Trip to China update....

[mikeiniowa]

I just answered and e-mail from John Ye at Xisico, looks like I will arrive in Shanghai on the 2nd of May if my visa allows that entry date....dropped my visa application off yesterday in Chicago and will return to pick it up on the 23rd.

[kirby999]

Sounds like it's going to be a fun trip . Good luck on getting everything ready to go. I can't wait to hear how the trip went. Take plenty of pictures if you can. kirby

[PeakChick]

What a great opportunity Mike! Please be prepared for a flood of questions. We'd really appreciate pics!

[daveshoot]

Yes, lots of pics!

Have you been over there before? One thing I recommend is a good international transformer and plug adapter. If you have any 110V appliances, chargers, etc. you will need the transformer. Radio Shack had one with selectable plugs for many different countries. Usually cell phone chargers and laptop adapters are either 110/220v but you need a plain adapter to fit American plugs into Chinese sockets.

I have only been twice, but really enjoyed both trips! Mine were non-AG business, unfortunately.

I thought Chinaused to make an Izzie-style match pistol. You have to think with the popularity and price associated with IZH-46M, plus the difficulty of getting them, there would be an opportunity for a quality match trainer pistol.

[derekmcminn]

Are Americans allowed to purchase airguns during such a trip
and pass through customs coming back home?

[fnash]

You will be the talk of the LR show... You will be in China and I will be in LR...  Have a fun and safe trip...  Frank....

[mikeiniowa]

I can't buy any and bring them back, no private ownership of weapons, and they mean it. I can see if the factory will ship to me but am afraid the cost would be more than what anyone would want to pay...

[USNCop]

Mike, I'm jealous you lucky dog!
Have a safe trip and don't keep all of your cash in your wallet.  Trust me on that one.

[fnash]

Yes, I was returning from California and sat next to a person returning from China... He had allot of information on that subject...  they are slick.... Frank

[demarisl]

Keep your wallet in your front pocket whenever you're in a crowd.  Far easier to detect when someone with light fingers is trying to get friendly.  Looking forward to your after trip report.

Larry

[larspawn]

Mike, take a bunch of singles, $5 and $10s.  As you know labor's cheap and you can get some amazing stuff.  Remember price is always negotiable and the exchange is something like 5 or 6 to 1 USD.  Final price is always about 50% of open.  Nobody gets offended.

I don't know if you grew up in Iowa but there 'aint' no city in Iowa like Shanghai.  Bigger than you can imagine.  Also, way more Western than you can imagine.  More traffic and bikes, well more people than you would think possible.  Shanghai has some of the best Western architecture in all of China.  Seems odd to go to China and appreciate Western architecture.  Yeah you can see the Great Wall in pretty much every city and town in China, it goes on for like 4, 000 miles for Pete's sake.  Enjoy one of the greatest Civilizations on Earth (yes I'm Chinese!)

Anyway, you will have a blast.  Just remember drink bottled water and/or lots of beer (always flat and warm) and take it all in!

Andy Wong

P.S.  Oh yeah, it is a really long flight.  Bring lots to do.  Try to get up and walk around a lot or your feet will get swollen (resist the urge to take your shoes off or wear comfortable ones).

[mikeiniowa]

I know most of the tricks for keeping my cash safe, big cities are a pain but not that much different than what I went through delivering the motorhomes, I have the printing machine making $5 and $10 bills right now so will have plenty to spread around.... I should see if the bank has any two dollar bills and throw them for a real loop....

[larspawn]

You forgot Susan B Anthonys! LOL

[bcshooter]

Have a good trip Mike, enjoy your stay in Shanghai, a beautiful city with lots of people, they all seem to be running around on public transporation, on scooters and in cars. you will love it. If you are a foodie, be ready to taste it all. some of the best resturants are in Shanghai. By the way when you get a chance explain to Industry Brand we of the western culture like Quality Control at a inexpensive price,...LOL,LOL,LOL BTW,I am first generation Chinese .......Bill