Suzhou

Trip Start Jul 12, 2007

Trip End Jul 22, 2007

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Flag of China Suzhou, China
Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Left Beijing early this morning on a 2 hour flight to Shanghai. From Shanghai we motor coached with our tour group to Suzhou. Most of us are beginning to feel the fatigue of traveling. We all slept on the way to this new city.
This city is quite different than Beijing. Much more modern, less poverty, and improved infrastuture eliminated some of the traffic congestion. We really haven't encountered too many obstacles or culture challenges with the exception of the toilets. I finally figured out why all the Chinese women wear dresses....its the toilets, they are all squat style and you must carry your own toilet paper.
Today we visited the Lingering Gardens, a Bud dist Temple and a factory where silk is manufactured. Another full day!!
Sorry we haven't been able to send photos, we cant get my laptop to work. Each night Kyle uploads our daily pics on to the hard drive to free up the memory. When we return, I promise a photo gallery to all.
I must confess I am tiring of Chinese food, last night Kyle and I ditched the group for McDonald's Big Macs, french fries and sodas. Afterward it was a big treat to the local Star bucks for a Carmel frappacino. Ymmm...I couldn't resist. I needed comfort from home.
BTW, we are traveling with 2 families from LA, 11 of us total. There are ABC's - as they call themselves, American Born Chinese. They are very delightful, one is a commercial real estate broker, the other, an engineer. Thier children are Kyles age which has made travel a bit more entertaining than hanging with mom all the time.
Randi-Hug my doggy...Carlee-thanks for the V, it came in handy My girls-love you both and kiss my grandson...wait til you see the Chinese outfit I bought for him. Love you all XOXO.