We're almost to the half-way point of our trip. The second week promises to be even more exciting and memorable! Stay tuned for more updates!

We made it! We are in Beijing now and finally have internet access.

Please visit the Photo Journal page to see daily updates with pictures and student journals.

China Blog website added to links. Check it out!

More final suggestions and considerations before we leave tomorrow:

-Please leave some space in either your baggage that you will check or in your carry-on to add a couple of items at the airport tomorrow morning.  We have obtained 2 polo shirts & a windsuit with the WKU logo to give you, and also our traveler from Seattle University, Mark Williams, has supplied everyone with a t-shirt from his school. We will distribute these items at the airport before we check-in.

-It is a good idea to pack at least a change of clothes and toiletry items in your carry-on JUST IN CASE there is a problem with your luggage.

-Check with your cell phone carrier about taking your cell phone with you.  I checked with ATT and the fears that I mentioned to you only apply if you are on the internet or are trying to download e-mail on your phone. You can activate your international calling capabilities through ATT for $2.29/minute if you want.  I do not know about Verizon, Sprint, etc.

-For the few of you meeting us at the airport, we will meet at the American Airlines desk (or probably right outside) at 6:30 am.  Those of us coming down from BG will be leaving BG at 5:00 am.  Depending on traffic at that time of morning we might get there before 6:30, or we might get there a bit after.  Just please be there on time and ready to get your distributed clothes and to check-in.  If you have a problem that morning, call Dr. Lyons on his cell phone.

-You might want to call your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know you will be in China.  If you don't, and they start seeing "foreign" charges, they might stop your card(s).

**WE LEAVE TOMORROW AT 5:00 AM FROM THE INTRAMURAL PARKING LOT ON CAMPBELL LANE.  BE THERE NO LATER THAN 4:50.  IF YOU ARE NOT EARLY YOU ARE LATE!!!**

Pictures are up of the Shanghai Hotel we will be staying at. See them here.

Some Final Reminders from Dr. Lyons:

-Departure Info---We will be leaving Sunday morning, August 3rd, from the Intramural Complex parking lot on Campbell Lane at 5AM. You can leave your cars in that lot while we are gone. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A WKU PARKING TAG PLEASE E-MAIL GINA BROWN (gina.brown@wku.edu) AND LET HER KNOW SO WE CAN GET ENOUGH PARKING PASSES FOR THOSE OF YOU WITHOUT CURRENT TAGS. We will be taking a chartered bus to the airport. DO NOT BE LATE!!!

-Health Insurance---You signed an insurance statement (one of the forms you turned in to us stating that you are adequately insured for any health and/or medical expenses you might incur while participating in our study abroad program.) However, if any of you would like to obtain additional travel insurance, go to this site http://www.hthstudents.com/ You can get insurance for the trip for a really cheap rate. This is not mandatory...just something for you to consider.

-Medications---Some suggested medications to include when you pack: Allergy meds, epi pens (if you need them), Immodium, motion sickness meds, antacids, headache meds, and anything else you can think of that you might need over the course of two weeks.

-Clothes---According to Pan, everything is casual. You will not need anything except shorts, t-shirts and/or polos, and good walking shoes. Also, it will be very HOT while we are there.

-Registration with the State Department---If you haven't registered with the State Dept, you can do so here http://travel.state.gov/

- Mail---If you want to have your mail held while you are gone, you can go to the Post Office or you can do so here https://holdmail.usps.com/duns/HoldMail.jsp

- Travel tips---You can get China Travel Tips here http://www.china-tour.cn/China_Travel_Essentials/index.htm

Internet---I do not know for sure, but I am fairly certain that we will have internet access at the hotels. Our hotels in Shanghai and Beijing are modern and will likely have internet access. The two hotels in which I have stayed within the last year or so both had internet in the rooms.

-Laundry---We still don't know whether we will have the facilities to do laundry.

-Power outlets---You shouldn’t need adapters of any kind. Outlets in China support both 220 and 110 plugs, and they are configured so that both can be used.

-Other tips---Click here.

-Clothes/Packing---We will only need casual clothes…shorts, t-shirts, comfortable walking shoes, etc.  There will not be an occasion for us to “dress up” at all.  Also, it is very hot in Beijing in August.  Pan EMPHASIZED that you need to pack as lightly as possible because of our two train rides.  The trains have a very limited amount of space for luggage.  He went as far to say that duffle-bag style packing would be the best!

-Laundry---Don't know if we will be able to wash clothes while we are there.  Dr. Lyons is going to try and find out.

-Medications---You might want to pack some extra meds for GI distress, simply because you will be eating different foods than those to which you are accustomed.  If you get motion sickness, pack meds for that.  Don't forget allergy meds/Epi pens if you need them.

-Power outlets---You shouldn’t need adapters of any kind.  Outlets in China support both 220 and 110 plugs, and they are configured so that both can be used.

-Travel to/from airport---Again, we have reserved a bus to take us from BG to the Nashville airport and also to pick us up and bring us back on our return.  More info to follow on where we will be departing from, what time, and where you can leave your cars.  Rest assured that we will be leaving EARLY and that we will LEAVE YOU if you are late!

-Passports/visas---The passports are in Chicago right now getting processed for our entry visas.  I should have them back by next Friday.

-Payments---Most of you are now paid in full.  I am going to e-mail those of you that still owe some money to us.  I must commend everyone for being so diligent in getting their payments to us.  THANKS!

FYI: The space on the Chinese trains will be very limited so pack lightly! Also, we have reserved a chartered bus to bring us all back and forth to the Nashville Airport from Bowling Green.

**Other informative trip updates coming soon.**