Hi Mark and Success:

Sorry I'm taking so long in getting back to you after our return. Everyone returned safely and Kyle is in Japan starting his new job. I want to thank you for putting this last trip together for us and want to apologize for my unkind words to you when in Tibet. I had no reason to yell at you as it was not your fault. Sorry again. Janet and I had colds at the end of the trip and it's taken until now to get of the cold and jet lag.

As for the trip it was wonderful but a little difficult for people in our age group. 2 of our members suffered from altitude sickness but recovered when returning to lower altitudes. The bus rides were a little tough throughout the entire trip except on the freeways. The trip to the Panda Reserve is very rough as a new dam is being built so half the ride is on bumpy unpaved highways. The reward after this trip was the Panda Reserve. For most this was the highlight of the trip. Most took pictures with a panda on their laps while I paid extra and went into the 8 and 9 months old pens and played with them What fun and something I'll cherish and remember for the rest of my life.

The guides were very good on this trip. They were informative, kind and very thoughtful to all of us. I know what guides have to put up with and they handled everything very well. Please thank Tasi (Tibet), Sparrow (Chengdu), Jamie (Chongqing) and especially Frank in Beijing.

The hotels you picked for us were wonderful. There was only one other couple that made the trip with us 2 years ago but there were others that had been to China with us before and they all raved about the hotels, meals and the services that you provided. Thank from everyone to you and Success.

It looks as though we can get a pretty good group together for the Silk Road. I hope it is a little easier than Tibet. When you have time would you send me a sample itinerary for a trip to the Silk Road. I imagine it starts in Beijing or Shanghai, onto Xian but do not know what happens afterwards.

Thank you for the wonderful gifts. The scroll is quite long and I have to find an appropriate place of honor for it. We haven't tried the tea yet but will.

Mark, please take care of yourself and let me hear how you're doing.

From Your good friends in America................Janet and Floyd Kondo