Mick Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Lo, after all this many months filled with trials, tribulations, hopes created and then dashed, at last we are back in Shantou with our visa in hand. Our trip to GZ was uneventful this time, no bus accidents or last minutes surprises at the Consulate. We just arrive home about twenty minutes ago and it is around 7 PM China timee. The time spent in GZ was a wonderful experience (except for the shopping, most of which I managed to avoid). We arrived on Friday afternoon late and crashed after dinner. Li and I went shopping downtown for awhile on Saturday but mercifully it was only for about four hours. Sunday, however, was a different story. Jennifer, Li and I headed for the gates of perdition (Beijing Road) late in the morning. Part of my dilemma was I needed to buy a new pair of glasses. Jennifer was most helpful in the process and I found a nice pair of glasses for a good price (can you believe 240 RMB?) B) The down side was I had to hang with the shopping spree until around three or so in order to pick the glasses up. We had a great lunch at a Hakka restaurant that Jennifer took us to. I gorged myself on great food. Then the shopping began in earnest at several stores and then into a mall. I played the role of a statue standing in the corrider leaning against the wall. Once we were able to pick the glasses up, I beat a hasty retreat to the hotel, letting the girls get down to some serious shopping. B) I arrived at the hotel around four in the afternoon and about thirty minutes later got a call from the Texan, who was down in the lobby. I went down and met him and his lovely lady Xiaolu. We had a nice dinner together and a walk. (Li and Jennifer were still downtown where they remained until a little after 9 PM. ) I figure they must have bought half the city by then. But actually all purchases were within reason. It was great to meet the Texan after all these many months. We have corresponded often and read each others posts now for God knows how long. Great to have a name to put with the face. The Texan is one great guy and we spent the day together on Monday as the girls, twelve of them, turned in their paperwork, went to breakfast, took group photos, and then went on a shopping expedtion. That gave Tex and I time to spend together comparing notes and discussing many thingsss. All the girls dropped off their paper work in the morning at 9 AM and were told to return at 4:30pm. They were let in at 4:50 and were out by 5:20 or so. Then it was off to our hotel room for another photo session and further celebration. I really can't describe how I felt when Li finally walked out of there with her visa. It was like the culimination of so many months of hassle and heartache. I am sure many felt the samee. It was great to see so many Candle people there. It was great to see Littlebear again who I first me four years ago. Jennifer is always a joy and I especially enjoyed talking to Chary, who I remember from her posts on the board. And, as I menitoned, Tex was great and it was just such a warming experience to see he and Xiaolu together, so affectionate and happy. I guess he will have to change his handle now. In terms of the K1 drill, it was as it used to be. Drop off in the morning, pick up in late afternoon. Again, one word of caution, check everything closely. Of the twelve girls, two had errors. We met one of them this morning before leaving and she was on her way back to the Consulate for correction. I could go on and on but I am tired and it is time to eat. Best wishes to all who are still waiting and we will all still be here, active and helpful to all those who remain in the pipeline. More later. Oh, by the way, you can find pictures of www.visadelays, courtesy of Littlebear. B) Link to comment
Guest R2D2 Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 That girl got the visa corrected and is on her way here now. Tell Jennifer that Ling got the visa in hand. Link to comment
AZwolfman Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Sounds like you all had a nice little mini-reunion in GZ. Link to comment
tonado Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Mick, Welcome back and I am happy for everyone who got visas. Link to comment
Guest jennifer_lam Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 oh, Mick, if li read ur message about shopping here, she will feel guilty....hehe.... Link to comment
Mick Posted March 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 oh, Mick, if li read ur message about shopping here, she will feel guilty....hehe.... Believe me, Xiao Hua (Li) has read the post. In reality, I am only kidding around about the shopping. She is great at bargaining and finding good quality merchandise at reasonable prices. One of her greatest assests is her responsibility when it comes to money. Besides, if she buys something and it makes her happy, then I am all for it. Link to comment
owenkrout Posted March 12, 2003 Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 quote/ Besides, if she buys something and it makes her happy, then I am all for it. /end quote/ Oh, you will rue those words! Link to comment
Mick Posted March 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 quote/ Besides, if she buys something and it makes her happy, then I am all for it. /end quote/ Oh, you will rue those words! Maybe I should have put an asterik*, next to the statement, kind of like Roger Maris' old home run record. Come to think of it, if she returns to America and sees a car she likes... Link to comment
Kaige Posted March 12, 2003 Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 Mick glad you got the visa finally, I know what you mean about shopping, bought Yan new glasses and mom and dad new tv. love this weather, ha ha enjoy florida Link to comment
Mick Posted March 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 Mick glad you got the visa finally, I know what you mean about shopping, bought Yan new glasses and mom and dad new tv. love this weather, ha ha enjoy floridaBelieve me, I hope to enjoy Florida before too much longer. I am really homesick. If I can make it down to visit my dad, maybe we can ease on down to Ft. Myers and sample your special hot pot. Of course, I may want to make a side trip to Wichita to check out the great diving spots with Eric. Link to comment
bobmal99 Posted March 12, 2003 Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 So Mick, have you started to relax a little, and ponder what your next move will be?? Congratulations once more.. Link to comment
manhattanmoon Posted March 12, 2003 Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 Wow! Congradulations from all newbies at Candle! Link to comment
Tine & Ella Posted March 13, 2003 Report Share Posted March 13, 2003 Way to go Mick,Sorry it took me so long to respond. Ella and Kelly arrived here in Indy at 2:30 this afternoon it is so great to have them home. They both had two very large suit cases that weighed over 100lbs each, so things every where. I just wanted to let you know it is great to hear that you got your visa keep us updated on how things are going.Tine & Ella Indianapolis B) Link to comment
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