We need a room for 2 adults and 3 children, please.

Sir Bill on night of arrival

Madame Allyson on night of arrival

Dinner in conference room

Family dinner of yogurt, sandwiches, and

noodle soup brought from the U.S.

Living room

Lego Land

Girls' room

Kitchen

Hallway to Master Suite

Office where blog is composed

Master Suite

Master Suite

Master William enjoying bath

The driver from Shanghai kept getting phone calls as we made the 2.5 hour drive to Ningbo. About an hour out, he handed the phone to Bill. The manager of the hotel said that they were ready for us. The manager was tracking us as we made the trek from Shanghai, he was planning the timing of our arrival. As we pulled up to the Howard Johnson, it's stone facade was imposing as was the entourage that waited outside. They were all standing, white gloved, in a row as we drove up, waiting with a bouquet of flowers and personnel enough to handle a family of fifty. As we approached, I wondered, "Who are all those people were waiting for?" It was only when we got out of the van that I realized they were waiting for us.

I didn't know what to do. Should I shake all their hands, blow kisses, give a beauty pageant wave? I opted to hold on to William and walk through the human tunnel. In the lobby they had a sign welcoming the VIP guest Bill Davidson. No need to present our Visa to check in, they escorted us right up to our room. (Chinese are very superstitious about numbers and it took me awhile to figure out why we were in room 8888 on the 17th floor.) I soon realized, no, this was not the rundown Howard Johnson that we stayed in as kids traveling across the country for my dad's horse races.

The hosting continued in our room. There they were again, all waiting in a row at our door, with gloves and dark suits. The room had a large flower bouquet, fresh fruit, tea, wine, a large cake and an assortment of drinks. They gave us a tour of our literal "Presidential Suite." I guess if Barack decides to come to Ningbo, we may be kicked out of our luxury accommodations. After all the excitement we collapsed in our beds exhausted and plagued with jet lag. (The only reason for all the hoopla is because John Deere has a large account with this hotel and they want to keep the new boss happy.)

After living in a hotel, with a full service staff, I realize that Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz was a wise little girl. There is "no place like home." I really just want my sagging queen bed rather than the enormous thing I am currently sleeping on. I get lost just looking for my pillows and trying to find Bill to snuggle with in that huge thing requires a map. I want to cook, please, no more restaurants. I would pay some serious money for some homemade sour cream chicken enchiladas. Hotel life got old very quickly and we can't wait until our ship comes in, really. Hmmm, maybe if I click my heels three times....