I just checked in for my flight to Beijing tomorrow. I was sweating the seat selection process as the plane has filled up considerably since I booked it. Luckily for me I have managed to snag an entire row to myself on the starboard side of the plane! That makes me one of only five lucky passengers to have a row to themselves. For now, at least!

There are so many unknowns about China for me. While the training I’ll be doing is pretty standard stuff for me now, getting around the country will be a roll of the dice. This should be nothing like the visits I made to Hong Kong 15 years ago. I’m content to allow for a few “stupid tourist” moves but hopefully I’ll avoid the worst ones.

Westerners are not so rare in mainland China anymore. One tour book I’m reading says 200,000 or more are in Beijing and Shanghai. Numerous blogs of expats in China are available on the Internet. I expect to find some English-speaking friendly faces when I need them.

The weather is cold there, however, which might impact any of my sightseeing. Average temperature is 43 degrees, with a low of 17 forecast for Monday morning. Not exactly tourist weather. I’ll make do, though.

Look for blog posts and photos to appear throughout my trip. I should also have access to email, too.

Now, time to pack!