Normally, I do not advertize for third parties on my blog, except in several situations: first, I am happy to help non-profit organizations raise funds if I believe in their mission; second, I mention events or services when I am attending and when I think this is something you'll also enjoy; or third, I mention interesting adventures when I think they are something educational and worthwhile -- especially when this is something I want to do! So this third reason is why I mention this particular event on my blog.
As you are aware, I have written about the discovery of several important avian transition fossils in China and as a result of my writings, I have been befriended by one of the co-discoverers of these fossils, Jerry Harris.
As a scientist and someone who loves to travel, I have often dreamt about going to China myself to see where these fossils were found and to learn how to properly dig fossils. Have you ever wished to do this too? Have you ever dreamt about learning how to dig fossils under the tutelage of the world's best bird fossil hunters? Doesn't this sound like a priceless once-in-a-lifetime experience? If you are one of the few lucky persons who can actually afford to spend twelve days in China with the co-discoverers of several important bird transition fossils, then I highly recommend that you do this. (I already offered my services as their "official blogger" but alas, they cannot afford me. However, that said, I would eagerly go -- in a heartbeat -- if the opportunity arose, and I think that you should do this, too!)
On this magical once-in-a-lifetime trip, you will spend time with, and learn from, Dr. Jerry Harris (Director of Paleontology, Dixie State College, St. George, UT), Dr. Matt Lamanna (Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA), and Dr. Hailu You (Director, Sinofossa Institute and Senior Researcher, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing) -- the Indiana Joneses of bird fossils!
Further, since the holidays are approaching, I think this is a great gift for the rich person who has everything he or she could possibly want.