Dear Lynne and Sally,

Thank you very much. The whole China trip went very well. Both Jenny and I enjoyed the trip immensely. In fact it was much better than we expected. We had a great time helped by an excellent mix of people in our group. The guides were professional and knowledgeable and most importantly tried to listen to the group and help. When Jenny and I had altitude sickness and lost a day in Lhasa, Tensing was extremely concerned and helpful and we were most grateful to the company and Tensing for arranging Meiduo to accompany us to the Potala Palace by ourselves. She was super and we were so grateful for seeing the Potala Palace which was probably the highlight of the tour for us. Meiduo had some interesting comments about the altitude sickness - possibly taking a hot shower soon after arriving worsened the symptoms (and certainly that occurred with us) and she advised some local Chinese capsules which were fantastic, not only for us but for a friend of ours. Possibly a short list of things to avoid doing to exacerbate altitude sickness and having the bus stop at a local pharmacist to buy these capsules after we were picked up from the airport could help. I have no doubt they were effective. Maybe even leaving the Potala palace till the second day to allow people to acclimatise with more gentle pursuits on the first day.

The food was generally of high standard. Many of us thought the main meal in the middle of the day possibly too much as we seemed to "waste" food by leaving quite a lot uneaten (many of us ate big breakfasts). Jenny and I thought a very quick snack with more time to see sights or wander about may have been better use of the time. That said the best meal was lunch on Day 1 in Xian we thought - beautifully cooked and high quality vegetables.

Julia was very good and really helpful on a personal level in Beijing and Echo extraordinarily organised and knowledgable in Xian. As I said Tensing was very caring in Tibet and enthusiastic about his culture and Meiduo, even in the short time we had with her was very impressive. The guide in Chongqing Allan - was immensely sophisticated in his use of language, had a lovely sense of humour and clearly was very proud of his city. He also used his initiative and we saw the Giant Panda which was a highlight for us all. This would not have occurred without Allan's input. Cherise was very enthusiastic, energetic, knowledgable and packed a lot into the day in Shanghai. Not a bad experience among all the guides whom we had.

All the buses were clean and safe. We did not envy the drivers their job. In fact all the transfers and trips were good with no real problems.

The hotels were of a very high standard and as good as you promised - however the laundry prices were extortionate! Again the guides advising a local laundry was very useful!

The Beijing Opera was wonderful but the extra-ordinary acrobatic show in Shanghai was superb and we were privileged indeed to see this live. We would not have considered seeing these without the company organising them.

I realise we were quite cut off from the everyday hassles of travelling in China and we only got a 'taste' of Chinese culture. Having backpacked in other countries we are both aware without the organisation by the company and tour guides we would not have been able to see half as much. We very much enjoyed the last day to ourselves in shanghai as we had to use our initiative and public transport. We were most impressed with the helpfulness and capacity of the local population and have returned home with a very positive memory of the Chinese people we encountered. Hopefully the energy and resourcefulness of the people will deal with the smog/pollution that did affect a few of our days.

We thought your package was great, and the company helpful when we were sick in Tibet and consequently we have actively encouraged friends to go while your prices are so reasonable! And we will happily recommend your tour company to anyone who wishes to visit China. Marvellous!

Many thanks for all your help!

Sandy Tait and Jenny Sudbury