Book Board Chat

Hello, all! It's been almost a year, but life seems to get in the way of posting.
Want to send good wishes to all whose special events I missed. Am so glad to see familiar posters! But, where's casinokat?

Jim, re: your post about China... everyplace we ever ate had chopsticks. Forks, however, were not necessarily available, so if you want forks, bring your own. Toilet paper is not usually available on trains, in smaller restaurants, or places that normally don't deal with tourists. You may even have to deal with "squat toilets" in some restaurants or attraction areas. I'd also suggest you bring Kleenex and a few paper towels. Outside of hotels, those items don't seem to exist. On Yangtze River cruises, the boats are like cruise ships you take here in the US. They are designed for tourists, but I guess it'll depend on what kind of accommodations your tour guide has booked. I wouldn't worry about toilet paper there.

I'd love to know where you're going in China. If you'd rather not post it, send me the itinerary by email. Maybe I could give you some "be sure not to miss" places for your free time. We've been 8 times, and have spent time traveling all over the place, huge as it is. We're going again in June. Decided to do an "in-depth" exploration of Sha'anxi Province, archaeological sites, and so forth. Was in Xi'an before, but too short a time, so we're returning for 2 weeks, then taking a fast train to another province to see some caves. Getting together with adopted Chinese family in Beijing. Next week, in honor of my birthday, my adopted Chinese granddaughter, who's in US on foreign exchange student visa, is coming to visit. Haven't seen her since she was 11 yrs. old! Happy!

We spent 3 weeks in S. Korea this past June exploring the country, the monasteries, prehistoric sites, lava tubes, and caves. We really enjoyed ourselves. Also went up to the DMZ, which I never expected to be as it is. To have to live in fear of land mines in your fields and woods, and nuclear bombs from 50 miles away is something I cannot imagine.

We are expecting a girl in May! After 3 boys, this will be especially welcome. Off to Texas to see yet another new grandson.

Beth, from what I read about Market Warriors, I told IRH I'd bet you could do a lot better! Heck, even I could do better.

And so, a long post (my apologies), but, after all, it has been over a year...