For CRI English and Beyond Beijing:

 

For me, the year 2008 meant many things. One of them is my wife and daughter. Another was being able to win the Olympic Contest Tour of the People’s Republic of China. The trip to China was a historical one since I have always wanted to visit China and meet with my CRI English Family. The words that could be expressed are one «excellent».

 

I. Beijing

 

It was great to have visited the Great Wall of China and being able to climb up to the top of one of the mountains of this wonder. It was an honour to visit the Forbidden Palace and see the places where so much history took place. The Great Hall of the People was also one of the greatest monuments erected by the People’s Republic of China. It was impressive.

 

The visit to Tiananmen Square, the Monument to those who fought the Japanese Colonialists was also an honour. The Olympic Stadiums such as the Ice Cube was also one of the greatest honours. I was also impressed with the generosity of the Chinese people and how they have a sense of community. The sense of community was something that I do not see in America.

 

The National Museum and its dedication to Chinese History were also great. I was able to learn things that have never been taught in Western Schools. The stores were great with helpful employees. The China People’s Palace was my home away from home and its architecture as well as the excellent hotel service was the greatest.

 

I was also impressed with the people who work at CRI English and CRI FM 91.5 and their dedication to the work of serious journalism.

 

II. Qingdao

 

It was also an honour to have visited the Residence of what used to be the German Governor as well as the Tsingtao Brewery. These as well as the visit to Haier and the Tower overlooking were great. The Hotel Qingdao was an excellent place where the guest was like family. It was also an honour to have talked with the reporters of Radio Qingdao and it was relaxing to have visited the Qingdao Beach.

 

During the trip to China, it was also an honour to have met fellow CRI Listeners and establish friendships which will last a lifetime.

 

I would like to thank The People’s Republic of China and CRI English for the honour of allowing me to visit your beautiful country. I would also like to say it was a pleasure meeting the CRI English staff.  

 

Without much, my best wishes for you in the New Year from Miami Florida.