My visit to the Palace. Shenyang Imperial Palace of Qing Dynasty. This imperial place was built from 1625 to 1636. Before conquering the entire China and establishing the Qing Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of China, emperor Nurhachi and Huangtaiji of Manchu lived here. The octagonal shape of Dazheng Hall imitates the shape of tent used by the northern nomads. Hope you enjoy the pictures. We were the only expats in the whole area. So with my blond hair I was ask a lot if they could take my picture. My husband had a great time having his picture made with a lot of young girls that were asking him to pose with them. Back home everyone calls me Queen Esther,HEEEEEE..... the day at the palace was like I was a Queen and everyone was wanting ... read more

I know this is not a subject that I would normally talk about but before we arrived in China I was told of these toilets and that I needed to be prepared. I am from the South USA and I know a lot of people that think we are so backwoods that we go to do our business ( if you know what I mean) in the woods. NOT!!!! We have posion ivy, think about that, but the same concept is here except that it is indoors, most of the time. I have not been caught out and had the pleasure of using one of these, but my husband did. I am still laughing from the details of how he made it happen. I want go there just use your imagination. The adventure continues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... read more

I wish the pictures could show more of how the people of Shenyang get around. There are 7 million people in this city and cars, mules, mopads, bicyles and walkers all share the roads, sidewalks and any other place they can get thru. I have been in shock at how it all works, sometimes it doesn't. I have wittnessed several accidents with cabs hitting motorcyles. Not a pretty site. I have also learned that if you wittness one of these accidents it is not advisable to assist anyone because the custom is now that person belows to you along with their family. Hope you enjoy the pictures.... read more

Our arrival to Shenyang. We were welcomed to this glorious hotel, I was shock at the beauty of the design and décor of this structure. I was not expecting this much luxury. We have had the pleasure of staying here for 3 weeks, the staff are the most pleasant and helpful group of people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Everyone has been so helpful and always go out of the way to please us. We could learn something from them in the States. They try so hard to speak your language which is something that we do not do for our foreigners in the States. Very hard working people. I want to make this blog about the working people of China. So I hope in the coming days that I will get ... read more