the wonderful world of guanxi 



My trip to Hong Kong and Japan is booked and paid for. My only worry, as I previously stated, is that Yanyang won't be able to meet me in HK, which would mean I might be spending nine very lonely nights there. Things look at least semi-hopeful, though. Yanyang is calling in every favor she can think of from friends and cousin's friend's former college roommates, etc. in an attempt to secure a visa. But that's kind of the way things get done in China. It's all about who you know, and it's called guanxi (often translated into English as "connections"). However, in the end it may involve some sort of seriously covert operation, a la Escape from New York. It seems that the Chinese government is extremely resistant to supplying its citizens with tourists visas to Hong Kong without them having to join a tour group. Yanyang may have to do so and then simply give the tour group the slip once she crosses the border. I don't think it's as risky as it sounds, but don't worry. If there's the smallest chance that she could actually get in trouble, I won't let her attempt it. I do know that it has been done easily by others without any ramifications. At any rate, I think that will be the last resort.

Having said all that, I'd like to give a "shout-out" to new email friend, Justin, from Shenzhen Zen. His writings about his experiences in Shenzhen have been a great source of amusement and useful information about living in China. I highly recommend his blog. Also, he and his girlfriend have been very helpful in offering advice about how to get Yanyang over to HK while I'm there. Not only that, he even offered me a place to stay while I'm there. What a guy. 

Posted: Fri - February 25, 2005 at 11:46 PM           |

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