Mandarin word of the day

In an attempt not to be one of those lost and confused tourists in a foreign country, I am trying learn at least some rudimentary Mandarin. Nothing complicated, but to help me be polite and in case I need to find someone or something.

To this end I am going to learn one word or phrase every day and this is how I am going to do it.

So today's word is....

Xiexie -- Thank you

Some of my China reading material... 

Tha planning phase

I am going to China for three weeks at the end of March and this is where I am going to tell the world all about it. You (my blogging public) are going to be able to follow the planning, the lead up to my excellent Chinese adventure and see all the pictures I am going to take while I am there.
So be prepared for lots of pictures (my parents gave me a really cool, tiny camera for Christmas) and lots about the "plan". Those who know me, know that I love a good plan.