Blogs from Henan, China, Asia - page 2

We left Xian on the bullet train to Luoyang, we had planned to get the bus but when we asked about going by bus everyone looked at us like we were stupid, so we took their advise and got the bullet train. To be truthful yes it is a lot quicker but a lot more expensive and the train station we ended up at, Luoyang longmen is a long way outside of the city so cost another 60rmb to get to the hotel. once again we got in a taxi having shown the driver the address, who then looked like he knew where he was going only for him to have to ask someone else where it was. Thank god once again for our grasp of mandarin and a map to point at. What can you ... read more

Another ancient and exciting place I encountered on my unforgettable and long trip in China. I arrived in the historical city of Luoyang at night, as it often happen when travelling long distances. Even though it was dark I could not miss the splendid entrance of my place that I found there called properly: 红门. A beautiful and old red door that led to this place where I stayed for a few days. My reason for being here was mainly for the famous and ancient Shaolin temple. I caught a bus to get there and took about three hours one way to arrive there. I was really exciting to be in the place where more than 1400 years ago the Zen buddhism and this mortal art of the Kung fu were born. But, as it happened ... read more

Three-and-a-half years after I formally submitted the adoption application, the day has finally arrived! With enormous trepidation, Maya and I made our way to the adoption office with our lovely guide, Tiger. There were a number of other families already milling around the scattered tables and chairs, all of them turning anxiously towards the door every time it opened in anticipation of the arrival of their new child. Their faces collectively fell as they caught sight of my pasty white face (a not uncommon occurrence!) and they sat back to await the next door opening. Maya and I looked at each other and silently agreed not to be overwhelmed by anxiety. Instead, we began singing the Sondheim tunes from “Into the Woods” and giggling every time we mucked up the lyrics. Finally, the children arrived in ... read more

It’s so fantastic that we were able to be with Sammy for his third birthday on the 19th of March. Kym invited her students to join us. They all ensured that Sammy was the belle of the ball, but he only had eyes for the cream on his cake, which quickly sent him into a diabetic coma, which enabled the girls to par-tay. Giggity!... read more

28.5.14. Samenxia : PLEASE NOTE NAME OF PLACE IN FORMAL BLOG TITLE MAY NOT RESEMBLE ANYTHING CLOSE TO THIS TOWN NAMED ABOVE. I DO NOT KNOW THE NAME OF THE PROVINCE, BUT THE SITE WONT OPEN UNLESS I PUT SOMETHING IN THE BOX. THIS WILL LIKELY BE THE FUTURE!!! NB. Apple auto correction changes words after I have written something else. Hopefully this explains why sometimes it seems senseless. Distance: 134 Kms SubT. 1,322 Kms Bal 10,671 Kms Road Condition: crap construction, massive holes, corrugation, huge trucks, BIG HILLS. Weather: good,big patches of blue, hot- 38C Time in Saddle: 6.5 hrs Av Speed: av. 22 kph. Av Cadence. 65 Rpm Elevation: m up; M down Calories burned : 5,833 Ate breakfast purchased yesterday in supermarket, just as well as hotel offered nothing. Lunch was at the ... read more