This time next week we will be on the plane. My brain really can't go there right now. I attempt to imagine myself on the plane and one second later I see images of frying eggs and I hear someone say "Yeah, BABY!" and I smell fear and I shiver and then I blink and shake my head and say "What was I saying?"
Meanwhile, things are at Mach 10. That supersonic boom you heard last Thursday-ish? Was us. Breaking the sound barrier. Yep. Booked the flights and BOOM! Everything got so fast. All of the sudden. That's what I'm trying to say. All speedy like. Zip!
I got all kinds of excited last week when we knew for sure that we would be in Beijing for Chinese New Year. Cool, no? Then I got to googling and found out that Beijing is a bitterly cold ghost town during CNY (especially the first week) and everything closes on the first day of the New Year and remains so for days following. Huh. Not the festive holiday celebration I had envisioned. More like being marooned on the moon with some lab rats while everyone else is dancing in the streets somewhere not on the moon.
Turns out New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are traditionally spent with family, having dinner and visiting. A lovely holiday to be sure. If it is warm enough we will be wandering the deserted streets of Beijing taking photos and looking for signs of life. If it is as cold as I expect it might be we will be huddled in the hotel trying not to take naps.
All is not lost. There are temple fairs following the first couple of days like this one:
Ditan Park
and nothing gets my blood boiling like a good fair. Equanimity restored. There will be something to do besides fight the good fight against the LAG on at least one of the eight days we are in Beijing.
The LAG. I am currently obsessed with jet lag as it pertains to both myself and my children. I hate the thought of it and I know there is nothing to be done. Forcing your body to adjust to a change of 12 time zones in 14 hours is not natural, easy, or sane. I know plenty of people do it every day but I'm not plenty of people and I never have been. [Sadly.] I contemplate the Anti-Jet-Lag diet (really, the only thing out there) and while I am sure it works it just sounds so strange. And honestly who has the time? (Or the $10.95?)
Shopping. Packing. Minor freaking out. Cleaning. Valentine's Day cards. (I know, I know.) Major freaking out. Booking. Emailing. Eruptions of worrying so massive that species are endangered. Double checking. Organizing. Singing. (Z. needs her singing.) Not a moment to spare.
We are excited and a teensy bit stressed and busy and happy and nervous and calm and ready and so not ready. I've got a week to get our act together, settle on a name, and get my brain on the plane.
Brain, you must get on the plane. Does anyone hear that frying sound? Oh never mind.
Posted by grrlTravels at January 28, 2008 8:45 PMWe were in Beijing 8 days in to the Spring Festival back in 2004 and it was really festive and pretty--and cold (oh so cold) in Beijing. It may have been quiet the first week but I wasn't there so I don't know. The hotel was packed where we were and the shops were buzzing. We had hot pot in a great place with lots of people obviously on holiday. It will be fun. I think ghost town is a relative term and in Beijing may still be pretty happenin'. Stay warm and moisturize and cover those cheeks and noses when out and about. That wind was a killer when I was there and by the time we got to the baby I had such a bad windburn my face was peeling and oh so pretty and uncomfortable. And oh did I have the respiratory funk from the cold and the pollution. Oy! Stay warm! Have fun! Take care of yourself and maybe one nap would be okay. Eat lots of good food and take lots of photos--even if it they are just of lanterns swinging in the wind on an empty Beijing street. I am so excited for you! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures--but mostly your boy and hear all about your little trio together in just a few short days!
Posted by: Tracie at January 28, 2008 10:31 PMAmy, we were there for the Spring Festival last year and we had a lovely time. There was a great New Year's festival in a local park that was one of my highlights of the entire trip. The skies were also a beautiful blue, apparently because of the lack of pollution as the factories stopped for the holiday. Also, our flight was really, really empty going over--that was wonderful. We weren't so cold, either. I think you'll have a wonderful time. We did! I'm envious!
Posted by: c at January 28, 2008 10:47 PMNo way! Already? Oh, I'm so excited for you. Are you going to be blogging the trip? And when are you going to reveal HSM's name?
Posted by: Sister Carrie at January 28, 2008 10:56 PMHi, Amy. I've been following your story since the pre-Z days. Can I possibly get the password for your new blog? I'm thrilled for your family and your new addition! Safe travels!
Posted by: Gina at January 29, 2008 12:21 AMSo soon! Oh my god I can't breathe!
Sounds like you're doing brilliantly. Next stop: Beijing!
Here's something you can do about jet lag, and it doesn't cost anything. You can be part of a survey studying the effectiveness of a new jet lag prevention method - it even partly relies on acupressure, so it's culturally appropriate for a trip to China. It's free if you're in the survey. Give it a look at www.JetLagPassport.com. We'd like lots of people to do this, so the more the merrier.
Posted by: Daimon at January 29, 2008 12:26 PMWow, this is so great. I can't imagine the stress of trying to prepare for a trip like this, but hey, it's not me so I get to just be excited and not worry about the details.
BTW, can I get the password? I just missed your trip for Z, I'd love to hear all about this one.
Posted by: jeanne at January 29, 2008 4:44 PMHey, delurking here to say have a wonderful time. Understand the stress. Deep breaths. Would also love to keep following your journey so, very humbly...may I have the password too?
Cheers,
Cathy
(mum to two Colombian born children)
So exciting, and SO cool you'll be there during CNY!!! Our first anniversary/family day will be March 12. I would love to follow along on you journey too, if you don't mind =)
Posted by: Judy at January 30, 2008 9:46 AM