Greetings!
Our family has already begun our CNY travels and we will be visiting both sides of our family during the next couple of weeks. We are also taking our children to Chengdu to visit the Panda Reserve. We are looking forward to a delightful family time!
It is a treat for the whole family to travel together. Since Louie guides several of the heritage trips, during different seasons, we do not take him being at home for granted. In fact, he asked me to let families know he has a few spaces on his tour departing March 10th! Wow, I don't think he'll ever retire!
Upon the eve of Spring Festival here in China, we at Lotus Travel wish to send each of you kind thoughts and best wishes for the upcoming year. In this newsletter we have our annual offer for lucky money envelopes; tour highlights; insight about recent travels in Guizhou province and an offer to receive an animated screen saver of a lovely Asian garden. I trust you find this newsletter enjoyable.
Sincerely, Lea in Guangzhou
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Chinese New Year 2012
Have your heard of the "100 Dishes Feast" in Guangxi province?  Yvette in the Lotus Travel Guangzhou office is a guest writer and shares the celebration tradition that takes place within her hometown where more than 100 people celebrate in the town square. She also shares other CNY experiences and the legend which is responsible for the ear-drum splitting firecrackers that take place at midnight on the eve of Chinese New Year. Click CNY Celebrations to read about the ancient legend of Nian and Yvette's experiences celebrating the new year in China. | |
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Lotus Garden Screensaver
 Would you like a new screen saver on your computer? Here is one lovely version that can be emailed to you upon request.
This screen saver and card artwork was created at the Jacquie Lawson e-card organization and is called "Lotus Garden". We think it is a beautiful depiction of our company namesake. Interested? Send an email request to: iris@lotustours.net
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Glimpses of Guizhou
 The province of Guizhou is home to some incredible natural wonders, including Ten Thousand Peaks and Huangguoshu Waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in all of Asia. There is also a rich ethnic minority culture. Click: Guizhou to read an excerpt of a trip that Iris Culp, Lotus Homeland Programs Director, took late last year. And, watch our website for a new photo gallery of Guizhou coming soon! | |
SPOTLIGHT TOUR:
March 10th with Louie Yi
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"No worries" says Louie Yi, the President of Lotus Travel," because I am your guide. I will be there to answer all questions and help you." 
If your trip wish list includes the cities of Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, & Guangzhou, this tour is a great fit!
You can relax and see the sights while you expand your family photo library. Climb the Great Wall, fly kites with your kids at Temple of Heaven, or simply watch the water buffalo as the landscape passes by during your Li River cruise. In Xian you will visit the world famous Terra Cotta Warriors and ride bikes on the city wall! Of course, there is also time to visit the pandas and "hug" one too if you wish!
You will be delighted you joined a group of other adoptive families to experience the best China has to offer. Louie can also plan your family's private visit to your child's orphanage city. Look at the tour that has other families talking. Email louie@lotustours.net today for more information!
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"Lucky money" envelopes
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If your FCC or FCV group would like to receive complimentary envelopes for a Lunar New Year celebration, simply contact us. Of course, it's a first-come, first-served basis.
Send an email maps@lotustours.net with: event date; number of kids attending; mailing address; contact name and phone number.
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Quick LInks
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| June 7 & June 22
Want to join another family or two for a heritage trip? There are a couple of families seeking 1-2 more families to join with them. Departures June 8th & June 13th. Email joyce@lotustours.net for details. It could be a great fit!
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Guide to Lunar New year
| Chinese for Families Language school in PA has developed a listing of a lot of ways to celebrate CNY for 2012. Click Celebrate CNY read this blog listing as you consider how to celebrate!
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Custom Tour Quote
You can fill in the information on this page: Create Your Own and receive a follow up from a travel advisor, a draft itinerary and free trip quote.
Custom doesn't have to mean expensive. If there are 10 adults on a trip, it is at group rates. We can help you plan some wonderful family memories!
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Panda Update
| Want to know what the Washington DC pandas have been up to? Here's a short update: Panda Painting
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Stay tuned.... there are also reports that Mei Xiang may be entering mating season soon.
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Discussion Forum
We have created several forums for discussion on China topics, such as life in China, travel, a photo gallery and book excerpts. Contribute your thoughts, photos or questions!
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