9: Merry Christmas and Sad News

I found out this morning that my passport is at the Chinese consulate. I sent it to Mom to get my Visa, and after she dropped it off at the consulate she didn’t think to go back and retrieve it. Because today is Christmas and then it’s the weekend, I wouldn’t be able to get my passport until Monday; my flight is Sunday.

We’ve tried everything; there is no way for me to go. Aaron has decided that he won’t go either.

Instead of going to Israel, we will spend a few extra days in New York and then figure out what we will do with the remaining time we have of winter break. Suggestions? ♥

7: To New York City

I’m headed out to New York City tomorrow after spending 24 hours with my parents. Aaron and I will be seeing “In The Heights” on Broadway for our anniversary.

This was their Tony’s performance for “Best Musical.” I can’t wait!

5: Birthright

4: On Needing to Go

There is no toilet paper in China.

Alright, that’s not completely true, but it’s true for public toilets. I’ll have to start carrying around toilet paper or those little Kleenex packets in case of emergency. Much like Europe, you have to pay to use the toilet, but not very much.

Also, there are two kinds of toilets available in China: “Western,” the kind that we’re used to in the States, and “Asian,” or the “squat toilet.” There is an instruction manual on how to use the “squat toilet” here, but it works just as it sounds. When finished, you have to remember to throw away the toilet paper (again, self-provided), and not drop it in.

Also, I have to remember:

Chinese Character for “Woman”

and

Chinese Character for “Man”

3

Figured ya’ll want to know how much traveling I’m doing before I even leave for China. Right now, I’m at Saint Simons Island surrounded by creepy big birds lots of local fun (and of course my friend, who I’m visiting).

Traveling the East Coast to See Family

This is my travel route for the next few weeks:

Post New York City, I will travel to Israel (departing December 27th), return January 7th, drive down to Washington DC, and then leave for China January 14th. The purpose of all this traveling is to see my family before I leave for five months.

As for right now, I feel like I can’t buy any clothes because everything will be cheaper in China. This is less than ideal because the Christmas sales are awesome right now! I am also nervous about packing. I mean, everyone is telling me to pack light and literally buy a new wardrobe there. Uh, expensive? But then again, I wouldn’t have to deal with paying an extra $75 for extra luggage.

Right now, my packing list is as follows:

A credit card China guide Emergency card with a U.S. contact, address, and phone number. Extra passport photos (at least three to four) Nalgene one-liter see-through hard plastic water bottle Passport Student ID Ziplock bags

Athletic wear Computer First Aid kit Medical Food that I can’t find in China (Kelloggs bars!) Ipod Knife Shoes Swimsuit Underwear Winter and spring clothes that layer and cut out wind

Camera Conditioner Deodorant Glasses Hair supplies LOTS of Kleenex packs Moisturizer Plug Adapter Sanitary Items Shampoo Toothpaste

So much to do!

Episode One