So the Invitation to Travel arrives and it’s like a well-oiled, well slightly rusty, machine bursting into life as we plan our schedule. The Scrooge in me wants to fly at the beginning of May when things are cheaper but SHMBO, rightly says that we have to get Alice as soon as possible.
Next call to Simon, Virgin pilot friend, http://www.gordonbennett2010.com/, who gets us booked on the evening flight leaving London on 20th April – Thanks next night out is on us!
Next biggy is to arrange the visa appointment at the UK Consulate for 30th April so that they can issue before we return on 4th May. Did I mention that this now costs £826, although they are very helpful in their emails, and as long they issue the thing who cares.
Visa for china applied for - still haven’t got the passports back yet but I’m not worried ;-)
Tried to book the Victory Hotel, but discover that our week coincides with Canton Trade fair and they can only offer us a suite at £256 per night. Thank them in the politest way possible and find the Ossoto Hotel, which is opposite Shamian Island for £100 a night. Only problem is that they don’t offer a crib, so we will all be in a couple of big beds like The Waltons. Either this will result in accelerated bonding or seven nights of sleep deprivation.
Train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou booked online – premium class – yippee Isn’t it amazing what you can do from your desk!
Arranged to go back to Yangchun for the second week to see our friends Les, Lisa and Laura from our visit last year http://patrickrmulcahy.blogspot.co.uk/ which will allow us to chill out and relax at the East Lake Hotel.
Shopping to Date
- New baby clothes
- Two weeks worth of organic baby food
- Baby bottle
- More baby clothes
- Nappies
- Baby spoons, cups and feeders
- More baby clothes
Julie-Anne had a great send off from work for six months rest and relaxation, although I am still cutting the grass.
Bumped into Jane and Graham on line, who will be meeting their daughter Yuan Le at the same time as we meet Alice and who are also booked back on the same flight. Should we ask Virgin Atlantic to issue a passenger warning that the flight home may be a night flight but people should not be expecting to get any sleep!
Next call to Rob, friendly doctor, for sedation. Not for Alice, for me!
