Jan-Feb 2010 /HARBIN, CHINA

The New Year started with Sareet taking a business trip to China.  During the trip, he was able to take a weekend off and get to Harbin, something the family did not want to do, when we lived there.  Most of you have seen this once a year on CNN, when they highlight the amazing multi-story ice and snow sculptures in the northernmost part of China, a city named Harbin. Every year for 2 months, the local artisans build and maintain these massive sculptures in an area that has the Siberian weather pattern (hence the family not wanting to go). The area is also home to an extensive Tiger park, where they house hundreds of displaced tigers, an animal that is virtually extinct in the wild in China and Siberia these days.

On the way back, Sareet managed to see old friends Jack and Kitty, who know have our old dog Sonia. Back in the US, the kids stayed busy with soccer with Jay’s team getting a chance to be the flag bearers and ball boys for the US National team game in Tampa.

In late February, Anil and Louisa came down to Florida, and we finally went to Crystal River to swim with the manatees. It is a very popular thing to do here, and it really was quite amazing how docile, graceful and friendly these massive animals were. Unfortunately, this winter has been very hard of those that did not make it into the 72 degree (year round) springs on time, as Florida like much of the nation had one of the coldest winters on record. If any of you chose to visit us during Winter, we highly recommend this diversion.

Keep in touch!

The Majumdars