Blogs from Suzhou, Zhejiang, China, Asia - page 2

Went for breakfast with two Danish girls and had an egg and bacon sarnie with a decent coffee. Then went to the Humble Administrators Garden (70y) which was fairly large with lush plants and acres of space. Unfortunately the huge numbers of Chinese tour groups were in full flock and made a peaceful setting fairly loud and busy. The fishes and setting was spectacular enough to over-ride the hordes. We then went to the Silk Museum which was interesting enough and had a personal guide for no charge. Later we tucked into a Japanese buffet (all you can eat and drink for 7 quid) and watched Harry Potter in the hostel. Film was better than i thought it would be. In anticipation of the impending footy tournament, I could not sleep until 3am. Nerves i guess!! ... read more

Went with Arwan on bus (cue staring) to central Suzhou where we walked and searched for breakfast. We walked upto a stall where the smell filled the entire street. Arwan ordered these cubes and stuff on sticks which looked like chicken. Spices were put all over the cubes and Arwan offered me the lions share being the generous lad he is. If i didnt know already, by the 6th cube i was fully aware i was eating dog. Doggy?!? A dog? Really? I got two at home! It smelt like wet dog! Bought a sprite quick sharp and went to McDonalds to wash down some explicitly Eastern filth with the Western compatriot. Sick.... Stomach was churning hard. We trotted round Suzhou and the language barrier was not too bigger problem as pointing and 'go' were understood ... read more

Hi everyone - a quick update from an internet cafe in Suzhou on a rainy day just before heading out on an overnight train ride (16 hours!) to Xian. When we left Shanghai we headed to tiny Zhouzhang which is a very very traditional water town about an hour and a half away. We stayed overnight in a 300 year old guesthouse - so you can use your imagination on that one:). Will post pictures when I can but that likely won't be for a bit. It was a very pretty place and lots of stalls for shopping etc. The next day we headed to Tongli, another traditional village, but just for a couple of hours before arriving here in Suzhou. Suzhou is really a large city that has grown up around the various traditional gardens ... read more

Huqiu, Penmen, The Surging Waves Pavilion... read more

The Humble Administrator's Garden: the best garden of the world... read more