Truly Great People

Nov 17

This morning we begin packing,  repacking...... weighing...... unpacking, packing ......weighing...... repacking,  packing..... weighing.  Finally we have it together and within airline weight restrictions.

Charlotte recommends a local eatery for lunch - we have a most delicious variety of dumplings and vegetables and for desert we have candied yams.  We were unable to finish all that we had ordered, our bill was less than $5 per person!

 The dumplings must all be hand made - they look like perogies and I think are made with a rice flour.  We had pork and cabbage, a vegetable combination and a lamb variety of dumpling.  Some are boiled, some are steamed and some are fried. They are served with soya sauce and  balsamic vinegar as condiments.

After lunch we return to Peter and Charlotte's, load our bags into the elevator and head to the main level.  We say a tearful goodbye to Charlotte.

Bruce takes us to the airport at 2:30.  We have certainly come to appreciate him and would love to take him home with us.  He helps load all of our bags into the van and helps unload them at the Pudong airport.  When we say good bye to him he says to us - ' you come back next year ok?'

We have had a great trip to China.  We have enjoyed learning pieces about the people and their ancient and beautiful culture, we enjoyed visiting the oh so many sites and bits of country side.  We found the Chinese people to be warm, kind and generous.  They are very proud of their country and are eager to share their history.

When we left Lacombe we had planned to stay at the Swiss Hotel while in Shanghai.  While we were enroute to Shanghai, Gerald had a text from Peter and Charlotte Wamsteeker (Gerald's work colleague and long time friend from Lethbridge, now living and working in Shanghai) saying that we could all stay with them at their home.  Sid and I had never met them, but by the time we landed in Shanghai our plans changed, we were staying with the Wamsteekers.

To Peter and Charlotte - there are a few times in a persons life when you meet 'truly great people'.  Both of you are on our list of - truly great people.  Peter, we are both inspired and honored by your life story (ies) that you shared with us. Your generosity and desire to accommodate our brief voyage into Chinese culture .....really, I don't have words beyond a heartfelt thank you.  It is readily apparent that you walk the talk, both in your work and with your family.

Charlotte you welcomed us as complete strangers into your home.  You made us feel comfortable and anticipated our every need. You have set the hostess bar to a new level!  We now realize and very much appreciate the value of your knowledge of local 'must see' destinations, as well as having the contacts that enabled all of the logistics to magically come together!   Your kindness and patience shown to us was outstanding at every level.  Thank You.

Gerald and Jyl , thank you both for taking us with you.  When we first began suggesting (begging really!) that we 'tag along' on one of your China trips we had no idea what that would mean.  We now understand that having us join you was not as simple as we had imagined.  Gerald - that your colleagues welcomed in China us as they did - speaks to your integrity - well done.  Jyl - what a great time we had together!  We were delighted to celebrate a milestone birthday with you, and have some great (massage) lifetime memories!   

Cheers!