Thursday, April 5, 2012

Inexperienced Travelers

A few months ago, when we received notice that our travel approval was coming shortly, the first thing I did (as any normal person would do!) was look over my sample packing list, and go out and buy all of the things I needed for my trip so that I would not be rushing around at the last minute.

If you ever look in my pantry, you would notice that I do not buy many snacks, since I have absolutely no willpower and eat them immediately.  But snacks were on my list, and I immediately went out to buy the snacks that I never have at home.  I was most excited about a jar of Nutella and animal crackers - - - - - I haven't bought a jar of spreadable chocolate (or whatever it is) in years because I can easily eat the whole jar in one sitting.


I have been looking forward to eating it for months.  And resisting the temptation, imagining myself eating it on the plane.

When we went through the check-in at the airport, I got the extra pat-down and had to empty everything out of my bag while Joe just sailed on through.  I kept thinking - - - - - what could I have done that is suspicious? And that is when the girl held up my jar of Nutella and said:

"You may either check your entire carry on bag (which contains ALL of my adoption paperwork)  or surrender this."

And honestly, I thought about it for a minute.  But I gave it up.  I should have asked her if I could just have a bite.  We thought maybe she just took it because it was for sale somewhere in the airport.  But that is not true.  Since we arrived 3 hours early, and our check-in process took about 15 minutes, we searched the entire airport looking for a jar.    I am convinced that the airport security girl just wanted it for herself.  She probably sat down somewhere in the airport and ate my spreadable chocolate on animal crackers :)  At least the TSA safety regulations are helping me watch my sugar consumption.  And I wonder if they sell Nutella in China.

7 comments:

  1. Oh no!!! I wish I could bring you a jar! Praying for you guys and SO excited to be following your journey!! BLOG a lot!!!!!

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  2. Safe travels!!! Funny how us hometown girls are both overseas at the same time for the same reasons :) Makes me smile!!! Happy travels and have an amazing time with your sweet boy

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  3. Oh no! Same thing happened to a girl in front of me on our trip. She was a teenager. I thought she was going to cry. Here's a promise. Amber and I will meet you on her front porch with a jar of Nutella as soon as you get home.

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  4. Found this online: There's hope.

    Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

    Yes. There is Nutella in China. Where I live, in Shenyang a second-tier city, I've bought it at places such as Carrefour, Wal-Mart, Tesco, and Metro. There may be other places that sell it that I don;t even know about.

    All you have to do is check some of the foreign goods stores and you're sure to find it quite easily. Especially in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, and other large first-tier cities.

    Good luck!

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  5. They took the Nutella? NOOOOO!
    I'll bet that security girl has enjoyed her new chocolaty snack.
    And yes, Jen is right, you should be able to find some in Beijing. Try one of the big stores like Carrefour (French Walmart).
    I am so, so happy that you guys are on your way and have thought of you so many times today. I'm not envious of the flight you are currently enduring, but man do I wish I was going along!
    Safe travels and do post as often as you can ~ you'll thank yourself later.

    Love,
    Kristi

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  6. Oh that is a bummer! Nutella is awesome to have when you just need a taste of home in a foreign land! Glad to hear you got there safely! I am so excited for you guys!!!

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