LiuXia's Husband

In the case of Chengdu, I doubt they could process much. The entire compound is only about one acre, the inside waiting room is not much bigger than my living room! But on both my visits to the consulate there, maybe 15 people were inside and 10 outside waiting. On the plus side, when I rang the buzzer at the US citizen services window, I was greeted within 30 seconds. And they processed my certificate of single status in less than 5 minutes(but I did think it odd when they asked about how we met, what were the fees involved, etc. The officer said they were trying to 'crack down' on bogus marriages and unscrupulous websites/marriage brokers). On the other side, the wait to register our marriage at the PRC civil affairs office-where the holding room was 4 times the size- took about an hour. And there were only 3 other couples. So if you think that US bureaucracy is bad...

I was also told that it is 'bad luck' to even write the characters for death. She made me promise to never again write those characters.

At the studio where we had our pictures taken, there were many different tuxedos and dresses to choose from. Be prepared for a long day. After the makeup and hair styling and then the shoots, it took us fom 930 until 330. Lunch was included. Great product at a great price.

So far my favorite is 'tomorning' which of course means tomorrow morning.

Gotta agree with Clifford. Divorce certs are easy to get. But I tried to get an affidavit of single status certified, all I got was dumbfounded looks.

My wife tells me that the boss can also fine a worker. Never heard of that in America.

Most Excellent!

we can put a man on mars in less time than MSC can process a visa

Same here. Everybody asks why is China the hold-up. They are amazed that the USA is the bottleneck.

Maybe you have already seen this Financial Times article that appeared on MSN.net. Most startling point is that 80% of business background checks are processed in 3 weeks! WTF? <a href='http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5120779/Biz' target='_blank'>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5120779/ Bizvisa</a>

Yep, congrats to you Resp

I am somewhat of an activist anyway. Especially when the cause effects me. Count me in. Emails to Senators Wyden and Smith, rep Darlene Hooley might get results, too.

bocusa.com will get you to New York. Not sure about LA or SF. "Dear Sir, Thank you very much for your e-mail dated 02/18/2004. Please be advised that you may remit the money to your wife through your current bank. Our ABA No. is 026003269. On the other hand, you may send your remittance application to our Chinatown Branch for processing. For remittance information, you may check our website at bocusa.com or contact Bank of China, Chinatown Branch. (Tel: 212-925-2355) We suggest that you may open a Personal Statement Savings Account with us. Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. (Tel: 212-935-3101) Bosco Cheng Banking Department Bank of China, New York Branch 212-935-3101 Ext. 303 " BOC USA

Even though it requires you to sometimes 'read between the lines', I use babelfish for online translations. But I try to read the script first. When in China buy an electronic translator. For about $50, you can get a use-friendly, high power machine. Maybe buy 2 of them.

Easy to open a joint account with Bank of China. We originally were gonna do that, but in the end Western Union seemed easier. But might revisit BOC idea. Could help at interview.

Excuse my ignorance, but who is Linda Donahue?

Maybe an old wive's tale, but local honey is supposed to reduce allergies. Theory being since the bees have eaten the pollen, the honey will pass on an immunization of sorts.

I finally did get a reply from one of my senators. Of course my sent message was cordial and inquisitive, not specific to my case. She claims to be waiting on reply from Tom Ridge, homeland security admin about why K3s are so slow and why Vermont is faster than others for K1s. But hey, at least I got a reply! I'm sure it helps that she is up for re-election this year.

Wouldn't you know it? I study Japanese for 2 years then marry a Chinese girl. Her English is poor, but she is going to school 3 times a week, 2 hour each session. With as long as this visa process takes, she will probably be fluent by the time she gets her interview. Anyway, I feel a need to know more Mandarin before our blessed reunion. Locally Portland Comm College and P State U offer classes, and some private parties offer lessons. Any ideas about which is more effective or practical? My self study program isn't making it.

Thanks for the tips. I have been using nobelcom.com, but they have $20 minimum, expires after 90 days. It works out to about 4 cents aminute, but I wont use all the hours before expiry. Call quality is good. Can be used for US calls also, but it actually costs more to call in US!

I am mid 40s named Brian, wife is late 30s. Met on AFF. Looks like many other CFL members are also from the Pacific Northwest.

Not sure if off topic but... I have twice sent emails to both my senators asking about the delays and the differences in regional service center processing. Neither replied to either posting. Decided to get married in China anyway, thought it would be faster. Now NSC is on same date as NBC! Gonna start a TEFL program next month. If things don't speed up by summer, I will be teaching English in China in September. I refuse to let my government jerk me around. There are options to every circumstance.

Narita is a nice town with one of the oldest temples in Japan. But to get to downtown Tokyo takes over an hour by train. Taxi is too expensive. I have had good luck using flychina.com from PDX via LAX or SFO to/from Chengdu via PKG, using Air China and United (partners- frequent flier miles add up quickly). Also best fares I could find. Of two round trips, flights only about 70% capacity. But always delays because of Chengdu weather, at least in winter and spring.