Catching up from the Tokyo Airport...

Yes we are on our way home. Last night amidst packing and all the excitement of the final preparations, it was simply too hectic to do any entries. I am able to give you some text right now, but photos will have to wait as the camera cable found its way into checked baggage.

Let me take a moment to introduce you to the producer and author of the China trip blog... Ryan, Rochelle Brown's older brother has made it all possible. Ryan works at Google and seems to know all the ins and outs of most any technical undertaking. He has downloaded all of the photos, color enhanced and cropped pictures, created links and made sure that it all works so you can keep track of us back home. His new SLR digital camera was the source of many of the photos as well. (I helped with most of the writing and some of the pictures... Chad) We hope you have enjoyed the news.

Our final full day in Shanghai was a free day. Some went to museums, others to the aquarium. A few rode the metro out to the bullet train connection to the new Shanghai airport. Their ride took them to speeds in excess of 400 KM per hour. They said the most exciting part of the 7 minute ride was passing other trains that dissappeared in a "whoosh". Some chose to hang out at the hotel, while the rest did what we have all learned to do best... Shop and barter to the exchange of the final Yuan for the last person on the sovenier list. We discovered a beautiful Lotus garden in People's Square and had a personal guide for last minute shopping in Old Town.

Mid afternoon, we boarded busses for the final musical experience of the trip. Surprisingly, everyone navigated the streets and railways of Shanghai and made it back from their day's adventures. Our student musicians played an exchange concert at the world renowned Nanyng Model High School. They sounded terrific.

Follwoing their performance, the orchestra for this elite school, described as Ivy league, where the brightest and most talented students from areas surrounding Shanghai attend. They have won awards in international competitions for many years running. Our jaws dropped. Their performance was spectacular. Each musician could easily make it already as a performing professional. Oh that our kids had that kind of opportunity! (Reminds me why we need to continue the fight to keep music and visual arts in the curriculum of our public schools!) While most of their students slipped out without much mingling, a few interacted and really had fun with our kids.

We then rode to our farewell dinner at the famous Shanghai Uncle restaurant. Another edible extravaganza. And on the way, Shanghai gave us a sobbing farewell of Monsoon proportions! The 3 steps from bus to front door leftus all totally drenched. The humidity was already so dense, that we were not sure we could get much wetter. WE DID!

Our evening boat cruise on the riverfront, where we were able to experience the sensational view of the old city architecture and teh bustling new buildings across the river. The rain finally stopped and we enjoyed the views from the third floor open deck of the boat.

Late night. Those who had ordered tailored suits received them after we returned to the hotel. Fears of how they would come out turned to smiles of satisfaction... Ask Ryan, Kevin, and me to model them for you, and Wendy to model her new jacket....

As far as we know all are now on their way... anxious for the warm hugs, In and Our Burgers, and their own beds! Bye for now. Final Pictures will follow ASAP.

And yes, any of you are able to add comments to the blog.. (I am still learning how this all works.) Happy Sunday