Last day in Wu-Yi

Our sleep in the cold room and hard bed was not too great, but we had to get going for breakfast at 8:00 am.  We had a nice breakfast that included Matthew again - his Mom, Mrs. Wen was at a meeting.  At 8:30 we all left to raft the river through Wu-Yi - including Matthew.  These are not rubber rafts, but bamboo rafts that hold 6 seats and are flat on the water except for the front side which is curved upward.  The water splashes through the large bamboo, so you have to keep you feet placed carefully up on little rests so as not to get wet. 

On the raft

Did I mention that it is freezing, freezing cold??  Not really the best day to be floating down the river, but off we went.  We had two boatmen, one in the front and one in back.  They utilized long bamboo poles to push us along and steer through the turns and the more rapid water.  I don't know how the front guy did it - no hat, no gloves and a rather thin coat.  His hands were always wet from the icy cold river water, yet he seemed fine.  It really was a wonderful float, if only it had been a little warmer.

Winding thru the valley

The scenery was wonderful and they told us about how they built the boats, and how long they last.  The rock walls were very high and there were places on the sheer face where there were caves that had been used for burial sites eons ago.  You could still see the remnants of coffins up there.  The river was quite shallow due to the time of the year, although parts of the river were 30 feet deep.  There had been a flash flood on this river about 9 months ago that did lots of damage to properties, including the Training Center we were at.  In the dining room they said the water was up the wall by 3 feet.  You can still see debris high up in the trees in the river valley. Although it was a wonderful trip, we were beyond cold and so ready to get back on the warm bus!

Wonderful views!

Back to the Training Center for lunch, and then pack up for our trip back to Fuzhou.  Mrs. Wen was now back to join us as well as Andrea.  We had a great time over lunch, although I guess I was struggling with the eel dish!  The kids were so delightful and expressed their interest in coming to the US.  We exchanged contact information and promised to be in touch with them all.  Andrea wrote me a lovely note in English that she asked me to read later.  It was addressed to her American Mother!  Mrs. Wen and I hugged and it was so neat to realize there are no cultural or political gaps between Moms. We just love our kids and want the very best for them.  This trip was truly a moment in time of great exchange and respect.  Throughout our whole trip to Wu-Yi, they always referred to us as "their honored guests".  They constantly treated us with great attention and kindness, and are an inspiration as to how to behave.

Happy but cold!

With bags in the trunk, the circus of large people got into the small car for the long 4 hour trip back!

Deb