Thanks all... keep 'em coming!
fivetrout... I hate economy flying all together, but I'm poor
I'll work something out... maybe I'll try to sneak into first class, LOL.
shaun... I use zzquil, and already bought a pack for the trip. Immodium... yeah, didn't think of that. Thanks!
DavidE... I don't smoke, but that's a good idea. I think you and Gerry came up with something for me. Little gifts for everyone. I was going to buy some stuff there, but probably better off buying them all some nice American stuff. (I hope I don't buy something that says "Made in China")
robertt... thanks for the advice. I did plan on having a day of relaxation in the first few, but I didn't really think of the huge change I will encounter. Thanks for the heads up. As for cabs and tipping... no worries there as my lady, Hongping, will be picking me up at the airport and dropping me off also (unless I find a way to piss her off very very badly, LOL). We are planning on spending all our time together, so I expect her to advise me of any local customs I'm not aware of, like tipping. I do expect to ask her often about what to do, anyway
Gerry... I'll add some presents to my list of things to buy. She told me not to get her anything (she doesn't want me to spend money... very frugal, which I like). But I will anyway. NOT a ring at this time though. She made me promise not to embarrass her by asking her to marry me on our first visit together. Also, we are doing a trip to Hong Kong, and I already got her ring size... so if that DOES happen, I'll buy a ring there
Also, good idea of having her write places down in Chinese for me. I'll do that. I was going to get several prepaid cards, as I read in another post and bring $500 in cash... is $500 too much? 1000 rmb is $160 or something like that? Travel insurance I got through Priceline when I made my flight reservations, so I'm good there. Finally, yes, I already got the sim, and I bought a dual sim phone from a place in Shenzhen (off eBay), which I also just received. The sim card worked, although it obviously couldn't connect.
Chinabound... someone mentioned deodorant in another thread. I got 2 sticks of antiperspirant I'm bringing. I don't honestly expect to use it all, but I like to be prepared. Any extra, I'll leave with her for my next visit
Funny you mention the Grandlei... that was where I was initially staying, but my lady knows some people and got me a good rate at the Century Hotel. The rate is something like 278 a night.... she's a great lady!
I wonder, do they have laundry service at the hotels? I know it is going to be hot and humid, so I'll need to have my clothes washed or buy another 2 weeks worth while I'm there.
Besides all that, I have compression socks for the flights, plenty of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and tissues handy, and a nice hat to keep the sun off my poor Irish head (I'd be burnt to a crisp without it, LOL). I am also taking some vitamins with me, since I'm not sure of the nutritional values I'll be getting while there. I know I'm not likely to start eating durians... And, of course, my passport, license, other ID stuff, and a copy of my divorce papers (just in case, Gerry). Again, anything I don't need this time, I can leave with her for next trip!!