We love it here. This little resort town is full of westerners, cute as hell and has a ton of stuff to do. Once we checked in to the hotel, we went immediately on a bus that brought us to a boat tour. We were excited to go because it is the exact spot pictured on the 20 Yuan note. We saw water buffalos and cormorants fisherman (they put a collar on cormorant birds and keep the bird on a leash–the bird catches the fish, but due to the collar can’t swallow). We found a great resto with food we loved.

Town

Engaged

20 Yuan

Water Buffalos

Raining

Cormorants

The next day we went on a serious bike ride. We were the only ones wearing helmets. I loved my bike and felt like we were in the Sound of Music when they are singing the doe a deer sequence which of course prompted me to sing the entire “Sound of Music” songbook. We stopped along the way and got on a bamboo raft and went down the river on it. Another great time. Marc’s ass was soaking wet, but it was worth it.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo

Bridge Work

After the raft, we were back on our bikes and had lunch at moon mountain. We found out that there had been a hot-air balloon accident and 5 people were killed. A woman on our trip wanted us to go hot-air ballooning with her the day before but we wanted to go on the bike ride. She waited until the afternoon and that was when we found out that the balloon had burst into flames and Dutch tourists were killed. This lady’s argument was that it was so cheap, cheaper than anywhere else in the world. I think it might have something to do with regulations, safety training…

Moon Mountain

Beautiful Weather

Idyllic

Somethings Are Larger Here

In the evening we went to see a light show, created and produced by the same guy who did the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. It was on the water with a mountain behind–setting the scene. What I couldn’t get over was the number of people involved in the show. There are 2 performances a night and we were told that only in China could a show like this be possible. anywhere else would cost far too much. There were over 600 fishermen alone. Everyone in unison, lots of children dressed in traditional costumes–beyond impressive.

Light Show

Light Show

Light Show

Light Show

Light Show

Light Show

The following day Marc and I went to a cooking class. yes, a cooking class. It was outdoor and hilarious. We had to wear hats and we looked like KFC employees. We made 3 dishes. Two of which we will try to recreate. One dish was sweet and sour pork which was delicious but involved deep frying. who the hell is deep frying in their house? The other was a Kung Pao chicken and green beans which we will try to recreate. It was a really fun afternoon.

Cooking Class

Cooking Class

Cooking Class

Yummy!

Cooking Class

We sadly said goodbye to Yangshuo and boarded the train to Hong Kong.

Night-life

Proud Owner of a Calculator

Street-side Dentist

BMW Club

Still on a panda high–we boarded a small cruise ship, full of Germs (they are the traveling salesman of the world) to cruise the Yangtze River and see the three gorges. The cruise would have been a lot more interesting if we would have been here three years ago. The Chinese government has displaced 1.5 million people and flooded the Yangtze River. In lieu of tiny river passages–big enough for a single boat and intimate views of coastlines covered with small farms and fishing boats, the government flooded the area and re-settled all of the people. It is now much wider and there is the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. There is also the world’s largest ship lock which was very cool. The reason for the flood was to increase hydropower and ship traffic. The sense from the Chinese is that it is both a good thing and a bad thing. Very Ying and Yang. We, of course, found it a bit sad but had a really great time on the ship.

Chongqing at Night

Our Cruise Ship

Arriving at Locks

Leaving the Locks

Hydro Plant and Locks

It’s All Downhill From Here

Bridge Construction

Yangtze River

River Impressions

River Impressions

River Impressions

My Guest for Quite a While

Two Singles Make a Double

Must Be Nice Going That Way

One of our ports of call was the ghost city. The Chinese are very superstitious. We hiked up and then completed a few challenges like balancing on a brass egg–with one foot for three seconds. There were bridges you crossed and depending on your status determined how many steps you take. To be reunited with your great love (alas, my wolf wasn’t there, but my other great love was–thankfully) you went across the bridge in 9 steps, hand in hand–women on the right, men on the left.

Kitty and The Germ

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City

Balance Test in Style

One night on the ship there was a show. It started out with traditional Chinese dancing. The hostess sang and for the westerners–it was a lot to endure. I was tempted to ask for a turn. She sang a Chinese song and then tried Whitney Houston’s version of I will always love you. Obviously, she doesn’t watch American Idol and didn’t know not to touch any powerhouse diva songs. Whiney OWNS that song. This girl didn’t even borrow it. Then there was this man–a big guy who wrapped cables around his chest and bust them open with some huffing and puffing. there was blood on his chest after. Then he did something with his eyelid, a string and a bucket. The westerners couldn’t watch. The Chinese thought it was the greatest trick ever.

Evening Event

“Whitney Houston”

Beautiful Pose

That Good

Off the Eye Lid

Yes, He Did That

We were happy to find a bottle of Absolute vodka. At this stage of the game, we viewed this bottle as the fanciest, most high-end bottle you could have ever found. Everyone else was drinking Chinese hooch that costs $2 and for fear of going blind and not being that desperate or broke for a drink in my entire life, we splashed out and got the good stuff.

Captain’s Night

Local Food

Local Food

Much to our shock and dismay, China doesn’t have limes. Not the entire mainland. I tried to explain what I was looking for and the answer I got was–yes we have lime, limestone. Lemons–yes. Oranges–yes. Limes to make a delicious drink–not in mainland China. We still schlepping around this half-full bottle…

On The Night Train

On The Night Train

The trip to China has officially been worth our time in Chengdu.

This entry is all about Chengdu’s Giant Buddha and Giant baby panda.

It's big

The Chinese love their Buddha. The 2 hour bus ride to go and see the world’s largest Buddha was not something that would have been traditionally on our ‘to do’ list, but alas, it was included in the tour fee, so I have bragging rights that I have seen the world’s largest Buddha. Over 100 people could stand on each of his feet. It was raining and we had to climb down these ancient stairs which of course made me a bit nervous. I almost lost my shit a few times with the people elbowing their way in front of me. Have we mentioned that we are finding the Chinese people rude and pushy? Steep, slick stairs, swarms of people, rain–not elements conducive to shoving your way in front.

Kitty and the Germ

A narrow path down

Flat footed

The next day was our once in a life time experience at the Giant Panda Sanctuary. When a zoo gets a panda or two on loan (China doesn’t see their pandas–only lease them) the pandas are a huge attraction. I can’t get over the amount of pandas that we saw in one day. I have pictures with 7 pandas in the shot. I have pictures of pandas eating, sleeping, climbing trees, sitting in trees and walking around. They are stunning, beautiful creatures that I couldn’t have loved more deeply.

It's the center of Panda World

Giant Panda

Hey, what's up?

OK, back to eating bamboo

Excited

Furry and big paws

Sleepy

Lunch time

At the sanctuary , there was the opportunity to pay a fee to hold a baby giant panda. Marc and I decided that we needed to do it (it wasn’t much of a decision process–we knew we would do it right from the start). It was worth every last cent. How much is the greatest moment of your life worth?

I'm ready

Watch out, here he comes

In to the special room we went. We were both given blue plastic hospital scrubs, plastic gloves and booties. I went first. I sat down on this lovely bench and out came the baby. They put him on my lap and gave him an apple. It was beyond amazing. I couldn’t stop proclaiming my love to him. I was hugging him, loving him up. He was just delicious. My heart was singing with pure joy. Marc has a video.

A Welsh lady on our tour wanted to know if this experience made me broody (which I asked what broody meant–wanting children). I told her that it made me want a panda, not a baby. I really do want one. Marc told me that leases start at 1 million USD. I would love one, but know China won’t let me have one. I would feed him apples all day long and love it with the bottom of my heart.

In love

Grin

Are you hungry?

Absolute happiness

Pure Joy

I am still floating, basking in the love of my baby giant panda.

You really want to take him home

There were a few things we were really looking forward to seeing in China.

First, the Great Wall.

Second, the Terracotta Warriors.

Entry to Terracotta Army Site

We Wonder What Happens If You Have a Hot Day

Kitty & the Germ

Xi’an is now a hot spot and must see on all China tours. Discovered in 1977 in a field by a farmer who was attempting to dig a well, the terra cotta warriors were unearthed. Of course in broken bits, but the Chinese like a good jig saw puzzle and painstakingly, the warriors have been put back together and are now a full Chinese army of 4000 ranging in ranks and include the cavalry. They think the army consists of 8000, but they are still in the process of excavating. We were beyond impressed.

First View of the Great Puzzle (Pit 3)

Archer

Close-up

Every One Is Different

Nice Scarf

Some Horses

The Giant Pit 1

An Army

Site of the Well (Where the Big Dig Started)

Puzzle Work

No One Is Alike

It's an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Xi’an is a small city of 12 million. There is a bustling Muslim market with random food like animal intestines artistically blown up into lovely animal shapes like cows or quail eggs on a stick. The most obnoxious people driving mopeds through tiny, pedestrian filled ancient streets, incessantly honking their horns. Marc got his elbow nailed by a make shift motorized rickshaw.

"Blow Job"

Market

Can You Smell It?

Deep Inside the Market

We had some good food in Xi’an. We have found eating in China much more difficult than we had anticipated. Of course, to compensate we are eating a ridiculous amount of junk as the alternatives are not always great. Bathrooms have not greatly improved. I will never give up wanting a western toilet, toilet paper and soap. Never.

Downtown Xi'an

Once we are back in a free speech country, we will post pictures.

Stay tuned!

[Edit: We got photos now!]

Some more photos of Xi’an:

At One of The City Gates

Downtown at Night

City Wall

Wow

Why Are There So Many Loose Ends?

Happy

Happy, too

Click!

Fun facts:

Chinese Version of "No Smoking"

Thai Chi in the Morning

Imagine Music Playing

Ads in China

Swing

Kitty and the Germ is being censored in China… It’s been quite difficult to get to our blog site from here but we finally managed to find a way ;-). However it will be a while until we will be able to post some more photos. Bare with us since we have some great shots to share…

Kitty and the Germ at the Kee Club in Shanghai.

xoxo
Gossip Girl

So…I guess we didn’t read the tour details all that clearly. Who knew that there would be more than one night on a sleeper train. I knew there would be one night on a train and pictured something very romantic. I had visions of white table cloths and Bing Crosby playing the piano. Who the hell knew that we would be 6 in a cabin (stacked 3 high) with no door, no curtain, no toilets–except for the disgusting hole in the ground at the end of the cabin used by all. My romantic notions of train riding were beyond gone. For some reason I envisioned the Orient express. I couldn’t have been further off. October 1 is the Chinese national holiday. All of China was traveling and I have never seen crowds like this. When I found out that Marc and I were not together, I literally raised the roof and told our guide that this was not acceptable. They changed it for us.

In Shanghai, I was expecting a bit more glamour. No–not really.

Downtown Shanghai

Amazing Architecture

We went to the museum which was one of the most beautiful spaces we have ever been to.

Shanghai Museum

Beautiful Scrolls

Ancient Art

After a traditional Chinese lunch of Subway and a Coke (not DC for me–it tastes like poison) we went to the world’s tallest building. I am not sure how they determine building versus structure, but we went to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Centre. It was amazing and looks like a bottle opener. We will add pictures shortly once we are out of China.

We Went Up SWFC

Record Breaking Heights

Gorgeous On Top of SWFC

Elevator to 430 m

Jin Mao Tower and SWFC

Kitty and The Germ @ 430 m

The Pearl – View from SWFC

Shanghai World Financial Center

To put wind back in my sails after the brutal train ride and after having so much fun at the Kee Club in Hong Kong, we went to the Kee Club in Shanghai which was easily one of the most posh places I have even been to. Stunning to say the least. Our favorite line of the evening we overheard spoken by these South African guys…

“You can get an OK bottle of wine for a $100, but it will never compare to a $1000 bottle”

Also, we have now learnt that the ONLY vintage of Dom you should drink should be from the 70s.

We had a lovely evening in a stunning space and I was rejuvenated to get ready for another sleeper train…

Other impressions…

Shopping

Reflection

The Pearl

Pig Head Bats

Jade Buddha Temple (recommended on trip advisor)…

Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple

Funny fact…

Last Diet Coke from Canada

Where to start, where to start…

On the flight to Beijing touch down, the pilot told us–visibility to due to pollution is 4 km. Yes, it is polluted here, however, the city is very clean.

Our backs are killing us as the beds are so hard. Welcome to China.

Yesterday was Day 1 of our tour and I’m sick as a dog. I think it was the plane food. I had an allergic reaction to something and was rough. OF COURSE, I felt horrible on the day we trekked up the Great Wall of China which was incredible and we have fantastic pictures.

Kitty and The Germ

The Great Wall

The Great Wall

The Great Wall

The Great Wall

The Great Wall

I am really surprised that Beijing beat out Toronto for the Olympics. They did a great job, but there are a few things that would have made me vote for YYZ.

First–toilet paper. Really? You have to carry it around in your purse or you are out of luck. Second–soap in a bathroom. For all the screening and forms we had to fill out about H1N1 virus, you would think the public health would be a bit more up to par. I have not been pleased.

The Great Wall was indeed great. I was worse for wear but managed to walk it. There were moments of it being vertical.

Today we went to Tiananmen Square. Interestingly, no one here has any idea about what happened. No one in China has ever seen the images of tanks rolling over students.

Military presence is EVERYWHERE and in every form. Imagine every uniform you can think of, and you’ll see it here.

Also, NO Facebook. I have the application on my BB so I kind of got around it, but the government has banned it. Of course, there is no YouTube. Yep, kitty and the germ have been CENSORED!

Here are a few details about Beijing so far…

1) babies don’t wear diapers. They have a slit in their pants, they shit on the street and hopefully their parents pick it up. I saw a man today bag shit just like you would your dog.

2) cars don’t stop for pedestrians or obey the traffic lights

3) it is crowded!

4) people smoke a lot less than what we were expecting. I heard it was super smoky, but it hasn’t been.

5) taxis are cheap cheap cheap

6) The birds nest and the Olympic stadiums were just awesome. We took a million pictures, were amazed at the architecture, had a great time

Bird’s Nest

It’s BIG

Olympic Mascots

7) The forbidden city was huge and very impressive

Forbidden City

Inside the Forbidden City

Lovely

8) I am a tourist attraction here. People are wanting to be photographed with me. Marc has a few hilarious pictures, but since we are being censored, we can’t post until later

Tourist Attraction

9) on our group tour, we are traveling the shortest amount of time. A year, 7 months, Euros are traveling machines

10) We saw the MOST amazing Kung Fu show last night. We had seen small portions of their act on the world dance competition. Fights, ballet, artistry–awesomeness

Us with the cast of the Kung Fu Show

So–We are being censored (not anymore) and can’t include pictures. More to come shortly. Off to Shanghai tomorrow.

So last night we went to the Kee Club in Hong Kong. One of the Spoke’s reciprocal clubs. Let me say–formidable. First of all, it was full of French people which of course I just ate up. The club itself was significantly smaller, with no outdoor space. The decore was a lot more Euro glam (tres francais) and the menu couldn’t have been more different. First of all, I got a menu with no prices. So French. Next, the menu only lists the ingredients of what was in the dish–not what the dish was or even a description. We had really no idea of what we were getting, how it was prepared or exactly just what we were in for. Needless to say, it was innovative and absolutely fantastic.

Soo much fun!

The club has 2 levels. We ate on the second floor. After dinner, it was 70s and 80s music. The first floor was house music. We were told that the Singapore Grand Prix was on this weekend and as a result, the club was more quiet than usual. We thought there were a lot of people.

We left at 1:30 and it was nowhere near shutting down.

Kitty & The Germ at the Kee Club

The club is in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong (the English, expat area) and when we left the club, you would have thought it was Mardi Gras. Marc thought it was Spring break in Cancun. Absolutely wild.

The streets were packed

We had such a fantastic time at the Kee Club in Hong Kong, we are now going to go to the Kee Club in Shanghai which is supposedly very different.

More on that later!

So…we’ve arrived. Despite Tempis’ valiant efforts to make us lighten our loads, (which we did) we were still way overweight at the airport check-in. To save us $200, Air Canada gave us a box that we filled with contents from our rolling duffles to get underweight. It was hilarious. The flight was long. 15.5 hours. We read, we slept, we watched movies, we ate. It was just a super long flight.

Ready to Roll

Overload

The JW Marriott where we are staying is formidable. I am also loving the fact that Marc is a gold member so our room was upgraded and we are entitled to use the executive lounge. When I was in Anchorage–last week, I was in the Marriott executive lounge and it was nothing like this. There is a hot breakfast, happy hour with a ton of booze, cheese every day, fridges stocked with Perrier, juice, cheese all day long… Rest assured we are taking full advantage.

Kitty & the Germ on the Peak

So in a nutshell, I love Hong Kong. I love that English is everywhere, the city is full of expats and glamorous, well-dressed people. There is a unique hustle and bustle of the business world, amazing architecture and shopping that rivals nothing. Needless to say, considering my bag was 20 lbs over the limit and I am living out a suitcase for the next 3 months, I haven’t looked or even thought about buying anything. I have nowhere to put it.

Hong Kong Island and Kowloon

The Hong Kong dollar is 7 to 1 USD. I, of course, have a little calculator that I am using but the Germ, monsieur calculator himself is doing all the math in his head. Quick–what is 2888 divided by 7. exactly. get me the calculator. Marc does the math in seconds in head.

Taxis here are cheap. Significantly cheaper than any other big city I have been to. The city itself is not really walker-friendly. We have been walking everywhere, but it is not that easy to find safe crosswalks, sidewalks end without notice, on occasion sidewalks are half a meter above street level and falling off is a big concern for me.

Hong Kong @ Night

The weather has been hot and humid. Without the humidex, the temperature has been in the low 30s–not factoring the humidex (which they don’t factor in). As a result, all of the nice places jack up the AC. You always have to be prepared. I am writing from the lounge where I am wearing a lulu jacket and pants and am still a bit cold.

Yesterday we went to the peak and had the most incredible view of the city. We took the tram and loved every second and took a ton of pictures. I just couldn’t stop.

Bank of China Building

Tonight we are going to the Kee Club–the Spoke’s reciprocal club. We are really looking forward to it. Sunday we are off to Beijing.

So… more days to come. It hasn’t really sunk in that this is the very start of a very long journey. Right now we are in a very Westernized city (with street names like Argyl, Johnston, and Wentworth) Culture shock has yet to set it. We are feeling quite at home.