China Trade Mission

Yesterday I slept the day away so tonight I am wide awake. Betty and I had a good time being transported through China as part of a 200 member group from Chico. Betty’s daughter lives there so she invited us. It was a great tour even though we spent 12 hours a day off and on busses. It is a tough way to travel as walking or biking is much easier.

I was impressed with the changes in the city of Beijing. When I was there in 1992 there were only bikes, trucks and busses on the roads and now there are beautiful freeways with millions of automobiles. I’m not sure the addition of automobiles makes anything better. The new hotels, upscale stores, and all the new construction was amazing to see also. They are really gearing up for the Olympics in 2008.

We went to Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai where we visited parks and factories that manufactured everything from silk, carpets, pearls, jade, and embroidery, In other words we saw the parts of China they wanted us to see as the Chinese government arranges these tours with the cities in the U.S.

My mom called me several mornings while I was gone and I’d answer the phone in a Bonsai Garden and it would be my mom saying, “I’m going to bed now dear”. She did fine while I was gone since she didn’t realize I wasn’t around. The cell phone coverage in China is good.

Walker and Peyton will be arriving tomorrow so I ordered a Thanksgiving dinner from the grocery store. Anna Marie said we could eat at her house as it’s larger than mine. We also have a Santa breakfast planned for Saturday. It all sounds like lots of work doesn’t it?

I am delighted to report that not only have I heard from Hanna but I also was included in a group email addressed to “Friends”. I just like being in contact with her so she can help remind us of details of our past.

Are you cooking a turkey?