China Romance
All About China => Your trip to China => Topic started by: Jason B on June 17, 2010, 10:35:56 pm
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Hi all, I have just received my entry visa into China for my trip next month. :) One year multi-entry valid for 60 days per trip. No questions and this is my first time to China. I know that others have said that on their first trip that they only received a one trip visa. Maybe things are different in Australia? I do not know, but something for all Aussie brothers to remember. I have also changed my flights for the trip. New details 16JUL-06AUG so if anyone is in the Shenzhen area during those times, lets catch up for a meal or whatever. Make it a double date sort of thing.
Cheers and have a good day. Jason
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Jason,
if you make it to Guangzhou to see anything give us a ring.
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Glad to hear you got a one year multi entry. My first was only a 3 month single entry. Maybe they just don't like us Canadians. Have a great trip to China, and keep us posted. Above all, keep your eyes open to everything. Go in with your eyes wide open.
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Hi all, I have just received my entry visa into China for my trip next month. :) One year multi-entry valid for 60 days per trip. No questions and this is my first time to China. I know that others have said that on their first trip that they only received a one trip visa. Maybe things are different in Australia? I do not know, but something for all Aussie brothers to remember. I have also changed my flights for the trip. New details 16JUL-06AUG so if anyone is in the Shenzhen area during those times, lets catch up for a meal or whatever. Make it a double date sort of thing.
Cheers and have a good day. Jason
Hey Jason,
It's not necessarily a visa issue. For example, I didn't apply for a multi-entry visa because I was using all my vacation time in one shot and I was going to the interior of China. Kind of pointless to get a multi-entry visa when I can only visit once in a 6 to 9 month period. If I were transiting between China and Hong Kong multiple times, that's a different story. And I know a lot of guys here are in the same boat.
But at least you got your visa. That's the important part. Now just go and enjoy yourself. And as Martin said, keep your eyes open.
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You'll probably need a multi- entry. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Wendy live/work in Hong Kong ???
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Enjoy the trip! China's a pretty sweet place to visit and I'd love to go back just as soon as I can.
BTW, it's not about hating Canadians with the visa entry thing. You can choose, when applying, to have either a multiple entry visa or a single entry. Next time, I'd like to get a multiple entry to visit Macau and HK.
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Chong, Wendy works in Hong Kong but lives in Shenzhen, I do not know if I will be going to HK this trip but will be going next time.
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Chong, Wendy works in Hong Kong but lives in Shenzhen, I do not know if I will be going to HK this trip but will be going next time.
Unless she has a two week vacation and staying in Shenzhen, you'll be going to HK. Why not ? It's only a short bus ride away. I'm sure that she'll want to show you the HK sights ... as well as Shenzhen. IMHO, you'll be a little more comfortable in HK where many people ( i.e. cabbies/ waiters ) speak a little English ... but more expensive.
Have a good trip, keep us updated.
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Thanks everyone, I will keep everyone updated on my (mis)adventures, will be going in with eyes wide open and camera ready.
Might have to go to HK now this trip, Chong has made it sound like a day outing, was not sure that I wanted to go this time, but what the hey! If I'm going to China live it love it I suppose.
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you would enjoy hong kong during the day while your lady works so i
recomend it at least 2 or 3 days just a thought
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you would enjoy hong kong during the day while your lady works so i
recomend it at least 2 or 3 days just a thought
I think that will have to be on the agenda now as I have extended my trip by 10 days and Wendy has only got holidays for the original portion of my trip.
Now another question for the folk who know.....I am taking my laptop with me. To down load my photos to so I do not fill up the memory card too fast but I also want to post my (mis)adventures onto here. What website or way around Chinese filters do people who live in China use?
thanks in advance Jason
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ninja cloak has worked for me www.ninjacloak.com (http://www.ninjacloak.com)
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from someone who just got back, and will be going back soon. forget the daily updates. concentrate on your lady and her needs. time with your lady is very precious, you will have plenty of time back home to do the computer updates. what you won't have back home is your lady. for me it was a very easy choice, computer vs. wife. wife won every time. just got word that guangzhou embassy has sent out the letter for the last bit of paperwork. my lawyer has already filled out the forms, my wife got the police report today. will send out on monday. so we are getting ready for the 16 hour plane ride from new york to hong kong (again).
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forget the daily updates. concentrate on your lady and her needs. time with your lady is very precious, you will have plenty of time back home to do the computer updates. what you won't have back home is your lady.
Buzz, firstly congratulations and I sincerely hope that you have a smooth journey with your wife and visas etc.
Maybe I will just write a diary of my time there and post when I get back. Time with Wendy is the priority of my trip and my entire focus. We have so much to work out, not only getting engaged (plan on getting married when I move to China, hopefully before years end), but sorting out work and housing arrangements etc. then going back home selling everything here and then moving again. Exciting times ahead for sure so updates will definitely be on the back burner sorry guys. But I will contribute what I can when I can.
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Hey Jason , you have not updated your countdown , still on 15 days ha , yes you have your priorities correct , but yell for help when you need it , regards Robert and Yo .
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Jason-- the time goes to fast dont worry about the updates when you get back you can tell us all about it and dont forget
the pictures. and from one who sold everything to move here its never to early to start i took about 3 months to sell
everything including the house and i wish i had a few more months. now i will go back this year with my wife who got
a 1 year b/1 b/2 visa with multiple entries they now combine these two visas and we will have to finish up selling all the
stuff i didnt sell that filled up my moms garage at her house.
Buzz-- wow congratulations on the process and how it is going. looks like the time is finally coming to an end for the two of
you. thats terrific.we wish you the best Sara and I for a quick final resulution to your journey
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Thanks for the advice Ted, I have an appointment with the Real Estate ripoffs today to put my apartment on the market. The furniture I will give to my sister who is doing it tough at the moment. Wont make any money out of it though. No equity in it only bought it 2 years ago. I will be living with my brother until I move to China hopefully by years end, depending on finishing TESOL course and work visas etc. Then again I suppose Wendy has to say yes when I ask her to marry me in about 10 days time.
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OK so now there is only until Thursday to wait until I board my flight. To say that I am happy and anxious at the same time is an understatement. I think I have everything completed. Visa's, tickets, presents, clothes washed (waiting to be ironed, any takers). Am I missing anything?
For those that have walked the walk before me; any last minute tips on making the time pass without it seeming like it is dragging on forever?
Tomorrow will not be too bad, I have the real estate agents coming to do some pictures for the selling advertisement and then moving to my brothers before I go. But after that it is just me twiddling my thumbs whilst he is at work and I am on holidays.
Any suggestions welcomed as I am going out of my mind with frustration on waiting.
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heres a little bit of news for you Jason wait till you get on the plane it will seem like the longest flight in history
so try and stay awake as long as you can so you can sleep on the plane when coming over here. i always said i would
do that in my flights to china and never did until my last one and it seemed i was only on the plane for a few hours as i
slept most of the 16 hour flight which was direct. i was so busy trying to sell everything that it kept me pretty occupied
before this last trip and i still have a load of crap in my moms garage that we will take care of when we return this year.
not sure when that will be but when we return from Bejing and Boatoa we will start Sara's visa process as we have everything
we need to complete that with the exception of turning it in and waiting for her interview at the consulate. i hope my many visits
there and chatting with the people will help in the decision as i am always courteous and respectful even when we are just having
coffee at the starbucks or the italian resturant near the consulate.
and i have been careful to never ask for any favors just talk about general things with them like politics and living in china
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All the best of luck Jason , you will enjoy , once you are on the plane in Sydney you will not need a coat till you arrive back , I just take a very light sports jacket as a carryon , so long as you have your Electronic translator close by you you will be fine , also if you can show Wendy what you will be wearing , just in case as all us Whities look similar to them ha ha , safe tri regards Robert and Sujuan [ Yo ] , oh and make sure you have a biro in your pocket to fill in information on the plane before reaching your destination .
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Jason,
Time just passes slowly unless you have too much to do then it speeds by quickly. Both times I slept on the airplane like Ted except mine was drug induced. Unfortunately I got to Shenzhen about 9:30 at night and was wide awake. Well fortunately for me, unfortunate for Peggy. She was tired but we managed.
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Shaun youve been in a drug induced state since you met Peggy hahahahahah
remember the drug store trip lol!!!!!!
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Ted,
When we had breakfast with you a couple of weeks ago we walked past the drug store in question. What do you think was the first thing she said? You were ahead of us. I busted out laughing. She then asked me if I though you remembered. I said no I don't think so. Then she said, You and Ted are always joking with people. ;D
Funny thing is she will alway remember that store for the rest of her life. It cracks me up. I did ask her if she wanted to stop and go in there. Her answer? It is a quick and short, No! ;D
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Good luck on your trip Jason. Just relax into it and have some fun. You don't need to understand every thing that's going on around you. Trust your lady and enjoy yourselves!
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Jason,
Best of luck on your trip. Just try to relax and find something to do while you wait to board the plane. If you are going to propose to her, have you practiced saying it in mandarin? That may take up some time for you. Are you going to keep us posted on your travels?
Dave c
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Thanks for the kind words guys. I have taken the blinkers off, eyes are wide open and I am going in without any reservations. I have even left all thoughts of the Western world behind. Have reread the 24hr rule (will abbreviate the time as required) to refresh myself and the last thing to pack is this laptop. Have I forgotten anything?
Jason,
If you are going to propose to her, have you practiced saying it in mandarin?
Dave c
Dave, I think I now have about 3 different ways of saying it. As long as it does not come out like "I like your dog can I marry it?" I may survive long enough to post my (mis)adventures here. I intend on keeping a journal everyday of my feelings how I interpret things just to show to Wendy when I move here permanently so that if I can't post will update when I can and everything will be remembered. Well I will share with you the non important bits anyway.
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Jason you will have the time of your life. Savor every moment you are with her.
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Jason check and double check your translation so it doesnt come out like you dont want to marry her or it comes out
i never wanted to marry or something else stupid would take the romance out of it
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Well that's it guys, I am signing off now and packing away my laptop. Heading to the airport soon. I will check in here to see how things are going when I land in Singapore (have a 5 hour layover). Then it will be posting as opportunities arise. I know that my 21 days in Shenzhen are going to flyby so postings maybe sparse. For all those over in China now or heading in the next couple of weeks it would be great to catch up with some brothers and share experiences. Take care. Now the real first step is beginning.
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Best of luck Jason, have a blast over there.
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have a wonderful successful trip best wishes
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Jason , have a super time and by the way .. hence you in Shenzhen , why not meet up with " Yan " our Female Member .. who lives close to the Train Station . If time permit's it .
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have a blast.
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Hi all, have made it. Wendy met me at the airport as arranged and we hit it off from the start. Life is just one big blast and getting better by the minute, China you have to experience it to believe it and I have only been here for 5 minutes. Have been talking about so many different things with regards to the future that at the moment my head is just starting to stop spinning from actually being here let alone making sense of anything.
We had an interpreter (Sunny) come with Wendy to the airport, but Wendy's English is very good and we can communicate well so no need for Sunny's assistance anymore.
Well there goes the doorbell, Wendy has arrived back from going to the shops. Take care everyone, will post more when I am by myself and not having a ball.
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been shopping already in 5 minutes lol!!!! have a great time hope it all works out
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OK guys, time for a quick update whilst Wendy is asleep. Now that my head has stopped spinning from actually being here I will try and fill you in on what has happened over the last couple of days. Before that I have been reading lately about photo shopped pictures of the ladies. Whilst I can understand that this does happen and the lady only wants to put her best forward, all of the photos I have of Wendy are her. She is exactly the same just minus the makeup. What a knockout.
As mentioned earlier was met at the airport by Wendy and Sunny. After a hair raising taxi ride to the hotel (more about this later) and checking in we decided that it was time for something to eat. So a 5 minute walk to the restaurant nearest to the hotel and order some food. For me it was simple, that picture looks nice so I will have that. I ordered some beef dish and all the time the girls were laughing at something and I got the idea that they were up to something. It turns out I was right. They ordered a dish of something that I thought resembled some pork just covered in spices. In go my chopsticks and it was really good food. After a minute Wendy asked did I like the frogs? I had never had frogs before but it tasted good and just to show
her that I wasn't going to get suckered into their little game I made Wendy eat some, but I do not think that she likes frogs. Teach her right.
After lunch we went back to the hotel and used the complimentary vouches that they gave me when checking in to have a couple of drinks and Wendy told Sunny that we will not need her anymore. Wendy has very good English and she later admitted that the only reason that she asked Sunny to be there at all was because she wanted to make a good impression and not say the wrong thing when we met at the airport, bless her. The rest of the day is none of your business.
The next day we went into central Shenzhen to have a look around and take some photos. I was trying to post some but the computer kept on rejecting them and this post and this is the third time that I have typed this so you will have to wait until I get home to see some photos. We got a taxi to down town and I am now convinced that you can get a license from out of a cereal packet here. They seem to do that here anyway. What an experience being in a car here is. Is it an unwritten sport here that all pedestrians are feral pests and must be wiped from the face of the earth at the first opportunity? People walk across a crossing and the cars do not even slow down! I think I have mastered the subtle art of crossing a street, head down make a bee line for the other side and do not get distracted in case I forget what I am doing and become some road kill. And then Wendy had the great idea of walking up the road into the oncoming traffic! No thanks I will take my chances on the footpath.
That night we had the best Peking Duck that I have ever had. It was great and I understand that it is even better in Beijing. Maybe next trip we will go there and try some. Wendy is so marvelous, she always makes sure that there is food on my plate and that my tea cup is full. I sit there sometimes and just marvel at all the attention and it seems like she does not even realize that she is doing it. After dinner it was a stroll back to have another white knuckle ride in another taxi back to the hotel.
Today we went shopping again. Wendy does not seem like a big window shopper, she knows what she wants and where to get it so off we go not looking at anything much and straight into the shop where she wants to go and buys what she needs.
Now we are going out to dinner a bit later. Some time in the next couple of days we are going to visit her mother in Huizhon and stay for a couple of days. That's all for now, I will write again soon.
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Jason , now you know exactly why we love our Chinese princesses , they are are equal in every way , but they sure look after us , glad you are enjoying yourself and the taxi rides ha ha , you do get used to the driving , it is just when they drive on the wrong side of the road I get nervous , regards Robert and Sujuan .
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Jason,
Great report. Just keep in mind when exiting a store that there are electric scooters that do not make a sound and they drive on the sidewalk. I almost got nailed by one my first day in Shenzhen.
Enjoy the rest of your stay.
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Good to read your GREAT start Jason. And welcome to your first experience to CHINA's real national sport - JAY WALKING 8)
If you spend more time in SHenzhen, then ask to be taken to the restaurant that is located on the top of a skyscraper. It is about 50 floors up and the floor rotates to give you a panorama view of the city. Go for the breakfest buffet as the lunch and dinner menu is quite a bit more money - I am not trying to fleece you with my golden advice ;D
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Jason , now you know exactly why we love our Chinese princesses , they are are equal in every way , but they sure look after us
Robert never a truer word spoken, Wendy is more than my equal.
Shaun, I know what you mean about the creeping bikes, one day one will come too close and cop a bit of Aussie abuse.
Rhonald, I asked Wendy about the restaurant and she does know it. We may go there if time permits.
OK the boss is asleep so I thought I would ask people about some things/observations that have been on my mind. I will write another update later.
Do Chinese women consider saying OK as their bond? The first day Wendy asked if I wanted her to stay over the first night? And I said I want you to stay forever to which she replied OK. Now she reminds me of this every night. Do not get me wrong I love it, just struck me as a bit strange to consider an OK as a type of bond.
Strange as it may seem it had never occurred to me that Wendy spoke Chinese, every letter or email that I have received from her has been in English. When she talks to me she has the voice of an Angel but when she talks to others in Chinese she has the voice of all the Angels. I am so in awe of this woman.
Going to see her mother has been playing on my mind for a while now. I was going to ask Wendy to marry me before meeting her mother but now will postpone until after I meet her. Am I doing the right thing? Some advice from those that have been before me would be appreciated.
Oops the sleeping Dragon stirs, will write again soon.
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Jason , others will write , but here is my 2 pennith worth , you had already connected with Wendy prior to your visit , her asking you that Question about staying ,was her way of saying she was more than comfortable with meeting you face to face and your answer only confirmed it more , yes okay to her is an English word and as such has more meaning than we attach to it .
Their thousands of figures in their alphabet makes our 26 letters pale , but then we have words with the same spelling meaning different things whereas they do not .
If you are sure about Wendy and as she is now regarding you as a couple , might be a smart move to ask Wendy for her permission through her Chinese as Mum probably will not speak English for you to ask the Mother for permission to marry her daughter , just a thought , regards Robert and Sujuan .
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Hi Jason
Aussie, Aussie..Oi, Oi, Oi !!!!
Glad to see another Aussie with his feet firmly on the path to paradise ;D
With a bit of luck we will soon outnumber these Canuks here !!!
If you step out onto the road in Aus, as you know, you WILL get hit by a car or a motorbike. If you step out into the road in China...you wont. I know it sounds strange but it takes a great leap of faith to do it, and while you are there, you wont see many accidents...dont ask me how the streets arent littered with bodies...it is a complete mystery to me, but it works. Just close your eyes and go !!!
Always keep spare Jocks close...especially when riding in taxis !
Regarding "OK".....your words to Wendy that you would like her to stay with you forever.....Man, you just proposed !!! I would be pretty sure that this is how she would regard your words. Remember, however good her English is, she wont have the understanding of the subtleties and your words will be taken literally. DONT ever break a promise to a Chinese Lady....they always hold you to your word.............
Its a very good idea to do the right thing with Mum and Dad, even though the language thing is a bit tricky...but dive in, meet them and let them see that you have "honourable intentions" for their daughter. Once they understand this, you will be amazed how they will take you completely into their lives and treat you with absolute freindship, respect and attention. It is a very profound experience to be welcomed into a Chinese family.
Grett start you have made...keep it up and enjoy
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Jason , if you meet the folks...the question is already asked in Wendy's mind! She'll probably think it strange you asking it after you meet her mum.
Meeting the parents in China is a BIG DEAL, if you are meeting her mother, its to discuss marriage, don't doubt that for a second.
Her mother will be judging you for suitability, if she doesn't approve..forget about it....
You should bring gifts to her parents even if Wendy says its not needed..you are supposed to protest and insist...(let Wendy help you choose something appropriate..my guess is smokes for father and something to do with the kitchen for mother...)
Smile a lot and remember to compliment mothers cooking if she cooks for you !
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Well I have bitten the bullet and asked Wendy to marry me and she said yes of course I will. I think that what David and Robert said about her having made up her mind was true. She did not even think it strange that I had asked her. Sort of a feeling of about time you got around to asking me as I already had made up my mind.
I asked her about meeting her mum and the reply was:
"My mum is always asking when will I get married? (does this sound familiar to anyone) She would rather she married a man who loved her than have to be forced into marrying an older Chinese man just because he has money." Poor girl is only 35 she is not old but as we know for a Chinese girl to unmarried at that age is considered old or "past it".
Meeting the parents in China is a BIG DEAL, if you are meeting her mother, its to discuss marriage, don't doubt that for a second. Her mother will be judging you for suitability, if she doesn't approve..forget about it....
Thanks Irishman now you have got me wondering and I asked Wendy about this, she said she does not really care too much what her mum thinks and we will get married anyway. Her father passed away 15 years ago so only one person to win over. I did bring a gift from Australia for her and we will find something local as well.
I have been discussing the future with Wendy and we have our cunning plan about 70 percent worked out. Looks like there will be another contact in China permanently to look out for lost tourists. So after this trip I will be going home sorting out all of my affairs and getting the paperwork together to get married and back here to so she can make an honest man out of me.
Now she has gone to tell her friends at work and left me alone in the hotel. Happy but alone. Later today we will go and have a look at some engagement rings and try to find something that suits her and makes her eyes sparkle even more.
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Congratz Jason. I know you will be happy. It looks like she already is. Do you plan on living in Shenzhen?
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Whilst waiting for Wendy to return I have been creative and have made a photo album in the media section called Shenzhen July 2010. Enjoy the pictures will add more as the trip continues.
Do you plan on living in Shenzhen?
Yes we do and then her mother is only one hour away by bus. She lives with her brother at the moment I asked about when we buy our apartment if her mother will come and live with us and Wendy said that she likes living with her brother.
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I hope you have a gift for brother as well. You are not only marrying Wendy, but also the entire family. You want brother impressed and happy. A carton of cigarettes If he smokes will do the trick.
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OK time for another update whilst the Dragon is having a shower.
Not much happened today......yeah right......the one thing that I never thought would happen again has. I am now officially a kept man. It never stops to amaze me how much Wendy reminds me that she would never do what my ex did. Chinese girls do not do this she says, I stay with you forever. I believe her as I do not have any reason not to and her actions the last couple of days have not given any other indication than she is going to be my girl for ever.
I now have until Friday to think of how I am going to win the Dragon's mum over as that is when we are going to visit. I spoke to Wendy over dinner tonight (strange to come all the way to China to Italian, but that is what she wanted to have for dinner as she has never had it before and who am I to argue?) what else to get her mum, I have a hand painted plate done by an aboriginal artist that I know in Sydney but I wanted to get something else too based on suggestions on here. Anyway Wendy says we will just give her 200 CNY and she can buy what she wants. Seems like a good deal to me $34 AUD for her daughter. But gee I hate getting ripped off. I have inquired about the dowry and all of that (just felt wrong and really awkward to approach the subject and to discuss this, but I had to know) and Wendy said nothing more is required. Just don't know what to get the brother yet, would have been easy if he smoked. But he doesn't and neither do I, I would not have know how to buy some smokes anyway.
Anyway after dinner off to buy some fruit to munch on whilst in the hotel room and just about to go back when out of the corner of my eye I spy a little ice cream shop that I can not remember the name of. In we go and had some Chinese ice cream. It is different for sure, but I know that I will be back, really loved the stuff. And when I move here I might just happen to buy shares in the place, I have to get something for the amount of money that I will probably spend in the place.
Tomorrow is a free day with not much planned but will see what unfolds, might be a good time to buy some souvenirs for the family back home. Still loving every second here and today will live with me forever.
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Jason , just a thought , take Mother some nice fresh fruit , she can share with others , and you will be nibbling them to during your time there , my Sujuan always says flowers are good , but you cannot eat them ha ha , also we loved your photo's , regards Robert and Sujuan .
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Semi-side track, but since Jason's been calling his lady the dragon...thought I would bring up this oldie... It's called 龙的传人 (Long De Chuan Ren ... Descendants of the Dragon)
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XOTM3MDc1NjQ=.html (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XOTM3MDc1NjQ=.html)
Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...
Really happy for you Jason! I hope you enjoy the week and the leadup to the big meeting. Robert is right... Fresh fruit is always a good choice.
As for a gift for the brother (or potential uncle in law :D ) check to see if he likes wines/spirits... Just an idea.
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A Tip on the Fruit to bring . They love Leeche's/Banana's/Watermelon and if you can find them " Our BIG red Grapes , which are quite expensive in Shanghai that is . Make sure their Fresh !
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not sure what they are called but there is a fruit from Guangzhou that is red in colour and has a hard exterior
that looks like a bunch of large grapes. you peel the hard cover off and there is a really sweet grape like item
in the middle. only can be gotten this time of year. about 12 rmb a kg in Guangzhou but they do sell them outside
Guangzhou for about 18 rmb
she would like that get them cold before you eat them as they are much better that way on a hot day
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Sounds like lychee... be careful of those... too much and you could easily get a sore throat....
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i will have to ask my wife when she gets back from work today. i dont remember the name
but they are good. just sitting in the hotel in beijing till the early noon time then will go out.
for those of you coming to beijing very soon it is really hot and humid here since we came
back from Bautou
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If it's brown or yellowish, it's most likely longan. I've attached a picture of what Lychee looks like...
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mustfocus yes thats the one
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Well I am now officially a wimp. I did not have the intestinal fortitude of someone like Shaun. Wendy did not like my goatee and rather than have the wrath of the Dragon to deal with I reluctantly shaved it off. She likes it but I feel so naked.
Not much happened today, very slow, Wendy is feeling ill (girl probs) so we spent most of the day in the hotel room, her sleeping and me watching TV. We did venture out for some noodles for lunch and will go out for some dinner later. I am trying to convince her to come and watch a movie.
Not much of an update I know but I guess I just have to look after her and make sure that she is OK. She is number one so anything that I may want to do has to wait for now.
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JASON :o
I should have read your post before I shaved mine off this morning. Haha. Kidding, I still have it. I do think its days are numbered. Peggy will ask me every now and then to shave it off. I can "keep the mustache but the beard hair has got to go'" she says. My last trip every time she said it I would hand her either the razor or the scissors to take it off and she would not do it. But eventually I will give in, I think.
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I do think its days are numbered. Peggy will ask me every now and then to shave it off.
Shaun, don't give in someone has to make a stand for all of us folicaly (sp) challenged men in this world. I did not and now there is more nakedness in the world.
But to see her smile a smile that would light up the world when I emerged from the bathroom clean shaven for the first time in about 3 years was enough to convince me that I had done the right thing.
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Jason, Shaun,
I thought that these chinese girls liked facial hair. The girl I have been chatting with says she likes the beard I have. I hope that she doesn't change her mind.
Hope that Wendy feels better soon Jason.
Dave C
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Dave, don't know about your girl but Wendy certainly did not, she would sit there and run her fingers through the goatee and just sigh and give this look. You need to shave it off.....no says I.....yes says Dragon.....Dragon 1 gutless wonder 0.
Now the pressure is on to shave my head.....what does she want a Shoalin Monk? But that will never happen......maybe if she shaved her head too.
Hope that Wendy feels better soon Jason.
Thank you very much Dave most appreciated. I miss her smile and energy
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lots of chinese ladies like the moustaches and goatees as they arent to prevelant and are different
here. i even have at times wanting to touch the hairy arms now go figure that one out.
as far as the head i wouldnt do that one unless i had a considerable amount already missing lol!!!
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Haha, Nauty Mike,
This beard thing remind me some funning thing when I was a kid. My dad's friend who has a beard like to tickle my cheek by his beard, everytime I saw him, I just stay
away from him. Now I grow up, when I met him ,we just nod head and smile,still cann't
forget the beard thing.
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Talking about Beard's , Qing has seen Photo's of the time I had a full Beard ( for about a year ) and is soooo glad she does not have to see me this way now . She keeps telling me .. you get much handsome as you get older . I wont argue with that ! :)
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and we wont comment on that Arnold hahaha
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Today Wendy and I had a very long discussion over lunch about what the future is going to hold for us. As many may have read I was prepared to drop everything and move to China to be with her. I had never told her but I was prepared to do it even though to be honest I would not have been the happiest, but sometimes you just do what you believe is right. I think that the biggest thing that I did not like about her moving to Australia was the amount of time it takes to get visa's etc. It is going to kill me to be so far away from her, but others have done this and survived.
Well Wendy could see straight through my plan and had a feeling that I was doing this for her and not for us. She said that she did not believe that moving to China was the best move for either of us. I would have to work to provide some sort of future for us and after a lengthy discussion on this the final outcome is "just how stable is a teaching job in China?" Sure I may get employment for a one year contract and then have to go through resigning contracts etc. and there is no such thing as a stable work environment when you are relying on a contract to keep working.
So to cut to the chase (and after reviewing what I have written so far....gee it sounds negative and bad) yes we are still together and are getting married as soon as possible (ie. correct paperwork etc) but now she is going to come to Australia and live. We can build the type of future that I had always envisioned for us there, I will still sell my apartment and then we plan on building a house together for us both to live in.
I am a lot happier now and it seems that a big weight has been lifted. It just felt so wrong to keep this from her, sort of like I have a lie that I am keeping from her. Now that this is in the open all is good and now it is full speed ahead.
The only thing that I did not win on was growing my goatee back, still plotting my revenge for this, but at least she will not make me shave my head now.
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I think that the biggest thing that I did not like about her moving to Australia was the amount of time it takes to get visa's etc. It is going to kill me to be so far away from her, but others have done this and survived.
My friend's wife [ living in Sydney ] said it took them 4 months through the Beijing office. They conducted two telephone interviews concurrently. She met her husband and married after an one week whirlwind. They were match-made through the husband's family. He's a Fiji-Chinese born living in Australia and his ancestral family village is in Guangdong.
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Now the pressure is on to shave my head.....what does she want a Shoalin Monk? But that will never happen......maybe if she shaved her head too.
And WTF is wrong with having a bald head??? hahaha
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What is wrong with a bald head? Well some people already have too much face is it is. When you shave the rest the face looks even bigger. But then again your have Martin's issue. ;D
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What is wrong with a bald head? Well some people already have too much face is it is. When you shave the rest the face looks even bigger. But then again your have Martin's issue. ;D
I don't know if I should laugh, or be mad. heehee
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Laugh Martin, Laugh. You don't have to worry about too much face. When I was talking about that I was thinking of me. I shave my head once about 5 years ago. I won't say I'll never do that again because Peggy has mentioned it a couple of times.
Funny thing is she likes the way I look with the mustache and goatee but it tickles her. She is slowly coming around I think.
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It's all in fun Shaun. I asked my wife if I was allowed to grow a beard, and the answer was pretty definitive....NO!
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I have a full head of hair and chest hair to match. I wanted to shave my chest but my wife tells me NO. She likes to run her fingers through it.
She wanted me to gow a beard but I was adamant against that. One simple reason - you cannot control the color of facial hair as easy as head hair!!!!!!
Willy
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OK this thread has gotten off topic a little bit.....that's enough about hair or lack of.
A quick update on what has been happening.
The last couple of days Wendy has been feeling unwell and I have been looking after her. Sure seems strange to have someone to care for again. But I am managing and to be honest I am enjoying doing it.
Yesterday she felt the best in a couple of days and we went out to the movies and watched "After Shock" a really great movie about the Chinese earthquake in 1976 and the aftermath for one family. It was a tear jerker to be sure, but I left the cinema with a really good feeling inside. I can definitely recommend this movie to anyone who gets the chance to see it. That night we went and had Hot Pot and although it was really good food I have to agree with what Martin said in a previous post somewhere. It is OK but some how I feel cheated to go to a restaurant and have to cook my own food.
Today we are going to go and see her mother, must remember to take a change of underwear. Will post the aftermath when I can. I know everything should be alright, Wendy has told me there is nothing to worry about I have told my mum all about you and this is really just a formality to see you and to meet.
Until next time stay happy.
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Good luck Jason.
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Good Luck with meeting mom Jason im sure evrything will be fine. dont get the change of underwear comment though??
Dont worry they dont check that lol!!!!
and you have to excuse the hair challenged people as they have sensitive feelings about that lol!!!! but not as bad as
the vertical challenged.
keep us updated on how it goes and when mom is just looking you up and down with a serious look on her face just smile
at her. keep smiling at her as this will go far if she sees you smiling all the time.
sounds like you have nothing to worry as it sounds like Wendy has filled her in with everything
best wishes
Ted
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Change of underwear, old saying... regionally different meaning, 1. in case you have an accidental release of biomass 2. when you die your body expels all waste. 3. if you are in an accident it is common for your body to expel itself.
So barring all strange circumstances, carry a set of clean underwear cause ya never know when ya might need them LOL!
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i knew that lol!!! i was just wondering why he needed that maybe from nerves lol!!!
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OK guys time for an update on what has happened the last couple of days....I have also updated my photo album so this post sort of accompanies the pictures or vise versa.
The day that Xia (Wendy) and I were going to see her mum her best friend (Annie) from school rang and said that she wanted to meet up first. Must be some Chinese thing as Xia said that her friends opinion really counts as well. Oh well whatever lets meet and have lunch I am hungry. A great lunch hit it off with her friend and then I have to meet the husband (Gary) as well and then we go to some place where they are building some new apartments where they are thinking of buying a new unit. Of course this is China so no way was the day going to end there. There is a mountain the humidity is about 1000% so they have the great idea lets go and climb up it. The street up was so steep that I ended up piggy backing Xia most of the way and by the time I get to the top I am a shot bird and Xia is as fresh as a daisy and wondering what I am complaining about. Then back down the mountain and home for a shower and the earliest night I have had here.
Next day we met up with Sunny and her boyfriend (forget his name) at karaoke. If you have never been to karaoke in China it is unlike anything we have in the west. Well Australia at least. The building is set out into many little not too soundproof booths and you hire a booth for whatever time period you like. Get some beer and snacks pick the songs you like from the menu and then sing at the top of your lungs. It was fun but really started to hurt my ears after a while. Is this a sign that I am getting old? After singing like idiots for a while we go and have hot pot. Not my favorite meal as I have mentioned previously but just good to be in the company of some great friends and to enjoy some time together.
Finally the day has arrived to go and meet mama. A short taxi ride to the bus depot in Shenzhen (near where the trains leave for other provinces and the border crossing to Hong Kong) and board the bus and a one hour ride to Huizhou, the ugliest city I have seen in China. Not much of a tourist destination, hot as hell and smelly. Xia does not like to come here either although she accepts that this is where her mother lives but wouldn't like to live here herself. Cannot blame her. A short walk through town and we arrive at mama's apartment that she shares with Xia's brother Chun. What a wonderful lady. She is so warm and welcoming that I start to wonder why did I bring that extra change of underwear. We go shopping and I buy mama a blatant rip off from some famous designer handbag, Xia says we buy her some clothes and that is it I am now number one and mama is like a little kid in a candy store. Then we go back home and give mama cooks lunch and my taste buds are not believing what they are tasting. This is the best Chinese food I have ever had and if Xia is anywhere near half as good as her mum then I will be one happy man for ever. Not that I am not already. Her brother Chun then comes home from work and we have a beer together and he asks me a couple of brotherly questions like you protect my sister and love her I come and beat you up. You know the typical brother looking after sister thing. Xia's aunt comes over next and she is very shy and just looks at me and smiles like a shy kid but that's OK and we all sit down to dinner and another great meal. After dinner mama asks me do I hit women? It took some explaining that as far as I am concerned to hit a woman ranks just above being a pedophile once she understood this she was happy and explained that so many Chinese men think that they have the right to beat their wives as they see fit. Disgusting is the only word that came to mind. So now mama likes me and we end up staying overnight and come back to Shenzhen the next day.
So to sum up a great couple of days meeting some old friends and meeting new family. I think that I have struck a great relationship with Xia's brother. Her mother likes me and I can notice a greater loving attitude from Xia as if some great burden has been lifted. Maybe this was great "if mama does not like you than that is the end of our relationship" thing although she had told me that it was not an issue. They time since that meeting has been incredible to say the least. I have also extended my trip by 10 days as I do not want to go home. But I will return before the end of the year and we are then going to travel around China on a whirl wind tour together for about 10 days. We have decided that we are going to get married in February next year to coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations so Vince you can change my status to E.
Last night back at the hotel we were looking at the requirements for visa's to move to Australia etc. and I noticed that the application place in Sydney is near to where I work so I told Xia that once we get the ball rolling in that direction that if there is any problems or clarification on any point required I can just go and see them during a break at work.
That's about all the news for now. Will update again in a couple of days when I have some more adventures to speak of. Take care and for all of those contemplating a trip to China regardless of the outcome with the ladies I can guarantee you you will love the place.
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What a remarkable time you had Jason. You meet a new Love and exercised your heart as well as your legs being a beast of burden as witnessed by your pictures. Maybe she was just testing out your fitness level as she aspires for more physical contact ;D
Thanks for the journey and the pictures....Oh Yea....and a BIG congrats on your engagement.
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Jason, great report. The real test was carrying her up the hill. Good thing you passed.
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This was some good reading.
You tell a great story. Glad to hear all went well.
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I was glad to move you to the E position. My monitor isn't doing well and I'm waiting on a new one so even though I saw the photos, I'll have to take a look again later. I'm glad all is going well for you, keep it up? Ah, well you know what I mean. :o
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I'm glad all is going well for you, keep it up? Ah, well you know what I mean.
You bet Vince unlike some of our older brothers I do not need THOSE pills! ;)
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Jason,
i am one of the older brothers here and i DONT use the pills. but i am concerned having to buy Willy,s and Shaun,s shipments
all the time the ladies at the drug store must wonder were i am getting it all lol!!!!!1
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Jason , terrific update and photo's , not to many Aussies left that are not connected up , congrats on moving to E on the list , regards Sujuan and Robert .
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and i forgot to say congrats to the two of you. many happy years to come.
on a side note are you needing the info for all the bookings for each member to come to the big day ;)
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are you needing the info for all the bookings for each member to come to the big day ;)
I will let all know but this is a general invite to all brothers and wives that live in China or will be visiting China in February to come and celebrate with us. It would be great to catch up with some of the members here and to be able to talk with someone instead of it all being in Chinese and just Xia's family.
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well febuary is just around the corner and will be here fast. good luck! you will find that there will be lots of
extra planning involved and will change frequently but its all good
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OK brothers time for an update....I can not believe that it has been about a week since I last posted something. Boy the time goes so fast here and seemed to drag on for ever waiting to come here. As mentioned previously I have extended my trip but I still think that it is still not enough. I love the place and to be here with such a wonderful, beautiful girl is just a bonus. I have posted some more pictures to accompany this update.
Xia and I have spent a couple of days looking for an engagement ring. How different she is to a girl in the Western world. I do not want to spend so much money she says on just a ring when we can put it towards building our house. But a girl in Australia would look at it like if you do not spend the entire GDP on a ring you do not love me. Yesterday she finally decided on the one she liked the best so we went and bought it. The smile that it brought to her face is something that will live with me forever. Then I explained that when we get married in February she will get another ring which did confuse her, but after some explaining she know understands. That is all the private information I am going to share with you, but lets say if Xia is smiling my smile is bigger.
On the tourist front we have not done a great deal. If you are thinking of coming to Shenzhen then think only of shopping and a few sight seeing things. We did go to China Folk Culture Villages (think of the Polynesian Cultural Village in Hawaii for those that have been there) and spent about six hours walking around and watching the various displays from the different ethnic groups that make up China. I thought that the mock horse battle was the highlight of the day. The entry ticket also enables you to visit Splendid China which is full of miniature displays of all of the famous buildings and landmarks.
On the social front I have met every member of Xia's family that lives in or near Shenzhen. I have been treated to some of the best Chinese food I have ever tasted and from all reports all of Xia's family speak highly of me and are all supportive of our relationship and upcoming wedding. We spent a delightful couple of days with her cousin and then met her uncle and aunty before taking them all out for dinner. We are going back to visit her mum before I return to Australia in about two weeks time.
The dragon says hello to everyone and to know that she is happy that I have some people to talk to about this whole adventure and who understand about a long distance relationship (this did open my eyes to how the other half copes with no one to really support them) and more importantly for both of us people who have been there before us and are willing to help others with their experiences in bringing our wives to other countries.
Take care, that's all for now another update soon.
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Great update Jason , and see all your worries about meeting the family were for zilch , we are glad you are having a great time , regards Sujuan and Robert .
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Jason. It all sounds good. I haven't heard about putting the ring down on the house. As we move forward I will have to see what Peggy does.
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the house is always more important than the ring here in china unlike the west were they both need to be well you know
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Hi guys, I have been very slack lately keeping this thread updated as I have been spending every minute with Xia and planning our future, but I am back in Sydney now arrived this morning at 1045 and hatting every minute. What I would give to be back in Shenzhen right now. Can any one help a brother out and tell me the winning lotto numbers for Saturday?
Xia and I have decided to get married in November this year and I will be trying my hardest to be able to get back to Shenzhen hopefully once a month until then. Plan is to fly to Hong Kong direct and bus it to her place. Wont need much clothes as each visit will only be for about 4 days duration.
Then the plan is to get her visa application started and hopefully have her here with me ASAP. I plan to update the visa application pages for Australia as I go. I am fortunate that I work across the road from the Sydney immigration office so I can go and see them when I want to get clarification on various things that don't make sense to a simple train driver like me.
To all brothers in Australia and in particular Sydney if you need any help with application questions PM me and I will go and see them personally and try to get the information for you first hand. Also I was thinking about the prospects of starting some sort of Sydney brotherhood and partners once a month get together and have dinner sort of thing to discuss various issues and for our spouses to meet one another and make some new friends and to show them that they are not the only ones going through this experience. Any takers?