Three Days to Go

Big family gathering to say farewell today. Good food and great people. Thanks to the two Helens for organizing everything.

Baseball Picture

Last Baseball Game

Last night, we went to a minor league baseball game with our two favorite people- the grandchildren Jordyn and Levi. It was a great way to say goodbye to American culture for a while. What's more American than baseball.

More Farewells

Today was my last day of my park aide job, but yesterday the rangers and the other aides had a farewell lunch for me. It was unexpected so I was very touched. My boss bought me lunch, and then I was presented with a card and a gift from the crew. I think they don't want me to embarrass my self since the gift was The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture of China. I'll keep it and my Chinese phrasebook with me always. Thanks to Dave, Gloria, Shera, John, Sherman, Mike, Bryan, and Joanne.

Party Time

Last night was the beginning of our farewell tour, with a big Mexican food feast put on by our small group friends. The food was great and the fellowship was even better. We also were surprised by a wonderful gift from all. Thank you to Jim, Heidi, Mark, Georgia, Jamie, Eddie, Max, Jackie, Rock, and Karrie.

14 Days to Go

Our Chinese visas came today. Now all we have left to do is pack and say our goodbyes.

23 Days to Go

Shekou means "mouth of the snake" in Chinese,not because it has a lot of reptiles but because it is the entrance (the mouth) of the Pearl River Delta (the snake).

27 Days to Go

Wanda was supposed to write this post, but if I wait for her we'll be in China before anything gets written. So, I'll try to explain her fascination with Asia. Wanda says that she really wanted to travel to all the places listed in the kindergarten social studies book she taught from years ago. One of those places was the Great Wall, thus we must see the Great Wall and live in China. I'm still confused why China and not France ( the Eiffel Tower is in the book). Wanda is a complex person underneath the easy going facade everybody else sees- reason # 63 why I love her.

30 Days to Go

So, why China? On the plus side it is the world's oldest living civilization - my world history students should know that- and it has reinvented itself as an economic power in the last 30 years. But, it's still a communist country and I always swore I would visit but not live in one. Yet, in a month I'll being flying a big shiny jet to Hong Kong, and crossing the bay to Shekou where I plan to take up residence for at least two years. Why 'o why you ask? Short answer- it's my wife's idea!
Roy

32 days until we fly to China!