The 2008 trip has been planned: this one was too big to be made over spring break, so it is scheduled for May 19 to May 31 ........ To CHINA! Joe and I went to China in 2004, and it was the trip of a lifetime....... in fact it was so great, I knew before I left that I would have to return there. My two favorite countries that I have visited yet, have been Italy and China. I suspect I could go again and again.
The itinerary is attached; you can see it hits all the highlights..the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, a rickshaw tour through the Hutang in Beijing, which is the really, really old part of the city, and a real treat. I intend to go to the Pearl Factory there, in my "spare time". Last time I bought strands of pearls there for 10 15 dollars, that I had appraised when I got home, and were valued at $200-$400. The Tomb with the Terra Cotta Warriors in Man, where the first Emperor of China was buried....... Shanghai is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen in my life... http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/14ad8c/ It's also the place I had the best meal of my life... 17 courses for about $17 a person, plus $2.50 cab fare across the city. There is a noodle house in the older part of the city that I will show you. that will leave you wanting to lick the bowl, to get every drop of the flavorful broth. Shanghai is famous for its silk. Finally it's on to Hong Kong, a city to which I have never gone ...it's supposed to be fabulous, and I'm anxious to find out for myself.
The cost of the trip is on the enclosed file..for most of us (those 23 or older, before May 31, 2008) the cost is $3459, which is absolutely amazing. Joe and I paid $4500 each in 2004. That price includes round trip air fare from Great Falls, all hotels, breakfast and supper (including one meal of Peking Duck), all tours .... The only things not included are passports, visas, lunches, tips for the tour guides and bus drivers, and spending money. As far as the latter goes, the range is huge. Things are so inexpensive there, you are tempted to spend a fortune. In almost every instance, you bargain for prices which is |
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great fun, once you adjust to it. Joe got caught up in trying to find the best price he could for Mao watches and managed to get them for $2.50 finally... then discovered many were broken! Joe is planning to buy another full sized replica of a Terra Cotta Warrior (he brought a General Back in 2004, that weighs over 500 lbs, and stands about 6'5"... you can see him on our front porch). I plan to spend my fortune in the Pearl Market... If I buy enough, I may be able to give some as gifts this time, instead of keeping them all for myself.
China is especially amazing, because it is simultaneously the most ancient place you'll ever see, and the most modern place you will probably ever see. In one day you might see farmers with an ox pulling a plow in the fields, planting rice, and the fastest train in the world (to the airport in Shanghai).
This trip is open to MSU-Northern students, alumni, family and friends, literally anyone who wants to go. It is available for credit as International Business (BUS 410) if anyone is interested. It is very fast paced, so I would recommend travelers be in fairly good health. The fast pace really sets it apart from most tours, that seem to be designated more for older travelers, and allows you to see so much more than you could on a more conventional tour.
Please let me know if you are interested, and pass this on to others you think might be interested. You can find it on the web at http://eftours.com/Student/Default.aspx and input tour #929199. E-mail me at skornogoski@msun.edu if you have questions, or call me at home (265-8504) or at work (265-4178). I can't encourage you enough to take advantage of this opportunity!
Brenda F. Skornogoski
Associate Professor of Business
College of Technical Science
MSU-Northern
P.O. Box 7751
Havre, MT 59501 |
