We have officially applied for a VISA in China. It's a lot of work. Actually.... technically.... we have only submitted the health part of the VISA application. Derek and I had to undergo EKG, chest xray, blood work, physical assessments, etc. They take all this info from the hospitals and doctors here in the USA and have it translated by Chinese officials. This was done yesterday and should be complete by Friday. Then, on Friday we will officially submit everything else. The medical checks go first to make sure you are cleared, then the rest can go. It was A LOT of work to get all this done. Tons of trips to doctors, hospitals, and FedEx.
Besides sending health information, there are tons of personal papers that must be sent, as well. Like Derek's college diploma. We simply scanned it and sent it via email, suspecting that was all that was required. Wrong! We actually had to send the actual diploma from the college. I won't bore you and go into all the other paperwork, but you would be amazed. China apparently does not let just anyone come over.
So as of now, we plan on being in Beijing either May 11 or May 18. Those dates are dependent on the VISA. When we do move, we will have to live in temporary housing until we find a home (Derek was unable to solidify anything when he was there). Here are our two options:
Sandalwood Marriott-
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bjssw-the-sandalwood-beijing-marriott-executive-apartments/
Or Oakwood-
http://www.oakwood.com/Beijing-serviced-apartments
Oakwood has so far been our #1 choice, but supposably they have no units available. If we move and we stay in the Marriott, we would have a lovely 3-bedroom, 2300 square foot serviced home.... which is probably going to be nicer than what our permanent home will be! Derek thinks I won't want to leave the apartment.
I've been super busy buying toiletries and other items (the girls' birthday and Christmas gifts for the next two years). I'll dedicate an entire post to the process of "gathering items" to move. It's IN SANE.
