Far away from city life, staying high on hills, excited by great views of ranges of snow-capped mountain peaks, I had a very special Christmas day in Nepal at Nagarkot, with two friends, A. and Y.
Yesterday we met three travellers from China, while wandering in Bhaktapur square. We were a little bit disppointed to know from them that the weather there was so hazy and it was not likely to see the sunrise and snow mountains very well. But still we left for there around noon time even though we loved this old town in Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur so much. It was almost immediate when we entered it and grew even more in the morning haze, walking though narrow alleys, appreciating fine carvings on those century- old houses and the life seeminly unaffected at all by time and modern world.
After about twenty minutes' walk out of its eastern city gate and one hour's local bus ride, we then walked about another twenty minutes before we shouted excitedly on the half way by the grand view of snow mountain. Yes, on the half way before we arrived at our Unkai resort, the one with unblocked great view of the terraces and mountains.Those white snow capped mountain peaks up high in the distance, blue mountains in the middle and those hills with green pine forests and terrance seem to divide the sky into three levels.
We had some pretty quiet and dark (no electricity) Christmas Eve and we woke ourselves up early in the morning for the sunrise.We didn't expect much though. And together with us, another Japanese young man were all there on its open platform waiting and praying ...
In the beginning, it was a small cresent moon but quickly, pink glow filled half of its eastern sky. When the sky became brighter and brighter, we hurried to press our camera shutters again and again. We were very lucky really. We did see the gold glow on its highest mountain peak and other three. All lasted about 5-10 minutes after a full morning sun rose. And another 10 minutes, heavy haze blew around into the valley and covered everything.
This year our Christmas seemed a little quiet, no parties to go and no shopping for gifts. And three of us didn't exchange any gifts but, seeing the sunrise and snow mountains, is of course the best gift we can have for today, really.
Dec 25, 2008
Dec 8, 2008
growing pains
My sister has been very busy attending trade fairs for agricultural produces, so the last week, I took the job of babysitting my five year old nephew, with help of his grandparents.
We don't meet very often and the last time I've seen him was almost six months ago. This little boy has grown taller and bigger, and more mature, very childish mature of course. He has some toys at my place and excitedly he picked out all of his collections, like guns and cars and others. hHis favourite game is still driving all vehicles, in his own way, sure of all differences and skills. He invents some new ones, like flying trains, human digging vehicle etc.
But surprisingly I noticed he's grown beyond that. Now he is now liking to check all maps and computer games. And our favorite game together is to open google maps and check cities we know, like Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou, how we can drive between our neighbourhood to all train stations and bus stations.After a while, we like to dig bombs on windows game.
Children grow at such a surprsing race, beyond our or at least my expectation. My parents always murmur that now it's not easy to fool him any more. (So sometimes they become pretty violent to force him, especially when this little boy doesn't listen, or refuses to eat, as well when he doesn't behave up to their standards. Although sometimes I think my parents' behavior code relly restraining, for example, no jumping on sofa, no running around without slippers on, etc.
Growing up is really incredible thing, and compared to that, I always think ok, his growing up meanwhile mirrors my aging. And maybe that's the possible reason why my parents feel and thus act more strongly about that?
We don't meet very often and the last time I've seen him was almost six months ago. This little boy has grown taller and bigger, and more mature, very childish mature of course. He has some toys at my place and excitedly he picked out all of his collections, like guns and cars and others. hHis favourite game is still driving all vehicles, in his own way, sure of all differences and skills. He invents some new ones, like flying trains, human digging vehicle etc.
But surprisingly I noticed he's grown beyond that. Now he is now liking to check all maps and computer games. And our favorite game together is to open google maps and check cities we know, like Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou, how we can drive between our neighbourhood to all train stations and bus stations.After a while, we like to dig bombs on windows game.
Children grow at such a surprsing race, beyond our or at least my expectation. My parents always murmur that now it's not easy to fool him any more. (So sometimes they become pretty violent to force him, especially when this little boy doesn't listen, or refuses to eat, as well when he doesn't behave up to their standards. Although sometimes I think my parents' behavior code relly restraining, for example, no jumping on sofa, no running around without slippers on, etc.
Growing up is really incredible thing, and compared to that, I always think ok, his growing up meanwhile mirrors my aging. And maybe that's the possible reason why my parents feel and thus act more strongly about that?
Nov 24, 2008
so I'm ready
So I'm ready to go, my next trip to Nepal and possibly India.
Return tickets ( between Chengdu-Lhasa-Kathmandu, Dec 16-Jan 17) have been booked, with the return flight open seat status, for the easy of flexible travel plans.
Visa to Nepal applied, and could be ready by end of this week; and visa to India is going to be applied in Kathmandu.
Tour plans ( plan A and plan B with India included) outlined;
Hotels booked, like the one in Kathmandu for first days with airport pickup, and other nice choices at other places;
But about travel partners? Two friends expressed their possibility, but still need some time to consider...
Besides human travel partners, potential ones, I have a very faithful and pleasant one, which is my ipod classic. For almost four years, we have been travelling together and luckily some common issues with ipod, for example, weak battery after some time, doesn't bother. Of course, sometime it has some 'under the weather' syndrome, like now.
.
.
.
The day before, when on the bus back home, I decided to listen to other songs finally, than those I've newly download, music from the movie 'les choiristes'. It's a really touching French movie about a teacher coming to a prison-like school for only those children with problems for regular schools. With his patience, care and love, he won the heart of the boys and then organized them into a choir, And meanwhile he himself got inspired by them and created many beautiful songs and music.
I've heard about that movie, but honestly I am very slow too watch it, as the movie was released in early 2004 and since then, had won many movie and music awards in Europe and America. I tried once to watch it on net TV but had to give up in the end because the movie picture quality was so horrible and the translation from French seemed ever worse. So the other night when I found there was a newer version, I watched it through.
Frankly, the plot, ( I am not so sure if it's based on a true story or not), is quite similar to American movie 'Sister Act, 2'. A trouble school with troubles of students, a new comer teacher discovered their talent and thus changed them. But apart from that, this French production has beautiful shooting, better skill to tell the story. Especially the story was unfolded by two boy's reading the teacher's diary and their thinking back. And the acting is just excellent and all parts, besides those kids act so naturally and deeply. Of course, my favourite part is its music, and choir.( After the later search, the music was created by Bruno Coulais, same composer who wrote another my ever-time favorite music for movie 'Himalaya'.
So I kept repeating the album over and again. Even when I went to bed. But the music of course is too great for a lullaby. And this lasted for two days and then when I tried to listen to others, I was stunned to find out, on my ipod, their album was ONLY music now. All others, numbering more than one thousand, was gone. What's the matter?! I tried hard to figure out the reason,but quickly, I calmed down and comforted myself. Yes, maybe it's a sign, good or bad sign, that I should say goodbye to my brief past,before then I begin a new period of time, at least with ipod life.
Return tickets ( between Chengdu-Lhasa-Kathmandu, Dec 16-Jan 17) have been booked, with the return flight open seat status, for the easy of flexible travel plans.
Visa to Nepal applied, and could be ready by end of this week; and visa to India is going to be applied in Kathmandu.
Tour plans ( plan A and plan B with India included) outlined;
Hotels booked, like the one in Kathmandu for first days with airport pickup, and other nice choices at other places;
But about travel partners? Two friends expressed their possibility, but still need some time to consider...
Besides human travel partners, potential ones, I have a very faithful and pleasant one, which is my ipod classic. For almost four years, we have been travelling together and luckily some common issues with ipod, for example, weak battery after some time, doesn't bother. Of course, sometime it has some 'under the weather' syndrome, like now.
.
.
.
The day before, when on the bus back home, I decided to listen to other songs finally, than those I've newly download, music from the movie 'les choiristes'. It's a really touching French movie about a teacher coming to a prison-like school for only those children with problems for regular schools. With his patience, care and love, he won the heart of the boys and then organized them into a choir, And meanwhile he himself got inspired by them and created many beautiful songs and music.
I've heard about that movie, but honestly I am very slow too watch it, as the movie was released in early 2004 and since then, had won many movie and music awards in Europe and America. I tried once to watch it on net TV but had to give up in the end because the movie picture quality was so horrible and the translation from French seemed ever worse. So the other night when I found there was a newer version, I watched it through.
Frankly, the plot, ( I am not so sure if it's based on a true story or not), is quite similar to American movie 'Sister Act, 2'. A trouble school with troubles of students, a new comer teacher discovered their talent and thus changed them. But apart from that, this French production has beautiful shooting, better skill to tell the story. Especially the story was unfolded by two boy's reading the teacher's diary and their thinking back. And the acting is just excellent and all parts, besides those kids act so naturally and deeply. Of course, my favourite part is its music, and choir.( After the later search, the music was created by Bruno Coulais, same composer who wrote another my ever-time favorite music for movie 'Himalaya'.
So I kept repeating the album over and again. Even when I went to bed. But the music of course is too great for a lullaby. And this lasted for two days and then when I tried to listen to others, I was stunned to find out, on my ipod, their album was ONLY music now. All others, numbering more than one thousand, was gone. What's the matter?! I tried hard to figure out the reason,but quickly, I calmed down and comforted myself. Yes, maybe it's a sign, good or bad sign, that I should say goodbye to my brief past,before then I begin a new period of time, at least with ipod life.
Nov 17, 2008
Nov 15, 2008
victoria I, not good
Almost immediately when I boarded the cruiser Victoria I, I knew this couldn't be a American Victoria cruiser, even under the same name. (Instead, it is actually managed by Changjiang OTS company, a Chinese company.) I had hardly pleasant first impression. The lobby was not bright and clean enough, and besides fairly messy with many clothes and scarves stands the boat wanted to sell. The front desk staff wore long poker faces and the baggage bellboys said no thanks at all and just took the tips coldly. I told myself, like taking the time machine back to 1980s, a very pure communist era, serious era, when people didn't talk about service at all.
The only good thing was the rooms for our group, which were on its 3rd deck, seemed small but all right, with facility. However, my room, to share with other guides, Room 101, first deck, end of the aisle, always was wet and smelt veird.
During the two nights' stay aboard, en route from Chongqing to Yichang, I experienced other intersting aspects with this Victoria boat.
First about the meals, we reminded the boat guide and chefs in advance,that our group of Cantonese originals, didn't eat spicy foods. And when we sat down we were not very happy with most hot chillies in its buffet lunch and dinner. Only three or four were kinda edible, like boiled vegetables and cold appetizers of chicken or duck, which came little in portion but more in bones and skins. Besides their sevice was so rude. At the first dinner , one waitoress murmured to one of our tables not to waste food, just because for those seniors, chicken skin and duck bones were not their healthy delicacies. They tried to explained in their poor Mandarin for the girl didn't understand much English. Their conversation was doomed, and in the end the girl rudely left one sentence and left, which was:
'If you don't like, then don't come.'
This must be the last straw, and the tour organizer couple, very angrily got the boat guide and managers of the restaurant and the boat, to complain on their rude attitude and poor meal quality. Of course I went to help explain and translate. In the end, the managers decided to pacify this couple and brought one bottle of wine, and fruits to their room to apologize. And they promised that the girl, possibly out of their mind and would be fired shortly.( But why do they employ an insane worker?). About one hour later, on its top deck, during the so called fashion performances, by its crew, we clearly saw that girl on the stage, performing in a bad mood and thus it made us uncomfortable too.
The boat guides were passionate. But since for better business the cruisers carried over one hundred Chinese passengers, their night mare was for sure. Our guide spoke English with strong accent and tried hard to explain but not too well though. He was himself desperate to control the mainland Chinese, smoking everywhere and crowded taking pictures and making noises, while he was explaining to the groups. While the other one, speaking Chinese language, felt even more frustrated that one of his guidance book( with DVDs) was stolen. He not only asked guides to check with each groups and after all this failed he openly complained during the dinner over speakers, and then miserably pleaded the one, who 'must mistakenly' took it should kindly return it , or he himself had to pay for the loss of 150 yuan worth. He talked that it was not fair for him, such a knowledgeable and, good guide to deserve for it. Instead, he talked to us guides, if each of the Chinese groups tipped him 5 yuan, he would feel better. And second day when we met him and asked about the book, he sadly shook his head.( Not sure about extra tips, for we left the boat before all other groups.)
And the dinner of second day, farewell dinner, the restaurant manager and her waitoress had big fight with one table, for one stupid guy smoked and burned a big hole out of the table cloth. They insisted the passenger admit and pay for it. But the whole table, shame on them, didn't admit smoking at all. In the end, the leader from their group, a government unit settled it, and asked for an invoice (to refund from the government of course). The performances were dead boring and amateur , if there were no entertainment from passengers, like three couples from our group ballroom dancing, and a Thai group singing their folk song.
And about their sightseeing program, which was the worst part, because:
Day one, the boat left the wharf in Chongqing about 2 hours late, which made our arrival time at The Ghost City in Fengdu delayed till 4:30. And due to the grey weather it was already dark actually, and after we finished visiting the kinda theme park with different statues of ghost from the hell, it was really black. We were so careful about each step because it was not brightly illuminated at all. Either by cable or by stairs we all thanked god that no ghost came to take our lives.
Day 2, we paid a visit to a Sheng Nong Creek, with nice view thanks to great weather. But due to their optional tour in the morning, the boat came to pass locks to travel between different water levels very late in the night. 10:30-11 pm, remember that locks are the largest size in the whole world. I regretted most people didn't stay up late, for according their announcement, 'they were not sure, but possibly around 12-1 am, the midnight time.'
Day 3, visit the three gorges dam in the morning, and no lunch included for that day, even though the boat would come to its destination about noon time.
Our group left the dam site but didn't return to the boat. And instead we were picked up by our own local bus, and would drive in great comfort to Wuhan.
The only good thing was the rooms for our group, which were on its 3rd deck, seemed small but all right, with facility. However, my room, to share with other guides, Room 101, first deck, end of the aisle, always was wet and smelt veird.
During the two nights' stay aboard, en route from Chongqing to Yichang, I experienced other intersting aspects with this Victoria boat.
First about the meals, we reminded the boat guide and chefs in advance,that our group of Cantonese originals, didn't eat spicy foods. And when we sat down we were not very happy with most hot chillies in its buffet lunch and dinner. Only three or four were kinda edible, like boiled vegetables and cold appetizers of chicken or duck, which came little in portion but more in bones and skins. Besides their sevice was so rude. At the first dinner , one waitoress murmured to one of our tables not to waste food, just because for those seniors, chicken skin and duck bones were not their healthy delicacies. They tried to explained in their poor Mandarin for the girl didn't understand much English. Their conversation was doomed, and in the end the girl rudely left one sentence and left, which was:
'If you don't like, then don't come.'
This must be the last straw, and the tour organizer couple, very angrily got the boat guide and managers of the restaurant and the boat, to complain on their rude attitude and poor meal quality. Of course I went to help explain and translate. In the end, the managers decided to pacify this couple and brought one bottle of wine, and fruits to their room to apologize. And they promised that the girl, possibly out of their mind and would be fired shortly.( But why do they employ an insane worker?). About one hour later, on its top deck, during the so called fashion performances, by its crew, we clearly saw that girl on the stage, performing in a bad mood and thus it made us uncomfortable too.
The boat guides were passionate. But since for better business the cruisers carried over one hundred Chinese passengers, their night mare was for sure. Our guide spoke English with strong accent and tried hard to explain but not too well though. He was himself desperate to control the mainland Chinese, smoking everywhere and crowded taking pictures and making noises, while he was explaining to the groups. While the other one, speaking Chinese language, felt even more frustrated that one of his guidance book( with DVDs) was stolen. He not only asked guides to check with each groups and after all this failed he openly complained during the dinner over speakers, and then miserably pleaded the one, who 'must mistakenly' took it should kindly return it , or he himself had to pay for the loss of 150 yuan worth. He talked that it was not fair for him, such a knowledgeable and, good guide to deserve for it. Instead, he talked to us guides, if each of the Chinese groups tipped him 5 yuan, he would feel better. And second day when we met him and asked about the book, he sadly shook his head.( Not sure about extra tips, for we left the boat before all other groups.)
And the dinner of second day, farewell dinner, the restaurant manager and her waitoress had big fight with one table, for one stupid guy smoked and burned a big hole out of the table cloth. They insisted the passenger admit and pay for it. But the whole table, shame on them, didn't admit smoking at all. In the end, the leader from their group, a government unit settled it, and asked for an invoice (to refund from the government of course). The performances were dead boring and amateur , if there were no entertainment from passengers, like three couples from our group ballroom dancing, and a Thai group singing their folk song.
And about their sightseeing program, which was the worst part, because:
Day one, the boat left the wharf in Chongqing about 2 hours late, which made our arrival time at The Ghost City in Fengdu delayed till 4:30. And due to the grey weather it was already dark actually, and after we finished visiting the kinda theme park with different statues of ghost from the hell, it was really black. We were so careful about each step because it was not brightly illuminated at all. Either by cable or by stairs we all thanked god that no ghost came to take our lives.
Day 2, we paid a visit to a Sheng Nong Creek, with nice view thanks to great weather. But due to their optional tour in the morning, the boat came to pass locks to travel between different water levels very late in the night. 10:30-11 pm, remember that locks are the largest size in the whole world. I regretted most people didn't stay up late, for according their announcement, 'they were not sure, but possibly around 12-1 am, the midnight time.'
Day 3, visit the three gorges dam in the morning, and no lunch included for that day, even though the boat would come to its destination about noon time.
Our group left the dam site but didn't return to the boat. And instead we were picked up by our own local bus, and would drive in great comfort to Wuhan.
Nov 14, 2008
Huanglong, a dramatic tour
I was so thankful to the whole group, for their being so very cooperative by rising early at 5 am and being willing to take the breakfast box. Actually we had to do so, because in order to catch the flight back to Chongqing that afternoon after completing the tour to Huanglong scenic area, located about 2.5-3 hours from Jiuzhaigou. Huanglong area is the place with large forests , and lakes hidden deep inside, colored by various calcium aggregates.
It was so black out of windows when the bus began rolling. The guide explained over and again about the route, which was: after we should take cable to the summit, we would walk for over 2 kilometers to the lake side, and the highest altitude over 4000 meter. And we should be most careful. So after a short toilet stop, the group kinda finished shopping all oxygen mini-pumps in a tiny store nearby. So cold and early, and I couldn't help admiring those owners for their great character to get up so early to wait to charge the toilet money and sell goods.
So damn cold. The temperature would between 0-6 degrees the whole in Huanglong, and it would snow and rain. I mean, to snow and rain more. For there, when it was a little brighter, we noticed that all mountains along the way covered in snow from last night. And the higher we drove, the thicker snow. When our bus really stopped at the ex trance, smoothly and safely, all of us made a long sigh. After rushing to toilet again,awaited a long vote to go, or not, as many of them were beginning to feel sleepiness and headache from the high altitudes.
After minutes' discussion and changing minds, 12 out of 20 decided to continue while the rest staying and resting on bus. A pleasant trade on the spot of oxygen they'd formerly purchased. We were definitely the first group to be there, we all stumbled and reminded to each other about extremely icy and slippery roads even most snow from the floor had been swept.
From the foot to the top of the mountain, by cable it took only eight minutes. When my cable the last one to get there, some 4 persons were reported by the cable staff to cluster themselves around a heater themselves in a tiny staff's room, waiting for the cable to descend.
'It was so icy and slippery. We decided to go down now. Bu we have to wait for the ticket staff to come still.' We joked about the most efficient travel by them, who were soon joined by another two just returning from a toilet cabin 10 meters away. The toilet was free of charge, but the total cost was 320 yuan for it:
Details: the admission fee to Huanglong scenic spot is 200 yuan, cable ride upwards 80 yuan and then the cable ride downwards 40 yuan.
Only four braved away, but after around 45 minutes the guide called back mentioning they were returning after almost half of the walk. While waiting for their return, I saw a young woman staff, wearing red coat, and high heels sweeping snow from the walkways. Another girl, selling cable tickets, joined worrying and questioning why we left so quickly, kindly presented us a picture book of Huanglong. Surely on its pages, everything is so green, so so pretty, and so warm.
Nov 13, 2008
Jiuzhaigou
After Chongqing, on the day we were to fly to Jiuzhaigou, we were so lucky to have a perfect weather, with blue sky and white clouds. Jiuzhaigou, located only about 40 minutes' flight away, is praised to boast the prettiest water views in China.
'Especially this season.' the guide explained. ' the best time, when the tree leaves were in the very middle of changing colors; and besides least crowded this year, after this spring's earthquake and many after quakes hitting this area.'
'But I assure you that the airport is safest in the world, for it's constructed on a platform chopped out of high mountains, so, even there were any problems of landing, the pilots will find no difficulty at all of taking off again.' he joked.
To be honest , I didn't welcome such excitement as that; but during this short flights both ways, when I was using the toilet, the strong turbulence made the craft shake violently. I tried so hard to hold the handles, sitting there and praying that, I wouldn't like to die with shits this way.
Except that, we were lucky that airplanes didn't delay too long, for this airport 'Jiu-huang' airport is very notorious for very frequent delays or cancellations.
Jiu-huang Jiu-huang, Shi you jiu huang
which means ' nine out of ten is failure'.
On the way from the airport to Sheraton Hotel, the local guide explained that the program had to be rescheduled since it would be too late, dark and then dangerous too if we were to do the Huanglong scenic spot that afternoon. Huanglong forest is located about 2 to 2.5 hours away from the airport.
We all agreed, nothing to complain, when the golden ray shone all the way on the green cedar trees, dotted with red, and yellow ones against snow-capped mountains. From time to time we drove past herds of cows, sheep and yaks and villages of stone houses and high watching towers, belonging to the local minority people of Tibetans and Changs. Jiuzhaigou, is along the frontier between mainland China and Tibet, derives its name from 'valley of nine tibetan villages'.
Traditionally they are nomads but now affected by tourism, they mostly work for hotels, restaurants and performance troupes , making adequate money from tourism and extra from bonus and stipends from admission fees of this scenic areas.
'They make a lot. The ticket is 220 yuan (35 dollars) and 200 for Huanglong (33 dollars). And the rental for a van (22 seats) per day is 3000 yuan ( more than 450 dollars).'
Of course for me everything is covered, even the hotel room of Sheraton, I stayed on a small attic room at the 7th floor. According to hotel lobby manager, when they designed the two wing hotel buildings they on purposed designed one extra floor about the attics for tour guides and drivers. (So so touching!)
Sheraton is only about five minutes' drive away the scenic spot. Next morning we entered the valley, we were so attracted by the scenery there, all like beautiful oil paintings in all colors from palette, red from maples, yellow from birch, green from pine trees, white from waterfall, blue from the lakes.
Nov 12, 2008
11.11
'Son, do you know what festival today is?' my father asked,as I could tell, obviously in a very joking way.
'Halaween is over but today is...?' All of sudden, I came to realize today was Nov. 11, a so- called day of 'bare sticks', a little discrimitive addressing of singles in China, especially the male ones. All right, 1 1 1 1 = bare sticks? Actually I just can't help admiring the first person, so creative to relate these two? And to joke about our bigger and bigger young population in today's China who prefer to stay free, or walk out of marriage castles ?
Finding some one to share your rest of life sounds so mysterious and incredible, and requires great courage and luck too. Or a super strong faith in it.
As parents, and older genenation, they are always worried about my status now. But they are meanwhile learning that their children are grown up and already grown beyond their control, or sometimes recongnition. They, thankfully remind less and less frequently, which make our encounters each time easier and less tense.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A funny story
On a public bus in Hangzhou, the driver and a passenger had a bad quarrel. In the end the driver became so angry that he just pulled over his bus full of passengers by the streets and got off.
Out of the passengers one woman responded, ' if you don't drive, I will!' The driver wasn't amused, thinking it as weakest and funniest protest. He stayed off and began smoking.
This woman really sat on his seat and started the engine, and drove his bus away. Thank god, she must be very familiar with the route, after two stops, close to her home, she proudly parked at the staion and left, while the bus driver hurriedly got a cab and chased after the bus.
'Halaween is over but today is...?' All of sudden, I came to realize today was Nov. 11, a so- called day of 'bare sticks', a little discrimitive addressing of singles in China, especially the male ones. All right, 1 1 1 1 = bare sticks? Actually I just can't help admiring the first person, so creative to relate these two? And to joke about our bigger and bigger young population in today's China who prefer to stay free, or walk out of marriage castles ?
Finding some one to share your rest of life sounds so mysterious and incredible, and requires great courage and luck too. Or a super strong faith in it.
As parents, and older genenation, they are always worried about my status now. But they are meanwhile learning that their children are grown up and already grown beyond their control, or sometimes recongnition. They, thankfully remind less and less frequently, which make our encounters each time easier and less tense.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A funny story
On a public bus in Hangzhou, the driver and a passenger had a bad quarrel. In the end the driver became so angry that he just pulled over his bus full of passengers by the streets and got off.
Out of the passengers one woman responded, ' if you don't drive, I will!' The driver wasn't amused, thinking it as weakest and funniest protest. He stayed off and began smoking.
This woman really sat on his seat and started the engine, and drove his bus away. Thank god, she must be very familiar with the route, after two stops, close to her home, she proudly parked at the staion and left, while the bus driver hurriedly got a cab and chased after the bus.
Nov 10, 2008
a panda walking down the ladder
At Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, a panda just woke up from the bamboo platform and then hurried a little bit down the ladder to go to enjoy the breakfast.
Nov 4, 2008
Chongqing revisited
The sky finally brightened up when our group arrived at Chongqing. The morning was still a little drizzly but the sun unstoppably shone behind clouds. We even welcomed blue sky at this city famous for foggy weather, which is the major reason why the locals take lots of hot chilli and pepper to ward off dampness.
Last time when I was here was May this year. In my Hilton room on 16 floor, I clearly felt the after quakes. Thank god, just slight shakes.
Two new things I evidenced this time:
One, in front of lunch restaurant, embrassingly, threesome of dogs game. While two were already doing it, the other big one wanted to join. One of the party didn't like and kept making unpleasant noises. And the big one was so frustrated after several tryings and in the end left the two lovers there, who obviously attracted many audience. They got stuck together, long long time, even when the hotel staff came out and wanted to drive them away. They still did manage to stay connected.
The other thing, was in the morning when we were leaving Chongqing for Jiuzhaigou, we didn't see any cabs on the streets. According to the local guide, they organized to go on strike for unjust conditions of accessibility to LPG stations.
Last time when I was here was May this year. In my Hilton room on 16 floor, I clearly felt the after quakes. Thank god, just slight shakes.
Two new things I evidenced this time:
One, in front of lunch restaurant, embrassingly, threesome of dogs game. While two were already doing it, the other big one wanted to join. One of the party didn't like and kept making unpleasant noises. And the big one was so frustrated after several tryings and in the end left the two lovers there, who obviously attracted many audience. They got stuck together, long long time, even when the hotel staff came out and wanted to drive them away. They still did manage to stay connected.
The other thing, was in the morning when we were leaving Chongqing for Jiuzhaigou, we didn't see any cabs on the streets. According to the local guide, they organized to go on strike for unjust conditions of accessibility to LPG stations.
Oct 27, 2008
a day on wheels
What a long day.
Woke up at 4 am; 4:40-4:55, cab drvie from my hotel to Portman hotel;
5:30-6:00, bus from Portman to Hongqiao airport;
8:00-9:00, shuttle bus from the airport to Jing an temple;
9:00-9:30, metro line 2, interchanged to line 3, arriving at the southern rainway station;
11:45-13:00, train ride back to Hangzhou;
13:30-15:30, public bus to bookstore then home.
Received a sms, reading: according to authority with telecommunication in the Netherlands, on all calculators in cellphones, 2000 divide by 8.032, the monitor will show your name automatically. It's so strange and mysterious that nobody has solved the myth yet.
So you try,
dividing 2000 by 8.032, (even knowing it might be a funny game thing, but can't help being amused) because,
the answer is 250, a nickname for 'being silly' in China.
Woke up at 4 am; 4:40-4:55, cab drvie from my hotel to Portman hotel;
5:30-6:00, bus from Portman to Hongqiao airport;
8:00-9:00, shuttle bus from the airport to Jing an temple;
9:00-9:30, metro line 2, interchanged to line 3, arriving at the southern rainway station;
11:45-13:00, train ride back to Hangzhou;
13:30-15:30, public bus to bookstore then home.
Received a sms, reading: according to authority with telecommunication in the Netherlands, on all calculators in cellphones, 2000 divide by 8.032, the monitor will show your name automatically. It's so strange and mysterious that nobody has solved the myth yet.
So you try,
dividing 2000 by 8.032, (even knowing it might be a funny game thing, but can't help being amused) because,
the answer is 250, a nickname for 'being silly' in China.
Oct 23, 2008
fell ill
The cold I'd had, have traveled with me all the way from Lhasa, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin to Shanghai, already for almost ten days. Even so, there's no signs of leaving yet.
I guessed I must get it from the chilly morning in Lhasa, when crazy me walked around the hotel in the cold morning wind about 5 degrees. Same day in the afternoon, I got the fever but didn't take any medicine. But I couldn't sleep at all in that night, and woke up always only to find I sweated and wetted the whole bed.
'It couldn't be the altitude sickness but it might occur to me,' worried and growing nervous, I stayed up all the night in order to leave Lhasa the first thing in the morning.But coming to low altitudes didn't help, but only comforted by the fact the common cold couldn't have killed me here.
I guessed I must get it from the chilly morning in Lhasa, when crazy me walked around the hotel in the cold morning wind about 5 degrees. Same day in the afternoon, I got the fever but didn't take any medicine. But I couldn't sleep at all in that night, and woke up always only to find I sweated and wetted the whole bed.
'It couldn't be the altitude sickness but it might occur to me,' worried and growing nervous, I stayed up all the night in order to leave Lhasa the first thing in the morning.But coming to low altitudes didn't help, but only comforted by the fact the common cold couldn't have killed me here.
Oct 5, 2008
love them
Love them the best! It's a group of very fun, nice, friendly, loving, understanding, caring and melding people.
Moved to tears by their remarks and the surprise gift, at the farewell dinner in Shanghai, after 15 days' tour.
Again, tears came to my eyes , when on the way to airport during my goodbye speech.
First time, or maybe the last time.
LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALL!
ps. my great pleasure and honor to be the photographer for them.
Oct 4, 2008
something new
new tree:
In Chengdu and Xi'an, a street tree type, which was answered by local guides, no-name tree and scholar tree, is actually:
孪树 in Chinese, or in English, golden rain tree ( or gold rain tree), in Sapindaceae family, tree leaves very similar to Chinese soapfruit tree while flowers to Bougainvillea.
new disease:
lime disease:
Lyme disease, is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Borrelia is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected hard ticks. Early manifestations of infection may include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. Left untreated, late manifestations involving the joints, heart, and nervous system can occur. In a majority of cases, symptoms can be eliminated with antibiotics, especially if diagnosis and treatment occur early in the course of illness. Late, delayed, or inadequate treatment can lead to late manifestations of Lyme disease which can be disabling and difficult to treat.
new regulation:
U.S. Customs regulations and its big no-no's—what you can and cannot bring home with you from your travels
Technically, there are no limits on how much loot you can bring back into the United States from a trip abroad, but the customs authority does put limits on how much you can bring back for free . This restriction is mainly for taxation purposes: to separate tourists with souvenirs from importers with profit motives.
What and how much you can bring into the United States is controlled by the U.S. Customs office (www.cbp.gov), which basically views you as a small-time importer/exporter. Importers have to pay a governmental duty (tax) on any foreign-made item they bring into the country.
However, the customs office realizes that the majority of travelers are merely bringing home items as souvenirs or gifts or for their personal use, and magnanimously allow you to bring in up to $800 worth of souvenirs and a few drops of that Italian wine for free.
Well, I Do Declare! Getting Through Customs
In a development so shocking I checked it twice to be sure there wasn't an error, the federal government has actually made it easier to bring your stuff home.
As of summer 2003, they doubled the cash value on goods US citizens allowed to take home without paying tax from $400 to $800 per person—so long as you've been out of the country for at least 48 hours and haven't used the exemption in the past 30 days (rules designed to foil any small import/export sideline an airline crew member might try to get going).
The bad news is that they haven't changed the draconian limits on, shall we say, comestibles of vice. I've got no problem with the rules limiting you to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars, but I find it patently ridiculous that you are only allowed to bring home a single liter of alcoholic beverage .
Do they honestly think that, should you bring home one bottle of Chianti from Tuscany as a present for your folks, and a bottle of Burgundy from France for yourself, plus a pint of that great Czech beer you know you'll never find at home, you're attempting to hide an import business? Really, it's quite silly. And I believe that most customs officials quietly agree. I've brazenly written down all two (or three, or four) bottles of wine that I'm taking home right there on the form, and have yet to have a customs officer take issue with it.
Of course, you're allowed to take them home. They just reserve the right to tax you on it (see below).
Getting Around the $800 Limit
Antiques over 100 years old and works of art are exempt from the $800 limit . So is anything you mail home from abroad. This is the Great Loophole. You can mail yourself up to $200 worth of good per day , so long as the package is marked "For Personal Use."
You can also mail up to $100 worth of stuff per day to friends and family (or technically, I guess, even strangers) so long as the packages are marked "Unsolicited Gift." Actually including a gift for your buddies (rather than just sending them your own booty to hold onto for you) would be a nice touch.
Either way, you must list the contents of any package on the outside wrapping, and you cannot mail alcohol, perfume (because it has alcohol in it), or tobacco products worth more than $5.
Going over the $800 Limit
Sure, it can happen. And when it does, the government wants to take a bite out of the value of whatever you're bringing home. That bite starts at 3% of the total value of your goods for the first $1,000 above and beyond the $800 limit. After that, you're looking at an item-by-item duty.
You Can't Take It With You
What do Dutch elm disease, hoof-in-mouth, and the Mediterranean fruit fly epidemic all have in common? They are all plagues that were brought into the United States by unscreened travelers. That's why there are some things you absolutely cannot bring into the U.S. The U.S. Customs service (www.cbp.gov) lists all the details; here's the brief version:
This list of no-nos includes plants, fruits, vegetables, meat, and, indeed, most food items. Yes, this means the salami that the shopkeeper in Europe swears up and down is fine for you to bring home will not be let in if they discover it. There are, however, some exceptions to the general food/plant rules.
You may bring home: baked goods, cheese (so long as it's not the soft, spreadable kind; if it's runnier than a Brie, no dice), tinned patés, candy, roasted coffee beans and dried teas, seeds for vegetables or flowers but not trees (though you're supposed to declare and register them), mushrooms, and packaged fish (so smoked salmon from Norway is A-OK).
thinking...
At ikea store, noticed that all the stuffed animal toys seem to have same eyes,obviously from same material , in same colors and even bearing same expression, no matter that they belong to elephants, frogs or bears.
I guess there must be somewhere a factory where workers are responsible for the eye assembly. Day after day, they put eyes all identical to faces of different animals. And I wonder, if they might enjoy their job?
But, who am I to judge them then? Ain't I myself one of them, traveling the same routes, telling similar if not all the same, stories to my groups , in same tones and expressions?
Suddenly feel a similar sadness, as I have experienced before but almost forgotten for long.
I guess there must be somewhere a factory where workers are responsible for the eye assembly. Day after day, they put eyes all identical to faces of different animals. And I wonder, if they might enjoy their job?
But, who am I to judge them then? Ain't I myself one of them, traveling the same routes, telling similar if not all the same, stories to my groups , in same tones and expressions?
Suddenly feel a similar sadness, as I have experienced before but almost forgotten for long.
Sep 4, 2008
Sep 3, 2008
morning
During the boat ride, returning to Kuching from Bako National Park, on morning of Aug.26.
Clouds are so light and breeze so gentle.
that flaming evening
Will never forget, I guess, that flaming evening sky at Kuta beach in Bali; and how crazily W. and I ran from the explosion monument, the other end of Alley 2 to the beach. After graduation, we didn't have such long run, and out of breath we were, THERE, after the run and more by the beauty we don't see in city sky.
Sep 2, 2008
beach at sunset
All places I chose for this trip did turn out to be great, or except K.L. Among 900-plus pictures on my camera, I like this one very much. It was on the short beach at Bako National Park, close to Kuching, Malaysia.
So quiet and meditative!
Sep 1, 2008
air asia or Malaysia airlines
It wasn't interesting experience at all, but the last two days in Kuala Lumper, Malaysia was never boring,due to way more flight plan changes than we can imagine.
Before we started our vacation, we already booked air asia flight from K.L. to Hangzhou on Aug. 30. But the day before in the afternoon of 29th, when I was shopping around for some souvenirs in its central market, air asia sent a urgent short message to my cell phone, informing our flight was canceled. So I hurried back to my hostel to discuss with my travel friend, W.
She was more panicked than me. She had to show up at her school the first day of her new semester. We checked with other possible flight with air asia, like changing our flight destination to Guangzhou or Hong kong then connecting to next flight back to Hangzhou. But all seemed not workable and economical either. And I clicked open the web site of Malaysia airlines. It has some low fare promotions, like the one we took the first day from Shanghai. The discounted and non-refundable fare to Shanghai, on 1 am 31st the closest destination and date, was, inclusive of taxes, the cheapest class was 975 RM ( about 290 us dollars). W. strongly wanted this flight and I agreed with her.
We tried to pay on the net but failed, and finally we succeeded with payment with its call center. Out of excitement, I didn't realize there was a guy lying next to the phone, who I hope didn't have great memory to remember all my card numbers and safety codes.
We had a early dinner, relaxed after such great nerve-breaking. I continued to look around, and luckily watched a really great live show in front of its brand new shopping mall called Pavilion. The show was called Arabic night with some really great local pop singers dancers and international artists too.
Next morning on 30th, I was again shocked by two short message from Air asia, saying NOW the flight was back, but under MH flight, a Malaysia airlines flight, or THE VERY SAME FLIGHT we booked the day before. What a drama!
We decided to check out and go to KL sentral, a communication center for light rails, subways, long distance buses and shuttle bus to airport too. Above all air asia has a counter over there. When we arrived there, it was hardly 9 am but it was already quite busy there, after 20 minutes waiting, it's our turn. The young woman quickly listened to our story and called to her supervisor and agreed to refund our air asia flight. We thanked her and then W. and I said goodbye and continued to our two respective program for the last half day in K.L.
When we met again. It was 3:30 pm, which was about 3 and half hours before our meeting time for shuttle bus to airport. Urgent! The call center sent confirmation but the flight date was NOT Aug 31st, 1 am, BUT, 1am Sep 1st.
Aug 31st is Malaysian Independence day. We were not sure if the airline office was still open or not for its national holiday. So we decided to go to the airport and see if we could fly out on 31st; or we had to stay in airport for 32 hours.
What were the possible reasons for this? Air asia talked to Malaysia airlines and squeezed its passengers into the list but Malaysia airlines canceled those discounted ticket holders? Or, or...?
The airports are located about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from the center. It was very green on the way, and according to the guidance book, the local government is planning to move to the midway for new administrative center called Patrajaya, which WAS W.'s exploration destination. According to her, it was countryside still and she didn't see any modern building at all before summoned back by my urgent message.
At the M ticketing office, a staff checked on her system and confirmed that our original booking was on Sep 1st, which made both of us very confused. We were very careful about the date, and 31 Sep was even more possible than 1 Sep. The staff told that she couldn't even put us on waiting list but suggested us to come to the counter about one hour before the flight.
We were familiar with the airport, if not every corner. This was the place we spent the first night of our trip before connecting to Yorgajarta, Indonesia. We quickly occupied two long benches, perfect position by the glass wall for temprary beds.
For the coming national day in the hall there was some preparation for celebrations. When it was around 8:30 the celebration was in full swing. There were children chorus of national song; local artists for Gamelan traditional percussion instruments; group traditional dancing and other ask-answer awards. W. stayed to watch for most of its performance and me, guardian of our VIP seats, had to run over and had a quick peep, took some shots before running back to our territory.
In similar manner I had my KFC dinner, a regular sized french fries, costing 3.50, inclusive 5% tax. Not tasty. Then I had a rice with squids and asparagus, 9.90 RM. We didn't dare to spend much, because the malaysia staff mentioned extra charge for reschedule would cost 125 RM each.
Around 11:45 pm W. was back. We decided to have a evil try. Maybe on the system of Malaysia airlines our names formerly input by air aisa hadn't been deleted yet. Before we moved our bags at the risk of losing our sleep corner, I calmly slipped over to the counter. It was almost empty. Most passengers must have checked in.
I handed over my passport and then waited...
The girl was flipping on her keyboard, second later, the printer was working.
A second later she gave me my boarding pass and in smile wished me a good flight. I was mad, rushing back to W. W. was madder,pulling her heavy bags fastest as she could and checked in.It was the fastest time I saw her walk.
We were crazily excited. After customs, W. spent all her ringit at the body shop. Aboard we still were wondering, how?
The seats must be reserved by air asia, but since we 'd been approved to refund, how come? Will the refund really effective? Anyway, we decided to forget it for then. The service of attendants were nice and with a glass of Merlot, I, found exhausted myself fall asleep immediately.
Before we started our vacation, we already booked air asia flight from K.L. to Hangzhou on Aug. 30. But the day before in the afternoon of 29th, when I was shopping around for some souvenirs in its central market, air asia sent a urgent short message to my cell phone, informing our flight was canceled. So I hurried back to my hostel to discuss with my travel friend, W.
She was more panicked than me. She had to show up at her school the first day of her new semester. We checked with other possible flight with air asia, like changing our flight destination to Guangzhou or Hong kong then connecting to next flight back to Hangzhou. But all seemed not workable and economical either. And I clicked open the web site of Malaysia airlines. It has some low fare promotions, like the one we took the first day from Shanghai. The discounted and non-refundable fare to Shanghai, on 1 am 31st the closest destination and date, was, inclusive of taxes, the cheapest class was 975 RM ( about 290 us dollars). W. strongly wanted this flight and I agreed with her.
We tried to pay on the net but failed, and finally we succeeded with payment with its call center. Out of excitement, I didn't realize there was a guy lying next to the phone, who I hope didn't have great memory to remember all my card numbers and safety codes.
We had a early dinner, relaxed after such great nerve-breaking. I continued to look around, and luckily watched a really great live show in front of its brand new shopping mall called Pavilion. The show was called Arabic night with some really great local pop singers dancers and international artists too.
Next morning on 30th, I was again shocked by two short message from Air asia, saying NOW the flight was back, but under MH flight, a Malaysia airlines flight, or THE VERY SAME FLIGHT we booked the day before. What a drama!
We decided to check out and go to KL sentral, a communication center for light rails, subways, long distance buses and shuttle bus to airport too. Above all air asia has a counter over there. When we arrived there, it was hardly 9 am but it was already quite busy there, after 20 minutes waiting, it's our turn. The young woman quickly listened to our story and called to her supervisor and agreed to refund our air asia flight. We thanked her and then W. and I said goodbye and continued to our two respective program for the last half day in K.L.
When we met again. It was 3:30 pm, which was about 3 and half hours before our meeting time for shuttle bus to airport. Urgent! The call center sent confirmation but the flight date was NOT Aug 31st, 1 am, BUT, 1am Sep 1st.
Aug 31st is Malaysian Independence day. We were not sure if the airline office was still open or not for its national holiday. So we decided to go to the airport and see if we could fly out on 31st; or we had to stay in airport for 32 hours.
What were the possible reasons for this? Air asia talked to Malaysia airlines and squeezed its passengers into the list but Malaysia airlines canceled those discounted ticket holders? Or, or...?
The airports are located about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from the center. It was very green on the way, and according to the guidance book, the local government is planning to move to the midway for new administrative center called Patrajaya, which WAS W.'s exploration destination. According to her, it was countryside still and she didn't see any modern building at all before summoned back by my urgent message.
At the M ticketing office, a staff checked on her system and confirmed that our original booking was on Sep 1st, which made both of us very confused. We were very careful about the date, and 31 Sep was even more possible than 1 Sep. The staff told that she couldn't even put us on waiting list but suggested us to come to the counter about one hour before the flight.
We were familiar with the airport, if not every corner. This was the place we spent the first night of our trip before connecting to Yorgajarta, Indonesia. We quickly occupied two long benches, perfect position by the glass wall for temprary beds.
For the coming national day in the hall there was some preparation for celebrations. When it was around 8:30 the celebration was in full swing. There were children chorus of national song; local artists for Gamelan traditional percussion instruments; group traditional dancing and other ask-answer awards. W. stayed to watch for most of its performance and me, guardian of our VIP seats, had to run over and had a quick peep, took some shots before running back to our territory.
In similar manner I had my KFC dinner, a regular sized french fries, costing 3.50, inclusive 5% tax. Not tasty. Then I had a rice with squids and asparagus, 9.90 RM. We didn't dare to spend much, because the malaysia staff mentioned extra charge for reschedule would cost 125 RM each.
Around 11:45 pm W. was back. We decided to have a evil try. Maybe on the system of Malaysia airlines our names formerly input by air aisa hadn't been deleted yet. Before we moved our bags at the risk of losing our sleep corner, I calmly slipped over to the counter. It was almost empty. Most passengers must have checked in.
I handed over my passport and then waited...
The girl was flipping on her keyboard, second later, the printer was working.
A second later she gave me my boarding pass and in smile wished me a good flight. I was mad, rushing back to W. W. was madder,pulling her heavy bags fastest as she could and checked in.It was the fastest time I saw her walk.
We were crazily excited. After customs, W. spent all her ringit at the body shop. Aboard we still were wondering, how?
The seats must be reserved by air asia, but since we 'd been approved to refund, how come? Will the refund really effective? Anyway, we decided to forget it for then. The service of attendants were nice and with a glass of Merlot, I, found exhausted myself fall asleep immediately.
Aug 11, 2008
Bon Vovage
Now it's our own countdowns to our trips. 3 days to go for A. and her friend to Thailand and Cambodia; 3 days for Z. and friend to Guizhou and Guilin, China; 4 days for me and W. to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Bon vovage !
(I wonder if we select similar dates to begin our vacation out of same understanding, which is, one week after the Olympics starts, surely we won't miss watching its opening ceremony and some events. Besides, during the one week, a good test time, we can know how well or how badly the Chinese team might perform. So we will enjoy our own travels, ensured, relaxed or even a little proudly. Take care and good luck.)
In the picture is Borobudur, in Yorgakarte, Indonesia, one of most impressive architectural wonders in Asia, which will also be our first highlight on tour.
Aug 10, 2008
go happy lucky
go happy lucky
I smiled back at the girl at the supermarket cashier when she said:
'Look, it's a lucky sum, 88.80, haven't had this number for long time.' 8 has become a really popular lucky number to Chinese population, for a very simple reason actually. It sounds like Chinese word for quick money. We have been paying more to have more 8s for our phone numbers, wedding dates, or any numbers. Luckily 8 will be more valued after it's been so reconfirmed by this current Olympics when deciding its grand opening time, 8:08 pm, 08-08-08, although I still hardly could believe such a superstition dominates so publicly an official event.
Of course people would say, since still you have to decide on some time, why not 8 time?
Actually it's not a real lucky day to me and my travel friend. Regardless of the high air plane ticket, we had reached the agreement the day before. We were to book the ticket from Bali to Kuching by AirAsia today. However, when I tried to do it this morning, something interesting happened.
When 'booking' if I clicked 'one passenger' ,the price would pop out; but when I corrected the number of us to 'two passengers', strangely the system showed 'no available prices for the date.'
As 23rd IS going to be the day, we guessed if it's possibly the system mistake, but couldn't help worrying, if it meant only one ticket was available, we would have big trouble ahead.
We logged on at different time, tried different web browsers, but all were same result. Finally I called to the airliner office. The service staff kindly checked on her system and soon confirmed our worst guess.
'It is our last ticket available, as we don't over sell seats.'
This worried my friend. Of course I knew why. If we don't have this flight ticket, we can't apply for visa upon arrival to Indonesia and have to reschedule all our next flights afterwards. We discussed all other possible plans, trying to check other airliners, other time and came to consensus that we had only one step to go.
If we can't flight direct, we will fly first to Jarkarta, the capital, as there are many domestic flights between Bali and Jarkarta. Booking tickets for domestic flights in Indonesia seems not easy at present, with international credit cards, so we quickly decided only to reserve the flight from Jarkarta to Kuching, sparing the first flight to book only after we arrived there.
After we settled this, we said goodbye on MSN and went back to watch sports channel for Olympics. Still grateful at heart, I think, what a a real luck it is, having a travel friend who thinks alike, understands changes, and acts quickly with me.
So, a 8-8-8 rated pal?!
I smiled back at the girl at the supermarket cashier when she said:
'Look, it's a lucky sum, 88.80, haven't had this number for long time.' 8 has become a really popular lucky number to Chinese population, for a very simple reason actually. It sounds like Chinese word for quick money. We have been paying more to have more 8s for our phone numbers, wedding dates, or any numbers. Luckily 8 will be more valued after it's been so reconfirmed by this current Olympics when deciding its grand opening time, 8:08 pm, 08-08-08, although I still hardly could believe such a superstition dominates so publicly an official event.
Of course people would say, since still you have to decide on some time, why not 8 time?
Actually it's not a real lucky day to me and my travel friend. Regardless of the high air plane ticket, we had reached the agreement the day before. We were to book the ticket from Bali to Kuching by AirAsia today. However, when I tried to do it this morning, something interesting happened.
When 'booking' if I clicked 'one passenger' ,the price would pop out; but when I corrected the number of us to 'two passengers', strangely the system showed 'no available prices for the date.'
As 23rd IS going to be the day, we guessed if it's possibly the system mistake, but couldn't help worrying, if it meant only one ticket was available, we would have big trouble ahead.
We logged on at different time, tried different web browsers, but all were same result. Finally I called to the airliner office. The service staff kindly checked on her system and soon confirmed our worst guess.
'It is our last ticket available, as we don't over sell seats.'
This worried my friend. Of course I knew why. If we don't have this flight ticket, we can't apply for visa upon arrival to Indonesia and have to reschedule all our next flights afterwards. We discussed all other possible plans, trying to check other airliners, other time and came to consensus that we had only one step to go.
If we can't flight direct, we will fly first to Jarkarta, the capital, as there are many domestic flights between Bali and Jarkarta. Booking tickets for domestic flights in Indonesia seems not easy at present, with international credit cards, so we quickly decided only to reserve the flight from Jarkarta to Kuching, sparing the first flight to book only after we arrived there.
After we settled this, we said goodbye on MSN and went back to watch sports channel for Olympics. Still grateful at heart, I think, what a a real luck it is, having a travel friend who thinks alike, understands changes, and acts quickly with me.
So, a 8-8-8 rated pal?!
Aug 9, 2008
Aug 2, 2008
my august syndrome
It's August now, 3rd, and only five days before the great game. Having been asked many times, on many occasions ,my feeling for the Olympics, by foreigners, my very diplomatic answer was 'of course I am happy and proud too.'
But it should be 50% honest. My very true feelings are three: 2008 is not a good year , as so much mishaps happened to its people since the very beginning, the snow disaster, the earthquake, the train crush, the floods, the explosions, the Lhasa issue, the slump of stock market by 40-50%. A game is a month long while the livehood is more vital. So why to spend huge sum of money while the people are struggling on the edge and living with lots of restrictions ?
Feeling two, due to the very expensive travel expenses, and extremely strict visa policies, no tour group are entering, hence tour guides all become laid off in this whole month, and for sure there will be no penny's compensation. So still to cheer, with empty pockets?
Feeling three,which is the strongest feeling, is: even before realization, from its countdown of 300-odd days to 9,to 8, to five days, I keep wondering how cruelly fast time runs and what I've done on earth?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last week should be the last busy week before the show event. I had an adoptive family group. Supposedly the family were to have every related documents and the child's passport ready before they leave for Guangzhou on August 1st. But due to the over occupized leaders at department of civil affairs, for conferences for anti-terroist attacks during the game time, we had the adoption certificate one day late, which cause every delay afterwards. Thankfully, the helpful notary public office did prepare those papers on time on Thursday for the parents could fax and register to their state. But big headache was with the passport application the last step.
Before the new regulation taking effect early this year, the passports of adopted children would be handled only by the provincial department of public security, passport center. However now the local city public security bueareu takes over the power of issue right. But the poccessing is still supervised by the provincial level.Comfussing?!
On late afternoon Tuesday we submitted the documents for the passport application at the local city center but their staff were not experienced with similar cases. Finally, after running between buildings and asking questions, we were seated and have our documents accepted. The staff promised to stamp 'urgent' on our case but she still added she didn't gurantee the ready time, even after we told our departure time on Friday.
On Thursday morning, I went there. The passport was not ready. I called their office, and answer was,'The passport was in the provincial center. We don't know.'
In the afternoon, I called again, and different staff picked up my call. She was happy for the boy adopted but still from the computer system, she didn't see any progress. She kindly gave a number for the provision, but all calls, to more different numbers, were all missed. No body was in the office.( They all went to attend urgent meeting.) Definately we could have it, the passport on Thursday.
When I returned to the hotel, I explained to the parents, who became very nervous. The reason was clear. If next day, Friday, if they couldn't have the boy's passport, they couldn't fly;They had to wait till Monday and the visa interview in Guangzhou would be delayed too. In short, they hardly could return to America before their own visa to China expired.There were all uncertainty. I of course couldn't promise anything. Anyway, I worked out the plans to them:
'Next morning, I will contact the passport center. Hopefully, it would be ready. So every worry will be settled in that case. You will catch the flight, already rescheduled, to 6:40 pm from the original 3:40 pm.' 'But,' I meant, ' If still in the morning there's no good news. From 2:30 till 5:00 pm their office time. we will still give the last minute try.'
That night I almost didn't still sleep at all faced with such a huge stress. I was not sure if the family rested or not.
Friday morning, I called the provincial office. Finally somebody picked up the phone but he very boldly answered he couldn't answer any question on phone regarding passport application. I had to go back to local city center for details. So depressed, I called to the city center office. Good news. The passport was approved but would be only picked up in the afternoon from the provision. So from the window it would be Monday morning.
I explained our very urgent situation. She asked me to go to the counter to explain again. She was just an operator. The three staff heard me out but expressed they couldn't help. One woman was impatient at all, asking why you booked the ticket this afternnon. We didn't ask you to book the ticket? If urgent, why not ask the passport to be mailed to Guangdong.' She forgot one thing. The boy needed the passport for the flight. After a while, she said the earliest time was in the afternnon, when their coworker picked up all hundreds of passports from the provicial office, they kinds try to pick it out. After that she coldly waved me to leave. By then I totally understood, why a murderer in Shanghai, who killed six policemen was even regarded as a hero.
In the afternoon, I waited our doors, asking my driver to pick up the family from the hotel around 3:30. We met at 3:50 and walked upto the second floor, the counter. The time passed and we waited more and more nervous. Because if we picked up the passport later than 4:30, we most probably would miss the flight. They answered briefly my question and told us to sit back and wait. We had nothing to do but to pray. It's 4:05. It's 4:09.It's 4:11. Every tickles of the watches became so loud even out of the crowds.
We waited and waited. Every second and every minute felt so long. Well, when a young girl calmly brought one brown cover thing to the counter, we knew it's us. I told the family to run to the van while I had to fill out some form still. It was 4:25pm, the last time shot I explained. On the way to the airport, I kinda collapsed and couldn't speak at all.
My august story it was, as I believe, much more exciting than the Hollywood action movies. I needed a long sleep, after this or deserve a long vacation, as the one I am planning.
But it should be 50% honest. My very true feelings are three: 2008 is not a good year , as so much mishaps happened to its people since the very beginning, the snow disaster, the earthquake, the train crush, the floods, the explosions, the Lhasa issue, the slump of stock market by 40-50%. A game is a month long while the livehood is more vital. So why to spend huge sum of money while the people are struggling on the edge and living with lots of restrictions ?
Feeling two, due to the very expensive travel expenses, and extremely strict visa policies, no tour group are entering, hence tour guides all become laid off in this whole month, and for sure there will be no penny's compensation. So still to cheer, with empty pockets?
Feeling three,which is the strongest feeling, is: even before realization, from its countdown of 300-odd days to 9,to 8, to five days, I keep wondering how cruelly fast time runs and what I've done on earth?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last week should be the last busy week before the show event. I had an adoptive family group. Supposedly the family were to have every related documents and the child's passport ready before they leave for Guangzhou on August 1st. But due to the over occupized leaders at department of civil affairs, for conferences for anti-terroist attacks during the game time, we had the adoption certificate one day late, which cause every delay afterwards. Thankfully, the helpful notary public office did prepare those papers on time on Thursday for the parents could fax and register to their state. But big headache was with the passport application the last step.
Before the new regulation taking effect early this year, the passports of adopted children would be handled only by the provincial department of public security, passport center. However now the local city public security bueareu takes over the power of issue right. But the poccessing is still supervised by the provincial level.Comfussing?!
On late afternoon Tuesday we submitted the documents for the passport application at the local city center but their staff were not experienced with similar cases. Finally, after running between buildings and asking questions, we were seated and have our documents accepted. The staff promised to stamp 'urgent' on our case but she still added she didn't gurantee the ready time, even after we told our departure time on Friday.
On Thursday morning, I went there. The passport was not ready. I called their office, and answer was,'The passport was in the provincial center. We don't know.'
In the afternoon, I called again, and different staff picked up my call. She was happy for the boy adopted but still from the computer system, she didn't see any progress. She kindly gave a number for the provision, but all calls, to more different numbers, were all missed. No body was in the office.( They all went to attend urgent meeting.) Definately we could have it, the passport on Thursday.
When I returned to the hotel, I explained to the parents, who became very nervous. The reason was clear. If next day, Friday, if they couldn't have the boy's passport, they couldn't fly;They had to wait till Monday and the visa interview in Guangzhou would be delayed too. In short, they hardly could return to America before their own visa to China expired.There were all uncertainty. I of course couldn't promise anything. Anyway, I worked out the plans to them:
'Next morning, I will contact the passport center. Hopefully, it would be ready. So every worry will be settled in that case. You will catch the flight, already rescheduled, to 6:40 pm from the original 3:40 pm.' 'But,' I meant, ' If still in the morning there's no good news. From 2:30 till 5:00 pm their office time. we will still give the last minute try.'
That night I almost didn't still sleep at all faced with such a huge stress. I was not sure if the family rested or not.
Friday morning, I called the provincial office. Finally somebody picked up the phone but he very boldly answered he couldn't answer any question on phone regarding passport application. I had to go back to local city center for details. So depressed, I called to the city center office. Good news. The passport was approved but would be only picked up in the afternoon from the provision. So from the window it would be Monday morning.
I explained our very urgent situation. She asked me to go to the counter to explain again. She was just an operator. The three staff heard me out but expressed they couldn't help. One woman was impatient at all, asking why you booked the ticket this afternnon. We didn't ask you to book the ticket? If urgent, why not ask the passport to be mailed to Guangdong.' She forgot one thing. The boy needed the passport for the flight. After a while, she said the earliest time was in the afternnon, when their coworker picked up all hundreds of passports from the provicial office, they kinds try to pick it out. After that she coldly waved me to leave. By then I totally understood, why a murderer in Shanghai, who killed six policemen was even regarded as a hero.
In the afternoon, I waited our doors, asking my driver to pick up the family from the hotel around 3:30. We met at 3:50 and walked upto the second floor, the counter. The time passed and we waited more and more nervous. Because if we picked up the passport later than 4:30, we most probably would miss the flight. They answered briefly my question and told us to sit back and wait. We had nothing to do but to pray. It's 4:05. It's 4:09.It's 4:11. Every tickles of the watches became so loud even out of the crowds.
We waited and waited. Every second and every minute felt so long. Well, when a young girl calmly brought one brown cover thing to the counter, we knew it's us. I told the family to run to the van while I had to fill out some form still. It was 4:25pm, the last time shot I explained. On the way to the airport, I kinda collapsed and couldn't speak at all.
My august story it was, as I believe, much more exciting than the Hollywood action movies. I needed a long sleep, after this or deserve a long vacation, as the one I am planning.
Jul 23, 2008
a wasted day
One hour before the arrival time of the Greek group, or half an hour earlier than usual, the driver and I were already driving in the direction of the airport, considering the new security checks on the high way might consume some time.
After some discuss about this group, we quickly shifted our attention to the news. Just one day before, there were two explosions on local public buses in Kunming, the capital of southern Yunnan province; AND, also in a Tibetan lamasery in Gansu, a northern western province, an explosion consumed two lives. We were not sure if any such would happen in our city, but soon the driver kinda comforted by explaining Shanghai, so close by, should be a better target choice than our lesser known hometown, for those terrorists. After a brief happy moment, we quickly fell into a long silence when our van smoothly crossed the bridge and was stopped at the toll gate.
The toll gate has been neglected for many years, since the city has abolished charging anything from vehicles to and from the airport. However, it was very busy today, at its six lines, many security personnel were stopping each passing vehicles. We followed the line and a blue uniform approached us asking
' where to? where from? which district of the city from?'
Our answers made a satisfactory impact and soon we were gestured to leave. Both of us wondered if such questions could help ; or if they do, do the answers, perhaps honest or dishonest, help tracking every routes of potential terrorists.
We drove forward another 10 minutes when we were getting to the second toll gate. But this time almost immediately we tried to slow down and pull in, a woman signaled us to go. Good impression we have not to be considered as two bad guys.
The van arrived at the terminal building around 10:10 am. Perfect timing ! The 7 Greek tourists were to land at 10:20. I got off the van and walked to enter. The second I was inside, I noticed there were a red zig-zag line, guarded by some young boys and girls along a table and some machine. Very politely they explained that it's new regulation. Besides the security check before boarding, all people have to take the first security check. Obviously they were interested in only my should bag. With a little panel device, a young man slowly inspected the zipper and edge, only the surface. Then a small piece of result note poped out of the panel, and it was inserted into the machine. I was freed after no threats were confirmed.
I quickly ran to Mcdonald's and got a orange juice. It was a hot day. But hardly before I finished, there went the announcement about the arrival of the flight from Xi'an. They were coming, 4 adults and 3 teenagers. So I went to the exit to wait. The airport of Hangzhou is a small one, the arrival terminal having only two luggage belts. And from outsides, it's easy to see through the large glass door every going-ons.
From Belt A, there were four flights, from Xi'an and Guangzhou etc. The airport staff were very patient, checking each claim tag of so many groups, which made a big mess and a little riots. Guessing between flights and groups, I was waiting there for about 4o minutes already,still all in vain. And when the claim area was finally clear and empty, I had waited for one hour. I had a veird guess. The group was not coming! I waited for aother fifteen minutes till other batch of arrival flights information appeared on the monitor.
I called up to the office to inform my manager of the accident. Minutes later I was called back. I could leave, as the manager said. So full of anticipation and glory, I accomplished a very speicial inspection tour to the security situation of the airport, successfully. And meanwhile, I sincerely hope those Greeks didn't have any trouble with China's security checks. Good luck!
After some discuss about this group, we quickly shifted our attention to the news. Just one day before, there were two explosions on local public buses in Kunming, the capital of southern Yunnan province; AND, also in a Tibetan lamasery in Gansu, a northern western province, an explosion consumed two lives. We were not sure if any such would happen in our city, but soon the driver kinda comforted by explaining Shanghai, so close by, should be a better target choice than our lesser known hometown, for those terrorists. After a brief happy moment, we quickly fell into a long silence when our van smoothly crossed the bridge and was stopped at the toll gate.
The toll gate has been neglected for many years, since the city has abolished charging anything from vehicles to and from the airport. However, it was very busy today, at its six lines, many security personnel were stopping each passing vehicles. We followed the line and a blue uniform approached us asking
' where to? where from? which district of the city from?'
Our answers made a satisfactory impact and soon we were gestured to leave. Both of us wondered if such questions could help ; or if they do, do the answers, perhaps honest or dishonest, help tracking every routes of potential terrorists.
We drove forward another 10 minutes when we were getting to the second toll gate. But this time almost immediately we tried to slow down and pull in, a woman signaled us to go. Good impression we have not to be considered as two bad guys.
The van arrived at the terminal building around 10:10 am. Perfect timing ! The 7 Greek tourists were to land at 10:20. I got off the van and walked to enter. The second I was inside, I noticed there were a red zig-zag line, guarded by some young boys and girls along a table and some machine. Very politely they explained that it's new regulation. Besides the security check before boarding, all people have to take the first security check. Obviously they were interested in only my should bag. With a little panel device, a young man slowly inspected the zipper and edge, only the surface. Then a small piece of result note poped out of the panel, and it was inserted into the machine. I was freed after no threats were confirmed.
I quickly ran to Mcdonald's and got a orange juice. It was a hot day. But hardly before I finished, there went the announcement about the arrival of the flight from Xi'an. They were coming, 4 adults and 3 teenagers. So I went to the exit to wait. The airport of Hangzhou is a small one, the arrival terminal having only two luggage belts. And from outsides, it's easy to see through the large glass door every going-ons.
From Belt A, there were four flights, from Xi'an and Guangzhou etc. The airport staff were very patient, checking each claim tag of so many groups, which made a big mess and a little riots. Guessing between flights and groups, I was waiting there for about 4o minutes already,still all in vain. And when the claim area was finally clear and empty, I had waited for one hour. I had a veird guess. The group was not coming! I waited for aother fifteen minutes till other batch of arrival flights information appeared on the monitor.
I called up to the office to inform my manager of the accident. Minutes later I was called back. I could leave, as the manager said. So full of anticipation and glory, I accomplished a very speicial inspection tour to the security situation of the airport, successfully. And meanwhile, I sincerely hope those Greeks didn't have any trouble with China's security checks. Good luck!
Jul 22, 2008
Every Monday is...
In great effort to call on good manners of its citizens, Hangzhou city government has named every Monday of a week, as a special Day to kindly offer your seats on public buses to those in need, including the elderly, the weak, the sick and the pregrant passengers.
The practise has aroused much debate though. Here's a popular survey; imagine you as a young person, returning from a long and late night work, when in the bus, is surrounded by the elderly people who just finish their morning exercise, would you give away your seat?
Yes or no?On the web, 33% voted 'yes', 22% expressed negative and the rest 45% suggested 'it depends'.
The practise has aroused much debate though. Here's a popular survey; imagine you as a young person, returning from a long and late night work, when in the bus, is surrounded by the elderly people who just finish their morning exercise, would you give away your seat?
Yes or no?On the web, 33% voted 'yes', 22% expressed negative and the rest 45% suggested 'it depends'.
Jul 19, 2008
my next trip
It took me about a week to decide where to go for this August, extremely free thanks to the Olympics. And as my dearest destination of Nepal has to be postponed again due to the unrest situation there, finding somewhere interesting, hopefully equally, seemed once a difficult mission to accomplish.
And so when I told my friends that I was going to Bali island, Indonesia and Malaysia, as expected, they showed doubt. ' you have just returned from Hainan island, why do you do beaches again?' 'but, wait, there are much more than beaches in bali;or should be.', which actually sounded more like to convince doubtful myself.
'and why Malaysia?' 'oh, because its promotional advertisement about its tourism on CNN was just great. And another reason is, Air Asia, the cheap airliner flies directly between Hangzhou and Kuala Lumper at good rates.
So, W. almost immediately agreed to come with me, even before I worked out my itinerary yet. Since as the summer vacation started, going out to see the world surely is a good way to kill the time. Another friend, A. was almost convinced, but next day backed out because since A. successfully located another partner to travel with to Cambodia and Thailand, the dream places to them.
We, two of us plan to travel between Aug. 16-30, to Yogyakarta, Bali cities of Indonesia and Kuching, Meluca and Kuala Lumper of Malaysia, while A. and friend between Aug. 15-31 to the neighbour countries. How interesting!
And so when I told my friends that I was going to Bali island, Indonesia and Malaysia, as expected, they showed doubt. ' you have just returned from Hainan island, why do you do beaches again?' 'but, wait, there are much more than beaches in bali;or should be.', which actually sounded more like to convince doubtful myself.
'and why Malaysia?' 'oh, because its promotional advertisement about its tourism on CNN was just great. And another reason is, Air Asia, the cheap airliner flies directly between Hangzhou and Kuala Lumper at good rates.
So, W. almost immediately agreed to come with me, even before I worked out my itinerary yet. Since as the summer vacation started, going out to see the world surely is a good way to kill the time. Another friend, A. was almost convinced, but next day backed out because since A. successfully located another partner to travel with to Cambodia and Thailand, the dream places to them.
We, two of us plan to travel between Aug. 16-30, to Yogyakarta, Bali cities of Indonesia and Kuching, Meluca and Kuala Lumper of Malaysia, while A. and friend between Aug. 15-31 to the neighbour countries. How interesting!
Jul 16, 2008
story of currency exchange
At counter 12, Bank of China, I was ready to exchange some Canadian money to Chinese. The big screen showed that the rate was 6.62, (a little higher compared to two weeks ago, ranging between 6.4-6.5.),
' and please, what's rate for American dollar, cash then?'
The staff flipped the keyboard, 'it's 6.74.'
'And what's trading rates between American dollar and Canadian dollar, then?' I remember same day in the morning, I noticed it was about 0.99 to 1.00.
The girl checked and informed me. ' Buying and selling rates are : 0.9999 /1.0036.'
I was puzzled, ' how come then? If US dollar 's value is similar to Canadian currency, why the rate of Canadian to Chinese is being so low. That's so veird and strange.'
The girl was puzzled too, but she insisted. 'It's the system set by our bank. I don't know.' Okay, then, I decided to keep the Canadian money on my account book, for at least three days ( from the girl, their policy again.)
But seconds after I walked out of the head branch of Bank of China in Zhejiang Province, I realized I could do something else. Of course I didn't go back then, hating for its extremely long waiting quene. About 10 minutes' walk away, there's another Bank of China branch.
The manager was puzzled too. 'If you would like to exchange to Chinese from Canadian, why do you need to do twice.' By Twice, my plan was to exchange from Canadian to American first, then from American to Chinese. I did the first step of trade on its self-serive machine, the got traded at 1.0028 , then to Chinese from American dollar at 6.74. All in all, after these trouble, I traded my Canadian to Chinese at 6.72, 0.1 higher than the bank rate 6.62.
LOL.
' and please, what's rate for American dollar, cash then?'
The staff flipped the keyboard, 'it's 6.74.'
'And what's trading rates between American dollar and Canadian dollar, then?' I remember same day in the morning, I noticed it was about 0.99 to 1.00.
The girl checked and informed me. ' Buying and selling rates are : 0.9999 /1.0036.'
I was puzzled, ' how come then? If US dollar 's value is similar to Canadian currency, why the rate of Canadian to Chinese is being so low. That's so veird and strange.'
The girl was puzzled too, but she insisted. 'It's the system set by our bank. I don't know.' Okay, then, I decided to keep the Canadian money on my account book, for at least three days ( from the girl, their policy again.)
But seconds after I walked out of the head branch of Bank of China in Zhejiang Province, I realized I could do something else. Of course I didn't go back then, hating for its extremely long waiting quene. About 10 minutes' walk away, there's another Bank of China branch.
The manager was puzzled too. 'If you would like to exchange to Chinese from Canadian, why do you need to do twice.' By Twice, my plan was to exchange from Canadian to American first, then from American to Chinese. I did the first step of trade on its self-serive machine, the got traded at 1.0028 , then to Chinese from American dollar at 6.74. All in all, after these trouble, I traded my Canadian to Chinese at 6.72, 0.1 higher than the bank rate 6.62.
LOL.
Jul 14, 2008
Jul 8, 2008
guizhou
During our 25 days' trip across China, from north to south, Guiyang, the capital of southwestern Guizhou province, is obviously our favourite. The reason is really simple. Above all, the temperature was most welcomingly, cool, with the high only about 25. What a surprise, when compared to most other scorching cities. Even Harbin, located near the border between China and Russia, welcomed us warmly with 35 (95 degrees) in the early June.
The places of interest are more green and natural, including the magnificent waterfall of Huangguoshu, big caves, underground rivers and as well, mountains beyond mountains along the drive. Besides, we enjoyed the minority performances at a Miao village, which was great fun. And for the first time for me even, a local opera, called dixi, highly praised as living fossil opera, is legendary and magically preserved here after it was first brought about 400-500 years by the Ming soldiers into this area to guard China's southern border. In the surburb many villiagers,descedents of these army, still wear special Chinese costume today, the style as our ancestors wore five hundreds ago on mainland. Wandering on small alleys at these some small but lovely small towns (qiyan town) made us feel like being in different century.
However something I wonder, is why the men here liked smoking so much, almost every man, every where. Is this too a heritage from hundreds ago? Another pity was we didn't try good foods here, instead some boring and unclean places. So in the end we even declared we could go to KFC.
Jul 4, 2008
a day not to be forgotten
Soon after the group left for Hong Kong I checked in at a guesthouse just located about 100 meters off the beach of Sanya Bay. Instead of taking the sea-view room I'd booked, I decided to take a room facing the garden, for it was much quieter and farther away from its restaurant and bar in its reception area. To be honest, the facility was not star-rated but acceptable with air conditioner and private hot water shower for 128 yuan/night. I thought I would go to bed immediately, but couldn't help feeling excited about having a little walk by that facts: one, I was liberated finally after 25 days; two, the beach and the sea were only one minute's walk away. It was already 10 pm and the beach was peaceful and lovely dark, except some locals sitting under the trees, or walking on the sands and occasionally some flying balloon lights. How wonderful a way it is to fly one's wishes so high and elegant into the night sky.
I walked on the soft sand for about half an hour. The soothing sounds of waved were still echoing on me like a lullaby, after I hit the bed back to the guesthouse. I told myself tomorrow should be a lazy day and I WOULDN'T need to get up early. Even so, next morning around 5:30, I was awake. A typical symptom after a busy trip. The balcony was empty and the view of the sea from its 11 floor seemed blue and cool. I quietly sneaked out and ran there: the only destination.
The water, blue like sapphire, magically mirrored the fluffy clouds in the sky, while the morning breeze gentle like friends' hugs and sounds of waves as sweet as lovers' sweet murmurs. I wonder how the locals would feel about their lives, walking with family and dogs, fishing, exercising taiji and dealing for fish and shrimp at morning bazar. What I felt?! A totally new person. A curious traveller photographing everything from every angle, hopelessly wet and messy, with soaked shorts and sneaker full of sand. I stayed hours under the tall palm trees, doing nothing but gazing at the sea and sky, knowing this is the right type of vacation I like.
Before the air was warm, I rose and walked back to shower and pack before checkout at 12. I had a thai-style fish at a western restaurant, praised to be the best in town, called coffee time. To me, after the morning, the lunch was just no surprise. But afterwards the reading in the breezy balcony back at the guesthouse was gorgeous and pleasant.
Still hesitating to leave, in the taxi car to the airport, I asked the driver to open the window to absorb every beach, every tree, every cloud and every breeze. The last surprise was from the driver, who'd been driving very safely, smiled kindly,saying 'thank you' to me and wished me a nice flight. But,don't you know, Ms driver,surely it's me who should say thanks, to you and your city of Sanya for such a wonderful and memorable day.
May 31, 2008
b.a.c.k.
Woke up by the chirps of birds at 5:30 in the morning, in my own bed. I know I'm back home now.
The last two weeks seemed the longest in my life and I was feeling returning from a different world on the way from Shanghai airport back to Hangzhou. The field was all in dark yellow,as the canola plants were ripe and to be harvested. I remember it was lush green when I left, and just two days ago in Guilin, the paddy field very tender green with new rice plants.
Cities are different as we were.
It's a trip with too many changes, unprecedented. The group originally planned to go to Lhasa, Tibet, however, after the government closed down due to the unrest and riots, to foreign visitors, the programme was resheduled to travel to Lijiang and Chengdu. No wonder as soon as the group of alumi of University of Chicage landed at T3 new terminal at Beijing airport, the first question they raised was , 'Can we still go to Chengdu?' It was May 15, 3 days after the most deadly earthquake in last decades to China, hitting Wenchuan with 8 on scale, only hundred mile away from Chengdu.
'From the news, Chengdu is safe and flights to/from the airport have been restored.'
But in the coming days, the situation had developed far from our imagination. With more after shocks hittingin that area, death tolls rising, so many moments teardrops rolled down my face automatically, while watching the news, photos and reading stories behind. Too sad and tragic, especially those kids and students crushed under the rubble. I was happy when explained to the group there was possibility about the programe change, they acted very understanding.
I remember, in Xi'an, I shed tears again at breakfast, by a waitress handing over a newspaper all printed in black as a memorial for the dead 40,000. And rumor spread in this city, that the quakes would shift to the norther area from its original epicenter, like Xi'an. So for two days and two nights, we witnessed hundreds of thousands of local citizens fleeing or taking shelter on the streets on 19 and 20th. And by then, I knew we couldn't fly to Chengdu, due to the fact that the whole city had been mobilized to the relief work, espcially the tour buses.
In order to minimumize their travel mood, I kept the news secret until we finished the highlight tour to terra-cotta soldiers. On the way back to city, I explained the announcement. Thankfully, they took it very calmly and acted very cool with it. We were arranged to do the three gorges cruise instead of Chengdu and Lijiang ( flight via Chengdu there cancelled). But to me, the worst arrangement is, our group will be set in two teams, the majority of 12 flying directly to Yichang for the cruise, while I ,together with the oldest man, who travelled solo, were to fly to Beijing and then to Yichang. ( I still was not happy with lcal agent's arrangement.Just because he was alone?!In my opinion is this was not fair to him and least respectful for the elderly, who was 84 years old.) I tried my best and he accepted it. Thank you, Robert.
Left in Xi'an at 7 am, got to Beijing at 11, flied again at 2 and got to Yichang at 4 and reunited with the group at 6 at the airport before dinner.
The cruise on the gorges actually turned out to be the very relaxing and enjoyable. A nice new boat, Katarina under Victoria cruiser prepared rich activites aboard,like lectures, performances as well as offshore excursions, to the construction site of the project, boat into Lesser three gorges, and Ghost city.
We disembarked in Chongqing on 25, and in the afternoon, lying in bed, I felt the quake, horizontal way, lasting for about 20 seconds.Even it was my first time in my entire life, thank god, I stayed really calmand just waited patiently for it to go. It totally surprised myself. We were on 16 floor of Hilton, and the afterquake turned out to be 5.6 scale.
In Guilin, we knew that the quake hit Xi'an, and fortunately caused least trouble but in this new city to us, the thunderstorm during last couple of days, caused floods and over 50 people got killed. We were lucky with the weather, changing between thunderstorm in the morning, sunny near the noon and light drizzle in the evening. We made all the sun and avoided all the rain, so close within seconds. It was similar story the second day too after the boatrise on Li river.
Felt safe finally in Shangahi. But always the ever rising of death toll made sky still dark and gloomy. But life goes on and should be in a good way too, with so much support behind! So be brave and strong, to us all!
The last two weeks seemed the longest in my life and I was feeling returning from a different world on the way from Shanghai airport back to Hangzhou. The field was all in dark yellow,as the canola plants were ripe and to be harvested. I remember it was lush green when I left, and just two days ago in Guilin, the paddy field very tender green with new rice plants.
Cities are different as we were.
It's a trip with too many changes, unprecedented. The group originally planned to go to Lhasa, Tibet, however, after the government closed down due to the unrest and riots, to foreign visitors, the programme was resheduled to travel to Lijiang and Chengdu. No wonder as soon as the group of alumi of University of Chicage landed at T3 new terminal at Beijing airport, the first question they raised was , 'Can we still go to Chengdu?' It was May 15, 3 days after the most deadly earthquake in last decades to China, hitting Wenchuan with 8 on scale, only hundred mile away from Chengdu.
'From the news, Chengdu is safe and flights to/from the airport have been restored.'
But in the coming days, the situation had developed far from our imagination. With more after shocks hittingin that area, death tolls rising, so many moments teardrops rolled down my face automatically, while watching the news, photos and reading stories behind. Too sad and tragic, especially those kids and students crushed under the rubble. I was happy when explained to the group there was possibility about the programe change, they acted very understanding.
I remember, in Xi'an, I shed tears again at breakfast, by a waitress handing over a newspaper all printed in black as a memorial for the dead 40,000. And rumor spread in this city, that the quakes would shift to the norther area from its original epicenter, like Xi'an. So for two days and two nights, we witnessed hundreds of thousands of local citizens fleeing or taking shelter on the streets on 19 and 20th. And by then, I knew we couldn't fly to Chengdu, due to the fact that the whole city had been mobilized to the relief work, espcially the tour buses.
In order to minimumize their travel mood, I kept the news secret until we finished the highlight tour to terra-cotta soldiers. On the way back to city, I explained the announcement. Thankfully, they took it very calmly and acted very cool with it. We were arranged to do the three gorges cruise instead of Chengdu and Lijiang ( flight via Chengdu there cancelled). But to me, the worst arrangement is, our group will be set in two teams, the majority of 12 flying directly to Yichang for the cruise, while I ,together with the oldest man, who travelled solo, were to fly to Beijing and then to Yichang. ( I still was not happy with lcal agent's arrangement.Just because he was alone?!In my opinion is this was not fair to him and least respectful for the elderly, who was 84 years old.) I tried my best and he accepted it. Thank you, Robert.
Left in Xi'an at 7 am, got to Beijing at 11, flied again at 2 and got to Yichang at 4 and reunited with the group at 6 at the airport before dinner.
The cruise on the gorges actually turned out to be the very relaxing and enjoyable. A nice new boat, Katarina under Victoria cruiser prepared rich activites aboard,like lectures, performances as well as offshore excursions, to the construction site of the project, boat into Lesser three gorges, and Ghost city.
We disembarked in Chongqing on 25, and in the afternoon, lying in bed, I felt the quake, horizontal way, lasting for about 20 seconds.Even it was my first time in my entire life, thank god, I stayed really calmand just waited patiently for it to go. It totally surprised myself. We were on 16 floor of Hilton, and the afterquake turned out to be 5.6 scale.
In Guilin, we knew that the quake hit Xi'an, and fortunately caused least trouble but in this new city to us, the thunderstorm during last couple of days, caused floods and over 50 people got killed. We were lucky with the weather, changing between thunderstorm in the morning, sunny near the noon and light drizzle in the evening. We made all the sun and avoided all the rain, so close within seconds. It was similar story the second day too after the boatrise on Li river.
Felt safe finally in Shangahi. But always the ever rising of death toll made sky still dark and gloomy. But life goes on and should be in a good way too, with so much support behind! So be brave and strong, to us all!
May 13, 2008
伤逝
To all those unfortunate lives lost in 2008, a shitty year, during the train clashes, virus outbreaks, and serious earthquakes, in cyclone and wars, here in China and the whole world.
May 10, 2008
mother day story
With the movie Zuo You ( left or right), which has just won the Silver bear best screenplay at this year's Berlin Film Festival, more and more people come to know about a mother, to admire all her heroic deeds to save her son while sharing her great grief of the loss of him.
The story was first published in September , 2006 in a Chengdu and only two days before the story broke, Yan Ying, a 39-year-old mother of two, had given birth to her third child. The baby boy had yet to be given a name, and had been brought into the world by his divorced parents in the hope that the newborn's cord blood could be used to save the life of his blood cancer stricken brother. Doctors felt that the desperate attempt had a 25 percent chance of success.
Qin Xinfa, Yan Ying's eldest son, was diagnosed with myelodysplasia in 2000 at the age of six. The rare disease, unofficially called "preleukemia," can develop into leukemia and is often life-threatening on its own. Yan Ying and her husband had divorced in 2002, but desperate to save her son she pleaded with her ex-husband to have another child. The husband agreed, but unfortunately the newborn's cord blood did not match. (Xinfa died one month later.)
She was invited to attend the movie premier in Chengdu by the director. But when the scenes came, she just couldn't control her tears still and collapsed. I understand, how could she ever forget the dark time she lived through:
All those nights she stayed up alone in great tears, on the hospital cold hall floors and even streets on a piece of grass mattress to save the money;
she was even once 'invited' to a police station because she could be whore;
then bad pieces news of failed treatments with building-up medical charges;
how at home, family fights erupted and her husband beat her when both so stressed;
her son tried three suicides;
the divorce conditions, she was to be responsible for all medical expenses, with her ex taking their second child and sparing her and her son no penny at all for life and medications,
how humiliated she was begging her husband to do it with her to made her pregnant again;
and then hope broke after long waiting;
how her boy told the ward mates to be respectful for their mothers;
how painful her son felt, and wanted a bowl of rice congiee, and when when she returned he was gone...
May 8, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)