2008 Beijing Olympic Games It has been my experience that isolating a country does not improve the condition of its citizens... Actually when a country has more contact with the rest of the World the conditions tend to normalize. Though the Olympic Games are now a big business more than anything else, they do promote more of the positive contact among countries and their peoples... China has come a long way in recent years... Perhaps the Games will give them a further push in the right direction...
Japanese Trains Yes, the Japanese rail system can be very daunting at first. You do need some time to "break the code". My experience was particularly difficult because I was loaded with luggage in an environment where everyone travels very light. Even the briefcases of the office workers are tiny and slim. In spite of these problems, I still consider the Japanese rail system the best in the World.. One just need to abide by its idiosyncrasies and have some time to get used to it.
Nice picture, but it's a shame that there is so much injustice against humans going on in China....sad!!! That's why Im kind of against the whole Olympic Games to take place there. Won't be surprise if the Chinese people boycott and do protests etc. during the Olympics. The torch has to start going through Tibet, where there are already protests. anyway....take care and enjoy your trip!!!!!
Japanese trains Using the Japanese train system was daunting enough in 1994--your description makes it seem now overwhelming. Trying to figure out the right train, trying not to panic in the crush of humanity every time the doors open, desparately trying to find someone who spoke English when my feeble attempts at Japanese failed-- I will never again take for granted a nice, easy to read, color-coated train system.
Donna
DreamMaker Destinations
Cool Bird's Nest I've seen 3 summer Olympic stadiums and 2 winter Olympic equivalents get very close to the deadline and make it!
This one seems behind but I believe that what is left is the most cosmetic parts... The grounds are very messy right now, but the work goes on 7 / 24... Yes I agree; it is beautiful and looks even more so at night, but I would not climb the overpass in the dark!!
Amazing Soldiers I had the distinct impression that I was just scratching the surface at Xi'an (considering that it was the base for 13 dynasties, including Tang)... It must be a great experience to be able to live there. Thank you for the recommendations, I now have even more reasons to return and give the city some quality time!
Amazing soldiers I can still remember being overwhelmed the first time I stood and saw that pit and all those soldiers! That was in 1986. I have returned 4 or 5 times since and the thrill never ceases! You missed a treat in not seeing the wonderful modern museum in Xi'an that shows the archaeological discoveries of many years. Also there is another nearby site Famen Temple with a finger bone of the Buddah (the earliest Buddhist site in China). I have visited and lived in Xi'an several times (for up to 9 months one time) and never have seen half of what is available. Do fly there again and stay at least one night. Make someone show you the Pagodas(small and large Goose) and the Provencial museum, go to Famen if you have time. Xi'an is so often seen on a rush trip but the more time you give it the better you will love it (except for the dirty air).
Great photos! Nice to see some different, and good quality, photos from this place. It's high on my list of places to see whenever I finally make it to China.
It's the journey that counts Very entertaining entry. I find it fascinating that so many times it is the journey and not always the destination that makes traveling memorable. The pictures are stunning as well. I always love a good contrast between old meets new. :) Enjoy Atlanta.
All The Peoples Hi, I have a new website: www.allthepeoples.com and I would love if you'd post some of your images on the site. We want to publish as many images as possible from all places in the world. Check it out!
Calligraphy Wow, initially I thought that the calligraphy artist was writing in temporary ink or something, never plain water... it's so beautiful though. He must have worked rather fast. I've always been amazed at Chinese and Japanese characters. Great photo capturing him in the act!
Great Blog! Hey, just want pop in and say that I enjoyed reading this entry, very informative yet humorous! I agree about history aspect too. After standing in places older than imaginable, it's easier to appreciate learning what the dates and people long gone actually have contributed to the world. Especially when you get to see how the same story does tend to repeat itself over and over again. Great photos too!
On Explorers and Travelers' Sacred Ground Thanks for the compliment! The other side of the coin is that people who travel with me tell me that I spend too much time with my camera...
Thanks for reminding me of my favorite beach Thanks for the comment. You do need to re-visit. I would like to read a blog of yours about Kiawah Island. I enjoyed very much your recent Queenstown report.
Thanks for reminding me of my favorite beach It's been many years since I visited Kiawah Island. Your photos of my favorite beach are a reminder that I should re-visit soon. Great work!
Exploring a Cradle of Explorers This particular cat seemed to like flute music (or at least not mind it much). She slept in the same position from the time I arrived until I left. According to her human staffer, she is 4 years old and quite active sometimes.
Hello!
Welcome to my travelblogs!
More than anything, these blogs are a means for capturing my thoughts and experiences as I wander the World. Though they are now useful for sharing these experiences with friends and family, I hope that they will also help me relive the experiences someday when my memories become dulled by time.
I have been fortunate enough during my lifetime to have straddled the developing and developed areas of the planet. During my childhood in my native El Salvador, I was amused but extremely curious about these strange visitors that a... full info
Omega
Luis E. Estrada
2008 Beijing Olympic Games
It has been my experience that isolating a country does not improve the condition of its citizens... Actually when a country has more contact with the rest of the World the conditions tend to normalize. Though the Olympic Games are now a big business more than anything else, they do promote more of the positive contact among countries and their peoples... China has come a long way in recent years... Perhaps the Games will give them a further push in the right direction...