China-A new life

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January 3rd 2016

Published: January 3rd 2016

Antarctic is done for the time being. Someday I may try to go back to that type of life and travels. But now a new adventure awaits me. It took two years and a forest of paperwork, but now I have a job working as support staff at the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China. Ive been in country for seven weeks now on the start of a two year contract. Every weekend I explore the sights, sounds, cultu... Read Full Entry

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Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Unlike most places in the USA, the metro station platforms have glass panels along the tracks. People are unable to jump, fall or be pushed onto the tracks. What an easy safety concept.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

All metro stations in Guangzhou has this sign over the entrance. And upon entry there is two young security people scanning all bags carried by individuals. At festivals in china; balloons are filled with hydrogen and not helium. So balloons are confiscated upon entry into subways stations.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Standing room only. On all metro subway platforms there are arrows on the floor instructing passengers on how to exit and enter a subway car. For the most part no one follows these directions. Also there are signs instructing passengers to allow the passengers to exit the cars first then board. One needs to push their way off on a crowded car or one may not get off with so many people trying to get on at the same time.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Some metro stations are less crowded while others that are a link to another line are very crowded.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Departing the station on a crowded day is like a getting out of a giant sardine can. The stairs may be two way, but that does not always actually happen.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Apple store in Guangzhou. There are many less expensive phones and computers sold in China; however there are also many people in China that can afford Apple products.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Pazhou Pagoda framed by a opening in a wall near the park entrance.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Pazhou Pagoda Park. Nice place to bicycle ride to. The park has a few walkways and beautiful flowering trees and bushes.

Exploring Guangzhou - Oct. 2017

A closeup of the Pazhou Pagoda.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Karl on a Saturday morning bicycle ride with Steve and Les. Steve guided us thru some paths through farmers fields on the way to Huangpu Ancient village.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Another pathway on the way to Huangpu Ancient village on our bicycle ride.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

The heart of Guangzhou can be seen in the many shops on the side streets. This is a small spice shop.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Another side street in Guangzhou showing the real lives of the local people.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

A wet market (fresh vegetables) just a short walk from a main street. Great places to explore and see how the local population lives.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

A side street on a rainy afternoon.

Exploring Guangzhou 2017

Older buildings as seen from the roof top garden of the IGC mall. Many of these buildings have been turned into small restruants.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017

Guangzhou to Beijing was only a 3 1/2 hour flight. But the plane was a Airbus A-380. We got served a meal and the service was fantastic. American flag carriers have a lot to learn on how to treat their passengers compared to China Southern. One way ticket cost was CNY 1060 or about $155.00.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017

While in Beijing I stayed at the Beijing Downtown Backpackers hostel. From the flight gate arrival to walking into the hostel was onlu 1 1/2 hours. Airport Express link 2 stops. Transfer to line 2, travel toward Chao Yang Men for 2 stops. Transfer to line 6, travel to Nan Luo Gu Xiang. Depart exit E near line 8. Walk to hostel thru overhead gate on road. Breakfast is include in the room price.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017

This is what the overhead road gate looks like from late morning to about 10pm. On the map the roads name is Nanluogu Alley.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017

This is what Nanluogu Alley.looks like in the early morning. A lot different from when the crowds show up later in the day.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017

Two streets south of the hostel is Mao'er Hutong street which will lead you to a small stream and the HouHai lake.

3rd January 2016

Di & Joe V.
non-member comment

Looks beautiful.... Happy to hear that you are enjoying it there. :) Happy New Year!! Di & Joe

18th August 2016

Derek Davey
non-member comment

Silly Submariner
I hope that you are doing very well in Guangzhou and you have fully acclimated. Enjoy yourself there. Extremely hot in Lewis County this summer and very humid. We have had a "drought" and tornado this summer. The corn still grows. Take care. Derek

24th August 2016

Audrey J Mills
non-member comment

AWESOME!!
So great to hear from you and about your amazing adventures! I'm now a subscriber to your blog so keep it up!

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