CHAMBER: Kudos for China trip

I had the pleasure of traveling to China recently. The chamber offered us a well-planned trip of great value.

The sights we saw were of great historical value and very educational. We traveled to the "Great Wall of China," "The Forbidden City," "The Summer Palace," "Tianamen Square," the Cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Optional tours were offered and I found the boat trip down the Grand Canal in Suzhou and the market stop eye opening. We visited spectacular gardens, Emperors Tombs, The Tiger Hill leaning pagoda, some dating back to the 10th century and older. The Chinese people were amazingly friendly and welcoming; some had never seen Western people before.

We spent many hours shopping at the embroidery institute, pearl factory, jade exhibits and learning how silk is made. I personally felt there was too much time allotted in this area and I wished more sightseeing was included.

Most of the hotels were grand and the meals were exceptional.

The tour was grueling, demanding full days, a lot of walking and climbing. I spent 30 hours without sleep on the return trip. Twelve hours on the airplanes were hard on the body. I was thoroughly exhausted.

If this is offered again, I recommend it whole heartedly.

A special "thank you" to Ginger Dalvini for all her coordination efforts.

CHERYL MARCHESO

Coeur d'Alene