Author Topic: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip  (Read 5931 times)

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Offline Rhonald

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Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« on: May 02, 2010, 03:51:51 pm »
[attachment=2072]HIC SVNT DRACONES - :fi_lone_ranger: Enter the Dragon:

Instead of chronological order, I have decided to post this trip's exploits as a summary of observations and photos for your discourse. I hope you will have a good laugh - all at my expense - as you drink in my photos.  A good Haw haw with milk sir?

Let me begin my disjointed ramblings as the game is now afoot.

This trip incompassed 3 weeks and because of inclimatic weather, was not the funnest trip. But I was with my lady and we tried to make the best of it. I will follow up with other postings & photos to give you a taste of this ancient land. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I will share the beast of burden of my asian journey.
« Last Edit: May 02, 2010, 03:59:04 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Offline Irishman

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #1 on: May 02, 2010, 04:21:53 pm »
I hope you enjoyed the ass berries!
Those chicken feet are considered a delicacy but just are awful. In Beijing I had chicken feet skins already off the bone, and it was still rotten!
The worst I had was chicken feet with custard like dip in Taishan, that was truly nasty.
Still, I wish I was back there, suffering China withdrawal symptoms at the moment that webcams cannot fix.
Become the change you want today, or all your tomorrows will be like yesterday.

shaun

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #2 on: May 02, 2010, 06:44:34 pm »
Ron,

Way to start your thread.  Berries.  I will remember to NEVER eat berries in China now.  Who know what kind they will really be. :icon_cheesygrin:

You have a way with words and presentation.  I wait for the next with eagerness.

Shaun

Offline Rhonald

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2010, 01:15:57 pm »
I was planning on talking about my misadventure in Hong Kong at a later date, but since I replied to a person from an immigration blog site for Hong Kong, I thought to share the posting here.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
King125 I can feel your frustration. I share in your pain as I base my future timeline on your success. Since you hear next to nothing, I expect the same for us. I will share my experience with my futile visit to the Hong Kong consulate.

My plane would leave Hong Kong at 11:45 am on Wednesday April 21st so I knew that I needed to be at the airport no later then 10:00 am. On Monday morning I sent an email to the consulate saying that I would go there on Tuesday afternoon. In my email I stated that I was bringing additional proof of our ongoing relationship such as extra photos, ticket stubs on 3 more visits to China, and a years worth of moneygram receipts. I also said that my main wish, being that I knew the consulate was busy, was to drop off the documents, but if possible I would like to have a quick chat with a VO officer that was processing our case.

Tuesday morning I checked my email and had no reply. I had figured that I would not hear from them. We arrived at the consulate at about 2:00 pm and proceeded to the 12th floor.  The security glass doors into the consulate was closed and manned by a security officer. He would open the doors briefly to let people out. The waiting area in the consulate had about 6 people waiting to see someone. We were not allowed in and through the glass doors had to state our business. When I said that I wished to drop of documents and maybe see someone, I was told that only by mail would they accept the documents. I stated that the website only mentioned applications needed to be mailed and that we already had an application and I had the file number with us. I also said that the website said that temporary visas could be dropped off in person to the secretary so I wished to drop off the additional proof to the secretary as well. He took our passports and inquired to a person behind the counter. He came back and said that the office was only open between 8:00 & 10:00 am. He said that the person behind the counter mentioned that if we came back the next day between 8:00 & 10:00 am and we had filled in a Case Specific Enquiry that maybe someone would see us. He did not promise us but said we could try. We thanked him for his effort and departed to prepare for tomorrow.

Our hotel was not close to the consulate and with my plane leaving that day, we arrived at the consulate at 7:45 with suitcases in tow. The 12th floor was already filled with a line of people waiting for the doors to open. We squeezed in the very back. Once the doors opened, the security officer started screening the people trying to get in. Some people were sent away and those that were allowed accesses had their bags checked. By 8:20 we arrived at the doors. He remembered us and took our passports and Case Specific Enquiry to the same lady behind the counter. After a brief discussion he returned and said that yes we could enter and maybe see a VO officer BUT, while pointing to our luggage, he stated that we could not take them into the consulate nor leave them in the 12th floor elevator lobby. We had to find a place that would hold my suitcases. I understood the security reasoning and we went back down the elevator to find a place to cache the baggage. My wife did not get the jest of the reasoning since on the main floor lobby she asked if they would watch them there. She also suggested the bank that was on the main floor. I tried to explain to her the heightened security now in the world because of 9/11. I said that maybe a hotel would allow us to check in our baggage so we left the building to find a nearby hotel. Across the road was the subway that we took to arrive here. She got excited and suggested that a store in the subway might hold our bags. I allowed her to try by asking but was convinced and correct that they would not take them either. We did find 2 blocks away the Mandarin Oriental Hotel that said the bag check in was for guests only but they would make an exception and took our bags. We got back to the consulate at 8:50 waited in line briefly, and then the security officer waved us forward checked my wife’s purse and let us in. He gave us a ticket and said to wait for our number to be called. By 9:20 I was getting worried because I still needed to get to the airport. My wife called over another security officer and showed my flight itinerary to her. She took the itinerary and showed it to the same lady behind the counter. The lady called us up and asked what we wanted. I would not be able to see a VO officer anymore so I asked if at least that I could drop of the extra documents of proof for our case file. She said that only by mail would they accept the documents. I mentioned, once again, that the website said that temporary visa applications and courier deliveries were accept in person so I was hopping to do the same. My rational was that delivering in person would be additional proof of the seriousness of our commitment. How many other Canadian sponsors take the time out to make an appearance? But my attempt at persuasion fell on deaf ears. Only by mail would they accept the additional proof. So poof – my hopes were dashed as I needed to dash back to the hotel, gather my bags, and depart for the airport.

I wonder if I had the extra time weather I would have gotten the chance to speak with a VO officer. Now I will never know. I hope that at least they remember that we had been there and when we mail in the additional proof I will make a copy of this posting for even an additional proof. I like to thank the security officer (I should have gotten his name) because he did try for us, but for the secretary – I can understand a policy set in place to discourage the locals from hounding their office, but how often does a Canadian, which I might add pays their salary, show up to be assisted. I sure hope I get better service if ever left stranded overseas, but alas I feel that the Canadian government abroad is meek in deed.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AS to my night in Hong Kong....well that will be another story I will share, but as to some quick advice...Don't stay at a hotel that also has posted an hourly rate.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2010, 01:20:11 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Arnold

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2010, 04:03:18 pm »
Rhonald , as alway's great stuff to read and from a vivid writer . Looking forward for more adventure of the Canadian type .

David5o

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2010, 04:21:06 pm »
Rhonald,

As i've often stated in various threads here, Our Embassy's/Consulates are totally geared up to be as negative as they can possibly manage to be...  They actually think there doing you a favour to even take the time to see you!!!

Rhonald, the whole set-up is basically geared up for business and commerce, Citizens requiring there services are just a nuisance and inconvenience to them. The staff live life's that bear no resemblance to yours or anyone else's, (there own little ''Protected'' world) and god forbid if you find yourself in trouble ....haha!!!

Your experience is basically, a very typical example most of us will find visiting most of our Western Embassy's and not what is expected by many!!!!

David....

Offline Rhonald

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2010, 04:37:44 pm »
Quote from: 'David5o' pid='37992' dateline='1272918066'

Rhonald,

As i've often stated in various threads here, Our Embassy's/Consulates are totally geared up to be as negative as they can possibly manage to be...  They actually think there doing you a favour to even take the time to see you!!!

Your experience is basically, a very typical example most of us will find visiting most of our Western Embassy's and not what is expected by many!!!!

David....


Yes I have read on other blog sites the response we can get if we visit. I have heard a few positive responses but mainly, as you say, negative ones. I just thought that since the onus is on us to prove our case of a valid relationship, if we ever did get denied our visa request, then I have evidence that showed the consulate blocked my attemp at providing more evidence. Any appeals are treated here in Canada and not at the consulate. But I also hear the appeal process takes another year. I hope we do not have to go this route but I am stockpiling my ammo in case it does.

In hindsight I wish we never made the trip to the consulate. I thought I was ready for a failed attempt but felt anger and discouragement anyways. Instead Yan and I should have spent the day site seeing and enjoying our last few hours unrushed. I would have left on a high note instead of B..eing flat.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2010, 04:44:25 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Arnold

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2010, 04:56:17 pm »
Five Trip to be with Yan ! What more Proof do they want , for you to show it's a " REAL " relationship ? It really is pathetic how they treat someones Relationship of the highest quality . Maybe they think of their own and this get's them pissed ?

David5o

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #8 on: May 03, 2010, 04:58:24 pm »
Rhonald,

Yep!! ....It's a sad fact but very true unfortunately. Most inexperienced travelers think and expect (rightly so) that these institutions are there to help there National Citizens. But they find that it can be a real pain in the arse at times to even get inside your Embassy.... Then find that the Passport/immigration dept s are only open 2 or 3 hours a day, ...if your lucky!! lol!!! Then treated to the total apathy of the staff (most of which are NOT even of your Nationality) and leave with a new understanding of there own country...lol!!!

David.....

ttwjr32

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2010, 11:39:16 am »
at least the usa consulate is staffed with americans not the most freindly
but they are americans. i thought the british one was interesting when i went there
with someone-- it is in an old hotel that has been shut down for about 8 years and
looks like it. and the lady was chinese who wanted to talk with the person i the waiting area
so to speak   i thought that was interesting

David5o

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2010, 04:08:37 pm »
Ted,

Well your Embassy in Beijing is choker block with local Chinese staff, especially in the immigration/passport dept....

I think there's nothing worse, than to walk into your countries Embassy, and have to deal with a foreigner telling you, NO you can't do this and NO you can't do that, and NO you can't speak to the head of dept. I have nothing against having locals work in our Embassy's, but definitely not on the front line.... Frankly it's a bloody insult!!!

David.......

Offline Rhonald

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2010, 04:10:29 pm »
NOT FOR  ALL THE TEA IN CHINA?

I have heard of this expression before so I traveled to the self acclaimed ceramic capital of China named Chaozhou to find the answer to this mysterious saying. After all, there is no “T” in “CHINA”.

We heard that the bus ride from Shenzhen to Chaozhou would take 5 hours so we left mid morning for the bus depot to catch our ride. We arrived at the station shortly passed 10:00 and found out to our disappointment that there were only 3 scheduled buses leaving each day. The times of 7:30, 1:30, & 6:30 were posted with a price of 150 rmb. This now would mean a 3 hour wait. The bus depot is located at Lo Wu right next to the main knock off mall. This depot also attracts beggars preying for charity because of the many tourist shoppers hunting for bargains.  Oh great, I groaned, three hours of swatting away eFF..ing lies.  There was one persistent middle aged lady that kept coming over with her hand out. She looked reasonably dressed and nourished and I would soon remember her because on two other days while passing through the station, I was hounded by her.

The one thing I can say about China is that if you missed your bus, another one soon would arrive. We did miss the major chain bus, but located in the bus depot are many smaller companies trolling for fares. We were approached by a man asking where we were going. Soon my wife was in deep negotiations with him as he said that he could get us to Chaozhou. They settled on 130 rmb per person and we followed after him through a maze of people, escalators, and hallways. We arrived at a small office at the further reaches of the depot were we found out that we would not go directly to Chaozhou but would need to switch buses at the costal city of Shantou. Our bus would leave in 20 minutes but I was worried about the connection and if our time would end up being longer for it. Yan was excited because she had already saved 60 rmb on the trip as there was her son with us on this trip. When it was time to depart, we had another trek of about 10 minutes to reach the place where the bus would pick us up. The bus depot only serviced the major lines. Around back by a parking lot was a ramp that left the bus depot and soon we had a reasonable looking bus stop and pick us up. Good I thought, as I had had an inkling feeling that we would be riding on a barely there bus.

The way the Chinese pronounced Shantou sounded like the Spanish Santos and coincidently, this costal city blessed me with a view of a beautifully styled Catholic church. It was of a fair size, and unfortunately, I did not have enough time to get my camera to take a picture before the bus had passed it. I did pass by a few more smaller, but Christian churches. This left me scratching my head to why and if there was a reason or just coincidence. We only had to wait 15 minutes in Shantou and soon we headed off to Chaozhou in a slightly smaller but adequate bus. Our destination was only an hour further away so all told, our round-about-trip took 6 hours instead of 5. But we arrived sooner then if we had waited and the ticket price was cheaper. The bus dropped us off on the other side of the highway from our hotel and after a mad dash in a gap in traffic while the rain drizzled down upon us, we arrived at our Hotel in the Ceramic Capital.

There is a “T” in Tiring and in Trip which this had been, but I was here to solve the riddle of all the “T” in China. Now this might come as a major shock for you so learned reader, as you already know that Grant is not buried in Grant’s tomb, nor do Camel hair brushes come from camels, but brace your self for this revelation. They make China in China!

The following photos show some of the collections I saw. But when I flipped the plate over, I was disappointed in not seeing Made In China. How will anyone believe me now! But at least I can prove and solve the riddle of this day’s topic.


If you take out the IN from CHINA you are left with CHA which is Pinyin for  ?
Or as we say TEA. Case Closed.
« Last Edit: May 04, 2010, 04:22:26 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

shaun

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2010, 06:10:24 pm »
T for Texas T for Tennessee. Oops sorry wrong thread.

Ron, great story and I'll have to talk with Peggy about going there next time.

Offline Buzz

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2010, 06:45:55 pm »
Ron, great story, do you remember how much the knife set cost?  And from the last picture, it goes again to prove the point, that our ladies travel much better, and arrive more lovely,  than we men.  I am looking forward to my trip in 3 weeks, as I am out of Cha from my first visit.  buzz

Offline Rhonald

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RE: Decryptic & assorted tales from my 5th China Trip
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2010, 09:38:47 pm »
Quote from: 'Buzz' pid='38055' dateline='1273013155'

Ron, great story, do you remember how much the knife set cost?  And from the last picture, it goes again to prove the point, that our ladies travel much better, and arrive more lovely,  than we men.  


Well....they do have the advantage since they are the fairer sex. The knife set was given to me as a gift so it cost me nothing - must be that they thought I was a movie star. I will have more to say about being given too many gifts. But the price as you can see from this other box set was 880 rmb.
« Last Edit: May 04, 2010, 09:39:29 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances