Countdown

 

Less than a week now until I leave for China.  Every time I go on a trip I realize on my way to the airport the things I have forgotten.  This time every time I see something that I know I will pack, I put it in one place in another room.    I will pack very light for this trip.  It'll be shorts and t-shirt the whole time.

This was my plan....stop working and travel.  It's happening. 

My bf will be at my place for the month of October and then return to Toronto.  He has avoided paying rent for six months of this year between my place and his parents.

It'll be interesting to see what I spend on this trip.  I like to "travel well on the cheap."  Generally easy to do in Asia.  Last time I was in China with my ex-bf we stayed mostly at American hotels -- they were amazing.   The best hotels I've ever stayed in.  Not so expensive.  We stayed at what is now the Conrad in Shanghai for $140 a night.  And the J.W. Marriott in Chengdu.  These hotels were over the top.  This time I want to dial it back.  I picked some American hotels, but we will stay mostly at local ones.  A four or five star local hotel might only be $50-$70.   

Every time my bf is here in the U.S. he complains about the cost.  There is a dumpling restaurant in my neighborhood.  It's $12 for ten fried dumplings.  He refused to buy them, saying these would be the most expensive dumplings he's ever seen in his life.  I bought them and they weren't that good.  Now let's see if he can get me the ten dumplings in China for around $2.

Sometimes the food in China can be crazy.....to Americans.   If I can find General Tsao's chicken and some fried rice I'll be fine.