I have traveled to China with Pat Dalton five times
in the last seven years and each tour was a delight.
Here are some highlights:
1. My first trip was an overview of China. We traveled
to Beijing to see The Forbidden City, The Great Wall,
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and
lots more. Plus the shopping is great. You can buy anything
your heart desires very inexpensively. Then on to Xian
and the fabulous terra-cotta warriors and visiting one
of the best preserved city walls in China. There was
also the Yangtze River Cruise thru the Three Gorges.
The scenery is gorgeous. Next we continued on to Dali
and Lijiang in Yunnan province, two very old cities with
great embroidery to purchase and wonderful minority people
to see. The Naxi are especially interesting as they have
a special Dongba written language and are intelligent,
hard-working and fun loving people. Finally off to Shanghai
with it's myriad new huge high-rises and highways...and
the best museum in China....
2. I missed China so much that I returned 6 months later
to repeat the first trip and still loved every minute
of it.
3. Next off to Beijing and Guizhou to learn two-sided
embroidery and Miao embroidery techniques from the minority
women. It was fascinating and fun. These women traveled
many miles from their local villages to share with us
their old but still used styles of stitching. We went
to the nearby villages everyday for performances and
to see these women in their festival costumes in their
own environment. The hairstyles were especially fascinating,
some dating back thousands of years.
4. Next my husband and I went to NW China to travel the
old Silk Road just as it was done hundreds of years ago
by caravan. It is very different from the rest of China
as many of the people are practicing Muslims. Seeing
Kazacks in their colorful yurts tending their sheep and
living off the land was quit an eye opener. It was fabulous
to follow the trails of those who had passed this way
for thousands of years. Knowing the hardships they had
to endure made it all the more worthwhile.
5. My last trip was Nov/Dec of 2007. Pat and I traveled
alone with her national guide, plus local guides, and
drivers. We were determined to see the very remote areas
that are mostly left untouched. The trip was hard, tough,
and dirty but worth every minute. We saw wonderful scenery
that is clean and clear and just the way God made it
and several minorities we would not have been able to
see if we had not ventured afar. We laughed a lot and
ate wonderful fresh local food, especially the oranges
and tiny mandarins. We went to bed at night tired and
satisfied. This trip is not for the faint of heart but
for those who really want to see the REAL China. After
all in a few years even these remote areas will be over-run
by tourists and the beauty of the people and places will
have been greatly diminished.
I hope you who read this will want to travel with Pat.
She is efficient and has done her homework well. She
has taken into account our delicate American ways and
has provided the best hotels, great local food, and wonderful
local guides. There is no higher compliment than that.
I am looking forward to my next trip as China is in my
blood. I will be touring Tibet in 2009.
Sincerely,
Helen Allen. Sarasota, Florida
Dear Pat,
This is a long overdue letter to thank you for the great
trip. Everything went so well, seemingly without stress,
and there were so many interesting things to see that
I am still digesting it all. I think the most exciting
experience was meeting Mr. He and am grateful for the
wonderful pictorial souvenir we all received. Also watching
the brocade weavers at work was so fascinating. It was
a once in a lifetime adventure for me and I will always
remember it with pleasure. I also appreciated your kind
attention when I had my minor bout with illness and the
wonderful shopping you did for me. I love the pearls
and the embroidered jacket and will think of the trip
whenever I wear them.
Pat Boehne
Bloomington, MN
Oct/Nov 2007
Hi Pat: Thank you for a most wonderful trip. It was a
once in a lifetime experience, and I have many, many
warm memories of those past three weeks. You showed us
so many new things, and certainly Bit and I learned a
lot about textiles, tie-dyes, the Miao people and their
embroideries, and last but not least the foods of that
region. There is so much to learn about the minorities
that I wish our trip was longer. You handled everything
with patience and grace, and I truly appreciate your
guidance.
The new friends I made on the tour will be my lifelong
friends. They are all special people.
Ruby and Bit Seto,
Cupertino, CA
September 2007
DALTON TOUR – MIAO EMBRODIERY April/May
2007
Just “hanging out” in China, we called
it, but it was much more than that ! Wonderful days
of exploring the lush countryside of Guizhou and Yunnan
Provinces, scampering up hillsides lined with dozens
of young girls bedecked in their Miao finery. The lessons
in Miao embroidery were humbling but the teachers were
loving and encouraging so we came to appreciate, firsthand,
the years of patient sewing and the dedication of the
wonderful women who tell their stories through embroidery.
We were also more than willing to purchase, for ourselves,
some examples of their beautiful work. I treasure my
collection and get to relive the trip each time I am
asked to explain where I bought such unusual pieces
of clothing or jewelry.
Ours was a small group of only 6, led by our fearless
Tourmaster, Pat Dalton, who has many years of travel
experience upon which to draw. Pat, really knows the
ins and outs of travel in China, where to go, what to
see, what to buy. Pat spends much time seeking “quality” merchandise
and has developed many personal relationships with local
vendors and guides throughout China. Wherever we went,
someone seemed to know Pat and wanted to give her a big
hug!
And what can I say about Jin, our National Tour
Guide, other than “Jin is just the best “ – at
everything !! He watched over us, always making sure
that everything was well coordinated, that no one got
lost, that we made the plane connections, that we had
plenty of food, drink…and, yes, money too when
some of us ran short. His expertise has guided many a
traveler through China and he is always by Pat’s
side. Thank you Jin ! I look forward to traveling with
you again one day.
Our days in Beijing and Shanghai were fun too. Some
of us had traveled together on a previous Dalton Tour
and enjoyed revisiting some our favorite places and finding
a few new ones too.
It’s always fascinating to see how China is growing
and changing. Some the older places are no longer there
but there is a new and thriving China in its place. There’s
certainly enough to keep me yearning to see more…………..
Thanks, Pat.
Molly Pere
Bellevue, WA
Patricia Jean Kyle,
Esq.
Attorney at Law
799 Brickell Plaza,
Miami, Florida 33131 |
Alexandra Jean Carlson
4470 N.W. Murray Avenue
Suite 606
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin |
Dear Pat:
What a wonderful trip to China! Thank you so much! I
loved the first trip when we got to see all the historic
sites that I had read so much about and, somewhere between
Beijing and Shanghai, I made lifelong friends with two
members of the group and with Abi, our wonderful guide
in Kashgar and, of course, with you and with Jin, the
best all around traveling guide and problem preventer-solver
in the world.
This recent second trip was amazing--in part because
our two friends from the last trip were with us on this
one and, in part because we all felt so comfortable in
China after our experiences during the last trip. Even
though neither I nor my daughter are experienced stitchers,
we both enjoyed the embroidery classes, and we loved
meeting the fabulous teachers. Of course, the visits
to the tribes and getting to see the Miao costumes, villages,
ceremonials, embroideries and crafts were the highlight
of each day's outings. Other than the wonderful food
in the western desert area, Kashgar, Turpan and those
cities on the first trip, I have never eaten such delicious
food as during this past trip. And the hotels were great.
I guess I just cannot heap enough praises.
Last, I want to thank you and Jin for all you did to
get my daughter and me connected with the right airplanes,
guides and hotels after we left you in Shanghai and traveled
alone for 10 days in Xian and Beijing. It was perfect,
and we both felt totally comfortable everywhere we went
because of your forward planning.
So, if we don't hook up before, we'll see you next year
in Beijing.
All the best, and thank you again and again. Patricia
Kyle, Miami, FL
I love traveling on Pat's tours. I just returned from
the April 2007 Miao embroidery tour and it was fascinating.
I am also an alumna of the Silk Road in 2005. Pat knows
so much about silk and embroidery in addition to her
wealth of knowledge about where to go and what to do
in the many places she visits in China, every day is
a new adventure in experiences and learning. She does
an enormous amount of homework and fieldwork to find
wonderful places to stop and explore and knows the best
places to buy what ever is an area's specialty. It hardly
needs saying that she and Jin (our wonderful Chinese
guide) are also very knowledgeable on the historic and
modern sights and sounds of each area the group visits.
Her itineraries are well planned and organized, with
the hotels comfortable and good food.
Being exposed to the Miao embroidery opened up a whole
new world to me as I am not an embroiderer. It gave me
a deep appreciation of the amount of work, skill and
practice this art form requires. I now look at any needlework
with new eyes. The village and market trips were high
points of the trip for me as I have lived in South East
Asia and am always interested to see how another culture
goes about daily life. I highly recommend any of Pat's
trips. If you want to see and experience out of the ordinary
even in the normal tourist places in China, go with Pat.
Mimi Baker
Honolulu
Dear Pat
Thank you so very much for the greatest experience of
a life time. The embroidery techniques and classes were
conducted by the best instructors who were so patient
and loving. They seemed proud that our group would want
to learn such difficult stitches. We bonded with our
instructors at lunch, and the trips to the various Miao
Villages were the highlight of each day. We met wonderful
Chinese people and were welcomed into their homes. That
would never have occurred on any other tour.
The success of your selection of hotels, meals, museums,
shopping, and guides resulted from careful planning and
the attention you paid to each important detail. I felt
very comfortable and well taken care of with you and
our personable Chinese guide, Jin.
I appreciate your sharing your knowledge and love for
the Chinese people with me. Your Embroidery Techniques
and Classes Tour exceeded my expectations, and I will
cherish the memories for many years to come.
Much love,
Jane B. Payne
Murphy, NC
Pat,
The Embroidery Class trip to China was great fun and
a fitting one for my fourth and (probably) last trip
there. The group was small enough to be flexible and
the "repeats" were very helpful. It was great
that you and Jin could choose menus and let us have input.
Otherwise, how could we have eggplant so often? The food
was really good; accommodations, also. Loved the visits
to the museums, especially of the Dongba Culture Museum
(the Naxi People) and the Embroidery Institute. The guide
there Joe, was the best!! I still marvel at the silk
embroidery I brought back, and the samples we got with
our classes. The teachers were absolutely amazing. Even
though some couldn’t speak English, they could
still show how to do the stitches. The Maio embroidery
was unbelievable!
We all appreciate Jin’s help throughout the trip–he
does such a good job! It was good that you suggested
we get Mr. He’s book (Mr. China's Son) to read
beforehand. It really made the visit with him more
meaningful, and meeting him, his wife, son and grandson
was one of the were highlights of the trip..
Got your itinerary for a future trip and told my friend
it was a really good schedule with places she needs to
see.
Terry Haugh
Mechanicsville, VA
To all who are considering a trip to China - - GO! AND
GO WITH PAT DALTON!!
We are just back from Pat’s November 2006
trip and could not recommend it more highly.
We went with high expectations knowing that all
of our travel plans would be taken care of for us within
the
country but traveling with Pat and Jin, our expectations
were exceded all along the way. Not only was our luggage
taken care of as we traveled by air, bus, train and cruise
ship and our meals arranged for and all of the normal
sights of interest scheduled, but, our luggage was taken
care of without a single hitch. It was wisked away and
reappeared on schedule. As anyone who travels knows,
luggage and it’s handling can be a real nightmare,
But Pat and Jin’s careful planning made luggage
handling a breeze. We ate at specially selected restaurants
(not just the usual tourist spots) and the food was DELICIOUS.
A favorite of the groups was a delightful dumpling dinner.
My favorite was Peking duck dinner and John’s,
the HOT hot pot lunch. Several in our group had restricted
dietary requirements and at each restaurant those requirements
were met. Not only did we see the Great Wall, the Terracotta
Soldiers, The Yangtze river and the Three Gorges Dam,
etc. But, we also saw so many sights that we would not
have seen if we had traveled with anyone else; a small
tie dying factory in a farmer’s home, a small museum
in Lijiang where a guide talked so passionately about
the Dali Lama, the night market outside the mosque in
Xian and a delightful tour of the Master of the Nets
Garden at night where we were entertained by both opera
and musical performances are just few. Who but Jin would
treat us to a violin concerto while our bus winds its
way to Dali?
We think of our China experience with fond memories.
The people we traveled with were all fine, well traveled
people who were interested in all aspects of China, many
of whom will be life long friends. The people of China
were gracious, anxious to provide all travelers with
a good experience in their homeland. Pat and Jin’s
local connections made for interesting and insightful
conversations and Pat’s travel tips as well as
her book list were invaluable. They could not have provided
us with a better China experience. Each day was well
planned out and touring well paced with room for impromptu
stops as individual interests were always accommodated
(mine being the pearl market). We hope to travel with
Pat and Jin again. . . the Silk Road tour is calling
to us and I’m sure we will go when our schedule
allows.
To Pat and Jin we send a heart felt “xie xie” for
our trip halfway around the world.
John and Christine Augustine
Phoenix, AZ
We recently toured with Pat Dalton in November,
2006 and wanted to share some thoughts about Pat and
her tour…
China is so large a country and yet Pat’s tour
covered it extremely well giving us a tremendous introduction
to the various regions and peoples
Pat’s tour was very efficient, we covered so much
in each city without being exhausted, and with much thoughtfulness
to every one’s interest in each location, it truly
was well done. Pat’s management of the tour was
smooth, efficient, flexible, and always pleasant. Her
experience at such trips has made Pat really a very pleasant
person to travel with over more than 3 weeks.
Pat, your personal attention and kindness was really
appreciated, and your taking time to explain, to help,
made us feel very comfortable. You put together a wonderful
group that we found had similar interests and we truly
had many good times together. Your love of China is so
real, it makes the visit special in learning about the
Chinese culture.
You prepared us well, with your emails, your reading
lists with wonderful books, helpful web sites. instructions
and background briefings. Such special advance care in
preparing us for the trip has by itself provided a strong
reason for us to recommend your tour to our friends.
Best personal regards,
Ellis and Sandra Hiltz
Fairfield, Connecticut
Pat Dalton’s tour of China, Historic Sites and
Textiles is awesome. You experience traditional tourist
sites such as The Great Wall in Beijing, the Terra Cotta
Warriors in Xian, the Yangtze River Cruise and the new
cosmopolitan Shanghaii. Pat also takes you southwest
almost to Tibet to the small towns of Lijiang and Dali.
There you get to experience rural China, the farms, villages
and people. As we rode in the bus, you saw the terraced
fields of crops, the individual farmers tending these
crops with their hand held hoe, the water buffalo, and
the carts carrying the vegetables to market. We visited
the market in Dali one morning which was fascinating
because they sold every item we’d find in a strip
plaza or grocery store in booths on the street. In Lijiang,
we walked the cobblestone streets through winding alleys,
saw ladies washing clothes and vegetables in the canal,
and enjoyed the Naxi men and women in their minority
dress dancing in the square.
For the second focus of the tour, textiles and art,
we saw the making of cloisonné, silver engraving,
loomed brocade, silk rugs, the silk reeling factory
and the beautiful double sided embroidery for which
the Chinese
are famous. We were able to get up close and personal
and photograph the people who were producing these
beautiful works of art.
It is very evident that Pat truly loves China, the
country and the people and she’s not just a travel agent.
She’s well informed about their history and
culture. When you sign up for her tour, she sends
you a suggested
list of reading material of historical novels. After
reading three of these, my husband and I had a much
better understanding of what life must have been
like in China
the past century. As a result, we were more observant
of our surroundings for example water buffalo in
the fields and stick-stick armys, the men carrying
things
on their shoulders with one pole, two baskets. We
also had the pleasure of meeting one of the authors,
Mr. He,
who signed our books and talked to us.
Pat and the Chinese national tour guide, Jin, have
worked together for seven years. Pat and Jin give
you many wonderful
things to experience and have planned a nice mix
of historic sites, art, gardens, entertainment,
special meals and
museums. The smaller size of a Dalton Tour group
is
also nice.
Thank you, Pat and Jin. We’d love to join you on
the Silk Road Tour sometime.
Richard and Judy Kotick,
Akron, Ohio
As you know, Pat, I had to work hard to convince
my husband Peter that visiting China with your tour
group
wouldn’t thoroughly destroy his independence, masculinity
or even his record of being an intrepid traveler. It
was a risk because had everything not worked out so perfectly,
I would never have heard the end of it.
It is hard to know where to begin. Elizabeth Barrett
Browning asked how to count the ways, and I shall try
to do likewise. First, is the knowledge you have amassed
over the many years you have had to deepen and broaden
your understanding of China. At the same time you have
created a network among some of the best local guides
available. And your enduring relationship with Jin the
national guide for whom all of us developed a respect
and fondness, virtually ensured a flawless tour. Could
he have been more caring? His concern for our comfort
and enjoyment of China is rivaled only by yours.
Second, virtually everything worked out perfectly from
your choice of places to visit—museums, the Three
Gorges, traditional villages and more than one megalopolis—food
to eat, performances to enjoy, modes of transportation
to experience and shopping opportunities to help us take
advantage of the beautiful handwork available. You even
arranged for lovely traveling weather throughout the
entire trip. You saw to it that we learned enough about
everything we saw to understand its significance. And
perhaps, from our perspective, you created in us a love
and appreciation for a part of the world about which
we knew too little before the trip. This observation
is from people who have lived overseas—in Africa
and Asia—for well over 25 years.
Third, little new can be added to the luster of your
kindness, caring way for all of us on the tour. It seems
to come so naturally to you to guide, in an unobtrusive
way, a disparate group of people, new to one another,
with a range of experiences, interests and personalities
through a remarkable country in such a way that I believe
all of us came away with magnificent memories that will
last a lifetime. Some of us have even vowed to do it
again with YOU and JIN. What greater tribute could there
be?
At the risk of being accused of exaggerating, I’ll
close by simply mentioning the time and energy that you
put into our week in Beijing prior to the tour. Your
extremely helpful e-mails beforehand and your provision
of airport pick-up and departure for us eased us into
the new environment. And finally, we want to assure you
that even husbands who insist they do NOT do tours, can
come away totally satisfied with a journey that could
never have been done so well, so flawlessly, without
you and your carefully orchestrated series of once-in-a-lifetime
experiences.
How to thank you? If this little testimonial encourages
others including husbands to sign-up for one of you tours,
it will have served its purpose. THANK YOU, Pat.
Peter and Nancy Mickelsen
Baltimore, Maryland
We're pretty much over the jetlag (it's only half as
bad for us, being residents of Israel, we are just 6
hours earlier than China). My problem, though, is that
I can't get China out of my mind. My body is at home,
but my thoughts are still floating between Beijing and
Shanghai, and everywhere in between where we travelled.
All I want to do is go back for more. I surprised myself
that I became so enamored of China. I expected to be
interested and to enjoy our vacation. But I had no idea
the impact that our trip would have on me. For one thing,
my whole perspective on the size of the world has changed
forever. Manhattan seems so small now, which is not
easy for me to admit. Also I was amazed by the differences
in what I saw in contrast to what I thought life would
be like in China. We learned so much, we saw so much.
And I came away with a great new respect for China and
the Chinese people.
One of the concerns about touring with a group is,
of course, who will
be touring with us. We couldn't have known that we would
be so lucky to travel with such a truly terrific group
of people. We feel like we've really made new friends
from all over the US. And considering that Michael and
I joined the tour as "outsiders" (coming neither
from the States nor having a background in textiles and
stitching; I think we were an item of curiosity, right?),
we never experienced one single moment of feeling uncomfortable.
Rather the opposite: everyone was so friendly and kind.
We had so many great laughs together and wonderful, interesting
conversations. And I, too, am so glad that you and I
and Jin got a chance to spend a little time in Nanjing
to get to know a bit more about each other.
Without a doubt, so much of my enthusiasm must be credited
to you, Pat. You made it easy. From all the information
you gave us before the trip to prepare us properly (perhaps
exaggerating a bit about the awful toilets, which in
my opinion never really materialized; I've been to worse
places in parts of Israel), to the flawless planning
and execution of the tour, to all the extraordinary local
guides who brought such color and texture to every place
we visited -- it just couldn't have
been better. You have certainly drawn on your own extensive
travels in China to bring us the very best. As for the
food, it was just outstanding. Michael and I particularly
want to thank you for caring so much about our individual
dietary needs. We were exceptionally well fed and are
very appreciative. (And Michael says that the next time
we go out to a Chinese restaurant, he will use his new-found
skill eating with chopsticks.) And I have acquired a
wonderful new appreciation for the
arts of weaving, embroidery and silk production. I will
never look at these kinds of works again with such a
naive eye. You taught me a lot and I'm grateful. Xie
xie.
I know that your ventures and adventures are teamwork
and it would be hard to imagine the tour without Jin.
If I remember my Chinese lesson correctly, Jin means "gold".
And your Jin is worth his weight in gold. He brought
to the group a love of his country, which he infused
in us so well (too well apparently since I just can't
wait to go back). His knowledge of ancient China, her
history, and his insights into modern-day China, as well
as his willingness to share with the group some things
about his own life and his family, provided us with so
much more interesting information than we could ever
get from just reading books. He created for us a whole
new dimension for looking at China. And then there is
his extensive experience and understanding of the group's
needs. Jin might say he was just doing his job. But I
would say it was much more than that. He went out of
his way to care for us all and to insure that we felt
safe and sound every moment. He is an invaluable asset
to your tours.
Michael and Marcy Messa,
Raanana, Israel
I miss you!! We made it home after an almost 24
hour travel time what with
stopovers and flying time...whatever it was very long
and we slept on and
off through the week and now we are fine. We had such
an excellent time.
As I told you the trip surpassed all my expectations
including Bill's. We
both had the best time ever. We learned so much, saw
so much and ate so
much. Everyday was filled with something special, new
and different. The
trip opened our eyes to the truth of what is going on
in the world today.
Thank you for making these past three weeks so very
unique and memorable for
us. You, too, are a one of a kind very special person.
Thank you, thank
you and thank you again.
Bill and Linda Green,
Cambridge, MA
I was privileged to participate in Pat Dalton's Historical
Sites and Textiles Tour of China in the fall of 2006.
I have travelled a lot and can only say that the organization
was flawless, the itinerary outstanding, the hotels supurb
and the food delicious and varied. Pat is so knowledgeable
about her great love, China and its culture. Jin is earnestly
devoted to making everything perfect, from always seeing
that bottled water is available on every bus, to concern
about the quality of restaurants. I have to have a low-salt
diet, and Jin did everything to ensure that salt free
dishes were available. The local guides were enthusiastic
about their local areas and cultures.
As for China itself, what can be said except in superlatives
- friendly people who were surprisingly open about discussing
the past and present, historical sites that are so amazing
one struggles to find the vocabulary to describe them,
the minority cultures with crafts and dances so interesting
and unexpected, unexpected treats such as a trip on the
Maglev train, the world's fastest, I could go on and
on. A person does not have to have a specific interest
in fiber crafts to find this tour consistently interesting
and enjoyable. I would recommend Pat's tours to anyone
interested in seeing China, a no-longer sleeping giant
in the modern world.
Thank you for an unforgettable experience!!
Charlene G. Finiello,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I’ve become really fascinated with what’s
going on in China, as has Chuck. People ask, “did
you have fun, was it wonderful,” and it was just
too complex for an easy answer. It was certainly not
our typical vacation, and fun isn’t the right word
for it. Complicated, fascinating, intriguing, disturbing,
world vision altering are more descriptive words.
I can’t imagine going on a tour of China without
Jin. He is absolutely the best. I’ve never been
on a tour before, but have been on Elder Hostel trips
where there is a facilitator. He outshone them by miles.
And the preparation you put into the planning and execution
was superb. Nothing was left to chance, and consequently
we had the best possible trip to China. From what I’ve
heard about other tours, your tour really is the best
available. So many personal touches, it was more like
traveling with old friends rather than a tour.
Chuck and Carol Jansch
Denver, CO
Dear Pat,
I had long had a desire to go to China. Several years ago when I began to hear
about your trip that included embroidery classes I knew the time had come for
me to make plans. The trip was everything I had dreamed of these past years plus
far more than I could even imagine.
From my first contact with you and even after our return to the
US your attention to detail has been exceptional. My first clue
should
have been the extensive
reading list. When I first looked at that I thought “Sure”!!
I did read several of the books and I am so glad that I did. I understood
the culture
so much better as a result of my reading. I only wish I had read more.
From my arrival in Beijing to my departure in Shanghai, I never
wished for or lacked for anything. You and Jin were so careful
to make certain
that we all
were well cared for. The hotels were delightful and the food was wonderful.
I had plenty of snacks in case I “went hungry” but
ended up sharing them with anyone who would take one so that I
did not
have to keep up with them
and I needed the space in my luggage for all of my purchases. I must say
that I miss the food!!! Jin seemed to know what we would all like
and he took care
of all of the ordering with what appeared to be the greatest of ease.
This was not your ordinary everyday tour of China. It was so much
more because we had the opportunity to spend time with the people.
When asked what was my
favorite thing I always say “the people”. To have so much up
close and personal time with the ladies in the embroidery classes was such
a special
thing. I am amazed at their skill. Their gentle spirit and their willingness
to share was heart warming.
Jin is such a gentleman and so very patient. He willingly took
care of anything and everything that we even thought we might want
or
need. In my opinion he is
one of China’s national treasures!!
I will be watching for dates for your upcoming trips. I will go with you again!!
With Heartfelt Thanks,
Linda Ferguson
Shreveport, LA
I have taken two trips to China with Pat Dalton:
the Textile Tour in November 2004, and the Embroidery
Tour
in April 2006. These trips were not mere "tours;" they
were experiences of a lifetime. I recommend them unconditionally
and wholeheartedly, especially to those with an interest
in embroidery.
From the first moment of the first trip it was evident
that Pat Dalton loves China and the Chinese people. This
enthusiasm was infectious and prevailed throughout our
trips. Pat genuinely wants this experience to be special
for each traveler and gives a great deal of thought to
the needs and preferences of every individual in the
group, with careful planning and attention to detail.
In a country where travel might ordinarily be a challenge,
she shares her travel expertise and her genuine interest
in individuals to ensure that each person in the group
is sufficiently comfortable with the day to day essentials
to enjoy the trip and focus upon learning about the country
and its culture. Her extensive knowledge of embroidery
and textiles further enhances this learning.
Pat has long-standing friendships with our guides, who
shared their lives with us and became our friends. Returning
to China a second time and continiuing some of these
relationships was very special indeed. Doors were opened
to us not only through the exposure to arts and embroidery,
but through opportunities to connect with people, visit
them in their homes, and learn about their lives. Returning
from the other side of the world with the knowledge that
you have friends there has made the world smaller and
truly altered my life.
Thank you Pat!
Nancy Torti
Lincoln, MA, April 2006
Dear Sweet Pat,
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful experience we have shared together
these past couple of weeks. This has been the fulfillment of a lifetime dream
for me, and has surpassed all hopes and expectations I had. It has been a real
pleasure and a deep honor for me to get to know you better. You are such a delight
to travel with, and I greatly appreciate all the hard work and long hours you
spent making this trip such a wonderful success.
I have always had a tremendous respect for the people of China and their rich
heritage. They are a people who have truly borne unspeakable hardships, and yet
seemed to have survived it all with quiet grace and proud dignity.
I have fallen in love with all the lovely people we've met - so gracious and
friendly - and especially the Miao people. I learned so much about life and myself
all the while we were visiting with them. What a beautiful experience I will
always cherish!
Thanks you so very much for choosing such wonderful guides. Jin is a priceless
treasure! I really hope to see the two of you in Richmond in October. It will
be interesting to see what he thinks about our country. He has so lovingly taught
us about China.
Perhaps I can join one of your groups on the Yangtze River cruise in the future.
In the meantime, I wish you great joy and success in all your endeavors, and
I thank you for the bottom of my heart for sharing your great love of this beautiful
place called China.
Grace, peace and love,
Pam Peterson,
Plano, TX, April 2006
There are tours, some wonderful, some ordinary. But
then, there are magical voyages, and it was one of those
Pat Dalton planned and carried out for me. I did not
just visit, see and hear China; I saw, breathed, heard,
felt, smelled, tasted, and thus came to love China with
all it's beauty, contradictions, wrongs and rights.
I chose Pat Dalton's trip because of its promise of
an emphasis on fiber art, outdoor and indoor markets,
and gourmet food. I dreamed of what might be for almost
a year, and then, my dream came true, and I joined Pat's
welcoming group.
It all started in Beijing, where our introduction to
China was great shopping for clothes and pearls, wonderful
meals, the Forbidden Palace, complete with a Starbucks,
monuments, and of course, the Great Wall.
Then we flew to the north-west, to Kashgar, Urumqi,
Hotan, all in Xinjiang autonomous region of China. From
there, we followed the Silk Road and its treasures. We
visited a small, almost ancient silk growing and weaving
factory where the warp of the ancient wooden loom was
weighed down with rocks; where the silk threads were
spun on a very old spinning wheel, one woman spinning,
the other feeding the thread so it would stay taut: where
the silk threads, stretched from one end of the building
to the other touched us at the neck unless we bent our
knees. One open air room was for the ikat dyeing of the
threads; the results were magical scarves and fabrics,
easily purchased.
The Silk Road led us to a farmer's home, where we were
served mounds of fruit on large trays; on to rug factories
where you could feel the texture of silk, or wool and
maybe cotton. We saw jade, at its most beautiful, being
carved into treasures. We meandered through the heart
of traditional villages made of what we would call adobe
houses...mud really, but often sumptuous inside. This
was Muslim country, and the rugs on the dirt floors told
us their story. We watched families, dressed in their
best, ride in decorated, jingling donkey carts to the
Sunday outdoor market. We had the privilege to ride in
one as well.
In Urumqi, we joined 'Line Dancers' and Ballroom dancers
on the cement park next to the hotel. They were side
by side with the players of Chinese games. We ate lamb,
so tender...We rode a camel in the desert, and drove
across the desert.
In the center of the country, we visited Xi'an and its
buried armies, Nanjing and its exquisite museum,. There
was a boat ride under what seemed to be pre medieval
bridges and a visit to a Farmer Artist who has been painting
the countryside since Mao days. We were introduced to
several forms of Chinese theatre, including opera, one
night in a beautiful garden, we sailed under ancient
bridges in Suzhou, and were treated to a visit to the
Bai Lu Tang Ancient Shoe Museum.
Then we came to Shanghai and its forest of unusual high
rise buildings. We stood at the top of a building 88
stories in height and observed the land below; the highways
flanked by green bushes in window boxes, the new apartment
buildings springing from the earth, the old Mao era buildings
in tatters on the ground waiting to be carted away.
We flew on excellent airlines, we rode rickshaws, donkey
carts, camels, slept on an ordinary night train and flew
on brand new Mag Lev train, speed of 400 kilometers an
hour. We sailed on a river boat, rode a bus across the
desert, all of it comfortable (except perhaps the camel).
We ate gourmet food, planned by Pat and her assistant
Jin Xu Tao, all of it delicious.
I could write volumes, I could tell you how this magical
voyage to China taught me so much, but I will not. If
you choose to go, Pat will take you on paths that will
lead you to your own knowledge of that great country,
and I promise you that you will not regret it, ever.
Denise D'Aoust,
Canada and Baltimore, MD.
Dear Pat
" This is a tour that even works for a textile-challenged spouse. There
were five of us on the fall 2005 trip and we did just fine, checking out the
beer and the scenery while the ladies checked out (and bought out) the buyables!"
Richard Baker,
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dear Pat:
I intended to write you sooner to let you know how much I enjoyed The Silk Road
Tour with you and Jin. It was the most educational trip I have ever taken. It
sure opened my eyes regarding China's future. A chance to get a close look at
how China is developing the world's fastest growing economy was extremely interesting.
I was impressed with the job Jin did in guiding our tour. He's the best. Our
hotels were first rate, the restaurants were well chosen and our transportation
while in China was very good.
Overall, the trip was well worth it. Thank you for making it such a success.
Tom Allen
Sarasota, Florida
Thanks to you, Pat and Jin,
I have just returned from Pat Dalton's embroidery
tour to China and can't wait to tell you about it. From
the very beginning when I first started to think about
going, Pat did a remarkable job of sending her recommended
reading list, information on the places we were to visit
and list of what to expect.
I knew Pat would do a great job. She has been
a dear friend and student of mine for a long time. She
knows China, almost even more than the local guide. She,
along with Jin, the national guide, have done all the
leg work to make things work like a well-oiled wheel. Right
down to picking the best variety of food for the areas
we visited. And it is nice to know that you don't
have extra costs above your tour price. You just
need money for shopping, of course.
I so looked forward to this trip and I wasn't disappointed. I
have traveled the Far East and was not interested in
seeing the tourist attractions as I had been there before. Embroidery
was the emphasis, but traveling through the country and
meeting people in remote villages gave us a taste of
both. Do not hesitate to take any of Pat's tours
which are well planned and have the bonus of having Pat
and Jin along.
Judy Souliotis
Haverhill, MA
May 2005
Dear Pat and Jin,
The Embroidery Class Tour in April was my first encounter
with China. It turned out to be a wonderful holiday with
exactly the right mix of elements I enjoy most. That
is beautiful and unique embroidery, admiring-doing-photographing-buying,
and meeting the women who create all these wonders. Mixed
with sightseeing the countryside mountains and high rise
cities, and all this combined with incredibly delicious
and diverse Chinese meals and very pleasant hotels.
Usually there are points for improvement but I really
could not think of any. Whether the Fortune Goddess had
anything to do with this I don't know, but I rather rely
on you, Pat and Jin, for a successful and enjoyable tour
anytime.
Rhoxane Hondius-Ritter
Netherlands
May 2005
For the ultimate in care and feeding of the visitor
who wishes to learn about Chinese minority embroider,
you can't do better than Pat Dalton's tours! After
19 years of travel within China, Pat has refined the
process to provide the best in travel, hotels, and scenic
opportunities. She really cares about her clients
in a way that is evident, and she insists on the highest
standard of service from her travel guide.
Mr. Jin is her favorite national guide and he accompanies
every tour to all locales, ensuring the finest care. We
hadn't finished the first tour before I was planning
my return.
Judy Jeroy
Virginia Beach, VA
May 2005
Dear Pat,
Thank you for putting together and leading such
a wonderful trip. Your selection of locations, hotels, and
dinning places was excellent. The classes were
wonderful. I probable will never do many of the techniques
we learned but I now have a better understanding and
appreciation of these types of embroidery.
Aside from the embroidery, the experience of being
in China was wonderful. The time spent with the Miao
people was like being in a National Geographic Special. My
son enjoyed the extra things you planed for him to do
while we were in class.
This trip ranks up at top of all trips I have taken.
Yours,
Pat Grappe
Levelland, TX
May 2005
Dear Pat,
We have just completed a wonderful three week adventure
to China under your guidance and organization. I can't
think of a more complete survey of one country in the
more than ten years of international travel that my wife
and I have experienced.
China is a wonderful overload to the senses. Everything
is new to most westerners. The people, historical sites,
economic growth, building of new infrastructure, political
issues, food and unique arts and crafts are topics that
your tour with its well qualified national and local
guides address to great detail. China has a magnificent
past and even a more significant place in the future
of the world. Every even moderately curious traveler
should make the journey to China.
Your agenda covered the four major phases of experiencing
China. We toured all the major historical sites; cruised
the Yangtze to learn the rivers importance to the development
of China; visited several minority cultures, highlighted
by our visit with Mr. He and finally gained a good feeling
of the crafts and culture of the people. All this was
accomplished through the detailed organization you bring
to your tours. Both my wife and I were impressed and
humbled by your commitment to not only your client group
but your Chinese friends alike. Your personal energy
and excitement encouraged new client eyes to see things
as new even you were repeating many of the experiences
yourself. All this made lots of walking a joy.
Thank you for a great three weeks and a history lesson
we shall not soon forget.
Yours in travel.
Ray and Gail Karsian
October 2004
Pat, the tour was exceptional because of all the planning
you and Jin did prior to our going. People can't believe
it when I say it was flawless...but it was.
Jacquie Kitzelman
Denver, CO
October 2004
Hi Pat -- I'm finally getting around to my e-mails and
having just read yours wanted to write to tell you how
much I LOVED the China trip. Kemper and I truly feel
it was one of the best, if not the best, trip we have
ever taken. I don't say this lightly because I never
thought anything could or would top our around the world
trip after my chemo and radiation but the China trip
did.
You and Jin sure know how to show us tourists a good
time. Your knowledge and obvious love of China and its
people is clear and you managed to pull us into your
web in a way that left us feeling the same way you do
-- awestruck by the tenacity, the discipline, the history,
the comparison between big city living and rural living,
the numerous minority groups, each with its own traditions
and costumes, the food, the economy, the many challenges
that face the Chinese people -- all introduced by you
and Jin in a way that was both interesting and loving.
Mr. He was an example of a peak experience in my life.
His story alone could and would make many men give up
on life. He chose not to and his strength and stamina
were conveyed in our delightful evening at his cultural
cafe. I left with a sense of renewal and joy knowing
how fortunate I am.
Of course, I have to mention the textiles. How special
it was to observe the weaving and embroidery. Just thinking
about the glorious silk threads the embroiderers used
gives me chills. Watching the unraveling of the silk
cocoons was amazing. Something I'll never forget.
So, Pat, you can see that you provided an experience
for me and Kemper that we will not soon forget. And,
you did it all in such a calm, pleasant and easy way.
Jin did too. You guys are the best.
Lots of Love and a million thanks
Jody Will
October 2004
China Recommendation
To anyone with an interest in China with its wonderful
diversity of peoples, religions, arts, architecture,
complicated history and its magnificent potential, energy,
vitality and future, I recommend an extended in-depth
tour crossing the country and meeting the Chinese people
with Dalton Tours.
Our experience with Dalton Tours was a 21 day visit
to China that took us from Beijing, home of the Forbidden
City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace on
Lake Kunming, north to the Great Wall, and on to Xi’an,
home of the Terra Cotta Warriors and horses. From Xi’an
we went on to Wuhan and up the Yangtze through the locks
of the three Gorges Dam to Chongquing and then south,
near Tibet, to see Lijiang, home of the Dongba Culture,
and to Dali and the Bai people with their unique customs,
art, and beauty. Then back to the east to Nanjing , Suzhou
and finally to Shanghai.
We covered China crisscrossing it by air, ( thru
airports that were all new and in the latest aircraft)
by river
boat with four days on the newly commissioned Victoria
Katrina, by small boats first rowed and then tugged by
the hands of the trackers pulling us up the Shennong
river. We passed through the cliffs cut by millions of
years of streams that will soon become lakes as the world’s
largest dam raises the water level 150 feet. We traveled
by trains, bus and rickshaw and, best of all, by foot,
which allowed us to meet farmers, artists, children,
tradesmen, authors, the aged and the young.
What made the experience so valuable was the more than
60 planned visits to museums, art galleries, silk factories,
weaving research facilities, pagodas, mosques, jade museums,
silver jewelry centers, local live theaters, regional
ethnic theaters, country markets, city markets and private
homes. In deep humility and open hospitality, people
would invite you in to see their homes, humble country
homes of mud and straw that now had plumbing, a phone,
a flat screen TV and their pets. Homes may also include
the magnificent high rises found rising in every major
city we saw. The pets of city people included birds,
or a cricket in a cage kept under the shirt next to the
skin on cold days. .
Informed and relevant instruction by our national tour
manager and local guides in every city and geographical
area provided insights and understandings into the 11,000
years of China history and the local traditions, the
developing economy and the energy and change that is
dynamic in Chinese society today.
Pat Dalton’s personal knowledge and love of the
country and her many Chinese friends gave a fresh personal
feel
and hospitality that expressed itself in the many local
restaurants we were able to enjoy and the doors that
were opened to us. Her team took us through all of the
international travel and intra-China travel without a
delay or lost bag. They performed flawlessly.
This experience was far more than a trip, it was a joyful
adventure in rapid learning, gaining an appreciation
for a people and part of the world I have never known.
Peggy and Tom Costello
October 2004
Dear Pat,
I have been telling everyone what a wonderful tour we
had in China due to you and your terrific planning. Everything
went off without a hitch! You and Jin make a great team
- thank you for all the hard work you did to give us
such a variety of experiences. I loved every minute of
it and have been telling all the people I know that if
they want to go to China, they need to go with YOU!!
It was fun eating at all your favorite places, going
to Lihang and Dali - they were a very special part of
the tour and one of my favorites! I loved seeing how
you truly love your friends in China and are so thoughtful
and good to them. They are lucky to know you. I thought
the Chinese were very sweet and felt very safe there.
I am amazed at the progress in the cities - wow, they
are industrious! Just wish some of the people in the
factories had better working conditions. I can't imagine
having to deal with over a billion people. They seem
to be pretty organized to keep track of everyone.
Thank you again for such a special experience! And our
group was so great - everyone was terrific.
Hugs to you and Jin,
Gail Karsian
October 2004
Dear Pat,
The China 2004 Tour exceeded our expectations.
How did you make our luggage disappear and reappear?
It must have been a part of the Pat and Jin magic which
was evident every day. Your Chinese friends were warm
and delightful.
Everything went so smoothly that all
we had to do was to enjoy our most exciting trip.
We now understand and share your love of China.
We look forward to going back to China with you.
Love,
Liliane Cardinal
Marjorie Pike
October 2004
