As we approach the 96 hour countdown until our departure, we are starting to figure out what to pack, and more importantly what not to bring. The biggest determinant of that will be the weather, as well as the restrictions set upon us by the airlines (suitcases can only be 50 pounds heading into China, but only 40 pounds intra-China...go figure). Our first trip to China was during the summer, where despite being from Hotlanta we spent the better part of two weeks drenched in our own sweat and complaining about the heat and humidity. This latest trip has been scheduled during the winter, and we have watched over the past two months as the temperature in Beijing, Chongqing and Guangzho has been close to zero. Over the past two months I have watched as Kendall has tried on, ordered and taken back almost every coat aand fleece in the Atlanta area, as well as scoured the web for the perfect coat to withstand the cold. My own search was fortunate enough to be limited to one stop in the Virginia Highlands, and to find a NorthFace jacket on sale. Despite our concerns about the cold, we at least had the luxury of only having ot pack for one season...until now. As we are getting closer, we are seeing the temperatures rise in the various provinces, and our arrival will now coincide with 70+ degree weather in both Chongqing and Guangzho, although Beijing and the nighttime will still dip into the 40's. The rise in the temperature is only adding to the panic of what we can and can't bring, and now having to pack for various climates with only 40 pounds available to us seems even more difficult.
On the bright side, Avery has been practicing her Chinese songs for her sister that she has learned in her China dumpling classes, and insists on listening to the CD that teaches us roughly 25 or so Chinese phrases that will be important for communicating with Chloe. I have managed to commit one to memory, brush teeth which sounds something like "Shry La"-obviously he most important one to get down (for the dad at least).
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Being from Maine, where the weather can and sometimes does vary by 30+ degrees in one day, my best advice is to pack things you can layer. A lighter weight T-shirt, a fleece or sweater, and then a coat. Now, for us, the weather in China (Beijing, Taiyuan, & Guangzhou) right now is pretty mild and a lighter-weight coat will probably be more than enough. You'll be fine! Don't get overly wrapped up in the details. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe'll be thinking about and praying for you all. We can't wait to meet sweet little Chloe!
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