American family experienced wonderful Guilin holiday in August 2006

Dear Ricky
We had a wonderful trip to Guilin. We enjoyed all the places that we visited and James was a great tour guide! I think that the only thing that I would change is that we wouldn't stay at the Magnolia Hotel. I know that is where we had wanted to stay, but it was just OK. I think that I would tell my friends to stay else where. As you may know the heat in the room didn't work, but it turned out fine. We really enjoyed the bike ride to the country side! We felt like we got to see the real China, with the people working and all. I had just wished that the rice was growing. I had wanted to see that. Thank you for all your help!
Lunches - because we normally only have a very light lunch this seemed a waste of time, but we appreciate that this is a cultural difference!
We are looking to plan another trip for over Chinese New Year. We don't know where to travel at this time of year with ever one wanting to go some where. Do you have any suggestions? We are open to go anywhere.
Mary from Shenzhen