I have packed some things.  The rule of thumb is light. China during the summer is wicked hot and muggy.  One of my friends told me that if I am lucky, the smog might block out the sun.  Hmmm.  Glad I do not have the asthma.  I have only a few more things to add tomorrow and it appears I will have extra room to bring back souvenirs. 

Oh,and a big surprise:

We were sent an email the other day informing us that our group has been invited by the Chinese Ministry of Education to attend the closing plenary of the 5th US-China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange at the Great Hall of the People on July 10.  The US will be represented by Secretary of State John Kerry and China by Vice Premier Liu Yandong (the highest level female official in China), both of whom are scheduled to make remarks.  #awesome 

I wonder if I will actually sleep tonight. 

  

Dear German Friend,

Before I travel I usually post something about where I live to show students abroad.  However, this is a post designed for a very specific reason.  I am delighted that after I return from China we will have a special guest at our house from Germany who will be visiting us for a few weeks.  This post is for her.  Before I travel I find it comforting to research where I will be so I know what to expect.  It helps to plan things.  I am hoping it will help you. 

We live in Winthrop Maine USA.  The population of the town is approximately 6,092 (2010 census).  The population nearly doubles in the summer when out of state residents return to their seasonal camps on the lake.  The town was settled in 1765 and was named for the first colonial governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop.    

 This is our home.  We live in Winthrop Village along with 43% of the rest of Winthrop's population.  We have many neighbors.  A lot of houses here proudly display the American flag.  It is hung outside every morning and taken down every evening. 

We live about 10 miles west of Maine's capital, Augusta.

Our favorite beach is at Popham State Park.  The water is pretty cold even in the middle of summer.   Swimming in the lakes is much warmer. 

 We live about 45 minutes away from Maine's largest city, Portland.  Portland is a lot of fun and there are many things to do and see. 

Boston Massachusetts is a two hour drive from the house.  

Our dog Cooper is a West Highland Terrier.  He looks vicious, I know.  He really likes to sleep all day and if awake he likes to sit outside and guard the yard from the menacing cat that lives next door.  He is lazy and very friendly.  Cooper is our son Gavin's pal. 

 This is our kitchen.  It is small but it works well. 

 We like to have dinner as a family every night we can.  During the summer we often grill outside.  We eat vegetarian meals and meat meals that include organic chicken, organic beef,  or seafood (lobster, fish, shrimp, scallops, and once in awhile, clams or steamed mussels).   We grow our own tomatoes, green peppers and broccoli.  We eat a lot of eggs, french toast, pancakes, fruit or fruit smoothies for breakfast.  We are always open to suggestions and feel free to let us know what you like to eat.  We will make it happen. 

 As you come in through the front door this is the view.  Living room on the right, dining room on the left. 

 Living room where we watch movies and hang out with friends.  During the summer we usually don't sit down here until after dark.  We like to travel around, see things and do a lot, especially when it is beautiful outside. 

 This is the upstairs landing.  Our home has 3 bedrooms now and soon to be 4.   You will have your own room while you are here.   Your room has a spacious closet, bureau and shelves for your things. 

 Our very typical bathroom.    There are two in the house.  This one has a bathtub with a shower.  You will have your own drawer in this bathroom to store your items. 

Aside from that, our house has a sound system and we like to listen to a lot of music here.  We are looking forward to hearing some German bands you recommend. 

This is Gavin.  He is at work in this picture.  He was lucky on this day to use this four wheeler for a job he was doing.  He also likes to ride four wheelers when not working.  Gavin is going into 8th grade next year.  He is a very easygoing young man who plays a lot of sports.  His favorite is basketball and he loves to swim.   This year he began German language classes.  His knowledge of German is very basic at this point, and he would like to practice.  He sometimes plays X-Box with his friends, but spends most of his time outdoors.  

Gavin likes to ride his bike around town and to the beach to hang out with his friends in the summer.  There is an extra bike if you wish to use it.   I like to run, hike and walk and you are always welcome to join me.  You will have the opportunity to meet some friends your age to hang out with.  They know you are coming and are looking forward to meeting you.

We play a lot of basketball in the summer.  Cooper is barking at the cat outside right now as I type this.  She knows how to get him worked up.

We have a pretty sizable backyard.  The boys will be putting up tents to sleep out here this summer.

At night we have bonfires with friends in our fire pit.

There are many restaurants in the town where we live.  You can get burgers, seafood, Mexican, Italian, and Greek food if you go out to eat in Winthrop.  Typical prices you will pay for a good meal start at $5/meal and can be as much as $25/meal depending on what you order. 

This is the elementary school in town.  Winthrop Public Schools is an independent school district serving approximately 840 students in grades PK-12.  Winthrop Schools are governed by the Winthrop Board of Education.  The five-member group consists of elected representatives from Winthrop.  The members serve 2-year terms and conduct monthly meetings open to the public.

Winthrop is known as being politically moderate and consistently votes for both liberals and conservatives for local, state and national offices. 

 There is a running track, two baseball/softball fields and a few tennis courts behind the school.

 Our local police station is right in town.

 This is a picture of Main St. in Winthrop.

 US Post Office, Winthrop Maine.  Prices to send packages back to Germany from here vary depending on the weight of what you are sending.  The most I ever paid to send anything was for a medium box that cost $40.00.  Shipping times too are longer than what I originally thought and can take a up to a few weeks or even a month to reach Germany, also depending on time of year sent. 

 Tubby's has great ice cream.  All of the ingredients used are locally produced and organic. 

People who live here that practice religion belong to the United Methodist Church, Baptist, Church of Latter Day Saints,  or the Catholic Church.  The picture above is of the Catholic Church in town.  Mass is every Sunday morning. 

This is the local gym where people work out.  The name of it United Fitness and Martial Arts.  Kids in town learn karate here.  I teach kickboxing classes here.  The gym is small and the people are of all ages and very friendly.

Our town has a beach with lifeguards during the day.  There is a float that kids like to swim out to and jump off of.  Winthrop has 11 lakes and ponds.  We have good friends that live on the lake that we spend time with in the summer.  

 There is a nice gift shop in town that has a huge selection and reasonable prices.  Tourist areas in Maine have gift shops full of things that are over-priced, especially on the coast.  

This tree was carved and painted just this year by a man who used a chainsaw to do it.  It is incredible.  The detail is fantastic.  This is down the street from our house.

 A typical street in the neighborhood. People keep their lawns mowed and many like to garden.  It is a very safe place to live. 

Although I am excited about China, I look forward to having this town to come home to.  No matter where I travel in the world, I am always glad to be back here.  We are lucky indeed.  I hope you will like it here too.  Safe travels!

Countdown is on and I feel like I might hurl.

Good grief.  My head has been spinning since the notification came that I was going to China.  June 9th was notification - June 30 is departure for San Francisco.  Not a ton of a time, but a ton to do.

American citizens must get a Chinese visa before going anywhere in China except for Hong Kong.  It is a straightforward process, but you must follow the rules or face delay in processing.  Rules include making sure your passport is valid for 6 months, filling it out accurately etc.  If staying with a Chinese citizen, they must write a letter verifying that you are their guest.  Copies of round-trip tickets and hotel reservations are required along with a $130 fee.  The National Committee on US-China Relations who are partners with the US Department of Education helped us navigate this process.  

We were asked for our passports, ASAP along with our application for a Chinese visa.   I put my passport in a priority mail envelope along with the application and sent it out immediately.  The application was two pages, asked basic information.  Our application was sent to us by the program we are traveling with, hence, it included all travel information already so we didn't have to fill it out.  It also asked about my relatives which I have not seen before on a visa application. 

Once processed, the visa will appear in my passport.  It looks like this:

Paperwork was sent everyday for about a week.  We will share a room with another teacher while there although an individual room option was offered if we were willing to pay the difference.  Rooming with people you don't know can be an adventure in itself.  I have been very lucky, although there was one roomie that I had that snored so loud, I made a bed in the bathroom of a 4 star hotel.  The snoring sounded like a large dumptruck crossed with a jet engine.  I have never heard anything like it and hope not to again, but if I do, I am confident in my abilities to create space to avoid sleepless nights thanks to that experience.

Doctors, doctors, health forms, shots, travel clinics.  Travel clinics are quite the business.  They charge a fee for a consultation and are not covered by insurance.  You can go to your doctor to save yourself the "consultation" fee (about $85-100 depending on clinic), and pay only for the vaccines.  It is good to check CDC website for recommendations when leaving the country.  My friend Anne, a doctor,  told me it is better to spend $$ on vaccines because getting something like Typhoid is much more expensive once you have it.  No thanks.  I felt like I wanted to kick the nurse when getting the Hepatitis A shot.  It burned.  My advice:  breathe.  Typhoid was a breeze.

My doctor was kind enough to suggest that I bring some antibiotics with me just in case I get sick and cannot quite shake it.  Her other suggestion to combat stomach complications due to change in diet:  1 Pepto Bismol every morning.

I just got the flight info.  Maine to Chicago 1 hour layover, Chicago to San Francisco.  Orientation for 2 days then onto China.  About 14 hours if I am figuring correctly.   The way there isn't too concerning.  It is all the way back to Maine at the end of the trip without the stopover in San Francisco - about 20 hours worth of flying.   Good times.  #notsomuch