Randy & Vicki's Thursday in Kunming

The weather forecast for Kunming today (Thursday) had called for rain. What we got instead was a beautiful day. It was sunny and about 70 degrees with a gentle breeze. We enjoyed the weather during our morning visit to Minority Village—a Silver Dollar City-like park (without the rides) which features shows and shops around the theme of some of the 56 official minority groups in China. I say “official” minority groups because I’ve heard that there are actually 500 some different minority groups in this country. Our guide in Xi’an boasted about China ’s kind treatment of their minorities by pointing out that the one child per family rule does not apply to minorities—they are allowed two children by the government. Vicki and I identified several of the groups at the park from our experience at the “Dynamic Yunnan ” dance show the night before. We also visited Kunming ’s lake and park to take pictures and stopped at a silk factory on the way back to the hotel. Rather than another traditional meal Vicki and I—and a lot of others—opted out of supper in order to prepare our luggage for our early departure on Friday to Hong Kong . We visited Dico’s—a McDonald’s-like restaurant just a couple of blocks from our hotel—for ice cream and French fries (a much appreciated break from our traditional Chinese fare). Note: Watermelon is in season here and is the featured dessert for every meal. I think I have had my quota for the next few years. Blessings to you all…next time you hear from us we’ll be at our final stop in Hong Kong (where I will preach on Sunday).

Pastor Randy and Vicki