Mr+Hunt's+Group



28th October 2009 I must say that I am very excited about the trip to Hangzhou. I have been to China on a number of occasions. I have even been on DBIS Y6 trips to Guilin before but I have never been to Hangzhou. I am very interested to find out more about the place. If you have found any facts out or other interesting information let me know as I do like to do a little research before I travel to a new place. Don't forget your toothbrush and make sure you have plenty of snacks for midnight feasts!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangzhou __Monday Night __ Well we are here in lovely scenic but cold Hangzhou. The lake is stunning and we had a fantastic late afternoon cruise along the Western Lake. Our guide Bob is very informative and knows lots of facts about the place and his English is very good. The hotel is comfortable and everyone has settled into their rooms – some have settled all too well and the rooms are resembling a bomb site. I will not name names. We have stacked up on carbs at the evening buffet with plenty of rice, bread, noodles and fries. We have an early start tomorrow – 6am alarm call, bus at 6:30 to do Tai Chi – all this before breakfast! The guide has told us to wear plenty of warm clothes as it is going to be about 3 degrees centigrade – I’m glad a bought my vest. There has been plenty of photo taking already and a few interesting shots – I thought Halloween was over. Everyone is well and enjoying themselves – a very well organized group and a pleasure to be with. I’ll keep you posted. Mr Hunt

__Tuesday Night__ Well we all managed to rise at the ungodly hour of six am – no breakfast and off to Tai Chi 4 degrees centigrade. Apparently it is good for you! The Tai Chi masters were very inspirational. They taught us a few good moves which Mr Ramsay will be displaying in assembly. They also put on an awesome display at the end. It was then back to the hotel for a well earned breakfast – then off to the tea museum. Bob the guide was very knowledgeable and I managed to buy a very nice tea pot – but don’t tell Ms Berry. After tasting some very nice green tea (the best in the world) we went on our hike through the tea plantations. I joked that we were going over the top of that mountain – unfortunately it was not a joke and we were going over the top of that mountain! The views were stunning and there was a great effort by everyone hauling themselves up there. Again we have had a great day and the children have been an absolute pleasure to be with. Tomorrow is the Silk museum and tie dying. Mr Hunt

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__Thursday Night__ Well here we are on the last evening and we have just had the most fun and fantastic disco/quiz night. I am absolutely amazed at how good the children are at dancing – when I was their age you would be lucky to get me to do a slide across the floor on the knees. Coordinated moves, synchronization, group tactics and that was just the boys! Yesterday we went to the silk museum and took part in tie dyeing and the children produced some great patterns. We also visited a local school and joined in with their lessons and played with them outside. It’s great to see children playing together and the language barrier was just not an issue. Hopefully we will be able to forge some further links with them and build the relationship over the internet. We had an evening stroll along the west Lake and went back to the hotel for a magic show. Your children will be able to amaze you with their magical prowess. I tell you something though you would not want to play poker with Master Zhao. Today was another early start and we set off to the pottery museum. I have some great video of the children working at the potter’s wheel and we will find a way that you can have a look at them. After that we had a very traditional Chinese meal at the Imperial Golden Arches Restaurant. We had a Hangzhao delicacy of fried potato, meat patties and a special drink made from a secret recipe which has been passed down from generation to generation. I believe they have several outlets in Hong Kong under the name of McDonald’s. We then set off on a marathon shopping trip down the street of earthly wonders. You will be amazed at the tasteful gifts your children have bought for you and their various siblings. Tomorrow we have our final activity which is the bike ride through the wetlands. We have been busy chasing up the rogue socks which seem to have disappeared – where do they go. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow. (Mr Hunt)