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2008 WCE China Swim/Dive Trip
2/17/2008 Sunday (Seattle) Our 20 Member China Swim/Dive Delegation led by Coach Susie Miller (Skyline High School) and Julie Coburn (WCE Board Member) departed from Seattle as scheduled.
The Swim/Dive Delegation will visit Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. The Guangdong Sports Federation will host Swimming and Diving Competition in Guangzhou, China. Pictures and
emails will be posted on this page during the trip.
2/18/2008 Monday Hong Kong (7:50 am Seattle Time 11:50 pm Hong Kong Time same day) We have just spoken with Randy Li (our outstanding Hong Kong Tour Operator). Our 20 Member Swim/Dive
Delegation has arrived safely in Hong Kong 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's
rest. Tomorrow the delegation will enjoy the Hong Kong Island Tour. Their exciting adventure has begun. We will continue to post updates however we may not receive pictures for a couple of days.
2/19/2008 Tuesday Hong Kong (6:35 am Seattle Time 10:35 pm Hong Kong Time same day) PICTURES! PICTURES! We have received an email from Rosita Cheng with pictures (our outstanding guide in Hong
Kong) who informs us that everything is well with our delegation in Hong Kong. It was a spectacular day in Hong Kong where the weather has been perfect 66°F and a low of 56°F! Our Delegation spent
the day touring Hong Kong's major sites (Victoria Peak on a clear day, Repulse Bay with its magnificent Buddhist Statues, and the Floating Village of Aberdeen Bay where some residents have never
stepped on land) and training at Morrisson Hill 50 Meter Indoor Pool. Tomorrow our delegation will ride the bus to Guangzhou, China and we will receive more pictures!!!
2/20/2008 Wednesday (6:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM Guangzhou Time) We have received our first PICTURES from Eva Zhang (our exceptional Tour Coordinator in Guangzhou)!!!! Our delegation has arrived
safely in Guangzhou, China. They 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 Cantonese Dim Sum Lunch and checking into the spectacular White Swan Hotel (send emails to the White Swan Hotel), the swimmers practiced at the Guangzhou Sports Training & Technical
College (the Cradle of Olympic Athletes and 2008 Olympic Training Base) as did our divers (who are being trained by Chinese National Coach Tan). We also receive an email from Julie Coburn (WCE Trip
Leader) who informed us that all is well (76°F today) and it was a great day at the pool for both the Swimmers and the Divers. Tomorrow the delegation will visit the kindergarten!
2/21/2008 Thursday (6:30 AM Seattle Time 10:30 PM Guangzhou Time) It has been another spectacular day in Guangzhou. Eva (our Outstanding Guide) has emailed another update with pictures. Julie
Coburn (WCE Trip Leader) has also emailed pictures. The day started with a visit to the Kindergarten which is always one of the highlights of the trip and warms everyone’s heart. "We sang, we danced,
and we played games together in their classroom, and exchanged gifts!!!" After that, they went to the Provincial Porcelain Company, where they bought some Chinese arts and crafts. In the afternoon
our Swimmers and Divers continued their training at the Guangzhou Guangzhou Sports Training & Technical College (the Cradle of Olympic Athletes and 2008 Olympic Training Base). Tomorrow our Students
will tour Guangzhou City with the local Students (who speak perfect English).
2/22/2008 Friday (7:55 AM Seattle Time 11:55 PM Guangzhou Time) MORE PICTURES!!! We spoke with Julie Coburn (WCE Trip Leader) in Guangzhou, China! According to Julie EVERYONE is absolutely enjoying their visit to
Guangzhou. Our Students (after the best American Buffet Breakfast they have ever had) toured Guangzhou City’s most important sites (including Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Memorial Hall; the Five Ram Statue which
is the symbol of the City of Guangzhou; the Guangzhou Museum; and the Chen Clan Temple) with the local students. The tour of the city was highlighted by Lunch at McDonalds, dinner at Lianxianglou Restaurant,
and shopping at a local street market all with the local students. For many of our members it was their first “bartering” experience. Tomorrow more touring, International Swimming & Diving Competition, and more pictures!
2/23/2008 Saturday Guangzhou (7:55 am Seattle Time - 11:55 pm Guangzhou) We spoke with Jessica Chen (Deputy Director of the Guangzhou International Sports Exchange Centre). 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, lunch, and International Competition. Our Divers chose to continue their land training
(pictured below) rather than compete as none of our divers have ever trained on land before. The Chinese Coaches were impressed with Jacqueline Do’s performance in the pool which was the highlight for our swimmers. In the
evening our Delegation attended a Formal Banquet with the Guangdong Coaches, True Light Middle School Educators, and Government Officials including a 14 course Cantonese Dinner; speeches from Guangdong Officials, Coaches, and
Educators; and a gift exchange. Tomorrow, 8 Members our Delegation will return to Hong Kong and 12 Members will fly to Xi’an. All WCE Delegation Members have been forever inspired by their visit to Guangzhou. (This is always a late
night for Eva and the Guides as they are busy duplicating CDs with 150 plus pictures from Guangzhou for all WCE Members. Therefore we may not receive more pictures until tomorrow morning.)
2/24/2008 Sunday Hong Kong (7:00 am Seattle Time - 11:00 pm Hong Kong) MORE PICTURES!! Our 8 Member Delegation returned to Hong Kong 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) 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.
2/24/2008 Sunday Xi'an (7:00 AM Seattle Time - 11:00 PM Xi'an) ) MORE PICTURES!! We received an update from Julie Coburn (Trip Leader) and our delegation has arrived safely in Xi'an where it is SNOWING!! Julie stated that it was her
best visit ever to Guangzhou and everyone is looking forward to seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors. Today our 12 Member Delegation flew from Guangzhou to Xi'an. Upon arrival our members visited the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an (It is the most
complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world) and toured the Provincial History Museum (which is an absolute must for every visitor to the city). After
checking into the Sheraton Hotel Xi'an (86-29 8426-1888) and dinner our delegation enjoyed the spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, a performance of Chang'an music and dance originated in China's Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. Tomorrow our
delegation will see the Terra Cotta Warriors!
2/25/2008 Monday Hong Kong (7:00 am Seattle Time – 11:00 am Hong Kong Time) Banquet Pictures! We spoke with Coach Miller who informed us that everyone has had an outstanding trip. 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 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 tomorrow.
2/25/2008 Monday Xi'an (7:55 AM Seattle Time - 11:55 PM Xi'an) More Pictures! We have received another email from Eva Zhang (our Exceptional Tour Guide). It was a spectacular day. Our delegation toured the Terra-Cotta Warriors (the Eighth Wonder
of the World) Museum built on the site of the excavation in 1975. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site; altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses,
chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those
days of pomp and vigor. The delegation is having a wonderful trip!!! Tomorrow Beijing!!
2/26/2008 Tuesday (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 will change planes in Seoul (Incheon) and should arrive as schedule in Seattle
at 11:05 AM. 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.
2/26/2008 Tuesday Beijing (7:30 AM Seattle Time - 11:30 PM Beijing Time) More Pictures are posted from Xi'an. We spoke with Julie Coburn (WCE Trip Leader) and all of our members are having an Exceptional Trip. In the morning our delegation enjoyed a Xi'an
City Tour including a stop at the Provincial History Museum, a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts. After lunch our delegation flew from Xi'an to Beijing. Our delegation checked into the
Hongkun Hotel, shopped at the Silk Market, and for dinner enjoyed a traditional Peking Duck Dinner at Quanjude Restaurant. Tomorrow they will visit the Forbidden City.
2/27/2008 Wednesday Beijing (7:00 AM Seattle Time - 10:00 PM Beijing) More Pictures!!! We have received another email from Eva (our Excellent Guide who is traveling with our Student Delegation and spoke with Jessica Chen (our Exceptional Tour Organizer).
According to both Jessica 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) and
then they toured the Summer Palace (with its immense park, royal gardens, Kunming lake, and the Hall of Benevolence & Longevity) all on a beautiful sunny day. Tomorrow they will visit The Great Wall of China.
2/28/2008 Thursday 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 to 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). In the evening the delegation enjoyed a spectacular Acrobatic Performance
(this 2000 year old art form captures one's imagination). Tomorrow the delegation will visit theTemple of Heaven and the Xiushui Market.
2/29/2008 Friday Seoul/Incheon (7:30 AM Seattle Time - 0:30 AM Seoul/Incheon 29th) This evening our delegation departed from Beijing for Seoul Incheon Airport to overnight in the Seoul/Incheon Airport - Air Garden Transit Hotel (www.airgardenhotel.com). Our delegation
spent the day in Beijing returning to the Xiushui Market also known as the Silk Market where the shopping is outstanding. After lunch they visited the Temple of Heaven, which is the perfection of Ming architecture. Currently they have arrived at Seoul/Incheon Airport
and are checking into the Air Garden Hotel to get a well deserved night’s rest. 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 40 – 60 minutes to clear US Immigrations and US Customs after their flight arrives. We will see you
at the airport tomorrow.
3/1/2008 Saturday (7:00 am Seattle Time) Korean Airlines shows that Korean Airlines Flight #25 will arrive early at 10:21 am this morning. 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. Welcome Home!
2008 WCE China Swim/Dive Trip Pictures
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2008 WCE Mercer Island HS Vietnam Trip
2/15/2008 Friday (1:28 am Seattle Time 4:28 pm Vietnam same day) Our 32 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 Ho Chi Minh City as scheduled. This delegation will visit Ho Chi Minh City, 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), Ha Long Bay (where our Students will spend an evening on a ship),
and Hanoi. (8:50 pm Seattle Time 11:50 am Ho Chi Minh City Time on the 16th Feb) We have spoken with Mr. Tu (our excellent Guide in Vietnam) and our delegation has arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh
City. This afternoon the delegation will check into the Windsor Plaza Hotel; take a City tour to visit Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda, History Museum, and former Presidential Palace; and enjoy lunch
and dinner at local restaurants. Continue to visit this page for updates, emails, and hopefully a picture or two or three or four!
2/16/2008 Saturday Ho Chi Minh City (8:30 AM Seattle Time 11:30 PM in Ho Chi Minh City) Mr. Johnston has emailed our first PICTURES and an UPDATE!!! “The flights were great, and the trip so far
has been flawless. The kids are having a great time, and everybody is really focused on seeing the orphans and handicapped students. This is really a rewarding, thoughtful bunch of kids. I am
really enjoying this group.” We also spoke with Mr. Nguyen Hoai Chan (our exceptional Tour Organizer in Vietnam) who informed us that our delegation had a very enjoyable day touring in Ho Chi Minh
City after their long flight to Vietnam. Currently our delegation members are getting a well deserved night's rest. Tomorrow they will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.
2/17/08 Sunday Hoi An (7:45 am Seattle Time 10:45 pm Vietnam same day) We have just received an email from Mr. Nguyen Hoai Chan (our Exceptional Vietnam Organizer) informing us that our delegation has arrived
safely in Central Vietnam. The day started early in Ho Chi Minh City so that the delegation could explore the Cu Chi Tunnels (an amazing complex of underground tunnels used first during war with the
French). The delegation returned to Ho Chi Minh City to continue their city tour, enjoy lunch, and then fly to Danang. In Danang our Student Delegation checked into the Hoi An Beach Resort. Tomorrow
our Students will visit the Danang Street Children Program (children of all ages including high school age students) to donate funds to the school. (More Pictures below from Mr. Johnston!)
2/18/08 Monday Hoi An (7:45 am Seattle Time 10:45 pm Vietnam same day) We have received more pictures and another update from Mr. Nguyen Hoai Chan (our Exceptional Vietnam Organizer) who spent the day with our
Students. Today in Danang our Student Delegation visited the Danang Street Children Program (children of all ages including high school age students) to donate funds 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 the presentation our MIHS Students had ample time to visit and play some games
with the Staff and Students at the Orphanage (note the pictures below). After their visit our delegation 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 rewarding day!
2/19/2008 Tuesday Hue (8:55 AM Seattle Time 11:55 PM in Hue) It was another very busy day. The day for our delegation started with a bicycle tour to the countryside of Hoi An and a visit to the old quarter of Hoi An.
Our Students then 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. (Pictures may arrive later.)
2/20/2008 Wednesday Hue (9:30 AM Seattle Time 12:30 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 bags of goodies to the students. It
was unforgettable! The day also included a stop at the Hien Loung Bridge (DMZ) and the Ben Hai River, and a boat ride on the Perfume River.
2/21/2008 Thursday Hanoi (9:30 AM Seattle Time 12:30 PM in Hanoi) (We continue to receive and post pictures sometimes later in the day so please continue to check the web site throughout the day.) Today our Students toured in Hue including visits to the Imperial
Citadel, Dong Ba Market, and the Tombs of emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. At noon our delegation flew to Hanoi and checked into the Fortuna Hotel. Tomorrow they visit Ha Long Bay!
2/22/2008 Friday Hanoi/Ha Long Bay (7:30 AM Seattle Time 11:30 PM in Hanoi/Ha Long Bay) MORE PICTURES from the Scholarship Ceremony!!! We spoke with Mr. Johnston who informed us that he is extremely pleased with every aspect of the trip. Prior to departing for
Ha Long Bay our Students enjoyed a Pedicap (Cycle) Tour of the Old Quarter in Hanoi. It is a great way to experience the city. They took a bus through the plain of the Red River Delta to Ha Long and enjoyed a Cruise on Halong Bay (Listed as a World Heritage Area
of outstanding natural beauty. Known as “Dragon descending to the sea“, Halong Bay includes over 3,000 limestone islands rising from the clear emerald water with beautiful grottoes.) They overnight on the ship and will return to Hanoi tomorrow to prepare for their
return to Seattle.
2/23/2008 Saturday Hanoi (8:30 am Seattle Time - 11:30 pm Hanoi) Once again our delegation has had a jam packed day. They spent their morning cruising on Ha Long Bay, transferred to Hanoi by bus allowing them to view the countryside, and enjoyed the amazing Water
Puppet Show in the evening. Their day concluded with a Return to Seattle Meeting and packing. Tomorrow our delegation returns to Seattle at 5:35 PM and must clear US Customs in Seattle which can take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please double check (800-695-1188) or www.evaair.com)
the arrival time of EVA Air Flight #BR 26! 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!!!
2/24/2008 Sunday Hanoi (7:30 am Seattle Time - 10:30 pm Hanoi) We received another update from Mr. Nguyen Hoai Chan (our Exceptional Vietnam Organizer). Our delegation impacted by their trip to Vietnam departed as schedule from Hanoi and should arrive in Seattle as
scheduled at 5:35 PM. Our delegation must clear US Customs in Seattle which can take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please double check (800-695-1188) or www.evaair.com) the arrival time of EVA Air Flight #BR 26! 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 today!!! Welcome Home!!!!
2008 WCE Mercer Island HS 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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