VIP's

April 14, 2011

This morning, after not sleeping very much at all last night (we think because of the green tea at dinner), we got quickly ready and on the way to meet our hosts downstairs we stopped on the 7^th floor for a quick breakfast with some coffee… ahh, caffeine!  We were escorted to a mini van outside and we got in and went to a Hospital to meet the president of the hospital and then take a tour around the buildings.  It took about an hour and mom had a nice time talking with the doctors and seeing the very busy hospital.

Some of the doctors that are escorting us around Chengdu wanted to take us shopping down an old beautiful area and we went and walked around and bought some very nice paper cutout artworks.  I think I’m starting to write in Chinglish- even though I don’t understand anything!

We then went to a lovely restaurant where we walked upstairs to a private alcove over looking a carp pond and bridge and the food was quite good for lunch.

Then we prepared for mom’s lecture and had a little time off- I was able to take a bath, which was so nice!

We were picked up at 2pm to go to the hospital for mom’s lecture.  There was a large welcome sign with mom’s and dad’s name on it in front of the hospital and signs around the building announcing their lectures (dad’s was yesterday and mom’s was today)- it was very cool.   

There were well over 100 people there- the room was packed and people were standing up in the back of the room out in the hallway!  She did really well and was only a little anxious and nervous.

 

After she answered a few questions, she was out of time and then we were given a few gifts, a lot of photos were taken and then we were rushed to see dad’s new Peritoneal Dialysis center that is named after him!  It was so cool.  There are photos of him all over the area and a huge bio about him on the wall too.  Such an honor. 

 

Then we had to rush back to the hotel to change in 5 minutes for the formal dinner this evening though we were making a stop at the Relics Museum before dinner.  We had no idea what the relics were before we went and it ended up being the most interesting thing we’ve seen!  It is basically an archeological dig that began in 2001 and this whole museum and park opened just 3 years ago.  The relics from this dig are from an ancient civilization between 4000-5000 years old.  They were so advanced in their way of life, it was really neat to see.

 

We got there a little bit before they closed and we really wanted to see a few of the exhibit halls that they had already closed for the evening.  So we went to two halls that were still open and then one of our translators (a nurse) that was with told the security guard that she was with 2 VIP professors from America and we really wanted to see the exhibits.  They were absolutely lovely and they opened the exhibit halls back up for us- so we had a private tour of the whole museum.  We also decided that the best time to go to any more touristy information place is right before they close.  There was no one there.  It was great!

Not too far from the museum was the restaurant (though it did not feel like a restaurant, more like a private home) that we were going to.  We had to wear our nicest of clothes.  The president of the hospital and many other hospital officials and doctors were in attendance.  There was an abundance of food and especially different types of food- snake, frog, pig ear cartilage, tongue and other (I think) disgusting foods but there were also other good veggies and tofu.  The round table was by the far the largest round table I have ever eaten at.  There were many toasts, thank you’s and introductions.  It was a very nice meal.

 

Now we are exhausted, and tomorrow is another big day as dad has to give a speech in front of some media and then we have a large luncheon with the Mayor before we fly to Beijing.  Our trip is almost over and it’s actually sad.  It’s certainly been a whirlwind, but a good one.  We know dad will be back here in Chengdu and this I’m glad we saved this city for last.  It is by far the nicest, most modern, city we’ve been in.

A few more images for English enjoyment: