Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Hi Jon,

Hope you are enjoying your stay in China. Sorry about the late e-mail.
I did commit to sending you one after our trip. In a word, our trip to
China was Excellent! When we arrived in Beijing we were met by a very
nice young woman who actually helped us get through customs much quicker
than the other passengers. She stayed with us in line and communicated
to the entry people on our behalf. We were escorted through the airport
and were taken to the hotel (Raffles) in a late model BMW 7 -series.
Check-in at Raffles was easy and there was a person there to welcome us
to China. Our room was great.

As planned we started our tour the next day. Here there was a bit of
comical confusion. We sat in the lobby and waited for our tour guide.
A young woman approached Sue and said “Hi Sue, sorry I am late.” “Let’s
go.” So, we got into the car with this young lady and told her how much
we were looking forward to our tours. Nice, easy polite information.
When we arrived at Beijing University where I was expected to give a
talk, we figured out this young lady had picked up the wrong Americans
and I was certainly not going to give a talk! Turns out there was
another couple visiting Beijing and the gentleman was scheduled to give
a talk at the University and his wife’s name was Sue! The gentleman was
also bald and enjoyed trying to speak a little Chinese like me. Of
course we were taken back to the hotel; met the other couple and our
guide and were soon on our way. The phone Imperial Tours provided also
was useful in finding our tour guide. I suspect the tour companies are
still talking about that.

Our tours were fantastic. The tour company, Imperial Tours is
expensive, but they know how to get the job done! In every case our
tour guide placed us in the front of any line ahead of all others for
any exhibit. Not sure how he did it, but he did it. All tours were
great! Sue and I will never forget our lunch on the Great Wall at a
secluded spot. Very few other tourists. Our tour guide was
knowledgeable and and fun to be with. By the way… Nancy Kim and Guy
Rubin, the managing partners of Imperial Tour are mentioned on page 42
of the magazine “Departures”.

Transfers to airports were flawless. No problems. Sue went to Changdu
and did indeed hold a panda. I believe this was the highlight of her
time in China! I went to Shanghai and enjoyed myself walking about and
seeing the sights. The Peninsula is a beautiful hotel and is managed
with great attention to detail. I enjoyed my stay there.

Our last day / night was spent at the Langham which was perfect.

So, here are my thoughts.

1. Imperial Tours is expensive but there operation is outstanding and
we would not hesitate to use them again.
2. All the hotels were excellent. Great staff, rooms, food and
whatever else we needed.
3. We were picked up or met or taken to all airports on time in nice
vehicles and friendly drivers.
4. YOU did an outstanding job in coordinating this entire trip

Next time we are in Florida we will stop by and share a few stories.

One more thing… The head secretary at school asked me for a
recommendation for a Travel Agent. Her daughter needs to plan a
honeymoon to Hawaii later this year. I told her I had a great guy and
even though we communicate mostly by phone or e-mail, everything is in
order and works. I hope she uses you. I know she won’t be
disappointed!

Thanks and talk with you soon,

Ron