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PANDAS AND MORE PANDAS

The bus trip to Wolong was five hours over what can only charitably be called a road. Mostly it was dirt, rocks, and occasional gravel. At times the road was only about 10% wider than the bus we were in. But our expert driver negotiated the journey without incident. Rebecca kept us supplied with "snacks," which were Chinese versions of things like potato chips and candy bars--close but somehow different from the American versions. We entertained each other with conversation--except for Ed, who decided to catch up on his sleep on the seven-hour trip back.

The young pandas are all kept together in an enclosure known as the "Panda Kindergarten."

At Wolong we were able to actually go into the enclosures to play with the juvenile pandas.

Patty loves pandas. She loves them so much that she was willing to spend two weeks in China just to be with them--even though she is a self-described "picky eater" who doesn't like vegetables, rice, or meat with sauce on it. Despite the discomforts of the trip, she was always cheerful and no one made his or her pleasure with playing with the pandas more evident than she. Apparently these pandas felt the same way about her.

The cubs think that playing outside is fun, but the keepers know that when it is time to go in, it is time to go in--no arguments allowed.

(Photo: Ed Lewins)

Later, when we returned from Wolong, we had one more opportunity to pet a panda.

WARNING: Excessive cuteness ahead. Not recommended for diabetics.

At first Stanley and Rebecca, our Sichuan guide, did not understand our enthusiasm for pandas. But even they had to admit that the animals are very cute.



One of the big thrills on this trip was that we had several opportunities to interact with and pet the pandas, under close supervision from keepers. And the answer to everyone's question is: no, they are not soft and furry; their hair is quite coarse.
The bus trip to Wolong was five hours over what can only charitably be called a road. Mostly it was dirt, rocks, and occasional gravel. At times the road was only about 10% wider than the bus we were in. But our expert driver negotiated the journey without incident. Rebecca kept us supplied with "snacks," which were Chinese versions of things like potato chips and candy bars--close but somehow different from the American versions. We entertained each other with conversation--except for Ed, who decided to catch up on his sleep on the seven-hour trip back.


At Wolong, everyone was eager to see San Diego's favorite celebrity--Hua Mei	In addition to Hua Mei, there were over 50 other pandas at Wolong.



The young pandas are all kept together in an enclosure known as the "Panda Kindergarten."

At Wolong we were able to actually go into the enclosures to play with the juvenile pandas.
Patty loves pandas. She loves them so much that she was willing to spend two weeks in China just to be with them--even though she is a self-described "picky eater" who doesn't like vegetables, rice, or meat with sauce on it. Despite the discomforts of the trip, she was always cheerful and no one made his or her pleasure with playing with the pandas more evident than she. Apparently these pandas felt the same way about her.


	Holding the baby pandas was probably everyone's favorite moment.

The cub couldn't resist giving Jason a good lick.

	Amy had the knack of soothing the rather impatient cub she held.

When a cub wanted to squirm away, Tana had to take a firm grip.



The cubs think that playing outside is fun, but the keepers know that when it is time to go in, it is time to go in--no arguments allowed.
	(Photo: Ed Lewins)
Later, when we returned from Wolong, we had one more opportunity to pet a panda.