Shenzhen, China. November 14, 2010

Greetings, One & All from Southern China, where the forecast for today is sunny, light wind off the shore and about 25°. For those of you paying attention, it is not below freezing here – China (as most of the rest of the world) uses Celsius. So we're looking at a balmy 75° here today! Surprisingly, Shenzhen is quite pleasant this time of year. (Wait 'til my reports during the summer...)

I've taken note that my last (first?) report was dated Nov. 2nd, and this one is coming nearly 2 weeks later. How the time flies when you're moving your life! But I find myself doing well, and remarkably adjusted to life over here.

Not to say there aren't some differences (we'll get to those later!), but first, a word about the trip...

Despite all the planning and all the lists, notwithstanding the arrangements and 'the game plan', even though I thought I had it all done – it was inevitable that I would be up all night the night before the flight. I was literally zipping up the last suitcase when GuanWei arrived at 8:30 am. on Thursday the 4th, for the 12:30 flight to Hong Kong. Ahh... the best laid plans! But I can sleep on the flight, yes? Plenty of time for that – like 14 hours!

A mention about my luggage. I mean I'm m-o-v-i-n-g. Just to give you an idea – I placed several calls to Cathay Pacific regarding the weight limits... So I'm there with my 2 over-sized bags, 1 over-loaded carry-on, and a computer case that's, well, let's just say there was more in it than just a computer (!). I'm looking at all this... It's my life in 2 suitcases and a carry-on. All this – all 50+ years of blood, sweat & tears – and it's all come down to 2 suitcases and a carry-on. The ultimate insult is how they just throw it all on the carrousel that disappears behind those thick, black flaps.

GW & I arrived at LAX with plenty of time, and despite my economy class seat, I was ushered to the front by a kind attendant. (Was it my glazed look? My weak smile? Or the fact that I had more luggage than anyone else?!) She noted that they'd over-booked coach, which got my attention despite my lack of sleep. I immediately perk up. Do I hear an upgrade?! Ahh... but they only offer business class upgrades to their 'Marco Polo-class' customers (50,000 miles, min.). My dreams of flying over in Business were quickly dashed.

GuanWei & I had breakfast in the terminal. Only a little talk … what is there really left to say now …? A wave good-bye as I cued up for Security. And then one last, long glance as I disappear behind the wall. I'm... off!

14 hours does seems like a long time. Especially when you're in 1 seat for the duration with limited leg-room. I had gotten an aisle seat with the thought of being able to get up & out whenever I wanted, and catch some z's in the meantime. Trouble is, the kind folks with the inside seats also get up & out whenever they want, too. So much for sleep....

I am an avowed believer in expectations. If you know in advance that a flight is going to take 14 hours, then somehow it just doesn't feel quite so bad. It's when the flight is 5 hours and then takes 14 – that's when it feels bad! Likewise, the weather here in the summer is supposed to be just about as bad as any place on earth: unbearably hot & humid. I'm expecting that. Whether that'll make any difference – well, I'll get back to you on that.

The 14 hours passed as well as they could – a couple of mediocre meals, endless (and nameless) movies, and all the beer & wine I could drink. At last... Hong Kong!

Customs was – amazingly – a breeze. Really. I walked right through. They have a line for 'Items to Declare' and 'No Items to Declare'. Now, really. You tell me. The guy with the 8 bottles of wine... what's he going to do? Despite my 4 cans of deodorant, 2 containers of coffee, and let's just say more than a few pharmaceuticals (!) - I chose the 'No Items' line, and like I said, literally walked right thru. Next time I enter the country again (with several bottles of my favorite spirits), I'll let you know how things go.

I was met by one of GuanWei's sisters and another friend – me and my life in 2 suitcases, etc. We exit and I notice it's raining. Well, sprinkling just a little. But I'm reminded of Chinese lore that it's good luck when it rains. I had arrived at an auspicious time!

3 buses and 2 hours later we arrive at the border – this one between Hong Kong and Mainland China. As I've learned, despite the fact that Hong Kong is now part of China, there's still a distinct difference. Laws and of course customs (the language too) are different: you can for instance, go out in the street in Hong Kong and say 'Communism – No Good!'. Even with banners & flags. You wouldn't get far if you tried that here (!).

The border crossing was similar to entering Hong Kong – uneventful and smooth. (just the way you want it to be!) At 10:30 at night on Friday night, Nov. 5th, I am the only foreigner crossing from Hong Kong into The People's Republic. I've arrived in Shenzhen!

We decide to stop at a restaurant and have difficulty finding one open. (reminds me vaguely of Monrovia...). At last we find one, and I'm ordering off a menu in Chinese. I ask for tea, and get an orange juice.

The adventure begins!

Skip

Address: c/o Wong Jiating

Ting Hai Hua Yuen, 1 Dong 13C

NanShan, Shenzhen, China (no postal code)

Skype: 626-593-5255  (16 hours ahead, PST)

Next: Banking on Sundays and other cultural differences...