Trip to Suzhou
We met with two Cummins groups in Wuxi. We got to tour the factories - one makes alternators and the other makes turbo chargers. It was interesting (the factories were HOT). Everyone on the trip has come to realize that you are constantly hot and sweaty, it never ends until you take a shower at night.Our bus arrived at the hotel to take us to Suzhou, it was a tiny bus without any under luggage stowage. As a group we have about 40 bags (including computer bags). We had to shove it all in the front of the bus, if we had to slam on the breaks, the driver would get a ton of suitcases to the head!
Faye and the luggage
It was only about an hour drive to Suzhou. It was nice to see some rural parts of China as we drove. It really makes you reflect on what you have and give thanks. Here are some sights around Suzhou (not a huge skyscraper type city)
Bike traffic
Making friends!
It's amazing what people pile on their scooters, I once saw a dog where these potatoes are!
The river bank of Suzhou, it's considered "heaven on earth" or the Venice of the East
Erin and I went to dinner with Christina - a brother from Stetson University (and Academy Alum) and her fiance Stephen. They took us to a FABULOUS whole in the wall place for Chinese food. It was really cool to hear their perspective of living in China. They are both freelance English teachers, teaching to schools and businesses. They took us to a DVD store to buy more, apparently Shanghai just got raided for fakes (they had an entire fake market) so they suggested if we wanted any to get them in Suzhou. They were much cheaper here than in Beijing - must be because Beijing is more touristy.
Christina & Stephen
Christina & I
We're visiting the technology park today and the Eli Lily R&D facility. The business meetings are so awesome, really interesting, I'm learning a lot.
We drive to Shanghai today and will finish out our trip there. It will be nice to be able to unpack a little and stop being on the run. I can't believe I leave in a few days!
Happy 4th of July!!
posted by Chrissy @ 7:05 PM
7 Comments:
Glad I finally remembered to check out the blog. Sounds like you're having a great time.
Glad you didn't eat the Dog... my Chow would have been VERY upset with you.
Did you remember to grab my bit of the Wall while you've been helping jack up the prices on legit Prada, Louie V, Coach, etc? ;-)
Oh, and don't call me if Customs wants to have a "chat" with you on your return. :-D
Nice to know your meeting AKPsi Brothers around the World. that's awesome, love hearing about your plane rides and bus trips. So interesting to get to see the REAL China , besides the tourist areas. Happy 4th of July your not missing much it's a Tuesday everyone has to work Wed. Plus you got Fireworks in Hong Kong already. Hope your enjoying another day learning. Love Ya
There are "brothers" everywhere! Love the pictures and I know they don't even do justice to what you are seeing.
Thanks to all for my birthday wishes!
Happy 4th!! Good to hear you got the inside track on where to buy DVD's. I think your porn collection was starting to get a little out of control! It'll probably be everyone's stocking stuffers this year!
Hope you enjoy the last few days there!! And if you happen to find a Prada wallet with my name written all over, and you still have room in your suitcase, I'm good for it!! =)
Love & miss ya! Will think about your during fireworks!
Andrea
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/
Here's the link for US Customs - if the website blocked in China I can email you some of the highlights, basically your allowed $800 in personal items and gifts to bring back, before you pay duty which is 3% per $1000. so not too bad. couldn't find anything about counterfeit goods , fake purses, or DVDs. Hopefully your teacher or classmates did some research before and you will all be fine upon return :-)
oh yeah NEWS update - The Space Shuttle took off Today 4th of July after 3 attempt due to weather.
and let us know if you hear anything about North Korea testing some Missiles
Chrissy,
In all seriousness, hide the counterfeit stuff! Like Klayton said, you can bring up to $800 in gifts before you have to pay duties, but the counterfeit stuff will get taken away if you are searched. Don hid all the DVDs he got in pockets within pockets. My friend, Nick, got all his DVDs taken away at Customs. The DVDs are no big deal, but I'd be pissed if they took away all the purses! =)
Love,
Jess
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