A few things I forgot to mention about why August 11-18 were, umm, the unspeakables: China does not accept credit cards. Maybe in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, but outside of that, it's all cash. So when you are out of money, you are donezo. Like I said, getting to the airport is neither cheap nor easy. I will be forever grateful to AH and DH for ensuring my safe arrival at Pu Dong International. As far as the actual purchase of a flight, the majority of airlines will not even sell you a ticket three days out. Just being able to purchase a ticket at three times its normal value is a blessing. As far as anxiety goes, when you know you need a whole new plan, you have nothing to do all day, are not sure if you are going to get paid for the last month and a half of work, crossing your fingers that the electricity will not get turned off, and are literally watching the building you live in come down in pieces, it is a little difficult to sleep. So much to do, and no way to get it done.