SURPRISE!

Yesterday was a very busy day both in China and the USA. In China, the traveler’s were off to the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. Dinner followed and then a performance by a group of Chinese Acrobats. I understand Constantin was ready to throw in the towel after visiting the Great Wall (in 12-degree weather) but Emma insisted on seeing the acrobats. Constantin told me this morning that he forgot what a “maniac” my mother was! As for Constantin, he’s having a hard time enjoying the touristy part of the trip because he’s focused on the objective and cannot detach himself enough to sightsee with abandon. Well, tomorrow is the day. They are taking a 7:30am flight from Beijing to Nanning Guangxi and after some paperwork will be “getting” Katerina around 3pm. (4am our time). When I go to sleep tonight, I will be looking forward to being woken up at 4am and participate as it happens. Hopefully, we’ll get some pictures.

The Summer Palace is the archetypal Chinese garden and is ranked amongst the most noted and classical gardens of the world. In 1998, it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Constructed in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), during the succeeding reign of feudal emperors; it was extended continuously. By the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it had become a luxurious royal garden providing royal families with rest and entertainment. 

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles ) from east to west of China.




And on the home front, last night my fabulous friends threw me a surprise Baby Shower party (men & women). Now if there’s one thing I never imagined I’d have, it’s a baby shower. I guess because I never thought I’d have a baby. What made it extra special is that it was a great party, with most of my favorite people there. The original date of the party was February 11th, apparently and everyone was available, but a snowstorm put the kibosh on that. It was rescheduled and not everyone could make it. Missing persons of note are Constantin and Joseph! Even my mother was supposed to come up from Florida for the party, but as her card indicated, she was on a more important mission of bringing home the best present of all. In attendance were the Egnors (all 4 of ‘em!), Joanne (John was away at a conference), Teri, Chris & Kate, Lou & Dale, Larry, Gail & Kara and of course, Church & Suzie and Deb & George. Well represented in spirit was Florida; Jon & Sue, Diane, Merriam and Joan. Now I know why they call it a shower. I was literally showered with beautiful and thoughtful gifts for Katerina, good wishes, affection and most important of all, support; although I know the majority of the room think I am out of my cotton picking mind. But hey, they’re willing to go along with me on this exciting and wonderful ride. I am blessed to have such loving friends and family. What a lucky lucky girl Katerina is to have all these “Aunties and Uncles”; even one Grand Auntie and one Grand Uncle; who as usual were the hit of the party and always there for us on our very special occasions. These are the guys who flew down to Florida for 2 days right before Hurricane Wilma so that they could attend Emma’s 75th birthday party. (Do you think she’ll kill me for publishing her age on the Internet???)

Well, I can’t wait to go to sleep tonight. I feel like I did as a kid when it was Christmas Eve. …….And to all a Good Night!