Green bean ice cream and haze Wow, it was super hazy at the Wall wasn't it? Still made for some nice pictures. The green bean ice cream is something I have never heard of, and you have run into it twice already. You have put me onto a research project. Keep enjoying your time in China. I will continue to enjoy it through this blog.
Green bean ice cream and haze The green bean ice cream was, as I've said, second to green tea ice cream which I love and like to gorge myself on whenever we visit Japan (we have a son who's lived in Tokyo for the past twelve years so make fairly regular visits there). Indeed, the last time we were in Japan I bought some matcha powder and made my own geeen tea ice cream! On the subject of haze, someone noted that, since China makes 70% of the world's goods it has to suffer the haze as a consequence of that. But I have to wonder if there was more legislation to tackle industrial pollution that the haze, and lack of blue skies, could be negated somewhat.
Beautiful jade I really do love the look of jade... and I think more shopping experiences should involve coffee and ice cream! We were treated to free rum punch while at a travel agent in Belize - we booked things that we'd never have normally booked! :)
Beautiful jade Nice to hear from you. Yes, jade really is gorgeous. But I have to admit I really am trying not to buy too many more possessions! There comes a time when you need to clear the decks a bit!!
Ready and waiting There definitely was no shortage of rickshaws and willing drivers. We enjoyed the chance to sit back and be driven, instead of walking here, there and everywhere for a change. Well, in-between times on the bus that is!
Very cool We were blown away by China. Although we didn't really have any pre-conceived ideas of what China was like it was full of the wow factor. I do hope that you get to visit there soon! We are definitely looking forward to going back at some time in the future.
Lolly shop Welcome to the lolly shop to beat them all. China has so many tempting treasures that you are encouraged to buy, you might as well buy another suitcase now to keep them in. On my first trip I did just that.
Lolly shop Well we're actually back home now. And we did indeed buy some silk sheets which we're having shipped here. The silk factory offered us a free suitcase to bring them home in but we decided that we had enough to carry without added to the burden! So now looking forward to their arrival!!
Great Wall Pleased to see you travelling again. The Great Wall seems a bit steep for a pleasant stroll but you are almost mountaineers after your South America climbs! Hope you are learning some Chinese. I worked there for 4 years and found it very difficult. I did enjoy many foot massages at very low cost. I really believe that they are very good for you! Enjoy your hols. Val and Keith xx
Great Wall Good to hear from you Keith. I'm sorry to say that I didn't learn any Chinese. How long ago did you work there? We met some Chinese Australians who'd been away for four years and they were amazed at the changes in that time.
Greetings from Munich Hi Michelle & Kevin, still following your wonderful blog never forgetting the fantastic time I was allowed to spent at your beautiful home back in 2004! We will come back to Sydney one day with my husband and children. Lots of love from Germany Simona
Greetings from Munich Wow! A husband and children!! Obviously a lot has happened since I last heard from you. Do come back soon. We'd be more than welcome to put you up so start planning to visit us. Lots of love to all. M xx
And, we're off! What a fun read this was. It sounds like your trip is off to a great start. I hope you find many knowledgeable guides and fun sites to visit. Can't wait to see where you head next.
Sun Yat-sen I have been to Beijing a number of times Michelle and Sun Yat-sen was not gracing Tiananmen then, but of course I have heard of him. I've been to his initial resting place at Biyun Si in the Fragrant Hills outside Beijing and viewed his empty coffin. His remains had been transferred to Nanjing. Glad he is presently in favour and gracing Tiananmen and thanks for letting me know.
Tiananmen China is the country I have travelled most in other than Oz so fascinating to see where they take your on your tour. Who is the picture of in this placard in Tiananmen Square? He certainly wasn't there when I've been there!
Tiananmen When were you last in China Dave? The gentleman in the photo you mentioned is Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) who is known as the Father of the Nation. He was the First President and founding father of the Republic; a Chinese physician, writer, philosopher, calligrapher & revolutionary.
The concubine's lot ... Hi Michelle,
Don't think I would have liked to have had this role. You may have lived a privileged life but, you'd be hoping that the Emperor lived a long and healthy one for often, when he died, so did you - your days were numbered and you had no choice in the matter, even to the point of (sometimes) being buried alive with him. Thank goodness we have moved on from such practices. :) Jxx
The concubines lot You're right in that the down side of the job certainly wasn't worth it. And presumably, with so many concubines on offer for the Emperor, the concubines pleasure on the job (no pun intended there!) would have been few and far between.
We started travelblogging in 2008 when, with the parenting responsibilities of six children long-gone, we (Michelle & Kevin) left home for a three months adventure during which time we spent some of the kids inheritance! Having always loved traveling, prior to our three months away six weeks has been the longest period we've been overseas and that was mostly with kids in tow. Now officially retired (well sort of) I think we'll be taking up this traveling lark with a vengeance! ... full info
Martha Van Mollison
Martha Mollison
Have a great time
Thanks for your informative blogs! I hope you continue to have a great trip. Sounds pretty busy and energetic.--Martha