After our trip to Kenya we worked our way back to Beijing. Things were quiet and seemed normal despite the soldiers on every corner. So we were ready to get back to work. But we were given a seaside vacation before we set to work. These are friends who also had done quite a bit of travelling.

The train took us to the ocean resort city of Beidaihe.  We were surprised  that we found we used the same Beijing towels, and blankets, and some of  the same workers from our Beijing hotel were there. Treats for all with the workers we know.  We had a few sunny happy days. We walked at the edge of the ocean at dawn. And we went swimming later.  There were gatherings at supper, and one night there was dancing. But it was finally time to get back to work. To get back to working with the people who greeted us a month ago. Time would change.