cqhk

Congratulations and welcome. There is definitely a lot of information and experience to obsorb here.

Good Morning, I don't remember when my fiancee sent the P-3 to GUZ. I believe it was on 08Sep04. GUZ accidentally sent the P-3 to me here in the States. It took a while before I realized that it wasn't a copy they sent me but the real thing. I sent the P-3 to her, and I forgot when she sent it in. I do believe it was 08Sep when she sent it in. A very short time after she sent the P-3 to GUZ it was in the GUZ computer. Hopefully the others from Sep04 are notified soon about their P-4/Interviews soon. Thanks for adding me to the list. By the way, its CQHK. lol, those are our initials.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Spent the last couple of days planning the trip to Guangzhou. Just have a couple of things to get done. My fiancee speaks english very well. We've know each other for several years, so she knows everything about me and my family and I know her family. She's nervous about the interview, but excited at the same time. I'm a little nervous too, but just as excited. It's still a little time away, and she still hasn't physically received the P-4. I guess she should be getting it tomorrow or this weekend. Thanks again for the well wishes.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who will be able to be there for the interview. My fiancee's interview is 03Feb05. I think it's a good idea to be there if it's possible, if for nothing else just for the support. Must be a good feeling for anyone's SO to know their fiance(e) is waiting for them outside to share in the joy of a white slip or to comfort and overcome in case of a blue slip. Either way it's another way to show your SO you love them. Not everyone can get away from work, so I know I'm one of the lucky ones. Welcome to CFL. Good luck

I found the best time to call them is when they open the phone lines. It usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if you call at 0830 EST. I've called them so many times over the last four months. It seems that only females work there, or at least in the mornings. I was told that they all don't have the same clearance when they log into their work stations. Some are authorized to view more when they pull up your case on their computer. One women I spoke to in September gave me the date the final name check was cleared in the computer. A few days later when I called back, the woman that I spoke to couldn't give me any dates or much less tell me if the name checks were done, and was confused as to how anyone in that office could have given me that information. Later in November, I spoke to another woman who explained that most of the people in their office only have limited clearance, enough to see if your case has been logged into GUZ, but not much else unless GUZ puts a notification that the can see. She said sometimes GUZ puts markers on the file that indicate to the people in that DOS office that they name check was completed, but it won't show a date. She told me that there are some, but very few, who have clearance to actually see dates and progress. She also told me that all the emails anyone sends to GUZ are listed on the computer file that the DOS office can see also, as well as all the inquiries submitted by Congress persons, Reps, and Sens. The others above were right, just keep calling until you find a person who can give you more information. But I wouldn't keep calling the same day, because it's been my experience that they only have a few people answering phones at any given time. I swear one day they only had three people anwsering phones from 0830-1000 EST. I was upset by one of them, and I kept calling back trying to get someone else to help me. lol, I kept getting the same three women, so I gave up and called the next day. Good luck

Congratulations, I just posted that I just got off the phone with DOS and got the news that our P4 was sent 28DEC for an interview on 03FEB. I just saw your post. Congratulations again. Hopefully others will get the good news as well.

I just got off the phone with DOS, they advised me that the P4 was sent to my fiancee on 28DEC for a interview on 03FEB. It was very emotional for me when I heard the news. I was home when I heard the news, and I had to let it out. I called my fiancee and let her know. I also called my family to let them know. It's great news, I can't wait. I know there could be some hoops to jump through at the interview, but I'm grateful we'll at least have the chance to jump through them. I know someone had a post I read the other day regarding a bet on when the P4s would be sent out. I think someone guessed 28DEC. Thanks for all the advice and support over the last few months. Mahalo nui loa

I sent my fiancee an Ipod last year for her birthday. I also declared it was worth $400. She was visiting friends in Guangzhou, so I sent it to her friends' address. They wouldn't deliver it to the address, instead she received a note saying it was being held in customs and a duty fee was due. She had to pay a $50 duty fee in order to claim the box. I guess it is hit or miss with these things. Anyway she enjoys the IPOD.

Like I said, I'm no expert on LAX. They made us walk from terminal 3 over to the other terminal to pass through customs there. We walked through back halls quite a distance, and they had those people movers to help people. We passed through customs into the baggage claim. The last time I used LAX was in Nov03. We came out into the waiting room under terminal 5. The previous times I've used LAX, I've always gone to the same customs/baggage claim/waiting room areas after getting off the plane, which included a long walk through the back halls. But it does make sense for them to move staff as needed to accomodate incoming travellers. Maybe they were short staff when I was travelling through there. It probably depends on what airlines you travel on too. Makes sense.

Amusing article, it brought back memories. Always carry two or three of those kleenex personal packs when out and about. lol Don't leave home without it.

I'm not an expert on LAX, but I've flown internationally on EVA air which departs from terminal 5, and also on Delta which is actually China Southern out of LAX which departs from terminal 3. Frank is right, all international flight passengers arriving to LAX will all get herded to the same spot. No matter where they get off the plane, you have to walk through the back halls until you get to Customs, and the baggage claims. Others are right also, Delta/China Southern flights to China depart from terminal three, so if you're departing LAX using Delta/China Southern go to terminal three. Don't go to terminal 5 where most of the international flights depart. If you are picking someone up, all returning international flight passengers will come out of the same place. It's similar to arriving in Guangzhou, only at LAX there is only one hall passengers will walk out of after they get their luggage. This pick-up room is on the lower level, just below terminal 5. Everytime I've returned to LAX, there's also been a ton of people waiting in the room. If you are going to meet her at LAX, I suggest a sign with her name on it.

Kim, You seem to know quite a bit about Hawaii. Must have been fun to pole around the river like that, what an adventure. When I was a kid they used to hold river raft races. People had to build their rafts from scratch. I remember seeing a few that were made from the drums, both plastic and metal. I do know of the Potomac, pops was stationed in Va for two years. I've been to DC several times to site see. I liked the Smithsonian, and going to the top of the Washington Monument. We drove across Cheasepeake Bay's bridge/tunnel a few times too. We thought it was cool, but a little scary when you're a kid with all that water around you. As far as having a free rein, I guess to an extent. But no mistake about it, my dad ruled with an iron hand. Always asked him first. As long as I was with certain cousins, my dad hardly ever said no. He never worried if I was with his cousin, who is just three years older than me. I can't wait to introduce my fiancee to the beaches, the valley, and the mountains. She can't swim, but she's not afraid of the water. She's embarassed she can't swim, but I told her it's no big deal because I can teach her how to swim. I know she'll love Hawaii as much as I do.

Congratulations, and welcome back to the US. It's nice to have a good asian market close by, especially the ones with the live seafood. I can't wait to shop at the chinese market when my fiancee gets here. lol, the old ladies that sell me the phone cards can't wait to meet her. Best wishes for great future together.

Kim, The only game birds I'm familiar with are pheasants and erkels (not sure how erkel is spelled). There are a lot of egrets too, and they are killed around the airports to protect from planes encountering them during landings and take offs. Been on a few pheasant hunts when I was a kid, in the cane fields. Pua'a season is yearlong. Goats and Deers are seasonal. My grandpa used to take my dad and my uncles hunting a lot when they were growing up. They did it to eat, not so much for sport. They also fished a lot. I've done my fair share of fishing, but I'm just average at it. My favorite type of fishing is spear fishing on reefs with Hawaiian slings, or up the river for opu and prawn. We used to go camping up the river back in the day with just two pots, a small bag of rice, Hawaiian slings, goggles, matches/flint&steel, and pocket knives. Oh yeah, can't forget the vinegar and soyu. We'd look for fallen trees to make a lean-to or a hut. When we were hungry we'd go diving for oopu or prawns, and sometimes at night we'd walk along the river and net for opai. The only time we left the valley was to go to football or to volleyball practise. Our longest trip was two weeks. Those were definitely the days. We drank the river water back then. I think they advise against that now days. One of my cousins is somewhat of a survivalist. He's very intellectual, and he likes the outdoors. His dad is a huge gung-ho survivalist. But that's their story to tell. By the way, I didn't mean to say the poi should be mixed with the other food. We don't mix poi with any other foods, some people do mix sugar or molasses into it, but poi is prepared alone. We eat it like people eat potatoes. I just enjoy eating it as a side dish to the other foods I mentioned. Gotta run. Thanks for bringing back memories of the good days in Hawaii.

I vote for wait, and go shopping together. I tried buying her clothes from here, but when I sent them they were too big. The last three times I visited her, I brought back some of her clothes and some of her belongings. I tried taking her clothes to the store with me to size them to clothes here, but it didn't quite work. She appreciated the gesture, but prefers that I wait until we are together to shop for clothes for her.

Congratulations Sam and Nicola. Best wishes for a prosperous and happy future. Thanks for sharing. We've discussed what she should wear to her interview a few times within the last few months. She actually asked me if she should wear a blazer/dress suit. I actually told her to wear jeans and a blouse. Now, we'll have to discuss it some more. We have plenty of time to discuss it. Congratulations again for getting the visa and for the young one on the way.

Prior to me finding CFL, we discussed if I would go when she has her interview. At that time we decided I wouldn't go. After finding CFL and following different posts/story lines, we decided I better go. We've known each other for almost four years now, but who knows what can happen at the interview. Carl and Bing's encounter with the interview sealed it for us. I've spoken to my employer already, they know once she gets the interview date I'll be making plans to be with her. My employer is very supportive of my decision to be with her. I'm lucky to work for a great person. So I'll definitely be there. Just have to wait our turn.

Congratulations. Good news is always uplifting. Happy to hear she only had to answer two questions. Truly happy for both of you.

Thanks for the nice compliments, but I've stuck my foot in my mouth a couple of times in the past. With our fingers. Hawaiians rate poi by fingers. 2 finger poi is the ono(delicious) stuff and the rest is 1 finger poi. It's 2 finger poi because it taste so good, gotta use two fingers to scoop it up. It's ok to use utensils to scoop it. Sometimes I cut off one of the corners on a bag, and just squeeze it out like a pastry funnel into my mouth. People eat poi in different ways, and with a variety of foods. I like to eat poi with dry fish, dry squid, or cuttle fish. My favorite is eating poi with laulau, lomilomi salmon, and rice. Most of the time when you buy poi, it resembles a purple paste. Fresh poi is the best. Generally most people will mix water into the poi, until they get the taste they like or the consistency they like. Some people like to add sugar or molasses. I like mine plain and as fresh as possible. My fiancee is like me, she'll eat out of respect for the person serving the food. But I don't expect her to eat everything we eat, and I wouldn't ask her to. We've discussed it already, I'll be learning to cook chinese food to her taste. I should have paid more attention to when my grandfather cooked. He was a great cook and he knew some great chinese dishes. I'll have to learn as I go, once she gets here. She laughed when I told her the first thing I learned to cook as a kid was rice. She was surprised to see me use chopsticks when we first met, her family was surprised when I met them too. Asian cultures have a strong presence in Hawaii. Yeah, polynesians have acquired tastes. I'll just leave it at that. best wishes,

I'll defer to your expertise. It looks good to me. Thanks again.

Se lang, thanks for looking that up for me. NVC said they shipped my file on 25May05. Anyway, if it was with the shipments on 25May04 or 26May04, it's there in Customs. I called DHL again. There were two items sent on 25May04. 9183227756 and 9183227620. I asked him if he was sure there were only two shipments that day. He said he was positive. Both shipments are in Customs waiting clearance. 7756 was in Customs on 31May04 and 7620 was in Customs on 28May04. Both are currently in Customs. I know nothing is set in stone and a lot could theoretically happen, but it sounds like we're in good shape. Still knocking on wood. Thanks again.

Thanks for reminding me. I did ask the person I spoke to, and he said that was the only one he saw. I'll call them back to make sure. I'll enjoy it as much as I can. It'll give us some time to get things in order. I'm sending her the P3 forms I printed here. Already called the IRS to get the copies of my returns for 2003, 2002, 2001. Just need to call DHL again, lol. I asked him if there were more items sent on 25May04 to GZ, but he said only the one. I better check. Thanks

I'm Hawaiian, and we are taught at a young age never to turn down food when we visit relatives or family friends. One of my grandaunts married a filipino. My filipino granduncle bless his soul, would make every meal we had at his house an adventure. He loved my younger sister because she would try anything without hesitation and take a second serving just about every time, even if she didn't like it. She wanted our relatives to feel good about their food. My little brother was the one that had the most trouble eating the unknown. I've unknowingly eaten dog twice, both times when I was a kid. The first time was at my filipino granduncle's house. It's funny because I was chowing down on what I thought was beef adobo. I was the only one who didn't know it was dog adobo, and I was the only one who finished the first serving, and I even went back for more. Not even my younger sister went back for more. My mom clued me in, but I thought she was playing. When my grandmother confirmed it, I ran outside and tossed my cookies. I let my fiancee know about that story, she was very upset at me. I told it happened when I was a kid, and that it wasn't on purpose. She loves dogs as pets. She was raised by her grandmother in a mountain village, and she had a dog that was part wolf. The dog took care of her, even followed her to school and waited for outside class until she went home. Some of her family don't think of dogs the way she does, they wanted to take me to eat dog when I visited them but she wouldn't let them. I told her that I'd eat whatever they'd offer me, just because it's one of our customs. She made me promise never to eat dog, no matter what. I agreed, and she let her family know that they should never offer to take me to one of those restaurants. Polynesians have some acquired tastes. I love Hawaiian poi, the poi made from taro.

I called the NVC this morning, and was told by the operator that our file was sent to GZ on 25May04 just a day after they entered it into their system. After I hung up, I had to call them back because I was some what in shock. I actually got the same operator. I let her know that I wanted to make sure she said it was sent to GZ on 25May04. She confirmed it again. I called DHL and was told that the item sent 25May04 from NVC to GZ already arrived in Customs on 31May04. He gave me the DHL number so I could keep track of it. I guess it'll be another month or two before we hear anything from GZ. After that wait for CSC to find the file, this feels great. Knock on wood.

It was great to finally hear the news that our file was received and entered at the NVC. The CSC approved us in March, then accidentally sent our petition to the NRC, instead of the NVC. It was crazy getting them to find it. Trying to get the Senators' aides and the Congressman to help was a nightmare, but dealing with the CSC was worse. I sent a letter to the CSC explaining my situation, since they don't have a phone number accessible by regular citizens. In response to my letter letting them know "... my file hasn't reached the NVC, please give me shipping information when it left the CSC..." The CSC sent me a reply two weeks later with "...we've received your request for a change of address..." letter and form. The senators' aides never updated me on anything. One aide didn't take phone calls, and the other only takes voicemail. The funny thing is I've received several emails from the senators' office with links to sites detailing what a wonderful job the senators are doing for us. Anyway, we are back on track. I just can't wait for the file to get to GUZ, so I can take my turn in the hurry and wait line. The burst of P4s lately seems promising. best wishes everyone,