Wardrobe
Business dress is required for the Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Department of Education, school and university institution visits and banquets. For men that means suits or jacket with tie. For women there are more options so you might want to look at photos in the galleries of previous delegations travelling in April to see how they dressed. Forget high heels -- pumps are very appropriate. You will find the ground beneath is often uneven with unannounced pitfalls.
Dress casual for plane travel, Great Wall visits etc. Wear comfortable clothes that give you a good image. Bring along those comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes. Good traction is important, especially at the Great Wall where the steps are uneven and can be slippery. If we anticipate a combination situation, you can bring a shoe change on the bus. Generally, the itinerary is arranged to be appropriate for the occasion. Each day I will provide guidance for appropriate wear for the following day.
You do not need to bring your entire wardrobe. It is okay if you are seen in the same outfit day after day. If it is a little rumbled that is okay too. Just make sure you have a smile on your face and stay awake in meetings.
The hotels have same day laundry service at a cost, of course. You can put laundry items in a bag in the morning and you will probably have them when you return in the evening. If you do have laundry done, pay at the front desk long before we leave. The hotel manager will not release the group and you will hold up everyone. Also, protect your room key as if it is cash. You may have to pay if you lose it or do not turn it in. This will definately be true in Qufu where there is a charge for losing the plastic key cards.
The weather is similar to Connecticut in Beijing and Shandong. The days can be warm and the nights cool. You do not need to bring along winter clothing. Bring a lightweight coat or jacket that repels moisture and can combine as a windbreaker to keep you warm. Generally, it does not rain in April but it is a good idea to bring along a collapsible umbrella. A layered approach is advisable so you can be comfortable. A scarf will be handy for the Great Wall and open areas where we might be exposed to wind. We should be past the time when the winds carry in sand from the Gobi desert.
Pack light! Everything you bring -- you carry. Everything you purchase -- you carry. You will not be able to ship anything home! It is a bit complicated and will take too much time. Use ziplock bags to compress clothing and keep your suitcase organized. Compressed clothes save a lot of space. Ziplock bags also keeps the moisture out.
Dress casual for plane travel, Great Wall visits etc. Wear comfortable clothes that give you a good image. Bring along those comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes. Good traction is important, especially at the Great Wall where the steps are uneven and can be slippery. If we anticipate a combination situation, you can bring a shoe change on the bus. Generally, the itinerary is arranged to be appropriate for the occasion. Each day I will provide guidance for appropriate wear for the following day.
You do not need to bring your entire wardrobe. It is okay if you are seen in the same outfit day after day. If it is a little rumbled that is okay too. Just make sure you have a smile on your face and stay awake in meetings.
The hotels have same day laundry service at a cost, of course. You can put laundry items in a bag in the morning and you will probably have them when you return in the evening. If you do have laundry done, pay at the front desk long before we leave. The hotel manager will not release the group and you will hold up everyone. Also, protect your room key as if it is cash. You may have to pay if you lose it or do not turn it in. This will definately be true in Qufu where there is a charge for losing the plastic key cards.
The weather is similar to Connecticut in Beijing and Shandong. The days can be warm and the nights cool. You do not need to bring along winter clothing. Bring a lightweight coat or jacket that repels moisture and can combine as a windbreaker to keep you warm. Generally, it does not rain in April but it is a good idea to bring along a collapsible umbrella. A layered approach is advisable so you can be comfortable. A scarf will be handy for the Great Wall and open areas where we might be exposed to wind. We should be past the time when the winds carry in sand from the Gobi desert.
Pack light! Everything you bring -- you carry. Everything you purchase -- you carry. You will not be able to ship anything home! It is a bit complicated and will take too much time. Use ziplock bags to compress clothing and keep your suitcase organized. Compressed clothes save a lot of space. Ziplock bags also keeps the moisture out.
posted by Daniel at
1:32 PM
