can't wait to see you! I'm hoping to still be in Michigan when you come. Do you have an itinerary yet? Would like to know date you leave, where in CA you're going to be, approx time you're planning on Salt Lake City and Sturgis arrival. Love and hugs, AB
Fascinating Report I so enjoyed reading this latest entry in your blog, Jonathan! Makes me want to read the whole story....thanks much! Now I'll go back and read the entries from beginning to end. Love the photo of Lisa! xx
ask sarah about the train to denver when she threw up in the seat, threw up on her blanket, threw up in the bathroom - it was 1993, the thanksgiving after Mom died- she & Dad & I went out to Denver on the train(you are right , 24 hrs trip) then Mimi & Beth & Dad & Sarah and I drove to Albuquerque (8 hrs) in Beth's Mazda! I love train trips- partly because you're so directly connected -your luggage you take care of, etc.
I'm glad you had a good time!
love you,
aunt t
purpose of trip? Thank you telling us about your adventure, Jon. Besides the adventure, why did you pick this destination? What was the allure of taking 22 hour train trip?
Bathrooms and Food If that is what a "sleeper" looks like, what do the bathrooms and food consist of on a trip that far. 30hrs, to go across the country? And we thought the U.S. was a big country.
Sleeper car 1) It looks to me like the Chinese plan for people to grow only to 6 ft., no taller.
2) Sleeper car - Mark had an issue with people smoking all night in the sleeper car ... to the point where he couldn't breath in the top bunk. Chain smoker in one of the bunks below.
3) What is the bathroom situation? And meals? My curiosity.
Blankets and pillows Yes, the pillows and blankets were decent. The bed was extra firm by US standards, but compared to the bed in my apartment, it was more comfortable. The sound of the train, and frequent rocking put me to sleep quickly.
? Thirty hours by train? Are you crazy? I took a 9 hour sleeper train to Berlin one time and it was miserable. Your sleeper car did look pretty nice though, even if the beds were a bit short. Wasn't it possible to take a flight to Shanghai instead?
Snoring... This sleeper car sounds all too familiar. We rode in a similar sounding sleeper car this summer on our way to Venice...though the "extra" leg room didn't exist, and head rest of the seats were luckily in my "sleeping" area...digging into my back all night. Needless to say, I should have taken a sleeping pill, because about an hour in to the 8 hour overnight train ride, I realized that 3 of the 6 people in the cabin (2 Italian men, and 1 British chic) were having a snoring contest! It was pure hell! I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep at all. So...did anyone snore?? Did anyone stink??
Nostalia and Creeping Hey John,
Sorry this is rather strange, and I apologize. I used to teach at Jilin University - Lambton College as well. 2004-2006 (long time ago now). Anyways, I was feeling nostalgic and googled "Jilin University - Lambton College" and your travel blog came up.
Just wanted to say how much everything looks the same as when I was there. I did a lot of the same stuff you've been doing, and had a lot of similar experiences - and is just neat to see someone else total random have a similar adventure.
Anyways, sorry again for the creeping,
Rob
Hory Kow! What fun the trip there ... I love reading your blogs. Someday you and Mark should swap stories of traveling in China. I know he sat on his toolbox on a train for an entire day once ... probably the same type of thing.
Good luck!
People with Questions The exam was nothing too crazy. Just some routine checks. It reminded me of a high school physical for sports. Anyone wanting to contact me you can send me your e-mail in a post. I filter all the posts, so it will not end up on my page. I will just use it to contact you to answer your question. I am returning in March and I will be here until at least July 2010
more info! Hey,
Where is the rest of the info! I really like your blog and just actually got an offer to teach in Changchun for March 2010. Do you have more info on the rest of teh exam? lol Sounds.... interesting!
WOW And we thought the ice sculptures on the cruise were amazing, this is incredible. When you come home you may have to take some warmer clothing back with you. Love, Mom
ouch wow, i thot i was bein green turning heat dwn to 48 at the farm office. it froze
the p-trap in the bathroom. or better yet sleep in a bag in europe while on
manuvers were it is 18 below all day and all powered vehicles are running
24/7 or they'll freeze solid. u just think you're cold....
Not in the Classroom? No wonder they need those magical, detox things you put on the bottom of your feet. The streets must be really nasty around there...
Blood So it has taken me a while to read your blogs if you haven't notice by my delayed comments, forgive me haha.
Solidified pigs blood sounds awful. I am pretty sure I told you about the grossest thing I ate this summer. If you don't remember it was everything in a pig (could have been a cow and chicken too) but the normal meet. Intestines, organs, and blood. Yummmm. Nastiest thing I have ever tasted, and of course it was in a place where I had to be respectful and not puke. I would not suggest eating anymore pigs blood. haha
Aunt Beth
non-member comment
can't wait to see you!
I'm hoping to still be in Michigan when you come. Do you have an itinerary yet? Would like to know date you leave, where in CA you're going to be, approx time you're planning on Salt Lake City and Sturgis arrival. Love and hugs, AB