Yesterday I picked my passport back from the Chinese embassy in Bucharest. It was a bit strange that I had to have hostel reservations (I am used to make those as late as possible), but in the end it all worked out fine.

I will leave on April 24th and return on May 5th. It is unfortunate that for a destination so interesting I was not able to take a longer vacation, but I can consider it a sort of test visit. If I like China – which I am almost sure I will – I will return another time.

My main destinations will be Beijing and Shanghai, but I will definitely check the surrounding areas.

Just as I did on my previous trip (Spain and Portugal), I will try to keep people updated on what is happening, and also upload photos to the blog. I am really eager to start the trip, as I foresee a lot of interesting and awkward situations because of the slight language barrier

You might also like:  bookings for March,  Portugal in black and white,  a daytrip to El Escorial,  goodbye Lisbon,  Arrival in Lisbon,