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Published: September 8th 2010August 25th 2010
Harmony Guest House
We followed the advice of the Lonely Planet Travel Guide and fully agreed that this friendly, economical place was the best hotel in town!
I loved wandering the cobbled streets, peeking into doorways, admiring the handicraft of the local shoemakers, tasting the street food of the area. The ancient buildings were mostly greyish-brown, but the fruit and vegatable market in the street and the brightly colored fabrics in the clothing shops seemed dazzling against the drab backdrop.
People were very friendly and helpful, whether they spoke English or not! We loved our guest house - it was actually fun to be among fellow travellers from all over the world after having spend our first two weeks as the only foreigners in sight!
All in all, Pingyao was a pleasant change of pace after the bustle of Beijing. From here we took another night train to Xi'An - home of the Terra Cotta Warriors. That will be my last China blog entry -- really truly -- so stay tuned for the
Our Traditional Bed
A seven foot wide stone bed that can be heated from below is topped with a thin foam mattress. We slept comfortably on this huge bed.
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I first came to Ecuador in the late 1980's to teach English in Quito. I fell in love with this country, the natural beauty, the warmth and generosity of the people. I went on to work in international education on nearly every continent, but Ecuador kept calling me back. This Chicago girl has a "latina soul"! I've now been back in Ecuador, living here as a permanent resident since 2006. I have done all different kinds of work, from private teaching to teacher training to working with American volunteers as a driver/interpreter to filling in as a substitute hotel manager. I like to keep my sched... full info
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Ecuador
The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A b...more info
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Street Scene
Old town Pingyao is very charming. This picture was taken the first morning we arrived before all the shops opened.
A 4-Star Hotel
They use images of coins or gold bars to indicate a hotel's ranking. It's all about wealth!
An Elegant Courtyard
The ornate original woodwork was lovingly restored. The charm of the ancient architecture made these places seem so welcoming.
Ornate Shopfront
Over the doorways you usually see fancy signs like this one.
Courtyard Restaurant
Most all of the guest houses and restaurants were in restored traditional homes, complete with courtyard seating.
Garden Restaurant
The central courtyard was always a gathering place, for eating, drinking, chatting. We met lots of interesting fellow travellers in Pingyao.
City Walls with Lookout Post
The crumbling dirt walls belie the age of this ancient village. The wall forms a square, about a mile on each side.
Follow the City Walls
A stone walkway stretches along the interior of the original city walls.
Market Tower
Right in the center of the walled city, this tower rises above the low buildings which surround it. Lovely views from the top.
Pingyao Rooftops
From the central market tower you can see this jumble of roof tiles, some still with colored glazes.
Old Fashioned Horse Cart
Each evening at dusk this guy brings his cart up the main street to pose for tourist photos. I snuck a picture from behind!
Weighing Vegetables
Using an old-fashioned hand balance scale, this elderly vendor serves his customer.
Squash Vendor
The farmers bring their wares to the main street - a spot of color among the brownish-grey buildings.
Sleepy Market Vendor
Wake up and sell me some tomatoes!
Summer School!
Walking a side street I happened upon these kids having English class. I paused to give them a lesson in colors (their teacher barely spoke English!)
Old Man in Doorway
Lots of old folks have stayed in the village. They sit out on the street and watch the world go by.
Grouchy Barber
He tried to charge me money for having taken this photo. Big grump.
Spinning Thread
This old gal brought out antiques (from her attic?) and kept busy spinning while waiting for customers.
Renovations Underway
Many of the old buildings have new woodwork being installed. A lot of the old houses have been converted to guest houses.
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