Friends and family.






 When we arrived at the train station, we were met by Vincent a long-term friend of Zongda’s who had volunteered to pick us up and drive us around for the first and last day. He had borrowed his friends Lincoln Navigator to transport us in style.

Ppl   After a brief rest at the hotel we were met by Vincent and also Emily, who spoke English. Vincent has his own aggregate supply company, and Emily, another school friend, manufactures clothes for several companies, including Eddie Bauer.(one of Sheri’s faves) 

The next day we were met by a van and young driver which were supplied by a friend. This would be our transportation to visit the parents, go to lunch and go to dinner. Also, he returned on the last day to drive us to the train station. A note about the van… This Toyota Vellfire Executive Lounge is not available in the United States. It might have to do with the price point that approaches 180,000 fully loaded. I enjoyed the wireless remote built into the seat that controlled the cooling and massage functions as well as the recline feature. I needed to be relaxed as my job was to keep my neighbor master Benson comfortable which I preformed admirably!
We arrived at the parents home where we exchanged gifts and gradually met members of the family and neighbors.  Zongda showed us about the house and yard as we discussed his plans to tear down and rebuild the house which as the son is his.  I was also able to bring his family into Red Sox nation and leave them with hats to wear proudly. 
The lunch at a local restaurant was a chance to meet other family members and friends.    I toasted each one with a small sample of 53% proof rice wine.             An expensive treat that I appreciated 
     On the way back we met more friends at a restaurant in a hotel.(and more toasts with rice wine)These college friends have become business owners and there is even a Dr who arrived late after surgery. 




 Whenever any of the group is in a city where Zongda lives, he will take them out similar to how they now respond when he brings guests to their town. Nobody goes Dutch…ever.
     Plans changed as each day unfolded. One friend thought he needed to supply an English speaking guide for the pagoda/temple tour. 
A cousin wanted to make sure we had an authentic dinner and Chinese experience so he arranged the last nights dinner and mannequin show.



reenactment of our first date
They even got Sheri to get into a traditional Chinese outfit. My translation app has been getting a lot of use.

Comments

  1. JIMOctober 5, 2024 at 4:00 AM

    China leg looked amazing,. Glad you are enjoying family and making new friends!

    ReplyDelete

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