The final stop before heading home was Hangzhou … Tim and Joanna's home base, and what a beautiful city it is - built around a very picturesque lake.
On arrival we all headed off for a walk around part of the lake and made mental notes about getting some exercise the next morning!
Next day after a morning at Wahaha, we enjoyed a city tour of Hangzhou, including a rather hot and crowded boat ride - where certain members of the group became instant celebrities with many Chinese people lining up for 'Kodak magic moments' photos together!!
The next evening saw most of us have dinner at Tim and Joanna's local eating spot -great food and very cheap! Then we were off to Maya Bar, where jugs of icy concoctions kept the hot weather and thirst at bay … definitely a spot to remember!
The great company visits then came to an end, and it was back to the hotel (via the beautiful lotus flowers in full bloom), and to step in to our party gear for our last night out together. Tim and Joanna put on a great dinner at Grandma's Kitchen - then it was off to test out our singing voices at karaoke. There were a few surprises … Anthony and Adam were not shy with a microphone, and Justina, Mancy, Mandy, Wei, and April showed how it was really done! (as did David later on). Joanna continued with her good singing form from the bus, and Tim proved to be a dark horse with a nice tune too!
All told, it was huge fun - with absolutely everyone having a go.
Well, was it time to go home and pack for the long journey home??? …. Heck no, not while there was more fun to be had!!
The final part of the journey ended up being the biggest challenge due to a missed flight connection - but everyone pulled together and yet again demonstrated what a fabulous group was the China Class of 2008.
I know we all share incredible memories of an amazing 2 weeks. Of course we'll each have lots of fun travelling in the future, but nothing will ever be quite like this study program!!
