Travel Monticello To China – 2000
Some of my travel friends suggested we take a bus tour of China. We have been traveling the world for the past 30 years, so this would be another adventure.
About all I knew about China was Chinese food and where the country was located.
I found a government tour that started in Beijing, China and ended in Shanghai, visiting cities and sights along the way.
It also included round trip air from San Francisco, three meals per day, all tours to sights, rail fare within China, roundtrip airport transport.
Once we got to China we only needed money for tips, souvenirs. The cost of the trip $1,000 with tax for 11 days.
The biggest surprise was we were there during watermelon season and they were the most delicious ones I have ever eaten. Other than watermelon and Chinese beer that was the extent of my food. I lost a pound a day. And the daily temperature was 100 degrees, so there went a few more pounds.
On the flight from San Francisco a Chinese lady sat next to me. She had a 5-lb bag of Granny Smith apples and we began to eat one after one. We discussed if she had ever wanted to live in the United States. Her husband was currently attending University of California Berkeley. Our trip leader had warned us not to discuss religion or government. We exchanged email addresses.
The day after Christmas I got an email from my apple eating friend. She asked me to pray for she and her husband they were defecting to Canada. They were bringing only a small suitcase each. This day was a special day for them and me.
This trip had so many occurences and stories.