Hangzhou - Day 6

Wow, what a day. I'm finally able to log onto the Internet to update my blog and it's after 11 p.m. here in Shanghai. Terri and I started our morning early in the city of Hangzhou. We had to be packed (ugh!) and ready to go by 7:45 a.m. in order to take a tour of West Lake. Our fearless tour guide, Jimmy, said that when President Nixon first visited China he went to Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. (just like us!) And, supposedly, after President Nixon saw the West Lake he said "beautiful lake, poor city." Of course, after all these year, Hangzhou isn't all poor. There is a great commercialized area with extreme wealth. But that is not the majority. There is also extreme poverty still there today. And it, from what little I've seen, is more common.

But (going back to Nixon's quote) if that is really what Nixon said, I would agree - beautiful lake! And what makes it even more spectacular is the beauty that surrounds it. The trees are beautiful and in the back drop of the lake are mountains. When we were on the boat the fog was just beginning to lift and it was an incredible sight. There is an area that we cruised by where there are three stone pagodas in the water. Jimmy (the tour guide) said that when they celebrate the Moon Festival that they put candles in the pagoda. The pagoda in enclosed and there are little windows around it. At night with the candle light pouring through the circular shaped holes and the moon beaming down there are a total of 32 "moons" reflected on the water. I'm sure that would be a fabulous site to see.

So after leaving West Lake they took us to a tea plantation where we learned all about the process of growing, harvesting, drying, and properly consuming tea. The tea plantation they took us to was located in a valley ... it was breathtaking. When we arrived we learned a little about the tea plant itself and then we went to a room where a gentleman who studied tea in college (yes, that's what he said - tea was his major) and he showed us how to drink it. Apparently you should use only loose tea leaves (tea in bags would be the equivalent of drinking instant coffee versus Kona beans freshly ground). You should not boil the water, just make it really hot and pour into your glass. Let it set for at least two minutes. Then enjoy. If someone is making and serving you tea - in China it is custom to thank that person by using your first two fingers and tap on the table three times.

I have to explain one of the pictures I've posted. At the tea plantation, there was a bulletin board full of postcards. Of course I put one on the bulletin board as well - so now, maybe that picture makes sense.

After the tea plantation, we ate lunch then went to a Buddhist temple. That was interesting. The first time I had ever been to a Buddhist temple. This temple was built near the carving of a limestone mountain of several Buddhas. The carving date back 1600 years. It's amazing to see something so old that has existed for all this time. To think it was there during all of that history and through so many changes in our world and yet it still remains the same. It is really a site to see. The temple itself is composed of several halls or structures that house other Buddhas ... I'm really not familiar with this religion and need to read more about what it is that I saw ... I do know that I so broke the rules today! There are signs everywhere indicating to NOT take pictures and of course there are people who are there to monitor and make sure all rules are being followed. Well, I just had to get a picture and I saw others doing it (slyly of course) so I decided to join in. I posted two of the pictures.

At this temple it is mostly tourists ... but there are people there who come to pray and burn incense. All I can say is it is a little different ... Ok VERY different ... than the Baptist religion that I practice.

So, after our tour we loaded the bus and three hours later we were in Shanghai. This is actually the last leg of our journey! We arrived here only to sit in traffic (reminds me of home). We finally made it to our dinner destination. You can imagine how difficult it is to get around when you consider that there are 16 million people (not including visitors) who are in Shanghai. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around that number of people in one city.

After dinner we were taken to the Shanghai Bund (that mean bank, as in river bank). What a spectacular site! I have to first explain - the city of Shanghai is less than 100 years old. It was originally a fishing village. In fact the name Shanghai mean "go fish." So on one side of the bank ... or as they say here ... bund, is the old (like 100 year old) buildings (which are beautiful). And across the river is the picture of new Shanghai (built circa 1994)... It is almost like Disneyland to me. Really is something to see, but I'm not sure if I like it ...

Anyway, I'm heading to bed! It's late. I think I have a little free time tomorrow and I hope to post more pictures and take more time to jot down some thoughts, impressions, observations, etc., that I have and don't want to forget.

Good night ... oh, wait, I guess it's morning for you ...

Sight-seeing in Suzhou - Day 5

Hello~ or as I now say (because is one of the few words I know) Ni hao! As is my routine now, I am blogging before bed (hmm, that sounds funny). It is 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 12th and I am in my hotel room in Hangzhou.

I actually started my day in Suzhou with a great breakfast, potent coffee and a good night's rest. Our guide first took us to one of the canals ... Apparently that part of China is considered to be the "Oriental Venice." I have never been to Venice (unless the Venetian in Las Vegas counts), but from what pictures I've seen the only comparison to be made is the fact that ARE canals. I would think the canals in Venice are more pleasing to the eye. Suzhou is actually surrounded by the Grand Canal which links the Yangzi to the Yellow River and is supposedly the largest man-made canal. Suzhou is actually criss-crossed (like a checkered board) with a series of small canals that somehow feed into the Grand Canal.

The canal that we toured showed us what everyday life is like for the common people of Suzhou. It is fascinating the way they live. These little homes are right on the water. Many of them have an enclosed deck area that is the kitchen (judging by the women who appeared to be cooking in them. It was morning when we were there and many women were out washing clothes in the canal. One lady had raw meat and was cleaning it in the canal; another gentleman was fishing.

We got off our boat (or whatever you call what we were riding) at a local marketplace. This is where people who live in that area purchase their food for the day. According to our tour guide, Jimmy, the people shop daily for their food. This definitely was an interesting experience. First, people are jammed packed up and down the streets and they don't have a true concept of space. Second, people are very curious about us Americans (just as we are of them) and have no problem coming close to you and staring. Many are very friendly and try to speak to you by saying phrases they know like "good morning" or "hello." Others are trying to sell to you. One child this morning (I posted a picture of him) kept staring at me and trying to get my attention. Finally he walked up to me and poked my leg, almost as if to see if I was real. It was funny.

I was so curious to see what types of items were being sold. There were live ducks and chickens to seafood to fruits and vegetables to clothing and housewares ... There were also some places to eat that were - literally - whole-in-the-wall establishments where someone was cooking in front of the building and people were inside eating. I've posted some pictures of this marketplace in on the blog.

But, of course, I like to deviate from our group and check out what else is out there. I wandered through some of the neighborhoods (for lack of a better word). People live with so little. I first was sad for them as I observed their living conditions, but then noticed how happy they seem. Perhaps they are content with what they know and what they have and the life they lead. Maybe I should take a lesson.

Another lesson I've learned today is the fact that a smile goes a long way. Today I've had many interactions with people who do not speak English and I (obviously) do not speak Chinese. But we're able to connect through just a smile. Two examples - today at lunch I was looking through some postcards I had purchased and all of a sudden several of the waitresses came over to me and started trying to teach me how to say in Chinese each of the places the postcard depicted. There were six girls all around me trying to have me repeat (awkwardly I might add) Chinese. It was funny. Oh, and I took a picture with them. Notice how tall I am and I'm not wearing heels.

Then today after we toured the embroidery factory I was standing outside when a man with his child came over ... he didn't speak English, but motioned that he wanted me to hold his child. So I did. The baby was very, very cute. But, FYI - many of the young children in China wear pants that have a slit where the bottom is with no diaper on ... luckily I had noticed this prior to holding the child ...

So anyway, back to the original train of thought - after touring the canals we went to the Silk Factory where we learned how silk is made. Long process that entails the exact knowledge of the life cycle of a silkworm. But it is interesting.

After the silk factory we had lunch and then went to the Embroidery factory. Also interesting to see how embroidery is made. The really good embroidery is a work of art.

Then after yet again touring and, of course shopping, at the government-owned factory, we boarded our bus and made our way to Hangzhou which is a little less than a 3 hour ride. By the time we check into the hotel, ate dinner, walked the block to see what's around the hotel, it was already close to nine.

So that was the extent of our excitement today. Tomorrow we will tour Hangzhou and then head to Shanghai for the last part of our trip ... I can't believe it's half over already and I feel like I've only seen a small part of China. It has, so far, exceeded my expectations. And those expectations were pretty high!

Write more tomorrow. Good night ... oh, uh, I mean ... Good morning to you!

Pictures from Day 4

Day 4 - Southeast China

Ok, before I begin I really have to apologize. I just skimmed through some of the blogs I've posted and realized I haven't been proofing them. You have to forgive me, but once we get to the hotel I am really exhausted and do my best to at least put some of my experiences into words to share with you and selfishly save for me later to remember.

So, again here I am very tired - but it is a happy tired. Our day started very early this morning - 4 a.m. - packing our bags and heading to the Beijing airport. I know I said this earlier but I just have to say it is truly unbelievable to see. It is an incredible structure. Our group boarded a plane bound for Shanghai and didn't realize that in and of itself would be an adventure. When breakfast on the plane was served Terri and I opted for the traditional Chinese breakfast. What it was, I'm not really sure. The porridge looking stuff was very bland and I think was rice and some kind of a bean. The round purplish colored ball we think is an egg (however you slice it like cheese) and the package of 'vegetables' looked like (but wasn't) green beans in some kind of a salty, vinegar preservative. Oh, and the roll had some kind of sweet compacted powdery substance. If my descriptions sound vague, that's because I'm finding it hard to relate what exactly I've been eating for the past few days. Actually, the majority of food has been delicious and not completely bizarre. That is yet to come as our new tour guide - Jimmy - has given us an agenda for the next couple of days. Included on our itinerary is a trip to a marketplace in Shanghai and I am working up the courage to try something funky. One of my new friends on the tour, Wayne, has already challenged me to eat a fish eye. Hmmm, I don't like to turn down a challenge ... but really, a fish eye? I'll let you know how that goes.

OK, I've detracted from our day. So, we arrive in Shanghai to a regular ol' airport - nothing as awe-inspiring as the Beijing airport. We met our new tour guide and boarded a bus headed to a small city Suzhou.

Here's the interesting part. According to our tour guide, Suzhou - with a population of 1 million - is considered a small city. Our next stop, Hangzhou, has approximately 3 million and is therefore considered medium-sized city. A large city in China has a population of 6 million. Once a city reaches that number they would be able to get a subway system. A city like Beijing (pop. 14 million) is considered a great city.

We learned all this and more as we took a drive through the country to Suzhou. The trip was about an hour and a half and we were able to see the way rural Chinese live. It was far different and less attractive lifestyle. Homes were dilapidated and rundown. Oh, and then there are all the factories we passed by. They really do produce so much smog. It's unreal. Although there was a lot of smog in Beijing we luckily had a beautifully clear day on the Great Wall. I actually think it is worse here. It has really bothered my eyes more than anything. One of the places we went this afternoon - Tiger Hill - is a fantastically beautiful place. There is a Pagoda there (see pictures) that is place on the top of the hill. Once you climb a little way up to where the pagoda is located there are or rather should be some fantastic views of the city. Unfortunately there is no sky - only haze. This sounds so strange coming from a Republican whose job it is to fight for less government regulation of business and believes in progress and economic development/growth. But really there needs to be some kind of standard and environmental regulation. Their progress has definitely come at a price.

So again, I've deviated from our day ... Once we arrived in Suzhou we enjoyed lunch. The food is a little different here. There is much more seafood and vegetables incorporated in our meals. I suppose that makes sense because, according to our tour guide, the name Suzhou means fish and rice city. Apparently fish and rice is the best translation of the word Suz and hou means city.

We then went to the Lingering Garden which is another tranquil and beautiful place to visit. It once was a private garden hidden behind walls in the middle of the city. It is surprising when you enter the gardens and discover rock paths, a large pond and wonderful trees and greenery.

After our tour of the gardens we went to Tiger Hill to see the leaning pagoda which is a 1,000 year old Buddhist pagoda. We then came to our hotel to check in and unpack (but not too much because we are only staying one night). We later went to dinner.

Terri, Matt, Colleen and I decided to roam the streets around where are hotel is located before joining the group for dinner. I purchased some Chinese candy (it was tasty and I am going to try and bring some back to the U.S. to share). We almost got hit by a car - several times. It is the craziest thing. People drive insanely in all cities I've now been too in China. There is no respect for lanes or right of way or anything like it. It's more of a free for all. It's also very dangerous because there are people on bicycles, motorcycles, rickshaws, mopeds and just plain pedestrians all sharing the same rode with cars, trucks and buses. So crossing the street you do at your own risk. And it is a risk!

Oh, also wanted to follow-up on the shortage of artificial sweetner, diet coke and wine. Found all three! They are scarce and not prominently available, but you can legally purchased all of them. In fact, I could purchase a bottle of Great Wall wine that is bottled in China (that's the only English words written on the label). Colleen did find a Diet Coke in the airport and we found another in one of the random food stores we went to this afternoon. I also saw a couple packages of equal on the table at the hotel. So, I apologize for not giving you the facts - I'm just conveying what I know to be true at the time and what I've observed.

Then, I have another update. Apparently toilets are fascinating to me. At our hotel we have what is called a Bidet ... If you don't know what it is, google it. It's interesting.

OK, my eyes hurt and I'm ready for a hot shower and bed. I'll write more later - including a traditional Chinese birthday celebration ... I like how they celebrate.

Tomorrow we tour a silk factory and the Grand Canal before making our way to Hangzhou.

Have a GREAT DAY ... I know I will!

Actually, my camera battery is dead and needs to charge. So I'll post pictures in a few minutes.

Day 3 - Last Day in Beijing

So here I am again - it's just now 9 p.m. (or 21:00 as the hotel clock reads) on Monday, November 10, 2008. I feel like I'm writing from the future and conveying what it's like to everyone back in the United States since it is 7 a.m. on Monday morning back home.

I hope everyone's Monday is as good as mine! Today was, yet again, another wonderful experience. Terri and I woke up this morning a little sore (thanks to our Great Wall experience) and got ready for the day. We have a little issue in our room ... with only one electric converter (why was it we didn't bring two again?) and many electronic devices that require the use of one - laptop, 2 camera chargers, cell phone charger (which is why my cell phone battery is dead - no time to charge), flat iron (it's for your hair), etc. we are are learning how to become efficient with our electricity schedule. But we made it on the bus, Starbucks in hand, on time and ready to tour.

First stop - a Pearl Factory. Yes, this educational tour also afforded us the opportunity to once again shop. It was interesting to learn about the cultivation of pearls and how you can tell a real pearl from a fake pearl. But I won't go into detail because there is so much more we did today that is way more interesting.

Second stop - the Summer Palace. What a breathtaking sight that is. It was a beautiful morning to stroll the grounds of a magnificent place. When I write 'palace' that is a little misleading. We didn't actually tour the palace. The palace is built on a hill that overlooks a Kunming Lake. The grounds are spectular, ecompassing over 700 acres. There is the famous 17 arch bridge that links a small island to the mainland. There is also the long corridor that spans one side of the lake and is over 2,000 feet long and is, like everything else that was built for the emperors ... opulently decorated. Of course Matt, Colleen and myself walked the corridor, disregarding the time, and held up our tour ... I know, know big surprise ... it was just too beautiful not to take in.

What is really interesting about the summer palace - as well as other public spaces in Beijing - is that the people of China really utilize the grounds. We've seen people playing musically instruments for enjoyment (not for tips), others doing tae chi, and this morning I even participated in dancing with ribbons to traditional Chinese music (I've posted a picture). It was so much fun to be at the palace grounds this morning.

Another interesting place at the Summer Palace is the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. I'm sure you all know exactly what that is, but for the few of you who don't, I'll explain. The Hall is another opulent building where the emperor and emperoress would conduct important state business like receiving foreign dignitaries, performing expected ceremonial duties, and (no lie, I took a picture of the plaque) accept laudations. I'm trying to figure out how to get that job duty written into my job description. Any thoughts?

From there we boarded the tour bus headed to the hutong area. But before we could get there Terri and I held up the tour bus (big surprise) purchasing a roasted sweet potato from one of the street vendors. Let me tell you - it was delicious!

We made our way to the hutong part of Beijing. What is a hutong? Cliffnote version: it is an old alleyway where people live in courtyard homes. There are different areas where hutongs are located and many have been either been destroyed by new development or have been renovated ...The hutong area we were in was located near a small lake and had some new development (still keeping the historical characteristics much like an historic district would dictate) but very much contained the old and less appealing homes. We took a tour of the hutong district by way of rickshaw. No, it was pulled by a man ... the new rickshaws are bicycles with the cartlike carraige for passengers attached to the back. I took a picture "driving" a rickshaw ... If I ever decide to relocate to Beijing I just might take it up as a profession. (that was a joke).

We then were welcomed by a family into their home in the hutong. The lady prepared an incredible lunch - served traditional chineses "family" style. It was probably the best meal I have had so far. The family was very kind and welcomed us into their modest living space. We entered through the kitchen which is no bigger than a closet. Literally no more than three people could stand in it at one time and really only one person if cooking ... The bottom floor also had a small living space and another 'bedroom' and bathroom. The refrigerator was in the living room and because there was about 20 of us, card tables were put up in both the living area and the bedroom and we were wall to wall. There was also one bedroom upstairs. This family was fortunate to have their own private bath/shower. Most of the people who reside in the hutong use a public toilet. I will say that walking through the alleyway there were some interesting odors.

Once we finished our feast we made our way back out through the hutong to wait for our tour bus. While walking the streets I kept noticing an interesting looking jar with a paper lid on top in the food-type stores. I would also notice those same jars with straws in them left at the store. My curiousity was peaked and so three yuan later (equivalent of 50 cents) I purchased one. It's yogurt. And I took the ceramic jar ... is that stealing? I did pay for it afterall. (I took a picture of it and posted it on this blog).

Our next stop on the Beijing tour was the Temple of Heaven. Another very fascinating site. Again, this structure was completed under the Ming Dynasty (that dynasty was very busy, let me tell you) and is known as the largest circular structure built completely out of wood - no nails. It too is located on a large piece of land. The grounds where it sits is absolutely beautiful - the trees and landscaping is gorgeous. I've posted some pictures.

We then left the premises and made our way to some Eastern Medicine facility where we were given an overview of TCM (not to be confused with TMZ - two completely different things). TCM is Traditional Chinese Medicine. Of course, we had the opportunity to purchase such items after our educational experience.

After that we had a dumpling dinner - very delicious. I really do like Chinese food and haven't tired of having rice (I even eat it for breakfast).

A couple of strange things I want to share with you. First, and I know this is weird for me to write on a blog to entire public but I really find it odd and want to share - the toilets. They are ... um... different. Not sure about the men's room, but in the ladies room they are in the ground (again, refer to posted picture). After much contemplation over the logistics of using one, I actually find them to be cleaner than a typical American toilet. Our hotel, however, is very westernized. OH, but wait, there's more ... in many (but not all) of the places we've visited ... the toilet paper is located outside of the stall. So, just be sure to know this before proceeding.

Something else that strikes me as odd is the fact that others in China find me odd ... Twice I've asked if I could be photographed and once a girl just walked up to me and took my picture - what am I in the circus. Another time, while viewing relics in the Ming tombs, a Chinese gentleman with broken English asked me if I was from the United States and then said his friend thinks I am pretty and would like to have a picture taken with me. Today, a similar experience. Very, very strange.

Another peculiarity is what we are served to drink at lunch and dinner ... our choices are coke (no diet coke is available), water, hot tea and beer. No joke, every meal, same options. There isn't any wine anywhere (well, OK, in the hotel there is imported wine but you just don't see people drinking it). And what they do call wine - I call hardcore liquor. Their 'wine' at 112 proof with the taste of gasoline, would be very difficult to pair with food. Also, I haven't seen any articial sweetners anywhere - which is why their, I suppose, we haven't seen any diet coke.

OK, I know there is more I could write, but I am exhausted. It's almost 10 p.m. and I still have to upload the photos. AND tomorrow we have to get up at 4 a.m. because we are flying to Shanghai. Can't wait - a new city to explore!!!