Chinese Visa Regulations

Looks like the end for Simpson’s Paradox. New visa regulations for foreigners in China are throwing many expats out of the country they call home.

Stick’s new visa fell through at the last possible second. It was a dramatic disaster, but the short version is that apparently the school wasn’t quite as professional and aboveboard as we’d thought. His current visa expires tomorrow, so he is flying home tomorrow night.

Expats and travelers should always be alert to the rules and regulations for the countries they’re visiting, but it seems like many foreign workers in China were legal when they arrived, and became illegal while they were abroad. This includes employees under 25 and over 60, both of which were legal visa-holders two months ago, but will be denied visas now. Also affected are expats working for smaller businesses, private schools, or start-ups.

Historic Jamestown Virginia

Historic Colonial Williamsburg * Williamsburg, Virginia (downtown) * http://www.history.org/
In this very pristine historic living history town costumed actors bring to life the incendiary passions of the Revolution on the streets of Colonial Williamsburg so that the future may learen from the past. While you can do historic Williamsburg without purchasing a ticket, they highly encourage it and emphasize that its a must (though I didn’t have any problems without a pass). I didn’t bother with one because I only went in the evenings and late afternoons - maybe that’s why. If you’ve got it, buy a pass to help support this wonderful project. General admission passes include access to a variety of Historic Area buildings and exhibits, the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and regular daytime programs. Some offer discounts on evening performances and other perks. Bus transportation is included in your Colonial Williamsburg admission. Access to as many as 20 to 40 Historic Area buildings and exhibits (depending on season and operating schedules), such as the Capitol, Raleigh Tavern, Great Hopes Plantation, all historic trades sites (wheelwright, blacksmith, silversmith, milliner, wigmaker, etc.), all gardens, and all original 18th-century exhibition sites (the Courthouse, Gaol, Magazine, and the homes of Peyton Randolph and George Wythe), along with admission to Revolutionary City®. Check Colonial Williamsburg This Week for openings. Also includes Capitol tour, orientation tour, regular daytime programs*, and viewing of the movie classic Williamsburg—The Story of a Patriot. Plus, free parking at the Visitor Center and use of Historic Area shuttle buses. ($37/adults; $18 for ages 6-17)

Colonial Williamsburg is the historic district of Williamsburg, Virginia and consists of many of the buildings that existed from 1699 to 1780 that formed the colonial capital of Williamsburg and a thriving pivotal point of the historic triangle (Jamestown and Yorktown). It was once the center for Government, education, and culture in the Colony of Virginia. As a historical re-enactment village, its meant to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city with exhibits including dozens of authentic and accurately-recreated colonial houses, shops, and activity grounds including the Raleigh Tavern, the Capital building, the Governor’s Palace, and Bruton Parish Church. The Historic area is located just east of the College of William and Mary that was founded at Middle Plantation in 1693 just prior to the establishment of the town as capital of Virginia. the restoration and recreation of Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest historic restorations ever undertaken, was championed by the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the patriarch of the Rockefeller family, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., along with the active participation of his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who wanted to celebrate the patriots and the early history of the United States.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/20/08, 5/21/08, and 5/22/08.

Doom Gloom night at the Wave, Norfolk, Virginia

Doom Gloom @ the Wave
http://www.thewavenorfolk.com/ * 4107 Colley Ave in Norfolk Virginia.
Nestled in a neighbourhood on the coast of Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia lies a neat little gay club called “The Wave”. On tuesday nights it hosts Norfolk’s only Goth/Industrial night called “Doom Gloom”. 18 plus, 10-2, great music and drink specials, lots of dancing and socializing. 2 rooms and a smoke patio, even though smoking is still allowed in the club (as it appears most establishments in Virginia) and a pool room. The younger crowd is a bit more raver than goth, light sticks seem to be a common theme, but the music selections will cover old school tastes without contemplation. During my 5/20/08 visit I had fun especially as I ran into an old friend and partied the night away. Good times. Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

light stick haven