7 sleeps left...

I picked up my newly officiated passport for a one time entry into China. We leave for Shanghai on February 6. Leesa, Denise and I are so excited. This will the first time I've travelled with Leesa. We're all really laid back people and I don't anticipate any problems (fast forward 2 weeks: "We fought the whole time and are no longer speaking").

We have done no planning. We bought plane tickets and booked accomodation. The Lonely Planet strongly advises against travelling to China during Chinese New Year. I've never even been to a Chinese New Year celebration in Vancouver (my apologies to the Chinese community), but how bad could it be? (Fast forward 2 weeks:"We were trampled by millions of Chinese citizens and spent the rest of the trip in hospital".) I did hear on the news (CBC.ca radio live, woot represent!) that the country's train stations are shutting down and refusing to sell any more tickets. Good thing we don't plan on any train travel.

Anyway, here is a picture of my visa. Because its the only picture I've taken of anything lately.