8 Days to go!

Boy it's just about a week to go now and things are going to get hectic. Had a meeting with all of the travelers yesterday except one. Bethany had a prior engagement and we talked about it so that's not a problem. All are ready and anxious to get going. John is very quiet in his anticipation though he seems to be excited about the trip. Clynce is asking unending questions which so far I have had the answers to and I hope he keeps asking the questions. Mason is visibly excited but is the newest member of the group and doesn't know the others yet. I'm sure that will change. Bethany is up on the ceiling with anticipation. All are ready to on the way and soon the travels will begin.

We did agree to go to the optional dinner show that is on the trip. Hopefully all will pay in advance. It will certainly be cheaper to do that.

Talked with the credit union about the ATM card and they said it should work. We will see. Called the credit card companies today and had them note that we would be traveling beginning the 8th so we should have any cards canceled. Still need to call Alaska Airlines and United about checking the baggage through so we don't have to hassle with re-checking on the way over. Will have to pick up our bags in San Francisco on the way home to go through customs but will still be on two carriers from SFO to Anchorage so will check on that as well.

It will be a very busy week. All that needs to get done will get done and all that can wait will wait. There is a curse of unknown origin that says "may you live in interesting times". I hope this week is uninteresting and uneventful.

10 Days to Departure

Seems there is never enough time to get everything done. The visas came back from the Chinese counsel yesterday. All seems to be in order. So at least paper work wise we are ready to go. Will stop by the AT&T store on the way home to check on cell phone use in China. It's something I don't anticipate needing to do but should know about it anyway. Check on how to turn things off that I don't want to use because of cost or because it won't work. Will stop by the credit union to check on ATM usage in China. I had difficulties in Egypt and couldn't use it there so will try to find out what is wrong if anything. Need to call the credit card companies to let them know we may be using the card(s) in Japan and China until the 17th of March. It's not nice to have a card refused because it doesn't fit the use pattern.

Have a meeting tomorrow to finalize all of the arrangements with the travelers. Set times to be at the airport, get frequent flier numbers, make sure about meds, list what to take, get emergency medical permissions from the parents and set everything in play for the 8th of March.

Will need to call Alaska Airlines and see if they will transfer the bags to United for the flight to Japan and China. Hopefully they will or we will carry them on and check them in Seattle. Need to call tonight so I can let everyone know tomorrow. As we all know something will be forgotten. All we can hope for is that what we forget is not important and we will be able to buy it in China if it is. I'm sure we will be able to buy whatever we need in China and many things we really don't need.

The Yearbook folks at Bartlett want pictures for this year's book. Will have to get them in by the 16th to make the last deadline. Hope we have good internet connections so the email works well. Will be taking a computer along to update this blog and to keep in-touch via email with everyone back in Alaska.

Looking forward to the trip and hopefully a little relaxation along the way. More later.

28 Days

Seems impossible, but there really is only 28 days 'til our departure. In a month we will be on our decent into Seattle and getting ready for our next leg to Japan. The visa applications have arrived at the travel agent (mail tracking is wonderful) and we should have them back next week some time. We will need to get together at least one more time before our departure. I will need to return the passports to all who are traveling and finalize meeting times at the airport and go over the itinerary one more time. Temperature in Beijing is 27 F and the temperature in Shanghai is 54. Have to be sure to tell folks that is will be cold, like here, when we start and warm up as we move south in China. I am really looking forward to this trip but not the long plane ride there and back. Where is teleportation when you need it?

Preparing for China

Well another trip is in the making. Going off on a ten day trip to China with a half-a-dozen other folk. I am beginning to get excited about it. Exploring new "worlds", seeking out "new life" to boldly go where we have never gone before. Today is a meeting to get the visa applications in order and to once again visit with the acquaintances, soon to be friends that will be traveling together. Air, hotel and tour reservations are all made and awaiting our arrival. March 8 will be here before we know it. And the excitement will continue to build as the time grows nearer. I can't wait!