All the students are back safely and on their way home with parents.

JMG

Just landed (1540) - we will be in touch with parents when near to Sheffield.

JMG

The flight is now expected in at 3.28pm at Terminal 3.

Talk about 'shop 'til you drop' - we have certainly done that here in Shanghai!!

But it does rain a lot!!

JMG

Thanks for all your messages!

Just to say 'thanks' for all your messages and comments on our various blog postings - we have appreciated them very much.

Our flight on Saturday is at 10.40am from Shanghai, but we have a spot of sightseeing to do there first!!

JMG

Hi everyone,
This is probably the last chance to put any comments on the blog.
The banquet on the river boat was fantastic - the variety of food was tremendous and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Yesterday we went to Hangzhou and experienced our second banquet at lunchtime. The food was even more delicious (if that were possible!) - the dishes kept coming and coming. Most of the time we didn't know what we were eating but...... it was extremely good.
The shopping was also good and everyone found a few bargains.
Today the weather is really terrible. we are at the edge of a typhoon the is over the Phillipines at the moment. It is unlikely to blow over before we go so we are prepared with our umbrellas and kagoules. At least it is warm. This morning we aere given the chance to visit a local village with a lecturer from the University. It was an amazing experience - the local people were so friendly and welcoming. We saw their houses, saw the men playing ah Mah Jong (sorry - don't know how to spell it!!) and cards and went into their small shops. Most of the people were migrants who have come here because it is a prosperous area and the recycling 'industry' has taken off so they collect plastics, paper etc to sell on. We also visited a printing factory - well, a printing room. The quality of the finished items was extremely high - it was hard to believe they could have been done in relatively primitive surroundings.
We are now on our last task - East meets West. Then we have the Closing Ceremony - possibly karaoke again!

I must go but I will try to get a few more pictures on the blog. JMG

That's all for now - dragon making in progress!! JMG

Tuesday morning - more news soon - must go as Tai Chi starts in a minute. JMG

Some Monday!!

What a day!! Three tasks this morning, then a visit to the Old Library and gardens, then a boat cruise and banquet – it was great! Then karaoke – what a party! Then it was back to the university at 9.30pm for more presentations! Everyone is now tucked up in bed – can’t wait for tomorrow.

JMG

Monday morning

Despite intense heat yesterday was fantastic, we took part in the DIY Olympics and Avril was in the gold medal winning team! Mandarin and Tai chi progressing well - chopsticks still a problem! Next we face the Dragon's Den. Looking forward to the visit to Ningbo this afternoon. Shopping here we come!!!

JMG/KB

We've come to the end of our first day and it's been fantastic! We've had great fun, made new friends and we're now all very tired!

But ------ we're going to be on Chinese TV!!! How about that?!

JMG

We have arrived safely in China. The weather is hot and humid but overcast. Everyone is in high spirits and very excited!

JMG

The Virgin Atlantic flight to Shanghai took off today (Friday) at 1435.

Avril, Madeleine, Alison and Isobel - looking forward to leaving for China this Friday.