Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 13, 2011.
The Yangtze River by boat.
And thanks to Sarah P, here's a link to buy an affordable FROMMER'S CHINESE PHRASE FINDER. I suggest you spend a few dollars to do so!
ITINERARY!
Friday, March 4: EARLY Morning 6:00 am flight--> Burlington, VT to Newark, NJ, to Beijing, China.
Saturday, March 5: Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon. Two-hour flight to Wuhan. Stay in Wuhan’s Xinagu Hotel that night.
Sunday, March 6: Settling into Wuhan; visit with HuaZhong Normal University students and faculty. Home Stay in Single Sex Pairs – Night #1.
Monday, March 7: Wuhan – Home Stay in Single Sex Pairs – Day #2.
Tuesday, March 8: Wuhan – Royal Gorge exploration by boat.
Wednesday, March 9: Wuhan – Royal Gorge exploration by boat.
Thursday, March 10: Wuhan – Royal Gorge exploration by boat. Fly to Beijing – stay in Jiangou Garden Hotel.
Friday, March 11: Beijing – Great Wall of China “Wild Wall” Day Tour.
Saturday, March 12: Downtown Beijing - Tiananmen Square/Forbidden City in the morning; Shopping/markets in afternoon and evening.
Sunday, March 13: Leave Beijing; Return to Vermont. Mojo, a go go!
CHINA MOJO 2011: WUHAN HOSTING/PAIR PARTNERS
WOMEN
Elise Wernoff and Sarah Thibodeau
Abigail Clark and Ana Dempsey
Sarah Prak and Emily Krol
Emily Snyder and Blythe Wisniewski
Katie Martel and Kathleen Barnes
MEN
Sean Taberman and Ian Maurer
Andrew Chung and Dan Cooley
Eric Pollock and Stephen Pinkham
George Hoffman and Alex Harken
Maxwell King and Justin Perry
NOTES FROM WUHAN FROM STEVE WILMARTH:
WEATHER & CRUISING RELATED QUESTIONS:
Temperature / precipitation ranges for Beijing.
Temperature / precipitation ranges for Wuhan / 3 Gorges.
Daily temperatures here in Wuhan are edging back up to highs of 50 deg F, but rain or clouds can keep it down a bit. Nonetheless, in a few weeks we should be in a comfortable range of between low to mid 30s at night and mid 50s during the day. Shouldn't be too hard on tough Vermonters who've survived the winter of '10-'11. Layers will work. Hats and gloves that take up too much space in the backpack probably aren't necessary. Keep in mind that there isn't any central heating in this part of China, and I marvel at how the Chinese cope with freezing temperatures in houses without heat. (I've learned to love my long underwear.) But the worst of winter's weather is behind us now and it should be relatively easy-going on our inveterate adventure travelers.
The boat trip is easy sailing, never more than 100 meters from shore and pretty smooth. If Dramamine is needed, I'd be surprised.
The cruise is 2 nights and 1 full day, sandwiched between 2 half-days. There will be plenty of stops along the river for disembarkation and local exploring, plus some time gawking at the Pride of Chinese Engineering (the 3 Gorges Dam).
MY NEEDS:
I only need your group to be primed as goodwill ambassadors. The people of Wuhan will roll out the red carpet and go overboard to please you as honored guests (in the manner of the Xu family). As honored guests, your Chinese hosts will want you to sample all of the specially prepared dishes (Suggestion: try a "Don't ask; don't tell" approach on food, especially for those with limited-range dietary habits) and take in the local culture. Usually, this is where some Americans can get a little flinty. A little cultural prep can go a long way towards avoiding misunderstandings, disappointments, and hurt feelings. At schools, students will want a never ending number of pictures and face-time. Expect to divide the group up in order to serve 6,000 expectant students and faculty.
MONEY:
Basically only cash works in this country. Unless you're staying at 5 star hotels, credit cards and travelers checks are not accepted by the locals. So, come with US dollars and I'll make some time for a money exchange here in Wuhan at most favorable exchange rates. (I recommend making a minimum exchange at the airport in Beijing during your brief layover. Rates are not all that favorable at the airport.)
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