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The Land of the Rising Sun

Konnichi wa my fellow Americans, I’m over here on the other side of the world. The far far east where the sun rises. I read on the postcard that Japan is the paradise of the east. That may be true. Although it is cold (but about 20 degrees warmer than China), its still a lovely place. Or at least Kyoto and its environs are. But what do I know, i’ve only been here 3 days and 4 nights. Japan So lets go back for a quick recap. As i said in the last blog i think, Kyoto is mostly known for its  ancient Temples and Shrines. There are so many of them. Temples in the east are like Cathedrals in the west, there are many and they are beautiful, but after you have seen tens, you are a bit over them.  I am a bit over temples, so i decided to … read more

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Kyoto, Japan

After 11 hours of travel and a bad back ache from my backpack, i am in Japan.  I am not 14 Hours ahead to EST in the US. The weather is warmer thank God, its about in the 40′s or 50′s. First thoughts? I forgot to mention this about China (but they are here too), but one in four people wear face masks like doctors wear. I am not sure if its to protect againt germs or the wind. They even have decorated ones. Its rather strange. I had ramen noodles for dinner, which is a college snack in the US, but big here. The noodle place the hostel recommended was delicious. The toilets here are impressive. The seats are heated and there are all kinds of push button controls. You can get some music, a nice refreshing bottom spray and it even emits air freshener. Best toilet in the world, hands … read more

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More from China

As I reflect on my time in China, I must say its an interesting place. There are a few things that are unique to China: cuisine, tea, shopping, government and gardens.  Chinese Cuisine, Tea & Shopping I am generally not a fan of Chinese food in the US and the food here is good, but not my favorite but I must say there is so much interesting foods to see and eat. As I previously stated, they love meat or food on a stick. I’ve seen bugs, candied or fresh fruit, chicken, pork and beef on a stick. You will see people walking down the street chomping on one of these items. I went to this snack market the other day and they had everything you could think of – sea food, octopus, fish balls, frogs, etc. It was an experience. Dim Sum – which to the American just looks … read more

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New Years on the Great Wall

Although at the present moment, you all are in 2010, I am 13 hours ahead and have broke into 2011. Its 11 am on New Years Day. For the last day of 2010, I decided to climb the Great Wall of China. It was AMAZING!!!. I literally almost froze and the wind did a number on me as I was climbing up and down hundreds of steps, but it was awesome. It seems like the wall goes on forever in each direction. The line up the middle of my pics in the Wall snaking up and down the Mountains.Pics below. As a city, Beijing is a pleasant surprise, besides the blistering cold, there is much to do and see. I am staying in the best Hutong in the city. Hutongs are  old alley ways, but mostly lined with shops or restaurants now adays. I’ve gotten the Forbidden City and Tianamen … read more

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Half of Heaven

Day number 6, now I am on my way to Beijing after five days in the Shanghai area. For my last two days in Shanghai, I had hopped to visit the cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou (two supposedly heavenly cities full of gardens, temples and canals/lakes). I guess the other half of heaven will have to wait because on Monday instead of getting on a bus to Suzhou, I got on a bus to Xitang. How did this happen? Well the day before I decided I wanted to go on a tour of both cities instead of going by myself and roaming around for the day. The cheapest option was to take a one day bus trip from the Shanghai Tour Bus Station. Simple enough, but the tour would be in Chinese. That was fine with me, I really just wanted someone to take me to the important places and … read more