Our two weeks in China were wonderful. Unfortunately, I could only blog once while on Cherry's ECE's computer. She's downloaded a program which allows you to use an ISP from a country that allows free speech. However your minutes are limited. Being on our hotel's internet connection, we could not even download that program. Nor could we use You Tube, Face Book (not that I do), and some news sites. Very interesting.
Our hosts, Cherry and Leo were amazing. We ate well, and had all our needs met. They even helped us negotiate a massage at a massage spa, when we showed an interest. More on that later. They took us to eat in a variety of places so that we could try different cuisines and local specialties - river fish, shrimp, eel, winkles, vegetables. Changzhou is located in the delta of the great Yangtze river. So the farming and fishing are fantastic.
We met with the assistant chair of the Changzhou's Ministry of Women and Children, and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of The Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese of Changzhou. They welcomed us very formally at the impressive city hall building, with tea and spherical fruits, (representing perfection and thus a positive beginning to a new relationship. No one is allowed in the city hall without an invitation. Cherry and Leo had never been there before. They then took us to a private dining room and were served many dishes, the local dishes plus extras such as pigs' ears and many other things I couldn't name. We were toasted warmly with French wine. Wonderful warmth and civic pride.
!
We spent part of June 1st, National Children's Day at a show at the City Hall's theatre watching children perfom.
Well, more later, including excellent signage and great streetscapes.
