Itinerary for China Travel

The planning continues, and we have now received our itinerary for travel in China. We were able to book our tickets using Air Canada points, and decided to book a separate seat for Samantha on the way home. As much as we're sure that between the two of us we'll want to hold her the whole time, we're hoping that there'll be a couple of times that she'll fall asleep and we can lay her down.

We decided during our planning that we wanted to get into Beijing a few days early to try to get ourselves acclimated. With a 12 hour time change, the jet lag and time adjustment could take a bit of time. The last thing we wanted to do was arrive in country and have to start parenting right away. We also decided that, although there are a number of tours planned for us during the time in China, our main objective is to ensure we focus on getting to know Samantha. We may take the tours, but we'll play it by ear.

Barring any unforseen changes, this is how our trip is going to unfold.

June 13 - Depart for Beijing
June 14 - Arrive in Beijing
June 15 - Acclimation Day
June 16 - Acclimation Day (ok...so there may be some shopping)
June 17 - Travel to Chongqing
June 18 - Civil Affairs Office - we are united as a family
June 19 - Civil Affairs Office - adoption registration, notarization, passport
June 20 - Off day - tours: Chongqing Zoo (pandas) and shopping
June 21 - Off day - tours: city and E Ling Park
June 22 - Pick up passport, travel back to Beijing
June 23 - Off day - have Samantha's visa photo taken
June 24 - Off day - tours: Great Wall
June 25 - Samantha medical, Canadian Embassy (visa appointment)
June 26 - Off day - tours: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
June 27 - Off day - tours: Hutong, group Beijing Duck dinner
June 28 - Pick up Samantha's visa
June 29 - Travel home