2006 China Healing & Feng Shui -FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Hold mouse over images to learn about them

Do I need immunisations? Immunisations are not required for China. You may choose to have these if desired or discuss alternative options eg - homoeopathics with Daryll to enable you to make an informed choice.

Will I get altitude sickness in China? Altitude sickness generally only occurs at heights above 3000 metres, as all places we are visiting are well below this, you should experience no symptoms what so ever.

Is the food safe to eat & drink? Naturally you can get ill from eating food in any country in the world, however all food provided to you whilst on this course is prepared in an hygenic manner and washed in sterilised water. It is therefore safe to eat anything provided including salads, fruit and even ice creams. All the food on the course is vegetarian, however should you wish to eat meat, as dinners are at your own organisation, naturally you may order what ever you choose.

Is the tour physically challenging? There are periods of walking involved and a certain degree of fitness and agility is required for you to get the most out of the experience. However the bike riding or treks involved are optional extras. At certain times there will be a reasonable amount of walking, eg - at the temples and monuments, however this is generally flat walking and quite easy. At many temples, there are steps to walk up and down, you can hold a rail and take your time. A good sensible pair of walking shoes is a must.

Do I have to carry my luggage everywhere? In most cases we will be getting off a plane / train, collecting our luggage, taking it out to waiting transfers and it will be taken to our hotel and the porters will take it to our rooms. Hence there is very little actual carrying of luggage. However, the lighter you can travel, definitely the easier it makes your journey, especially when packing and unpacking at different hotels. Although not necessary, it is customary to tip porters at airports and bellboys in hotels, this is at your discetion and your own expense. A folding luggage trolley that you can wheel around or luggage on wheels definitely makes your life easier. For our train travel, luggage will need to be pushed under beds or lifted up onto your bunk. Heavy or large luggage can be a problem.

What is the accomodation like?  We do our very best to make your journey as comfortable & enjoyable as possible. We stay in 3-5 star hotels, guesthouses & hostels. However, keep in mind that in many ways China is still a developing country and your idea of what a 5 star hotel "should" be like may not always be the same as theirs. A sense of humour and passion to discover another cultures way of life will definitely assist you to get the most from your travel experience. All accommodation is  shared (same sex, unless requested). We will do our best to put people together that may have similar styles, interests and preferences. naturally if you wish to swap rooms with others on the course you may work this out together.

What is the climate likely to be? The average September  temperature in Beijing is around 13-17 degrees C and some rain. You may need a light cardigan or wrap for evenings.

What extra money will I need? All of the not included items are listed on the itinerary. Naturally you can spend a great deal if you eat lavishly and shop with wild abandon. However, in most places you could eat for $12-20 per meal (in some places, a great deal less than this, however this is a good budget). If you wish to do optional activities such as craft classes, treks, bike rides, massages, study courses with the local teachers you will need additional money for this also. The next itinerary (upon booking) will outline all suggested costs. You will need money for photo developing, postcards and stamps, souveniers, gifts and shopping. If at all possible allow yourself some extra spending money, the difference between saving $50 and going on a full day tour or study can often make all the difference on an amazing journey.        Interestingly in all cases, the hotels we have been guided to booking for the journey, all have very inexpensive eating places nearby for those on a budget.

What are the people on the tour like & how many are there? Naturally when a group of people come together there is a mix of personalities and dispositions, it is our goal to bring a group of like minded people together on this voyage in an atmosphere where we are able to feel comfortable and supported. Where we are able to take responsibility for ourselves and in turn, thoroughly enjoy and be enriched by each others histories and past experiences. We all have a common goal together to grow spiritually, to have a wonderfully enjoyable time and to develop some new skills. There will be certain crew leaders you can turn to if you need any assistance with a concern. At this point we are not certain of numbers as we are not limiting how many God/spirit/universal energies have chosen to join us. However we anticipate the number to be somewhere between 12-30.

What clothing should I take? Comfortable, well presented clothing (preferably light weight). It is our experience at airports and hotels that if you are a little more presentable, the stafff generally go out of their way to assist you just that little bit more. However, for the study days, feel free to wear what ever you like. You will probably be most comfortable in cool, softly breezy fabrics and sandles and it is wise to either cover up entirely or have a good insect repellant every night whilst outside, whilst dengue fever and malaria is no longer a large concern, there are some small cases and mosquito bites, aprt from that will make you immensely uncomfortable. You can buy clothing cheaply almost every where if you need more, bring as little as you require. You will need 1set of good clothes for evening dinners, some hotels (for men this is generally closed toe shoes and long pants, ladies can wear most items, thongs are not acceptable). For temple visits you will need your shoulders and knees covered and the toes and heels of your feet covered. If you do not wish to wear longs, you may carry a couple of sarongs to tie around or alternatively, anywhere we visit where certain clothing is required, you will be able to hire it if necessary for a small fee. Towels are provided at all hotels.

What else do I need to bring? Essential list: Passport (ensure it has at least 6 months validity remaining), and a Chinese visa stamp, Travel Insurance (can be arranged at a special price by your agent), Manuals (this will be express posted to you prior to departure), I Ching Coins / Dowsing Rods / Pendulum (all can be ordered before departure if needed) pens & notebooks, camera & film (regardless of what they tell you China’s airport Xrays are often not film safe, ask them to inspect you camera and film seperately if not yet developed), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, day pack (for water and lunch boxes), travellers cheques in US$ or A$, personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissues, foam bath, face washers & towels are all provided in hotels), insect repellant, swimming costume. Optional List: immersion heater, tea, coffee mate, cup, spoon (see TIPS section), expenses diary, reading material, small torch, feminine hygene products (tampons can be difficult to buy), sarong.

Do I get certificates? On some study tours where courses are included you will receive a certificate upon completion
We reccommend you complete feng shui 1 prior to departure to heighten your experience. Your FS 1 certificate will be issued on successful completion of  the course. Additional certificates (& a Chinese student card which will get you discounts should you continue travels in China) can be issued depending on study choices in China.

Do I have personal support whilst away?  Whilst we expect the students to take responsibility for their own issues, emotions and feelings whilst away, there will be designated crew leaders that you can chat to should you need to and Daryll will be spending some evenings in private studies, attunements and meetings for students who may need extra time.If you are in need of anything we will do our best to ensure your needs are met.

Do I need visas, where do I get one? For Australian citizens a visa is required for China. We will send you all forms upon booking. You must enter China within 3 months of the visa being issued and it will be valid for 30 days. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the entry date.

How do I organise my airfares? You may elect to organise all your own flights if desired, however you will need to ensure they arrive in Beijing for you to begin studies with us the AM of Sept' 17th. Alternatively we have arranged for a group booking to be made through Flight Centre -  with various airlines. You will be given a contact person as part of the group, you can then call and quote this and will be given special prices and organisation. They will organise a flight for you to Beijing on the correct days, taking all the difficulties and making it easy for you. The estimated cost for this flight is $995 - $1699 depending on the airline you choose and where (if at all) you would like your free stop over. If you wish to upgrade to business class this is possible. If you are a member of a frequent flyer program, please provide your members number to enable you to accrue points on all flights. If you wish to arrive early or extend your vacation you can do so at no extra cost, provided you specify the dates at this point (there is an applicable charge for changing them once issued). Depending on your variations, Flight Centres will inform you of the full cost and you can pay them directly.

When do I need to book & what do I do? It is a good idea to book as soon as possible to ensure you receive a place on the tour group as well as confirming a seat on your international flights and overnight trains. As it is warm in the China, planes fill easily at this time & vacancies are limited. To ensure your booking you will need to send a $600.00 booking deposit (non refundable), you will then receive further details and you can call Flight Centre (or speak with us) to provide your booking details. 50% of the complete balance is due 120 days (4 months) prior to departure and balance due in 90 days prior (3 months). Payments for international flights can be arranged directly with the agent.

Can I have a single supplement if I don’t wish to share accomodation? Yes you may. Full details, costs and confirmation of this will be available by request. Estimated cost $1000.00

Can I bring a partner &/or my children? Yes, you are most welcome to. However, if children are brought you will need to ensure you have a care giver for them whilst you are studying. As the seminars are given as a gift to you, the fee for your partner will be the same and childrens prices are available on request.

What are the prerequisites? It is recommended to have completed Feng Shui 1 - The beginning, (this is available on correspondence at any time from the college, please ensure you have completed the course well in advance to enable you to send in your assignments, have them marked and returned to you with your certificate). As we will be delving into advanced techniques, demonstrations and case studies a basic Feng Shui knowledge is essential, hence this pre requisite. Any study you have done in feng shui, natural therapies or spiritual development will be an asset to you over the course, however a background in these topics is not essential (an open mindedness is). A suggested book, product and reading list and order form will be sent on booking.

Power adaptors & immersion heaters: A wonderful item to take when you travel anywhere is a multi country power adaptor and a water immersion heater. With these items and some tea bags, instant coffee and coffee mate you are able to make a cup of tea or a warm drink in your room. For those times you don’t want room service or to go out.

Drinking water: The hotels we will stay at will all provide drinking water for you in the room or it can be purchased nearby.