Forta.com - Blog

I just arrived in Beijing, making a detour coming back from MAX Japan to spend 3 days in China (in Beijing and Hangzhou, and then leaving via Shanghai) for Flex and AIR related meetings and presentations. This is my first time in China (I have visited Hong Kong and Taiwan previously, but never Mainland China), and I plan to spend some time tomorrow seeing the sights.

Passengers arriving in to China must complete a "Health Quarantine Declaration Form" identifying any ailments and diseases they may have by checking the appropriate boxes. For some reason I found the range of diseases listed very amusing. The list started with snivels, cold, and vomiting, and progressed to venereal disease, leprosy, HIV/AIDS, open pulmonary tuberculosis, and ended with psychosis. (I just can't help but wonder how many people check that last box).

Comments

[Add Comment]

Hi Ben,

As an old visitor, I would suggest to try real Chinese food there. You will be amazed. :)

By the way, I really like Beijing Airport. :)

# Posted By O?uz Demirkap? | 11/3/07 1:54 PM

Hey, cool! Please be very careful at intersections -- turning cars assert right-of-way over pedestrians, at speeds higher than their reaction / braking time. Get in a crowd and stay there.

Tech shops at Zhongguancun and Third Ring Road, nortwest corner. Sanity at Beihai Park and Back Lakes. Avoid art students. More at jdowdell.typepad.com.

Sounds like you're passing through Shanghai, but I'm at Merry Rendezvous Hotel, where Nanjing meets Yan'an, if you're around.

jd

# Posted By John Dowdell | 11/3/07 9:30 PM

Ben, you seem to consider Taiwan as a part of China. Well, that's what the PRC government wants you to believe.
Although not recognized by the UN, in the facts, Taiwan is an independant and democratic country. They have a president elected by the people of Taiwan (unlike PRC).
I know it is very confusing that China is officialy called People Republic of China and Taiwan Republic of China.
If you want to know more, I suggest you see Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan.

Regards,

Benjamin.

# Posted By Benjamin | 11/4/07 10:14 PM

Benjamin. I am fully aware of the politics pertaining to Taiwan, as well as the official positions of China, US, and UN. And no, I am not believing what anyone wants me to believe, nor am I taking sides or positions. I am just stating where I have been and where I am.

--- Ben

# Posted By Ben Forta | 11/4/07 10:23 PM

Ok, so it is your sentence "This is my first time in China (I have visited Hong Kong and Taiwan previously, but never Mainland China)" that is misleading. It made me believe you thought Taiwan was in China (as in PRC) but not in Mainland China.

# Posted By Benjamin | 11/5/07 12:01 AM

(psst, hey Benjamin, Ben can't go to a Wikipedia entry... he's in the PRC! Google Cache won't work either, and I suspect the better-known anonymizers are also on the nanny list. Blogspot's the other big domain I've never been able to reach here.)

# Posted By John Dowdell | 11/5/07 6:09 AM

"Ben, you seem to consider Taiwan as a part of China. Well, that's what the PRC government wants you to believe.Although not recognized by the UN",really? Taiwan is a part of china!

# Posted By yyi | 11/5/07 7:13 AM

And that's why I am not taking sides or getting involved in that discussion. :-)

JD, correct. Except for when I am in the Adobe office or on VPN, then I am virtually in the US.

--- Ben

# Posted By Ben Forta | 11/5/07 9:13 AM

[Add Comment]

Ni Hao From Beijing