Getting settled

Took a little stroll around the hood. There is a little French Bakery down the corner the serves a latte and a croissant for about 6 bucks. I have a feeling it will be my regular morning stop. Laying low and going to a friends place for dinner tonight. Starting to feel comfortable moving around. I think I'll be sticking close to the area when it comes to apartment hunting. We all have that comfort zone of knowing our neighbour hood. Same applies here. I definitely need to start to learn a little language. I'll go nuts if I don't. Cabs are pretty funny. They don't like it if you don't know where you are going. Seems they don't know the city either. I've been able to survive so far with pointing, I'm sure my luck will run out eventually.

Zaijian!

The office again

A little jet lagged today, woke up at 2:45 am and couldn't get back to sleep. Went for a strange medical test today. Blood, eyes, EKD, and bunch of other useless things that I need to get my permanent paperwork. About a 45 minute taxi ride, cost all of $26.

Trying to track down when my camera and the rest of the gear will show up. I will be arriving in China late Friday night, not sure where or if it will get delivered.

Couple of new photos from the office. The shots of the street as seen from the 14th floor, and Ben and Flora doing a little research in an empty office.

The view

So the hotel/apartment isn't to bad. Kind of a loft thing happening. Here is the view from the dirty window at sun rise. Made it through the day and was able to get a cell phone and applied for my Press Card. I can't work till I jump through a few hoops. The jet lag didn't kick in until about 7 pm. Feeling a little kicked around right now.

Looks like duck/chicken in off the menu for a while. A confirmed case of Avian Flu just down the road.

Finally arrived

Flying over the arctic circle I'm finally getting a feel for the distance. It's a vast land with textures of white, and a weird pink, orange glowing skyline. It is also very empty. The exact opposite of what I'm about to encounter.

I chatted a bit with Ben about what is to come and we both agree that the key is to work smart. What that really means, I'll let you know.

Maggi and I talked about how this feels like just another assignment, just a little longer than most. I'm told that the secret to making this work is make sure she shares in the experience. Through this and Skype, I hope that she and others can.

The flight over was long, but tolerable thanks to my upgrades, finally some pay back for spending the last couple of years on the road so much.

Bureau in a box

So here is the bulk of the gear. Two cameras, one deck for now, mixer, cables, lights, tripods, and odds and ends. Total of 10 pieces shipping it out December 31. Not sure when it will get there or whether it will arrive in one piece but it does weight a ton. Well not sure if it is a true ton, but happy that I'm not hauling through airports this time. Next up is to pack up the personal gear.

For those collegues in the business here are the workhorses for the next three years. One XD HD 355, and one HZ7U. Will be cutting with Final Cut Pro on a 17 inch Mac. The office is within AP's Bureau, so at least there will be some support. Will most likely ftp with Satellite as the back up.

So my letter is in, just need to pick up the visa. Got my ticket last week.

Starting to gather my gear. Nice that I have all new stuff. Here is a shot of my new camera from last weeks freak show on parliament hill.

The new office?

So while I deal with accountants and banks trying to put my life in a box for the next few years Ben O'Hara-Byrne has been busy. Ben is the report or should I say Bureau Chief. Anyways he was kind enough to send me a couple of photos of our new office. Keep in mind that we haven't moved in and won't until the 6th of January. Fance 24 occupied the space up until yesterday and i looks like they left us some parting gifts of used furniture. Home sweet home.