8:30 wake-up calls for a 10am departure for the day's fun felt quite luxurious this morning. Only one person meeting for the "group" run is indicative of how packed our days have been and how exhausted we are.
We had a couple of brief excursions today before the farewell banquet. Lunch at the Sichuan Cooking Institute was delicious, and although our guide failed to keep our attention, seeing ancient artifacts; learning about the flipping, sun burning, & dewing of the peppers; finding one of the restaurants we had enjoyed featured on their wall of fame; seeing Babe all grown up; and peering through the clear glass wall to see the cooks preparing our meal in the kitchen kept our interest. Not many 15 year olds (or "blog" authors) got excited for the embroidery workshop, but the craftsmanship on display blew us all away.
Our farewell dinner banquet was fit for an emperor with about 20 delicious dishes served in our private room. Our last Sichuan hurrah at this gourmet restaurant was overshadowed, however, by the night's entertainment. The outpouring of emotions during poems, songs, jeopardy, toasts, and thank yous summoned laughter and tears among our already nostalgic group. We have been promised the transcripts from all of our talented bards and are also thrilled that Rebecca has it all recorded. Since going to bed meant accepting the finality of this trip, everyone stayed up when we got back to the hotel. The parents treated everyone to Pizza Hut (21 delicious dishes!) as we relaxed and shared stories while Marty, Hanley, Eric, Lisa, and Rebecca tickled the ivory in the hotel lobby/bar to put the finishing touches on an amazing journey to the other side of the world.
Love,
All of us in China
P.S. We have one final trip recap email coming and then will be in touch about picture sharing. We miss you guys already!
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