The Journey to the Trip
February 19, 2009
I made the long trek from BR to the Big Smoke on Tuesday. "Why would I do such a thing?", you ask. To get a Chinese Visa of course! I was thrilled to arrive at the Chinese Consulate at 10:45 am. I was worried that I would land there in time for them to take their 1 1/2 hour lunch. Despite the utter chaos (which I expect I will need to become accustomed to shortly), I was in and out of there in less than 45 minutes. I can now return on Friday to pick up our passports and Chinese Visas.
With extra time to spend, I was able to stop in at Coop Mountain Equipment and pick up a few more necessities. I was able to get 2 sleeping bag liners, a water proof cover for Bill's pack (thanks TT), a quick dry towel, hiking socks for Bill and some travel containers.
Meanwhile, in Windsor, Bill was loading up on some other supplies. We now have a super light, kick-butt camcorder (Sony DCR-SR67, 60x optical zoom and 80G HDD), and extra batteries and memory for our cameras too.
Bill and I finally saw Sundog Millionaire. What a great movie. It makes me wonder how much poverty we are going to see on our trip. I am not sure how I am going to react to that....
February 20, 2009
Sorry, sorry! I know that you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting to hear if I have received our Chinese Visas!
I went to bed late Thursday night and did not sleep well, so naturally I was wide awake at 4 am. After 20 minutes of staring at the ceiling, I decided to get out of bed and hit the road early. Thanks to the iPod and XM satellite radio, I was able to stay awake, and arrive at the Consulate at 10 am. I jumped in a short line, but as I was getting closer, I noticed a sign that indicated "cash only". I had very little cash and did not know the cost of our Visas. The kind lady behind the glass informed me that the Visas were $50 each (I almost had a heart attack when I thought she said $150 each). She gave me an address and pointed me in the direction of the nearest ATM. I headed up the block to a convenience store in an apartment building and withdrew the required cash. I was able to return and pay immediately as there was no longer a lineup. After providing her with the money I was able to inspect our passports. We now have a sticker in our passports that allow us to enter China for 30 days, prior to May 17th! Hurray!
A special thanks to the Elliotts (again), Bill was able to keep Heidi's PT and I was able to go from Toronto to Ridgetown/Morpeth without returning to Belle River. Bill was able to meet me at Sheila, Doug, Annie and Molly's after work.
I had a great Asian inspired chicken salad for dinner with the Youngs. Bill was running late and missed out.
Sheila and the girls did an amazing job decorating the house. The poster was great with all our destinations, the flags and some travel tips! I loved the signage that was placed around the house too.
Karen, Corey, Ella and Wes joined us after dinner. They are totally awesome! Ella was so cute in her monkey jammies (she is not mischievous at all). I want one of her big cuddly hugs when I get back! Deb came out too I was very impressed that she stayed so late.
Bill finally made it. I baked up some brie for us to nibble on. I know that brie is not Asian inspired, but I was dying to try the recipe. It did not disappoint - brie, puff pastry, raspberry preserves, raspberries, pepper and rosemary. YUMMY! It is fabulous with pepper Triscuits. I will post the recipe if I can find it again.
We also had some other great food - satays, spring rolls and fortune cookies. My fortune is "You are always the life of the party..." The fortunes do not lie! ;-)
February 28, 2009
Ange is right. Bill and I have hit Rock Bottom - As of Friday we are both jobless and homeless! All I can say is, "it's all good!"
We had a fantastic time at Rock Bottom. If the theme of Doug and Sheila's party was Spoons, then the theme of this party was Spanking. That's is all I am gonna say 'bout that!
I was so blown away by how many people took the time to stop by and say "goodbye". I am sorry that I did not have more time to visit with all of you. We are definitely going to have time to socialize when we return though! LOL!
March 01, 2009
Today we said "goodbye" to our babies (Ella and Ally our kittens) and our home for the past 3 3/4 years. I am going to miss those fur balls, but know that Mary will take great care of them and the house for us.
Bill's father was kind enough to come all the way from Wallaceburg to Belle River to pick us up. We stopped in at Hamilton to visit Bill's Aunt Jean. We had a lovely cup of tea and some cookies with her. It was all very pleasant until Bill tripped over his foot that was asleep and sprained his foot. Down goes Humphrey, down goes Humphrey!
Again, Ray went out of his way to drop us off in St Catherine's. It was wonderful to visit Bill's family and Marlene made an incredible meal. Thank you very much - it will be our last homemade meal for many months!
So, I think we are all ready for our new adventure and our new life. I think this chapter of our lives is going to be incredible and I am very excited! We are so blessed to be able to take time together and see a beautiful part of the world that we have not been to yet!