Category Archives: malaysia/china (2006)

Yangshuo is labeled “sleepy little backpackers’ town” with “views that have inspired Chinese artists for centuries.”  While the scenery is breathtaking, the pollution is killer and the town has lost a lot of its quaintness in its mad dash to … Continue reading →

Had a great week wandering around Beijing. Saw Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and yesterday, the Great Wall (which was my favorite). Off today to Yangshuo for the weekend. Backposts soon!

After the hoards of folks at the Summer Palace & the Forbidden City, I was concerned about tour groups and a mob scene at the wall.  I decided to try Simatai, as it was supposed to be one of the less … Continue reading →

After finding local bus 375, I was on my way to the Summer Palace — which it turns out is several hours out of the city.  My favorite part of the Summer Palace was “Longevity Hill,” which I wandered around first.  It … Continue reading →

starbucks inside the forbidden city

I tried to get up early in order to “beat the crowds” at Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City.  My efforts were in vain.  :-)  The tour groups were already out in full force. Like much of Beijing pre-Olympics, the main two … Continue reading →

Went to Xi’an & saw the Terracotta Soldiers.  Also, had a most pleasant time wandering around the muslim quarter, eating street food & seeing their very small, very beautiful mosque. The soldiers were beautiful and timeless. 

My SLR is dead.  :-(  It’s been on the fritz the last few weeks, but last night it refused to respond the shutter button at all. I have to say I’m really sad.  It was my first SLR, and I’ve traveled to … Continue reading →