Friday's Meeting with the Foreign Affairs Group

Another crazy day in China.  Today I was able to teach one class of awesome third grade students before being whisked away to Hangzhou where I was asked to meet with the Vice-Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and a couple members of his staff. My friend Josh, the Principal from Dong Yang, and these men enjoyed dinner.  It was a dinner beyond description.  There were 8 courses and several times during each course I was toasted.  It lasted a couple of hours and our conversation centered around the importance of this exchange program and things we can do to improve it.  Gifts were exchanged, compliments paid, and I was escorted to my suite in the Hua Jia Shan Private Resort.  It is located just near the lake and the grounds are stunning.  It's lightly raining but doesn't dampen the spirit to take a long walk and explore the grounds.  I am waiting for my good friend, Doreen, to arrive.  She is from the US and is taking a train to meet me here for this evening and the morning.  I'm very much looking forward to enjoying some time with her.  All in all, another wonderful and productive day.  Only 8 days left- they will fly by, I am sure!