Trip to China

     The tour guide thought Mike looked just like Arnold Schwarzenegger and called him "Governor" the rest of the trip, the name stuck with him for the entire tour. Mike also became involved with a Chinese Acrobatic troupe. They had him roll up into a ball, squeezed him into a huge pot, placed this heavy pot with a heavy Mike inside on a young lady performer's feet and she twirled the pot and Mike around a bit. Mike stayed perfectly still inside the pot and didn't wave to the audience for fear of being dropped.

     Mary told us that if you soiled a hotel hand towel with make up, the hotel made you pay for it. One of her two kids got makeup on a towel and the maids left it lay on the floor. As Mary and kids boarded the bus ready to leave, the hotel called Mary off the bus and demanded payment, about $7, for the towel. Mary didn't think that China would be ready for the Olympics. Still lots of construction left to do; and, the smog is terrible. Some steps have been taken to clear the air and more steps are in the works, but there is still a long way to go.

     The Great Wall visit was strenuous. Mike & Marian were the champs for climbing both sides of the wall. It had been widely reported that the wall was steep and difficult to climb but it was more difficult than either of them imagined. Mike also got lost with a beautiful woman from the bus, not Marian. They decided to take a walk after a cashmere factory tour, and the requisite lunch; got lost, couldn't communicate and finally were directed to a nearby hotel. While in route to the hotel they found the bus. Whew!  Mike and that lady could still be over there. Mike & Mary both enjoyed the trip and recommended it.