Well, we have been traveling again! We have been on some wonderful trips, with wonderful people and seen some wonderful places....
This was our last trip for this year and it was so enjoyable and gorgeous. It is hard to say goodbye to our dear friends, who have
taught with us, in China this year. They are such talented, kind, loving, generous people. I feel honored to have been so closely
associated with them and we will miss that association.
Last week we went to Hangzhou on Thursday, April 30th. When we arrived, we met BYU teachers from Beijing and Marvin Wu took
us to a traditional Chinese noodle dinner.
The morning of May 1st we toured the West Lake and went on gorgeous boat ride around the lake. We saw a huge Dragon Boat that
was magnificent. The average depth of the lake was 1.8 meters - less than 6 feet! As we got off the tour boat, there were many little
shops and vendors. What wonderful buys we made! Then on to Suzhou.
The morning of May 2 we visited the largest traditional garden in Suzhou and it was beautiful. "Humble Administrators Garden" is a
10 century creation and "Tiger Hill" is located within the garden. Within the park is a leaning pagoda - a 7 story structure dating
back to 961 A.D.
In the same afternoon we took a boat trip to the Grand Canals in Suzhou or the Venice of the East. It was absolutely gorgeous -
something I would hate to have missed. There were people living along the waterways. We got some great photos. I will send them.
Then we went to Suzhou's famous embroidery factory, where we saw some awesome stitchery on silk.
The morning of May 3, we went to the small ancient Chinese town of Zhouzhuang. We took another boat trip on a different canal
to visit "Old Street" and the Zhang and Shen family mansions. LOTS of great shopping... We ate the famous "sweet pig's elbow"
for lunch (alot of fat - not much meat!)
Then rode to Shanghi and flew back to Qingdao.
It was a wonderful trip and we were happy to return to Qingdao. This week I only had one class - it is mid term and the students are
busy with that and also it is "sports day." I have been helping BYU friends purchase pearls and preparing for classes next week.
Dad keeps busy too.
We are anxious to see all of you and get things in order at home. The world, as we knew it, has changed in the USA. In some ways,
it has drastically changed and will never be the same again. We feel so sheltered over here and almost like we don't realize what is
really going on in the USA.
But, the most exciting thing is that we will see all of you. I can hardly wait to see your sweet faces - faces I love with all my heart.
I have dreamed of the day when I will see you again. I can hardly wait. You have been in our every thought and prayer. How we love
and appreciate all of you. You are the most important part of our lives.
I Love You,
Mom
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