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Published: November 17th 2007
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Long ish bus journeys
Some journeys a little more uncomfortable than others.
It was the use of the bin as a child toilet, the spitting into carrier bags and individuals puking quietly in their seats that put us on edge! Other journeys were quiet and comfy! China - 51 days, 17 hostels/hotels, 13 cities and towns, 2 mountains, countless shines and temples, 1 bout of 'belly' and 2 foot massages! Major sites, including The Great Wall, Forbidden City,Terracotta Warriors and our trip down the Yangtze River.
Arriving Via a ferry from Osaka, Japan, our first images of China appeared in Shanghai。A very busy city, roadworks common site and smog a daily occurrence。Bikes everywhere on roads and pavements。 Vehicles sounding their horns at every moment,everyone so impatiently traveling nowhere。In the evening cities lit up their neon signs,improving the ordinary looking buildings into something more appealing and exciting。The Beggars in contrast to the Gucci style shops demonstrate the diversity of wealth across china,or perhaps across the world.
China has mobile food street sellers, hoping not to be moved on by the law,meat kebabs frequently being sold,looking tasty,but how long had they been sitting piled up?This question maybe kept us healthy。
The food began as a challenge,being presented with an entire menu,during our first few days,that was completely inedible,consisting of chicken‘s feet,brain,head,pig trotter,snout,heart,fish intestine and head,heart’s and so on!I had to control my giggles as Phil read this to me,we politely left that restaurant and bought a
Goldfish
Seen all around China in lakes and ponds pot noodle from the corner shop!We gradually learned where to find dinner, often department stores had a variety of buffet options,restaurants with picture menus, some hostels, or anywhere clean and sanitary。“English” Chinese food still appeals more to us than “Chinese” Chinese Food. How do they enjoy chicken feet and fish heads?When times were tough,we resorted (reluctantly) to Mcdonalds - chips and milkshake。Throughout our journey around China,the Chinese people varied in temperament and politeness. One thing we did notice were their disgusting habits, spitting inside and out,chain smoking,nose picking and babies/toddlers having toilet sessions in the middle of the pavement,in supermarket bins,bus bins,gangways,so gross!However,some were lovely people。Many Chinese seemed bewildered or intrigued at the sight of us。All the young girls told me I was beautiful.Everyday we'd be starred at by the young and the old。They‘d nudge each other and take a good long look。Some would say hello,which was nice,but often followed by the giggles. After a while this sometimes came quite wearing and annoying,to make light of the situation,we‘d whisper to each other “Go On Have a good Gander”. Surely they'd seen westerners before?! The most amazing situation arose in Yangshaou. I was sat at an outside cafe table on a
pedestrian street and a group of about 8 Chinese girls surrounded me and posed for a photo. Telling me i was so beautiful and staring at me as if i was 'different'. I was so embarrassed i burst out laughing and tears of laughter covered my face. The girls wondered what they done!
Traveling overland around China , provided us with great experiences of using a variety of transport. Long distance coaches - often sweaty and packed out. No toilet and little comfort. Surrounded by people, some sleeping the whole distance, others using their sick bags on a regular basis, oh and some toddlers using the coach bin as a toilet! Nice!
We had an interesting experience on a hard sleeper train, 6 people in a confined space over night, little hot lacking in space. Actually our 'room mates' were 4 Chinese businessmen who were well mannered - we were lucky!
Around the cities we jumped in taxis, rickshaws, hired push bikes, and used metros. Mostly though we walked about exhaustedly following our map.
Traveling about was a crowded event, from buying tickets to alighting vehicles. So many people using public transport. Vast amounts of bicycles swarm about
Loads being transported.
Often not driven by a youngster the cities, competing for space on the roads with bigger vehicles. A chorus of bells and horns fills the air.
We explored cities, found cheap backstreet markets, searched for internet cafes and toilets in shopping malls. Everyday had a new 'I want', from my pink fleece, DVD player, DVD's, lightweight trousers, hair clips, a camera to the ridiculous exercise band! Days have disappeared searching the streets for these 'I wants' and achieving the best bargain. Zoe's final 'I want', was a genuine Rolex watch, I settled for a fake at 2 pounds! Oh i do like a bargain! Talking of which, i became quite good at bargaining down the prices - one item i bought for 7 pounds, down from 33 pounds (No pound sign on this keyboard!), i couldn't help but smile at my win, the shop keeper didn't look so happy!
Everyday items were very cheap. 14p a ride around on the city buses, 200p for a a stir fry and rice for 2 people in a department store buffet! Accommodation at 7 - 20 pounds, which spans from 2* to 4* hostels and hotels. Clothes were silly cheap.
Due to a degree of poverty,
9 million bikes
So many bikes everywhere across China! Main form of local transport for many people, cars are for the rich. we found that some people hard to trust. We booked as fewer tours as we could, meaning we'd find our own way, making it cheaper.
People, oh well let them be. As the new middle class evolves from the streets a new found fortune begins to take over. Where once a small Hutong was proudly a home, now it's bulldozed to dust, a luxury apartment now stands taking its place. We have seen the everyday life, capitalism fuels the billions of the new middle classes.
Poem about Chongqing:
When night draws in and traffic slows to a jam,
The neon dances across the skylines,
blinding the tourists into wealth and fortune,
while disguising the stench and festering poverty of the slums within.
That's Chongqing.
Chongqing is the city where we began our Yangzte River experience.
China, a complete mixture of experiences. So much to see and do.
A huge country to travel across but well worth the effort. Words and pictures don't really do it justice. I've tried not to be analytical in my writing. I guess it's easy to focus upon the differences a westerner sees, but this is their country. Who am i to write
about it? I would recommend a trek across China, it's an unforgettable experience.
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