<p>Quite the Chinese based crowd here! My son is in Shanghai, and luckily I’ve had people going to visit him to send things with, so far. What are your kids doing? My son is teaching English (suprise!) </p>
<p>Is that $35 air package to anywhere in the world? I have other people to send things to overseas, and sounds like just what I need. Do you show up with all your stuff at the post office, or buy the box to bring home and pack?</p>
<p>My daughter is in Beijing at an excellent and very intense Chinese language program. She has only been there for a few weeks so far, but has had a lot of great experiences already.</p>
<p>The $35 package is called their “Priority Mail Flat Rate Box”. It’s free. I usually keep a few at home. They are great because weight doesn’t matter. The box does say Domestic Use Only, but this is new, that they use it for International.</p>
<p>I like to pack the box at home, because this way, I can find extra goodies in my pantry to stuff into the corners.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure that its $35 to anywhere. If you use that same box for domestic, its $8.40 to anywhere in the U.S. and I have stuffed it, like in the most unbelievable way, and sent surprises to her all the time when she’s here in the U.S.</p>
<p>Finally got my initiative together this AM, looked it up online. It is $37 anywhere in the world, $23 Canada and Mexico. 20 lb weight limit, which is quite reasonable if not sending gold bullion or kitty litter. Will get one today for that long overdue package for the D in Peru, who wants books and Halloween items. </p>
<p>M of 2, good for your D! She should be quite proud of herself, as isn’t easy. I’m a tad jealous, as should have done that myself, in Taiwan years ago. Maybe still will someday. </p>
<p>Anyone planning to visit? I am, sometime toward spring, if the FF miles and time off from work coincide.</p>
<p>We are amazed that she was able to learn as much Chinese as she has since she started college (she is a junior). She actually spent the summer in Taiwan and was home for 3 weeks before leaving for Beijing. The program in Beijing requires that they take a pledge to speak absolutely no English (except to family/friends on the phone, etc.) but not to fellow students in the program or to Chinese students or other Chinese people. </p>
<p>We plan to visit China for 2 weeks at the end of my daughter’s semester in December, although that probably isn’t the best time weather-wise. We have purchased our plane tickets, but need to plan our trip soon. </p>
<p>So many people are going to China right now - The parents of my daughter’s best friend from HS will be in Beijing at Thanksgiving. (They are our close friends and like second parents to my daughter.) The husband was invited through his professional association to speak to a group there, and they will be able to see my daughter 
And my coworker is traveling to China in May to present at a scientific conference with a professor (originally from China) with whom he is collaborating on a research project.</p>
<p>I agree there are numerous Chinese connections. My S has been there a month, and his friend was able to visit before starting a job. And my good friend, newly retired, is leaving this AM to participate in a teacher’s exchange for a month. She’ll meet him for dinner after arrival, stay in Shanghai a few days before going to her nearby city. I’ve had no need for care packages by mail, as I’ve had plenty of couriers to take supplies. Mostly Mexican food items reading material, and things to help him with teaching. He speaks no Chinese, though sat in on a class this summer. He plans to start studying at some point after things settle from all the visitors and Moon Festival. </p>
<p>I’m a real fan of winter travel to foreign cities. No tourist throngs, the food is more appreciated as a respite from cold, and days of walking are better tolerated than in the heat. December weather can be quite variable, so hope for the best!</p>