China Bound

        I can hardly believe that I’ll be in China in less than a week.  This was another opportunity that came out of the blue.  Those are my favorites.  I feel as though I have been so blessed in my musical life.  The only times I have been overseas have been due to an opportunity like this one, a random phone call or email from someone wanting to hire me for an interesting project.  And … you know I’ll always say an enthusiastic “yes!”
        I’ve been gathering everything I need or want to take with me such as maple syrup gifts for my hosts, a face mask to filter out the severe pollution in the city, an electrical adapter, etc.  I’ve met with a few people who grew up in China for some tips on etiquette and more.  I have translator and map apps on my phone and downloaded WeChat, the Chinese version of Facebook, which is banned in China.  I’m also bringing my mountain dulcimer, limberjack and crankie with me to introduce the school children, teachers and parents to traditional American culture.  My sweetie even built me a new crankie that comes apart and folds down flat that I will leave there.  Hopefully, they’ll use it on their own, or I will use it again when I return, since they would like me to go back once a year.  All in all, I think I’m as ready as I can be except for packing, which I’ll do at the last minute.
        I will be posting an online travelogue as best I can while I’m away.  You can follow my travels here, but don’t expect anything until around May 12th.