Sunday, February 20, 2005
Carry on only?
Yesterday, we went to the FCC Memphis Chinese New Year party (more on that in a minute).
At the party, I talked to an adoptive mother who said she and her husband went "carry on only" last year when they traveled to China. Carry on only is exactly what it sounds like--you only pack what you can carry on the plane. For those of you who know me, that may sound impossible. But, the more we think about it, the more we are liking the idea. I would carry on a small suitcase on wheels and my diaper bag/purse. Brett would carry the rolling computer case that will also hold the video and digital cameras and a backpack.
We would have to be minimalists, for sure, but you can just about buy anything you need in China. There are now 40 Wal-Marts there, including ones in Beijing (our first stop) and Guangdong Province (our last stop). I would take pairs of pants and two shirts, in addition to the ones I am wearing on the plane. Brett would do the same. Laundry service is fast and cheap in China, I am told!
We plan on buying a cheap suitcase in Guangzhou which we will check on the way back to Memphis. We plan to fill it with souvenirs and dirty clothes! Over the next few weeks I am going to practice to see if I can do this. It could make a very stressful trip much easier (I think).
Now, back to the party! There were so many cute kids there--some babies who have only been in the US for a few months. One has only been back a week! Many of the children and babies wore traditional Chinese silk dresses and outfits. They all looked so cute! Several of the children dressed up in rooster costumes for a traditional Chinese New Year dance. We had a great time. Next year, we will bring Hallie!
At the party, I talked to an adoptive mother who said she and her husband went "carry on only" last year when they traveled to China. Carry on only is exactly what it sounds like--you only pack what you can carry on the plane. For those of you who know me, that may sound impossible. But, the more we think about it, the more we are liking the idea. I would carry on a small suitcase on wheels and my diaper bag/purse. Brett would carry the rolling computer case that will also hold the video and digital cameras and a backpack.
We would have to be minimalists, for sure, but you can just about buy anything you need in China. There are now 40 Wal-Marts there, including ones in Beijing (our first stop) and Guangdong Province (our last stop). I would take pairs of pants and two shirts, in addition to the ones I am wearing on the plane. Brett would do the same. Laundry service is fast and cheap in China, I am told!
We plan on buying a cheap suitcase in Guangzhou which we will check on the way back to Memphis. We plan to fill it with souvenirs and dirty clothes! Over the next few weeks I am going to practice to see if I can do this. It could make a very stressful trip much easier (I think).
Now, back to the party! There were so many cute kids there--some babies who have only been in the US for a few months. One has only been back a week! Many of the children and babies wore traditional Chinese silk dresses and outfits. They all looked so cute! Several of the children dressed up in rooster costumes for a traditional Chinese New Year dance. We had a great time. Next year, we will bring Hallie!
# posted by JDonnals : 4:42 PM
