FROM: Ray and Marilyn McNeal, Midnight Rodeo, Ocala, FL
God Bless America! We've returned home after 26 hours of travel time after a truly amazing trip! Judy and Larry Chen are gracious, generous hosts, and made sure every moment of our time in China was an adventure! The first two reports were about the cruise that ended Wednesday morning. This report is about the Chens, the city of Shanghai and the memories we'll have forever.
Shanghai is a city of about 20 million people. It is nothing less than suicide to drive in Shanghai. Cars, buses, trucks, motor scooters, bicycles and pedestrians are all on the road at the same time, going in all different directions at the same time, no stopping. There are no rules. Three lanes are enough room for five lanes of cars. Several lanes merge into one. Everyone just goes - and somehow, they survive!
We ate only Asian food this whole week, always served family style on a big lazy-susan in the middle of the table. We used chopsticks and had something different at every meal. Judy ordered for everyone. We asked what we were eating, took pictures of several dishes and it was fresh, delicious and so much of it! We enjoyed it all. Jill (our cruise DJ) had Taco Bell withdrawals, but recovered in the Atlanta airport on her way home!
Judy planned each day to the fullest with both new and old friends. The following is a mere glimpse of our travels.
Wednesday after the cruise: Dropped off our luggage at our apartment overlooking the city. We all immediately went shopping in a district known as Old Town to buy pearls and silks scarves. It was a great experience. That evening, compliments of the Chens, we had dinner at a 6 STAR restaurant on the 54th floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, the highest hotel in the world. Rachael's parents, Gillian and Ian joined us. The hotel is located in "The Bund," the center of Shanghai's financial and business district. The dinner, the view, and the company were exquisite. Ray and I went up to the Cloud 9 bar on the 87th floor just to look out over the city. Afterwards, we walked along the Huangpu River, filled with evening boat traffic, many of them beautifully lit in colored lights and designs. Our first evening in Shanghai was just perfect!
Thursday: Good thing we missed breakfast because Scott ate all the dumplings! Off shopping again and met ShowMing & Tom, Linda, Judy's sister, Eddie and other friends for a wonderful brunch. Said goodbye to Scott and Jill who headed home. Rachael and I got facials and massages, Ray got a foot massage and Tony got a back massage! Off to more shopping (Judy is amazing!) and a quick change for dinner for 10 at a famous popular local spot called the Nawling Restaurant. Incredible amount of food - didn't recognize a thing but sampled ALL of it - WITH chopsticks! On to a nightspot called The ARK, good band, expensive drinks, contemporary young crowd.
Friday: Went back to Old Town (a collection of small shops located in very old buildings, a famous tea house, and Temple of the Town God) shopping AGAIN and then a great lunch with Larry. He gave us a complete tour of his very interesting factory, ChemTech, which manufactures a wide variety of wall finishes that are not paint, stucco, or plaster. These wall coverings replace all three and they are flexible and durable. Then off to the tailor where I ordered a blouse and vest, Rachael ordered 3 dresses, Tony a suit and Jill had two jackets made earlier before she left. All our clothing was made that afternoon and delivered later the same night. We shared another terrific evening meal and then to bed before midnight - we leave for "sight seeing" at 6:45 AM!
Saturday: Visited the capital city of Hangzhou and the famous Ling Yin Temple, a Buddhist temple founded about 400 AD, and after Judy's version of a "light lunch" spent a wonderful day on West Lake, known for fresh water pearls, silk factory, a special kind of tea and stories. Fong Gua Ping guided our canopied wooden boat and 9 of us enjoyed a lovely day together. Larry took us ALL to the famous Kamii Japanese restaurant for world class sushi and other special dishes. The presentation of food was wonderful! Only our pictures and our memories of tonight can begin to describe it!
Sunday - Mother's Day. Goodbye to Rachael and Tony who left at 7AM. Off to Zhu Jia Jiao, the "Venice of Shanghai," an ancient fishing village on manmade canals and 36 stone bridges that connect nine streets. The city's history dates back 5000 years, but the existing town is 700 years old. The most famous bridge is the Fang Sheng Qiao, the "Setting Free Bridge" where fish are released. Shopped, ate green tea ice cream, another "light lunch" at Bao Choo Hu Tong and we were stuffed. Bought dancing shoes and barely saved 30 minutes to get ready for Mother's Day Dinner for 12 at a local restaurant. We felt very honored to be included at this special table of their close friends.
The Chens are the ultimate hosts, especially Judy - a great tour guide, bargainer, and exceptional driver! They made this trip an incredible adventure for us and as a result, the world became smaller. We cannot watch coverage of the earthquake and simply dismiss it. Our hearts and prayers go out to those families.
THANK YOU Judy and Larry! We appreciate your kind and generous hospitality and your friendship. There will be pictures on our website soon and stories we'll share with everyone, but our best memories cannot be expressed in words or pictures. Only WE can truly appreciate how special this week in China has been. AND TO THINK IT ALL BEGAN WITH LINE DANCING!
From: Stacy in Tampa, FL
Today is the sixth day of our cruise in Asia with Judy and Larry Chen. I have not had time to write before today due to a full schedule of dance classes (6 each day and open dance at night!) learning as much as I can about our new friends, enjoying this time with those we already know, and our shore trips. We've met the most amazing people from all over the world, including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Canada, UK and USA. There are only 70 Americans on board and the vast majority is Asian. Judy has worked very hard to make this cruise special for everyone, and has succeeded!
The Asian people with us are gracious, polite, and extremely courteous. Their lovely, gentle personalities create a very calm and pleasant atmosphere. I've loved hearing them speak in their own languages and there are many different dialects! I've learned a few words and hope I can say them right when we return! The dancers are all excellent (and beautiful) and there are MANY instructors on this trip! The average dance level is Intermediate (+) and I've enjoyed every moment dancing with them! I've learned much from them and only wish I could look as beautiful and they do with their graceful arms and body sways. They even make a funky dance look sexy!
The instructors are Rachael (accompanied by her man Tony, and her parents), Scott Blevins, Simon Ward, Lina Choi from Hong Kong, Judy Chen, Jill Babinec, (our DJ and NIGHTMARE at the dinner table!) and LUCKY ME!!!
We've been to Kobe (the cleanest city I have ever seen) and Fukuoka Japan. We enjoyed Japan very much, and the people are lovely there. We spent today in Busan, South Korea and had a fabulous Korean lunch in a local restaurant with 2 other couples we just met! No one spoke English, we picked out the food from pictures and I have no idea what most of it was, but it sure was good and we left stuffed!! I took pictures of the food and table! Dance party again tonight, Country Dance Show in the theater and a little time in the casino should complete this wonderful day! Tomorrow is Jeju Island then back to Shanghai for a few extra days with Judy.
Simon had a bit of the usual drama that sometimes follows him in his travels, but it was not a happy ending today. He did not arrive from Australia with the required double entry visa for China and was sent straight home from Korea today. It is a national holiday here and the Chen's efforts to help him secure the return visa to China from Korea were not possible. Simon is truly a unique individual and Ray and I have enjoyed the time we spent with him. He taught some great dances that I'll write about when we return. We all wish him safe travel back to Australia and already miss him.
This trip is the highlight of our 20-year dance experience and I only wish I could tell you every dancer's name and something about each of them. We even met another family court lawyer from Hong Kong and talked legal stuff while we sat having a coffee at Starbuck's in Japan! How cool is that! Each day has it's own special moments, many of them. We have LOTS of pictures to post to our website and I promise to update it with much new information. I'll write more from Shanghai and then complete this report when we return home. In the meantime, thanks to all who have covered my classes. We'll see you soon!
FROM: Margaret Lee
We waited 8 months for the cruise - The First Asian Line Dance Cruise...counting months to weeks and finally on 28 April, we made our way to KLIA to board MH 389 to Shanghai.
All on board, excited and curious on conditions in Shanghai. Our flight took off later than the scheduled time 01:40 (29Apr) and guess what at 03:00 we were served solid food - rice!!!! In anycase, we were a little hungry since we could not sleep yet. After that, we all had our dreams on board. Around 07:00, we were told that the weather at Shanghai, Pudong Airport was too foggy to land and so the flight was diverted to Xiamen. Not very good at my geography, I have no idea where the place is. But I was only glad when the plane landed, I don't care where. So we thought we could get out and stretch our legs...uh uh..no way jose... we had to confine in that capsule. Anyway, time went pass quickly, people chatting and some even revised dance steps. Before you know it, it was 1.5 hours when the captain announced that we can take off after refueling. It was a relief. The plane taxied a long time and finally we were airborne again. Then approaching Pudong airport, we had to circle for a long time a by this time I think the traffic was congested with other planes approaching as they would also have experienced the same as us. Finally finally, we landed safely and at the right airport.
Pudong airport is new airport in Shanghai. Much the same distance as our KLIA to KL. But I think it is double the size of KLIA. Anyway, no time to explore as we need to get our bags out and get the Man Pau Cher (Canto: Bread Car) to Shanghai.
We found our way to Exit 22 (just as my girlfriend, Alice, informed me) but unfortunately, we had an accident on the escalator. Our trolleys collided and can you imagine the trolleys kept coming and the front was jammed up. Boy, that was ugly. After much commotion, we were finally back on our feet again and found our exit to board the Bread Car. Thank goodness, it was not difficult to get the transport. Infact, the staff were rather helpful and efficient.
The weather was hazy when we pulled off the airport and we just absorbing the view - shifting our eyes left to right, we did not realised that our driver is a hell drivers; weaving his way from left to right and vice versa. Scary - they have some hell drivers.
When we got into the city, we noticed clothes hang out to dry all over the pavements and the windows. The streets were rather dusty. Imagine the condition of the clothes out in the sun and dust - maybe they have to vacumm before wearing.
We got to the Hotel Tang Bo alright. After checking-in, we decided to explore out for lunch. Everything is written in Chinese and some of us are lost in space. Good that we had Ee Ling and after consultation with the local people, we made it to a food court. It was quite humurous looking at the translation of the food display.
Hmmm... after a good lunch and some shopping, we made our way back to the hotel for a rest. I then met Alice and we took a cab to her apartment at King's Park. In the evening, Judy Teh joined us and we all went out for dinner and walked round the block, seeping some night scenes before heading to Tang Bo for the pre-sailing party.
Next morning, the folks who stayed at Tang Bo went about their own schedule. Some went early to the Shanghai Cruise Terminal to sort out their registration. YL and her friends had some chance to sleep in and some did shopping even. Anyway, YL and I and our groups met at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal and then we were all set on the shuttle bus to the port. From the distance the ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, was looking grand sitting on her own at the port.
After the immigration, we made our way to the gang way to board the ship. We headed to Deck 9 where a buffet was inviting. We checked out our staterooms. There was a fire drill at 16:30 and it was compulsory for everyone on board. Each of us had to put on our life jacket and stand in order like penguins at the different station.
There was pre-arrangements for our dinner sitting and we took the 1st seating which is at 18:00 so we went to get ready for dinner. We had our favourite Scott Blevins at our table and we simply love him. We had so much fun with him throughout the cruise. He is funny and cool.
I personally enjoyed the cruise very much. It was relaxing, yet hectic. There were many so activities on board like dance workshops (besides our LD) for e.g. salsa and ballroom, cooking lessons, excellent international entertainment shows. And we joined the optional tours when we reach the ports at Kobe, Fukuoka, Busan and Jeju Island. At Kobe, we treated ourselves to a Kobe Beef set lunch at US$55.00 per head and it was worth every crumb. Those who had the "closely grained chicken" (in other words - kampung chicken) at same price too enjoyed the delicious cooked meal. Yummy...highly recommended when you next visit Kobe.
Judy Chen worked hard to get us the venue for the workshops and the dance space. I went about my casual way on workshops. I picked up a few dances - Bring It, Turn Me Loose, Lost in You, You Danced, Sea Salt Sally, I Got The Blue, Phenonmena, Have Fun Go Mad, Catch The Rain..... There were some baby dances like Ding Ding Dong, Crazy Foot Mambo, Love Trick. You know me, I just move in my own pace, and do not jam up my brains with too many. But I like Bring It, Turn Me Loose and Lost In You, You Danced, I Got The Blue very much.
We met Jill, our DJ. She has great moves and I enjoyed watching her dance Bring It especially. She is lovely, and lots of fun and humour.
Simon unfortunately did not get the double entry visa to China and he had to apply for one when we port at Busan and it was a holiday that day. Its so sad that he had to fly back to Sydney from Busan. We missed him.
Marilyn McNeal is so nice too. Its her first trip to Asia and quite an experience for her and Ray. I learnt "You Danced" from Marilyn, it's a beautiful waltz.
Oooo... and not forgetting Rachel. We enjoyed her workshops and watching her groove on the dance floor. Jill and Ian, her parents joined her on this trip. Plus Tony; they make a handsome couple. We hope to see you in July, Rachel.
Worthwhile trip.... for me to say the least. I extended my stay in Shanghai and stayed with Alice and her husband. Alice planned all our walks around Shanghai from the Bund to Huaihai Road, Nan Jing Road, etc etc- shopping, sightseeing and checking out nice restuarants. Thank you Alice and Dr Tong. And I also met their lovely friends and sister, Shirley.
YL and her friends took off to a tour immediately after the cruise to Hangzhow, Suzhow, Wuxi etc. From the baggage check in, you can tell they had a good time shopping. In all, everyone enjoyed the tour.
Scott, Jill, Marilyn, Rachel, Simon - THANK YOU for being so patient with us. We had a FUNtastic time. Judy Chen - thanks for organising this trip without which I would not have visited Shanghai. Lina & Lilian - It is so nice to see you both - ever so helpful and it was also a great way to meet all the Hong Kong line dancers (sorry I don't have email addresses of Lina & Lilian). Alice & Dr Tong - thanks for your kind hospitality and also the ground arrangements for my friends and I.
FROM: Josephine in Penang
We got back to Penang last night after spending an extra 3 nights in Shanghai, doing lots of shopping, after the cruise ended.
I have to tell you that my group did have a wonderful time at sea, many of us were new to cruising. The workshops were conducted very well though we had to run around looking for venues that were not occupied in the beginning.
I must congratulate you for doing such a good job getting everything together. It was a monumental task to say the least.
Thanks so much for organising everything and keep in touch.
Keep on dancing!!
Cheers from Penang
Josephine, Emmeline, Angie, Pat, Anna and Elsie
FROM: The Lim Sisters in Malaysia
We are the Lim Sisters 156 from Malaysia. We would like to sincerely thank Judy Chen for organizing the Asian Line Dance Cruise 2008 event. It was a monumental task gathering dancers from different countries to Shanghai. Coordinating our arrivals and departures was no small matter as the ship terminal buildings in Shanghai were still under construction. We did in fact felt that we were being ' shanghaied ' to be sold off at one point of our departure. True to form Judy Chen got that sorted with a phone-call. So All's Well That Ends Well.
We applaud Judy Chen for her courage in carrying out the event and we salute Larry, Judy's husband for paying the initial deposit of 500USD per cabin for all of us and there were many of us. It was a HUGE amount of money for one person to pay so that the rest of us could enjoy. If it wasn't for his generosity, we would not have been able to enjoy the great early bird deal.
There was plenty to do and eat on board the ship. We were spoilt for choices. There was dancing almost every night. We had great line dance instructors on board with us too. There was "The Effervescent High-Up-In-The DJ Deck Goddess" Jill Babinec, The Gracious Lina Choi, The Elegant Marilyn Mcneal, The Beautiful Rachael McE, and " The Courageous" Judy Chen . Then the guys, " The If-In-Doubt Do A Shuffle" Simon Ward who amazingly taught his "Sweet Perfume" with the raging Pacific Ocean on one wall and people playing PING PONG on the other wall. Last but not least there was The Great Scott Blevins himself who danced his "Feed The Fetish" so magnificently that even the dolphins came to join us.
We have many wonderful memories of the event and we thank Judy Chen for them.