IT'S "BUST"

Saturday May 24, 2008

Going to Everest Base Camp will definitely NOT happen this year; however, it wasn't due to lack of trying. The dates to allow foreigners back into Tibet and to Everest Base Camp never occurred. In addition, GAP Adventures, the tour company, cancelled the trip due all the unrest and the closure of Tibet to tourists. We were stuck holding a non-refundable plane ticket to Beijing.

Undaunted by the setback, we began working with VisitTibet, a company based in China. They offered us two trips, one to Tibet with hopes that Tibet would open up in time for our trip and an alternative second choice offered travel to Yunnan Province. Where is Yunnan Province you ask? What's there to see? Google it. We had to. We didn't know a thing about the Province and what it had to offer. Eventually, we made the decision to head to Yunnan Province with the Stone Forest and Tiger Leaping Gorge for starters. Supposedly, we have very good English speaking guide. Time will tell, won't it?

Before you think the rest of the story is mundane, think twice. I had just done a wire transfer to the Bank of China to cover our deposit. Returning home I heard on the radio about the earthquake in China, but didn't give it any more thought. A couple of days passed and I hadn't heard anything from Kate, the travel agent from VisitTibet, which was highly unusual. Had she received the transferred money? Was the company legit because I had found it on the Internet?

I finally looked at the wire transfer receipt and noticed the company was located in Chengdu, 60 miles from the epicenter in Sichuan Province. Immediately, I sent an email "KATE - ARE YOU OKAY?" No response. Finally, I received an email from Richard, the owner of the company telling me about the panic in the area. Kate left work because her parents lived in a town close to the epicenter. Their house had collapsed, but they had survived, now living in a make-shift tent in the street. Kate had gone to help; however, the communication lines were down as well as cell phone reception.

I'm glad to report Kate has finally returned to work and we will be on our way to China May 30. Our Chinese visas were delivered Friday, leaving only the packing of our duffel bags. We were advised to pack for very hot weather and very cold weather and keep it all under 40 pounds. We most assuredly need to keep enough room for our snacks and Polaroid film.

In light of all the unrest and earth changes in the China, Rich suggested we "Project Serenity." It never fails. We seem to arrive in troublesome areas shortly before or after the events occur. Is there some message we aren't getting?

Garry, Rich and I do hope you follow our adventures during our 10th year reunion trip to China, India and Bhutan. Please feel free to leave comments - it gives us great joy to read as we travel.

zai jian,

Tamara, Garry and Rich