Journey to Jordan and Syria
November 9, 2008
With continual turmoil in the Middle East, there’s never a perfect time to go, but 14 of us traveled to Syria, Jordan and Lebanon on an adventure to see evidence of history thousands of years old and learn about the citizens of those countries today.
Co-organizer Sylvia Eng agreed that having Rita Zawaideh, one of Conde Nast’s 100 Top Agents of the world, as our personal guide made our trip memorable. Walking the narrow passageway cut into rocks in Petra Jordan, had May Koo in awe. Marion So rode a donkey up an 880-step trail to view the monastery.
Nancy Koo liked the bumpy, long two-hour ride in an open-bed truck, seeing camels and petroglyphs in the Wadi Rum desert, and Kwai Ling Lau called it an adventure when we slept in tents and were fed lamb cooked in the ground, as in olden times. Husband Calvin liked the experience of spreading Dead Sea mud all over our bodies for its holistic health benefits. Lebanon’s magnificent Roman site of Baalbeck had Muriel Kao snapping endless photos and Syria’s Palmyra, once on the main caravan route, fascinated Roger Eng.
Architects William Hocker snapped endless photos and Mui Yee Ho artfully sketched the buildings in Aleppo, which was established over 10,000 years ago. Robert Donnelly found interesting the site of Bethany, where it is said that John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. Info: caravan-serai.com.
Enjoying Life’s Pleasures
Michael Wong was mighty surprised to be called to the stage at the annual San Mateo Boys and Girls Club Dinner. The popular San Mateo dentist was lauded for his years of service to the club’s youth programs, including three years as president.
Alvin and Betty Lai Wong celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children — Frank and Arleen Wong San Nicholas, Yucaipa and Anita Wong Kwock, Armond and Sheilah Lawlor Wong and Arvin and Elizabeth Gee Wong — and eight grandchildren at the Flourishing Gardens Retaurant in San Jose, Calif. Kevin and Rachel Wu celebrated their Honolulu wedding with a University Club of Palo Alto reception for their California friends, hosted by parents Joseph and Cathy Wu. Artist Flo Oy Wong celebrated her 70th birthday with an exhibition, Raising the Voices, at the Community School of Music and Arts in Palo Alto, Calif.
The Foon Hay golfers ventured down to Carmel Valley’s Rancho Canada Golf Club, welcomed by Head Pro Todd Pontti. Among the members enjoying the immaculately groomed fairways were Chuck and Deanna Leong, Bob Chuck, Eddie Jang and Jeannette Wong. Todd recalled his course being a popular tournament site for the San Francisco Chinese Golf Club and gave a sincere invitation to all Chinese Federation Clubs to plan a Rancho Canada tourney in the near future. Venturing to Napa, Foon Hay Presidents Roger and Sylvia Eng visited the newly remodeled Eagle Vines Golf Club.
Alvin Ing is the only actor in the San Jose production of Flower Drum Song to also have performed in the original production back in 1958. Honolulu-native Ing had the new role created for him and was an audience pleaser with his song, “My Best Love.” The American Musical Theatre of San Jose’s production continues through Nov. 9, with a closing day reception featuring the special appearance of film star Nancy Kwan and playwright David Henry Hwang at a benefit for three organizations. Show/Reception ticket info: (408) 453-7154.
Commissioner Mae Woo tells us HOPE’s Western Region Advisory Board and United Commercial Bank will open World of Love, an exhibit of art from Chinese children’s hospitals on display at the Pacific Heritage Museum on Nov. 19 through Feb. 14.
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