An American In Beijing

Before leaving Shanghai, we took a quick bus tour of the city visiting a Buddhist Temple while doing so.  There is a Koi Fish Pond within the grounds of the temple.  You can feed the fish (for a price).  Now we are talking a serious number of fish of varying colors.  It was quite a pleasant spot.  While there, this young lady actually fed the fish and believe it our not, as they clamored for the food, she knelt down close to the water's edge and actually petted the fish.  Unbelievable!  Not sure you can appreciate the experience by looking at the photo included here in the Blog?

Our trip out of Shanghai was basically uneventful and that's saying a lot.  Past Asian airport endeavors have usually been adventures regarding tickets, luggage, and some other issues like proper forms for exiting and entering the various countries.  For instance, in Hong Kong, we checked three suitcases without any trouble and with no extra charges for the bags.  In Shanghai, upon leaving, the same three bags cost us extra to get them on the plane.  I do not know why, I don't ask, just do.

That's part of the Great Wall over Ann's left shoulder

Beijing air quality is a major issue even for the Chinese.  They openly talk about it.  Even the government is looking for ways to clean up the air.  Why I just read that they are going to ban backyard barbecues come next year.  Now this is a step in the right direction, but I'm not sure if this will really have a major impact on the city's air quality.

Nevertheless, come the next day, the air was as clean as I have ever seen it in Beijing.  Coincidentally, it was also the day we set aside for a visit to the Great Wall.  What with Ann, the serious hiker, I could not possibly pass on a visit with her to see this wonder of the world.  After a cable car ride up to the wall, the two of us hiked a serious portion of the Wall.  Ann considers the experience a real thrill and a lifetime experience.

Lou & Maria Vanechanos in their home 

While here, we had the opportunity to be invited to the home of Mr. & Mrs. Lou Vanechanos.  They are the parents of Peter Vanechanos '17.  Mr. Vanechanos is a diplomat here at the United States Embassy.  He had some insightful observations on their time in China.  We discussed the growth of China and its future potential.  It was a very enjoyable evening.

The next day found us trying to squeeze in some last minute shopping.  Good luck!  Getting around Beijing in a taxi is so difficult you must allow significant amounts of time for just sitting in the cab.  Once back at the hotel, we went to dinner with Tim Shi's mother.  Tim graduated this past June.  While visiting Beijing last year, Tim's mother suggested we meet on my next trip.  You can see by the photo, that a very enjoyable evening was spent with all.

That's Tim Shi's mom on the right and good friend, Juliet Tian on the left

Unfortunately, we were unable to meet with Yueri Wang's parents on this visit due to a conflict of dates, but were able to make contact with her family's consultant.

Tomorrow sees us heading to Seoul, Korea to visit with an alum to discuss Korean alumni relations and a goodly number of parents of present students from Korea.