You need a visa for China and there are only a few ways of getting one. You either send off the 4 page application form, your passport and a large amount of money to a visa processing company and wait for 5 weeks, or you go to the consulate yourself. We chose the latter as we don't like the prospect of being without a passport for 5 weeks. The consulate for Texas is in Houston (why?) so off we go. You still have to fill in the 4 page form, get a photo that matches their size requirements (to the millimeter!) and list out all your hotel addresses. Then you wait in line while those that are not quite as prepared take ages to get their forms accepted. When our turn comes they asked to see proof of return flights - luckily we had that ready too so all was well. They hand you back a pick-up slip and tell you to come back in 3 days. It really is that simple.
The Consulate is in the Montrose district of Houston. A short drive in any direction brings you to tree lined streets with very nice houses. Cant imagine how much they go for. But we are headed south to take in the museum of natural science Who knew that paleontology could be so interesting?
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| These could fly! Massive wingspan |
Then its off to Brazos Bend state park for the night. We always arrive at these places after the staff have gone home for the night. So you pick up a park map and drive around to find a nice site. First thing we noticed was the caterpillars - they were crawling around all over. After a while we realised that they were abseiling down out of the trees! So we chose a more open site, lit a fire and had a cold one. Heaven.
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