Hi all... I think I've mentioned that my mom and dad are in China travelling with my sister's family. My niece Heather (the one who will be doing the 60k Weekend to end Breast Cancer later this summer) is in the BC Girl's choir and her choir, as well as the BC Boy's choir are "touring" China. Kelly (my sister) is a chaperone, and my mom and dad, Gary and Holly and Laurel are in accompanying tour.
Well, my mom found a computer, worked her way throught the fact that it was in a Chinese language! They are having a GREAT time and here is mom's email, which she gave permission for me to share here.... she will not be able to email her usual gang due to time, etc...
"We had great flights over. Ten hours to Tokyo and after a couple of hours layover, 4 hours to Beijing. Very hot, humid, sticky and hazy. Probably pollution and heat combination. We've had two very exciting days. The hotel is wonderful, fully modern, with all the amenities--including this Business Center. Saw the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, Temple of Heaven, shopped at a 7-storey market (Holly was a whiz at bargaining), went to a silk market, and had a pedicab (rickshaw) ride through one of the old style "hutongs" (narrow alleys and old style housing). It was fantastic. Today we are off to the Great Wall.The food is incredible! They are taking us to great restaurants and we will all be gaining weight! Breakfast here at the hotel includes eggs, bacon, toast, pasta, salads, fruit, as well as all the Chinese menu items.
The choir's performance last night was awesome! What an incredible bunch of talented kids. The theatre was beautiful and the concert was well-received by the audience, especially when they sang a song in Chinese. Apparently the Chinese VicePremier was there. The people took lots of pictures of them after the show. I forgot to mention our visit to the Canadian Embassy, which was a great experience also. Had a presentation on video, a talk by the Ambassador, the choirs sang and then there was a reception for them.We are being treated royally.
Also, Laurel is a hit wherever we go. I think that while the Chinese people see Caucasian adults, they don't see too many children, so people are coming up to her and touching her cheeks. We are giving out Canadian pins, and when Laurel (or the other girls) give one to a child, they will reciprocate with a gift-- candy, a flag, or coin."
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5 comments:
So exciting, Joanne! I bet you're jes so proud of them all. It sounds like a wonderful trip. Hope they're taking lots of pictures. Definitely the event of a lifetime. :)
Hope
Thanks so much for the China update -- sounds like they are having an amazing time. I've been thinking about them all week. Hi to all! Lorraine
Hello Joanne...
I got your address from Jennifer W. so I just wanted to take a minute to say hi and let you know that I am thinking of you...
Jim F. :)
Sounds a fantastic trip for all concerned. Your Mum's amazing with the updates.
Mure's cousin works in Beijing, for the London FT newspaper. They escape in the summer as the pollution and humidity is so bad.
China is changing so rapidly I think it's a great time to go.
I bet you're missing them all. Not be long 'til you're off travelling again. Keep going cookie.
xxx
Thanks for the update Joanne. I have been following the itinery and it is very exciting.I hope your mom got that new camera all figured out! Hope you are feeling okay and not finding the house too empty with the older two spreading their wings. Looking forward to having you in Regina.
Peggy
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