3 days? 2 days?

Well. It's just about time.
I'm starting to get a little concerned about whether or not I will even be able to use this blog while abroad though (along with a number of other sites/email addresses...). The great firewall of China seems to be in control of just about everything.
Anyway, nothing too exciting to update. I finally have a place to stay in Shanghai. I tried to go the couchsurfing route again (my preferred method of travel for several reasons...), but alas it appears that that won't be working out. Everyone I contacted was leaving Shanghai for the holiday. It seems that people (who aren't staying with family) prefer to go to the warmer climates of SE Asia when they have a week off? Funny thing about that. I'm sure there's a lot of folks in Boston who wouldn't mind a week in Thailand right about now...
Anywho: I'll be hosteling in Shanghai for the 2nd and 3rd of February. After that, I have a notion to go to Huang Shan (google it) for a few days.
Good thing I have a new raincoat?
Can't wait to break her in.
Not sure where after that. I've got a 19 hour flight to figure it out though...

Also: learned how to say "China" and Mandarin today! Big step in the right direction.
"Zhong guo."
...Yup.
Throw in a "zai" here, and a "shu" there, and I'm sure no one will be the wiser.
I'll fit right in!

9 Days to go!

Ah yes, the first post of (probably) many to come. While I'm alive, I'll do my best to keep these up. If the posts stop, well then I suppose that's the time to be lightly concerned. I know ("the elusive") Momma Wolf will probably be checking in regularly, but there's a few other folks out there who might like to keep updated on my well being too. I even have one "follower" already! How cool.
Anywho, still in lovely Oregon. Just spending my days getting ready to go. Been reading up on China, waiting for my visa to show up in the mail, pretending to tie up my loose ends....
In the end though, what else do I really need to do to get ready to go?
Visa: check
Love for Chinese food: check
Address and directions to panda sanctuary: check
...
Yup. Good to go.