Off to China!

[brewerpaul]

Off To China would be a good tune name, but that's not what this post is about...
On Friday, Charlene and I are leaving for a 9 day tour of China!
We're taking the 2008 edition of this:

http://acchamber.org/china.aspx

We saw an ad for this back in the spring and the price was so good that we couldn't refuse.
I've wanted to see China since I was a little kid, so I can't wait. I'm hoping to find some interesting musical instruments for my share of the souvenirs.

If anyone else has visited China, we'd appreciate any suggestions. We are very tightly scheduled, so suggestions of places to visit won't help much but anything else would be much appreciated.

BTW-- this trip was funded entirely by whistle sales, so thanks to all who have contributed to our trip.

[izzarina]

Wow, Paul! That's really awesome! It's really cool that you're finally going to a place you've wanted to go to since you were a little boy.

I don't have any recommendations, except to have a fantastic time, and make sure to tell us all about it when you both get back!

[Coffee]

If anyone else has visited China, we'd appreciate any suggestions. We are very tightly scheduled, so suggestions of places to visit won't help much but anything else would be much appreciated.

Well, close. I've visited Korea. Spent a year there in fact. Never been to China though but I understand there's been a lot of cultural exchange between the two for the last few thousand years.

Suggestions? Well if they're anything like their neighbours on the penninsula, don't ever enter a drinking contest with one of the locals.

[emmline]

advice: All little girl infants in strollers are 5 years old, so don't bother asking.

Other than that...have a really, really great time!

[djm]

Hmm, looks like anopther of my posts has been mysteriously deleted. I didn't think that one was particularly offensive, though.

djm

[Denny]

and would emm's post be in response to your nonexistent post?

[Daniel_Bingamon]

Have a good trip. Don't drink the water in northern china.

[djm]

... and don't breathe the air ....

Hmmm, where have I heard that one before?

djm

[ElPollo]

If you're staying close to a public park, try to get up early in the morning and go watch people do morning gymnastics, taichi etc etc.

Now, playing a few tunes on a whistle during that would probably be welcome too. (Unless they're doing their gymnastics to some music they brought along, then you might just be making noise )

[mutepointe]

Lucky you. Enjoy yourself.

[Flyingcursor]

Be sure to make a list of any military personnel you see.
Numbers, equipment, identification, potential movement etc. Satellites don't always get everything.

[cowtime]

Wow! Have a great trip.

[Lambchop]

Read this before you go! Lost on Planet China or How I Learned to Love Live Squid, by J. Maarten Troost.

I haven't read this one, but anything involving live squid has to be good.

If you search for it on Amazon, you'll get to read some nice advice from Mr. Troost about getting on in China. There are also some excellent video clips, including one involving a toilet.

You are, I'm sure, bringing back souvenirs for all of us?

[Cork]

You've heard of Montezuma's Revenge, about drinking the water in Mexico?

Well, it seems there could be a similar saying about eating local, Chinese cuisine.

That is, apparently there's a chance that you could be stationed on a porcelain Buddha for a few days.

Yup, it seems to go with the territory.

Good luck!

[Redwolf]

There's nothing more wonderful than finally getting to visit someplace you've always wanted to see! Have a great time (and take lots of photos...we'll be waiting to see them!).

Redwolf