The First Day

Echo on the Air-plane

Today is our first day in China. It's somewhat strange, and I still don't really believe that we're here. Some initial impressions: the people are very friendly, the streets are stunningly filthy, and everyone loves Echo. In the Shanghai airport alone she had her picture taken at least sixteen times, was held by two total strangers, and was surrounded by a throng of admirers...she loves the attention. In |Shanghai we also met a very helpful young lady who had travelled with us from L.A. and was heading with us to Chengdu. She helped us to find our terminal, and then find it again when it was changed, and even went so far as to call the driver who would pick us up from the airport to tell them that our flight had been delayed. I was actually somewhat stunned by how far she went out of her way, without any prompting, to help us. I couldn't help but wonder if the Americans she met in L.A. would have treated her so kindly.

Shanghai Airport - Our first landing in China

We stayed in a hostel last night, and met Guo Wei this afternoon so that she could show us around town and move us into our apartment. The apartment is bigger than I had expected, but it's filthy. We can't even put echo on the floor for fear that she would gain a permanent patina from the thick film of er... scuzz coating the living room floor.  So, tomorrow, we buy a mop! -Dad

Goodbye Kansas

We leave for China in about three hours.  I'm going to miss our Kansas hills, and even our Kansas weather.  I didn't realize it until a few days ago, but these hills have become my home. Wherever I go, I feel that the flint hills will always be home to me.  I'm also going to miss most of you people.  If anyone would like to visit, we might be willing to put you up in our apartment for a few weeks.  You'll have to get your own Airline tickets though.  See you guys in a year.

Authentication, it's not as hard as you think!

Bringing your family to China on a student visa is not that hard as long as you
     1)Know what your doing
     2)Are willing to do a little leg work

We found out (at the last minute, after searching EVERYWHERE) that in order to have your family stay with you, on a student Visa, you need to get a residency permit.  Residency permits are received in China and in order to get them you have to have authenticated copies of the birth certificate/marriage license for each family member you are bringing with.  Authentication requires a little money, a little more legwork, and TIME.  In order to get something authenticated you first need to have the certified copy of the certificate from the vital statistics office (~$15).  Next you need to bring that copy to the secretary of states office (most likely located in your state capital) where two very nice women will notarize it, get the signature, the official seal, and staple it in the correct order, while warning you not to undue or mess with the finished product (~$7).

Example of Chinese Authentication Seal

After that you can take the non-tampered packet and mail it into the embassy along with the application, correct payment, and other documents. After the said time, it will be mailed back to you with an official seal from the Chinese embassy.  Remember, this all takes lots of time, so make sure to begin with time to spare.