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Published: February 7th 2016
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Allow me to introduce you to the Quartet from Toledo:
First is Ricky, some of you may recall he was my traveling companion to Egypt several years ago. Rick, as we call him, has been a friend of the Farina family for more than 20 years. He has watched our kids grow up and I have helped him through some tough times. He has AIDS, but is in complete remission so he feels NOW is a good time to travel and I could't agree more. Rick is rather laid back, sometimes forgetful, but is easy to get along with. He likes to sing, try different things and is very much looking forward to China as this is an experience well beyond his normal zone. He will be my roommate for the journey, and although he talks A LOT in his sleep, is an easy companion to deal with.
Next is out elder statesman Richard, aka Dick. Dick was a guidance Councillor at St Francis High School and a colleague of my wife Cathy for many years. Dick is everything Rick is not. Dick is a very focused individual who likes order in things. He has a fondness for schedules, precise timing, needs a PLAN, and is somewhat more detailed oriented than the rest of us. He is also VERY bright, is a seasoned traveler and is intrigued with the China trip, as he wants to experience the culture and history of this amazing country. We have known Dick for several years, was a good source of wise council for our son Chris, and an all around nice guy.
Rounding out the group is Mike. Mike is about my age, a seasoned traveler as well but is a little more focused and scattered at the same time!. Mike likes things precise but questions everything as well. He was concerned how long it takes to get to China, after all it is FAR AWAY! He may not be as adventurous as the rest of us, but I may be surprised, since Mike is only an acquaintance rather than a long time friend. Mike's son played soccer with our son Chris many years ago, so we have a passing relationship for many years through our sons. I saw Mike for the first time in a long time when I started writing Gravesend; and he gave me some good ideas about how to get the book published. Then a few years later we crossed again at a baby shower for a mutual friend. I told him about the China trip and he was excited, well as excited as Mike ever gets. Since Dick needed a roommate, and Mike wanted to go with us, our Trio became a Quartet when Mike agreed to come along.
I function as the Guide, Administrator, Secretary and all around planner for the group. As you know,I have also traveled with my wife and boys extensively having visited Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and other countries. This is my first foray into Asia. I am looking forward to seeing everything, learning everything and, of course, EATING EVERYTHING. I know this will be the trip of a lifetime, in a communist country that is completely different from any of our past travels, and a culture that is both ancient and far different from anything I have ever experienced.
How and IF we all survive may be the rest of the story. We depart the USA on April 3, 2016.
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