Visit to China (third entry)

As some of you know, I've been keeping a video journal. Go to my video channel, 'Guoji Ren' on that journal to see the video and info re: this experience. Check back on that page later I don't plan to publish any more video until I return from China. Presently there are three videos- especially check back at least a month from now if you happen to actually be interested enough- I have so much video that I can't edit it all from here and enjoy my vacation. What I have edited and posted I did a crude job of for time constraints. Later, expect higher resolution video, wipes and fades, more taken out during a more rigorous editing process etc. In some future blog entry, I should have some more photos for you (besides the ones my son took which I posted previously that is). I haven't taken as many pictures- I've been more interested in video- but I should focus on taking some more pictures before I return. I'm sure they will be important to us- though I am not a good photographer.

• Guoji Ren (the term means "international person/people")

Visit to China (second entry)

Faizi's Survival lists

This is not intended to be universal- but it will be helpful to you in some way I think if you are ever in the mainland to consider some of the things I needed. I'll refer to it myself for next time as well even though I am talking to you in this list.

• Get instant coffee, creamer and sugar or bring same.

• A thing to hang your toiletries in.

• A box to keep by your bedside for stuff. This is intended as a chest really- so that you don't have to search pockets, zippered carrion or suitcases for things you grab five times a day.
• a digital camera with a large memory card and video capture capability such as my fuji finepix.
• Vimeo.com is your friend.
• Ubuntu Linux boot CD (I'm using it now to have unmitigated English access to my Google programs and other off-line OS functions and apps. Trying to guess what a Chinese menu is saying on someone else's computer will drive you nuts)
• Dude just do yourself a favor and refrain from bringing your own computer unless you are moving to China perminently. Plan ahead and work around the need to have your own computer- but trust me - it's not worth the trouble.
• IPod - you'll need the drive space as much as anything. Learn about "disk mode" (google it- and use it well)
• Load tons of episodes from "Chinesepod.com"
• Load tons of apps from "PortableApps.com" (email me if you get confused about how to use that stuff- also note- they will work only on windows computers- not your ubuntu CD)
• To save yourself time re: video-editing and photo blogging, Dump the contents of your cameras storage card on to your IPod (between Ubuntu and the windows computer you will likely have access to hopefully you will figure it out.)
• On Canada Air at this time- if you get routed through Toronto- you'll likely have access to power plugs and usb plugs from your seat - so if you could use the ability to keep a charge- bringing cables in your carry on will actually pay off. (I ran out of juice on my IPod from Toronto to Beijing unnecessarily)
• FSpot photo manager (in Ubuntu) can't view video- but WILL transfer video for you. It also can upload your photos to many popular photo-sites such as Picassa (Google photos- whatever)
• Just don't bring much at all. I came here for a two week trip with a tiny suitcase half filled with presents and a tiny carry-on and it still felt empty. I just had a small book, a pair of pants, a pair of shorts and a few shirts (one pair of white tennis-shoes on my feet). If you attempt in any way to sort of "accommodate" what you think you should have at home you will go insane and spend half your day rummaging. That's always true with travel- but especially in China where you are guaranteed small quarters. Learn from the Chinese on this point- they live very comfortably in small spaces. That's because "NO STUFF!!" and the stuff you do have is tiny, singular, and multifarious of function. (a bed may also be a bench or a sofa or a board-game space or a picknic table)

VISIT TO CHINA (first entry)

I have been to China many times. The first time I came - I lived here for a half year, returned for a Summer and returned for another six months, during which second six month duration I got married. Yadda yadda yadda, ten years and two boys later, here I am again in the city (Chang Chun) where I met my wife, to pick up my son's Ethan (neerly 8 years old) and Elijah (nearly 6). They have been here for three months, living with their uncle and learning to speak Chinese better.

• Map of route
• Pictures ethan took with his camera
• Video log of my trip

I'd have more pictures and stuff but I have been without luggage since I arrived. I've been in the same clothes for five days now. The airport finally located my one small suitcase and we are going to pick it up this morning. (hopefully it's the correct suit-case they found)