Exchange of Mail

Hi Tom and Rada, we just got back from a trek through the Tiger Leaping Gorge, this is near the mountain of Shangrila, close to the Tibetan border. Tomorrow we will fly to Shanghai and move on to HongKong from there. The trek was wonderful, the mountains were the most impressive ones I've ever seen. Also we managed to avoid the massive amount of Chinese tourists traveling around in busses. Before that we were at a Panda park in Chengdu, the bears are really cute, but completely useless. They eat 20 kilograms of bamboo daily, when they're born they only way 130 grams and are the size of an apple.... (we actually got to see two newborns) so you can imagine how much they have to eat to gain their adult size after which they just lolligag around allday. It's no wonder they're nearly extinct.... The food is great, no stomach trouble yet.... weather is hot. I'm extremely tanned already.... Love Shayne 2006/8/10

I had sent:

What a delightful surprise to receive news from you. Your letter has
made my day. Was your plane trip o.k? Was it very long? (Hello,
also, to your companions. Hi! Everyone.)
There have been a number of short reports about China on TV. The
last one I saw concerned the wide popularity of the Internet in
China, although public use has been introduced warily and against a
backdrop of some censureship. Needless to say, I am glad you found a
computer.
I remember the vivid scenes of the Forbidden city in the movie, the
last Emperor by Bertolluci (sp?). I also saw the excavation Xi-An or
National Geographic. I can't wait to hear your personal description.
Do you stay in a hotel? Or are you staying with families? Are you
in a tour group? When you eat, do you choose which restaurant or are
tourists directed to specific facilities. How is the car
traffic? Have you seen the Panda's yet? Are you able to go into any
big cities? Can you easily mail letters? Do you have enough
money? Have you seen the ship yards? Does everyone speak
English? How can you receive money? Are there any Western Unions?
Do you you have the opportunity or money to buy any souvenirs, nice
clothes, little gadgets like minature cameras or computer accessories?
I was up all night completing tax forms. I had 7 sets of W-2 forms
to complete. The US tax system is undergoing transformation, but I
mailed everything today. I am also working on a low-tech, software project.
Just continue to be observant and prudent. U am relieved you are
enjoying your trip to China, so happy to receive word from you. Let
me know if you think of anything I can do for you?
So long, for now. I will write again soon.