4. The Landing

Once on the ground a whole new world unfolds in front of you in more ways than one.

First, find shelter. Hotels are everywhere. Most people have this aspect covered before they arrive. Should you choose to change hotels, they're everywhere.

Once shelter is secured, next is food. Restaurants are everywhere, and just about any kind of cuisine you could want. There's even a Mexican restaurant here, though I wouldn't recommend it.

My advice for those just visiting, get chummy with the hotel concierge at the hotel and have him/her scope out some good Chinese restaurants. Most restaurants have the menu listings in both Chinese and English, plus many have Denny's style pictures of what you'll get. If you're looking for help with the menu, don't plan on any of the restaurant staff to speak English. They seem to know enough to be very polite, but as for translating the entrees, experimentation is the word.

For those here for the long haul, experimentation will become a lifestyle.

Once you find yourself on the streets, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding some familiar trademarks such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. These sometimes are useful landmarks should you get lost or confused.

Getting lost can be easy in any big city, but Beijing has a unique city grid layout which helps in keeping your bearings. All major streets and avenues run either east to west or north to south, directly, like a big Chinese checkerboard. 

Another feature that helps keep the bearings straight is knowing that the Forbidden City is dead center of the city. If you're at the Forbidden City, in front and facing Chaiman Mao, right is east and left is west, behind you is south.

Beijing has a great subway system. It's impeccable clean and runs on time. Also, as for getting lost and found, go through your Chinese Phrase book, I bought the Lonely Planet's Phrasebook, and learn at least enough to jump in a taxi and say your hotel's name. Then, learn to say ‘Thank you.' 

If you're taxi driver seems to be driving in the wrong direction at first, don't panic. The flow of traffic in Beijing is a bit of mystery to everyone, even long time residents. More than likely, the drive has to find a proper, and legal turning point to get in the right direction.

Other things to do once you've landed in Beijing is get familiar with your immediate area. If you're staying in a hotel, explore the facility thoroughly. Find out where the amenities are such as umbrella rentals, bicycle rentals, in house restaurants, etc. 

If you're living in an apartment or residence, likewise, get out and explore the neighborhood.

As foreigners, and obvious foreigners at that, you can expect stares from many Chinese people. I've found staring is the norm. The Chinese stare, that's all. They stare at each other if they find something unique or odd about someone. So, don't take the staring personally. It's just the most sincere sense of curiosity.

Also, if you're staying at a hotel there's no need to register with the police, however, if you're staying in an apartment or a residence, it is advisable to register with local police. 

Some people view this as an infringement to their anonymity. However, we Americans have to realize we're in someone else's country. Registering does a couple different things. As you can imagine since 911, it helps in many security issues within the country. It allows police to know where all Americans are in the unlikely case of riots or some other political upheaval. In such cases, Americans would be evacuated to safe havens or airports. Registering also gives neighbors a certain level of comfort knowing you are willing to acknowledge and abide by their laws and ways of living. 

Many Americans don't register for various reasons, and in today's Beijing, the absolute need to register is becoming less and less an issue. I have friends in other towns in China like Dalian, on the coast, who say things are a bit more strict as you travel outside of Beijing. All the more reason to come to Beijing.

Hopefully, by the time you land you've already secured the proper type of visa for your stay here in Beijing. However, if you're going to change the visa type or renew for a longer stay there is something to know.

You will need to go to Beijing Shi Gong An Ju Chu Ru Jing Guan Li Chu or the Public Security Bureau Import and Export Management Sector and fill out the appropriate forms to change or extend your visa. This is not a big deal. The officers all speak English and the new visa can be had for about 128 RMB or $15 two days later. 

By the way, the offices of the Public Security building are immaculate. Those who have live hear long enough tell horror stories of the complete chaos that once was this process of visa here in Beijing. However, now, it is orderly and efficient and even friendly, considering all the uniforms.

Other things to take care of immediately upon arrival include finding hospitals and embassies on a map. Maps are provided by hotels free of charge.

If you're going to stay longer than 30 days, all this applies along with securing someplace to live. I'll go into accommodations in a later column.

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