Warm cozy coats and hats

In Preparation:
I am attempting to collect all the necessary articles for the trip on Wednesday. Not only was I missing a few essential articles, but I had an aversion to buying one of them. I have never really liked things on my head, but I truly need a hat for the cold winter in Beijing, and more immediately, for the trip up the mountain in Li Jiang. To make matters worse, I only had 3 days left to find it. The pressure and the need collided today, and we went out to find me a hat.

Yesterday, we actually made the purchase of a fine black down winter coat. The coat is not only light, but very warm, as I tested today. We considered having one made, but there were so many that were already lingering about, it didn't really seem necessary. We went to one of the small shopping stores near our house and purchased the winning jacket rather quickly, and for less than $20 USD.

Today was another story. Since I have a hard time picking hats, I was very slow at deciding on a purchase. The selection was enormous, and there were so many nice knit caps... I just couldn't imagine purchasing one of them. I couldn't see myself in one. Though the vendors pulled out their mirrors and popped a few on my head, it took a charming young man of no more than 2 to lure me into a purchase. He started a conversation with Cullen (Cullen and I didn't understand him, but laughed at his determination to interact with us). He offered Cullen some of his beverage, then his mother sent him off. The hat I decided on had a matching scarf, both made of angora wool. It was reasonably priced for a scarf and hat, so the purchase wasn't too painful. Cullen actually bargained for another hat for me as well. So now I have two warm knit winter caps that don't make me feel too silly.

The last thing, that I am not sure we will be able to find before Wednesday, is some motion-sickness medication. We will be in the car for an extended period of time, and the possibility of already being sick from the altitude combined with the car ride, might just push me over the edge. It's always better to be prepared for the occasion than not anyway.

I will be flying out of Beijing to Li Jiang on Wednesday. The flight leaves early in the morning and will be a day full of the same sitting an luggage toting as usual. I am curious as to the Chinese protocol with the airport. What will it be like compared to the states? How will the service on the flight be? Will there be any service?

This is going to be such an exciting adventure. I wish Cullen were coming with me. I will be exciting regardless.