Richard & Li

I admittedly am not a guitar expert. But, I know what looks cool. This axe is probably neither cheap nor substandard. http://www.montaguespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/leehom_bahamut.jpg

Did you hear that Cuzin???????? Your bass maybe made in China? I don't mind a chuckle on my behalf: But; I didn't see where the name of the bass was mentioned. There is no doubt in my mind that guitars in the $2000 price range are made in China and are worth the money. China produces many precision instruments, there all levels of quality right up to the rare and beautiful. The perception that all Chinese products are substandard is American propaganda.

Sorry to hear about that. I hope things work out well for you. I also have a house in an economically depressed area that I cannot sell. Fortunately, I have a good renter (as I now live about a thousand miles away). Even so, it can cause a lot of grey hair. Be careful when looking for jobs teaching English in China. The good, the bad, and the ugly all exist. In a contract dispute, the Chinese party will always win. Best wishes...

I'll add my 2 cents: I have read about people being denied a K1 visa because they were married in China between the NOA2 & the GUZ interview. I have not read about anyone marrying in China after getting pink in GUZ. Me? I wouldn't risk it. It's a visa for a fianc¨¦e, not a wife. However, what is to prevent a wedding celebration being held in China without the official documents? It's really all about the family and the party, not the paperwork. (But, if that happens before GUZ, don't include the pics: They will then want proof you're not married.)

http://www.danzfamily.com/archives/blogphotos/08/874-oscar-the-grouch.jpg

There are a lot of musical instruments made in China. (Maybe even your Bass, Tsap.) I'd say it depends on your attachment to it. If you would be missin' it - take it. If you would be happy with another, I'm sure you could find one in Shenyang. I've been to Shenyang several times. It's a huge city with just about anything you could want...

I know the tourist visas are not easy to get. But, I don't know much about it- that's not why I'm responding. My wife had a difficult time in the beginning too: Extreme homesickness. I gave her and our son a computer with their favorite Chinese software and got a high speed internet connection. This helped. I got her and our son cell phones and an international calling card so she could stay in touch with everybody she knows. This helped. I enrolled them in English as a Second Language classes. My wife met a couple other Chinese women and they became friends. This helped too. I bought a house and got her to 'help' me fix it up and redecorate. This eventually helped (now she feels it is her home, but that took a while). Now, she still misses China and her family, but it's tolerable for her and most of the time she is happy. I hope you and your fianc¨¦e can find some things that help her make the adjustment. (But, unless her aunt is rich by Chinese standards, don't be surprised if a visa is not forthcoming.) Does she have any relatives living in America? If so, a visit might help a lot. Best wishes...

Congratulations!!!! Have a great trip.

What your wife is doing is no extra charge as long as it is a cell phone and you stay within the boundaries of the number of minutes. Then spontaneous calls do not cost more. Yes, you're correct. However, I'm the one who makes 'spontaneous' calls. I don't use her 'minutes'. My calls are infrequent and with the international plan, I don't worry about it if I need to make a call outside the US. It's just for convenience. So what does your wife have to say about these 'spontaneous' call charges? That would involve her seeing the bill... That will never happen. (Not that I wouldn't let her, she's just not interested.) It's weird, she will scrutinize every grocery bill: But, the household bills - to her they're just magically taken care of.

My wife also says her birthday is different than the date on all the official documents. Her's is only a few days off, but I told her we will use the official date. I actually insisted on celebrating her birthday on the 'official day'. She wasn't entirely pleased with that, (until she started getting birthday presents: After my first few trips out to the car, she cheered right up.)

What your wife is doing is no extra charge as long as it is a cell phone and you stay within the boundaries of the number of minutes. Then spontaneous calls do not cost more. Yes, you're correct. However, I'm the one who makes 'spontaneous' calls. I don't use her 'minutes'. My calls are infrequent and with the international plan, I don't worry about it if I need to make a call outside the US. It's just for convenience.

My wife uses something like Tsap is using. Given her frugality, it may be the same (I dunno). I also have international plan on my cellphone. It's not the cheapest way, but it's nice for those 'spontaneous' calls.

Spoken like nobody else could. I'm sure glad your back Tsapper.

I was talking to others about this about a month ago. I described how easy it was for me to extend my visa (pre-Olympics). I merely went to the local police station, made the request and paid the money. Now, I think it's more difficult. According to those who have extended Chinese visas more recently than me, the rules have changed. I'll try to find that old thread. But, I'll not particularly good at 'digging through the archives'.

ha ha ha...good one Dave Yes, that is a good one! I'll always remember attemts at pushing me out of the way in the herd in front of the GUZ steps. (I'm 6'4" - 290, former linebacker.) ha ha ha

Congratulations!!! Nice narrative.

Congratulations!!! I'm happy to see your timeline is very similar to ours. It looks like green cards may be about a month away for us.

China could learn from America, mattress technology. America could learn from China, criminal justice. BTW: The S trap has my vote for the best idea so far.

Nope. The page loaded ok, but no video.

Sometimes, it's possible to get video out of the CCTV website in America. Sometimes not... I'll give it a try.

Ah, I see. You're probably right about the exchange rate. I don't have any info about plastic in China. If that doesn't work out: Any chance of a relative in China purchasing the ticket for her?

Very cool! Li & I were just looking at it. I added the page to my 'Favorites'. Thanks!!!

This is certainly an interesting thread! Please keep us updated. I hope your decision doesn't result in long term family problems.

Congratulations!!! In another thread we were recently talking about this: 14 months!!!

I agree 100%. When it comes the to the 'Chinese Expert Syndrome': I don't fight it if it's not important. If it is important, be gentle.