Before this gets to be ancient history, I wanted to post about my 12-year-old son's 2 month experience with his aunt and uncle in Wuhan. After I thought that I had the problem of Mark being cooped up in his room taken care of by what I thought was the family's acceptance of the guide, the guide took my son to play Mah Jong. (Mark loved playing it and wanted to buy a table to play it in the U.S.) Mark's aunt hated the idea and abused the guide for taking Mark to play Mah Jong. In fact, she made up a story about hearing from Mark's sister that Mark gambled while playing mah jong. Mark got so upset about his aunt's activities and the incorrect accusations that gambling went on that he wanted to come home.

The fact that he wanted to come home because of the accusations jolted the family into giving the guide a little more respect. However, it turned out that the guide could only take Mark out about every 2d or 3rd day because the family often would find a reason to cancel plans that Mark had made with the guide at the last minute. In any event, Mark got to get out on some occasions, which was good, but not enough which was not so good. On the other hand, his sister who is fluent in Chinese attended a Chinese school and did well.

Should add that I talked to Chinese people in the U.S., and they told me that 99% of the people who play Mah Jong in China gamble. So, I partly understand the negative reaction to the guide having taken Mark to play Mah Jong. On the other hand, it is difficult for me to understand the abuse that was heaped on the guide, who was always very generous and kind to Mark. (She even loaned Mark an expensive camera.)

Also, during the posting that occurred before someone asked why I hadn't planned more for Mark's activities before he got to Wuhan. In fact, I attempted to make plans, but my main contact (a son-in-law of an aunt) told me to wait until Mark got there. So, I deferred to his suggestion.

The bottom line is that there were a lot of cultural misunderstandings, and I now know what has to be done ahead of time before I take my children to China -- There has to be clearly accepted plans for the children to go out and experience the city. Without clear understandings ahead of time, any visits to Wuhan will be relatively short. Should add that Mark really likes to travel and has asked me if he can go to France next.

Thanks to everyone, particularly, Tentseller, for all of their help and insight.