A Lasting Impression on The Wonderful Trip in China

Dear Reinself,

My husband and I would like to thank you most sincerely for the wonderful trip you planned for us in China in August/September 2007. The holiday left such a lasting impression on us that we were almost loath to tell people about it for fear of sounding as if we were exaggerating!

The planning was faultless - our every need was attended to from beginning to end. It is always a concern in a foreign country that we would be left standing at an airport without being able to speak the language and not knowing where to turn. Well that would never have been allowed to happen. Our guides were always waiting for us, were so knowledgeable about the history and the culture. I wish we could have taped it all so we could listen again at our leisure. Every day had a new experience with a "Wow" factor! I think the most amazing sight has to be the Terracotta Warriors, then the Great Wall. I loved the visit to the Hutongs in Beijing. The meals we had in private homes in a Beijing hutong and in Lhasa were memorable, I even ate Yak! Potala Palace took my breath away (literally!) The Serra Monastery was fascinating - especially the monks' debate! Guilin has to be the Nirvana and Shangrila of the world - I have NEVER seen such beautiful scenery - second to nothing in the world that I've seen so far. The Yangste River Cruise was so relaxing and the scenery so beautiful I didn't want to leave the boat. Our suite was five star luxury..... we felt like royalty with all the personal attention. We have to mention the Shennong River cruise with the Tuja people, and the Reed Flute Caves as some of our favourite excursions as well. We asked to change our itinerary to include the Water Village in Suzou, Shanghai, and were so glad we did - the trip was really worth it.

Service throughout, and accommodation and food was excellent - the rest of the world can learn from your fellow countrymen! Best meal was the dumpling feast - I would go back for that! I must say as well that after visiting just about every major city in the world, my favourite New York has now been replaced by Shanghai. I will never forget our two-hour cruise on the river during sunset and seeing the Bund for the first time. As you can see - there are no superlatives left! Don't leave China without seeing the Pandas - I will never forget these beautiful creatures. I must just mention that we were a little nervous about booking on the Internet and parting with quite a sum of money, but I have to say your planned itinerary for us far exceeded our expectations. This destination has been our best in the world so far. We would like to thank you, Reinself for your attention throughout, and thanks to Cathy in Beijing, Lisa in Xian, "Saturday" in Lhasa, our guide in Chonqing, (we only had an afternoon with her but she was so sweet to us!) the lovely Helen, our Three Gorges river guide, Robin in Guilin, and last, but not least, John in Shanghai, as well as all our wonderful drivers, who - against all odds - drove us safely to our destinations. A word of advice to tourists to China - if you don't speak the language, we strongly recommend you use tour guides - in fact China Odyssey Tours would be best - we have proof. We miss you and China already. We have attached a few of our favourite pictures for your enjoyment.

With kind regards,

Stephanie & Charles Sander,
Johannesburg - South Africa
Sep. 29, 2007