China 2012

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We had decided to make the China trip this year, while we had good health and the energy.  You know, life has a way of interfering with travel.

After booking the trip in January, I had some trepidation; the long flight (18 hrs,) and the food.  This trip would turn out to be a real adventure!  And the food, well, that’s another story.  Suffice to say, after 3 weeks of all Chinese food, all the time, we couldn’t run fast enought to McDonald’s in our last city (Hong Kong), EVEN at 10:30 at night!

We saw EVERYTHING one could ever want to see in China; starting in Bejing with the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Tienamen Square and the Forbidden City.  The Great Wall is an awesome sight!  And an even more awesome climb!!!  I had no idea the pathway was so steep.  I hope you can tell from my photos.    

Tienanmen Square is incredibly huge.  From what I had seen on TV, I thought it was much smaller but it goes on and on.  Standing where that young man defied the tank many years ago was a very serious moment for me.  The Temple of Heaven is another incredible sight.  To think they could build something like that without computers and the tools we have today is amazing.  Amazing, incredible and awesome - the sights are just that.  

Then we went to see the Terracotta Warriors, Li River, Yangtze River (cruised for 5 days), former home of Gen Stillwell (which is now a museum) and the companion Flying Tiger Museum across the street.  I haven't told you all of the sights we saw; this was just the highlights!!  Also, had 5 internal flights to all these cities: Shanghai, Wuhan, Xi'An, Chingqing, Guilin, Hong Kong.

This trip was great but grueling.  The truth!!

Mari-Elain

What more fasinating place on earth can you visit?