Preparations to Leave China

The Olympics are set to kick-off in less than 3o days and we couldn't be more excited to be making our exit! Don't get me wrong - we really enjoy living here in China, especially our home here in Xinjiang - but we're burnt out on teaching and unless you're going to attend the Olympics this really isn't the best time to be traveling around the country. Here are a few examples of the changes we're seeing in China leading up to the big Games:

1. All time is related to the Olympics. For example, I asked a friend yesterday "Rose, when will you be back from your trip?" She readily replied "4 days before the Olympics begin" as if I should know exactly what date that is - and I do. When people ask us when we will return from the States, we always say "the day after the closing ceremonies". We don't even need to say a date. They just say "Oh, ok. See you then". No explanation necessary!
2. "I love China" t-shirts are popping up everywhere in the markets here in Xinjiang. Granted much of this is due to the disasters that have befallen this country recently, yet it does give a good visual representation of the immense pride swelling up in each Chinese citizen as the Games approach. I almost bought one, but the fabric was about as thin as pantyhose so I passed.
3. TV ads, which of course are expected to become more frequent as we near August, have just exploded. I don't think there are commercials for anything else right now. Oh, and yes, we have seen the advertisements giving examples of how to cheer. It was subtly done yet still absolutely hilarious!
4. Security is out of control! Or I guess that means they have it under complete control. Either way, we're not expecting our exit on Friday to be smooth. Last week when the torch relay passed through Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang, only those who received a special invitation were allowed to even watch the relay. All others, especially foreigners, were told to stay in their homes for the morning. We had intended to make a trip down to the capital to see it but were told we couldn't leave. Fun, fun.

Europe...here we come!

Friday morning at about 6:30am we depart on an amazing journey back to the US which will land us in places such as Qatar, London, Ireland, Paris, New York, Washington DC, Beaver Falls and of course Beijing. In the first 24 hours we will take 4 separate flights - the first from Karamay to Urumqi (our school was kind enough to pay for a flight instead of a bus!), from Urumqi to Beijing, from Beijing to Qatar (in the Middle East) and finally from Qatar to London. Nevervousness and excitement are the two words that best describe this trip to London, where we'll be staying for about 8 days.

One thing we've noticed about traveling to European countries is just how much easier it is to travel around there than it is here in China. For one, visas are not as much of a hassle to obtain - in fact they're practically effortless if you're an American or European citizen.

We've also seen how the ability to book all transportation in advance is such a stress reliever. No worries about whether there will be any tickets left or where to get a hotel.

Anyway, we hope to give a few updates while we're "on the road", so keep checking back with us. Oh yea, and by the way - Happy "Late" 4th of July!