Tips for the First Day

For those of you traveling soon for adoption:

• Bring 4 copies of your passport and visa, not 3, for the Nanchang paperwork.

• The Jin Feng hotel has a swimming pool and a play room, though we haven't seen them yet. Ask the reception desk for a clock, crib, and stroller to borrow.There isn't an alarm clock with the room so you need to ask for one.

• One of two China Construction Banks in Nanchang are across the street. If you have Bank of America, they are partners with CCB, so no fees for withdrawing money. Our guide escorted me across the street. It's not as easy walking across as you think it would be.

• Try to have some Yuan ready for the ride from the airport to the hotel. You will also need Yuan to tip the bell boy. Fortunately we had Yuan from change when we paid for a meal at the airport with USD.

• We are just one family with the guide. She said we will use taxi each day, in which case we would tip the driver each time rather than tip all at once at the end of the trip.

• Nice breakfast buffet of both American and Chinese food.