So, as you read in one of my previous posts, we were thinking we weren't going to be out of here until October. Because of that, Andre has booked a ticket to go over early (September 4, 2008) and then he would fly home while our passports are in Chicago for 4 days, and then we would fly to Dongguan together (sometime in October).
Well...of course nothing goes according to plan so this has changed yet again. Although Andre still has his ticket for the 4th, our paperwork is moving quite quickly now. If it moves quickly enough, there is no reason for Andre to go over early, because we might just be able to go permanently in mid-September.
We are going to wait it out this week and re-evaluate next Tuesday. If it looks like the paperwork will be done soon, he will stay and we will go around mid-September. If the paperwork slows down again, he will go and we will leave around mid-October.
Thank God we have learned to be pretty patient people! Check back soon!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Dongguan's Population
Dongguan has a permanent population of 6,947,200, among which there are 1,712,600 local residents and 5,234,600 permanent immigrants from inner China. As well, Dongguan is known for its over 700 thousand compatriots living in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, as well as over 200 thousand overseas.
WOW!
WOW!
Friday, August 22, 2008
One more thing...
This is kind of random...but I really wanted to share it. When we were on our last trip to China, we took an excursion with one of the Klipsch suppliers. They had a three-day weekend, so to give their employees a break and show their appreciation, they organized a trip to a beautiful city about 3 hours away. The city was called Zhao Qing City and it was very mountainous & we enjoyed it.
Anyway, the reason I am sharing this is because this was where the highlight of my entire trip to China occurred. One of the days we were doing some hiking & there were tons of beautiful waterfalls, and I got to zipline over a gorge/waterfall!! This was a pretty scary experience, but it all happened so quickly, I didn't really have time to wuss out!! :) It was one of the best experiences of my life and I wanted to post some of the pictures.
This is one of the guys who was one the trip with us. He went with me.
Can you see me in this one?
This was the breathtaking view I had while I was going across!!
All done!! :)
Anyway, the reason I am sharing this is because this was where the highlight of my entire trip to China occurred. One of the days we were doing some hiking & there were tons of beautiful waterfalls, and I got to zipline over a gorge/waterfall!! This was a pretty scary experience, but it all happened so quickly, I didn't really have time to wuss out!! :) It was one of the best experiences of my life and I wanted to post some of the pictures.
This is one of the guys who was one the trip with us. He went with me.
Can you see me in this one?
This was the breathtaking view I had while I was going across!!
All done!! :)
Chinese Food
People ask us a lot about what the food is like in China. I am sure you wouldn't be surprised to learn that it is NOTHING like it is here. The main difference is that in America most "Chinese" dishes are mostly meat-based. However, in China, most dishes are vegetable based. They don't eat nearly as much meat as we do. Here are a few links that we found that describe the Chinese diet in more detail. Check them out if you have time!
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/10/1671_51429
http://www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/Health%20Notes/healnote22.htm
http://www.thechinastudy.com/about.html
This last link is hilarious. It is so true...I think that is what makes it funny. If you only look at one of these links...make it this one!! :)
http://fortes.com/2006/10/27/china-diet/
At an authentic Chinese meal, many dishes are brought to the middle of the table & put on a "lazy susan". It is rotated and people take small portions of everything. I don't think we ever went to a restaurant where we ordered our own meal. Here is a photo of a "typical" Chinese meal.
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/10/1671_51429
http://www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/Health%20Notes/healnote22.htm
http://www.thechinastudy.com/about.html
This last link is hilarious. It is so true...I think that is what makes it funny. If you only look at one of these links...make it this one!! :)
http://fortes.com/2006/10/27/china-diet/
At an authentic Chinese meal, many dishes are brought to the middle of the table & put on a "lazy susan". It is rotated and people take small portions of everything. I don't think we ever went to a restaurant where we ordered our own meal. Here is a photo of a "typical" Chinese meal.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I wish!!
I wish we were gone! But alas...we are NOT! We are stuck in "Z" visa-limbo!! :) This is highly frustrating, but I will do my best to explain this.
Our paperwork was finally all compiled and sent to China at the end of last week. It will take 3-4 days for them to verify our medical reports. Once these are accepted (IF they are accepted), an application for alien employment will be filed. This will take 7-8 working days. Then an application for an invitation letter (our visas) will be filed. It will take 7 working days to file this. After all of these things have been filed and accepted, all the paperwork will be sent back to the US. THEN, we can apply for our "Z" visa (permanent resident visa) and this will be done at the Chinese consulate in Chicago, USA. **This is the reason we have not been able to book tickets and go. We cannot be in China when our passports are sent to the Chinese consulate in Chicago because it just wouldn't be wise to do so while we are residing in China.** It will take up to 4 working days to process our visas and then our passports (with "Z" visas) will then be couriered to us. If you are looking at a calendar with all this information, it puts us as leaving in early October.
Sorry, I know that is a lot to digest, but now you see the frustration. None of this can be expedited...it is simply up to the Chinese government. If we had been given these facts months ago...we would have been able to see that the desires of Klipsch to get us to China by the end of July were simply NOT feasible. However, there was a great breakdown in communication, and now we are still here in the US twiddling our thumbs and having already said good-bye to everyone!!
Now, in great likelihood Andre will be making a trip to China in the interim and then returning to finalize everything here (while our visas are being processed in Chicago) and leaving again with me in tow. More on that later!!
Our paperwork was finally all compiled and sent to China at the end of last week. It will take 3-4 days for them to verify our medical reports. Once these are accepted (IF they are accepted), an application for alien employment will be filed. This will take 7-8 working days. Then an application for an invitation letter (our visas) will be filed. It will take 7 working days to file this. After all of these things have been filed and accepted, all the paperwork will be sent back to the US. THEN, we can apply for our "Z" visa (permanent resident visa) and this will be done at the Chinese consulate in Chicago, USA. **This is the reason we have not been able to book tickets and go. We cannot be in China when our passports are sent to the Chinese consulate in Chicago because it just wouldn't be wise to do so while we are residing in China.** It will take up to 4 working days to process our visas and then our passports (with "Z" visas) will then be couriered to us. If you are looking at a calendar with all this information, it puts us as leaving in early October.
Sorry, I know that is a lot to digest, but now you see the frustration. None of this can be expedited...it is simply up to the Chinese government. If we had been given these facts months ago...we would have been able to see that the desires of Klipsch to get us to China by the end of July were simply NOT feasible. However, there was a great breakdown in communication, and now we are still here in the US twiddling our thumbs and having already said good-bye to everyone!!
Now, in great likelihood Andre will be making a trip to China in the interim and then returning to finalize everything here (while our visas are being processed in Chicago) and leaving again with me in tow. More on that later!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Driving in Dongguan
I found some pictures of traffic in Dongguan to support my claims. You be the judge! :)
The picture above is actually looking out of Andre's office window.
The picture above is actually looking out of Andre's office window.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Cars
A lot of people have asked what we are doing with our cars AND, will we get a car when we are there? Well...we already sold Andre's car. We sold it to a friend and it worked out perfectly with the exception that we are now down to one car and have been since the end of June. After many forgetful incidences in which we both made plans, we are finally used to one vehicle. Although I will never be used to getting up so early to take Andre to work if I need the car!! :) My car on the other hand is being purchased by Andre's Mom & Dad. They wanted something they could tow behind the motorhome, and thought our car would be ideal for that. They will be taking the car whenever we finally get out of here!! Now, if we could just sell our house that easily!! ;)
Now, about driving in China...if we wanted to die we would probably undertake this feat. However, we aren't prepared to end our lives just yet. So in the mean time, we will have a car allowance from Klipsch. We will be tracking our transportation for the first 3-5 months of living there and then we will come up with an appropriate allowance. I would imagine that if we were to have company, or if we were traveling to another city (Shenzen for shopping anyone?) we would get a driver/car for the day. We might do that a couple of times a month, but other than that most of our transport will take place via taxi.
Traffic is very crazy in the city. You have to witness it firsthand to REALLY understand. Our traffic laws are just guidelines in China. You will frequently see people crossing over double yellow lines to pass a long row of traffic. As Andre says, if you don't make eye contact with the other driver, you do not have the right of way. You literally feel like you are going to be in an accident at least 2 times per trip...even more if you are going farther. I thought this would make me nervous, but it was actually kind of fun. Think...driving on an obstacle course...with about 1,000 other people. Any takers? :)
Now, about driving in China...if we wanted to die we would probably undertake this feat. However, we aren't prepared to end our lives just yet. So in the mean time, we will have a car allowance from Klipsch. We will be tracking our transportation for the first 3-5 months of living there and then we will come up with an appropriate allowance. I would imagine that if we were to have company, or if we were traveling to another city (Shenzen for shopping anyone?) we would get a driver/car for the day. We might do that a couple of times a month, but other than that most of our transport will take place via taxi.
Traffic is very crazy in the city. You have to witness it firsthand to REALLY understand. Our traffic laws are just guidelines in China. You will frequently see people crossing over double yellow lines to pass a long row of traffic. As Andre says, if you don't make eye contact with the other driver, you do not have the right of way. You literally feel like you are going to be in an accident at least 2 times per trip...even more if you are going farther. I thought this would make me nervous, but it was actually kind of fun. Think...driving on an obstacle course...with about 1,000 other people. Any takers? :)
Where is Dongguan, China?
Many people were asking for the spelling of our new city. The spelling above is correct, and usually if you type it in Google Maps or Google Earth it will locate it. However, if it can't be located you may want to try Dongwan, China. It is the same place, apparently it is just not translated easily!! :)
The closest major city to us is Hong Kong. That is where we fly in. Then you take about an hour ferry ride to the mainland since Hong Kong is an island. Once on the mainland, it is about a 45-50 minutes taxi ride to the area of town in which we live. And what a crazy taxi ride it is...hold on!!
The closest major city to us is Hong Kong. That is where we fly in. Then you take about an hour ferry ride to the mainland since Hong Kong is an island. Once on the mainland, it is about a 45-50 minutes taxi ride to the area of town in which we live. And what a crazy taxi ride it is...hold on!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
What about your house?
Ahhhh...this is the biggest reason our life has been so crazy lately. We have been working non-stop on our house and it looks GREAT!! It is officially on the market, and now we just need buyers. If you know of anyone looking for a starter home please pass them our way. The moving company has already come once and taken everything we are putting in storage that we don't need before we move. It really de-cluttered our house. They will come again to pack up everything we are shipping to China when we leave. And then they will come one final time to pack up everything staged in the house, after it sells.
Our apartment in China will be furnished so we aren't shipping any furniture. We are basically only taking clothes, pictures, and DVD/video games. Everything else is being stored or pitched!
Our apartment in China will be furnished so we aren't shipping any furniture. We are basically only taking clothes, pictures, and DVD/video games. Everything else is being stored or pitched!
Thank you!!
Thank you to everyone who has come to one (or both) of our going away parties. It means a lot to us to see all those people we care most about. We have had so much fun and we are lucky to have such GREAT friends. We hope to see everyone at least once more before we leave!! :)
What are you doing with your dogs?
We have (had) three dogs that made this decision that much harder. They were the one aspect of this move that we were unable to talk about for so long because we both got so emotional thinking about giving them up. If you have pets you understand this....they are our children!!
That being said, Klipsch agreed to pay for the relocation of ONE of our pets. That is costing them $5,000...so imagine their reluctance to re-locate THREE of them!! That wasn't going to happen! :)
Even though it seems like this would be a hard decision, fate stepped in and decided for us. A friend of mine at work, Chelsea, expressed interest in adopting a big dog, as she always had dogs growing up and missed it. Her husband Aaron and her just got married about a month ago and we ready to expand their family. So when I went to visit China, she kept Gracie for us to see if it would be a good fit. They all loved each other immediately and we knew we had found a new family for our little girl. Gracie made the move right after the 4th of July and has been very happy. Her brothers miss her terribly, as do Andre and I, but we know she is in good hands. I think Chelsea and Aaron are spoiling her...but she deserves it!! :)
That brings us to Reuben. Anyone who has met him knows he is skittish and rejects anything that is not in his routine. My Mom & Dad have had a spot for Reuben in their hearts for him since they do they met him, and volunteered immediately to take him. I feel very comfortable with this, and know that he will be a good little lake dog!! At this time he is still with us, and will be until we leave.
If you are keeping track you know that leaves us with Ralphie!! He is our baby...the only dog that Andre and I acquired together. So in a way, it makes the most sense. He is also the biggest pest/troublemaker. However, I think he will be a different dog when he doesn't have any other dogs to torment & pester. Ralphie will also be living with my Mom & Dad until we arrive in China and move into an apartment. Hopefully it will be about a month or less, and then Animals Away will transport him over to his new home in China!
It will be nice to have a piece of home over there. It will give me responsibility and a reason to get out & about everyday regardless of whether I want to or not. We are sad to part with & separate our "children" but we know they will be well taken care of and happy.
That being said, Klipsch agreed to pay for the relocation of ONE of our pets. That is costing them $5,000...so imagine their reluctance to re-locate THREE of them!! That wasn't going to happen! :)
Even though it seems like this would be a hard decision, fate stepped in and decided for us. A friend of mine at work, Chelsea, expressed interest in adopting a big dog, as she always had dogs growing up and missed it. Her husband Aaron and her just got married about a month ago and we ready to expand their family. So when I went to visit China, she kept Gracie for us to see if it would be a good fit. They all loved each other immediately and we knew we had found a new family for our little girl. Gracie made the move right after the 4th of July and has been very happy. Her brothers miss her terribly, as do Andre and I, but we know she is in good hands. I think Chelsea and Aaron are spoiling her...but she deserves it!! :)
That brings us to Reuben. Anyone who has met him knows he is skittish and rejects anything that is not in his routine. My Mom & Dad have had a spot for Reuben in their hearts for him since they do they met him, and volunteered immediately to take him. I feel very comfortable with this, and know that he will be a good little lake dog!! At this time he is still with us, and will be until we leave.
If you are keeping track you know that leaves us with Ralphie!! He is our baby...the only dog that Andre and I acquired together. So in a way, it makes the most sense. He is also the biggest pest/troublemaker. However, I think he will be a different dog when he doesn't have any other dogs to torment & pester. Ralphie will also be living with my Mom & Dad until we arrive in China and move into an apartment. Hopefully it will be about a month or less, and then Animals Away will transport him over to his new home in China!
It will be nice to have a piece of home over there. It will give me responsibility and a reason to get out & about everyday regardless of whether I want to or not. We are sad to part with & separate our "children" but we know they will be well taken care of and happy.
Questions?
Please, if you have questions about this process....either e-mail me or reply to his post and I can blog about it. I am going to try to hit some of the things we are asked about most often...but trust me, if YOU want to know...EVERYONE wants to know!! :)
WOW!
Hello loyal readers!! :) I am so sorry for the lag in my posting! Things have been CRAZY around here!! I still don't have an idea for what to do in China when this blog gets blocked, but I suppose I will figure that out when the time comes. I have heard that it still allows you to access certain websites occasionally...so you may just have to bear with me!! That's what you've been doing anyway right??
I have decided to abandon a detailed explanation of our trip, because it has been awhile since then anyway. Don't worry...I still have plenty of witty observations & stories for you!! :)
I wanted to update everyone on the most frequently asked question: When are you guys officially leaving??? We still have no "official" date! We know this is just as annoying and frustrating for you as it is for us!! At this time, our paperwork has been submitted, but we are waiting for approval on our medical paperwork. Once we get that, hopefully by the end of next week, we SHOULD be able to purchase our tickets and have a finialized date.
Part of the hold-up is that they originally wanted our medical exams to be done in Guangzhou, PRC...but Klipsch didn't really want to send us there just to get medical exams ($$$) so we had them done here and they are being translated. Hopefully they will accept these medical exams, because if not...we will have to have them done AGAIN in China!! Which will not be fun because trust me...there was a gauntlet of tests done on us...we were poked, prodded, and pricked for several days.
Another reason this is all taking so long is the Olympics. China is basically shutting things down for this worldwide event. Everything is 10x harder because they are cracking down so hard on visas & stuff.
As soon as we have a date set & tickets purchased you will be the first to know!! :)
I have decided to abandon a detailed explanation of our trip, because it has been awhile since then anyway. Don't worry...I still have plenty of witty observations & stories for you!! :)
I wanted to update everyone on the most frequently asked question: When are you guys officially leaving??? We still have no "official" date! We know this is just as annoying and frustrating for you as it is for us!! At this time, our paperwork has been submitted, but we are waiting for approval on our medical paperwork. Once we get that, hopefully by the end of next week, we SHOULD be able to purchase our tickets and have a finialized date.
Part of the hold-up is that they originally wanted our medical exams to be done in Guangzhou, PRC...but Klipsch didn't really want to send us there just to get medical exams ($$$) so we had them done here and they are being translated. Hopefully they will accept these medical exams, because if not...we will have to have them done AGAIN in China!! Which will not be fun because trust me...there was a gauntlet of tests done on us...we were poked, prodded, and pricked for several days.
Another reason this is all taking so long is the Olympics. China is basically shutting things down for this worldwide event. Everything is 10x harder because they are cracking down so hard on visas & stuff.
As soon as we have a date set & tickets purchased you will be the first to know!! :)
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