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This page last updated 05/07/2007

THE 14-DAY TOUR

CHINA

WEDNESDAY 9th MAY TO TUESDAY 22nd MAY 2007

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Report 1

As reported in The Cyprus Today and on People & Places on BRT 2 On the 9^th May 44 members and their families enjoyed a Captivating 14 Day Tour to China.

As Napoleon Bonaparte said “China? There lies a sleeping giant. Let him sleep! For if he wakes he will move the world.

As we found out on our travels sleeping he is not. Having let capitalist out of the bottle, the regime relies on nationalism to foster unity and very proud are the people and very keen to show you their country. The Olympic Stadium for example is finished 16 months ahead of schedule.

We visited Tennimen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing which was mind blowing in its size. The Great Wall at Badaling, which was fascinating to see and climb. The Terracotta Army At Xian with the vast underground Vaults with the thousands of warriors in their formations was stupendous. Shanghai a city on the move literally as vast development is taking place.

However to me one of the greatest joys was to visit Suzhou 90 mins North of Shanghai. Suzhou boasts the prettiest woman and certainly some of the greatest gardens in the world. We visited the vast Humble Ministers Garden with its intricate layout of rocks, plants and water and the smaller but equally beautiful Lingering Garden. Our time was much to short there and I strongly recommend that if you visit to linger at least two or three to enjoy these tranquil places.

We travelled over 11 thousand miles, 6 flights, 3 hotels over the 14 days. 44 people out 44 people back, 42 pieces of luggage out and 46 pieces back? Which was down to the excellent group, careful planning and the inscrutable organization of the Chinese.

Please visit if you have a chance,

Next year there’s the rub, time to reflect and dream.

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Some more pictures from Mike........................................

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