International
Shanghai
If New York City mated with the Emerald City of Oz they would give birth to Shanghai. The Chinese characters that make up the word Shanghai literally mean “upon the sea” as the world’s busiest shipping port is located at the mouth of the Yangtze & East China Sea. It is the most populous city … Continue reading
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Suzhou
The excitement of Christmastide is over and I was reminded that I had not completed my China saga. I’m hoping to tie it up in this post so I can move on to our Philadelphia Cheesesteak Challenge and tell you about our beautiful Longwood Gardens Christmas adventure. We completed our Yangtze River cruise at the … Continue reading
The Red Pagoda
It is almost our last day shipboard. We have been enjoying our cruise. The sweet air, lack of crowds, tranquil scenery and fascinating excursions definitely were a welcome change from the bustle of the cities. Today we will visit a hill along the Yangtze called “Shibaozhai” in Chongqing, which is our final destination. Translated this … Continue reading
Shennu Stream
The scenery is like nothing I’ve ever witnessed . Mountain tops that are rounded with rocky outcrops on the peaks that look like figures standing and looking down at you. This is the scenic area called the Three Gorges. The cliffs are shrouded in mist because it’s still cloudy and a little foggy. It’s also … Continue reading
Dam It! We’ve Gone To Disneyland
I’ll be the first to admit that modern marvels of engineering leave me lukewarm. Sure, I can appreciate architecture and have spent more than one excursion ogling old buildings or covered bridges but I could not get excited about our visit to the Three Gorges Dam. Let me provide some background information for those who are … Continue reading
By Land, Air & Sea In One Day
If it’s Tuesday this must be… Xi’an? Wuhan? Jingzhou? Oh hell, I don’t know anymore! Once again we awaken to grey, misty skies and I wonder if the sun ever shines in China. Today we embark on another domestic Chinese flight headed to Wuhan, which is the capital of Hubei province located in central China. … Continue reading
The Terra Cotta Army
It is Sunday and we are departing Beijing to fly a domestic Chinese flight to the city of Xi’an, home of the terra cotta army. Two days ago there were horrific terrorist attacks in Paris. We were able to follow the news via CNN, BBC & and an English-speaking Asian news network on cable TV … Continue reading
The Great Wall
Imagine the Warring States period of China where a system of territories continually fought for dominance. Most cities and states during this period had walls built around them to afford some protection from the constant invasions. Finally, the Qin (say, “Chin”) dynasty was founded and the states were united into China. The individual walls were … Continue reading
Beijing Part 2
It is now around noon on our first full day of sightseeing. We have already covered more ground than the weeds on my 5 acres. Our next stop is the Hutong. In it’s most simplified explanation, a hutong is a series of narrow residential streets and alleys in the center of Beijing. The hutong is … Continue reading
Beijing
The first thing I notice is an acrid smell. At first I think it is the airport. I will soon realize that it’s actually the air that I will be breathing for the next 3 days. The enormous plate glass that comprises the airport walls reveal a sky that is misty and grey. I am … Continue reading
