What to Pack

1. Camera, if it's a conventional camera, you can easily get films in China; if it's digital, bring enough memory cards with you if you don't bring a laptop. I can burn DVDs for you out of my laptop as the last resolve if you run out of memory. If the camera comes with a charger, don't forget to bring the charger with you.

2. Your passport, cash or traveler's check, driver's license, the SAO folder which includes your insurance information and the flight itinerary.

3. Your regular medication.

4. Tylenol or Advil or your preferred over the counter painkiller, diareaah medication, your asthma inhaler.

5. Winter clothes: warm coat, fleece and/or sweater, scarf, gloves, hat, warm socks.

6. A pair of sneakers.

7. A nice set of dress if you want to go out with the group. We are going to celebrate the New Year in style!

8. An Illinois T-shirt or shirt. Be prepared to leave the shirt or an extra new shirt to your Chinese friend that you have made. I respect everyone's stance on the Chief issue. Feel free to wear the Chief logo. But as a respect to the Chinese people, I don't think you should give presents in the Chief logo. I personally was offended when people wearing the Chief shirts yelled at me "Fighting Chink," which was the small Illinois town Pekin's high school mascot.

9. Dental floss, cold sour cream, moisturizer, deodorant.

10. Your cell phone, IF it's quad band, unlocked from the network and uses SIM card.