Our trip to Harbin tomorrow

Well, Mei has not wanted to go to Harbin for 2 winters because it is too cold  but this is my third winter here now and so I have won her over and we will go tomorrow. Yes, it is quite cool, the high is around -15 and the low is down to -30, it is close to Siberia so it does get down a bit. Anyway, Harbin used to be part of Russia, so it has lots of Russian architecture and culture so that will be interesting but it is mainly famous for the ice and light shows and the snow sculptures which are quite spectacular. Tourists and sculptors come from all over to show off their wares. It was also famous as a place for the Russian aristocracy to come to for their summer holidays in days gone by.
And.......... I spoke to Linda at Christmas and she mentioned that an old school mate of hers (Wendy and husband Les) had called in to see her and that they were now working in China. Her husband was an old navy mate as well, so I emailed them, and, coincidentally they were going to Harbin at the same time as well so we will meet up with them for dinner and maybe a bit of sightseeing. He is here as an engineer building a new gold mining plant in the south of China, many, many miles away from us.
Mei is paranoid about the cold and has bought me the most elaborate long johns and other warm gear that you can imagine in case I get slightly cold.
So we are off tomorrow, complete with camera and camcorder to record the event and hopefully put on the net for you to see, if you are interested. So enjoy your summer in New Zealand.