Good heavenly day, I actually had a visit with a relative!
My sister-in-law, Carol, was on a whirlwind factory tour to find suppliers for her sister's medical equipment company.
Just a week before the trip it looked like the tour might include my city. But closer to the actual date, that got scratched. It was all very last-minute, but finally we realized that she would spend her last day in Shanghai, and fly out the next day.
My company was not thrilled to get such late notice, only three days in advance to find a substitute teacher, but in the end they graciously allowed me the day off.
What can I say? It was just wonderful to meet up with Carol at the Shanghai Hilton. I took the bullet train down and back, an hour ride each way. A short subway trip from the train station brought me to the hotel. She was on a shopping spree with her niece, so while I waited I treated myself to a pizza and a glass of draught beer in the lobby bar/lounge. It was wonderful!
I suggested we go for a massage down the block, which we did. It is run by blind massage therapists. But since Carol wanted a woman, hers was not sight impaired as far as we could tell. Mine however, a man, was definitely blind. They were both excellent. Carol expected soft music. I was glad there was no TV blaring. It was quiet in our two-bed room, except for the chatter between the therapists.
We met Ken, the American coordinator for the trip, as he was leaving and we were returning. We dined at the Hotel's Atrium restaurant. Vegetarian lasagne! I was in gustatory ecstasy; you have no idea.
And the wines! I have developed a palate for Chinese wines, of which all the reds are Cabernet. Out of necessity. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good imported wine. Chardonnay, a Shiraz, oh my.
And most of all, talking to a dear friend. Sharing from the heart, with someone who knows me and speaks my language. Wow. It doesn't get any better.
My sister-in-law, Carol, was on a whirlwind factory tour to find suppliers for her sister's medical equipment company.
Just a week before the trip it looked like the tour might include my city. But closer to the actual date, that got scratched. It was all very last-minute, but finally we realized that she would spend her last day in Shanghai, and fly out the next day.
My company was not thrilled to get such late notice, only three days in advance to find a substitute teacher, but in the end they graciously allowed me the day off.
What can I say? It was just wonderful to meet up with Carol at the Shanghai Hilton. I took the bullet train down and back, an hour ride each way. A short subway trip from the train station brought me to the hotel. She was on a shopping spree with her niece, so while I waited I treated myself to a pizza and a glass of draught beer in the lobby bar/lounge. It was wonderful!
I suggested we go for a massage down the block, which we did. It is run by blind massage therapists. But since Carol wanted a woman, hers was not sight impaired as far as we could tell. Mine however, a man, was definitely blind. They were both excellent. Carol expected soft music. I was glad there was no TV blaring. It was quiet in our two-bed room, except for the chatter between the therapists.
We met Ken, the American coordinator for the trip, as he was leaving and we were returning. We dined at the Hotel's Atrium restaurant. Vegetarian lasagne! I was in gustatory ecstasy; you have no idea.
And the wines! I have developed a palate for Chinese wines, of which all the reds are Cabernet. Out of necessity. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good imported wine. Chardonnay, a Shiraz, oh my.
And most of all, talking to a dear friend. Sharing from the heart, with someone who knows me and speaks my language. Wow. It doesn't get any better.
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