ARRIVING IN CHINA

 

Our trip began with an unexpected complication about our flight to San Francisco. When we got to the airport with (we thought) almost two hours to spare, we found that we had been rebooked on a flight leaving in about 40 minutes. Our original flight was delayed and wouldn't make the connection. Stressing a little, we looked for the Zoo escort--someone wearing a name tag that said "Ed Lewins." What if we made the flight and he didn't? Would we continue on to Beijing alone? Then Chuck spotted him (sans nametag)--we felt better. Surprisingly, the whole San Diego contingent made the earlier flight--a good start.

After our arrival in Beijing we met our guide, Stanley, who would prove to be one of the treasures of the Orient, as he led us through the whole China trip. He kept us organized (well, he tried to) as well as providing commentary on Chinese history, geography, and culture. We thought his stories about growing up during the Cultural Revolution were especially interesting.