version with pictures printable pdf single page March 7 • March 9
We’re having trouble getting the message out to the group so we will have to reconstitute our group under earthlink and word. A few shallow recollections of Beijing are in order. First the concept of service and the great difference between 1979 and now. In 1979 when we visited the Friendship Stores the ladies behind the counter just visited and really didn’t care about serving us. Now service has been highly refined-at least in our wonderful hotel. They had lots of extra people waiting to greet us in and out of the elevator and along the way in case we needed directions. Always a smile and a hello! My ultimate in service happened one morning on the way to breakfast. For some reason as I stepped down from the escalator one earring fell out and the black stone fell apart from the earring. A young man rushed up and told me not to worry he would fix it and find me at breakfast. No more that 8 minutes later I had the earring back in my ear. I was always helped on the off the escalator and in the spa and the pool. In my case it gave me lots of confidence that if I couldn’t do something, I would be helped!
In 1979 we saw no animals in the country. Now we learned that if you live in Beijing a certain size animal is dictated and you pay maybe several hundred dollars the first year to own it. Because most live in high rises, animals aren’t encouraged but the wealthy or those who can afford them are welcome to have them. I must have seen at least 6 dogs and Phil said he saw one cat.
I also wanted to mention something that Sidney Rittenberg told me on the bus. He said the one thing that the current Bush has done right is to maintain a good relationship with China! He thought it probably had to do with his roommate in college-Sandy? Hopefully we can continue to cooperate and work well together with China or we will be left in the dust (my words)! It is perhaps the most important relationship we have. The one time I was pushed along the street the people were all friendly and smiled welcoming us. The same couple stopped Phil the day before wanting to chat. They tell us they are practicing for the Olympics. Everything is neat as a pin. There is a fine for spitting or littering. A few extra people wearing arm bands are there to pick up any trash. I believe this is typically Chinese and very admirable. I could use a bit more of this!
Traffic is something else again. The pedestrian has no right of way like at home. We had to be very careful watching for cars as we crossed the street. Pedestrians, motorbikes, bicycles all weave in and out with the cars like a huge chicken match!! Really gutsy and there is tons of traffic.
What a wonderful time I have had here from being entertained so thoughtfully by Jia-Bin and Anita and all the fascinating tours we’ve joined each day. A truly amazing city so vibrant and pulsing. The Ambassador told us he wanted to go skiing on his break but his teenage children just wanted to stay in Beijing. There are endless projects to finish before August 8 but I know it will get done one stone at a time!
Today was a travel day with breakfast starting at 5:30am and on to our own chartered plane. China Airlines welcomed the President and us and we had a marvelous lunch as we flew to Hong Kong. Bushes and our important leaders were in first class. We sat in the next section fairly near the secret service folks. At one time Barbara Bush walked down the other aisle greeting her friends!
We had a tour of Victoria Peak and Recluse Bay before boarding the ship about 4 hours after arrival. Security probably needed that long to secure the ship and have our luggage waiting in our rooms.
One thing I forgot to mention was that we had outstanding weather in Beijing. One or two days were a bit grey but most days were sunny with bright blue skies. According the Bill Perry , this was a rarity. It wasn’t freezing either as it was when Wendy was here. Our warm coats were very welcome. In Hong Kong it was disappointingly overcast or what I would call smoggy or hazy. Too bad because the views are spectacular. I felt asleep on the bus on the way to Recluse Bay. It was warm and relaxing. We boarded the ship close to 5pm.
All very efficient as our passports were taken, room keys given and security pictures taken. We went through security to board but it was modest. We couldn’t believe our room or rather suite! A living room with desk and couch perhaps 15 by 10 ft. A deck outside the room that is one that anyone could walk on but I can move my wheelchair out there. I watched as we left the harbor. The living room can be curtained off so later I read while Phil was sleeping. Next is a bedroom with vanity and another curtain possibility. Closer to the front door is a walk-in closet with too few drawers but lots of hanging space. The bathroom is handicapped with bars everywhere including a seat where I could sit down while showering. I did just that and washed my hair and felt really refreshed before dinner. I forgot to mention there was a bucket with a bottle of champagne with beautiful orchid waiting for us in living room. We declined as we had already had champagne and a lovely snack before we were escorted to our room.
We had the mandatory lifeboat drill and a safety lecture in the theater which is where our lectures will be held. We will have in excess of 40 lectures on this trip!
Dinner was a delightful and delicious affair at a table of 8. One couple has a daughter applying to Yale. Brennan take note! Her mother went to Yale and loved it before she went to Stanford Law. That couple lives in Miami. A very good discussion sometimes on politics-we all varied and the trip so far. Finished about 10:15 and I heard music so we followed the sound and into a very large bar we went. A pianist, drummer, sax and electric guitar were providing the music and we had a drink and even danced a bit. I stayed on my pins better than a year ago but it was modest. How sad it is not to be able to dance. And so to bed. Another wonderful day in this privileged environment. How lucky am I. How blessed am I!!