Dave's Sketch Journal: March 2008

Preparation

0 Comments Published by daveterry on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 9:45 AM.

We are excited about our one month trip to China. We leave on April 4th and return May 2nd. We got a Delta round trip ticket non-spot from Atlanta to Shanghai for $588.

Like last time, I'll try to blog each day while in China. I'll post pictures and stories so you can "arm chair" travel. All the fun without the hassle.

But, if you are considering travel to China or any foreign country you might consider using only one bag. Check out onebag.com. I bought something like this carry on bag.

Shoes are most important for travel in China. Get the most comfortable shoes you can find, usually tennis shoes. I bought a pair of good lightweight hiking boots because I planned to do some hiking in the hills of Pingan. I bought them a month before we left and wore them every day to break them in. I also bought a couple of pairs of perspiration wicking socks. Dry, comfortable feet are key to happiness.

Most rooms have no safes. And you don't want to leave valuable stuff in the room. Whatever valuable things you bring on the trip you'll need to carry with you every day. Eject the unnecessary from your bag. Bring (pack or wear) a very light backpack. I found one at Ross for $10. Last trip I put my camera and notebook in the backpack and carried it with me everywhere.

It's important to test the backpack before you go. Put your stuff in the bag and carry it around with you for a day. (Break in your new shoes at the same time.) It may not feel heavy at first but it "gains" weight as the day wears on.

We always felt safe in China but I didn't flash money around. I left my jewelry at home. I bought a cheap plastic digital watch that doubled as my alarm clock. I wore my money on me in a money belt and put just enough cash in my pocket for the day. That way, I didn't have to dig into my hidden money belt in front of the vendors.

I found lots of travel suggestions at www.travelblog.org. You can also use the site to blog your trips.

Still not sure if you want to go to China? Read about our last China trip here. I highly recommend it. If nothing else, it'll cure your insomnia.

...dave
If you look like your passport it's time to return home.

Labels: china2008, preparation

About Dave Terry's Travel Journal

3 Comments Published by daveterry on at 9:41 AM.

About the only thing better than traveling and learning about other cultures is writing and taking pictures of them.

I do it because it helps me remember the places, the people, and the experience. Later I can relive the moment, laugh at the happy times, or exaggerate the turmoil of travel.

But writing about travel and taking photographs also gives other people a chance to experience the events. They may not have the circumstances to experience the places I've been or they may want to be better prepared for what awaits them should they go.

My focus lately has been China. In 2006 we spent three weeks there. In 2008 we spent a month there. In 2010 we stayed two months and instead of traveling around the country, we stayed in one place. We want to get the feel of actually living in the country.

Our hope is to speak Chinese with the people there AND be understood. It's a high expectation.

Hope you enjoy the treks as much as I do.

Some things you might like to know:

1) Click on the picture at the top and you'll get back to the home page.
2) Click on the picture at the top and get another random one from one of my treks.
3) Click on your Refresh button and stay on the same page but get a new picture.
4) You can click on any picture in the blog and get a larger view.

...dave
“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” - Clifton Fadiman