Comments From Our Clients

East Greets West China Travel

Testimonials

Betsy Rosenthal Larchmont, NY

We were met in all cities promtply at the airport by a guide and driver. All flights but one were on time and our luggage always arrived promtply. the hotels were great,very luxurious and the food was great and in huge quantity. Only a few times were unhappy because we were given Western food or a mongrel type of westernized chinese food which wasn't nearly as good as the real Chinese food. We found the place amazing and surprising with the people show being the best part. We got a chance to wonder around by ourselves in Shanghai,
Beijing, Xian and that was always very interesting. We biked in rush our traffic in Beijing, shopped in a department store in Xian and rode a bus in Shanghai. We ate out in restaurants by ourselves in Shanghai, Beijing and Xian and with the "Chinglish" on the menu and pointing, did okay. We would have liked to see someone's home, a school and a hospital (The hospital was not such a good idea because of the SARS). The river cruises were very enjoyable and most of the tour sites were too but a few too many museums were included. We loved visiting the great wall and climbed up as far as we could go and interactd wtih the Chinese tourists there who gave us water when we had none and we gave them candy we had and we took each others' pictures. We loved the ming tombs and the sites in Xian and the amazing museum in Wushan with a performance on the ancient bells found in a tomb in excellent condition. We loved visiting some of the open markets with amazing things being sold including every conceivable body parts of all kinds of animals, fish and creepy, crawling things. We were taken to too many stores but did enjoy bargaining for items in the open markets and place where Chinese tourists go (like the calligraphy street in Xian.) All in all our tour was a great experience.
Betsy Rosenthal
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * we have attractive rates on the maids cleaning service

Tom Watt Glyndon, MN

Sherry and I just returned from a 20 day customized tour of the China mainland and 4 days in Hong Kong. For what it's worth, the customized tour versus a group tour is the way to go. Your time and tours are flexible. You have your own driver and guide. Good to have in China, due to language barrier. Only disadvantage, you don't get to meet other people and make friends as when on a group tour. The cost is about the same. This tour was one of the best we have ever taken. Sherry says the best. We first visited China in 1984 and several times since but most of that time was in the big cites. In order to appreciate China you have to try and not to compare it with the US or Europe, but look at the people and their culture and how they can get along with so little. They make use of everything. One interesting observation. I saw only one Chinese that was overweight, and she was working at a McDonald's cafe. After about 15 days of Chinese food I can see why. Vegs, fruit, rice, with some chicken or rice mixed in and Tea. The more you eat it the better it gets.

The farming and rural area haven't changed. For my Army friends who were in Korea with me; The farm life is the same as it was back in 60's, and is probably not much dif. from 500 yrs ago except for electricity in some areas.

The people are honest, hard working, and friendly. They smile and laugh a lot. The country is in an economic boom. It started about 20 yrs ago. Construction in the cities is overwhelming. Hard to believe they can do so much in such a short time. Some experts believe they will catch us in GNP in 10 to 15 yrs. There is lots of foreign investment plus their own money. The city of Shanghai which we saw in 95 has mushroomed with tall and taller buildings plus, highways, parks etc. This kind of construction is going on in all of the cities we visited. They work 24 hrs per day 5 days per week. No labor problems to stop work.

If you are planning to go to China be sure and do the Li River boat ride out of Guilin. This is the most spectacular scenic site we have ever toured. Words or pictures won't describe, you have to see it in person. It is a 4 hour boat ride and fortunately the sun was shinning. Later in the evening we took a motorcycle ride out of Yangshuo (city at end of boat ride) and saw the sun set. I hope the pictures turn out.

Highlights of trip.

Shanghai=4 nights: a beautiful modern city and sherry says the best shopping ever. A good guide and driver. Took a full day tour in country to a place called Water Village. Very worth while.

Yangtze River Cruise=5 days: The tours through the 3 gorges, the mini gorge and the tour of the construction of the biggest dam in the world was very impressive. A wide variety of scenery, some places kind of reminded you of the Amazon River, some of the Rhine River, and some of the Glenwood Canyon in Colo. The boat was operated by the Regal China Cruise Line. The ship name was the Princess Elaine, rated a 5 star by China. It was nice but not a 5 star by American standards. After a flight from Shanghai and some difficulty finding the boat in Wusan; we upgraded to a suite. The best money we spent on the tour. The regular cabins were about the size of the interior of a Chevy Suburban. The suite had a bedroom twice the size of the stateroom of the econ. cabins, also had a large living room and a wet bar and of course a full size bathroom. Just couldn't see putting Sherry in the mini size cabin. Ha.

Chongqing=2 nights: W.W.II capital of Chiang Kai-shek Nationalist Party. The Squadron "Papa Bears" of Flying Tigers stationed here in 1942. The museum for them and Gen. Stilwell had just been demolished 1 mo. ago. SHIT, one of the things I really wanted to see. Will be rebuilt and ready in about 6 mos. Went to site where Chiang KK and wife lived during war yrs. Highest hill in Chongqing, good view of city and a cool breeze. This is an industrial city of 30 mil, smog is bad, you can smell the coal fumes in air. One night is ample time here.

Train ride from Chongqing to Kunming=24 hrs We had heard bad reports on trains but it was a great way to see the country side, beautiful scenes of farming, mountains, lakes, and people working in the fields. Our cabin was clean and the bathrooms were okay. The diner was clean but don't look in the kitchen. We were careful to eat only well cooked food, plus we brought some rolls and cookies. Highly recommend a train ride.

Kunming=3 nights. 6200 feet above sea level This is where Col. Chennault, Commander of Flying Tigers, was stationed; also "Hells Angles" Squadron stationed here at the Wu Chia BA Airport. Kunming is called the City of eternal spring. Cool weather was welcome. All day tour of stone village. A remarkable geological site. Rock formations like we have never seen. Cable car ride to top of West Hill. UP to 8500 feet. A wide variety of trees and shrubs. Great view of city. Kunming is about 250 miles from either: Laos, Vietnam, or Burma and about 1200 miles SW of Shanghai. Kunming is a great place but a long way from other major tourist towns. A very good guide.

Guilin and Li River cruise to Yangshou.4 nights: This was the best part of the tour. If you are planning to go to China be sure and do the Li River boat ride out of Guilin. This is the most spectacular scenic site we have ever toured. Words or pictures won't describe, you have to see it in person. It is a 4 hour boat ride and fortunately the sun was shinning. Later in the evening we took a motorcycle ride out of Yangshuo (city at end of boat ride) and saw the sun set. I hope the pictures turn out.

Guilin was the home of the Flying Tigers Squadron,"Adam and Eves." most spectacular we have ever seen. On the last day on way to airport we toured the fluted Caves. This was like a miniature Carls Bad Caverns in New Mexico. Outstanding.

Flew to Hong Kong. This city has become so crowded and expensive that Sherry wanted to go home after one day out of four. Also lots of unfriendly mid eastern types. Tried to get tickets changed but plane was full. Lucky we stayed on Oct 1st China celebrated its becoming a nation in 1949. Went to Marco Polo hotel for dinner and this provided us a place to go and watch the fireworks. People on the street had to wait for hrs and said they were packed in like sardines.

If you really want to be adventurous, do a customized tour of the cities and rural areas in China. If I can be of help in planning a trip, let me know. I will be glad to help. That is it. Cheers Tom florida auto insurance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Nancy Levin Boston, MA

My comments: The trip was a huge success. Everybody had a great time. You did extremely well at taking good care of us. We all loved China. The weather cooperated. I am recommending the trip to everyone I know who hasn't already been to China. How about Shangri-La? That sounds good! I also want to go to Bali and Vietnam.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dana Banker Miami, FL

The trip was wonderful, thank you very much! In fact my dad was commenting on it this weekend when I was home for Christmas. He thought you did a great job, and was particularly happy about how much $$$ you saved him on that first class ticket.

I also was really pleased. Everything went without a hitch. Our guides were always there when we arrived, and were quite accommodating in arranging specific trips or tours we wanted to add. And of course it was a fascinating country.

I travel a lot, and it was definitely my best trip ever.

So thank you for everything, and especially for being so gracious and helpful with our last minute changes and add-ons. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Elissa Levine Ft. Lauderdale, FL

I have to tell you that this was one of the best trips I have taken - a large part was because of you! I have several friends interested in Asia travel and am telling everyone about you!

Feedback: the one thing I would have liked to know in advance was the inadvisability of much/heavy carry along luggage.. I would have resisted the temptation to take certain things along had I known the amount of carrying
stuff up and down stairs, airports with no jet ways etc. that we would encounter.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lourdes Aquino and family Downey, CA

Just a note to thank you so very much for the wonderful tour package you provided. My sisters and I had the BEST TIME ever in China! The tour guides and drivers were wonderful people and the hotels we stayed in were fantastic. We had such a great time in China that I just had to write and let you know that choosing your agency, for this tour, was the best choice we ever made. Once again, THANK YOU.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jerry Smith, Dorothy Fugiel Evanston, Illinois

Dear Ms. Qian,
My wife and I are almost back on Chicago time, so it is time I let you know what a fantastic sojourn we had in China! I must say that before we went, we may have been motivated more by the idea that we "ought" to see China. But we came home fully enthused about the experience, and are already talking about what we want to do the next time we go. It was as if all of our senses were bombarded constantly by the images, the sounds, even the smells of China. Making the trip ever so much more delightful was our tour leader Mr. David Yu (Yu Bin). He is a young man, 26 years old, who has a degree in economics from Beijing University. Not only was he highly intelligent, he was personable, affable, humorous, and accommodating. For example, at the Great Wall, Dottie said something to him about the Ming Tombs and the Spirit Way walk, David said it wasn't part of the prepared itinerary, But after conferring with the others in our group, he juggled the schedule so we could walk the length of the Spirit Way. We found David very open, very willing to discuss any questions we had, and to fill in our knowledge gaps about history. We can't imagine the trip without him. And we hope to keep in contact with him, knowing that as the economy of China improves, he will be highly successful, so that one day, he can visit with us in Chicago. One of the highlights of our trip occurred due to a mishap. On the return ride to Dazu from the Buddhist Carvings, our bus had a flat tire. Tony Wu, our local guide from Chongqing C.I.T.S., asked "Would you like to visit a local village?" So we walked across rice paddies to a small village. The people were as thrilled as we were, bringing out chairs and benches for us to sit on, inviting us in to their homes, etc. When one of the members of our group took a polaroid photo, soon the little girls all disappeared into their homes, only to reemerge, wearing their lovely silk dresses. And I had my picture taken with two little boys wearing "Chicago Bulls" shirts, although I don't think they knew why I wanted their picture. While all but one of our local guides were quite good, three were outstanding: Ophelia Jiang in Hangzhou, Tony Wu in Chongqing and Dazu, and Chen Yi Zhong in Guilin. Ophelia was enthusiastic and proud of her city. Mr. Wu was erudite and knowledgeable, a true teacher. His talks on the Buddhist Carvings were captivating. And they didn't sound canned, for when asked questions, he could expound with clarity. Mr. Chen, in Guilin, was likewise an enthusiast for his city. But he went way beyond what was required of a local guide. He gave us a lot of data about the history, the economy, the social problems of China. On the way to the airport he said "You've been in China for two weeks and have been presented with a lot of good things about China. You need to know something of our problems." He then expanded on the four major social problems: unemployment, drugs, burglary and prostitution. It was an openness that our friends who traveled there in the 1980's would never have experienced. Dottie and I have three recommendations for improving the trip. In Shanghai, the Bund has little to offer that people can appreciate who have not studied the history of the 1842 agreement with the Britain, France and the U.S. We would recommend having lunch at the Peace Hotel, followed by a short walk on the Bund. (Incidentally, we had dinner there and stayed to hear the old guys play Jazz in the bar.) The new museum in Shanghai is outstanding. Much more time was needed there. Second, Xian needs much more time to explore. I was hoping to have time
to walk much of the wall, but had only the short time with the guide there. Third, there were many times when I would have loved to stop and take a photo. Guides should be aware of locations that would offer typical views, and ask if any would like to stop for a photo. I asked Mr. Wu, for example, to stop for a photo of the rice paddies with farm buildings in view. He accommodated me by choosing such a spot along the way. To sum, we have traveled to many parts of the world, and we rate this trip as one of our most interesting. Thank you for your assistance in preparing for the trip.
Xie Xie.
Jerry Smith
P.S. I not only enjoyed seeing China, but also in tasting Chinese. I ate Chinese foods at every meal (except breakfast, where little was
offered in the hotels). We even took a taxi to Kowloon City and had dinner at a restaurant called "Fai Seafood Hot Pot" on our last night in
Hong Kong. Since the menu was only in Chinese, we were lucky to have a waitress who spoke enough English to help us order. It was excellent!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Raul Dominguez Hallandale Beach, Florida

A Great Package, Excellent Tours, Well informed and Charming Guides First Class accommodations. An unforgettable trip, Thank You

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anne Peck Palo Alto, California

hi Yinjie... as to our trip... as i said, we had a great time... we were met at and delivered to each airport just like clockwork, our guides were very knowledgeable, spoke good English, and were always willing to adjust things to accommodate our requests... hotels were first rate... we even had exceptionally good weather throughout... it was cool but not cold in Beijing and mostly sunny (air was not great but not because of coal dust, rather because of winds, dry season, and dust in the air)...Xian was cloudy, but no rain... dali/lijiang were sunny and warm (cool at night) and then guilin was warm and sunny... I've tried to put together a few more notes about our stay in each place below to provide you with a bit more feedback, along with some suggestions that we had along the way... the suggestions are just that, suggestions... i do not mean them as criticisms, as i know we would all do the trip again just as it was, but things that we would have done a bit differently if we had had a clue what we were doing!!! so here goes... Beijing... we were in the Marriott new world courtyard which was a very nice, comfortable hotel... our guide was Mr. Xiao... he was very nice, very accommodating, very knowledgeable, and very friendly... driver was also very skilled and we felt very comfortable with them... days were very busy (traffic in Beijing seemed to be much worse than i remembered and getting from one spot to the next took time!!) but each stop was as planned... Beijing opera add on was especially good/interesting... trips to wall, Ming's tombs, summer palace, etc were all well done and worth the trip (even for me who'd seen them before!!) xian... we were in lee garden hotel which was also very nice. we had our only small reservations problem here, where hotel said reservations did not include breakfast. i did not have my itinerary at hand when we checked in so did not argue then. after going to rooms, i did find it, and on our way out to dinner spoke with management... they promised to check things while we were gone... when i returned , they were still adamant that the reservation did not include breakfast... i was very persistent. eventually they copied reservation/confirmation sheet (which showed breakfast was included at not just their hotel but at all the hotels on our trip) and they agreed we could have breakfast the next morning while they checked again... in the end, that meant they called our guide and I'm not sure who all else, but it all got sorted out... were I to go to xian again, I'd much rather be in a hotel closer to the center (or at least in a neighborhood where restaurants etc were plentiful... we were on our own for dinner the first night and would have walked more to find something, but it's location was not especially good for window shopping/strolling/etc... we did find a place nearby (and had quite an adventure) but felt fairly constrained... (i should add that one of my travel rules is to not eat in the hotel I'm staying in so that i get out and see more of wherever it is that i am (also because hotel food tends to be outrageously expensive for what you get))... guide (went by "Jack") and driver in xian were very good too... stopped whenever we wanted and were especially helpful in letting me stop at a couple of corner markets as well as an agricultural village along our way... terra cotta warriors were as impressive as advertised!! I'd go back to this region to see more of archeological digs around xian as well as driving in country... seemed very interesting!! kunming... I'd have to say kunming was our one not-so-great stop... partly, it is because on our first stop our flights were such that we arrived in kunming one evening and then left early the next morning for dali, so saw nothing of kunming that stop... second stop was after dali/lijiang and arrived mid/late morning and had only the afternoon... saw only western hills and a temple... meanwhile, when flying in to kunming, nearby areas looked very interesting, but we had no time to drive to see them... also, driver in kunming was our least favorite (we all felt least secure with him at the wheel -- he seemed to be driving too fast for conditions, often seeming to be fighting for space on the road with much bigger vehicles)... special dinner and show were not very interesting (i should also note we're still not sure whether show at the dinner was "the show", but if so it certainly was not a minority peoples show... guide offered to take us to another so-called minority show, but it was extra and we declined as we'd had a long day)... hotel was harbor plaza and it was fine... dali... we very much enjoyed our visit to dali/lijiang and are very glad you suggested them.... hotel in dali was great (back/mountain facing room was best, as front facing room was blasted with karaoke music till after midnight)... area interesting, had great visit to village and countryside... Cindy was our guide and she was great... driver was a Mr.. chau and he was great too (he and bus stayed with us through lijiang)... lijiang... drive to and then later all around lijiang was exactly what I wanted, a chance to see more of the countryside, what people were growing, how they were doing it, etc... Cindy (indeed all our guides (and even our drivers!)) were great good sports about all the questions we asked about everyday life, agricultural practices we'd see but didn't understand, etc)... our guide in/around lijiang was ren (Julie) and also very accommodating... trips to mountains and gorge were great ... hotel in lijiang was our least favorite (it may have been a 5-star hotel, but we decided the stars were very small ones!! (air-conditioning system didn't work (first room i was in got so over heated i asked to be moved when it was clear repair person had not a clue what to do), windows didn't open so couldn't control anything, hot water dispenser did not work and beds were hard as rocks... also, location was not great for walking in late afternoon/evening to old town.. we did walk but noted another well rated hotel, the lijiang grand hotel, was much closer to older area and lots of walking, shops, and cafe/restaurants...)... from our perspective, lijiang grand seemed a much preferable choice, but then again we haven't stayed there and it might have it's problems too!!
country around lijiang/ dali was so different from that elsewhere that we were especially grateful for your suggestion to visit here... more than anything else, i think it gave us a better sense of the breadth and diversity of china (sort of like seeing the rocky mountains pr the deserts of the southwest must change one's perception of the US if you'd only been in the east)... anyway, was really a high spot... and then guilin... wonderful countryside, another great guide -- gan (our favorite) -- and great driver, great weather, and opportunities to see more of the countryside as well as the city... one hitch was that flight time on to Hong Kong was changed to 7pm, getting into Hong Kong late enough that we really had no time there, but as i have been to Hong Kong 2 or 3 times before , i didn't much care... besides, smog/pollution in Hong Kong was at record levels and we were just as glad to be gone!! so there it is... hope these comments are helpful and as i said before suggestions are only that, they are not complaints!!... we really did have a great time, saw lots (i shot 16 rolls of film!!!) and agree we'd do it all again in a flash!!!... oh, one other reaction I'd pass along... with the exception of the Beijing opera add-on, we generally didn't find the special dinners to be worth the price (rather like my feelings about eating in the hotel I'm staying in!!)... were we to do it again, i think we'd take our chances on stumbling into a local restaurant and/or having our guides help us find a local spot... and finally, whenever you have a minute, we'd be curious to know where else you'd send us if we were to go again... again, many thanks for putting it all together for us... I've never been better taken care of on a trip before!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Karen & Robert Families Washington D.C.

Our families are all back home again after a successful and memorable vacation. We were very pleased with how all the travel arrangements went, and also appreciated your agency's flexibility and prompt service. We will be sure to keep you in mind when making future plans.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Linda & Garry Wachtel Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We want to thank you for making our trip to China such a wonderful experience. Every moment was a challenge to our emotions, senses, tastes and sensitivities. We were educated by the trip and learned so much more about China and the people than we thought possible. Your kindness and concerns was evident throughout and we sincerely appreciate all that you have done.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Enzo Parianotti Locarno, Switzerland

Here you have my comment about the organization and sightseeing: Fantastic ! I thank you for everything and I hope to have the possibility to travel with you again.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Peter Hong Family Laurens, Iowa

Despite the disappointing delay due to the weather, we really enjoyed the trip. We appreaciated the knowledge and enthusiasm of most of the local tour guides. The accommodations were good to excellent. The meals were also good well thought out and would appeal to all travelers no matter what their previous experience with Chinese cuisine. The transportation was good and the smaller group size allowed for a lot of personal attention and information exchange.
I feel the overall experience was very positive and a good value. Thank you for all your help and encouragement throughout the process of getting us to China. As a person who likes to be well prepared, I must say I was somewhat apprehensive about how the trip would go. Having completed the trip, I will definitely recommend with enthusiasm the choice of travel to China and the choice of your services.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Catherine F. Hendrick Dublin, Ohio

I have to rave about Robert, our tour guide in Beijing. He has no idea how good his English is, but it is as good as any Americans. He was a great guide and very flexible. He is FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS. If I send any friends or if I go back, I want him for a guide. wow!
In Shanghai Frank, our tour guide, added a free evening tour of the city for us because the city was decked out in lights for the Liberation of Shanghai by the Communists. Well this 30 minute tour turned into a 2 hour tour of the city. It was a fabulous tour and should be added to all the small tours on the evening of arrival. It gave us a better understanding of the layout of the city and it was easy and great fun. Thanks so much for your help with our flight issues and luggage problem. A very
enjoyable trip. It broke my heart to come home. - Catherine

One of the best tours in my travels. We essentially had a private tour guide to ourselves for the whole trip.
Would very much like to try one of your other tours in the future. - James

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Carl Miller & Joyce Ann Gebow Fort Lauderdale, Florida

It really was the trip of a lifetime. We found China fasinating and the people were so friendly. I guess if I had to pick a favorite place, it would be Guilin. The beauty is undescribable. Watching the cormorants fishing was one of my favorite things. Tibet was magical. Although we didn't have the ceremony, the Llamas did chant some prayers for us. You can not imagine the smell of burning Yak butter everywhere in the temple. You were right about Shanghai. Glad you told us to go. The city was unique. Never seen one like it. We had a great time there. Frank, our tour guide in Shanghai, was very nice and he seemed very concerned about us. That was nice. All the guides were very good. - Joyce

Tour was great. No problems. Would be a good idea to have some type of reservation number from Hotels before we arrived. All guides were excellent, were always on time and never late. We loved the trip. Thank you. - Carl

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chris & Christopher Fuller East Rochester, New York

We enjoyed the trip tremendously, especially thanks to your knowledge and input. We were also very impressed with several of the tour guides in Chengdu, Lhasa, and Xian. Their maturity and highly educated presentation made us feel lucky to have them as guides. We wish we had had more time in Shanghai, but the time that we did spend there is memorable - especially going to the Snake Restaurant! Some of the parts we enjoyed most about the trip were simply walking around the city streets catching a glimpse of everyday life, especially the trip to the Muslim section of Xian for our dinner in the middle of the road - thanks for making all that possible. Needless to say, we were thrilled to see the Great Wall and the terra cotta warriors, but equally impressed by the kindness of people we met along the way. Some pleasant surprises included the Holiday Inn in Chengdu and the smooth flights on the brand new airbuses. Flying within China is getting to be more pleasant than some of our recent domestic U.S. flights. If we'd do anything differently on a future trip, it would be allowing ample time in each location for walking around - and 'leisurely' shopping, but given the extremely good value of the trip and the need to fit a lot into a tight schedule, we know that a first trip should always leave something to look forward to for future trips.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Meg & Jim O'Connor Long Island, New York

Very interesting and the tour guids were overall very helpfull and friendly. A couple of more days in Beijing and Shanghai would have given us more time to explore on our own and shop.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Joe & Sally Kimura Fremont, California

We really had a good time. Everything was perfect, the tour directors were there to meet us at every stop. We didn't have to worry about anything. Tours are the only way to go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jim Edmunds Dania, Florida

I returned safely from the now not so mysterious east. Very pleased with the tour, all went perfectly. The group of seventeen, most or all of them your clients, was, by comparison with other tour groups I have met, an unusually interesting, good humored and very enjoyable set of travel mates. We sometimes referred to the group as the "Magnificent Seven"-teen, and with Duan Xiu Wei to efficiently and very pleasantly shepherd this wandering flock (at times no easy task) I feel we all found most everything exceeded our expectations. The nearest thing to a complaint by the group was an unscheduled stop at the Bansai Gardens for the lunch less well presented than others; but I felt just to see the magnificent plantings, not dated, but some I feel sure hundreds of years old, more than offset any minuses. I would highly recommend your tour, and would be glad to do so if anyone in my area is undecided, and would to call me for my opinion. Thanks for the excellent service,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Leopold Boca Raton, Florida

Everything went as scheduled and all arrangements were very good. Most guides were very nice and obliging. Chinese airlines are very good, mostly on time. They much improved in the last 10 years. Thanks,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Alan Potter & Marilyn Potter Plantation, Florida

Going to China was a highlight in our travel career. The trip was extremely worthwhile and we learned a great deal about the land, the people and the customs. The Victoria Cruise was the best part - only 27 guests and 108 crew. Food outstanding. All local guides on excursions were good and a few even sang to us. The ship's people entertained us, we learned Tai Chi and mahjong - watched dancing from different parts of China. The staff were always helpful, sweet and kind. The manager of the ship Nat Ahrens deserves special recognition for his soft spoken, gentle way of handling all the staff and guests. He was perfect. The sights visited in every city were fabulous. We got up early and began our excursions. In Guilin we also went to a kindergarten. Usually it was just 4 of us with a guide - in Xian and Beijing there were 9 people and we all joined the cruise with a total of 27 people. We were very lucky. One day it rained and it was hottest in Hong Kong. Every other city was warm, but not too hot. Every meeting and transfer went like clockwork. The service was excellent, care & pampering were really appreciated. All the guides were kind and friendly and very helpful. The food was always delicious, ample and many choices were provided. Even though Hong Kong was beautiful - sights were unfavored compared to the Mainland - a pricy jewelry factory - a high peak view and dropped at the Stanley Market. Would have preferred a museum to a factory. Would have appreciated another city in China - Dazu or Shanghai instead of Hong Kong. Arriving in Beijing we were diverted south 60 miles and sat 5 hours waiting for a storm to pass so we got to the hotel 1 am (Wed) instead of 5:30 pm (Tue). Thank you for you help in getting off to great start of a great trip.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Irene Rothenberg Highland Beach, Florida (Postcard mailed from Chongqing, China)

Dear Yinjie, A fascinating trip - exhausting - a wonderful guide - 5 star hotels in Beijing, Shanghai - boat very comfortable - All very well organized and gracious. Food fine so far. Big cities - one construction site - what energy! Enjoying the experience tremendously. Thanks! Will call you upon return.

Best regards,

Irene

Comments: Excellent ... touched every site that Clinton saw.

The guide was outstanding - especially well informed, intelligent and attentive and thorough. A tiring trip, but unforgettable.

Two minor suggestions: 1. Do include the Shanghai Museum, which I saw on my own and loved; 2. Improve the luggage handling. The small minivans don't have facilities for taking on luggage, which is sent on separately at times, or not at all ( e.g. in Dazu).

Local guides were also excellent for the most part - very informative, well organized. One or two will improve their English in time. The trip is great value for the money. I will definitely repeat the Li River and Yangtze Cruises. Stunning scenery. Yinjie, you're marvelous! Very well coordinated, planned and executed. Thank you.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ted Sachs Lake Charles, Louisiana

Thank you for your help in arranging our trip. The many calls you made to make sure everything was all right were greatly appreciated. We had a wonderful time and came back to the States with a much greater understanding of China. The accommodations were without fault. The tours were very interesting. Would that were more time to spend visiting with the people of China. Coming back from Shanghai (a long trip), the plane was only about one third full so we had plenty of room to relax. Once again, thanks. If ever you need a recommendation feel free to call on me.

Home

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boca Raton, Florida, USA