It looks like I will be traveling during Chinese New Year! I will possibly be flying into Beijing around February 20th. I will know more details within the next few weeks. I have had so much good news today I think I am going to burst with excitement.
Chinese New Year begins on February 14th in China (Feb. 15th in The States). I believe that it lasts for 15 days. If I left on Sat., February 20th from Detroit, I would arrive Monday, February 22nd in Beijing, because they are a day ahead of us.
For years, I have wanted to attend a big city event for Chinese New Year. I have always been fascinated by the Chinese New Year parades and festivities. When I found out the true meaning, I was even more enamored by the occasion. I may not do justice explaining it, but from what I understand, it is similar to our new year in leiu of: new beginnings, clean slates, settling debts, forgiveness and generosity. It is much more than that, of course, and on a much larger scale.
Now, my first Chinese New Year celebration may set the bar too high for future events. I wouldn't mind, considering the occasion: Jiliang. I hope it comes true. That would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
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Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteWe might be in China at the same time! We have tenatively scheduled for us to arrive Sunday Feb. 21 in Changsha and forever family day will be Monday Feb. 22nd. We can't wait to get Jon Jon!
Hope maybe we get to meet in GZ !!
Hugs,
Jody
Wow-that really would be special-but I'd hold my breath. We couldn't travel until the national day holidays were over in October, and that was after the paralympics were over, and that was after the Olympics were over. Maybe they'll get you through early, though! They do try to do that sometimes.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I don't want to get my hopes up. I talked to Amy at our agency today and she thinks it can work if I fly out on the 20th or 21st. That will get me there on Monday the 22nd, or Tues. the 23rd. It will add 2 extra days to my trip as I will be there for the festivities and doing my tour part then. Then, she said I would be taking care of business after that. My Gotcha Day could be during CNY, but official appointments wouldn't happen until they reopened, at least from what I understand. I will know a little more when she sends me a sample schedule. I will keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteJody,
ReplyDeleteThat would be so awesome if we were there at the same time. Keep me posted on your travel arrangements. I will let you know when I get an itinerary. We'll be getting our J.J.'s: Jon Jon and Jiliang Josephine! :)
Jill
Jill and jody-- I also think I will have Gotcha day on the 22nd for Samantha! I will probably be in guangzhou for her adoption about three days and then go to QingHai province (XiNing) for Piper...
ReplyDeleteThen back to Guangzhou for the next week. We should cross paths in GZ at the medical appt. etc...
Hope to meet you both and the kiddos!!!