vibes1313

Last year I went to a KFC alone in Shenzhen. I wanted two breast. Usually the counter help would provide a menu so I could point to what I wanted. This particular girl didn't so I tried to translate by patting on my chest with both hands. I'm pretty sure she thought I was crazy as hell by then. I settled for a combo meal. Probably a good thing I didn't want wings......

Peachy, she only asked a few routine questions (to my SO) like "have you ever been arrested" and "have you ever been told that you have to return to China". Kevin, if you sent co-sponser papers already, you won't need to again for the interview. The AOS interview instructions say (unless already submitted) which I didn't really take to the bank, but I should have. The lady that interviewed us in Dallas had everything I had originally sent to Chicago. Thanks everyone.

We had our AOS interview today. As usual for CFL'ers I was way overprepared. Almost emptied my ink cartridge last night making last-minute copies of everything which was a waste. The only other people in the lobby with any documents were the ones with lawyers. I know, better safe than sorry... Got interviewed by a very nice hispanic female who was very interested in China travel. She asked for my SO's passport, my drivers license, and 2005 tax returns which really looked bad as I spent almost all of last year in China, so she told me she would use my 2004 which looked much better. She only wanted to see our photos after my SO forced them on her. No I-551 stamp was put in my SO's passport but she wrote CWOP across the U.S. visa and plucked the I-94. We don't have plans to travel soon so it shouldn't matter, but I am curious about the procedures if we wanted to before getting the card. Anyway, we've managed to clear this last hurdle with great thanks to our neighbors and friends at CFL that have always been there to help whether it be the wait, the forms, or maybe just the moral support. THANKS TO EVERYONE!!! Larry and Yuhong

Steve, I went to the Records Bldg. on Elm the day after we got married and got our license processed in about 15 minutes. That option may not be available in Nevada though. We sent our AOS a couple of weeks ago. Does anyone know about how long it takes before we get an NOA? I know they haven't cashed the checks yet.

Coming back from 18 months in Shenzhen, I never saw anything off-limits to foreignors. Maybe some that should of been like outside the Shangrila where the pickpockets are so bad, they don't care if you catch them in act or not. As long as their boss feeds them.

My first trip I stayed at the New Century (hotel) right next to the Pavillion Hotel, and close to Huaqiangbei which is a great place to shop. About 400-450RMB.

Last week we were specifically asked by Customs if we had mooncakes also. We were given some as gifts, but I used them to chock the wheels on the car.

Great news and great story. Congratulations.

You're right. Cutting, pushing, shoving, etc. isn't a cultural issue in any freakin' country. If you think pushing back, throwing elbows or whatever is the answer, you have as big a problem with social behavior as they do and should check into anger management.

We came through SFO Tuesday with no problems, but a K1 girl in front of us from the Phillipines had a little trouble. The Officer asked for her sealed envelope (which she had in her bag) but she didn't understand, so make sure your SO has it in her hand. After an interpreter helped but left, he needed her to step back for her picture taking. His lack of patience didn't help much but she eventually got through with the help of us and other bystanders. It's the little things that may catch her off guard. If she can tag along with someone and go first it would be a big help. The plane will should have plenty of Chinese/English speakers.

CONGRATULATIONS Adam and Yilan Wu!!! Car designer to mortician? This has "Munster Mobile" written all over it. B) B)

David, we went to The Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou (the cheap one) and they didn't ask for ours. I still have it in a file book with my I-134, tax records, and the other ton of stuff never asked for.

My last trip over I had a couple of clothes changes in my backpack and my suitcase was full of food. Probably 50 lbs. At HuangGang using the x-ray machine for your bags is optional. Your choice. I just walk past it and have never been stopped.

You ain't just a whiffin, Bob. Last winter it didn't rain for 5-6 months and you had to cut your way down the sidewalk. It's better now but I still have to sleep on my side at night so the days pollution intake doesn't settle in the back of my throat and drowned me. B)

It looks like I got here two weeks after you left. I know what you mean.

I would call DOS and explain the hiccup. The first two dates are the same so I would bank on that.

Yeah, I've seen some misbehavors get yanked around, but I've never seen one get their hide tanned. Pre-schoolers that is. But in most cases I see them getting away with murder. One time I saw a kid running around a nice restaurant with an empty water bottle whacking customers in the head. His father thought it was so cute...

Sounds Brazilian to me. I mentioned in another post but it was kinda buried in a thread that SZ Air starts a new flight from HKG to Nanning September 10th if it helps anyone. I've never been to Nanning, but if I ever get the chance, I'm headin fer the Barbeque.

I can't believe this finally got pinned. See post #99352. I remember studying it religiously for several months. And nooneufo's accuracy was amazing. Thanks again nooneufo and Mark. Great job.

If you end up having to airfreight, it is alot cheaper to ship from HKG than from anywhere Mainland. But you'll be "packing" it through the checkpoint.

Very accurate analysis from Bob and Nicole. 8 years....wow. The only thing I might disagree with is the cost of living. My annual rent here is less than my monthly mortgage payment in Irving. I'm coming up on 1-1/2 years in China. If you're in a position to come and stay with your SO until she gets her visa, do it!!! I'm hoping it will make it easier for me to help her adjust to the States when we get home. At least she knows what it is like living with my sorry ass. Learning first hand about the lifestyle, culture, and environment couldn't be learned from a hundred textbooks. I've dealt with hospitals, government agencies, neighborhood organizations, the police; fought with the banks, tv cable companies, newspapers, travel agents, hotels, grocery stores, pickpickets, street-hawkers; and partied with under-the-bridge people all night. Sounds like home, huh? From some of my previous posts it's probably obvious to tell that I'm past ready to come home.......9/13 Baby! But if I had to do it over I wouldn't change a thing. Air pollution, traffic, crowds....it's all bad, but If you can hang out for the visa wait, come get your feet wet. Just try not to think about why they are wet...

So what's so bad about spending the wait time here with your SO? I know it's been an experience I'll never forget. I don't get it.

Giddyup on over here Bob. This place needs some more Texans.

Congratulations Mark. That's almost 1/2 of my 155 day wait a couple of months ago. Best of luck.

Add your dates to your signature and get put on the Timeline. The predictions are pretty accurate. Mine was off by 2 days.