What a delight it is to have friends from far away!

We met Freeman and Maya in 2006 for the first time. He was our private tour guide in Xian, graciously teaching us about Chinese history, culture, food and everything local. We loved him instantly, Freeman is kind, patient and funny.

Duke Garden, Durham NC

At his university, where he has organized our accommodation, up on the wall was the title sentence, which has became one of my motto in life:
"What a delight it is to have friends from far away!"
 One night we went out, the four of us for a Snack or how in many places in China the signs say for snakes. :-) We laughed a lot and tried different "snakes". :-)

 In 2008, we met up again when we were in Hangzhou, this time he was already a teaching professor at the University of Hangzhou. We were friends and we truly enjoyed each others company, although we only see one other every couple of years.

 Finally, this year they came to visit us before they had back to China. We had an amazing couple of days and Lorent liked them almost instantly and Freeman became the one that was asked to dress, feed, follow Lorent. Maya was impressed with Ocean and I believe as soon as they arrive home they will have a dog. :-)  My conclusion is that we are more alike then different no matter how far we are coming. What a nice couple and how fortunate we are to get to know them. Zai tian---Good bye until the next time!

At Falls Lake

We biked all the 12 miles at Neuse River Trail

Duke Garden

Freeman and Ocean running around