Pre-Departure Update

As you can see from the picture to the left, I actually did recieve my passport and visa: It's actually happening. I depart for New York at 10:55am tomorrow morning to meet up with my orientation group. By early afternoon on Tuesday, I will be in the sky towards Tokyo. I can't help but be surprised at just how calm I am right now. I realize that I am leaving very shortly to a place across the globe that will be completely different than anything I've ever experienced. The only problem is this information hasn't set in at all. I'm still a little nervous about what to expect, but I don't think I'm really going to grasp exactly what is going on until I'm sitting on the plane to Tokyo. If you're interested in tracking the progress of my flight, I've provided a detailed schedule below: E = eastern time zone, C = china time, J = Japan time.

Leave New York:
E-1:30pm Tuesday
C-1:30am Wednesday
Arrive Tokyo:
E-3:20am Wednesday
J-4:20pm Wednesday
C-3:20pm Wednesday
Leave Tokyo:
E-5:10am Wednesday
C-5:10pm Wednesday
Arrive Beijing:
E-8:55am Wednesday
C-8:55pm Wednesday

Here's my packing list, just in case any one wants to know what I'm bringing to keep myself clothed and occupied in China:
Computer and accessories, books and magazines, ipod and accessories, electric razor and charger, digital camera and charger, webcam, painkillers, prescription medication, cold medication, journals, towel, rain jacket, tennis shoes, sandals, shower sandals, dress shoes, sunglasses, a large supply of soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste, and proactiv, tshirts, 2 undershirts, 2 long sleeve tshirts, 2 pairs of cargo shorts, 1 pair of blue jeans, khaki pants, navy pants, warm jacket, week of underwear, week of socks, 2 pairs of winter socks, one warm hat, one pair of gloves, 2 polo shirts, 1 button down shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants, hiking pants, athletic shorts, bathing suit, long underwear bottoms, belt, tie, and of course, the trusty WFU hat.

I'll be online as soon as possible after landing in Beijing and recovering from jet lag. I'll be sending out postcards asap. Wish me luck, I know I'll need it.