Meg

My husband and I traveled to China last year and not only felt very safe, but we made wonderful friends in both Hong Kong and BeiJing with whom we are still in touch. Immediately after the WTC attacks, we received e-mails from them offering us refuge in their family's home if we felt unsafe here. <BR> <BR>Having never visited a communist country prior to this trip, we were truly surprised with the capitalist nature of the the entire country. I don't know exactly what I expected, but it wasn't that. We plan to return next spring to visit our friends and travel to their home towns to meet their families. <BR> <BR>I certainly understand Ginger's concerns for her daughters, but <BR>China was just fascinating. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the <BR>Temple of Heaven, the Terra Cotta Soldiers, etc. were all things that can not be digested from books or pictures. To see all these things first hand is a chance of a lifetime. I hope things settle down enough for your daughters to take their journey. It will give them an appreciation for what they have grown up with.

Theresa

hi ginger, <BR> <BR>i'm going to beijing in january and my parents are very worried also. i told them that is a parent's job.

lze

Hello Ginger, All politics aside the girls will really enjoy China. It is a trip of a life time. I went back in May for 3 weeks and am so glad. Our trip was planned right around the time our plane went down over there and I had some real concerns. But life does go on and I say make the most of it. As a previous post said it sounds like you are very concerned about travel outside the U.S. with a war going on. Feb. is a long time away and hopefully things will be resolved by that time. I do understand your concern as I am a Mother myslef. But put your trust in God to handle things and HE will. The Terra Cotta Soilders, Great Wall, Forbidden City etc. cannot be compared to pictures in a book. You have to really see them to appreciate the history. We took a motorcycle side car tour out into the countryside one day and visited a farmer's house. It was the day that ended up my favorite. The scenery was beautiful and to see how these people live really makes you appreciate the good old U.S.A. They have such a meager existance. We did not see any political things going on.Did not see any Falon Gong demonstrations. (I had to see one of those here in CA.) Just had a wonderful time the entire trip. Are the girls going down the Yangtze River while there? More georgeous scenery. Absolutely spectacular! All the best to you and hope you come to terms with things. If you or the girls want any info as to what they should take etc. let me know and I can write you/them about some of our experiences.

Lisa

If your question involves the safety of flying - I'd say go for it. I'm an international teacher, and what I often do if I'm not sure about traveling somewhere ... contact an international school in the area where I am going. Beijing has an exceptional school - BIS - Beijing International School. Shoot an e-mail to someone there, and I think your'll find your answers. Good luck! (Check Web66 for international school websites)

please!!!

That is the problem with the people from the US. You always think you make such a big difference with everything, well here are some news from you: you don't! <BR> <BR>Go there, experiment, see for yourself what is going on and learn something to bring back home and be able to discuss things with more information.

oops!!!

That is for not from

angie

I am not sure it is a wise choice. Someone said it helps out the shops there, but right now the US is having troubles so why not travel in the US. The economy needs it badly and until things improve, you won't be worrying about any hateful acts(like the post about Americans above this one). China is a questionable place to visit because of human right violations. It would be a great experience, but so would visiting New Orleans or Alaska or Hawaii.

John

I have no idea how this got political and am not even going to get involved with that. <BR> <BR>I am positive that a weeks holiday in China will do your daughters the world of good. <BR> <BR>There should be no problems at all, I would be more concerned sending my kids to the UK. <BR> <BR>John <BR>SuiteAsia.com Travel Community