As part of the Mongolia trip, the Penn Biology department offered to extend our layover in Beijing-- at no cost to us. Of course I said yes! Who would turn down five days in Beijing, the month before the Olympics? Brian, one of my roommates who is also going on the Mongolia trip, agreed to come, too. We figured we would only have to pay for the Chinese visa ($130), the hostel ($9/night), food, and admission to museums.
I didn't figure in the cost of the Chinese travel gods, though. And they, apparently, don't want me in their country. First, I didn't know to bring my bank statement with me to the consulate. Then, my name wasn't on the hotel reservation. Now, I'm still waiting to get my passport back from my friend who took it to New York for me the second time. Once it comes in the mail, I now have to pay a document service to take it to Chicago for me. It better come soon...
The Junior Year in Munich program is trying to get us to prepare for living in Munich, too. Current students in Munich will sell us their pots, pans, and printers, and at a pretty good price. Now I have to choose what exactly I want, how much I want to spend, and make my decision soon.
In summary, I am a little overwhelmed right now (which probably has something to do with my job, too). The frustration is definitely worth it, and I am sure everything will turn out well.
1 comment:
Publicize your blog more, foo.
And I am simultaneously horrified at the cost (Ben's chugality rubbed off) and SO JEALOUS. Hopefully your Irish luck will counteract the Chinese travel gods?
(This is Michael, btw!)
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