China: Go for launch

I got my passport back today with a shiny new China visa pasted onto one of the empty pages. That was the last thing that I needed for my upcoming trip, so I am now go for launch.

I almost didn't even get a visa for the trip because I didn't know that I needed one until a few weeks ago. I assumed that I didn't because I didn't need one for the trip to Hong Kong and Macau. And although I read a few things that mentioned needing a visa while researching the trip, I just glossed over that little detail. I would have been pretty bummed if I got deported the moment that I got there.

Fortunately, it finally clicked that I needed one, so after a little research, I stumbled upon mychinavisa.com. They act as a middleman for the whole process of getting a visa, since most people don't live near a Chinese embassy. After completing a fairly easy application, I sent off all of the materials and my passport to their Houston office, and two weeks later, I received the visa. It couldn't have been easier.

I now have a little less than 2 weeks until I take off, and I'll be using that time to continue reading about the cities I'd like to visit and practicing phrases in Mandarin. Although I've learned a few basic phrases, I've mainly been practicing the tones and pronunciation of pinyin vowels/consonants. Hopefully, that will make it easier for me to use the Chinese phrasebook when I'm over there.