Posts Tagged ‘Transporation’

Since I was contemplating driving…

August 16, 2010 0 comment

Just incase anyone was wondering alternative methods of travel to see me, here is Google’s suggestion. When I typed it in I figured it would come up with ERROR but trusty Google comes through as usual!

Personally my favorite parts are the ocean crossings. Although I don’t really understand the stopover in Hawaii. Also, how exactly do you fit your car in the Kayak, or the jet ski? Inventive though.

Driving directions to Weifang, Shandong, China 9,595 mi – about 36 days 20 hours Suggested routes

This route has tolls.- more info » This route includes a ferry.- more info »

 

 756 N M St Tulare, CA 93274

1. Head north on N M St toward E Merritt Ave   0.5 mi
2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto E Prosperity Ave   0.4 mi
3. Take the 3rd right onto N J St   2.1 mi
4. Take the ramp onto CA-99 N   207 mi
5. Take the exit toward San Francisco/I-80 W/I-5 W/CA-99 W   1.2 mi
6. Merge onto CA-99 N/US-50 W   1.3 mi
7. Take the exit onto I-5 N toward Redding   743 mi
8. Slight right at WA-599 N (signs for Tukwila/W Marginal Way)   2.1 mi
9. Continue onto WA-99 N   3.1 mi
10. Turn left to stay on WA-99 N   62 ft
11. Merge onto WA-509 N/WA-99 N via the ramp to Seattle   0.7 mi
12. Take the WA-99 N/E Marginal Way exit toward 1st Ave S   0.3 mi
13. Slight left at WA-99 N/E Marginal Way S Continue to follow WA-99 N   7.5 mi
14. Slight right at Bridge Way N   0.3 mi
15. Turn right at Stone Way N   0.4 mi
16. Slight left at N Northlake Way   0.2 mi
17. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean   2,756 mi
18. Continue straight   0.1 mi
19. Turn left at Kuilima Dr   0.5 mi
20. Take the 3rd right onto HI-83 W   12.4 mi
21. Continue straight onto HI-99 S/Kamehameha Hwy   6.5 mi
22. Slight left at HI-80 S/Kamehameha Hwy Continue to follow Kamehameha Hwy   2.1 mi
23. Take the Interstate H2 S ramp to Honolulu   0.2 mi
24. Merge onto I-H-2 S   7.9 mi
25. Merge onto I-H-1 E   4.7 mi
26. Take exit 13B toward Halawa Hts. Stadium   0.3 mi
27. Merge onto I-H-201 E   4.1 mi
28. Merge onto I-H-1 E   4.1 mi
29. Take exit 23 for Punahou St toward Waikiki/Manoa   0.2 mi
30. Turn right at Punahou St   0.1 mi
31. Take the 1st right onto S Beretania St   0.1 mi
32. Take the 1st left onto Kalakaua Ave   1.9 mi
33. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean   3,879 mi
34. Turn left toward 県道275号線   0.4 mi
35. Turn left toward 県道275号線   358 ft
36. Turn left toward 県道275号線   0.2 mi
37. Turn right at 県道275号線   0.1 mi
38. Turn left at 国道125号線   499 ft
39. Turn right at 県道24号線   0.6 mi
40. Turn left at 千束町（交差点） onto 国道354号線   2.0 mi
41. Turn right at 中村陸橋下（交差点） to stay on 国道354号線   1.0 mi
42. Take the ramp to 常磐自動車道 Toll road   0.3 mi
43. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for 東京 and merge onto 常磐自動車道 Toll road   23.8 mi
44. Take exit 三郷ＪＣＴ toward 首都高・銀座・湾岸線 Toll road   0.7 mi
45. Merge onto 首都高速6号三郷線 Toll road   5.8 mi
46. Take exit 小菅ＪＣＴ toward 湾岸線・銀座 Toll road   0.3 mi
47. Merge onto 首都高速中央環状線 Toll road   0.4 mi
48. Take exit 堀切ＪＣＴ on the right toward 銀座・箱崎 Toll road   0.3 mi
49. Merge onto 首都高速6号向島線 Toll road   5.4 mi
50. Take exit 江戸橋ＪＣＴ toward 神田橋・北池袋 Toll road   0.4 mi
51. Merge onto 首都高速都心環状線 Toll road   3.8 mi
52. Take exit 谷町ＪＣＴ on the right toward 東名・渋谷 Toll road   0.3 mi
53. Merge onto 首都高速3号渋谷線 Toll road   6.9 mi
54. Continue onto 東名高速道路 Toll road   189 mi
55. Take exit 豊田ＪＣＴ toward 東海環状・伊勢湾岸道・豊田東出口・土岐ＪＣＴ・四日市・新名神 Toll road   0.3 mi
56. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 伊勢湾岸道・四日市・新名神 and merge onto 伊勢湾岸自動車道 Toll road   19.8 mi
57. Take the ramp onto 伊勢湾岸自動車道 Toll road   12.1 mi
58. Take exit 四日市ＪＣＴ toward 東名阪道・大阪・伊勢道 Toll road   0.6 mi
59. Merge onto 東名阪自動車道 Toll road   13.8 mi
60. Take exit 亀山ＪＣＴ toward 新名神・京都・大阪 Toll road   0.6 mi
61. Merge onto 新名神高速道路 Toll road   30.9 mi
62. Take exit 草津ＪＣＴ toward 草津ＰＡ・名神・京滋・京都・大阪 Toll road   0.2 mi
63. Take exit 草津ＰＡ on the right toward 名神 Toll road   0.5 mi
64. Merge onto 名神高速道路 Toll road   30.1 mi
65. Take exit 吹田ＪＣＴ toward 中国道・山陽道・宝塚・岡山 Toll road   1.1 mi
66. Merge onto 中国自動車道 Toll road   18.8 mi
67. Take exit 神戸ＪＣＴ toward 山陽道・岡山・徳島 Toll road   0.9 mi
68. Merge onto 山陽自動車道 Toll road   192 mi
69. Take exit 廿日市ＪＣＴ toward 山陽道・岩国・北九州 Toll road   0.9 mi
70. Merge onto 広島岩国道路 Toll road   7.3 mi
71. Take the ramp onto 山陽自動車道 Toll road   59.2 mi
72. Take exit 山口ＪＣＴ toward 中国道・下関・北九州 Toll road   0.8 mi
73. Merge onto 中国自動車道 Toll road   39.9 mi
74. Continue onto 関門橋 Toll road   5.9 mi
75. Continue onto 九州自動車道 (signs for 九州道・福岡・熊本) Toll road   215 mi
76. Take exit 高速鹿児島ＩＣ toward 鹿児島出口・南九州道・川内・伊集院 Toll road   0.2 mi
77. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 川内・伊集院・南九州道 and merge onto 国道3号線 Partial toll road   0.4 mi
78. Take the ramp to 南九州道 Toll road   0.4 mi
79. Merge onto 南九州西回り自動車道(市来~鹿児島西)/鹿児島道路 Toll road   12.7 mi
80. Take the ramp to 国道3号線 Partial toll road   0.9 mi
81. Turn left at 市来Ｉ．Ｃ入口（交差点） onto 国道3号線 (signs for 川内・串木野)   4.5 mi
82. Turn left at 串木野駅（交差点） onto 県道38号線   1.0 mi
83. Turn right   0.2 mi
84. Turn left   0.1 mi
85. Turn left   325 ft
86. Take the 串木野~里~中甑~鹿島~長浜 ferry Toll road   40.3 mi
87. Continue straight   66 ft
88. Turn left toward 県道349号線   190 ft
89. Turn right toward 県道349号線   187 ft
90. Turn left at 県道349号線   7.0 mi
91. Continue onto 県道350号線   1.3 mi
92. Turn left   0.9 mi
93. Jet ski across the Pacific Ocean   486 mi
94. Continue straight onto 塘后支路   0.2 mi
95. Turn right at 塘后路   0.3 mi
96. Turn left at 双城路/雙城路   0.7 mi
97. Turn right at 永清路   0.7 mi
98. Turn left at 宝杨路/寶楊路   0.7 mi
99. Sharp right to stay on 宝杨路/寶楊路   49 ft
100. Turn left at 同济路/同濟路   0.8 mi
101. Slight left to stay on 同济路/同濟路   0.2 mi
102. Slight left at 富錦路/富锦路   0.3 mi
103. Take the ramp on the left onto Ａ３０公路 Partial toll road   14.4 mi
104. Take exit Ａ５ toward Ａ５公路 Toll road   0.2 mi
105. Keep right at the fork to continue toward Ａ５公路 and merge onto Ａ５公路 Toll road   8.1 mi
106. Continue onto 沿江高速 Toll road   20.4 mi
107. Take exit 苏嘉杭高速/苏通大桥/南通-蘇嘉杭高速/蘇通大橋/南通 to merge onto 沿海高速 Toll road   283 mi
108. At 同三高速公路苏鲁省界收费站/同三高速公路蘇魯省界收費站, continue onto 同三高速 Toll road   108 mi
109. Take exit 济青高速-濟青高速 toward 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   492 ft
110. Take exit 济南-濟南 on the left toward 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   0.4 mi
111. Keep right at the fork to continue toward 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   0.3 mi
112. Keep left at the fork to continue toward 济青高速/濟青高速 and merge onto 济青高速/濟青高速 Toll road   50.9 mi
113. Take exit 潍坊东/Ｇ３０９/朱里-濰坊東/Ｇ３０９/朱里 toward 804省道 Partial toll road   0.5 mi
114. Sharp right at 804省道   0.4 mi
115. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto 健康东街/健康東街   3.6 mi
116. Take the ramp onto 金馬路/金马路   0.3 mi
117. Turn left at 勝利東街/胜利东街   0.8 mi
 

 Weifang, Shandong China

Unfortunetly this will only get you to the edge of town. So just give me a call about Roundabout and I’ll meet you. I’m sure you’ll be tired so I won’t plan anything for the day, you can just rest but hey no Jet Lag so we’ll start bright and early the next morning.

Well see you all soon, well 36days and 20 hours soon. Remember no potty breaks you need to make good time.

Well I’ve been runover

August 2, 2010 2 comments

Just when you think you’ve peaked at your Frogging* skills you get ran over. After 11 months 0 weeks and 6 days my luck was bound to run out soon. But did I really think I would be taken out a mere foot from the curb, no. Let me backtrack a little and discuss the dangers of being a pedestrian in China.

1. No where do you have the right away

2. No place is convenient for you to walk

3. No where does it say side walks are are the safest choice

4. And the golden rule ALWAYS check before stepping off a bus

I broke the golden rule and somehow in this unjust world I figured I would not suffer the consequences. Tip for your future safety, never play Chicken with a Chinese, you WILL lose. They play it everyday, all day. Their favorite is scooter vs. bus. Surprisingly the bus is not always the winner.

As a bus enters the bike lane all the bikes, scooters and the occasional taxi don’t try to get out of its way, oh no they just pull closer to the curb. Nor does the bus wait to load or unload passengers until these daring individuals progress past the bus, they just expect you to jump out between them. Really why not let the passengers join in all the fun of a good game of Chicken? So the assumption that the two foot gab between bus and curb is an unspoken safe zone for pedestrians is nothing short of laughable.

Today as I disembarked bus 50 during lunch I learned my lesson. As the bus pulled closer and closer to the curb I disembarked with confidence that nothing was or could squeeze into that unspoken safe zone, then HE hit me like a wall of taro. Somehow through the initial stun of being plowed down I managed to grab the door with my free arm and grip the curb with my toes. He caught my shoulders for balance, as he had been running and by the end of the ordeal was most definitely over me I think it was safe to say I was run over today.

But hey it could have been a lot worse. Um lets say that scooter I bearly manged to miss last week with a full basket of groceries. Or the sidewalk inccident outside of work just yesterday.

Just when you think you’ve finished another level that Bright Red Semi always gets you!

*Crossing the street in China is the ultimate game of Frogger. You must cross lane by lane and avoid oncoming traffic.

Where’s….oh yeah it’s at the other apartment

August 1, 2010 0 comment

If there is one thing you can count on in China it’s roadblocks and lately, in the literal sense. Upon returning from my trip south construction on Qingnian Road had been completed but in its stead repaving of the roads on campus have begun, but only those accessing my apartment of course.

With the roads torn up, of course the essentials, Internet, accessability and water have all been disrupted.

Katie and Thomas gave me the keys to their apartment when they left and Nan told me I could move in when ever it was convenient. So I did the only thing I could to keep my sanity, I began the move to their apartment. At first I was only going for the Internet and a shower with water pressure above spitting. Then things just got complicated as I had to go to work and I hated carrying two bags as I never knew where I was going to spend the night.

I’ve tried to make the move but without the ability to get a car within two blocks of my apartment I’m just not in the mood to drag my big suitcases through the mud. So for now I live between and lament when I’ve forgotten something.

Although its been surprisingly shocking how little I’ve been able to live on at Katie and Thomas’ house. I almost regret bringing all the stuff I did to China. Yes, I still call this apartment Katie and Thomas’, it will be that for a while longer too.

Last night in Tibet

July 8, 2010 Comments Off

When we returned to Lhasa from Shigaze we return to the same hotel but new rooms. Our new room had a better view of the neighbors. We couldn’t exactly figure out what they were laying out in the sun but it was interesting to watch nonetheless.

View our our window. What are the neighbors doing?

Our final night in Lhasa we returned to the Snowflake Restaurant and I had a delicious Indian Chicken Masala. Oh how I miss good Indian food.

Katie and I did some last min shopping and I barely managed to stay within the my ridiculously generous budget. I had had no inclination to buy souvenirs as I was proud of the 1 backpack and 1 side bag I’d managed to pack everything in. Needless to say I ended up having to check a bag each flight after Tibet.

Ride to the Airport

 

Early the next morning we were headed to the airport for our departing flights. I must admit the view was spectacular as the early morning clouds had yet to lift.  

 I really wish I could take panoramic pictures on my camera. So many of the other point and shoots have it these days but I can’t find it if I do.

The mountains were beautiful in the morning, even if they were brown.

As beautiful as the scenery was it did not make up for the horrible airport that followed. Flying into an airport you really don’t get the feel of it. But spend several hours waiting to depart and you get your fill. There was no particular incident that claimed my dislike just the overall experience and lack of airport conveniences. I understand the relinquishing of liquids at security but does that call for the deprivation of all liquids once in the gate area. It took us over an hour to locate the Y10 half bottles for sale at the information desk. Really the information desk!? There were no snacks to be found and well it was a Chinese airport which just means aggravation from the start.

The only upside to our airport experience for the day is the following!

I can officially say I've been to Shang-Ri-La!

 

I even have a picture of the layover ticket to prove it!

 

After our lovely but rather short trip to Shang-Ri-La we caught a continuing flight to Kunming to catch our connecting flight to Lijiang.

Western Tibet and Shigatze

July 8, 2010 Comments Off
Tibet Day Three:
Today we headed to Shigatze the second largest city in Tibet.
 
Itinerary:
  • D 5: (B D)  Lhasa to Shigaze
  • Visit the the Yangzhuoyong Holy Lake on the way to Shigaze, you will admire the beautiful scenery on the way.  Overnight in Shigaze (3-4 star hotel)

Ladders to Heaven

 

 The ladders are painted in correspondence to prayers to Buddha. They are painted to invite Buddha to descend from heaven. 

Vendors at every stop

 

Tibetan Water Funeral

 

  It is tradition to dispose of the dead by, Marvin’s words not mine, cutting the body into pieces and throwing it into the river. 

Tibetan Villages along the highway

 

  We took the scenic route to Shigaze, it was about seven hours. Fortunately the road has been paved in the last few years which sped up the trip. The scenery was intriguing and the views spectacular. I enjoyed seeing the traditional homes and villages along the roadside. 

The biggest tourist trap yet

 

  The Tibetans have capitalized on tourism and every tourist stop is packed with rather pushy vendors. This stop did offer some unique photo opportunities. This stop was a scenic view of the Yangzhuoyong Holy Lake. 

Picture on a Yak Y10

 

Tibetan Prayer Flags strung across the

 

Tibet Prayer Pile, okay I can't really remember what these were, but they are suppose to bring good fortune to those who build it.

 

According to Yahoo Answers...this is a chorten.

 

Yangzhuoyong Holy Lake

 

The rock piles covered the lakeside

 

A glacier covered mountain - between the lake and Shigaze

 

    This was the highest elevation we encountered on our trip – 16,568ft. My headache is Lhasa had disappeared but as I stepped off the bus and walked around it returned once again. 

Traditional Nomad Tents

 

Religion is a prominent part of daily life in Tibet

 

An ancient fortress nestled amongest the hills.

 

The reflection was spectacular!

   Once we had descended again into the valley I began snapping pictures out my window without really looking. As I reviewed my shots later I found this one. I wish I had been paying attention so I could have centered it a little better. I was shocked at the reflection. 

Traditional Homes along the roadside

 

I never tired of the clear blue sky

 

More homes

 

The colors were all vibrant

 

Dried Yak Chips covered the outside of the walls, insulation?

 

Itinerary: 

Tashilhunpo  Monastery, founded in 1447, was once inhabited by over 4,000 monks.Today,only600 remain there .This monastery is one of the few that weathered the stormy seas of the Cultural Revolution relatively unscathed. 

It is the home of the Yellow-Hat-Panchen Lamas and one of the most beautiful remaining ensembles of Tibetan architecture. The Grand Hall contains the tomb(containing more than 85kg gold lots of jewels ) of the

I’ve been to Tibet and Back

July 6, 2010 Comments Off
We left Chengdu early Monday morning. By 7:30 we were on the plane to Tibet. I lucked out with the a window seat and marveled at my first glimpses of Tibet.

My first glimpses of Tibet

The view was spectacular and I lucked out with a window

 Our new tour guide met us at the airport. He welcomed us to Tibet giving each person I white scarf. After our welcome he quickly gave us the rundown on altitude sickness. Prior to Tibet I’ve never been one for health warnings honestly. I’m young, healthy why not be careless when it comes to travel. I’ve some how managed to escape contracting any disease or parasites before, goodness knows how I’ve tried to contract a tapeworm. So why did Marvin’s current health speech peak my interest? Well let me give it to you roughly and you decide.

Everyone will experience altitude sickness. The degree will vary but be prepared for the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Headache

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Achy ALL over

Those who have the flu or a serious cold should not go to Tibet as their symptoms will only get worse and require immediate evacuation.

If you experience any of the previous symptoms to an uncomfortable degree you should contact your guide and medical attention will be sought for. If any water accumulates in your lungs you must be evacuated immediately. At this altitude it could be deadly in a matter of hours. (Okay, that was the clincher)

How to avoid increasing symptoms:

Do not shower for the first day and a half (If you get cold your body is unable to warm up again)

No alcohol (that was tough)

First day rest, don’t do anything strenuous or physical.

HYDRATE

Eat little

No greasy foods

Not only did I listen to the medical warnings, I took notes. I made it out alive with only a few set backs.

The airport is an hour and a half outside of the city. Marvin was a very insightful tour guide. The ride in was filled with history and culture. It was absolutely wonderful. Once we got to our hotel, my headache and dizziness had peaked, I decided to rest up for the afternoon as advised.

About 5 o’clock the gang assembled and decided to hit the town. Our hotel was in an amazing location. We were a block from the heart of the City. The Jokhang Temple is in the middle of town surrounded by a huge market. Together we explored the surrounding area and took in the clean glorious air.

Pilgrims circling the Jokhang Temple

 There are three main pilgrim routes in Lhasa. The smallest is the walk around the Jokhang Temple. The pilgrims circle the temple clockwise chanting the Buddhist mantras and rotating prayer wheels.

Central Lhasa

 The streets surrounding the temple are filled with vendors. Each stall has an abundance of wares for sale. Beautiful jewelry (my favorite of course), clothing, trinkets and various cultural objects.

Nothing beats a water fight on a hot afternoon.

It didn’t take long before we were tired. Adjusting to the altitude was not as easy as I’d anticipated. Even after a four hour nap, two hours of browsing the stalls felt like a marathon. We found a shady bench along the street and enjoyed the water fight out of the line of fire, or so we thought. The little girl was having a go at her neighbor. It seemed like an ongoing battle as he always managed to get out of the line of fire at the last min. Her mother didn’t seem that worried as ou can tell.

For dinner Dorthy, another member of our group, suggested the Snowflake Cafe. The food was delicious. I was just thrilled to see a non-Chinese food menu. Their specialties were Tibetan dishes of course but they had plenty of Indian and Naplese dishes as well. I settled on Yak and Potato Stew and was quite satisified. I’ve always been a carnivore nothing has cured that yet and I think I finally found something to rival beef.

Potato Yak soup, delicious

 Day Two:

The first day we arrived and took it easy in hopes of accumulating to the altitude. Day two was the day of stairs. We began the morning with a trip to the Summer Palace on the outskirts of Lhasa. The buildings were spectacular.

Most of the buildings throughout Tibet still follow the traditional style

The doors throughout Tibet were fascinating

Mastiffs are the mascots of Tibet

The theater and entertainment area at the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace for the Dali Lama

The summer palace was beautifully decorated throughout

 After visiting the summer palace we went to a factory to look at Buddha Stones. It is a cylinder shaped stone that has been uniquly carved from a bicolored stone with a unique pattern. I will try and add a picture later. In the same factory we were able to see the making of traditional Tibetan rugs.

Traditional Tibetan Rugs

In the afternoon we visited the main site of Lhasa the Potala Palace. It was spectacular. Yes, we climbed all the way to the top.

The Potala Palace

I just couldn't get over how clean and blue the sky was

The stairs were never ending

Katie was the official step counter. She tallied our ascent at 366 steps in total. Now you may look at that and think not so bad but 366 steps at 11,800 ft is quite an accomplishment in my opinion.

The traditional Window designs were fascinating

Don't forget your Umbrellas

For those who remember my post on the Chinese attachment to umbrellas I have to give them this one, I’ve never felt the sun so strong in all my life.

Open Market

We finished the afternoon with a trip to the Jokhang Temple. This temple houses a statue of the original Buddha. It was brought to Tibet as a dowry for the princess who married the King who united Tibet.

Potala Palace - Evening

 When I get home ask me about this evening and what happens when you try to set your bag down in the square.

For every one’s protection and the ability to keep up this blog I’m going to turn off the comments for the following few posts.

Its official!

March 21, 2010 0 comment
Saturday morning Kelly and I set out to assess the damage. The road was blocked clear to the train station and no traffic is allowed in or out via Qingnian Road, or so we were told.

The only way out!

We set out and sure enough upon exiting the campus we noticed an empty street. (Just to be clear on school faces north two city blocks west of Qingnian Rd) We walked to the end of our road where it meets Qingnian, a blue construction fence had been put up overnight.

A narrow cut out allows pedestrians and cyclist through. 

Upon exiting our street I was astounded at the sight beyond. With the speed of deconstruction I could hardly believe the finish date to be so far off. But I guess here in lies China’s personality, tear it all up, let it sit for a while then get back to it to finish it up.  

 

Finding the gate to my street is a maze of sorts.

When we returned this afternoon the path back to our road had changed. Yes, we are walking through an active construction zone with only party decorations separating  us from the more dangerous areas.

Qingnian Road – When they rip up a rode they rip up a road!

 The outer fence of the blockade was up and plastered with advertisements just as quickly. The closest bus stop is now a brisk 30 min walk.

When I saw the advertisements I knew I was doomed.

  

Only in China does heavy construction take place within a hop and skip of the walking path.

Oh by the way…

March 19, 2010 0 comment

“Many Westerners plan their schedules at the beginning of the day, or perhaps a day of two in advance. If you would like to meet with a Westerner, you should generally call at least a day in advance. If you want to invite a  Westerner to dinner, you should plan it about one week in advance. If you are planning a party, you should give one or two weeks advance notice. If you do not, the person might plan something else during that time slot. Some people may have a flexible schedule and do not follow this pattern. However, in the Western culture, having a schedule is stressed as a form of good planning and organization in one’s life. “  – pg 26 Challenge to Speak Student Edition

Now if I could just pass that passage around to all the Chinese I come in contact with. Just to be clear I’m not asking for the two weeks notice here, I’m just saying TWO days would be nice. I can easily rearrange my schedule with two days notice.

Last week I’d made plans to go out this evening, they’d changed of course over the week but by this morning they were set! At lunch James springs on me that today was the Korean girl’s birthday. Oh by the way, there will be a dinner for her at 5:30. I couldn’t brush off another dinner. As by the end of last semester I’d stopped rearranging my schedule last min. I called around made new plans and headed for the Dining Hall.

Dinner was pleasant, the usual mouth watering meals, octopus, jellyfish, radish soup, etc. I’m still trying to get use to being the one explaining the ropes to the newbie. Banquet etiquette is a big one and I tried my best.

Towards the end of the meal Shiggy asked if we were still going out as we had invited him to join us a few days ago (note the advanced invitation). He asked if we’d left the school yet today. I was a little puzzled by his comment and admitted I hadn’t yet left the school. He then, much to my horror, began to relate the current state of construction at the end of our road.

James soon chimed in to confirm that the buses were no longer running to the front of the school or along the main road due east of the school. Essentially we have been cut off from town. No cabs, cars or buses are allowed along Qingnian Rd until construction is finished. They are currently trying to update and widen the road as it is becoming a main artery into town. James then recounted oh by the way, the projected completion date is June 22. Yes I typed that correctly the MAIN ROAD along the river will be closed for 3 1/2 months! Well that inconvenient truth merited another round of drinks for everyone and left me fuming. The closest place to catch the bus, as James learned by sad experience this morning on his commute to work is 1.5km up the road!

Well so much for going out tonight that’s for sure. I was ranting the entire walk back to the apartment. Katie and Brad both got more than they bargained for when they took my call this evening. If its not one thing it sure seems to be another around here. Just as I was warming up to the idea of sticking around this school for another semester or so I’m reminded why I want to leave so bad. Location, location, location. Really people how do you cut off a main road like this for 3 and 1/2 months!

I guess I have a weekend to assess the damage and find a solution. Hey life’s all about learning to live with the bumps right?!

I’mmm Back!

March 3, 2010 1 comment

Kelly and I landed safely in China yesterday. After 36 hours traveling I was relieved to finally get back to my apartment and pile my bags in the entry way, mind you half are still sprawled there as I dug through to get out the few things I needed. 

My trip home was worth all the trouble. It provided a much needed relief and a fresh start to the upcoming semester. With a roommate now and a new found determination to learn Mandarin it is already shaping up to be a great semester.

The trip began with me eating my words I gave the previous day to my friend Maria. When dropping her off at Bakersfield to head home I’d teased her about the Prop-Plane at the Airport. I’d never ridden in one and hoped never to have to. Everything comes back to bite you I’ve learned and sure enough before I knew it i was boarding a Prop-Plane to LAX. It was everything and worse I’d imagined!

Upon exiting the Prop-Plane my purse broke! I’d always made fun of luggage and bag stores in Airports, I mean come-on by the time you are getting onto the plane shouldn’t you already be packed!! But here I was stranded with a broken purse still facing another 24 hours of travel, I was willing to pay anything for relief! I found a tacky Hollywood bag at Hudson News and headed to my next gate to settle in for a long layover. Poor Kelly, we were to meet up at LAX and catch the same flight to Beijing together. She got stopped at every security check and pulled aside for further scrutiny. We tried to change seats to sit together but it was a full flight.

As they began boarding we ran to Starbucks for a last meal. Fiji water, blueberry scones and shrink-wrapped turkey sandwiches. I found my seat and was relived to find yet another window seat. I’m sticking with Expedia, since adding a window seat preference, that’s all I’ve scored on flights through them. I’m finally learning the trick to sleeping on international flights, oh another dozen and I should be a pro! Flights went smooth. In line after costumes I ran into the Sorensons, the BYU teachers from Jinan. I had ran into them going through security at LAX when flying home in January. We all had breakfast then headed to our domestic flights.

The puddle jump from Beijing to Qingdao was quick and James was waiting at the luggage carousel. It was intriguing watching Kelly’s reaction to Mainland China on the two hour drive home. I felt relieved to be done with flights and back into a normal routine. Qingdao to Weifang seems to be practically a Tulare – Visalia run most weeks.

James took us out to lunch before heading to the apartment. Lunch was wonderful. I’m thrilled to no longer be the novice with chopsticks, knock on wood. Kelly is reminding me of all my first experiences that have now become casual everyday events. Lunch was a usual conglomerate of vegetables, meats and tofus, chopped, diced and sauced up! With a hot bowl of noodle soup for the main course.

Once back on campus and in the apartment I finally felt I could relax after 36 hours of travel.

It’s good to be home and settled back in!

Nanjing: Day 2

November 5, 2009 1 comment

Were both up and ready by 7am so we headed out the door, no point in wasting daylight. Traveling with Victoria was a real treat. As soon as we were both ready we hit the road, we were both eager to see all the sites so it was a marathon of sorts.

Hotel Subway stop.

Hotel Subway stop.

Before we headed up to Purple Mountain we decided to find the metro stop next to the hotel. As not everything was in Pin Yin I found it easier just to take a picture rather than try to memorize the characters. One plus to Chinese subways is that each entrance/exit is numbered which makes getting out on the right street a breeze. Some of the stations will dump you out on to as many as 8 different locations depending on the exit.

Jumped in a cab to head up to Purple Mountain, this time we had an illiterate cab driver. The night before the concierge had written out the instructions for us in Chinese to show the cab driver. He looked at the paper and shook his head, then I showed him a picture from my travel book and he brightened pulling into traffic.

Unfortunately we didn’t understand the mountain and the cab driver didn’t understand what we wanted so he pleasantly dropped us off at the foot of the mountain and took off. We looked around and I panicked for a min. Not a single English sign and no big ticket office. Okay this is a big site with more than one HUGE historical attraction so where are all the people? There was a nice couple by the big wooden sign with the layout of the mountain, thanks to Victoria’s nifty guide book we were able to match up characters and point to where we wanted to get to. The one thing I do have down in Chinese is numbers. So after a lot of gestures and the number 20 二十 repeated a half a dozen time we figured out we could take bus 20 up to Sun Yet-Sen’s Memorial.

The bus ride up the hill was another adventure in itself. One sure trick I’ve learned, chant the name of the place you are trying to get to in the poorest Chinese possible (which is no challenge) and when you get to the right stop half the bus is happy enough to kick you off. We finally made it to the top and found our way to the clearly marked ticket office. We purchased the full park pass but were unable to figure out where to catch the shuttle between sites.

The first stop was the Sun Yet-sen Memorial. It was magnificent. Victoria told me the memorial is almost identical to the Memorial in Taiwan.

Sun Yet Sen's Memorial Entrance

Entrance to Sun Yet Sen's Memorial

 

Brief History: Sun Yet-sen is considered to be the Father of China. He is revered and loved by both China Mainland and Taiwan as he was the first official President of China. He was the leader of the Nationalist party prior to the split of Chiang Kai-Shek and the Communist party. He was a great man who was a true visionary for what China could become.

View from the top.

View from the top.

 

 

 

 

The memorial and view was breathtaking, both visually and physically after the hike up the stairs. The hike provided plenty of time for a history lesson on the founding of China and the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. After China I think I’ll just laugh at a StairMaster. As they love to say in China, “It’s good for your health”. They use that line as an excuse for just about everything, especially their lack of elevators and love for long walks UP stairs.

 

 
Memorial Room

Memorial Room

 

As we entered the Coffin Chamber there was a guard reminding visitors to be quite. This was the first place I’ve been in China that has requested reverence. It was a beautiful tomb. (I was not able to take a picture at the tomb, this is a postcard) Victoria said it was the complete opposite of Mao Zedong’s tomb in Beijing years ago.

Field Trip!

Field Trip!

 

 

On our way back down from the Tomb we came across school groups on their way up. Of course I had to take pictures, it is only fair right. I was asked to be in two photos on the way down. Oh the stardom of being a foreigner in China. After a small rant of having your picture taken oh so obviously by Chinese Victoria reminded me that I too take pictures of Chinese to catalogue my trip and they are just doing the same. Okay so then I felt bad and had to agree.

 

 

The grounds were just so peacful.

The grounds were just so peacful.

Next we stopped at the Musical Stage next to the memorial. It was beautiful.I would have loved to attend a concert there. Families were picnicking on the lawn and more than one grandpa was there with his grandchild feeding the birds. The mountain was breath taking.

 

 

 

Just didn't really fit the overall mood in my opinion.

Just didn't really fit the overall mood in my opinion.

 

We contemplated walking to the next area of the mountain but as we could not accurately judge the distance we finally just decided to find the shuttle. It is horribly convenient speaking English because really there is always a student who can muddle through directions. We found a group of school girls who helped us locate the shuttle, which turned out to be a tram. Victoria and I think someone here visited Disneyland. What do you think?

 

 

 Next stop, Linggue Temple. We visited the Beam-less Hall which was designed without any wooden supports. It was constructed in hopes that future buildings would copy the method and wood consumption would decrease. It never caught on. It was constructed in 1381. (China, DK) The Beam-less Hall now houses life size dioramas of the fall of the Qing Dynasty highlighting the key players and important events, namely the founding of the Republic of China and the rise of the Communist Party ending with the beginning of WWI. Victoria filled in the rest.

Bought my Chinese Christmas tree ornaments.

 

Designed by an American as a memorial.

Designed by an American as a memorial.

 

 

Climbed to the top of the 8-story Pagoda. I had debated whether to go all the way up and boy am I glad I did, I’d  hate to lose face with the elderly man with a cane coming down the top flight. The view from the top story was well worth the work out. Some of the leaves were beginning to turn purple. I wish the view of Nanjing was clearer but that is too much to ask in any Chinese city it seems.

 

 

View from the top of the Pagoda looking down on the entrance.

View from the top of the Pagoda looking down on the entrance.

 
 
Temple Courtyard

Temple Courtyard

 

Visited the Buddhist temple. The temple was moved to the present location to make way for  a tomb. There are three major tombs on Purple mountain dating back to the Ming. Learned more about Buddhism.

 
 
Prayer Tree outside the temple.
Prayer Tree outside the temple.
 
 

Last stop on the Mountain was the Ming Tomb Complex. We took the tram from the Temple. We were not informed that the tram dropped us off at the end of the complex. Half way through the self tour we figured out we were going through the complex backward. We just assumed the DIY tour book was horribly organized, whoops.

We started at the final stage of the tomb. This is the Entrance into the burial section.

We started at the final stage of the tomb. This is the Entrance into the burial section.

 

Further down the processional. It was one long complex with numberous buildings along the way. Each held significance in the funeral process ensuring a prosperous afterlife for the decesased emperor.

Further down the processional. It was one long complex with numberous buildings along the way. Each held significance in the funeral process ensuring a prosperous afterlife for the decesased emperor.

 

Another stop along the way, China is a very hands on country regardless of what the signs say.

Another stop along the way, China is a very hands on country regardless of what the signs say.

 

The final Gate House before the Burial Mound. You just got to love the incomplete guide book. If a half constructed picture in the guide book does scream replica I don't know what does.

The final Gate House before the Burial Mound. You just got to love the incomplete guide book. If a half constructed picture in the guide book does scream replica I don't know what does.

 

The book said they don't clean the walls because the grim gives the "ruins" an ancient feeling.

The book said they don't clean the walls because the grim gives the "ruins" an ancient feeling.

Thr burial mound, There was a path leading up to the top. I couldn't help but think of the burial mounds from the Lord of the Rings, the first book not the movies.

Thr burial mound, There was a path leading up to the top. I couldn't help but think of the burial mounds from the Lord of the Rings, the first book not the movies.

 

Remember this is backwards... This is the end of the Sacared path before you reach the tomb complex.

Remember this is backwards... This is the end of the Sacared path before you reach the tomb complex.

After touring the complex backwards we stumbled into the back door of the museum and proceed through the exhibits backwards, no joke. So the Ming Tomb was great backwards. Hint for park transportation, drop non Chinese guests off at the front!!  or at least have clearly marked signs reading EXIT at the drop off point.

We caught the bus into town and were able to find a metro stop back to the hotel. We crashed for an hour and then headed out to find a restaurant that served the local speciality, Nanjing Duck. Turns out the local speciality is hard to find unless you want the flash freeze foil take home. Our hotel provided the flash freeze take home version but did not provide a meal, go figure. We ended up settling for chicken wings and breaded pork. We were both pleased with our stay in Nanjing. We were able to see everything on our list with time to spare. I was so excited to have extra time in Shanghai!