Travel plans!

Hi friends.

E at Nanhu Park in September

Thanks to our dear friend E  and Sophia and Gary of Win Win Travels in Yangshou, our holiday is planned.  The internet, Hostel World, Ctrip  (like a Chinese Expedia, ) credit cards and PayPal make this so much easier that it would have been 10 years ago.

So:  Changchun - Beijing - Yangshuo - Xian - Pingyao - Taiyuan (airport) - Changchun.   We might make a quick trip to Haerbin after that before heading back to North America at the end of February. The excitement starts on January 21. Before then we have to make a "dry run" to the train station; train rides during the Spring Festival/ NewYear period are apparently an experience unlike any other. Oh, teach and make up exams (Liz) finish marking (both of us) and make a trip out to Beifang market (the north market) to pick up some clothes that are being made for us (and a certain little girl for her New Year celebration.)

North America? I thought you were going to stay for a year. Is something wrong?

We were, and nothing is wrong. Dean Phillip was doing a year long plan  and asked David if he would be available to teach his fall courses again.  Since we would not do a full year, go home for four weeks then return, the College graciously offered us the opportunity to teach here for one semester, be in Canada for the spring and summer, and return in August!  We can even keep the same apartment, which is perfect.  (The climb up to the fifth floor several times a day is great exercise and it is very quiet.)

Speaking of making up exams, I'd better get them done.  Liz :-)