John's Feedback on 15-Day China Tour

We liked the itinerary because it was tailored just for us; wish we could have stayed longer; however, we concentrated on different areas. All of Tibet was so memorable! Sangmo in Lhasa was our favorite guide. She spoke excellent English, and was warm, caring, full of information.

Dear Candy,

We have been home a month now and I just finished this newsletter. We took over 3000 photos and more video in two months so there is lots to go through.

We liked the itinerary because it was tailored just for us; wish we could have stayed longer; however, we concentrated on different areas. All of Tibet was so memorable! Sangmo in Lhasa was our favorite guide. She spoke excellent English, and was warm, caring, full of information. We enjoyed her company while traveling by road to the Nepal border. She has very good organizational skills. She even met us on our free day to present me with a birthday present. Drivers were polite, no speeding and taking chances.

As for hotels, Asset Hotel: no fancy room, but the four star staff went out of their way for us. Not a huge breakfast choice, but very good. Lanzhou Legend Hotel: Very nice room and view in a good location. The restaurant was lacking in service, communication, and empty and mislabeled buffet dishes. Tashi Choten: My first choice in the heart of the old city; not the fanciest, but colorfully decorated. Staff was helpful and friendly and Chinese breakfast was good. Manasarovar Hotel in Shigatse was much nicer than we expected. Location not so good. Nice breakfast choices with Western food included. Breakfast room location not inside the main building. Caiyuan Hotel in Zhangmu: basic room with a view of the hillside town. No breakfast buffet, but adequate meal laid out for us. Tashi Choten was the favorite because of location, staff, and rooftop view. We loved walking the alleys to the shopping square.

My husband bought me Tibetan clothes for my birthday and Sangmo helped him shop. I finally bought a Dzi bead and a jadeite watch instead of more Tibetan carpets. Suggestions for future customers--- Don't buy the first thing; shop around, compare price and quality. Study and learn about the things you want to buy.

Every time we visit China, we try to see something different. I like dramatic scenery and rock formations. I love to interview people. Traveling as a somewhat independent couple opens more doors.

Regards,

Consuelo