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Published: December 29th 2011
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We have been on the go since 6am on Friday, December 23rd traveling between Hangzhou, Shanghai and Suzhou showing Laurence and Laura what life is like in China and some touristy things of course since is their 1st time to China. We successfully met Laurence at his hotel in Shanghai and found Laura at the correct subway stop and exit after her flight from southern China after her overnight train from Hanoi. A great feat, as neither of them speak Chinese and China isn't easy to get around due to the language barrier, although the Chinese would say differently.
It was VERY cold in Shanghai during our 2 night stay which took the fun out of sightseeing but we had sun the whole time, which is a 1st for Pete and I. It seems the few times we have visited Shanghai it always rains. We decided to leave Shanghai one day early and went to Hangzhou for Christmas Day and Laura's 30th Birthday.
Then, after 2 nights of staying in our cold, not so American apartment we decided to go to Suzhou. Laurence travels alot for work and has lots of hotel points and decided to treat all of
us to a night at the Marriott in Suzhou. This was the BEST idea ever as the beds were super comfy (unlike our apartment), had an amazing soaking tub and fancy rain showerhead enclosed shower, English TV and access to the Executive Level Club on the 48th floor. We hung out in the hotel enjoying the modern amenities and warmth while we could.
This time with Laura and Laurence has been great. They both think we are crazy for living in China after their week here. The same thing goes across our mind many of times during our time in China but our long vacations are a great reason to put up with China for a little bit longer.
This afternoon, Laurence took the bus from Hangzhou to Shanghai Pudong airport as he flys back to the US tomorrow morning in order to celebrate New Year's Eve with his girlfriend where he will propose to her. Pete and I are packing for our trip to Hong Kong to celebrate NYE with Laura and then onto India. We also move out of our apartment tomorrow afternoon so our place is a wreck and Laura has been a champ about
it. When her and Laurence booked their trip us moving schools was not in the works but then again life happens and we deal with it.
These are just a few of the pictures I took on my small camera and I will post a more detailed blog later with the photos from "Pete's camera" aka the nicer Nikon.
Thanks to everyone for thinking of us on Christmas by sending us cards, ecards, emails and Facebook messages. Waking up in a hostel in Shanghai with Laura, Laurence, Pete and our cute stockings that Georgianna, Pete's Mom, made for us was a nice touch but still didn't quite feel like Christmas. We love you all and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
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