Today, I had the opportunity to watch the Chinese classes of Shin Chi Fame Kao practice for a special school assembly being presented on Thursday and Friday at P.V.I.S. It was exciting to see the students perform a variety of Chinese dances and rituals. Shin Chi is doing a wonderful job teaching Chinese to our students. I am also delighted that she is going to be part of our group traveling to China.
Thank you Shin Chi for being a part of our school and giving students a chance to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Sincerely,
Jewell
Christina,
(RE: how much memory for camera is needed)
I only took one large memory card and wished I had two. But, there are so many computer/camera shops that will download your memory card on to a CD. It was pretty reasonable and easy. I came home with two CDs and pictures on the camera.
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A friend of mine just recently returned from China. He suggested taking binoculars. He mentioned that they came in handy at the Terra Cotta Warriors and also the Great Wall.
Another suggestion is to take along an extra battery for your camera.
Jewell
Another suggestion for the trip to China is to take approximately $200 worth of $1 bills. My mother is leaving for China March 8th and her trip advisor made this suggestion.
Jewell
I recommend bringing one backpack, one pair of shoes, 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve, 1 sweater, 2 pairs of pants. You will get a free toothbrush at every hotel (probably). But, that's me.
Also - bring some pens - or some other small trinket you feel comfortable passing out to kids. Maybe buttons, something. I guess that is what the $1 bills are for as well. I don't know what the items are used for, but the smile is worth a million 😀
I read the post about the students at PVI engaging in Chinese studies and cultural activities. I wish this opportunity was afforded the kids at Ridgecrest. After our unit on CHina this year in seventh grade I sensed a true interest in China and a growing awareness of the very important cultulre and its influence on the world.
Cathy Rieder
Be sure to take a small journal or blank book to write in as you travel. I wrote down so much as we travelded on the bus. I would never have remembered everything if I had not. I think I will take a glue stick this time to glue in my tickets and other mementoes. I think that would make an interesting journal.
Cathy Rieder
The $1 bills are suggested for buying items from street vendors. You can also buy bottled water 2 for a dollar. After 14 days, I know that I will be drinking lots of water. On my mother's trip, she indicated that all of the hotels with 4 and 5 stars have hair dryers. Maybe, this is one less thing to pack.
Jewell
I just received some additional news from my brother-in-law after his recent trip to China. They had plenty of food. There is no need to take food to supplement your diet. A lot of places would take American dollars. However, Chinese money is also came in handy. For example, at the shops in the hotels and some businesses such as Starbucks, they would only deal in Chinese money. All the street vendors of course would take dollars, but not make any change. They were followed where ever they went by people selling postcards, watches, clothing, etc. If you buy, make sure that you deal.
Jewell
Adaptors vs. Converters
If we need to recharge our camera battery, which do we need an adaptor or converter?
I notice the travel stores are selling only adapters, but do we need converters? Also, did any of the hotels provide these? In othewords experienced China travelers, how did you plug your battery charger in last trip?
Actually, I'm sitting here in a panic about making the trip. This Friday Barbara called and I found out that the Chinese embassy wouldn't issue me a visa because my passport expires within six months after returning. A firm Chinese rule I didn't know existed is that it must be good for a full six months after return date. After hours of phone calls, I found a passport/visa service that maintains they can secure both new passport and Chinese visa in the slim time frame of two weeks. Please cross your fingers for me.
Wow! I am crossing my fingers! After talking with my sister who just returned from China, she said that lots of the big hotels have different outlets in the rooms. They didn't seem to have a problem. Maybe, just take an extra battery for your camera. I will be talking to her again soon and I will find out more information about the hotel accommodations. Lea says that she is taking a converter, regardless. I just might gamble on it.
Jewell
Does anyone have this documentary?
Modern Marvels - The Great Wall of China (History Channel) (2005)
It would be fun to have a class about the things we're going to see before we go to China. I guess that won't happen, but I really think it would build interest, excitement, and give us insight into how and when things developed that we just don't get with a tour guide.
China Shoppers....in Lomita
For some months I've been passing a China "art and artifacts" shop at PHC & Narbonne (PV Dr. E), so Friday I paid it a visit. I found it a helpful stop before our trip to collect some US price comparisons. A former English teacher from Beijiang runs the store and is most helpful
and knowledgable about the various pieces. Many are quite large, not the sort of thing we'll be stuffing in a duffle. However, it's a great source for even after our return.
The salesclerk did mention that they routinely give 20% off most prices.
Principal Art and Artifacts
25834 Narbonne Ave. (corner with PCH)
Lomita
I found a kit at Frys with adapters and a converter, $15.
Christina Varela
Last years participants indicated they had enough food provided, but that some people got sick from the food. Four people from last years trip have told me to bring food.
Christina Varela