It was called a Wine Tour, but that's not accurate. This was a day of relearning how and WHY I drink the delicious, fermented grape. We paid this guy handsomely, and he delivered. "Wine Country Tours" sole proprietor and guide, Richard Everett, is also an oenologist. That's a fancy word for "wine maker." But what Richard does best is profess the art and skill of selecting, tasting, discerning, analysing, and appreciating each sip of wine that goes in your mouth.  He has forever changed our wine consumption habits. From now on we won't just drink wine; we will EXPERIENCE it.

Looking for Keith Urban in all the right places. Posh party hosted by Chuck and Becky Mason in the Presidential Suite atop the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Sydney. Where are you, Keith?!!!

Why we're here. 2014 Rotary International Convention, Sydney Olympic Park. The city lit the Olympic Flame just for us: 18,000 people from 180 countries around the world!  It's a spectacular event around a magnificent structure looming in the middle of the complex that combines a waterfall AND fire. I realize I am part of a beautiful, worldwide organization that leaves politics and religion behind and has one singular goal: SERVICE ABOVE SELF. I was moved.

Random Thoughts on Beijing: The Chinese take their melanoma very seriously. Lots of parasols, hats, gloves, arm and leg coverings/ How in the hell did these Chinese emperors have time for 3,000 concubines? The physical and mental challenge of this boggles my mind./ Bobby and I felt like celebrities. Everywhere we went, complete strangers asked us to pose in photographs with them. Very random. They weren't shy about asking. Our guide said it was probably because they've never seen a foreigner. Plus we have light hair and large eyes/ The Chinese government keeps a close eye on its people. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are blocked./ America believes in God. China believes in luck./ Motorbikes, bicycles, and cars coexist on most roads. Frightening for me. Normal for them/ Paper products are few and far between here. No napkins were offered at lunch, only a small box on the table with tissues./ Note to self. Do not come back to Beijing in the summer. Hot as hell./I miss my kids./ Some Beijing people are rather pushy. By this I mean they shamelessly cut in line and bump into people. I also saw hocking and spitting, including women. I honestly don't think this is considered rude or inconsiderate, just a cultural difference./ The air pollution in Beijing makes me want to become an environmental activist./ Americans here are few./ What we've seen in the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven makes me want more information about the Chinese Empire. Fascinating./

We have no clue what people are saying around here, but we are happy fortune cookies on Air China.

Definitely in the minority here at the Air China ticket counter.

Bobby's saying goodbye to loved ones as we drive to the Houston airport for departure to Beijing and Australia. He's giving information about how to get to our wills. On one hand I am thankful for his thoroughness; on the other hand...ummm

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