Bonnie, We did book the flights, guides and hotel ourselves independently. It really was a piece of cake. We stayed at the Jianguo Hotel (loved their patios and balconies) and it included breakfast...we loved the hotel!

When Tom bought the Armani suit our guide was with us. (silk market in Beijing where they have all the knock offs). They originally said they wanted $500 USD for the suit. Our Chinese guide did ALL the haggling with the gal and they went back and forth for what seemed like a long time. Both raised their voices as we just stood there not understanding one word of what was being said. After all was said and done the final price was $39 USD and this included the alterations!!

Victor, I was with RoseAnn (and Patrick). We closed CR down. I finally went to bed as this was the day we had returned from Beijing and I was tired. She had to get off the ship at 4:00am so as far as I know she was just staying up all night. Hope we see you later!