Impressions of China

• The thing that struck me most about China was the amount of greenery. All along highways and freeways there are hundreds of trees. There are often lanes of gardens in between traffic lanes. There are gardens everywhere - formal gardens set out in patterns, roses along the side of the road, hundreds of pot plants set together to make patterns. There are whole streets of trees (often see truckloads of them coming in) that have been trimmed severly and then transplanted. In the cities where it seems a new flyover is being built every day, they come with planter boxes brimming with greenery or bouganvillia for their whole length. Sometimes there is a tri-level flyover, which also has three levels of plants. They are way ahead of this in this aspect. I admit there would be some sorth of workplace health and safety involved in maintaining and watering a lot of them. We did see a tree that we classified as roadsidia plasticus but most were living, breathing plants.  China is trying to clean up is air quality
• Chinese people are very welcoming and friendly. People are eager to talk to us and have their photos taken with us.
• There are some downsides, as there are everywhere. Some of the days on tour are quite long but we fit a lot in and occasionally toilet facilities leave a little to be desired.There is lots of walking. Most would say it was well worth it.
• The hotels we stayed in were amazing. It was pointed out to me on a number of occasions that the advertised tariff on the hotel flyers was more than 2500Yuan - $400 per night. Given this, together with two international flights and four internal flights, as well as all tipping, meals and the attractions we visited, made the trip excellent value for money.
• I would certainly go back to China any time.



Roadsidia plasticus on the right

Transplanted tree

Day 14 - Guangzhou

 Breakfast on 39^th floor – great views all around, good breakfast. Because we have a free afternoon, Conan offered optional city tour 50 Yuan per person – to 5 goats statue and TV tower Square.  Left hotel at 10.00 to go to Chen Family Academy - a complex built in the 19th Century by many members of the Chen family so it could be a family meeting place. A few people have had enough of walking and sat under a tree. Had 1 hour there – more shopping at the Academy kiosk then off to the 5 Goats statue. The 5 goats are a symbol of Guangzhou. This involved 100 stairs – many again didn’t do this. Beautiful gardens and people ballroom dancing on a bitumen square. Then to the TV tower square where, laid out like a hand, is also the library, a stadium and other buildings. Beautiful gardens. At Sun Yat Sen's memorial hall we heard about his role in creating the new China.   We then went to the airport and arrived at 5.15. All checked in and through Security by 6.00pm. I wanted to get there early in case we had a hold up on the freeway or the plane was overbooked.  Accommodation for one wouldn't be hard to find, but for 24 - could be a problem.  Our plane boarded and left on time - our day 15 was our arrival in Brisbane - our wonderful trip to China is over.

Trees decorated for National Day 1 Oct. The silver hangings are lights which look like red raindrops falling when they are lit up at night - very pretty...everyone went   aaaaaaah!!

Morning exercise in the park

The roof at Chen Family Academy

Our resident horticulturist, Marsha classifying a tree

Dancing in the square at the 5 Goats Statue

Day 13 - Beijing-Guangzhou

Left the hotel at 8.00 for the airport.Said goodbye to Lucy and Zhou. Arrived Guangzhou at 12.30 met by Conan – again. He'd remembered some people had wanted camera cards and asked whether they'd obtained them or not.  Went to Pedestrian Shopping Street.  Shopping much better in Beijing markets although many managed to stock up on extra things. I think I may have bought another handbag. Lunch on plane at 10.30. Farewell dinner tonight at Brazil BBQ which everyone loved – lots of meat. Some interesting very small birds on a skewer. Never seen so much dessert eaten by so few. There was a live band which everyone appreciated. Was going to hand out awards but impossible because of table configuration and noise from the band. Will have to mail them out. I took the liberty of giving myself the Mathematics Award - for excellence in counting to 24 - our number of passengers (sometimes I even got to 25).  Our guide Conan, sang a song for us with the band and he was quite good.  I think everyone is now looking forward to going home which is probably a good thing, because we have no choice..

Our guide - Conan - singing for us

Day 12 - Beijing

Left hotel at 9.30 - great to have a late start and  everyone certainly happy with this. Went to Olympic Park and visited Birdsnest and Water Cube. A few people climbed up to the top row of the Birdsnest and did an "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" call. In the Water Cube, they've changed the configuration somewhat.  I bet Ray $1million that it was the original pool when he said it wasn't.  Can anyone lend me $1 million please - Ray's waiting. I got lost in the complex and knew I had to go to gate 3 to get out. Wrote 3 on a piece of paper and asked a policeman.  He headed me in the right direction. People were following my lovely lime green shirt cause they were a little 'lost' as well.  Good thing I went the right way.  Helen M. arrived at the bus with a 'genuine' gold medal, with 'genuine' jade in the middle. Said she'd won it for the 100 metres sprint. A minor miracle for a senior don't you think?  We gave her an "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi" anyway. Surely she wouldn't tell an untruth!! Then to lunch nearby. We then went to the Temple of Heaven. Most people templed out and it is very hot. Half sat in shade and waited for us. Went to two excellent markets. ..just when you think people can’t shop any more! I seem to be OK for handbags now for a while. The best shopping is certainly in Beijing - the last market 7 floors of anything you could possibly want, at prices that are, shall we say 'frugal'. Dinner at Patio Pizza – a buffet - everyone happy with this. Said goodbye to Margaret. Back at hotel 8.15.

Our lovely guide Lucy

The Birds Nest - athletics stadium

Cleaning

The Olympics Headquarters now IBM - built to resemble a flame

Day 11 Beijing

 Departed about 8.15 for the Great Wall - what everyone had come to see - something else to tick off that 'bucket list'. Those who obtained pharmacy medication for coughs much better today. Stopped at the Jade Factory – given talk and demonstration of different types of jade and how jade is carved and how to tell real from fake. Much shopping. I’d have liked a samovar for 888,000 Yuan about AUD125,000, (no mere necklace for me) but no one would buy it for me. Got to the Great Wall – quite awe inspiring. Several elected to stay at the bottom. Gary and Cath did the shorter steeper climb to the top and, Bill  (aged 82), Barbara, Hughe, Helen M, Helen L, Joan, Jan C. and Tony went to the top of the other path. In the words of Mao – you are heroes if you climb the Great Wall. I only got to the third station – enough for me. Joan passed me like I was standing still (wait, I was!)  Everyone quite pleased with their efforts no matter how far they climbed. Saw someone carried down on a stretcher. Went to the Cloisonné factory and shop then lunch at their restaurant. Instead of beer we had rice wine liqueur – 57% alcohol. (Didn't try it with sprite) - would maybe been not so Spot-on. Many bottles bought to take away $8 for six. After this we went to the Sacred Path of Ming Tombs . Most elected to travel by golf buggy type vehicle but six of us walked the 2km – very pleasant. In the evening, we went to the Kung Fu show – quite spectacular and symbolic. Met up with Margaret and our groups got to chat. Then to dinner and back to the hotel at 8.00.

My samovar  - so near and yet so far

Helen M on her way up - she went all the way to the top after having got

 1/4 of the way and went back for asthma spray

Kay and Jude on the second stage

Me after we'd come back down

Sacred Path to the Ming Tombs (the easy way)

Jan C wins 'best hat'

Sacred Path to the Ming Tombs

Day 10 - Beijing

Off to Tienamen Square and the Forbidden City this morning. Large crowds leading up to National Day and quite a walk to get there. This complex, is the largest and most intact collection of ancient structures ever built.  It has  golden-glazed roofs, red laquered pillars and vermillion walls.  Again here, you can tell who lived here by the doors.  Only the Emperor could use the number nine - and his doors have nine rows of nine gold studs. Walked through the whole compled and the group was happy to find some vacant seats towards the end.  After this, and lunch,  we went to the summer palace and saw the lake, long corridor etc. Most people came out laden with handbags and Rolexes. After Summer Palace we were to go to a market but because of traffic, we went straight to our Peking Duck restaurant. We arrived a little early so went to a large supermarket across the road. Lucy accompanied us through the subway. Everyone who went agreed supermarket was a most interesting experience. They got to buy some supplies.  I always like to go to supermarkets in other countries.  Can tell a lot about the way people live. Peking Duck dinner was very good with the chef carving the duck at our table. Learned how to wrap the duck and accompaniments into little pancakes.  Arrived back at the hotel at 8.00pm. Two people have coughs and sniffles so Lucy accompanied us to a local pharmacy where she explained complaints and obtained medication - another interesting experience. Only cost a small fraction of what it would have in Australia.  It's nice to have 4 nights in one hotel - can spread out a bit and don't have to have luggage ready every day.

Inside the Forbidden City

The Emperor's Door 9 x 9 gold studs

At last - a seat (almost) in the shade

Day 9 - Shanghai-Beijing

Left at 9.00 for noon flight. Were at the airport in good time and were queued up when another group whose  flight was at 11.00 pushed in the queue in front of us with luggage, much yelling and drama. By the time we were processed we were ready to board - at least no sitting around. Vivian checked us in and escorted us to departures.  Said goodbye to Vivian - sad to see her leave us. Arrived and were met by Lucy and driver Zhou (Joe).Were taken to the Houtong rickshaw ride - houtongs are traditional areas now much prized by residents because of the land content of their houses. Most Chinese live in high-rise. We had a local guide Lilly for this tour. The Hutong rickshaw tour was interesting and enjoyable. Lilly explained how once you could tell who lived in a house - by the number of studs above the door and the type of statue at the base.  We were also there when kindergarten let out - lots of very cute small children. We had dinner at a local restaurant then checked into our hotel, the Linjingwan Hotel - again almost luxurious, beautiful rooms and facilities.

A house - showing 4 stars above door with drums at the bottom -

a high ranking soldier once lived here

My rickshaw driver - fortunately for him I went with tiny guide Lilly

Day 8 - Shanghai

 Everyone happy today because it’s SHOPPPING (almost all day). Went to Nanjing road in the morning – spent  1 1/2 hrs shopping. Everyone was happy with their bargains, From there to Old City God’s Temple (really a market) for more shopping then to see the Yuyuan Garden. Here we had lunch. Garry, Jude, Trish and Cath went independently to travel on the 431km Maglev train to the airport and back. Vivian organised for them to get to the correct station by cab. They then met us at the restaurant for lunch. It rained while we were in the market so sellers did a big trade in umbrellas AUD1.50. Afterwards we went to another market, indoors this time, where there was LOTS of bargaining and people came out laden down with packages. Everyone had plenty of fun and were certainly pleased with their purchases. Garry not so happy as the handle came off his suitcase.Lots more luggage weight going home than coming over!  Dinner at our hotel. Everyone happy to stay in tonight. Trish's birthday so had a card signed and Vivian organised a cake. Many commented how good Vivian’s contribution has been as well as the skill of the driver. All drivers so far have been extremely skilful which they need to be, driving large buses where most times traffic is chaotic. Many times they were cheered and clapped when performing a difficult or cheeky manouvre. Not once were we lost. Even traffic so far, though chaotic, has not been too bad with no major holdups. Have only seen a couple of minor bingles.  Certainly the traffic is not as bad as last time in I was in Shanghai.

Local houses viewed from my hotel room

Marsha shops and bargains

Haircuts on Nanjing Road

Garry had a suitcase but it got away!

Day 7 - Suzhou-Shanghai

Breakfast at hotel best yet as was the service. Many commented on how they liked the hotel best so far though it certainly wasn’t the most luxurious. Beautiful traditional with lovely gardens. First today was Tiger Hill with a reasonable climb up stairs, through historical gardens to the leaning pagoda which is much older than that upstart at Pisa. Several people wanted photos taken with us.  We then took an optional canal ride which everyone wanted to do, 100 Yuan per person. The canal wound around through small villages and we stopped in a village market – locals – not tourists where we were able to see cockroaches (although they could just be there to show how many a trap could catch), snakes and eels for sale, amongst other things. Everything local people would purchase every day.  Everyone agreed it was a highlight of their trip so far, both the canal ride and the market. Then Master of the Nets garden where high officials brought bits of China to one place and incorporated it into a garden so they could be serene.  Arrived Shanghai and checked in again at the Wynndham -  had a quick turnaround for dinner and show.  Dinner was at Hai Lu Fang restaurant – one of the best dinners so far – elegant and excellent food. Unfortunately it was a little rushed as we had to get to the acrobatic show on time.  Show was amazing and appreciated by all. I still can't believe that human bodies can do some of the acrobatic actions in the show.   Got back to the hotel 10.00pm - a long day but definitely worth it.

At the market

On the canal

The leaning pagoda

Max on the bridge at Tiger Hill

Part of Master of the Nets garden

At the market

Day 6 - Hangzhou - Wuzhen - Suzhou

Jude's birthday today so we sang Happy Birthday and presented him with a card. Vivian taught us and we sang Happy Birthday in Mandarin.  She gave excellent commentary along the way and gave us an insight into Chinese life and customs. Another bit of Chinese info she imparted was that not all people have cars and often say they will "take the No. 11 Bus" which means, walking on two legs.  Passed through areas which were both rural and industrial. More high speed trains and excitement. Wuzhen village is a traditional Chinese village and is still occupied. Walked past willow lined stream and through the village. There was a large bunch of dried small branches with leaves and Vivian explained it was to ward off mosquitoes, next to it was a similar arrangement but of torn bits of material.  Stupid question of the day!!!!  I asked Vivian what it was - she pointed to the large piece of dowel attached to the material and answered "it's a mop"!!!  Lunch was at a restaurant next to the village entrance – traditional local cuisine which all enjoyed. Served clear noodles for Jude’s birthday – a local tradition.  This time we'd lost Ailsa. She’d gone to the facilities in the village and got disoriented when she came out. I went back and  found her. We drove to Suzhou the 'Garden City' built around the Grand Canal. We then visited the silk factory. Saw silk cocoons being processed and spun, and silk being woven. Of course, lots of time to shop in the silk shop.  Arrived at Suzhou Garden hotel around 5.00 and were greeted by the manager who arranged for everyone to be escorted to their rooms. We must be important people!!!  Hotel is traditional style and most commented very favourably. For dinner, we went to TASTY restaurant which served western style food. Most impressive was the comment from almost everyone. The service was superb and they were delighted to have us. The dessert was certainly one of the best I’ve ever had and others said the same. .Vivian produced a cake to celebrate Jude’s birthday and the staff sang happy birthday in English then Mandarin, produced a hat (Year of the Sheep?) and gave him a photo in the restaurant’s folder. All agreed it was a superb night. Back at hotel 10.00pm. All cheered when we said not leaving until 9.00 tomorrow.

Bridge in Wuzhen village (traditionally women use the left, men the right)

The rice wine liqueur still  57% alcohol

From cocoons to silk thread

The enclosed courtyard outside my room

Jude's birthday

The hotel garden at night

We didn't eat here - Says chicken, shrimp, bullfrog

The delicious dessert...yummmmm!