Air and Sea China Tour Luncheon

(Post written on Saturday, April 27th)

With the H9N7 bird flu problem going on in China, it was with some trepidation that I was looking toward our trip in about a week and a half.  I wondered if they might cancel it.

When I spoke to our son, Jon who is studying international epidemiology in Baltimore he said, "Mom, there are 1.2 billion people in China and I think 18 deaths so far.  I would go, but just be careful and take the necessary precautions."

Suddenly Jon laughed and said, "Mom...It doesn't really matter where you go, does it?  You just like being with people and getting to know them.  Dad will love seeing all the new places."

We drove into Honolulu to the Mandalay restaurant for the Air and Sea Tour orientation luncheon.

As we entered the building we met a couple named Richard and Janet.  I could already tell we were going to enjoy spending time with them.

We were the first ones at the Chinese restaurant.

Derek arrived from Air and Sea.  He brought our lanyards with our names attached along with a detailed instruction booklet detailing what to expect, do and bring.

When I asked about the bird flu Derek reassured us repeating what Jon had said that we should be fine just taking the usual precautions and that Air and Sea was following the CDC's (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations.

In the midst of Derek's instructions a large party downstairs began with a lion dance.

It was fun to watch children feeding money to the dancing lion.

Derek warned us not to expect American type Chinese food in China.  He wanted us to understand that the food would be blander and that we might be craving McDonalds by the end of the trip when we reached Hong Kong.

However, he advised us to enjoy the culture and the differences and not worry because they would be handling everything.  Our tour guide in China would be Charlie Wang who Derek said would remind us of Kung Fu Panda.

Derek also warned us to leave our smartphones at home to prevent possible data charges. 

He said easily accessible free wifi would be available at most of the hotels for laptops or tablets.

Air and Sea would provide us with bottled water every day as well as most of the meals.

After meeting several of the people at our table, we were feeling excited about spending time with so many of these friendly travelers. 

Derek suggested we start exercising and getting used to walking quite a bit because the Forbidden Palace would require us to wear out our walking shoes.

He also said we could wear shorts, jeans, gym shoes and whatever we wear in Hawaii.

With a happy farewell wave to everyone, we all looked forward to seeing each other again at the airport for our departure.  (And oh yes, I forgot to mention that we ate way too much delicious American-type Chinese food at the luncheon.)