Getting closer

Hi all,
Well, we're getting closer to the departure date.
I addressed some of my concerns Saturday: I filled my suitcases with clothes and books and toiletries, and it wasn't too bad. I fit in more than I thought I could, and it wasn't too unwieldy. So that's good news.
My visa should arrive today via FedEx or something. I used travisa.com and they were very nice to work with.
My brother is getting married this weekend in Indiana. So we'll be there from Wednesday night until Sunday. Once we get back it'll practically be August!
I'm still learning Chinese; I read a list of the ten most important phrases to know going to China, and I already knew eight! So that's encouraging. I'm sure my pronunciation is terrible; but I can work on it when I get there.

Here are the ten phrases:

1. Ni hao: pronounced, “nee how.” This is the most common way to say Hello in China, and is typically understood regardless of your pronunciation. This is also a good phrase to begin more complex Chinese conversation, as it preps the listener to hear Chinese rather than the expected English, etc.

2. Xie xie: pronounced, “shay shay.” Thank you. In my opinion, this is the number one phrase to know. You cannot be thankful enough for the many waiters/waitresses, cab drivers, and citizens for helping you get the things you want without knowing the language they speak. This phrase typically raises a smile, as it is greatly appreciated, and often unexpected.

3. Bu yao: pronounced, “boo yow” Literally translates to “no want.” This phrase is especially useful in the major tourist areas in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where countless vendors are continuously trying to make a sale.

4. Wo yao yi ping shui: pronounced, “whoa yow ee peeng shway” Translates into “I would like a bottle of water.” A little lengthier, but just as useful, as water taken directly from the tap is not drinkable in China. I have never been to a restaurant or hotel that did not provide bottled water.

5. Cesuo zai nar: pronounced, “tsuh-swhoh zi (rhyming with eye) nahr” “Where is the restroom?” This phrase is rather self-explanatory. Even if the person being asked responds in more Chinese than you can handle, they will at least point you in the right direction.

6. Wo e le: pronounced, “whoa uh luh” This phrase translates into “I am hungry” and is probably the most basic way to get someone to help you find food.

7. Zai jian: pronounced, “zi jee-ann” The most common way to say “good bye.”

8. Duo shao qian: pronounced, “dwoh shaow chee-ann.” Here you are asking how much something costs, a phrase especially helpful in the many markets around town.

9. Wo bu shuo zhongwen: pronounced, “woh boo shwoh jong-wun,” and meaning “I don’t speak Chinese.”

10. The last thing to know are the numbers, one through ten, broken down as follows:
a. Yi (ee) – 1
b. Er (ar) - 2
c. San (sahn) – 3
d. Si (suh) – 4
e. Wu (woo) – 5
f. Liu (lee-oh) – 6
g. Qi (chee) – 7
h. Ba (bah) – 8
i. Jiu (jee-oh) – 9
j. Shi (shr) – 10