So today we leave, sad times. It has definitely been a once in a lifetime experience, one that I will never forget! But onwards and upwards as I'm sure there will be many more exciting experiences to be had.
As Dr Seuss said "sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory" and there has been some definite memories made here in China - just like everything else - made in China lol.
Wonder if we'll get upgraded on the way home too?
Saturday 28 August 2010
Friday 27 August 2010
Hong Kong Phooey!
This morning we woke up in our lovely room to no wake up call or rush to put the bags out...and then the phone rang! Eh? Was Tracey haunting us? Safe, it was just the lady telling us our departure pick up time! The plan for today was to get the free shuttle down to Kowloon Hotel, which is just off of Nathan Road their main shopping district then come back and go up the peak at night time to see the view with lights. This is doable.
The free shuttle is really good - going between the two hotels every 20 minutes, just another perk to this place! We boarded the bus, map in hand, ready to find Nathan Road and found it we did! We wandered up and down the shopping streets, constantly hustled by people selling fake Rolex's, handbags and tailored clothes. We found some bargains in Uniquo and also found a gift shop that sells postcards - a first on the entire holiday! So bargain t-shirt bought, fridge magnet - check and postcard for nan all sorted!
We took a walk along the avenue of the stars - the Hong Kong version of the Walk of Fame - found Bruce Lee and a statue of him but recognised very few other people! Even with their English names! We did find another Expo haibo - he's everywhere! The view across to Hong Kong island is amazing it hardly seems real and this is daylight without the lights on - whats it going to be like at night? Anyho bus boarded back to the hotel where I sat on he balcony in the 34 degree heat writing my postcards - does it get any better than this?
A few hours later the sun was going down over the sky scrapers and we boarded the very rocky star ferry to Hong Kong island - at 20p, bargain, the ride was an experience, bouncing our way over to the other pier. We hadn't anticipated how busy it would be but as easy as it is to find how to get up the peak it means everyone else is too! We got the bus no problem but then queued forever to get the tram up to the peak. After winding our way through the queue we were at last aboard the tram ascending at a 45 degree angle up to the peak, in what was now complete darkness. The tram was going up in between very posh flats and houses til at last the buildings cleared and appeared was the most amazing view of a cityscape a blaze with different coloured lights. People were ooing and ahhing like they were watching fireworks! But who could blame them it was incredible. Moments later we were exiting the tram into a posh tower, floor upon floor of souvenir shops - and we couldn't find any at the start of our holiday! After going up a multitude of escalators all overlooking the view we ended up at Bubba Gumps at the top of the tower. Here we were eating shrimp (well I was) overlooking the most perfect view of a cityscape. It's ironic really, you need the buildings to have the lights to make it look so good however comes with that are millions or billions of people and all the negative associations like pollution, traffic etc. It's a difficult one!
After taking some pics - though they couldn't do justice of the view and managing to get out of the peak tower - which was far more difficult than it should be we were on the bus back down to catch the ferry and boy the driver should race for formula one! We bounced our way back over on the star ferry and having missed the last shuttle got a taxi back to the hotel. It's a shame we don't have longer here as its an incredible city - will definitely have to return - Daniel would love it!
The free shuttle is really good - going between the two hotels every 20 minutes, just another perk to this place! We boarded the bus, map in hand, ready to find Nathan Road and found it we did! We wandered up and down the shopping streets, constantly hustled by people selling fake Rolex's, handbags and tailored clothes. We found some bargains in Uniquo and also found a gift shop that sells postcards - a first on the entire holiday! So bargain t-shirt bought, fridge magnet - check and postcard for nan all sorted!
We took a walk along the avenue of the stars - the Hong Kong version of the Walk of Fame - found Bruce Lee and a statue of him but recognised very few other people! Even with their English names! We did find another Expo haibo - he's everywhere! The view across to Hong Kong island is amazing it hardly seems real and this is daylight without the lights on - whats it going to be like at night? Anyho bus boarded back to the hotel where I sat on he balcony in the 34 degree heat writing my postcards - does it get any better than this?
A few hours later the sun was going down over the sky scrapers and we boarded the very rocky star ferry to Hong Kong island - at 20p, bargain, the ride was an experience, bouncing our way over to the other pier. We hadn't anticipated how busy it would be but as easy as it is to find how to get up the peak it means everyone else is too! We got the bus no problem but then queued forever to get the tram up to the peak. After winding our way through the queue we were at last aboard the tram ascending at a 45 degree angle up to the peak, in what was now complete darkness. The tram was going up in between very posh flats and houses til at last the buildings cleared and appeared was the most amazing view of a cityscape a blaze with different coloured lights. People were ooing and ahhing like they were watching fireworks! But who could blame them it was incredible. Moments later we were exiting the tram into a posh tower, floor upon floor of souvenir shops - and we couldn't find any at the start of our holiday! After going up a multitude of escalators all overlooking the view we ended up at Bubba Gumps at the top of the tower. Here we were eating shrimp (well I was) overlooking the most perfect view of a cityscape. It's ironic really, you need the buildings to have the lights to make it look so good however comes with that are millions or billions of people and all the negative associations like pollution, traffic etc. It's a difficult one!
After taking some pics - though they couldn't do justice of the view and managing to get out of the peak tower - which was far more difficult than it should be we were on the bus back down to catch the ferry and boy the driver should race for formula one! We bounced our way back over on the star ferry and having missed the last shuttle got a taxi back to the hotel. It's a shame we don't have longer here as its an incredible city - will definitely have to return - Daniel would love it!
Thursday 26 August 2010
Guilin to Hong Kong
So our mainland China tour is coming to an end with our final visiting places in Guilin being an ancient village and a cave. Though before we even leave the hotel we have yet another drama! When putting our luggage out for collection so its taken to the airport (yes very dopey indeed) we managed to lock ourselves out of the room! Doh! Dressed but with no shoes and messy hair we were going to have to face reception to admit our error - but alas, Sarah spotted a lonely house keeping lady wandering the hall and somehow managed to convince her to let us in - she did look a bit suspicious of us but hey, we were in!
So drama over and breakfast eaten - well a little considering how rubbish it is, we were off to the ancient village. And ancient it was - buildings made of wood, people walking in the fields then sorting the crops - we saw string beans drying on a bridge wall! There was a lady selling slippers she had knitted which was good but I didn't think people should sell the same old tat we have seen all over - at least she was making something she made. We saw a kind of medicine man too who had all sorts of bugs in jars with liquid that would cure all sorts of ailments, mmmmm baby rat medicine! There was a very cute little girl posing for pictures the typical Japanese/Chinese way butt then had the cheek to ask for money once they had took the picture - they teach them young here! I'm glad I didn't take one! A completely different way of life to what we know and understand, but good to see.
Our final stop on this tour and in Guilin - which is over 50% green, is reed flute cave. Guilin has so many natural wonders its not surprising they work hard to keep it that way. So my experiences of caves - Castleton, Majorca maybe the odd other one are of damp open spaces underground with the odd stalactite or stalagmite - reed flute cave however was massive with these features everywhere you turn. In the typical Chinese way they all have a story connected to them - some you see, some you don't, some you question, but all amazing. They use coloured lights which compliment the rock perfectly and pictures, just like the other Chinese wonders can't do it justice. It would be perfect for a field trip - albeit expensive! This ranks up there as one of the best sights we've seen and its one I never considered to be so beautiful.
Time came to leave this stunning city and say goodbye to Ho our guide and Tracey who has been with us from day one. How are we going to cope without her and bunny marching us around airports, stations and the busy Chinese streets - we're going to have to navigate Hong Kong all on our own - can we cope??!!
OK so check in - woohoo piece of cake and security - I didn't even get searched - we can definitely do this! We waited in the world's most expensive airport - and waited, OK boarding time has passed, hmm we're clearly delayed but couldn't read the sign to say how long. It wasn't that long, phew we were on our way!
Upon arrival at Hong Kong - bags collected we were greeted by Ben who was taking us to our hotel - we kind of looked like a Chinese Clerk Kent. He offered us the choice of going on a tour tomorrow but alas we were confident we could go it alone! Driving to the hotel the lights were amazing, we passed a massive shipping port - third largest after Singapore then Shanghai and also passed the HK Island skyline. Very exciting. I think I'm going to like it here! Bonus, better still our hotel upgraded us to a room with a balcony and a hot tub - on the 10th floor overlooking the pool and the harbour! We couldn't have asked for more from our final hotel, we did get it however in the shape of a very large free beer! Awesome!
So drama over and breakfast eaten - well a little considering how rubbish it is, we were off to the ancient village. And ancient it was - buildings made of wood, people walking in the fields then sorting the crops - we saw string beans drying on a bridge wall! There was a lady selling slippers she had knitted which was good but I didn't think people should sell the same old tat we have seen all over - at least she was making something she made. We saw a kind of medicine man too who had all sorts of bugs in jars with liquid that would cure all sorts of ailments, mmmmm baby rat medicine! There was a very cute little girl posing for pictures the typical Japanese/Chinese way butt then had the cheek to ask for money once they had took the picture - they teach them young here! I'm glad I didn't take one! A completely different way of life to what we know and understand, but good to see.
Our final stop on this tour and in Guilin - which is over 50% green, is reed flute cave. Guilin has so many natural wonders its not surprising they work hard to keep it that way. So my experiences of caves - Castleton, Majorca maybe the odd other one are of damp open spaces underground with the odd stalactite or stalagmite - reed flute cave however was massive with these features everywhere you turn. In the typical Chinese way they all have a story connected to them - some you see, some you don't, some you question, but all amazing. They use coloured lights which compliment the rock perfectly and pictures, just like the other Chinese wonders can't do it justice. It would be perfect for a field trip - albeit expensive! This ranks up there as one of the best sights we've seen and its one I never considered to be so beautiful.
Time came to leave this stunning city and say goodbye to Ho our guide and Tracey who has been with us from day one. How are we going to cope without her and bunny marching us around airports, stations and the busy Chinese streets - we're going to have to navigate Hong Kong all on our own - can we cope??!!
OK so check in - woohoo piece of cake and security - I didn't even get searched - we can definitely do this! We waited in the world's most expensive airport - and waited, OK boarding time has passed, hmm we're clearly delayed but couldn't read the sign to say how long. It wasn't that long, phew we were on our way!
Upon arrival at Hong Kong - bags collected we were greeted by Ben who was taking us to our hotel - we kind of looked like a Chinese Clerk Kent. He offered us the choice of going on a tour tomorrow but alas we were confident we could go it alone! Driving to the hotel the lights were amazing, we passed a massive shipping port - third largest after Singapore then Shanghai and also passed the HK Island skyline. Very exciting. I think I'm going to like it here! Bonus, better still our hotel upgraded us to a room with a balcony and a hot tub - on the 10th floor overlooking the pool and the harbour! We couldn't have asked for more from our final hotel, we did get it however in the shape of a very large free beer! Awesome!
Wednesday 18 August 2010
Waiting in Wuxi
So after a little lie in and big breakfast we were off to Wuxi to go to the airport to catch a flight to Beijing. Look at their awesome public art!
We got to the airport in plenty of time, weather was nice, all was going smoothly until...we make it through security (i didn't get searched - yay) but our plane was delayed. And delayed. And delayed. Our gate didn't even have a plane at it! Turns out the weather was bad which means it was late leaving Beijing to get to us before going back. On its way to us we had massive storms which meant it couldn't land so it went to another airport. Several hours later, after a free drink and having read most of the guide book a plane appeared. It was not ours, boooo. We did then hear that we'd changed gate and was leaving at 5, over 3 and a half hours late. We were going to miss the opera and the Temple of Heaven and instead saw lots of Chinese people sitting and waiting. No ones fault, an act of nature but still, annoying. If we had driven it would have taken 14 hours so still better, but only just!
Once boarded the plane we did get an in flight meal which we did not expect. A can of some strange porridge type substance that was horrible, some what looked like pickled gherkin, shrimp crackers, artificial cake and a chocolate wafer. A very odd meal indeed. Eventually when we made it to Beijing we were greeted by 'Megan' our guide whilst in the city. Still raining i might add we boarded our bus to go to our hotel having missed everything from today. Turns out we are going to the opera after the great wall and ming tombs tomorrow so all is not lost.
Megan was very informative on our journey. She started by telling us about the name Beijing. Bei means north and jing means capital. This was the capital of new China. The previous capital was Nanying, Nan meaning south, so you had the capital in the south then the north. The jing is the character you see at the start of every Beijing based number plate so you know they are from here. She was also telling us about the layout of the city. The CBD is in the east and to the north you have silicon valley and i think she said the university. The south east is the BDA - Beijing Development Area for Science and Technology and to the west is the financial district. In the centre is the ancient town, hudong meaning alleyways. This looks like a crazy version of the Burgess Model.
Throughout Beijing they have 6, yes 6, ring roads in and around this city model. This city must be huge! She also said that statistics say that each month there are 58000 more cars on the road, crazy. During the Olympics they tried to control the congestion and pollution by not allowing people to drive their cars on one day a week, so number plates starting or ending (i can't remember which) with 0 or 1 on one day, 2-3 the next day etc. All can drive on bank holidays. Very interesting, takes me back to A level coursework and the nethos in Athens. Anyho enough of the lesson, we got here eventually.
Tonight we were left to our own devices to sort dinner, hmmm easy option - the hotel buffet, or hard - attempt a local restaurant. We as always make it hard. We tried pizza but the wave the guy gave us was goodbye not hello so we went over to Sizzler. After somehow making the guy understand we wanted food we were seated and ordering steak teryaki medium rare - oh yeah i managed it. We went back chuffed we braved it alone!
We got to the airport in plenty of time, weather was nice, all was going smoothly until...we make it through security (i didn't get searched - yay) but our plane was delayed. And delayed. And delayed. Our gate didn't even have a plane at it! Turns out the weather was bad which means it was late leaving Beijing to get to us before going back. On its way to us we had massive storms which meant it couldn't land so it went to another airport. Several hours later, after a free drink and having read most of the guide book a plane appeared. It was not ours, boooo. We did then hear that we'd changed gate and was leaving at 5, over 3 and a half hours late. We were going to miss the opera and the Temple of Heaven and instead saw lots of Chinese people sitting and waiting. No ones fault, an act of nature but still, annoying. If we had driven it would have taken 14 hours so still better, but only just!
Once boarded the plane we did get an in flight meal which we did not expect. A can of some strange porridge type substance that was horrible, some what looked like pickled gherkin, shrimp crackers, artificial cake and a chocolate wafer. A very odd meal indeed. Eventually when we made it to Beijing we were greeted by 'Megan' our guide whilst in the city. Still raining i might add we boarded our bus to go to our hotel having missed everything from today. Turns out we are going to the opera after the great wall and ming tombs tomorrow so all is not lost.
Megan was very informative on our journey. She started by telling us about the name Beijing. Bei means north and jing means capital. This was the capital of new China. The previous capital was Nanying, Nan meaning south, so you had the capital in the south then the north. The jing is the character you see at the start of every Beijing based number plate so you know they are from here. She was also telling us about the layout of the city. The CBD is in the east and to the north you have silicon valley and i think she said the university. The south east is the BDA - Beijing Development Area for Science and Technology and to the west is the financial district. In the centre is the ancient town, hudong meaning alleyways. This looks like a crazy version of the Burgess Model.
Throughout Beijing they have 6, yes 6, ring roads in and around this city model. This city must be huge! She also said that statistics say that each month there are 58000 more cars on the road, crazy. During the Olympics they tried to control the congestion and pollution by not allowing people to drive their cars on one day a week, so number plates starting or ending (i can't remember which) with 0 or 1 on one day, 2-3 the next day etc. All can drive on bank holidays. Very interesting, takes me back to A level coursework and the nethos in Athens. Anyho enough of the lesson, we got here eventually.
Tonight we were left to our own devices to sort dinner, hmmm easy option - the hotel buffet, or hard - attempt a local restaurant. We as always make it hard. We tried pizza but the wave the guy gave us was goodbye not hello so we went over to Sizzler. After somehow making the guy understand we wanted food we were seated and ordering steak teryaki medium rare - oh yeah i managed it. We went back chuffed we braved it alone!
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Rickety Rickshaw Riding...
Very early start today ready for our 8am rickshaw ride! Considering we laugh at the tourists in the rickshaws at Covent Garden we must have looked a right sight for the locals - 14 rickshaws riding along the road. We first took the rickshaw ride to the park. Honestly, at one point the cyclist was driving into head on traffic! We arrived at the park to a group of ladies fan dancing. Wandering around there were people doing Tai Chi which Tracey says is easy to remember by motioning a circle to show the watermelon, divide it in half for you and half for me! Good way to remember it! There were people dancing, aerobics and one lady in a baby pink Chinese suit doing some kind of Tai Chi with a sword - she was amazing and looked exactly like a character from street fighter or tekken. Definitely in kill bill training mode - wonder what her mission is?
So after this relaxing time in the park we re boarded the rickety rickshaw for a ride to the manic market. And what a market it was! Fruit and veg as you walk in, then meat at the back including trotters and chicken feet and in the back corner live chickens and birds - you could chose your own. We went for a walk around the fish section - all still alive - was so busy looking at a bag of frogs trying to work out if they were alive or dead that i didn't spot the fish trying to escaped and jumped out of its tank to another covering me in fishy water! Ewwww smelly, oh and the frogs were alive! The fish later escaped to the floor and had to be rescued by someone on our tour. It was now time for our last leg of the rickshaw ride back to the hotel. Our cyclist was just as risky as the other legs of the journey though i did feel sorry for him, at one point he got off and dragged us along the road. He earned his tip for sure - don't think we actually gave him enough!
We then went to a silk factory that was actually quite good. We saw each stage of the silk making process from the silk worms chomping on the mulberry bush leaves like the hungry caterpillar, making their cocoons, sorting the cocoons into good and bad ones and removing the twins which are extremely large cocoons, then the machine that heats them to kill the pupa then the machine that finds the end of the silk thread and winds it around a real ready to be used to weave. Interesting really. Then another person soaks the twins and removes the double pupa, then stretches the cocoon over a stand, this is used to make the silk duvet as its too hard to find the end to use for clothing and fabric. The shop was good too, had some trendy gear and some not so! Bought some bargains for pure silk.
Tiger Hill was our final stop today. Named so due to the brothers that founded it as Tiger was their surname. At the peak of the hill was a 7 level pagoda - which leans slightly, it is the leaning tower of Pisa of the east! The leaning tower of tiger, ha. Just as we were leaving the peak we heard a massive rumble, then a flash, then another rumble. Oh dear! We walked down a little when a few spits of rain appeared. Wendy decided we should pause just in case - wise move - it hammered it down. Constant thunder and lightening for what felt like forever. Tracey is saying this is a regular shower but the building we were sheltering by started to flood! That's never just a regular shower! Eventually it eased off and we made it back to the bus before it started again! We have now truly experienced the Chinese climate and the jack in a pack was definitely the best £6 spent for this holiday!
So after this relaxing time in the park we re boarded the rickety rickshaw for a ride to the manic market. And what a market it was! Fruit and veg as you walk in, then meat at the back including trotters and chicken feet and in the back corner live chickens and birds - you could chose your own. We went for a walk around the fish section - all still alive - was so busy looking at a bag of frogs trying to work out if they were alive or dead that i didn't spot the fish trying to escaped and jumped out of its tank to another covering me in fishy water! Ewwww smelly, oh and the frogs were alive! The fish later escaped to the floor and had to be rescued by someone on our tour. It was now time for our last leg of the rickshaw ride back to the hotel. Our cyclist was just as risky as the other legs of the journey though i did feel sorry for him, at one point he got off and dragged us along the road. He earned his tip for sure - don't think we actually gave him enough!
We then went to a silk factory that was actually quite good. We saw each stage of the silk making process from the silk worms chomping on the mulberry bush leaves like the hungry caterpillar, making their cocoons, sorting the cocoons into good and bad ones and removing the twins which are extremely large cocoons, then the machine that heats them to kill the pupa then the machine that finds the end of the silk thread and winds it around a real ready to be used to weave. Interesting really. Then another person soaks the twins and removes the double pupa, then stretches the cocoon over a stand, this is used to make the silk duvet as its too hard to find the end to use for clothing and fabric. The shop was good too, had some trendy gear and some not so! Bought some bargains for pure silk.
Tiger Hill was our final stop today. Named so due to the brothers that founded it as Tiger was their surname. At the peak of the hill was a 7 level pagoda - which leans slightly, it is the leaning tower of Pisa of the east! The leaning tower of tiger, ha. Just as we were leaving the peak we heard a massive rumble, then a flash, then another rumble. Oh dear! We walked down a little when a few spits of rain appeared. Wendy decided we should pause just in case - wise move - it hammered it down. Constant thunder and lightening for what felt like forever. Tracey is saying this is a regular shower but the building we were sheltering by started to flood! That's never just a regular shower! Eventually it eased off and we made it back to the bus before it started again! We have now truly experienced the Chinese climate and the jack in a pack was definitely the best £6 spent for this holiday!
Monday 16 August 2010
Soft Suzhou
Though we were given time this morning to chillax before leaving for Suzhou it turns out we had a massive drama. After getting up we had to pack to leave and Sarah locked her case only to find out she couldn't open it again! After much yanking and trying a number of different codes we went for brekkie to think of Plan A and B. Plan A was to text her dad to google it, my Plan B was to break in! In my ignorance in suitcases it turns out that Samsonite cases can't be broken into, hmmmm. Time came for our cases to be collected so for now it was left, but no worries, the story continues later!
We left for Shanghai train station for our train to Suzhou. The station was huge and randomly you had to go through security in order to get in! Obviously we stood out like a sore thumb in amongst the locals waiting for the train. Kind of cool really seeing and existing in the real China rather than the tourist China. It reached 12.39 and our train sign turned green, which i can only guess means it was ready for boarding. So off we went, pushing and shoving like everyone else to get to the train and take our seat. It turns out they have only been using the high speed train a month and you can tell, clean and well kept. As we left Shanghai we reached a top speed of 325km/hr whizzing past flats, houses and then farms as we left the city. Half an hour later we arrived in Suzhou, or the Earthy Paradise as it means. Here everything is softer, the place - it's a lot slower and less frantic, the language - even arguments don't sound abrasive and the men, according to our guide Wendy. Bunny was handed over to Wendy for safe keeping during our time here.
We firstly visited The Humble Administration Garden, a large space designed as if you were walking around a painting. Lots of small buildings, traditional in style are mixed amongst ponds covered in lotus flowers. It turns out that women were only allowed in this garden during festivals or special occasions, not really fair. However one man built a garden around his house for him and his wife to enjoy. That's nice. The Couples Retreat Garden was a lot smaller but still had small buildings, ponds and lotus flowers. After a long time walking round the gardens (my legs were killing) we made it back to the hotel.
So as promised earlier the drama of the suitcase continues. Plan A wasn't really working as Sarah had no reply from her dad and Plan B was a way off yet, Tracey got the porters to come and help. So as i emerged from the loo to a room of people speaking Chinese Plan C was unfolding. The porters took the case off to their luggage store and lo and behold they got in! No idea how - i was told they were unbreakable! But hey, drama over and everyone happy.
It had been a tiring day which ended with a delicious meal of very baby shrimp soup, whole fish with some kind of ketchup, some kind of rubbery fish and crunchy veg which the waiter didn't know what it was - turns out it was jellyfish! It was OK, looked like onion chutney. So after a wander it was off to bed for an early start of Tai Chi in the park. Cool.
We left for Shanghai train station for our train to Suzhou. The station was huge and randomly you had to go through security in order to get in! Obviously we stood out like a sore thumb in amongst the locals waiting for the train. Kind of cool really seeing and existing in the real China rather than the tourist China. It reached 12.39 and our train sign turned green, which i can only guess means it was ready for boarding. So off we went, pushing and shoving like everyone else to get to the train and take our seat. It turns out they have only been using the high speed train a month and you can tell, clean and well kept. As we left Shanghai we reached a top speed of 325km/hr whizzing past flats, houses and then farms as we left the city. Half an hour later we arrived in Suzhou, or the Earthy Paradise as it means. Here everything is softer, the place - it's a lot slower and less frantic, the language - even arguments don't sound abrasive and the men, according to our guide Wendy. Bunny was handed over to Wendy for safe keeping during our time here.
We firstly visited The Humble Administration Garden, a large space designed as if you were walking around a painting. Lots of small buildings, traditional in style are mixed amongst ponds covered in lotus flowers. It turns out that women were only allowed in this garden during festivals or special occasions, not really fair. However one man built a garden around his house for him and his wife to enjoy. That's nice. The Couples Retreat Garden was a lot smaller but still had small buildings, ponds and lotus flowers. After a long time walking round the gardens (my legs were killing) we made it back to the hotel.
So as promised earlier the drama of the suitcase continues. Plan A wasn't really working as Sarah had no reply from her dad and Plan B was a way off yet, Tracey got the porters to come and help. So as i emerged from the loo to a room of people speaking Chinese Plan C was unfolding. The porters took the case off to their luggage store and lo and behold they got in! No idea how - i was told they were unbreakable! But hey, drama over and everyone happy.
It had been a tiring day which ended with a delicious meal of very baby shrimp soup, whole fish with some kind of ketchup, some kind of rubbery fish and crunchy veg which the waiter didn't know what it was - turns out it was jellyfish! It was OK, looked like onion chutney. So after a wander it was off to bed for an early start of Tai Chi in the park. Cool.
Sunday 15 August 2010
Sensational Shanghai
Busy busy day today! 7.15 wake up call, breakfast and off by 8.45 to Shanghai museum. After following bunny into the entrance past security there were three floors of art, sculptures, seals, currency, bronze - it's apparently the best museum and one of the biggest in Shanghai. The art work and sculptures were definitely the best bits, intricate, detailed and very pretty - well in the art case. It was also nice being out of the heat, 38C we were queuing in, i have honestly never been so sweaty, ewww my top was wet.
On the way to Yuyuan Garden our guide was filling us in on some Chinese characters. Shanghai is a city that can be represented by Shun and Po - it is difficult to draw them on here! The character for Shun has a square which means the north to south, east to west ring road while the circle around the square means the outer ring road - kind of like the M25 around the north/south circular. Inside the square is a good location, it is OK to be between the square and circle and outside the circle is considered to be the suburbs. Kind of like the Chinese Burgess Model! They also have ancient and modern characters, though to me the ancient ones make a little more sense. The ancient Shun didn't have the circle, probably because the road didn't exist! The modern symbols aren't as easy to explain due to the 21st Century being more (though not totally) equal, less religious and not as traditional. The ancient character for woman looks like a lady kneeling, this shows their lower status in society and the symbol for man has a circle representing the farmland and a how as the men do the work and farming is the main job. In ancient times the men also needed three things to get a bride, a bicycle, sewing machine and a maid - now in the modern day they need their own flat, car and a big diamond ring - sounds like common sense to me!
After the little lesson in Chinese characters we arrive at Yuyuan Garden where we walked through an extremely busy bazaar for a Sunday with lots of traditional and souvenir shops to the entrance to a peaceful haven in an extremely busy and crowded city. Lots of rock formations, ponds, traditional Chinese buildings eg. the Tea House, wind their way through the space encased by a wall with dragons heads and the tail that trails the wall. We had some time in the bazaar though it was no where near long enough. We decided that it'd be a good idea to get a frappachino for the next leg, much needed!
Walking back to the bus was passed some traditional poor quality housing - though when i tried to take a picture someone got in my way, so here is that lady!
All throughout Shanghai there are poor slum like housing next to massive sky scrapers. An interesting thing to explore further. We went for lunch at a Chinese buffet before boarding our vessel for a boat trip along the river. At night the boats are a glow with an array of lights. We travelled up and down the river to see the skyline from there. The river divides the city in half, the east Pudung is the modern area with very young buildings that are high, glassy or shiny skyscrapers and the convention centre that has a globe at each end. To the west is HuangPu, the older part with more European influenced architecture. We were then taken to a pearl factory - hmmm i think a little for their gain as this wasn't originally on the itinerary and had a talk about those before being guided into the shop and lastly we visited Xin Tian Di, a modern bars and restaurant place where apparently the younger Chinese people hang out. It was nice, cool, breezy, a mix of traditional and modern chique.
After a very full and busy day following bunny we ended our day at another Chinese buffet. The aubergine dish was really nice, though the people from our tour at our table for dinner were an interesting bunch - but we won't go there!
Time to move on tomorrow, i have enjoyed Shanghai, it is an amazing place, very busy, very big, very hot and very high! You feel tiny as only one in a sea of millions of people. It is so weird to be somewhere and have totally no idea of what everything says around you, normally in other countries you can kind of work out some words.
So now I'm packed ready to leave for another Chinese experience, i better get some sleeps, though if Sarah keeps making me kill with laughter with her recollection of the events of today i don't think I'll be getting much shut eye!
On the way to Yuyuan Garden our guide was filling us in on some Chinese characters. Shanghai is a city that can be represented by Shun and Po - it is difficult to draw them on here! The character for Shun has a square which means the north to south, east to west ring road while the circle around the square means the outer ring road - kind of like the M25 around the north/south circular. Inside the square is a good location, it is OK to be between the square and circle and outside the circle is considered to be the suburbs. Kind of like the Chinese Burgess Model! They also have ancient and modern characters, though to me the ancient ones make a little more sense. The ancient Shun didn't have the circle, probably because the road didn't exist! The modern symbols aren't as easy to explain due to the 21st Century being more (though not totally) equal, less religious and not as traditional. The ancient character for woman looks like a lady kneeling, this shows their lower status in society and the symbol for man has a circle representing the farmland and a how as the men do the work and farming is the main job. In ancient times the men also needed three things to get a bride, a bicycle, sewing machine and a maid - now in the modern day they need their own flat, car and a big diamond ring - sounds like common sense to me!
After the little lesson in Chinese characters we arrive at Yuyuan Garden where we walked through an extremely busy bazaar for a Sunday with lots of traditional and souvenir shops to the entrance to a peaceful haven in an extremely busy and crowded city. Lots of rock formations, ponds, traditional Chinese buildings eg. the Tea House, wind their way through the space encased by a wall with dragons heads and the tail that trails the wall. We had some time in the bazaar though it was no where near long enough. We decided that it'd be a good idea to get a frappachino for the next leg, much needed!
Walking back to the bus was passed some traditional poor quality housing - though when i tried to take a picture someone got in my way, so here is that lady!
All throughout Shanghai there are poor slum like housing next to massive sky scrapers. An interesting thing to explore further. We went for lunch at a Chinese buffet before boarding our vessel for a boat trip along the river. At night the boats are a glow with an array of lights. We travelled up and down the river to see the skyline from there. The river divides the city in half, the east Pudung is the modern area with very young buildings that are high, glassy or shiny skyscrapers and the convention centre that has a globe at each end. To the west is HuangPu, the older part with more European influenced architecture. We were then taken to a pearl factory - hmmm i think a little for their gain as this wasn't originally on the itinerary and had a talk about those before being guided into the shop and lastly we visited Xin Tian Di, a modern bars and restaurant place where apparently the younger Chinese people hang out. It was nice, cool, breezy, a mix of traditional and modern chique.
After a very full and busy day following bunny we ended our day at another Chinese buffet. The aubergine dish was really nice, though the people from our tour at our table for dinner were an interesting bunch - but we won't go there!
Time to move on tomorrow, i have enjoyed Shanghai, it is an amazing place, very busy, very big, very hot and very high! You feel tiny as only one in a sea of millions of people. It is so weird to be somewhere and have totally no idea of what everything says around you, normally in other countries you can kind of work out some words.
So now I'm packed ready to leave for another Chinese experience, i better get some sleeps, though if Sarah keeps making me kill with laughter with her recollection of the events of today i don't think I'll be getting much shut eye!
Saturday 14 August 2010
Slumming it in first class...
Talk about starting the holiday in style, we have finally arrived in Shanghai after a very long flight where we were upgraded to first class, yes first class! Turns out they had too many economy passengers and had to bump some of them up to premium, good for us, we were very excited and rang everyone to let them know! Since i only got one reply i can only imagine they were very jealous! It was awesome, a pod each which can turn into a bed, free champagne...if only i liked champagne! 3 course meal, a duvet, pillow, pj's...the list is endless. There was also little aeroplane salt and pepper pots which obviously got pinched! We also got a delightful 3 course meal, salmon and feta salad with avocado and pea shoots for starter, ham hock on a vegetable consomme for main and strawberry cheesecake for pudding. We also had a massive choice for breakfast, i plumped for the blueberry pancakes with berry compote - very delicious.
Upon arrival past customs we were greeted by a very excitable Chinese lady called 'Tracey' - this is her English name. After roll call she pulled a bunny on a stick out of her bag and said this is what we are to follow during the tour?! So...very busy streets...with a bunny floating overhead to try and follow! Hmmmm...we'll see how that goes!
We made it to the hotel fine via the Shanghai freeways - you could see the skyscraper skyline in the distance with the ball building! All this to come! We checked in and got to our room on the 16th floor - and it was massive - with a view of big buildings.
After dinner of pig neck, boiled shrimps and seaweed to name a few dishes, we went on a night tour of Shanghai - OMG they must have the biggest electricity bill! Everything is lit up, it looks amazing, but it is still red hot, 34C at 9pm! We drove down to the bund which is a 1000m long road along the river. Here we saw the big ball building all lit up - it is actually a TV broadcast place and called the Pearl Tower. There is also a massive bottle opener type building which is one of the newest skyscrapers and is all glittery at the top, very trendy. I'm sure it has been on Megastructures. We also stopped at Nanjing Road, their busiest shopping street, kind of like Oxford Street, at 9pm it was still crazily busy.
Although struggling to keep my eyes open we came back past the 2010 Shanghai Expo - a collection of buildings and spaces showing the rest of the world to China. Apparently the Olympics is inviting the rest of the world into China and the Expo is showing China what the rest of the world is like. The architecture is amazing and very bright at night. Oh before i forget all over the city, in buildings, on pavements, on the walls there is a blue character called Haibao which means 'Treasure of the Sea' - he is the Expo mascot and is very cute.
Definitely ready for bed by the time we got back...get some sleeps ready for tomorrow.
Oh we saw Chris de Burgh at the airport...Lay in Red, dadadadada...and i got searched again! In every country it seems i look dodgy!
Upon arrival past customs we were greeted by a very excitable Chinese lady called 'Tracey' - this is her English name. After roll call she pulled a bunny on a stick out of her bag and said this is what we are to follow during the tour?! So...very busy streets...with a bunny floating overhead to try and follow! Hmmmm...we'll see how that goes!
We made it to the hotel fine via the Shanghai freeways - you could see the skyscraper skyline in the distance with the ball building! All this to come! We checked in and got to our room on the 16th floor - and it was massive - with a view of big buildings.
After dinner of pig neck, boiled shrimps and seaweed to name a few dishes, we went on a night tour of Shanghai - OMG they must have the biggest electricity bill! Everything is lit up, it looks amazing, but it is still red hot, 34C at 9pm! We drove down to the bund which is a 1000m long road along the river. Here we saw the big ball building all lit up - it is actually a TV broadcast place and called the Pearl Tower. There is also a massive bottle opener type building which is one of the newest skyscrapers and is all glittery at the top, very trendy. I'm sure it has been on Megastructures. We also stopped at Nanjing Road, their busiest shopping street, kind of like Oxford Street, at 9pm it was still crazily busy.
Although struggling to keep my eyes open we came back past the 2010 Shanghai Expo - a collection of buildings and spaces showing the rest of the world to China. Apparently the Olympics is inviting the rest of the world into China and the Expo is showing China what the rest of the world is like. The architecture is amazing and very bright at night. Oh before i forget all over the city, in buildings, on pavements, on the walls there is a blue character called Haibao which means 'Treasure of the Sea' - he is the Expo mascot and is very cute.
Definitely ready for bed by the time we got back...get some sleeps ready for tomorrow.
Oh we saw Chris de Burgh at the airport...Lay in Red, dadadadada...and i got searched again! In every country it seems i look dodgy!
Sunday 8 August 2010
Barcelona...
So before i fly away to China for a few weeks, Daniel and I thought we'd pop to Barcelona for a few days. It's a great place, the weather was fab and there is so much to see and do - in a nutshell we visited the beach, Nou Camp, saw some amazing architecture like the Sagrada Familia and the Gaudi building and we also went to the Zoo where we spent a long time looking for their star attraction the albino gorilla only to find out it had died several years earlier!
Here is a snapshot of our time there:
We also had some delicious food, the paella was amazing as well as this restaurant called The Attic, Daniel did get a little poorly but i don't think it was down to the food. Maybe too much sangria! Will definately be cooking some tapas dishes and paella at some point soon.
Barcelona comes highly recommended as a place to visit - take lots of pennies though!
Here is a snapshot of our time there:
We also had some delicious food, the paella was amazing as well as this restaurant called The Attic, Daniel did get a little poorly but i don't think it was down to the food. Maybe too much sangria! Will definately be cooking some tapas dishes and paella at some point soon.
Barcelona comes highly recommended as a place to visit - take lots of pennies though!
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