I just found out about this amazing app called "Mail Master", or the Chinese name "网易邮箱大师". It lets you access your Gmail accounts without any need for VPN. Here's an Android link for the download file:
http://a.app.qq.com/o/simple.jsp?pkgnam … tease.mail
I know it's also for iPhone, if you just search for it (sorry I'm an Android user myself).
Basically this past week I've been having the worst time connecting with my VPN, but I needed to access some really important emails I was ready to just start a new email account from a different service, but then this app was recommended to me. It's a life saver!!
I hope this helps some folks out there like me who just can't let go of their beloved Gmail