The Rickshaw Reunion held in Toronto this October 7-11 can be counted as a success. It may be an omen that China's independence from the Manchus was commemorated during that time, a festival that was always celebrated with fireworks when we lived in Shanghai. While we had no fireworks to set off, the reunion was nevertheless a joyous occasion as old friends met and new friends were made. But, that's what reunions are for. The weather gods also cooperated the whole while, giving us blue skies and temperatures befitting the needs of a bunch of AK's such as we are. Sonja Poizner organized an active and hardworking committee that provided us with a fine hotel (The Sheraton Centre) with good facilities and comfortable rooms. Who could ask for anything more?

Among the highlights I must mention the showing of the film Shanghai Ghetto which has made an impact around the world for the last year and more. It features several regular attendees at past reunions and will be available soon on DVD. The ballroom was packed for the showing and the audience loved every minute. We also had a presentation by Tom Rado and Ian Leventhal, both of the Living Bridge Corp. This group is working to restore the old area of Hongkew where many of us lived . This is a daunting task as the buildings were not in the best repair back then, and have certainly failed to improve since. Their ambitious plans appear to have funding ( a billion was mentioned ) and the approval of the city authorities. China seems to be in a nostalgic mood and that works for the project. It is noteworthy that the old Ward Road jail will be converted to some other use and Wayside Park is part of their plans. The park already has a small memorial. I have also learned that there are plans afoot to extend The Bund northward through Yangtsepoo, providing a boulevard along the river.

In the Kent Room an exhibition of Shanghai Jewish history drew much well deserved attention. The display of wall-mounted pictures dating back a century or more, accompanied by well thought out text, was loaned to the reunion by the Chinese community of Toronto. Many thanks to them..

Our banquet was held in the Ballroom on the Oct. 9th. The choices of red or white wine and salmon or chicken were topped off by an elaborate and delicious desert. And, of course the after-dinner speaker. Prof. James R. Ross gave us a glimpse at his work on the Diaspora and Shanghai's role. At the dinner a special award was given to Ralph Harpuder whose stories on the web page have enlightened and educated us all. A special award went to Rene Willdorff for his work on the Rickshaw Express Web and his efforts on behalf of both the '04 and '02 Reunions.

The Reunion plans included several optional tours around the area. The City tour was well attended with two bus-loads, but many found it tiring as the city has expanded and become populated. It is now on a par with Philadelphia in population and area. The architecture is very attractive and full of glass and impressive vistas. The trip to Niagara was also a two-bus event and included an excellent buffet lunch overlooking the Falls. That trip included a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory and to Niagara on the Lake. It made for a delightful day going from being covered by butterflies of all colors, to the power and beauty of the Falls followed by a truly pleasant and pretty town on Lake Erie. We came away with pleasant memories and a few souvenirs. A trip to Quebec, Montreal and Ottawa took place starting on Tuesday. Many took advantage of this opportunity to see more of Canada.

Perhaps the most enduring memories of the 2004 Reunion will be the warmth. Old friends and new, Shanghailanders met and enjoyed each other (as did their non-Shanghailander spouses), took part in the planned events and invented some of their own. It was good to see people who had traveled from Australia, or the West Coast. All in good spirits and enjoying themselves. A special tip of the hat is due Irene Danziger who suffered a stroke in the Forbidden City during our 1993 Reunion. She is a spirited lady, full of humor and life. The 250 people attending the Reunion are a spirited bunch who look forward to our next reunion, whether it be in a city in this hemisphere, or perhaps in Shanghai itself as a repeat of the 1993 Reunion.