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We will post emails and pictures for WCE EJHS China Student Trip, WCE China Swim/Dive Trip (scroll down past the EJHS Pictures), and WCE
MIHS Vietnam Student Trip Pictures (scroll down past the EJHS Pictures and past the Swim Pictures) as we receive them!!! Encourage your friends to view
the WCE Web Site and follow the trip!!!
2008 WCE China Hong Kong/Guangzhou/Xi'an/Beijing Trip
3/27/2008 Thursday (Seattle) Our 71 Member China Student Delegation led by Mrs. Susan Jackson, Julio Richburg (WCE Staff), Telva Richburg (WCE Board Member), and
Mrs. Amy LaBrie departed from Seattle as scheduled, will transfer planes in Seoul (Incheon), and arrive in Hong Kong as scheduled. This Student Delegation will
visit Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Beijing, China. The Guangdong Education Department will host School Visits and a Tour with Local Students (who speak perfect
English) in Guangzhou, China. Pictures and emails will be post on this page during the trip.
3/28/2008 Friday Hong Kong (8:55 am Seattle Time 11:55 pm Hong Kong Time same day) We have just spoken with Randy Li (our outstanding Hong Kong Tour Operator). Our 71
Member EJHS Student Delegation has arrived safely in Hong Kong (earlier than scheduled) and are currently on their way to the Regal Riverside Hotel where they will have
a very short meeting and will then get a well deserved night of rest. Tomorrow the delegation will enjoy the Hong Kong Island Tour (Hong Kong’s most important sights).
Their adventure has begun. We continue to post updates however we may not receive pictures for a couple of days.
3/29/2008 Saturday Hong Kong (8:55 am Seattle Time 11:55 pm Hong Kong Time same day) We spoke with Rosita Cheng (our excellent Hong Kong Guide) and our Student Delegation had
an outstanding day (77°F today) in Hong Kong. After their American Buffet Breakfast, the delegation spent the day touring Hong Kong's major sites (Victoria Peak for a spectacular view
of Hong Kong, Repulse Bay with its magnificent Buddhist Statues, and the Floating Village of Aberdeen Bay where some residents have never stepped on land). After the tour
some members visited Tsim Sha Tsui (a tourist shopping area) before returning to the hotel for a “Depart for Guangzhou Meeting” and packing. Tomorrow our delegation will
ride the bus to Guangzhou, China and we will receive our first pictures!!!
3/30/2008 Sunday (8:30 AM Seattle Time 11:30 PM Guangzhou Time) (Randy Li sent us a few pictures from the delegation’s first morning in Hong Kong. The first picture shows
members outside of the Regal Riverside Hotel, the second picture is at Repulse Bay, and the third and fourth pictures at Aberdeen Bay.) I have spoken with Jessica
Chan (Deputy Manager of the Guangzhou International Exchange Centre) and have received our first report from Michael Xaio (our excellent Manager in Guangzhou) with PICTURES.
Both Jessica and Michael informed us that our delegation has arrived safely and have had an excellent their first day in Guangzhou, China. Our Students traveled from Hong Kong to
Guangzhou, China by Bus (this bus ride allows students to view the China Countryside with its joint venture factories and growing cities). After their first 10 course
Cantonese Lunch and checking into the spectacular White Swan Hotel (send emails to the White Swan Hotel), our Students toured Guangzhou's most famous sights including
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall and a Traditional Cantonese Mansion. Eva Zhang (our Exceptional Tour Guide) sent the following update: "We had fun with our first
Cantonese dim sum Dinner in the Pearl River Restaurant. One more thing I should mention today is Sharie and Geoffrey's birthday. When we back to the hotel at
night, the whole delegation sang the birthday song to them. Then we gave them the red wood chopsticks as the birthday gifts. Everyone had a good time today.” Tomorrow our
Students will spend the morning visiting the kindergarten and visit Peizheng Middle School for a TOUR & FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE.
3/31/2008 Monday (7:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM Guangzhou Time) PICTURES! PICTURES! PICTURES! Michael Xaio (our Excellent Tour Manager in Guangzhou) emailed more pictures
and we have spoken with Jessica Chan (our exceptional Tour Organizer in Guangzhou). Visiting the Kindergarten and Peizheng Middle School is always an outstanding day. In
the morning our delegation visited the Kindergarten where our delegation sang, danced, played games with the children in their classroom, and exchanged gifts! In the afternoon
our members visited Peizheng Middle School. The time spent at Peizheng was really impressive for our Students. The Peizheng Middle School Students put on an exciting performance,
including folk dancing, calligraphy, playing the Zheng (a kind of Chinese traditional instrument). Our Students also joined in the games and practiced calligraphy and other arts. Our
Students also enjoyed a campus tour and gift exchange with the Peizheng Middle School Students. At dinner our delegation celebrated birthdays for all of the “Birthday” Students. It was an
Exceptional Day!
4/1/2008 Tuesday (8:00 AM Seattle Time 11:00 PM Guangzhou Time) We have received another email with PICTURES from Michael Xaio (our Exceptional Tour Manager in Guangzhou). “We had an
unbelievable day in Guangzhou. We paid a visit to the Guangzhou Sports Training & Technical College (the Cradle of Olympic Athletes and 2008 Olympic Training Base), which was the first
ever for the Evergreen Delegation. The Students watched the Chinese Olympic potentials training (track & field, basketball, martial arts, gymnastics, etc). Everyone was so excited and
surprised to see them training and enjoyed it very very much. The Evergreen boys and girls even challenged the Chinese kids! They had around 5 minutes games and that was FUN!!!! This was
their first international competition! In the afternoon, we were accompanied by 70 Students from the True Light Middle School (who speak perfect English), touring Five Ram Statue and the
Guangzhou Museum. We met a team from CCTV (China Central TV) who invited our kids to make the TV commercial to promote the 2010 Asian Games! Everyone was SO excited! Their faces will be
broadcast all around China to promote our Asian games! At night, we had a wonderful time shopping Up-and-Down Nine Street with the local Students! It was an unbelievable day!”
4/2/2008 Wednesday Guangzhou (7:55 am Seattle Time - 10:55 pm Guangzhou) We have received another email with PICTURES from Michael Xiao (our Excellent Tour Manager). Michael informed us
that our delegation's visit to Guangzhou has been outstanding! The last day in Guangzhou for our delegation is always a very busy day. Today the delegation toured Guangzhou University City
(on an Island this Complex includes 10 Universities each with their own facilities including Sports Facilities) and visited the Zoo to see the Panda. In the evening our delegation attended a
Banquet with officials from Peizheng Middle School, True Light Middle School and the Guangzhou Sports Training & Techncial College Guangdong School including a 14 course Cantonese Banquet,
speeches from Guangdong Officials, and a gift exchange. Everyone had a wonderful time at the banquet! Tomorrow 3 Members will return to Hong Kong while 68 Members will fly to Xi'an. It has
been a life impacting four days in Guangzhou.
4/3/2008 Thursday Xi'an (8:00 AM Seattle Time - 11:00 PM Xi'an) We spoke with Jessica Chan (our Exceptional China Tour Organizer) and our delegation has arrived safely in Xi'an. Jessica informed
us that it was an outstanding visit to Guangzhou and everyone is looking forward to seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi'an. Today our 68 Member Delegation flew from Guangzhou to Xi'an. After checking
into the Tianyu Gloria Plaza Hotel Xi'an, our delegation visited the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China) and enjoyed a Hot Pot Dinner at a local restaurant. Tomorrow
our delegation will see the Terra Cotta Warriors!
4/3/2008 Thursday Hong Kong (7:00 am Seattle Time - 10:00 pm Hong Kong) Our EJHS Students joined our Swim Delegation and returned to Hong Kong (after four life impacting days in Guangzhou) by Express Train
(this train ride offers members an opportunity to view farming by water buffalo and hand as it has been done in China for thousands of years, joint venture factories, and growing cities) and checked back
into the Regal Riverside Hotel. In the afternoon the delegation took rapid transit from the hotel to Kowloon to visit Nathan Street (a local shopping area), rode the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour (the
#1 Container Harbor in the World). Tomorrow the delegation will visit Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island.
4/4/2008 Friday Xi'an (8:00 AM Seattle Time - 11:00 PM Xi'an) We have received another email with PICTURES from Eva Zhang (our Outstanding Guide in Xi'an) “It was a spectacular day. Our delegation toured
the Terra-Cotta Warriors (the Eighth Wonder of the World) Museum built in 1975. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Life size Terra
Cotta Figures of Warriors and Horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. In the afternoon we visited the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an and had lots of fun on the wall. At night,
our delegation enjoyed the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, a performance of Chang'an music and dance originated in Chinese Tang Dynasty. The delegation is having a wonderful trip!!! Tomorrow Beijing!! We all are
looking forward to visiting the Olympic City---Beijing!!!
4/4/2008 Friday Hong Kong (7:00 am Seattle Time – 10:00 am Hong Kong Time) It was the last, busy, spectacular day in Hong Kong for our delegation. In the morning the delegation enjoyed a visit to Stanley (a
former quaint British Colonial Fishing Village of Stanley on Hong Kong Island for an opportunity to view the paintings of local artists, sightsee, and shop in a local outlet market) and in the afternoon the
delegation had time for some last minute shopping on Nathan Street (a tourist area in Kowloon Peninsula known for shopping). At the end of the day a “Return to Seattle Meeting” gave Students all the necessary
information for packing and preparing for their final flights. For Parents Meeting the Delegation tomorrow: First check (call Korean Airlines at 1-800-438-5000 or go online at www.koreanair.com and check the
Flight Status of Korean Airlines Flight #25) to make sure the flight is on time. We will meet the delegation at International Baggage #1 or as they walk up the stairs from the South Concourse. Remember they
will need 40 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives. We will see you at the airport tomorrow.
4/5/2008 Saturday Beijing (7:30 AM Seattle Time - 10:30 PM Beijing Time) We have received another update with More Pictures from Eva Zhang (out Outstanding Guide in Beijing). Our delegation flew from Xi'an to
Beijing today and after lunch the delegation checked into the Hongkun Hotel. This afternoon they visited the Temple of Heaven, which is the perfection of Ming architecture and where the Emperors of the Ming
and Qing dynasties would worship Heaven and pray for bumper crops. This evening they enjoyed a traditional Peking Duck Dinner (the most delicious dish in Beijing) at Quanjude Restaurant. Tomorrow they will
visit the Great Wall of China.
4/5/2008 Saturday (7:00 am Seattle Time) Randy Li (our excellent Hong Kong Tour Organizer) informed us that our delegation departed from Hong Kong as scheduled. The delegation changed planes in Seoul (Incheon)
and may arrive a little early in Seattle at 11:50 AM (scheduled arrival time is 12:05 pm). However, Parents Meeting the Delegation today: First check (call Korean Airlines at 1-800-438-5000 or go online at
www.koreanair.com and check the Flight Status of Korean Airlines Flight #25) to make sure the flight is on time. We will meet the delegation at International Baggage #1 or as the walk up the stairs from the
South Concourse. Remember they will need 40 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives. We will see you at the airport today. Welcome Home!
4/6/2008 Sunday Beijing (7:00 AM Seattle Time - 10:00 PM Beijing) We have received another email with pictures from Eva. Eva informs us that it was another Fantastic Beautiful Day! Our Delegation stood on the
Great Wall of China. The delegation was able to climb 80 meters up the Great Wall for a breath taking view at an elevation of 1,000 meters and on their return to Beijing the delegation visited the Ming Tombs
(large animal sculptures) and visited Xiushui Market also known as the Silk Market where the shopping is outstanding. In the evening the delegation enjoyed a spectacular Acrobatic Performance (this 2000 year
old art form captures one's imagination). Today was also Jessica's birthday and she celebrated with a big birthday cake and everybody sang the song for her. She was so happy! Tomorrow the delegation will
visit the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. It will be another full day.
4/7/2008 Monday Beijing (7:00 AM Seattle Time - 10:00 PM Beijing) We have received another email from Eva (our Excellent Guide who is traveling with our Student Delegation) and spoke with Telva Richburg (WCE
Board Member). According to both Telva and Eva everyone is having an outstanding trip. Today our delegation first visited the Forbidden City (the largest, most well preserved, ancient buildings in China as
the Forbidden City was off limits to everyone for 500 years); then they toured the Summer Palace (with its immense park, royal gardens, Kunming lake, and the Hall of Benevolence & Longevity); and celebrated
another birthday. Tomorrow our delegation will return to Seattle. For Parents Meeting the Delegation tomorrow: First check (call Korean Airlines at 1-800-438-5000 or go online at www.koreanair.com and check
the Flight Status of Korean Airlines Flight #25) to make sure the flight is on time. We will meet the delegation at International Baggage #1 or as the walk up the stairs from the South Concourse. Remember they
will need 45 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives. We will see you at the airport tomorrow.
4/8/2008 Tuesday (7:00 am Seattle Time) Korean Airlines shows that Korean Airlines Flight #25 will arrive as scheduled at 12:09 pm (noon). However, Parents Meeting the Delegation today: First check (call Korean
Airlines at 1-800-438-5000 or go online at www.koreanair.com and check the Flight Status of Korean Airlines Flight #25) to make sure the flight is on time. We will meet the delegation at International Baggage #1
or as the walk up the stairs from the South Concourse. Remember they will need 45 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives.
2008 WCE China Hong Kong/Guangzhou/Xi'an/Beijing Trip Pictures
2008 WCE China Swim/Dive Trip
3/27/2008 Thursday Our China Swim/Dive Delegation led by Coach Paul Henderson departed from Seattle as scheduled, will transfer planes in Seoul (Incheon), and arrive
as schedule in Hong Kong. The Swim/Dive Delegation will visit Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Beijing, China. The Guangdong Sports Federation will host Swimming and
Diving Competition in Guangzhou, China. Pictures and emails will be post on this page during the trip.
3/28/2008 Friday Hong Kong (8:55 am Seattle Time 11:55 pm Hong Kong Time same day) We have just spoken with Randy Li (our outstanding Hong Kong Tour Operator). Our Swim/Dive
Delegation has arrived safely in Hong Kong (earlier than scheduled) and are currently on their way to the Regal Riverside Hotel where they will have a very short meeting and
will then get a well deserved night of rest. Tomorrow the delegation will enjoy the Hong Kong Island Tour (Hong Kong’s most important sights) and train at Morrison Hill 50 meter
swimming pool. Their adventure has begun. We continue to post updates however we may not receive pictures for a couple of days.
3/29/2008 Saturday Hong Kong (8:55 am Seattle Time 11:55 pm Hong Kong Time same day) We spoke with Rosita Cheng (our excellent Hong Kong Guide) and our Student Delegation had an outstanding
day (77°F today) in Hong Kong. After their American Buffet Breakfast, the delegation spent the day touring Hong Kong's major sites (Victoria Peak for a spectacular view of Hong Kong, Repulse Bay
with its magnificent Buddhist Statues, and the Floating Village of Aberdeen Bay where some residents have never stepped on land). After the tour the Swimmers were able to train for an
hour at Morrison Hill 50 Meter Swimming Pool on Hong Kong Island. Tomorrow our delegation will ride the bus to Guangzhou, China and we will receive our first pictures!!!
3/30/2008 Sunday (7:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM Guangzhou Time) We have spoken with Jessica Chen (our exceptional Tour Organizer in Guangzhou) and have received our first PICTURES. Jessica reports
that everyone had an outstanding first day in Guangzhou. Our Students traveled from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, China by Bus (this bus ride allows students to view the China Countryside with its joint venture
factories and growing cities). After their first 10 course Cantonese Lunch and checking into the spectacular White Swan Hotel (send emails to the White Swan Hotel), our Students benefited from their first
day of training at the Guangzhou Sports Training & Technical College. Coach Zhou (7 Divers that she trains will participate in the China Junior National Championships) had our divers train on both
land and water. After training our delegation enjoyed a buffet dinner with the local athletes at the college. Tomorrow the delegation will visit the Guangxiao Temple and a traditional Cantonese
Mansion in the morning and train in the afternoon.
3/31/2008 Monday (7:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM Guangzhou Time) We have received an email with PICTURES and have spoken with Jessica Chan (our exceptional Tour Organizer in Guangzhou). It was an another outstanding day.
In the morning our delegation visited the Guangxiao Temple while the monks were having their morning classes and at a Guangzhou Traditional Mansion our members viewed traditional Chinese cultural and arts & crafts. In the
afternoon our swimmers and divers enjoyed their exceptional training experience. After practice at the training center the delegation was given a tour of some of the training areas for other sports. They were able to watch
6-8 year old gymnasts and training for martial arts (who put on a demonstration). Buffet dinner at the training center with the local divers was another highlight! Tomorrow will be Kindergarten and tour with the local students!
4/1/2008 Tuesday (8:30 AM Seattle Time 11:30 PM Guangzhou Time) We have received an email with PICTURES and have spoken with Jessica Chan (our exceptional Tour Organizer in Guangzhou). “Today is another exciting day! In the
morning, the group went to the kindergarten. Dancing and playing games with the kids were so much fun for the group that made them just didn’t want to leave! Then they visit the Dr.Sun Yet-sen's Memorial Hall. After lunch at McDonald's
they went to the True Light Middle School to meet the local students (who speak perfect English). We met the students at the True Light School and enjoyed a tour of the school campus. Then we tour together to the Guangzhou Museum, the Five
Ram Statue and shopping together in the Up-and-Down Nine Pedestrian Street. Everyone enjoyed making friends!” Tomorrow competition at the Guangzhou Sports Training & Technical College!
4/2/2008 Wednesday Guangzhou (8:55 am Seattle Time - 11:55 pm Guangzhou) We spoke with Jessica Chen (our exceptional Tour Organizer). Jessica informed us that our delegation's visit to Guangzhou has been outstanding! The last day in Guangzhou
is always a jam packed day. The schedule included morning touring (with a visit the Zoo to see the famous Panda!), lunch, International Swimming & Diving Competition, and the evening concluded with a banquet. The highlight of the day was the friendship
exchange at the pool and the banquet again! Officials & Teachers from Peizheng Middle School & True Light Middle School as well as the Diving & Swimming coaches and some Guangzhou Officials attended the banquet. Everybody had so much fun! Tomorrow our
delegation will return to Hong Kong having been forever inspired by their visit to Guangzhou.
4/3/2008 Thursday Hong Kong (7:00 am Seattle Time - 10:00 pm Hong Kong) Our Swim Delegation returned to Hong Kong (after four life impacting days in Guangzhou) by Express Train (this train ride offers members an opportunity to view farming by water buffalo
and hand as it has been done in China for thousands of years, joint venture factories, and growing cities) and checked back into the Regal Riverside Hotel. In the afternoon the delegation took rapid transit from the hotel to Kowloon to visit Nathan Street
(a local shopping area), rode the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour (the #1 Container Harbor in the World). Tomorrow the delegation will visit Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island.
4/4/2008 Friday Hong Kong (7:00 am Seattle Time – 10:00 am Hong Kong Time) It was the last, busy, spectacular day in Hong Kong for our delegation. In the morning the delegation enjoyed a visit to Stanley (a
former quaint British Colonial Fishing Village of Stanley on Hong Kong Island for an opportunity to view the paintings of local artists, sightsee, and shop in a local outlet market) and in the afternoon the
delegation had time for some last minute shopping on Nathan Street (a tourist area in Kowloon Peninsula known for shopping). At the end of the day a “Return to Seattle Meeting” gave Students all the necessary
information for packing and preparing for their final flights. For Parents Meeting the Delegation tomorrow: First check (call Korean Airlines at 1-800-438-5000 or go online at www.koreanair.com and check the
Flight Status of Korean Airlines Flight #25) to make sure the flight is on time. We will meet the delegation at International Baggage #1 or as they walk up the stairs from the South Concourse. Remember they
will need 40 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives. We will see you at the airport tomorrow.
4/5/2008 Saturday (7:00 am Seattle Time) Randy Li (our excellent Hong Kong Tour Organizer) informed us that our delegation departed from Hong Kong as scheduled. The delegation changed planes in Seoul (Incheon)
and may arrive a little early in Seattle at 11:50 AM (scheduled arrival time is 12:05 pm). However, Parents Meeting the Delegation today: First check (call Korean Airlines at 1-800-438-5000 or go online at
www.koreanair.com and check the Flight Status of Korean Airlines Flight #25) to make sure the flight is on time. We will meet the delegation at International Baggage #1 or as the walk up the stairs from the
South Concourse. Remember they will need 40 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives. We will see you at the airport today. Welcome Home!
2007 WCE China Swim/Dive Trip Pictures
2008 WCE Mercer Island HS Vietnam Trip
3/29/2008 Saturday (1:40 am Seattle Time 3:40 pm Vietnam same day) Our 43 Member WCE MIHS Vietnam Student Delegation led by Mr. Curtis Johnston departed from Seattle on
schedule, will transfer planes in Taipei, and should arrive in Hanoi as scheduled. This delegation will visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Danang (where our Students will present
scholarships to the Danang Street Children’s Orphanage), Hoi An, Hue, Dong Ha (where our Students will present scholarships to the Dong Ha School for the Disabled), and
Ho Chi Minh City. Visit this page for pictures and emails from the daily activities of the trip!!
3/30/2008 Sunday (8:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM Hanoi Time) We have received an updated from Nguyen Hoai Chan (our exceptional Vietnam Tour Organizer) who has informed
us that our delegation has arrived safely in Hanoi and had an exciting first day in Hanoi. After arriving in Hanoi, our delegation was transferred to the Melia Hotel (send
emails to the Melia Hotel), ate lunch, took a cycle ride in the old quarter of Hanoi (best way to view the city), and visited picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. After dinner they
delegation enjoyed a water puppet show. Tonight they will get a well deserved night of sleep and tomorrow they will travel to Ha Long Bay. Mr. Johnston has emailed our first
PICTURES and an UPDATE!!! “The kids as a group slept well all the way to Taipei. The flight to Hanoi was smooth, with great food, and we arrived on time. Our guides, Quoc
and Dzung, are spectacular. We brought 22 extra bags of supplies and great goodies for the orphanages, and our guides were moved nearly to tears; they said people rarely
bring anything for orphans. I guess the money impacts the overall orphanage very much, but the gifts and supplies really impact the kids. We will visit the orphanages
in 3 days. Tomorrow is Ha Long Bay. Our kids were so tired that every kid was in their room and most were asleep at 10 pm curfew! Here are a few pictures to post. We
will keep a steady stream of information once we get back from Ha Long Bay in 2 days.”
3/31/2008 Monday Hanoi/Ha Long Bay (8:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM in Hanoi/Ha Long Bay) Today our Students traveled to Ha Long Bay. The delegation took a bus through the
plain of the Red River Delta to Ha Long and enjoyed a Cruise on Ha Long Bay (Listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Known as “Dragon descending to
the sea“, Ha Long Bay includes over 3,000 limestone islands rising from the clear emerald water with beautiful grottoes.) They overnight on the ship, spend more time in the
morning cruising on the bay, and in the afternoon they will return to Hanoi tomorrow to prepare for their visit to the Danang Street Children’s Program. We should receive
another update with pictures from Mr. Johnston tomorrow.
4/1/2008 Tuesday Ha Long Bay/Hanoi (7:30 AM Seattle Time 9:30 PM in Ha Long Bay/Hanoi) Today our Students returned from Ha Long Bay and are back at the Melia Hotel (send
emails to the Melia Hotel) in Hanoi. Mr. Johnston has emailed more PICTURES and another UPDATE!!! “Ha Long Bay was great! Everybody had a great time, and the food was
excellent.” Tomorrow the delegation will tour (the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first University and the Museum of History) in Hanoi in the morning, fly to Danang, and
visit the Danang Street Children Program (children of all ages including high school age students) to donate funds and gifts to the school. More updates and pictures tomorrow!
4/2/08 Wednesday Hoi An (9:45 am Seattle Time 11:45 pm Vietnam same day) Today was a very busy day. In the morning our Students toured the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's
first University) and visited the Museum of History in Hanoi. After lunch our delegation flew to Danang. In Danang our Student Delegation visited the Danang Street Children
Program (children of all ages including high school age students) to donate funds and gifts to the school. Although it is an informal presentation, it is a day our MIHS Students
will never forget as the Orphanage is exceedingly grateful for the donation. After their visit our delegation transferred to Hoi An. It was an incredibly rewarding day! Mr. Johnston
has emailed more PICTURES and another UPDATE!!! "The trip to the 2 street orphanages was spectacular. MIHS students brought in 14 large duffel bags of supplies, and the representatives
of the 5 street orphanages split them up for their kids. The 50-plus orphans and our group of 43 played games and got to know each other, and every person there was sad to have to part.
We took Hieu, the 12 year old boy I know from all 3 trips, to eat with us at an American Pizza place in Da Nang. Hieu was very excited and showed us his skills are making art items out of
paper. Stephanie Travis and I decided to sponsor Hieu for a year's worth of English classes, so we paid his first three months of tuition; everybody was excited for Hieu. Exciting news for
MIHS Students is that we agreed to sponsor some of the yearly costs of food and electricity for the Da Nang Street Orphanage #3, since they recently lost their Swiss sponsorship."
4/3/2008 Thursday Hoi An (8:55 AM Seattle Time 10:55 PM in Hue) We have received another update with PICTURES from Nguyen Hoai Chan (our Exceptional Vietnam Tour Organizer). The day
for our delegation started with a bicycle tour to the countryside of Hoi An and then our Students enjoyed a "tourist day" exploring the historic town of Hoi An,
which used to be a prosperous seaport city from the 16th to 18th centuries. It had a sizeable community of foreign merchants that resulted in a unique architectural style with
Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. It was a very enjoyable day! Mr. Johnston has emailed more PICTURES and another UPDATE!!! “All students are healthy and happy and looking
forward to our visit to the Dong Ha School for Disabled Children in two days. MIHS Students played on the beach and in the pool at our amazing beach resort, and are packing for the trip
over the mountain from Hoi An to Hue. We will stop at the American Bunker installation at the top of the pass and take pictures and meet some locals, and then visit Tu Duc's tomb. We will
finish our day with a visit to the Citadel and Imperial City, along with shopping in the evening. Attached are pics from the last couple days.”
4/4/2008 Friday Hue (8:55 AM Seattle Time 10:55 PM in Hue) Today our Students transferred (by bus) from Hoi An to Hue (the Royal city of Vietnam’s last ruling Dynasty) via Hai Van Pass
(Pass of the Ocean of Clouds). Tours in Hue included a Boat Ride on the Perfume River and a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda. Tomorrow the delegation will travel to Dong Ha for the Scholarship
Ceremony at the Dong Ha School for the Disabled. (We may receive an update and pictures later!)
4/5/2008 Saturday Hue (9:30 AM Seattle Time 11:30 AM in Hue) We have received another email from Mr. Nguyen Hoai Chan (our Exceptional Vietnam Organizer). The delegation has been very busy.
Today the Delegation visited the Dong Ha School for Disabled Students for the Scholarship Ceremony. The children were wonderful, presenting a song, a dance, and a play and then the presentation
of the scholarship money and duffels of gifts and supplies to the students. It was unforgettable! We have received another update with PICTURES from Mr. Johnston. “Last night we celebrated Sarah
Divya's birthday with a great cake after dinner. Today we were very busy; we spent a wonderful morning with the handicapped students at their school in Dong Ha. The bags we brought contained a
large number of sandals and flip-flops, and the kids loved those more than everything else we brought. Each year is different! Later, we went to the beach for an hour, and we stopped at the DMZ
to take pictures. We are having a great time, and Mercer Island kids are gaining as much or more than the kids we are helping.”
4/6/2008 Sunday Ho Chi Minh City (9:00 AM Seattle Time 11:00 AM in Ho Chi Minh City) Our delegation has arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning our Students flew from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon their arrival our delegation checked into the Windsor Plaza Hotel, took a City tour to visit Chinatown and the former Presidential Palace, and enjoyed lunch and dinner at local restaurants. This
evening they attended their “Return to Seattle Meeting” to pack and prepare for their return to Seattle. Tomorrow our delegation returns to Seattle at 7:15 PM and must clear US Customs in Seattle
which can take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please double check (800-227-5118 or www.china-airlines.com ) the arrival time of China Airlines Flight #CI 22! You will not see your Student until they arrive
in the main terminal from the South Concourse. Their baggage will be collected at International Baggage Claim #1. We look forward to seeing everyone at the airport tomorrow!!!
4/7/2008 Monday Ho Chi Minh City (8:30 am Seattle Time - 10:30 pm Ho Chi Minh City) Our delegation impacted by their trip to Vietnam departed as schedule from Ho Chi Minh City and should arrive in Seattle as scheduled at 7:15 PM.
Our delegation must clear US Customs in Seattle which can take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please double check (800-227-5118 or www.china-airlines.com ) the arrival time of China Airlines Flight #CI 22! You
will not see your Student until they arrive in the main terminal from the South Concourse. Their baggage will be collected at International Baggage Claim #1. We look forward to seeing everyone at the airport!
Welcome Home!
2008 MIHS Vietnam Trip Pictures:
WCE Reminder:
If you receive an exciting email or picture from one of our delegation members, please forward the email or picture to the
Washington Cultural Exchange Office and we will post it! Our email address is start@wce.org.
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