Travel Blog Posts
February 11th 2010
Needing sun, beach and good food and swaying from China jet lag, I head off to Jamaica.... read more
February 8th 2010
I bid you zai jian from Xi'an. I am very glad I was able to stay and work in this great city. Most of all, I enjoyed working with so many vibrant and passionate young people. I eagerly await the blossoming of China, and I look forward to being here again. Until next time....... read more
February 5th 2010
Shaanxi History Museum and the province after which it is named are very important resources in the History of China. The province is well-known for the Terra Cotta Warriors find in the 1970's. Enjoy the photos until I can write some more...... read more
January 27th 2010
I was hoping that strong, green, pungent smell (I am sure it was Kali weed) would cure my roommate's deadly sounding cough. No thanks, she said. She was not having it. This she decided as we walked into the early morning crowd at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (TCM). Not exactly the scene you would imagine at a private western hospital or probably a hospital in China where Western medicine is practiced. It was clean enough, but not anywhere near sparkling. Well, imagine the number of people coming and going and you know they could hardly do better. Obviously, it is very well used. As she walked toward us, the petite, lively and confident director seemed at home with doctors and patients. She gladly showed us around the out-patient ward as she spoke kindly to each ... read more
January 24th 2010
So, if anyone says to you, you should climb the Great Wall, imagine climbing. It is literal. A stroll this is not. In fact, they offer medals (for sale, of course, because that's what they do in China!). I EARNED one. Through the howling, frigid winds, and slippery steps I was the only one on my bus to conquer the walk. I imagine that in the warm weather it would be a pleasant, scenic hike. But in mid-winter, it is a feat. I arrived in Badaling after lunch at the government sponsored jade factory. Nothing was cheap or unique there. I love precious stones, if only to look at them, but even I couldn't find anything especially appealing as a memorabilia. I think I will settle for something fake (oops! with a little less quality, I ... read more
January 21st 2010
You can't use Chinese money outside of China. Try to do your transactions at the Bureau de Change at the airport or at the ATM. Anyway, it's not as easy to get as you might think once you are here. Listen to my story. I had some US currency left and wanted to shop around and bargain--that thing they do so well here. So I needed Renminbi--RMB, The People's Money--from the bank. Oh, you would like to get Yuans, please take a number and have a seat. Well, this is a waiting room, and there are at least 15 "attendants" on the floor darting to and fro and answering your questions and making sure the 30+ customers in the bank are being attended to. Behind the glass security windows and desks is another army, maybe 15 ... read more
January 16th 2010
The Stele Forest (Forest of Stones) Museum contains relics of calligraphy written in stone. Some original pieces are housed there, and it is a popular attraction for the serious historical artists. Just outside the Museum are rows and rows of calligraphers selling copies of famous works and their own. Near the Wild Goose Pagoda (referred to in another entry) is a spectacular array of monumental-sized statues of the great calligraphers and some of their famous writings.... read more
January 16th 2010
If you have been to Vegas or Disney World, this water show won't wow you, but it is still beautiful and people show up by the hundreds to watch every night and all year round. This is a spectacular area to visit if you are even in Xi'an. This show is by the Wild Goose Pagoda. Also in this area are some spectacular buildings.... read more
January 16th 2010
The solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime occurrence here, and we got to see it from the Tang Paradise, a theme park that celebrates the "best" of the Tang dynasty.... read more
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