Chuck Johnson's Journal

Thursday, August 16

Busy, busy day yesterday....Wanted to update all last night, but I was too tired. Would have been willing to skip dinner for sleep and that doesn't happen often! Not going to worry too much about spelling, grammer, or complete sentences in this report....so hope you can figure out my meaning:

I saw in one of the threads that Leah M. described the food as "interesting." She is right; some meals are excellent, while others it has been hard to find something/enough to be satisfiied. Breakfasts at the hotel have been excellent. Lunch yesterday in a local Chinese restaurant was very good, but I will leave it to the children to describe the tacky art deco design of the restaurant's bathrooms. Dinner last night was at a restaurant that specilizes in conchee (rice portridge). I think most of us left hungery. Several of the adults are hopeful of returning to the US a little thinner.

Yesterday morning began with a visit to the Forbidden City, which is where generations of emperors have lived. It was wall-to-wall with people, and quite a challenge for us to keep track of everyone. The US chaperones all breathed a sigh of relief when we got everyone on the bus. It was also very hot but so rich with history.

After lunch, we went to the newly opened Capitol Museum- a huge facility profiling China's history. Very nice, but the highlight for most of the children was the large gift shop. Some of your children can shop! Only problem here is we lost two of the adult US chaperones who lost track of time having tea. I'll leave them nameless for now unless they do it again.

Then, we went to see a performance at the Chaoyang Theater of the acclaimed acrobatic troup. Physical feats were performed here that seem humanly impossible. Incredible!

So, long, activity-filled day. The children have been a joy. Still not even one problem with behavor, attitudes, or relating to each other.


Friday, August 17

Today was Alyssa's birthday, and she was the star for the day. We ended the evening with a surprise birthday party for her arranged by the CCAA and attended by the CCAA's director general, Mr. Lu. He presented her with a cake and a present from CCAA. Several traditional Chinese musicians and artists performed. Alyssa was also serenaded by two singers over lunch and had gifts from her parents to open, so she had a big day.

The morning began with Chinese dance classes at a performing artist school. After lunch, we went to art classes and the children were divided into two groups: one group worked on individual paper cutting projects and the other hand-painted kites. From there, we went to a Chinese temple, which really serves as a community park with all of the traditional Chinese temple architecture. Shopping at the famed Silk Market ended the afternoon. Your children can fill you in on what it is like shopping in one of these indoor markets. They got a kick out of watching the bargaining process, which can be very dramatic and included several temper tantrums by the vendors.

Today was wall-to-all events, with no breaks. The children are holding up better than the adults!

Off to bed for me....


Sunday, August 19

All of the children are at the CCAA tonight watching a movie after a day spent with the families of CCAA staff. Pam, Kathy, Kyle, Gongzhun, and visited four of the families, including the home of the CCAA's deputy director. They were to help prepare a typical meal and interact with the families. I've not heard the final report yet, but everyone seemed to be having fun. For the adults, today has given us a little down time.

Yesterday was a busy, long day. We started the day by visiting the Summer Palace - another crowd-filled venue that kept all of the chaperones on their toes trying to keep track of the children. We all joked that we couldn't tell you one thing we saw. Kyle stayed back with one of the girls who had a mild virus (the parents were notified). The CCAA provided a doctor and she was back with the group this morning. Following a good lunch, we went shopping at the famed Silk Market, which contained 6 floors and hundreds of little booths staffed by the most agressive bunch of vendors that you have seen. Purchases require stiff negotiations - and I noticed most of the children made purchases and it was fun listining to them recount their experiences. We ended the evening attending the Peking Opera. Although very exciting, many of us dosed from exhaustion.

The China DailyNews ran a story about the camp on page 2. I think most of the children were able to obtain a copy as a keepsake.

Tomorrow, we head to the orphanage.

All is well.