On to China

While Hong Kong is China, it's not Mainland China.  Under British rule until about 1997, it's considered a Special Administrative Region by the Chinese government.  As such, it does not fall under the government laws of Mainland China.  Hong Kong is also much more "Westernized" than the mainland.  Most people here speak both Chinese and English.  Even the water is safe to drink.  Entering Mainland China is like entering a different country.

We leave for Mainland China by bus tomorrow morning at about 11:15 AM.  The border is about 30 minutes from here.  Once there, we'll leave the bus with our bags and go through Customs again.  Unlike Hong Kong, China doesn't allow any newspapers to be brought in from the outside.  Also, any magazines with political content are not allowed.  If caught bringing them in, you can be jailed.  As such, the magazines we bought at LAX will probably find a home here at the hotel.

Once we clear customs, it's about two hours on the freeway to Guangzhou.  We'll stay at the White Swan until we leave China.  The White Swan is a large five-star hotel frequented by adopting families.  While we hope to continue updating this blog, there's a chance it may be blocked in China.  Guess we'll find out when we get there.