last minute flurries

The phone and DSL went out. The ATM folks expediated the card but snail mailed the PIN. Will the Chineses adapter be enough or do I need a transformer? Give up the plan to take the lap top. Lists turn into piles spread on the bed - too much for one suitcase!

The phase of the experience that is planned on paper is almost over and the reality of unknown begins. This is the adventure I have been thinking about for a year, worked diligently with everyone from the bank to the Chinese cousulate to accomplish. And now - all I have to do is get on the plane - tomorrow.

From the Ballad of the Hobbit:
The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.
Today and tomorrow are yet to be said.
The chances, the changes are all yours to make.
The mold of your life is in your hands to break.

If you are reading this, a small prayer would make a big difference!

will eat the flavor to be tasty exceptionally

http://www.jingdezhen-hotels.com/en/food.html

Reseaching the Porcelain Capital of China and our teaching location uncovered the above guide to local food. Got the Imodium.

About 2 hours south of Nanjing, it is a small city of 1.4M. We stay on a campus of some kind and walk to class. Each day we teach the same 45-minute lecture 4 times in the morning to groups for 25. In the afternon we have the entire 100 students together and do activities to encourage conversational English speaking. Guess who is teaching the Hokey Pokey!

Swing your window open...

A friend sent journals - one titled, "Then swing your window open, the one with the fresh air and good eastern light and watch for wings, edges and new beginings." An encouraging thought at the moment as the reality of a month away from "normal" is setting in. What was I thinking? Maybe I should stay home and just watch Ranma 1/2.

Saturday we* fly direct from Chicago to Shanghia. (NOTE: remind the pilot to make sure the tank is full.) We travel on our own from the airport to the Green Tree Inn via taxi. http://hotel.travelchinaguide.com/shanghai-hotels/greentree-inn-shanghai-wuding-road-200708090858210462.htm It looks pretty western - but there is no close up of the bathroom...

* My ELCA travel companion is Cadi from Minneapolis.

Tuesday before leaving

My visa and passport are in hand, new cell phone that is travel worthy, and a blog. Lots of new technology for a person who writes books with simple sentences!