July 5th; I met with Lee today to go over some questions I had and to share information. I will be able to use my bank debit card at the ATM machine in Chengdu. The ATM will dispense Yuan rather than dollars! It is amazing and just a bit scary to think that ATM machines in Chengdu can access my bank account. I will get about eight Yuan for a dollar. Since there is no computer in Chengdu I will need to check one out from IT to take with me. Lee and I decided it will be better to take an extra piece of luggage than to have overweight luggage. I might need two extra bags. I will be taking rock and mineral samples with me to use for teaching. When I get to China I will be given a cell phone to use while there. Lee will give me a contact list to call in China if I need assistance. I look at this as a necessary evil as I detest cell phones. PCDS has medical insurance for me in China and I will have a copy of the policy with me in Chengdu. My wife, Dell, spoke with Irene Tseng at All Saints' today about this blog. Irene plans to have her elective class on China contact me and ask questions while I am in Chengdu. I hope that works out, it would be fun.
J. Bob