By Trudy Tobiason of Everett, Washington, 8-time traveler & Overseas Adventurers’ Club member
I was very happy to have been able to go with OAT on your Imperial China, Tibet & the Yangtze River Small Ship Adventure. I have traveled with both Grand Circle and OAT and recommend them regularly. Your Trip Leaders in China were fabulous. We could not have wished for better. They went out of their way to make everything perfect.
I’ve enclosed a picture that I treasure because my new little friend, Thupten Nyima, had such a sweet smile on his face. When we visited the De Ji Orphanage in Tibet, the teacher had the children welcome us with song. Then, the children were instructed to choose one of the guests and tour them through the facility. Quickly, all guests were chosen, except for me. I saw this quiet, somber young boy standing against the wall, not moving forward at all. I went over to him and asked him (in English, of course) if he would like to take me around to show me his home and school. I took his hand and he held mine very tightly, but never a word was spoken. He made sure that I saw every room in the facility.
When it was time for us to leave, we took pictures and exchanged hugs with our little guides. At this time, that beautiful smile came out—like sunshine. As we walked out to our bus, several children also walked out to see us off. My little one kept holding my hand on the way out, and then he was the very last one to retreat into the building, waving to me as long as we could see each other while the bus was leaving.
I, of course, waved equally as long, and tears flooded my eyes as we left. It was such a special time. Since that time I have sent emails, Christmas letters, and pictures to him.
Thank you for making traveling so easy, so educational, and so much fun.