July 10th Report from China

I have had an incredible day again. Today we started at the Hong Kong Space Global College. It is a two-year institution that was built in 2005. They currently have about 2000 students and hope to grow to 5000. Eventually they would like to become a 4-year institution. The faculty and administration was high energy and very appreciative of our visit. Their faculty is extremely international. The faculty and staff live across the street from the institution and basically work 7-days a week, although they do go shopping etc on the weekend. We are being treated like royalty and being escorted by government officials. Kate and I (being the "senior" members of the US delegation) are expected to enter the room first and sit in certain places. We also are expected to lead with the "thank you" and also provide the gift at the end. Very interesting.

Each meal (beginning with last night) has been a formal affair with Kate and I sitting to the left and right of the host. There are at least 30 - 40 dishes being served and I can't even begin to tell you what all of them are. Tonight the "eel" was brought to the table live and then cooked and returned to the table. I am doing pretty well with the food, but must admit that I was not up to trying the eel.

There was a mix up today and a few members of the group thought it was my birthday. Luckily they told me about the mistake in advance and I was able to "pretend" that it was my birthday when the host presented me with an incredibly beautiful and delicious cake.

Please let everyone know that I am very safe. Yes, I have heard about the riots, but don't worry, I am very far from anything like that.

By the way, the humidity and the heat today was horrible. I normally don't complain about humidity, but it even got to me! Here's a few street scenes I took along the way.

Again, I am having an experience of a life-time and am also enjoying everyone on the trip. What an incredible group - all are professionals and delightful to spend time with.

Tomorrow I am off to museums and gardens since it is the weekend. It will be very fun! Love, Cheryl