August 1996

Four experienced parents, two happy little girls, one facilitator (and her entourage of doting family members), ensured that a good time was had by all during the two week stay in Zhejiang Province and Beijing. Of particular interest to some, besides, of course, the main attraction of their infant daughters, was Mao Tse Tong’s study upon a hill on the grounds of the State Hotel in Hangzhou. Open for viewing and wandering in and about, the cottage-like edifice offered a glimpse into the resonant past of Asia’s largest country. Back in the national capital region, the sights and sounds of the bustling city mixed with the vivid icons of history and tradition---young couples danced ballroom-style under newly constructed overpasses while older men and women hawked yams and bean-sugar sweets on the streets. The open markets provided the same melange of new and old---weathered wooden masks and handcrafted tea sets versus Nike shoes and leather jackets. At the trip’s conclusion, Jacqueline and Eve, although not their parents, were oblivious to the beauty of the nation they were leaving behind and the wonder and ‘warmth’ of the country awaiting them.