xulei601

No, it's just an example of the Cantonese superiority complex. So many people come to Guangdong from other provinces, there is a very clear line between locals and "beilao." Beilao is a term that literally means "old notherner" but has much more negative connotations (just as the Cantonese "gweilou" [foreign devil/ghost] has lost a lot of negativity over the years). It implies the person is dirty and ignorant, has bad manners, dresses their babies in split-crotch pants...a country bumpkin or peasant. The funny thing is, a Guangdong person will derogatorily call an outsider beilao even if they come from Yunnan or Hainan (south of Guangdong)! And they say the Shanghainese are uppity...... I just re-read this, and I hope you don't take offense to this, Bearbear. It's not a criticism of your SO or her family, just a general description of what I have learned and observed. I really think it's an ingrained response and most people wouldn't recognize it as some form of discrimination (except us uber-sensitive westerners). And really, who are we kidding - I learned to spit by watching the Cantonese!

Damn right on both counts, Barey. I know of that pickpocket strategy because I was a victim. A week later, same bus stop, not crowded this time and in broad daylight, the same strategy was employed. I knew what was happening and clutched everything tight. I got a shoulder past the two guys stalled on the stairs and knocked them out of the bus (somehow...they weren't very big and I guess I had leverage - I should have just removed myself completely and taken a cab)..... The ticket taker and the people who had a front row view of what happened didn't so much as blink. I sat down, gave the ticket taker a wide smirk and told her the bus should get a new welcoming committee. She still didn't change expression. And about the passport, the only time you really need it is if you plan on flying. For everything else - hotels, etc. - I just keep a photocopy in my wallet. But I also agree that if I had to choose between keeping it on me or leaving it lying loose in a hotel room I'd probably choose the former.

OK, I remember reading somewhere to check that her name on the visa was spelled correctly, and that a number, some number, corresponds to the number beginning with A from NOA2. The name's correct, but I don't see any numbers that match that A number. What am I missing here? Also, does a US visa allow her to enter Hong Kong, or does she need to apply for an HK travel permit in order to catch her flight to the states. The answer must be the former, but I want to verify. Thanks.

I use a money belt, that wraps around my ankle. I keep cash, passport and other valuables in it. 153574[/snapback] That's a good idea. But unless you are in transit, why carry your passport with you at all? Nobody's ever gonna stop you and ask to "see your documents."

***PICKPOCKET WARNING*** Sometimes all the pushing at bus stops is not a cultural quirk but an orchestrated strategy to get your wallet. A gang of pickpockets will crowd onto the bus but stop abruptly on the steps. More of the gang, and the rest of the bus mob, will push you from behind. If you lose your cool in the confusion, to push those in front or elbow those behind, your wallet's gone. No use giving chase because it will have been handed off two or three times before you realize what's happened. You should ALWAYS protect your valuables when getting on and off crowded busses.

I'm willing to give Mark the benefit of the doubt and assume he misspoke with his "dislike Chinese in general" remark. And yes, maybe he's just experiencing culture shock. But unless you are a chameleon there will always be elements of a foreign culture that you just can't assimilate. Like Donahso implied, something like this can really damage your quality of life. I'm use to the pushing, more or less. I recognize that much of the problem is China's massive population. I also recognize it as a lack of "family education" as my SO would say. Remember, Hong Kong has a greater population density, but those guys know how to queue for a taxi! So I expect it in most situations. What really galls me is when otherwise sophisticated people mob the bus. Everyday I commute with my colleagues to work on one of the school's shuttle busses. These are well-educated people, some are Ph.d holders. All are teachers. There are enough busses and seats for everyone. But they would walk over anyone to get on/off the bus first. Drives me batty! But there is an up side. What's good for the goose and all that. Yesterday in Guangzhou, after picking up the visa, we were trying to get bus tickets back to Shenzhen. My SO was at the window and I was standing back (to run interference and to protect her passport and documents - the mob of people was a pickpocket's paradise). 5 people were shoving money through the half-moon openning and another 10 were trying to shove them out of the way. My little lady isn't meek in these situations but she's, well, little. Finally it looked to me that she was gonna get in next and a tall guy reached from behind her to put his money through. I roughly jerked his arm back, pointed at my SO, and cursed at him in English (I figured in this situation it would have a better effect than Chinese - which he probably would have laughed at). Well, my SO still didn't get her money through, and a few seconds later Wilt the Stilt tried it again. And again I jerked his arm back, harder this time. In America I think that would have started a fight that I was bound to lose, but he hardly took any notice of it and even asked my SO where she was going.

This seemed to be an endless debate a few months back when we were collecting those documents. You only need records from her place of hukou. If she committed a crime in Shanghai, it would get reported back there. The only authority I have to say this is that my SO got the records from her hukou and that was enough for a visa. If you want a more experienced opinion than us one-time visa guys, talk to the notary where she will eventually get them translated. They should tell you all you need to know.

Just fax or e-mail her new address to the consulate. You've still got a 4-5 month wait before they send P4, which should be enough time for them to process your address change.

Tell her about 001.

Your SO's will probably take care of it, but it's a very nice gesture to send Mooncakes to family. If you happen to be in China, most major supermarkets have stands setup to post the cakes you've just bought. If you're in the states there might be a way to do it online, or maybe you can enlist help from friends in China. It's a good way to show that by leaving China she hasn't left behind or traditions (or forgot about family!) Barey Jones, I think our personal histories are running on parallel tracks. Good luck with your interview!

The convention is not affecting hotel prices in TianHe. Avoid the Concordia Apts. It's a new place around the corner from the consulate. They need some time to get their shit together and don't deserve your money until then. Unless you can flush your toilet without running water.......

For her: semi-formal For you: your best Underoos. I recommend The Incredible Hulk. Worked for us.

Atta boy, Bill. I wasn't worried. See you on the west side of the world!

Will you be close to Hong Kong? When your visa is set to expire, cross the border, find a friendly travel agent, and tell them exactly what you want. Anything is possible for a price.

The September wave is turning into a landslide victory for CFL. Our visa was approved Thursday. Started off with a trick question. Ours is a K-1 visa and the VO asked, "Is your husband the petitioner?" She wasn't falling for it. The rest: Where did you meet? (Zhaoqing) Where does he live? (with me in Shenzhen) What does he do? (teacher) His parents came to China? (yes) Can I see his tax returns? (no) Where are his parents' returns? (right here) Are you going to America once you get the visa? (duh) What are you going to do in the US? (party) FYI: Don't stay at the Concordia Apartments! Just a short walk from the consulate, and affordable, they don't offer the basics like hot water. The first night we had to request that it be turned on. The second night, after celebrating with Bill the Impatient, we had to fight for it- and it only lasted a few minutes. In the morning, there was no water, period. We declinced to stay for a third night.

Congrats!!! We're gonna ride your coattails to an easy approval on Thursday. Off to Guangzhou tonight. Best of luck to the rest of the September wave!!!!

ok, but seriously, i think its all about feng shui. ideally a house is situated with a body of water (esp. river) in front of it and a mountain behind. maybe in an urban environment a water cooler in the living room might be the next best thing. on the other hand, my SO is into fengshui and just rolled her eyes when I ran that by her, so I could just be talking out of my ass. but, she didn't have any alternate explanation.

EACH!!!??? 151654[/snapback] A full Hep B series alone here in Oregon is like $650. Ray 151661[/snapback] Wow! I can't believe that! Before I left for China I had to get a bunch of shots, including a series of some kind of hepatitis. The most expensive was 3 rounds for Japanese encephylitis, but even that was only around $200. Guess things have changed.

Have you sat down with your fiance and really discussed payment? Traditions are just traditions - nothing says weddings have to be conducted a certain way, including the payment. Frankly, I'm a little surprised that, given the economic differences between USA and PRC, that all the financial burden is being put on your family. Maybe you could split the cost, and then you wouldn't have to cut as many corners and could have all the flowers you want!

My wedding is just in the planning stages, but I've learned a few things. Most importantly, a little creativity and simplicity can keep costs down. I think one of the most expensive aspects is the venue. Don't know what churches cost, but I looked around at scenic wineries. The average cost there for a 3 hour ceremony/reception was $3000. Other options needed to be explored, and we decided on a restored Victorian-style hotel in my hometown (a small town). To rent the lobby for all afternoon and evening was only $75! To also rent every room in the hotel for guests to stay would cost under $2000. A lot of money is spent if the bride and groom have attendants - best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid of honor, ushers. In that case you are expected to pay for the dresses and tuxes, and maybe even their accomodations, and a gift for each. We are going quite simple with just a best man and bridesmaid. Simple, but I think it might add a little to the intimacy of the gathering. Finally, you can save a lot of money buy taking care of a few things in China. Just yesterday we went shopping for rings and a wedding dress. I figure we paid less than half of what we would have in America. You can definitely have a meaningful wedding while keeping costs down. Good luck.

she'll do that to

EACH!!!???

We just bought our rings yesterday! Couldn't believe we got it done in one day - under an hour actually! Now I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to take them to the interview as further evidence. If so, how should she go about presenting them? Just walk in, throw the box on the counter and pop it open?

I've seen this topic before, and others have unanimously said to get the shots done in China. Just like everything else, it IS cheaper. But like you, I'd still like to know the difference. Some of her shots required a second round and I don't know if we'll be in USA or PRC at that time.

Ha! The closest I've got is a "Vote for Pedro" t-shirt. I'll be the young guy reading a book with a confidant smile whose knees are knocking together under the table.