Saturday, June 14, 2014

Gates

The Chinese are fond of erecting ornate gates. They're cultural markers. The word 'men' means gate in Chinese, and Tiananmen, as in Tiananmen Square, means 'Gate of Heaven.' This is an ironic moniker, given recent history.
The visa process is likewise a kind of gate. As time goes on, the paperwork becomes more onerous-- this time I had to provide the names and occupations of my children in addition to mine and Joe's. I am told the US process is worse, and our visas cost more. Chinese visas cost about $200 when you count processing fees, and I've been told a US visa costs $800.

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