We left Western Mass on Sunday, July 31. When the mini van arrived, we thought for sure that all our luggage would not fit. You see, we had 7 large suitcases, 1 large box, 3 carry on suitcases and numurous smaller bags. But it all fit!. The ride to Newark was a bumpy ride, because, although it fit, I think we maxed out the shocks!!.
On Monday we were getting ready to leave the hotel (the luggage all fit in our room!) when the fire alarm went off, which meant the elevators were not working. Took a while but we finally got downstairs with everything (on the elevator - false alarm).
Went through check in no problem. Thought we were going to have to pay alot for the suitcases. They can not be over 50 pounds. If it is over 50, you have to pay $200 for each one over! We had one we went to almost 70. The lady checking us in had us rearrange stuff and finally only charged us for the one that was 69.5 pounds! Yeah!
So we get on the plane and the pilot announces that we should be underway soon, but maintance is fixing a coffee pot. 2 hours later we finally take off! That hurts when you have a 14 and a half hour flight. Fight was uneventful. Was able to watch "Julia & Julie", "The Blind Side", "Water for Elephants", a couple TV shows, play some video games, walk around and sleep some.
Arrived and got through customes and to our apartment around 6pm, Tuesday. We were met at the airport by Mrs. Gan (from Beijieng), a friend and the person who is renting us the apartment, 2 of her friends, and Iris, who works for Randy. After we got everything in the apartment, we headed out to the store to buy sheets, pillows, cleaning supplies, etc. Amy and Daniel stayed behind, because they were tired.
Shopping was an adventure. Mrs. Gan and Iris took us to Carrfour. It is like a Super Walmart. Groceries on one level and household items on another with an moving sidewalk that goes between the floors so that you can take your carriage.
While we were shopping for a mop and bucket, we had 2 people helping us, while we were shopping for the sheets and pillows, we had 6 people helping us! At home you are lucky to find a salesperson if you want one!
Looking for cleaning supplies was not easy. Managed to get dish soap and toilet bowl cleaner without to much misunderstandings. Looking for an all purpose cleaner (like Mr. Clean, etc) was not easy. Trash bags are about the size of a grocery bag. Paper towels are 1/3 shorter than the ones at home. I was glad that I had 2 Chinese people with me otherwise I do not know how I would have found cleaners.
Came back to the apartment, we had pizza and then crashed.
Will write more about day 2 later!
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