David in China

Mao and me

David had a good trip to China. The biggest excitement was on the flight out when he was separated from his colleagues during the layover in Beijing. David had bought a bottle of duty-free alcohol in Beijing as a gift for his Chinese coworkers, but he was told he couldn't carry it on board. So he went out to the check-in counter to check it as luggage. He thought he would be back quickly so he left his briefcase with his boss. When he got to the check-in counter they told him he had missed his flight! His briefcase contained the name of the hotel and all his important papers!

When he tried to book another flight, he was told since their flight was originally with Air China, he would have to go back to their counter. When he got to Air China, they told him he should go back to the other airline. He finally found an executive service center which was able to help. He did all this without being able to speak Chinese of course. Finally he got a new flight and then he saw his boss and coworker. They had missed the flight too and now they had to get new tickets and he was able to tell them what to do. David saved the day.

The rest of the trip went more smoothly. Here he is giving his presentation.

JBenchmark2 target score

They even had time for some sightseeing. He and his boss went to a bridge called The Friendship Bridge built by the Russians and Chinese together. The Yangtze River flows under it.

Friendship Bridge

Along the bank of the Yangtze there were lots of small garden plots.

Soldiers guarding the gates to something.

Because of the time difference we communicated via email instead of by phone. The kids each sent their dad an email.

Dear Dad,

I hope you have a good time at China. Have you tasted any new food yet? Is China a very big country? I bet it is.

At our house, I am finishing my homework. And we are having a good time with Daniel at recess. It is very good back here. How is your day over there?

I miss you very much.

From, Andrew

And one from Michael:

Computer.,
Dear Dad,

Chocolate for you.
How was your letter that I gave you?
Here is your chocolate again.
This is your candy bar for you.
Write down a message.

Love,
Michael