The 2013 Chinese Delegation is ready for an adventure of a lifetime!Please support our students that are traveling to China this Spring...
it's so easy...just go out to eat...at the Kemps River Ruby Tuesday's! Please print the flyer below, give it to your server, enjoy your meal....and Ruby Tuesday's will do donate 20% of your total to the GSWLA's 2013 trip to China!
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Hello 2013 Chinese Delegation!
Are you ready for an adventure? Mrs. Windish and Mrs. Zhang are excited to be sharing this adventure with such an exceptional group of students. We know you will represent Tallwood, the GSWLA and the USA well. This is the third time Tallwood will be sending a group of students to our partner schools in Harbin, China. We will be departing on March 25, 2013 and returning April 5, 2013….more detailed information below!
Do you want to see what Harbin is like…with a little dry humor? Check out this episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nHPGYFnXHU
If you are a member or parent of a member of the 2013 delegation, check this site regularly as it will be updated as information becomes available!
Before the Adventure:
Prior to our adventure, nine Chinese students and two teachers will be visiting Tallwood! Thank you to those that are hosting these students in your homes! For all those travelling, take some time to attend the events that are planned for the Chinese delegation so that you can get to know them and their culture! Particularly the fundraiser at the Kemps River Ruby Tuesday's on Sunday 2/17. Click on the main China tab to open and print the flyer that will give 20% of the sale amount to our trip! Or tell all of your friends, any guests anytime who eat at that Ruby Tuesday's on 2/17 that give the server the flyer will be contributing 20% of their total to our trip!!!
Students must attend the following sessions as we prepare for our trip!
1. Tuesday, February 12th - Be ready to exchange contact information, address travel questions and concerns, and begin to prepare our presentation/talent show
for our hosts in China.
2. Thursday, February 28th – We will be practicing our presentations/talent show…so please bring any supplies necessary. We will also have a lesson on
Chinese culture….just so we do not make any major faux pas while traveling!
3. Thursday, March 14th - 2:15 student meeting in Mrs. Zhang's room....Please arrange your time and activities wisely so you can come to the meeting on
time. and be ready to practice your talent!
4. Thursday, March 21st - 2:15 student meeting in Mrs. Zhang's room.....you will be receiving your Passports, with VISAs. Please be prepared to practice your
talent and ask any final questions!
Important Dates for Parents!
1. Wednesday, February 6th 6pm at THS, Room 300 – Parents’ general informational meeting
2. Wednesday, February 20th – Visa applications and airfare due…refer to the email for specifics!
3. Tuesday, March 5th – 6pm at THS, Room 300 – Parents’ meeting….bring your questions and the completed student eligibility form you recieved on 2/6!
We are a talented bunch! Yes we are!
Please continue to practice your talents that we will be sharing in China....including the song we will be singing! If you need a little inspiration check out this YouTube clip....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdwAkhNdZi8
Things to know before you go:
Clothing - It will be COLD! Get ready now! Think in layers - undershirts, sweaters, and make sure your jacket will close over all of that. Average temps in Harbin from March through April should range from 27 degrees F to 45 degrees F. Of course Beijing will be a little warmer with a range of 43 to 57. Mrs. Windish is hoping for unusually warm weather….be prepared either way! Bring a warm jacket/coat, warm shoes (There will probably be snow!), and thermal underwear if you are the type of student who is cold all the time. Dressing in layers is very important for this trip as luggage weight might be an issue for domestic flight. Be prepared to wear the same outfits multiple times…hopefully we’ll have access to laundry facilities at some point! Also include dress clothing for a VIP event or night on the town!
Luggage – the lighter the better! We are recommending you take only ONE suitcase and one small carry on (plus a small purse like item). You have to be able to transport your own luggage around the airport. Extra luggage is EXPENSIVE and you'll slow down the group as we check in at the airport. Another reason to pack light…so you'll have room for the gifts you'll be bringing home for family and friends. Once the airline tickets are finalized, we will post the luggage restrictions.
Cameras - this is a no brainer....Hello....the Great Wall of China is not a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, decade-ly opportunity!
Cell phones - check to see if your phone will work internationally (probably veryyyyyyy expensive in China!), but it will be important to have it during domestic travel portions of our trip. It has been recommended that you check with your phone carrier to discuss options….even consider turning it off completely while in China, because roaming charges can accumulate without realizing it! Phone cards might be a good option once we arrive.
Other devices…ipods, laptops, etc…wifi will more than likely be spotty, but email will be a good way to communicate when we do have access. Mrs. Zhang suggests that we try WeChat….it is an app that sends voice recordings, pictures and text…just like texting. She uses it and Mrs. Windish has tried it….it works here, we’re hoping it works there! Remember…. Facebook will not be available in China! Don’t worry, Mrs. Windish and Mrs. Zhang will be emailing regularly to keep everyone updated!
Adaptors for your electronics - yes, you need one of these…and a converter too! Read this article for a little insight!
www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/ADVISOR/plugged.in.lat/index.html
Money - Get a debit card, know your pin, and know how to use it! We will withdraw funds from an ATM once we get to China for cash. (A few hundred should cover your expenses…unless you’re a shopper!) Be sure to contact your bank and let them know you'll be traveling overseas so they will allow your card to work! It would be wise to bring a small amount of US currency for the little travel we will be doing in the US.
Gifts for your host family - you will be staying with a family who will be feeding you, giving you a place to stay and providing a once in a life time chance to see another culture. A gift is just good manners! Think about items that are unique to the US, VA, VB and the GSWLA! Have a collection of items, you never know who you might want to give a gift to! And PLEASE…. avoid items that are “Made in China”!
For more tips see the “General Travel Tips” tab under the Home page or check out this website for Traveling in China!
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/
The Adventure:
Flight information coming soon!
Hotel in Bejing:
Beijing Wang Fu Jing Da Wan Hotel
Dong Cheng District, Wang Fu Jing Street, Gan Yu Hu Tong, Jia #2, Beijing, China
400-666-5511
Itinerary: (This is a work in progress...so please keep checking back!)
March 25: Depart Norfolk 7:00am United 3787
Arrive Chicago 8:14 am
Depart Chicago 12:55pm United 0851
March 26: Arrive Beijing 3:40pm
Tour Beijing in the afternoon, dinner and a show after
Check in to the hotel late in the evenning!
March 27: Tour Beijing
Take the night train to Xi An at 8:43pm
Dinner on the train!
March 28: Spend the day in Xi An touring the Terracotta Warrior Museum!
Take the night train back to Beijng at 7:55pm
Dinner on the train!
March 29: Arrive in Beijing at 7:10am.
Tour Beijing and have lunch.
Depart Beijing 5:00pm China Southern CZ6218
Arrive Harbin 7:00pm
Meet host families!!!!!
March 30: Harbin
March 31: Harbin
April 1: Harbin
April 2: Harbin
April 3: Harbin
April 4: Harbin
April 5: Depart Harbin 11:00am China East CN7128
Arrive Beijing 12:45pm
Depart Beijing 4:10pm United 0850
Arrive Chicago 4:25pm
Depart Chicago 6:50pm United 3774
Arrive Norfolk 9:50pm
******Rest up...we're back to school on Monday!
After the Adventure:
When we return home we will have many opportunities to share our experiences with the GSWLA, Tallwood, VBCPS and more….so be prepared! Information regarding these opportunities will be posted here when it becomes available.
Do you want to see what Harbin is like…with a little dry humor? Check out this episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nHPGYFnXHU
If you are a member or parent of a member of the 2013 delegation, check this site regularly as it will be updated as information becomes available!
Before the Adventure:
Prior to our adventure, nine Chinese students and two teachers will be visiting Tallwood! Thank you to those that are hosting these students in your homes! For all those travelling, take some time to attend the events that are planned for the Chinese delegation so that you can get to know them and their culture! Particularly the fundraiser at the Kemps River Ruby Tuesday's on Sunday 2/17. Click on the main China tab to open and print the flyer that will give 20% of the sale amount to our trip! Or tell all of your friends, any guests anytime who eat at that Ruby Tuesday's on 2/17 that give the server the flyer will be contributing 20% of their total to our trip!!!
Students must attend the following sessions as we prepare for our trip!
1. Tuesday, February 12th - Be ready to exchange contact information, address travel questions and concerns, and begin to prepare our presentation/talent show
for our hosts in China.
2. Thursday, February 28th – We will be practicing our presentations/talent show…so please bring any supplies necessary. We will also have a lesson on
Chinese culture….just so we do not make any major faux pas while traveling!
3. Thursday, March 14th - 2:15 student meeting in Mrs. Zhang's room....Please arrange your time and activities wisely so you can come to the meeting on
time. and be ready to practice your talent!
4. Thursday, March 21st - 2:15 student meeting in Mrs. Zhang's room.....you will be receiving your Passports, with VISAs. Please be prepared to practice your
talent and ask any final questions!
Important Dates for Parents!
1. Wednesday, February 6th 6pm at THS, Room 300 – Parents’ general informational meeting
2. Wednesday, February 20th – Visa applications and airfare due…refer to the email for specifics!
3. Tuesday, March 5th – 6pm at THS, Room 300 – Parents’ meeting….bring your questions and the completed student eligibility form you recieved on 2/6!
We are a talented bunch! Yes we are!
Please continue to practice your talents that we will be sharing in China....including the song we will be singing! If you need a little inspiration check out this YouTube clip....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdwAkhNdZi8
Things to know before you go:
Clothing - It will be COLD! Get ready now! Think in layers - undershirts, sweaters, and make sure your jacket will close over all of that. Average temps in Harbin from March through April should range from 27 degrees F to 45 degrees F. Of course Beijing will be a little warmer with a range of 43 to 57. Mrs. Windish is hoping for unusually warm weather….be prepared either way! Bring a warm jacket/coat, warm shoes (There will probably be snow!), and thermal underwear if you are the type of student who is cold all the time. Dressing in layers is very important for this trip as luggage weight might be an issue for domestic flight. Be prepared to wear the same outfits multiple times…hopefully we’ll have access to laundry facilities at some point! Also include dress clothing for a VIP event or night on the town!
Luggage – the lighter the better! We are recommending you take only ONE suitcase and one small carry on (plus a small purse like item). You have to be able to transport your own luggage around the airport. Extra luggage is EXPENSIVE and you'll slow down the group as we check in at the airport. Another reason to pack light…so you'll have room for the gifts you'll be bringing home for family and friends. Once the airline tickets are finalized, we will post the luggage restrictions.
Cameras - this is a no brainer....Hello....the Great Wall of China is not a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, decade-ly opportunity!
Cell phones - check to see if your phone will work internationally (probably veryyyyyyy expensive in China!), but it will be important to have it during domestic travel portions of our trip. It has been recommended that you check with your phone carrier to discuss options….even consider turning it off completely while in China, because roaming charges can accumulate without realizing it! Phone cards might be a good option once we arrive.
Other devices…ipods, laptops, etc…wifi will more than likely be spotty, but email will be a good way to communicate when we do have access. Mrs. Zhang suggests that we try WeChat….it is an app that sends voice recordings, pictures and text…just like texting. She uses it and Mrs. Windish has tried it….it works here, we’re hoping it works there! Remember…. Facebook will not be available in China! Don’t worry, Mrs. Windish and Mrs. Zhang will be emailing regularly to keep everyone updated!
Adaptors for your electronics - yes, you need one of these…and a converter too! Read this article for a little insight!
www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/ADVISOR/plugged.in.lat/index.html
Money - Get a debit card, know your pin, and know how to use it! We will withdraw funds from an ATM once we get to China for cash. (A few hundred should cover your expenses…unless you’re a shopper!) Be sure to contact your bank and let them know you'll be traveling overseas so they will allow your card to work! It would be wise to bring a small amount of US currency for the little travel we will be doing in the US.
Gifts for your host family - you will be staying with a family who will be feeding you, giving you a place to stay and providing a once in a life time chance to see another culture. A gift is just good manners! Think about items that are unique to the US, VA, VB and the GSWLA! Have a collection of items, you never know who you might want to give a gift to! And PLEASE…. avoid items that are “Made in China”!
For more tips see the “General Travel Tips” tab under the Home page or check out this website for Traveling in China!
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/
The Adventure:
Flight information coming soon!
Hotel in Bejing:
Beijing Wang Fu Jing Da Wan Hotel
Dong Cheng District, Wang Fu Jing Street, Gan Yu Hu Tong, Jia #2, Beijing, China
400-666-5511
Itinerary: (This is a work in progress...so please keep checking back!)
March 25: Depart Norfolk 7:00am United 3787
Arrive Chicago 8:14 am
Depart Chicago 12:55pm United 0851
March 26: Arrive Beijing 3:40pm
Tour Beijing in the afternoon, dinner and a show after
Check in to the hotel late in the evenning!
March 27: Tour Beijing
Take the night train to Xi An at 8:43pm
Dinner on the train!
March 28: Spend the day in Xi An touring the Terracotta Warrior Museum!
Take the night train back to Beijng at 7:55pm
Dinner on the train!
March 29: Arrive in Beijing at 7:10am.
Tour Beijing and have lunch.
Depart Beijing 5:00pm China Southern CZ6218
Arrive Harbin 7:00pm
Meet host families!!!!!
March 30: Harbin
March 31: Harbin
April 1: Harbin
April 2: Harbin
April 3: Harbin
April 4: Harbin
April 5: Depart Harbin 11:00am China East CN7128
Arrive Beijing 12:45pm
Depart Beijing 4:10pm United 0850
Arrive Chicago 4:25pm
Depart Chicago 6:50pm United 3774
Arrive Norfolk 9:50pm
******Rest up...we're back to school on Monday!
After the Adventure:
When we return home we will have many opportunities to share our experiences with the GSWLA, Tallwood, VBCPS and more….so be prepared! Information regarding these opportunities will be posted here when it becomes available.
Highlights from Our Adventure
Here are a few pictures with captions to show you how amazing our Chinese experience was!