Page 17 of JmIntouch33 Travel Blog Posts


Asia » China » Shaanxi April 9th 2014

Geo: 34.2712, 108.991Just saying, lucky to be here blogging tonight! I believe with every fibre of my Chinese heart that I am here because my soup had three NOT four mini wontons in it! (For the non-Chinese literate...four is the number of "death".....no fourth floor indicated in the lifts in hotels...three wontons much better than four!)Anyway, it was 9.10 pm and the Tang Dynasty show had ended and at 9.12 as arranged we emerged from the theatre to see our driver reversing our car up the steps! Now that is taking door to door service literally. Mr Shin was out of the people mover van and was holding open the door for me to get in. As usual I lumbered up the step and was "in" ... So he let go to start towards the front ... read more
Ring My Bell circa 200 BC
The PRE warrior experience
Biggest jigsaw EVA..spectacular

Asia » China » Shaanxi April 8th 2014

Geo: 34.27, 108.9Another early day with the alarm sounding at 6.30 am. The first challenge was to get everything back into the suitcases. Mmmmm, I am TOTALLY convinced we have brought too much stuff - we certainly need to be better at this! But after some swapping and trading we did have it all assembled before breakfast.True to form, Howard arrived precisely on time....with a THIRD driver in tow. We didn't even want to ask what happened to Mr Young. But we did navigate the morning traffic successfully to take us back to the Hutongs district for the rickshaw ride.It is a bit like a lottery - dozens of rusty, dirty and dilapidated rickshaws make up the fleet. Our driver was about 35 kgs and when he put his hand out to give me a boost ... read more
Lunch in traditional home
Howard photo bombing!
Beijing Train station

Asia » China » Beijing April 7th 2014

Geo: 39.9732, 116.297Home again at last after a day that can only be explained with superlatives. If you have not done it already, stake a claim to something seriously special for the next seriously rounded birthday number! Realising the dream after our countdown has given me the most incredible joy.So now, back to the beginning.A surprise present from Mac - a beautiful jade green blouse to wear to dinner and a bundle of scratchies that I haven't attacked yet. A card and loot from Aunty Gail and Paul AND a waiver on the plumbing bill (very cute).I strapped on the Merrills (if you don't have a pair travellers...get some!) and restocked the handbag with essentials (...read toilet paper here!) and joined Mac at the birthday buffet breakfast. Collected the birthday wishes from Michael, Anthony and Mindy ... read more
The heroes journey begins
Climbing and smiling
Climbing and smiling

Asia » China April 7th 2014

Geo: 39.9165, 116.391Well here we are....getting ready for the celebrations of the BIG 60. Got my vest, got my glasses...am ready to go. Thanks to all who have been part of the pre birthday celebrations and the countdown. I am still so excited. Bring on THE WALL. And bring on the next decades celebrating with Mac! Love and thanks to all. Xoxox... read more
Getting ready

Asia » China » Beijing April 6th 2014

Geo: 39.9165, 116.391A totally different day. Jaw dropping and mind blowing in every way.Going to China? Get a guide! And if you can get yourself one like Howard..do it, because he was a gem. A four year graduate of the University of Beijing (majoring in English and tourism), this cheeky, humorous "transient" was full of stories, information and insights. Howard was backed up by a driver, who magically appeared at the pickup points of all the venues and then navigated through the endless maze which was the chaos of the streets in Beijing.We started the day with a breakfast buffet in the ARIVA at 7.00 am and finally staggered in the door exhausted to finish the day at 9.42 pm. But what a first day. I'll say it again....the guide thing is the best! First destination ... read more
Howard leads the adventure
Iconic places..with many many many people

Asia » China April 5th 2014

Geo: 22.33, 114.18An easy and comfortable flight to get us started. I think Cathay Pacific have done this a few times before because it seemed that we were on board and heading for the runway in a snap. We had great seats - a little twosome with a window seat (lucky me...Mac took the aisle).A great dinner; a glass of wine; a soft drink and dessert; a quick flick through the movie channels; a few stitches added to the craft project all combined with watching the miles disappear with the on board flight tracker and it was soon sleep time.  Well for me anyway. @WJ Mac of course was the last TV off and he probably had 4 minutes of shut eye before the sun was breaking on the horizon and the cabin lights were flicked ... read more
Flight delights and ARIVA
No wonder we missed it
Getting familiar with the China way

Oceania » Australia » Queensland » Brisbane April 4th 2014

Geo: -27.4676, 153.028A hectic week but the hour had finally arrived ... Friday evening at last and we were at Terminal 1, Gate 79 waiting for our flight.A great day at work to finish the week and celebrate 60 with a little touch of The Great Wall with my very own birthday cake extravaganza created by Julie-Anne. A pizza lunch with the staff, a few last minute jobs and at 4.10 pm with lights flashing - I was "outa there"..... and it may be hard to believe, but I was "outa there....with narry a backwards glance".Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mac was slaving away doing all things domestic. I roared up the driveway to the echoing sound of the lawn mower roaring in the backyard....cutting it a bit fine I'd say. But in reality we had ... read more
Airport farewells
The driver gets us safely to the airport
Leaving on a jet plane

Oceania » Australia » Queensland » Brisbane March 3rd 2014

Geo: -27.4676, 153.028A big day today ... An appointment with the consulate to apply for visas. Should be done and dusted and all official by Thursday. Application for a "single entry" visa = $93.Wayne was amazed by the age of the other applicants. I might not be the oldest person on the wall.The process:All the forms area available online and can be filled in for printing.It is necessary to make a formal booking for your appointment with the consulateDocumentation needed included passport and Itinerary plus a recent colour photographThe appointment:Arrive 10 minutes earlyState your businessTake a number (even if you are the ONLY customer)Submit formsPay moneyGet return date.....done in 10 minutes... read more

Oceania » Australia » Queensland » Logan City February 20th 2014

Geo: -27.6393, 153.145The trip to China has become a reality thanks to the combined efforts of Wayne, Sharyn and the mystery China tourist team.A total of 33 days of fun and adventure - 29 days on mainland China and 4 days to finish off in Hong Kong.An overview of the adventure:Beijing (3 days)Xi'an (3 days) Yangtze Cruise (4 days)Chengdu (2 days)Jiuzhaigou (2 days)Shangri-La (2 days)Lijiang (2 days)Kunming (3 days)Guilin (3 days)Xiamen (2 days)Shanghai (2 days)Hong Kong (3 days)... read more




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