This is the last China post

Hi all, this is the last post. By gosh, I started it and I am going to finish it!!! It is now Friday evening about 9pm and we just returned from dinner with Hugo and her folks. They had invited us to their home for a special dumpling meal, but it was much more than that. We surely had delicious dumpling but also had Moo Shu Pork, Lotus, Soy Beans, Peanuts, Beer, lots of talk, and a delightful evening. Yu Bin, Hugo's father, picked us up and all three drove us back to the hotel. They even offered to pick us up in the AM to take us to the airport, in fact, they offered several times, but we are going to go with the group by bus. Nonetheless, I am sure that Hugo will come to the hotel and join us in the bus to make sure that we are well taken care of. The folks here are amazingly gracious and none of it seems forced.

Now about the last day. My partner, Julianne, and I combined our classes since we each had them for half a day, and distributed their assessments along with an original computer produced Certificate of Completion for the English course. About a week ago I bought a T-shirt and had all the students sign with their English and Chinese names. Even though it was marked XL , it was still too small for me but it was the only t-shirt in stock. So I wore it today and was delighted that it was not as small as it was when I bought it. Maybe I have lost weight!!!!! Julianne bought a huge cake, it must have had a 2 foot diameter, that was beautifully decorated and emblazoned "Friends forever!" It cost her about $9!! I spent about the same on 8 bottles of juice, cups, plates, utensils, napkins, etc and we started the party at about 9:30. The students were very joyous and noisy. I had a smile on my face for about 2 hours, both from the party atmosphere and from the dozens of photos that I had to pose for. Every student wanted a picture with me, with me and Julianne, with me and other friends, with me and whatever. Of course, it was the same for Julianne. Many gave us presents and all gave us hugs and handshakes and best wishes. It was wonderful and made leaving quite emotional.

Then Harry, my TA, gave me my present: a beautiful Ping Pong paddle. We then walked back to his dorm where he showed me around and introduced me to his roommates. One of them joined us as we went to cap off this wonderful experience with an afternoon of Ping Pong. Darn it!!!! The building with all of the tables was closed until later in the day, but too late to play due to our other commitment. So, I can proudly say that I leave China undefeated!!!!! Maybe next time I'll get a chance to give it a try.

So that is it. It has been a trip of a lifetime. It has been all I could ever have expected or desired. Shelley and I did everything that was available to do, (Shelley did even more than me) and enjoyed every minute. The people were great, the location facinating, the work envigorating and, all in all, we had an experience that will keep us young a bit longer.

I am sorry to have to leave but the pull of America and all the people I love is strong. We are ready to leave, in fact, getting anxious to leave, and can't wait to see all of you in person. We have built up a storehouse of stories that we hope you will have the patience to listen to. I guess that my last thought is that I hope that all of you get the opportunity to have a marvelous and powerful experience that is equal to the one Shelley and I have just had.

Love to you all. Stay well and we will see you all soon. Burt