#96 Journey Home Part 1 Taizhou to Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia

Asia » Mongolia » Ulaanbaatar
July 10th 2008

Published: November 9th 2008

Well here I am finally with the beginning of my fantastic 5 or so month adventure back to Oz after leaving Taizhou on June 17. I have set myself a challenge to reduce my carbon foot print as much as possible by travelling mainly by train. Originally, I had allowed myself just one flight and that is for my final leg from San Diego to Brisbane. However, my plan to take a "cheap" passage with a con... Read Full Entry

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Susan Storr

Sue Treadie

This blog was started in 2006 when I embarked on a new life adventure teaching English in China. It was a wonderful, enriching and enlightening experience. Many of you came on this journey with me. For those of you who are searching for more meaning and satisfaction in your life and feel that teaching languages overseas might fit the bill, I enthusiastically encourage you to take up the challenge as I did nine years ago. You will never regret it. In fact you will probably say "Why didn't I do this years ago?" I then began a journal of my journey home to Australia- the long way round! U... full info

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Tianjin 2

Entrance to the traditional "Old Street" near where I was staying. I was disappointed to find it merely a reproduction street filled with tacky souvenir stalls. Beautiful architecture, though!

Tianjin 3

"Old Street" with Drum Tower in the background.

Tianjin 3a

A closer look at the drum tower.

Tianjin 4

Black ceramic sculptures are traditional products from this region.

Tianjin 5

More souvenirs.

Tianjin 6

Modern waterfront and developing pedestrian parklands in the heart of the city.

Tianjin 7

Air pollution is a growing problem in China's rapidly developing cities.

Tianjin 8

More pedestrian areas framed by the ever larger high-rise office and apartment buildings in the background.

Tianjin 9

There are several areas in the city that were set aside for Europeans. The most notable areas still remaining are the British and Italian concessions. This is a refurbished residence in the Italian concession.

Tianjin 10

You could be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy! A main intersection in the leafy Italian concession area found near the river.

Tianjin 11

Hazy view across the bridge.

Beijing 1

The famous "Egg", Beijing's new Grand National Theatre. This striking structure is tucked away behind Tiananmen Square and set in the middle of a shallow lake. Very impressive.

Beijing 3

The Egg at night.

Beijing 4

Maggie and I admire the famous Bird's Nest from in front of the highly fenced Olympic grounds. A bit hard to believe that in just 40 days everything would be ready- but it was!! Amazing!

Beijing 5

I managed to sneak a shot without the horrid fence!

Beijing 6

A different view again. A really impressive structure.

Beijing 7

Revamped metro station with beautiful mosaics made for a more pleasant wait for the crowded trains.

Beijing 8

..and another mosaic.

Beijing 9

My humble abode at Leo's Hostel in one of the few surviving hutongs in Beijing where life continues almost as it has for many decades.

Erlian 2

Alex is an American guy I linked up with on the Beijing to Erlian train. He has a business in Beijing and was doing a "border run" to renew his visa. He obviously isn't used to mixing with the locals and was a bit overwhelmed at first, but soon warmed to the attention!

Erlian 3

Local market stallholder proudly shows off her tobacco.

9th November 2008

Bushbasher
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Latest TravelBlog
G'day Treadie, Your pics and stories are great - look forward to each installment. It will be great to have you back in Oz but will miss the blogs. On On Bushie

9th November 2008

Bootie
non-member comment

Love your travel adventures, looking forward to the next episode.

10th November 2008

Kuntfoo
non-member comment

You beautie Treadie!...
Sue What fabulous little adventures you are enjoying!... As you know I was at Jinan Uni Intensive Mandarin Nov/Dec 2008 so I can relate to your PR China experiences. I have the past five weeks hashed PI Nash Hash La Union ,10th Mekong Indochina at Sukhothai with Chiangmai and Laos post lubes. Went to Pattaya and enjoyed a Bangkok Nonthaburi Men's run with Bimbo... Tonight thankfully off home to recuperate ON On KUNTFOO

17th November 2008

Daddy Rabbit
non-member comment

You Go Girl
Can't wait to see you and hear all about your adventures in San Diego. On On

25th November 2008

Hans
Hans J. Schneider

Greetings from Taizhou Teachers College
So happy to hear you are doing well. How quickly time passes, and we are almost at the end of another semester here at TTC. It is getting much cooler, and soon it is time for the long-johns. I think of you often, and miss you much here. Wish you continued joys in your travels, and look forward to your photos from your extensive journey West. Have a happy Thanksgiving in the USA. Love, Hans

27th June 2009

Elaine
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XX
Liked your cool pics and adventurous stories!!!!

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#96 Journey Home Part 1 Taizhou to Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia

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