This post has taken forever … but here it is …
My Crew Came To China!!! Part 1:
Yooooooooooo! Yo! Let me tell yall about my crew. I am so unbelievably blessed and thankful for my boy – Dr. Antoine Crosby – and one of my favorite couples ever – The Hamers (Erin and Leroy Hamer). We all met in the AUC (Atlanta University Center) and even with my transfer out of CAU to GSU we all remained friends. These three have been my solid crew since college. We have one more couple in the bunch – The Coopers – but they didn’t make this trip! Love you Cal and Christina!
When I first decided to even apply to work abroad back in 2016 my crew were the first ones I talked to about it. They all supported me. (Get you a squad like mine) Crazy I am in my second year now (2019- and the process started in 2016) because the initial process started such a long time ago. If you are interested at all in working abroad or moving abroad I say start the research now. Think about a few countries you may want to go to and look at their passport/visa requirements first … then begin to look at job opportunities abroad…. Okay more of that another time…. You can always message me
When I accepted the job my crew said “Guess we have to plan a trip to Asia!” – not only did they say it – they did it. Early in 2017 they found a great deal online and jumped on it. Before I even had my work visa (you’ve heard that story) and officially signed my contract. I thought to myself… These three have always been for me … but man – I am deeply and richly loved! They are coming to China to see me. How blessed am I? Very Blessed!
They found the deal – and I got the land version of the deal since I am already here in China. It was a 10 day-5 city trip and it was jam packed … its more like an 8 day trip with travel but we still saw and did a lot in that time.
The trip started in Beijing. Beijing was cold so I immediately wasn’t a fan … but my homeys came to China so I was ready to have a good time.
Days 1/2= Travel from America and Arrival to China
Day 3= We started early to do as much as possible. It was also Erin’s birthday! Again – yay! Thanks Erin for celebrating your birthday with me in China.
On Day 3 we went to Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City- Summer Palace – did a short (when they say short they mean short) cruise on Kunming Lake (which was inside Summer Palace) and a visit to Lama Temple. Lots of walking. Lots of temples. Lots to see. So much history.
Cooking Class: We did a cooking class – www.beijingkitchen.com – and we greatly enjoyed it. Here are some pictures from the cooking class!
Day 4= The Great Wall (TGW)… after a year in China this was my first visit to The Great Wall and I was so happy to do it with my friends. Before the TGW we went to a Jade Exhibit (was okay to see) and after TGW we went to the Olympic Center.
Day 5 = Travel Day. We had brunch in the morning then a PM flight to Shanghai. Arrived in Shanghai and took a bus (I took the speed train) to Suzhou!
Part 1 … well this was the first 1/2 of our trip… it was cold – but full of histroy- sights-eats and crossing a world wonder off our list! I am so glad I experienced TGW with my crew.
Part 2 coming … Wuxi/Suzhou/Hangzhou/Shanghai – Can you believe 4 cities all in the second half of the trip??? Details to come.
We have lots of thoughts on the travel company that was used to book the trip. We had a great time and it was awesome seeing my friends – but – whew! I still need to write a lengthy review!!
____________________________________________________________________________________________I am excited about life! I am filled with Hope. I am overwhelmed with JOY! I am going to do my best to live by the ‘Glad Texts’
#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #FaithfulIsMyGod
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE
…as always thanks for following my adventures abroad ….
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 