chaos EXPOSED

I finally received my Chinese visa after visiting the consulate three times! They weren't ready for me on the written date of my receipt, causing me to either struggle waiting for the M42 bus or walking or paying for $10+ cab fares to get me across Manhattan...also I was on a time constraint due to their open hours. But at last - a Chinese business visa in my hands!

I also received my luggage in the mail! I am in love.They look even better than on Amazon and seem much more durable than my fake Samsonite I purchased in Beijing two years ago. Not too sure how I'll travel through Hong Kong and Yunnan with them, but these three suitcases will definitely fit all of my stuff! I hope..

My arrival and departure flights have been confirmed and ticketed. July 5th arrival in Shanghai and departure December 23rd! I'll make it home for Christmas, unlike I had earlier planned! This obviously has made my family happy and I will be able to live in my new home for a few weeks! A funny story about my family's new house - First of all, we're renting so that my brother can go to another school district, but we're keeping our Palo Alto house, but it has been so difficult finding a home to rent since most people want to rent in this dismal economy. My dad texted me last night,

"I was talking to an agent on a house rental.  Somehow we touched on the subject of the World Expo.  She told me that there were so many kids that she knew applied and couldn't get in.  She said 'your daughter must be very special'.  I just wanted to tell you this. After the conversation, she decided to rent the house to us." 

 I replied to his text,

"Wow! So you better appreciate me and pay for my trip now". (in regards to my bangkok to singapore trip)

My dad agreed. He has planned to join me on a backpacking trip from Bangkok to Singapore, just the two of us, and has agreed to pay for the 2 weeks. Of course he knows that I plan budget trips so he's not too worried about the expense. :)

I have 4 days of work and 10 days of play left in Gotham. All of which can be read about at Chaos of Gotham.  I need to start organizing my things as my roommate has already found people to check out the room. Next time you hear from me, I'll probably be in Hong Kong!

Zaij! (Our slang in Shanghai for Zai Jian- "see you again" or "bye")