Friday 29 June 2012

Preperation for China

Less than a week remains until I head to China. It's a combination of dread and excitement for me. I'm excited because I love traveling and seeing new things. And so many things in China are so cheap, especially the food. I am stuffing my face there until I die.

Unless you know, the heat and humidity kill me first.

Yeah, not the greatest time to go, in the middle of summer but it's the only time we are able to go there. Also, I love my internet and China has terrible internet. I lost all job opportunities due to this vacation and I'll miss out on a roadtrip that my friends are going on as well. But what can you do?

Well, I'm getting ready for trip.



1. Internet Access

I'm addicted to my Internet. China, hates the internet. Surprise surprise. I'm certain most of you are aware of the Great Firewall which prevents people from accessing certain sites such as Facebook, Youtube and (sometimes) Gmail. There is a way around it however, by using a Virtual Private Network or VPN you'll be able to bypass the Firewall with no problem.

Unfortunately, I lack the technical abilities to set one up for myself so I'll probably just rent one for a month for $5 again. Not bad. Let's just hope my Macbook doesn't catch on fire...

Uh oh.


2. Money

Theresa completely failed to buy herself anything with the money I gave her when she went to China. If you want something done right, do it yourself.

But not just that, we're going to be going to Hong Kong, a Shanghai tour and then to Taiwan. 3 places, 3 different types of currency. I'm really hoping I've brought enough because I'd rather not try and exchange money in Asia. I've heard enough horror stories of people losing their credit cards and what not.

I am fond of the way the coins look though.

3. Locations

In China we'll be mostly on tours. We'll be running around on our own in both Taiwan (Taipei area) as well as Hong Kong. If anyone has any ideas of what are interesting things to see mentioned it in the comments below. I haven't found anything that really appeals to me yet.

4. Clothing

My worst enemy is heat. I burn extremely fast and it doesn't take long for me to get heat rashes. Seriously, I get rashes on my body from being too hot. This is complicated by my style of clothing which is long jeans, t-shirts + dress shirts.

I'm forced now to wear shorts in an attempt to stay cooler. There's a reason why I refuse to wear shorts unless completely necessary. I'm fairly certain I have chicken legs. It's a curse, being so thin. And my dress shirts usually do a good job at making me look like a normal weight.

So graceful.

So again, anyone with memorable locations in either Taipei or Hong Kong let me know. Preferably indoors or with air conditioning.

34 comments:

  1. LOL The great firewall of China. Sounds like it will be fun though.

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  2. I've never been to Taipei or Hong Kong unfortunately but I have been to Shanghai a few times and its a fairly impressive city. I hope you have a good time out there, also the humidity in China tends not too be too bad but the smog is insane in the big cities. Anyway as I say have a good time.

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  3. I'm so excited to hear about your trip! Here's hoping your laptop doesn't catch on fire so you can keep us posted...

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  4. Well you should get a look at Teipei 101 while you're there but that's the only thing I can think of. It's pretty damn big so hard to miss. I've heard stories of how brutal, and also often ineffective, the Great Firewall is, so as long as you know what you're doing, which is paying for someone else to know what they're doing, you should be fine. Have fun, and try not to get arrested.

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  5. Have fun in China man and try to keep us updated if you can bypass the strict set up that the Chinese government have on things, make sure to get everything sorted dude because I know it can be a real problem when things backfire on holiday, have a good one buddy.

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  6. Hmmm...terrible internet. But all the Chinese food you can eat. Seems like a decent trade off.

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  7. Have a great trip, sucks about the heat and internet issues though, oh well. And yeah I can relate to the chicken legs, but who cares haha

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  8. Haha! I'm sure it'll all turn out well in the end. China is a once in a lifetime opportunity so you definitely made the right call. Anything else you want to do will fit into place eventually. How long are you in China for?

    I only have to think about the skin to burn so I feel your pain. I say pack a lot of linen and cotton cross your fingers and hope for the best heat wise. Have an amazing time!

    Laura x
    http://firstclassramblings.blogspot.com

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  9. Sadly, I've only ever been to Hong Kong, and that was when I was 7, so I don't really know any cool places to visit.

    3 different types of currency? That's ridiculous! They should just develop something like the Euro and leave it at that.

    I hope you don't die in the Chinese heat! Stay safe!

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  10. Oh yes, the lack of internet will definitely be hard :/
    Maybe some time away from the internet will be good for you :P

    Oooh the coins look so cool!

    Never been to Taipei or Hong Kong, so can't help you with that.

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  11. Ooof! I would not be happy with the heat or humidity or lack of internet either. Good luck!

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  12. I am so jealous, I'll take you place on the trip lol

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  13. For the internet problem: just download Tor, it works miracles. All automated, as well!
    And I don't exactly have the most robust of legs either, but it's okay. My best bro is even skinier than me (especially with him being a vegetarian and all) and he often wears shorts, too. You just shouldn't care so much! ;D

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  14. Have fun in China! And screw censorship!

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  15. You're going to Hong Kong? GO DISNEYLAND!!! :D
    I'm excited for you! I've always wanted to go to China! But I know you've been before so probably wouldn't be the same excitement for a foreigner, right?

    Argh it's annoying when you have to choose between family time and friend time. When you catch up with your friends they have all these jokes and stories to tell that you where not a part of, but make the most of family time! one day you'll be married with your own responsibilities and life and you'll miss your fam :)

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  16. You seem pretty set. I.. don't know much for China locations, sorry! But good luck with survival regardless.

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  17. I just burst into laughter while reading your 'Surprise, surprise' line. It reminded me of the moment in the 'Sleeping Beauty' when the fairies prepared a dress for Rose and cried 'Surprise, surprise' in a weird, kind of wicked tone. Sorry for my melancholic conclusion.

    Good luck with your trip! I wish you to have fun and buy something cool for Theresa as well.

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  18. Can't help you with where to visit in the places you mentioned, but i certainly want to visit Guilin in China. Someday, maybe.

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  19. This trip sounds so exciting minus the minor downfalls that you mentioned!! Life without internet for a little while may do yo some good ;) Enjoy all those tours...I think tours and learning stuff about about places is very interesting!

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  20. 3 Currencies? Sounds very confusing.

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  21. Despite the lack of internet connection and the heat and all the other setbacks, this trip sounds so amazing! I mean, CHINA!! Wow!!!!! I hope you and Theresa have a great time - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! What an experience to remember! Take care and do take lots of pics!!!
    x

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  22. Free VPN is also available you can use that if need any info on that just let me know.

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  23. I hope you enjoy your trip to China! Despite all the potential problems.

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  24. My parents are from Taiwan, but the last time I visited was in 1989.

    Check out this blog: http://cushyblushy.blogspot.com/

    She just recently went to Taiwan and took lots of photos with locations of where she visited.

    Enjoy your trip, and try to stay cool!

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  25. I'm not a fan of the heat either but I'm sure you'll do alright. The trip sounds great.

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  26. You're not the only one with chicken legs, my friend. Wear those shorts with honor and flaunt those q-tips... I know I do.

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  27. Lot of preparation but it'll be way worth it!

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  28. Good luck prepping for your trip!

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  29. Have a great time in China !!!

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  30. Don't worry about internet there's wi-fi everywhere, I went last summer. As for everything being cheap, make sure no one rips you off they tend to do that to tourists. And have fun!

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  31. That was hilarious,but I`m sure you weren`t trying to make us laugh here :$ Have a fun trip! :)

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