Harbin: The Journey Begins

And the journey begins!
I'm in the car on the way to the Shenyang Airport, making a quick stop at the Consulate before I go. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty nervous. Maybe this is my first time traveling on my own domestically in China. It's no great distance, but it's not to the grocery store and back, which I've mastered by now.

My suitcase is packed full with warm weather clothing. I brought all of my thermals, Cuddleduds, scarves, fur hats and fur boots. The only thing I'm really lacking is the fur-lined gloves. Im thinking that I might go out early Saturday morning to the wholesale market in Harbin to scope some gloves out. We'll see whether I have any hands left on Monday. If I don't post again, you can assume they've fallen off from frostbite.

Another reason I'm nervous is probably because I've let other people manage my trip. I'm so used to setting all the details myself, from arranging the flights, transportation to the airport, lodging, etc. Not being able to have full control of the different pieces of the trip makes me kind of anxious. I remember traveling in Philadelphia, and because I knew the metro and trolly lines so well, I felt comfortable getting to the airport, no problem. If I needed a ride, I figured it out. Here, I've let the consulate staff arrange things for me and it's that uncertainty that makes me anxious. Maybe that's why I love planning things so much: it makes me feel settled.

Despite my anxiety, I'm feeling good about this trip. I'm excited to see the ice castles and the sculptures throughout the park. Less excited to see the tigers rip apart the small animals the people buy and throw in their cages. But the tigers themselves will be nice to see. It's going to be an awesome, one-in-a-lifetime experience, I'm sure!