this past week was one that i will remember for a very long time. spending 24 hours on a smoke filled train car, on a hard upright bench, with hundreds of people standing in the aisles due to non-existant capacity restrictions.. we arrived in hangzhou. hailing a cab exhausted and excited, we pulled up to the huagang hotel feeling like will smith arriving at the bell air mansion.. i assumed the fam would all be waiting in the lobby with open arms..
[three hours later] we were welcomed by my parents, sisters, ken, helen, vee, kris, laura, jess, andrew, peter, grandma, leslie, bette.. a whole slew of selby's. for 5 days we were hosted to the nine's.. enjoyed a beautiful traditional chinese wedding which was quite the experience (thank you peter and claire!).. laughed.. cried.. celebrated in style. the twisted sisters kept us on their toes with harmonized serenades, ken kept the teasing at a minimum and even managed to make a speech, and laura and i were angelic the whole time..
molly may toured us around the picturesque city, and recommended we go to see the "impression of west lake" before we left - what a suggestion. a cast of 300 people, with a lake as the setting.. (they built an entire stage just beneath the surface of the water so that it looked as though they were walking on water). using the colored lighting to highlight areas, the reflections, splashing to create movement and rhythm, and a 50 foot structure that raised out of the water.. i was impressed. the music was composed by 'kitaro' and the choreography was amazing.. and a love story to boot. a must-see if you ever find yourself in hangzhou.
it was a fantastically wonderful break from backpacking. we are all fully rejuvinated.. 20 pounds heavier.. and slightly more reluctant to continue with our prior budget commitments. in 2 days we are boarding a plane india bound. thrilled. i just want to give a huge thanks again to my parents, ken and helen, grandma, leslie, bette, peter and claire for loving each other and bringing us to china, claire's parents for their generosity, and just everyone for coming.. i love you!
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3 comments:
This is to Frank and Elaine. I want to send the two of you a great big hug for including my daughter as one of yours in all the activities and the wedding. I cant wait to hear all of the stories. You are wonderful people who have raised a really wonderful daughter. I couldnt have picked a beter girl for Stacy to travel with.
Mel keep the blogs up. Gary and I check everyday for new info. It makes us feel like we are there with you. You girls stay safe in India, and give each other a hug from me.
Chris
Hi Christine, you just missed us by a little over 3 weeks. I can't believe nobody told us about the "impression of west lake"! We miss you and hi from SunLife, Melaine, I love reading your blog; would love to meet you someday. You guys take care. Anna z.
Melanie, Christine and Stacy,
It was such a pleasure seeing you three beautiful young women in Hangjou!! We enjoyed your company so much on our fabulous trip to China, and I am filled with such confidence after seeing you three together. What a trio you are! You all have such qualities that compliment each other. I can see why you are still such good friends. I wil always have the picture of you three walking away from us with your backpacks on, looking like you have the world in your hands. I have no doubts in your abilities to make good choices, have fun and keep safe. Until we meet again, may God continue to hold you in the palm of His hands! All the best to you three sweethearts! With much love, Mom/Elaine
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