How to navigate China for the second time after 45 years for a couple over 70 years old? We spent part of our honeymoon in China in 1978 together with a Spanish speaking tour group when China just opened its door to the outside world. It was the era of "Friendship stores" and "food ration coupons". Tourists could only shop at government designated stores and the ordinary local people lived on rationed food, notwithstanding, tourists were treated with the highest honor and the best of everything including food. By then, the main transportation tool in cities were bicycles. From balconies of hotels, we saw never ending long queue of people on bicycles heading to work every morning. Since then, China has developed into a super modern and industrialized country. Shopping is a bliss nowadays. Motorized vehicles and lots of EV has replaced a huge part of the fleet of human-driven bicycles since. Infrastructure-wise China is the pioneer nowadays. Over the years, the only retained memories are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Pandas. There was an incident which I could not forget either. We went to a theater at night for an opera and I lost my wallet with all my documents and some money ( a small fortune for the Chinese people by then). I was very nervous and didn't know what to do. When we got back to the hotel, my wallet was waiting for me at the reception. Somebody found it at the theatre and sent it to the hotel where we were lodged. Everything was back, nothing missing. Again, it was 1978! Impressed! So, we wanted to visit China again to revive the lost sweet memories and hoping to gain more of them.

Being seniors, we don't have the energy to follow a vigorous group tour anymore. Could we plan and schedule our own tour in this wonderland like the modern China? The answer is simple, No! I don't know the language well enough and have no knowledge of the city areas for choices like accommodations and transportations. In order to travel safely, efficiently and have a peek of this modern country in a relaxed and self-paced way, we decided to look for help and support for a private tour.

We started by visiting the visa application center web site of Vancouver, BC and on the way, we came across the name visitourchina.com. Without much expectation, we sent out a request for help to visiting Guilin, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an and added Zhangjiajie at last moment. A prompt, warm and enthusiastic reply surprised us. From then on, every request and wish were matched including budget accommodations and transportation. Lisa, the travel agency representative, has gone as far as promising to book window seats for us both on air and on high-speed trains.

After receiving an invitation letter from the agency, visas were granted in 4 days. Once landed in China, we were met with the promised excellent logistic and attention. Prompt private transportation and hotels with luscious breakfasts offered a super comfortable tour experience. Private tour guides are language efficient, knowledgeable, energetic and willing to answer every question, besides enthusiastic warm receptions.

We met Lisa, a charming lady, at Guilin and were received with the highest honor as tourists. During the entire tour, we felt that we were treated more as families than clients. Window seats? Yes! Special attention? Yes! Memorable tour? Yes!

One thing worth mentioning in the tour in Zhangjiajie is the high physical demand but it is a life experience that you won't want to miss. For seniors, there are plenty of help if you are willing to spend a little extra. The high-altitude wire slide, the glass-bridges, the one-of-a-kind National Forest Park and the Tian Men Cave all gathered in one place on earth!

Guilin is a sight-seeing empire that I wanted to visit since I was a little boy. The Li River Cruise, Longj Rice terraces and the Reed Flute Cave are absolutely stunning. Mia, the tourist guide has exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Lisa, Mia, Maria, all the rest of guides and drivers, one of our life-long wishes is fulfilled in a very enjoyable and unforgettable way.