Preparations for China

The preparations for China are in full swing here at the Spusk house. Security for the house has been arranged. The paper and mail stopped. Visas have been secured. Currency has been exchanged. Neck pillows, eye masks, and blankets are ready for their 13 hour flight debut. Top ten things to see lists have been compiled and Learn Chinese podcasts have been downloaded. I think we even figured out the converter issues. We are very excited. I’m a little nervous – but then again I am always a little nervous! Here’s a basic outline of the trip. I am hopeful, but doubtful, we’ll be able to get on the internet while we are there and upload some photos and blog postings. Seems that the Chinese government isn’t too keen on the free exchange of ideas over the interweb. Here’s the basic outline of our tour for those of you following along at home:

Day 1: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Depart USA. Depart just after midnight aboard your Air China 13 hour non-stop flight to Beijing

Day 2: Thursday, January 28, 2010 – Beijing Beijing International Hotel
Arrive early this morning in Beijing, China's historic and cultural capital. You'll be met by your guide and transferred to Tiananmen Square for a brief overview and a group photo. You will then proceed to your hotel in the center of Beijing, within short distance of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. After an orientation briefing by your guide, the rest of the day
is yours to explore Beijing on your own.

Day 3: Friday, January 29, 2010 - Forbidden City Beijing International Hotel
This morning visit the Forbidden City, located at the exact center of the ancient city of Beijing where it served as the imperial palace during the mid-Ming and Qing Dynasties. Known as the Palace Museum today, its extensive grounds cover 720,000 square meters, 800 buildings and more than 8,000 rooms. The Forbidden City is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world and was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. End your morning tour with a visit to an exquisite pearl factory and enjoy an included lunch. After lunch, the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Beijing on your own.

Day 4: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - Great Wall of China Beijing International Hotel
Depart after breakfast on a full day included excursion to the only man-made structure visible from the moon, the Great Wall of China. En route, view the Olympic venues, the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, and enjoy a visit to the jade factory with a presentation and some time for shopping. The Great Wall follows a ridge of barren hills and stretches at least 3,750 miles (6,000 km). Construction of the Great Wall, which spanned more than two thousand years, began between the 7th and 6th century BC and continued through the Ming Dynasty. The wall was originally built of stone, wood, grass and earth, but during the Ming Dynasty, bricks were produced in kilns set up along the wall. The bricks were transported by men carrying them on their backs or by donkeys, mules and even goats, which had bricks tied to their heads before being driven up a mountain. Conclude your visit at the Sacred Way, an ancient road linking the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. A massive stone archway, built in 1540 at the southern end is decorated with designs of clouds, waves and divine animals. Included meals: breakfast, lunch.

Day 5: Sunday, January 31, 2010 – Beijing Beijing International Hotel
Enjoy a day to explore Beijing on your own. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of Beijing, close to major attractions, restaurants and shopping. We have booked a night market tour on our own. They’ll take us on a tour of the “street food” stands!

Day 6: Monday, February 1, 2010 - Beijing/Xi'an Xi'an Aurum International Hotel
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, board your touring coach and drive to the site of the famous 2,200-year-old Terra Cotta army, among the most important archeological discoveries of modern times. More than 8,000 life-size ceramic soldiers, chariots and horses have been uncovered, but it's only a fraction of the total buried there to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor. Each soldier is based on an actual person of the time, and all segments of Chinese society are represented. Learn more about this fascinating site during your visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, followed by an included lunch.

Day 7: Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Xi'an/Shanghai Shanghai Broadway Mansions Hotel
Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai, China's most modern city, often called "Paris of the East." Upon arrival, take a ride on the world's fastest train, the maglev train. Then, visit one of Shanghai's oldest attractions—the Yu Garden and the Temple of the City God. Time permitting; indulge in some silk shopping after lunch. Proceed to your hotel for check in. Your hotel is located in the center of Shanghai, near the waterfront boulevard known as the Bund.

Day 8: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 – Shanghai Shanghai Broadway Mansions Hotel
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Shanghai to explore on your own

Day 9: Thursday, February 4, 2010 – Shanghai Shanghai Broadway Mansions Hotel
Spend a final day at leisure in Shanghai.

Day 10: Friday, February 5, 2010 - Shanghai/USA
Bid farewell to China as you transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA. Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today.

We are staying in LA the night before we leave and the night after we return. In 2007, when I went to Japan, I found it a big help not to have to worry about clearing customs and immigration in time to make a flight the night we arrive. Plus, it does seem to help with the time changes. So all in all, I think we are pretty much ready. A few more errands this week and then off we go!