Suzhou

Kelly and Andy had the priviledge to spend 20 hours in the beautiful city of Suzhou this past weekend. We were met at the train station in central Shanghai by a friend of a friend named Amy. After boarding the train, it only took 30 minutes until we pulled into the Suzhou station. The three of us were met there by our host, Mr. Pan, whose son, Samuel, is a student studying at the University of Arkansas. Andy met Samuel a few days before we left for China.

Mr. Pan took us to a beautiful hotel and checked us in, insisting that he pay for the room for the evening. After dropping off our bags we proceeded to the 29^th floor and were treated to an amazing buffet with a wide variety of western and Chinese food. It took a little bit of time getting used to this revolving restaurant but while we ate we enjoyed a 360 degree view of this ancient city. After dinner we walked on a peaceful street alongside a quiet canal. Mr. Pan told us about his childhood and how he had grown up living next to a canal like this and what life was like in China when he grew up. It was a wonderful evening.

The next morning Mr. and Mrs. Pan picked us up at 7:45 and checked us out of the hotel. We then picked up Amy on our way to the Mandarin church service. Church was held in a beautiful new building on the shore of Lake Dushu that looked more like it should be in Rome than in eastern China. Amazing cathedral ceilings and huge columns were only part of the incredible architecture of this church. We then went to the Suzhou Museum and viewed pottery from the Tang Dynasty, which was between 1100-1400 years old. Mr. Pan was like a walking encyclopedia explaining all this to us through Amy’s interpretation.

After a delicious, traditional Chinese lunch we went to The Humble Administrators Garden. This is one of four “Great Gardens” of China. It was truly beautiful and very unique in that around each corner, it felt like we were in a completely different garden with the changing design and floral arrangement. Truly a work of art. When it was time to head back to Shanghai the Pans had arranged for us to be driven back by their nephew. Terribly convenient to not have to wait at the train station for our trip home. This probably saved us 2 hours and allowed us to be back in time to join Sue and the girls for dinner after church with some friends.

So Amy turned out to be much more than a guide and interpreter and the Pans much more than hosts, they are our “good friends.” The people of China are very generous and hospitable. We are very blessed to be able to live life with them.