Taller Than Most

I’m currently in a super trendy coffee shop in Bangkok’s Central Festival.

What seems to be a BRICK on the plate next to my computer is actually a piece of Nutella french toast.  And no, I didn’t ask for the two scoops of ice cream.

This past weekend Sommer and I had the last minute thought that some of the countries we are visiting on our epic Asian travel adventure might require visas upon arrival.  We discovered we were clear on entering all countries on our planned itinerary except for our last stop—China. 

COULD THEY MAKE IT ANY MORE DIFFICULT/EXPENSIVE?

In order to enter China you must apply and be given a tourist visa before departure, as there are no visas distributed on arrival.  In order to get the timing right before we leave for Vietnam on Monday, one of us had to take a trip to the Chinese Consulate in Bangkok during the week to apply for tourist entry visas.  So here I am.

Side note: This nutella toast is amazing.

I woke up bright and early and cabbed to the city to wait in a long line and submitted our visa paperwork.  On the walls of the waiting area are all the costs for getting a visa.  For Thai citizens its something like $20 USD, “Other Countries” about $30 USD, and then under that it says America $140 USD. REALLY? Apparently the Chinese don’t like Americans very much.

The paperwork was approved and I am heading back to the consulate this afternoon to pick up the passports and am killing time around the city until then.

Can’t wait to see the Great Wall!

-NIKO