Shanghai

It was a bittersweet trip to Shanghai, China last October 23-27, 2010. Generally, it was a great experience, since I once again proved to myself I can travel alone particularly in a land where English is rarely spoken and read. Though there also 'bad' parts, the trip was still good.

Let's start with the 'bad' parts:
-I got lost for an hour under the rain at around 2am with my stroller. My shoes died that night. I had to open my baggage just to get my slippers at the side of the road.
-I walked the entire day at the 2010 World Expo (it was super huge) wearing my slippers. By the end of the day, I was literally limping. My feet hurt sooo bad. (until now it still hurts)
-I went to Ningbo, China by train. At the station, I didn't know where to buy ticket, what platform number, where to go down etc. -everything was in Chinese! I'm not even sure where to go down, since the announcer speaks Chinese.
-On my flight to Manila, I checked in 10 minutes before boarding time. I literally run going to the airport with my stroller. I rode a motorcycle since I had no choice, there were no taxis and mrt at that time. The driver forced me to pay 100yuan! I only have 55 at that time, so I had to give him some euros!

Of course, the good parts:
-Meeting my friend Frances in Ningbo.
-2010 Shanghai World Expo
-and basically, the experience of it all.

Here are some pics:

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Chinese visa

I'm going to China this Saturday. And I don't have a visa yet! It's super hassle to get a Chinese visa (or any visa in general). I went to the Chinese Consular Office in Makati last Tuesday afternoon, only to find out it only welcomes applicants in the morning. Then the next day, I went there again around 9:30am, but I was entertained around 4:30pm. I was there the whole day, but in the end, they told me I have to return because I lack some requirements. Since I am from the media, I didn't know I was required to give a guarantee letter saying I will not write articles or report. I've never been to Mainland China, but I already feel the tight press freedom.

So I returned to the Chinese Embassy for the third time today. I woke up so early, but got stuck inside the MRT station for an hour. When I arrived at the Chinese Embassy around 9:15am, I was already no. 412. I was entertained around 1:30pm. Well, at least they accepted my application. I just hope they approve it before my departure to China.

I need to go to China this Saturday (only because I already spent for the tickets that are non-refundable).

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