We made a dry run as a family yesterday morning to our new church facility. Here is what I learned:
1. Currently we take two buses to get to the Gubei facility from Xinzhuang. It takes around 50-55 minutes to get there and the walk from the Gubei stop is only a three-minute walk. For the most part, the entire trip we get seats on both buses. The cost per adult is 5 RMB (round trip is 10 RMB).
2. Our trip to Yongda will be require three subway lines (#5, #1, #2) and a total of 21 stops and of course two line changes. Cost per adult is 6 RMB (round trip is 12 RMB).
3. A very good interactive map which can help you calculate the cost, time, and best route to the Long Yang Rd. station. Click here to use the metro interactive map. Instructions: click on one of the metro stops THEN HOLD DOWN AND DRAG MOUSE to the stop you are going to. I found on a Saturday morning the time estimate was accurate to within 3 minutes.
4. The entire trip took 84 minutes.
5. It takes exactly 5 minutes to change between subway lines at people's square.
6. It took our family three minutes to get out of the Long Yang Rd. station once the subway doors opened. Exiting the station out of exit #2 is the fastest and most direct route.
7. It then took 13 minutes for us to get to the Yongda building. See the map.
8. Families with children will find crossing the large street a challenge. The street is under construction and you need to navigate across two sections of the street. Cars would not stop and crossing the street and required Chinese-style pedestrian-ism. On the second section of the road there were four traffic assistants and a police officer. We questioned the police officer why only one crossing had traffic assistance, he looked a little embarrassed. I hope they figure this out because it was a bit dangerous.
8. Arriving at the Yong Da building reminded me of the Beijing facility back in the late 90s. It is modern, clean. We took the elevator to the second floor, but later found that taking the outdoor escalator will be very convienent to both the conference center and the classrooms and offices.
9. The conference center is beautiful and spacious. It will serve the needs of the branches for a long time. The classroom section is tight. There will be enough room for everything, but there will be no room for hallway socializing inside the entryway. Socializing will need to happne in the foyer or on the outdoor bridge between the conference center and the classrooms. They are both on the same level and in close proximity to each other and that going to work out quite well.
10. I think this will be a very doable facility for our needs. It will take us around 30 additional minutes to get to the facility (additional hour for round trip).
We are looking forward to the change and remain fixed in our determination to be remain faithful to the Lord and His will at this time in our lives.
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