I am now home from a trip of a lifetime. As guests of the Chinese government, we were shown the best of China in a whirlwind tour that took us from Beijing, to Guillin, to Shanghai, and a couple of small towns in between. We walked The Great Wall, visited The Forbidden City, bicycled through the countryside, cruised the Li River, toured a silk factory, shopped Chinese markets, ate exotic foods...I could go on and on. The girls danced two big performances and participated in a few cultural exchanges with Chinese dance students. (A third performance was canceled because the nation was in mourning for the victims of the earthquake.) I won't bog down my blog with details of the trip. Instead, I will let my pictures do the talking. You know the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words..."
The trip exceeded my expectations. I marvel at the creativity of God every time I visit a new place. There are so many unique and beautiful things to see in our world. It is still good to be home, though. I missed Mr. Handsome and the girls, for sure. I also missed seeing blue sky, brushing my teeth with tap water, and inhaling a fresh breath of air. China is so beautiful but struggling mightily with pollution. I hope they will recover their fresh air someday.
On a different note, thank you for the lovely comments you left while I was away. I don't know when, or if, I will find time to respond to all of them. I read each one with a smile, though. Thanks, again.
Glad to be home,
Cassie
PS-- Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Tinkerbell can't get enough of me. I guess all is forgiven. Whew!
Cassie, your trip sounds absolutely wonderful, thanks for sharing those pics. Isn't it great seeing different cultures, that's one of the main reasons I like traveling.
So did you buy any silks?
;-)
Ana
Posted by: Ana | June 02, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Glad your trip was amazing!! From the look of your photos you had a spectacular time. What a terrific learning experience for your daughters.
Posted by: Lisa | June 02, 2008 at 01:08 AM
WOW Beautiful pictures!!!!!
It sounds and looks like y'all had a wonderful time! I hope the jet lag isn't too bad : )
Glad Tinkerbell forgave you LOL
Posted by: Tonya Richard | June 02, 2008 at 07:20 AM
I have to say the photos brought tears to my eyes... the beauty of their country, even with the pollution, is amazing... and then to read that you too thought of how awesome God is with his creations brought a smile to my face. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Renee | June 02, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Amazing. I'm always in awe of how beautiful other parts of the world look in an entirely different way than what I'm used to seeing (does that make any sense?)! What a great experience. Thanks for sharing all those pictures!
Posted by: Jona | June 02, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Love the pictures! It looks like it's right out of a magazine or something. I am in awe of God's creation too! How beautiful China is! Thanks for sharing...and your girls are darling!
Posted by: Marie | June 02, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Thanks for sharing your pictures from the trip. What a fantastic experience! Jen
Posted by: frazzy dazzles | June 02, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Cassie . . . WOW!!! What amazing pictures! That looks like the trip of a lifetime! Welcome home! :-)
Posted by: Pam | June 08, 2008 at 03:13 PM
that Great Wall is breath-taking, isn't it! we used to live in china. we're not from there but my husband & i met in shanghai, about 18 years ago, when we worked there.
Posted by: Xue Originals | June 23, 2008 at 10:45 AM