06/23/11

Shao-Lin China Adventure Has Begun....

The students from the Chinese Shao-Lin Centers of Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Winter Park, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, LA and San Francisco all met up in San Francisco on schedule. We then began the 13 + hours long flight to Hong Kong. The flight went smoothly and the airplane special meals were a bit better than usual.

Our old friend and travel consultant, Mr Sun Bing flew to Hong Kong to meet us.

We had very nice weather in Hong Kong as there was a bit of rain when we arrived and the weather stayed cooler. Some students went to Kowloon Park to practice their chi kung. Many went to Victoria Peak to enjoy the beautiful city view. Some went to the Star Ferry area to see the statue of Bruce Lee and the walk of fame including honors for Jackie Chan and Jet Li. David and I ate lunch at a Taoist Temple and took some nice photos of the 8 Immortals Horses and the Weapon Rack dedicated to the 8 Immortals. Most students took a SanPan ride through the Aberdeen Harbour and went shopping and eating at the market there.

We met an old photographer Lee Fook Chee who was born in 1927. He started taking photos of Hong Kong in the 1950's and has continued ever since. He has taken recent photos of the Hong Kong / Kowloon area from the same spot as he took years ago when he was in his mid 20's. We just had to buy some of the photos of both then and now.

We had a short flight from Hong Kong to Guilin. The view from the plane was beautiful. The customs people were so nice. They had their pictures taken with our group and were so friendly and helpful. Here in Guilin we were met by our old friends Mr Peng Huashan and Mr Liu who came by train from Hunan to be with us for this latest adventure. They and Mr Sun took David and I to a wonderful Hunan Restaurant where we had some great, spicy Hunan food.

Our hotel is in a beautiful setting along a branch of the river. In a few hours we will have breakfast and head out for a cruise on the Li River. When we arrive at Yangshou rural area, David and I hope to rent a bicycle and tour the countryside.

My best to all. We sure do miss seeing all of you who are working hard with your kung fu training at the schools. Our thanks to everyone for your help while we are gone.

My best, Sharon