Ling Ling got her Schengen visa, we're coming to Amsterdam!

And not the least type of visa. It's a multiple entry visa valid for a full year, with a maximum duration of each stay of no less than 90 days! The agency that prepared the documents for the application was as much taken by surprise as we were. They had prepared a detailed itinerary for 21 days, and we did not expect to get more than that, we were even prepared for a rejection.
Several of our Chinese friends have recently been denied a visa for short visits to Europe or North America. We still don't know what was the deciding factor: the fact that we are married (we used that), my house ownership in Amsterdam (used that too), or Ling Ling's temporarily beefed up bank account (by borrowing from her mother) to be able to supply an impressive bank statement. In any case, it all came to a beautiful conclusion. Now we can even go again next year without having to re-apply, given enough funds for the plane tickets (with KLM, directly from Xiamen to Amsterdam). Those are the most restrictive at the moment. It cost me more than two thousand Euros to get us tickets. But, we're going, and pretty soon too! Right after our wedding party, departing next Wednesday the 11th and arriving the same afternoon. Return is scheduled for October 3rd.
Not a very long trip, and not taking full advantage of the visa, but we can't afford to stay longer. So, get your agenda's ready and start planning coffee meets, picnics in the park, and other social affairs. We're on our way, but first: our wedding party!