January 1998

“The Gang of 13” Thirteen families travelled to China in January 1998. 

As reported by the participants: “We left behind ‘the ice storm of the century’ and arrived in an unyielding Beijing: cold, snow and smoke. Some of us ventured up the Great Wall but the icy Gobi desert winds rushing through the parapets held our visits short.” ”…the serene location of the hotel helped a great deal. The weather was mostly overcast with drizzling rain, but it seemed fitting for a relaxing stroll under the covered walkways around the grounds. The landscaping leaves you with an impression that everything in the garden, from the manicured grasses and shrubs to the graceful trees overhanging the ponds, has been carefully planned in great detail with a harmonious result.” 

“Yulin took us to an indoor market and explained about bargaining with the vendors. Little did she know that we would turn into bargaining addicts, clamoring for pearls, jade, luggage and clothing (the Tommy Hilfiger line was a definite hit.) On a visit to the Ming Tombs, Don tried the bargaining ploy of walking away and ended up being chased and grabbed by a woman who wanted him to buy a fur hat!” 

“Best things about the trip: … the hotel and grounds in Hangzhou; the wonderful meals, the birthday party on our last night in Hangzhou; and shopping, shopping, SHOPPING.” “Yulin arranged with the hotel for a birthday party for the babies. The food was very good but hardly typical of a one year-old’s birthday bash - there were many special dishes prepared for us including turtle, ostrich and something described to us as “a relative of a frog”. 

“To go to China and come back with a new daughter was a dream come true. To go to China and have such a great time as well as making lots of friends was a real bonus.”