Just getting everything in order for a return trip to Anshan and Shenyang. ( If there are any member going to be in the area between 9-20-12 and 10-12-12, let me know).
Was a bit upset that the new Visa requirements require that you have not only a round trip ticket, but also have a hotel for every night of stay. This all started the first of August.
It has been a very good and most enjoyable time since Xiuru and I got married (Feb of 2011). Getting close to the time we apply for the 10 year green card.
I will say that I am not looking forward to this trip. We have two nephews getting married during our stay and my wife (very generous with my money) promissed each $500 American. Not to mention all the other gifts for family members. With the cost of air fare, this trip is pushing the $5000 dollar range. I made sure my wife understands that this is my last trip to china. While I will be more that happy to send her on a yearly basis, I no longer need to make the long trip.
My wife has almost given up on the idea of returning to china when I retire. She had made many new friends here at the Greensboro Chinese Christian Church, like the clean air, drinkable water, and the quiet nights.
Would not trade my wife or my decision to marry a Chinese woman for any thing or any amount. But that said, I would not EVER do this again. It is not the cost, in my case, my wife is the same age as myself. (61). Never drove, not good with computers, and still speaks very little English. Many times this past year it was like I got a wife and became a baby sitter all in the same day.
It would have been much easier for me to move to china, but then I could not live with the pollution and did not want to be away from the grandchildren.
buzz