Postscripts

China Visits Steve - 7/13/07 - Two high-level managers from towns in China came in to our office today, wanting to talk to a planner to get a feel for how planning works in the U.S. I was the one who ended up talking to them. I was better able to answer their questions because I had just been there and could use their own cities and processes as points of reference. They had a Thank You gift for me as well, a silk handkerchief.

Reunion Dinner - 7/11/07 - Both groups met in San Leandro for dinner and story swapping. The first group's membership almost all showed up, and they cheered as each person showed up. the second group, the one I was on, was more sedate. The best part of the evening was when Rob asked each of us to share a moment on the trip that they felt was most memorable, and also what they learned from the trip.

Letters of Appreciation - 6/15/07 - Several people have sent emails to the group thanking everyone for making the trip so nice. Everyone seems really pleased with how the trip went.

Bargaining Skills Improved - 6/13/07 - I was at an office supply store that was offering a "Buy 3 get 1 free" deal, but I asked for and got 2 free on the grounds that the 2 free things I wanted were together less expensive than some of the other free things I could have asked for. I initiated the negotiation effortlessly and without any hesitation. Negotiating became natural after two weeks in China.