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China Letters Home Fall 2006
10-21thru 11-3, 2006
#1 China Letters Home Fall 2006
10-21thru 11-3, 2006
Letter #1
-----Original Message-----From: Karla [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net] Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 6:30 AMTo: KJScott@BellSouth.netSubject: China Letter #1-en route to JFK
Hello Friends Saturday, October 21, 2006
This is my first in a series of e-mails I will be sending from China. I will take you with me on my journey.
I will go to China for two weeks, beginning with a direct flight from JFK to Beijing on Saturday, October 21(I am now en route to JFK). I will visit Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai, and take a Yangtze River Cruise. Some trip highlights are a visit to the Great Wall, a Beijing (Peking) duck feast, and a visit with the giant pandas at the Panda Research Center. I will stay in four-star and five-star hotels, so I will likely have Internet access in the hotels’ business centers-- just as I did in Vietnam and Thailand last fall.
I am so looking forward to visiting this fascinating culture, where 1/5 of the world lives; were the highest level of foreign investment is made; where manufacturing of everything from clothing, to consumer electronics, to pharmaceuticals, to furniture, to cars, to factory machinery, to jumbo jets, to designer knockoffs, dominates; and were the first Beijing Olympics will be hosted in 2008.
My greatest challenge has been to pack one piece of luggage. I succeeded! I also have one wheeled carry-on bag, with toiletries neatly packed in a quart-sized Ziploc bag. I traveled to Charlotte for work early this week and found they are serious about the one quart Ziploc bag.
If ever I need anything while there, I know I can find it, because practically everything is made in China, n’est-ce pas!
You'll hear from me next from The Middle Kingdom. We will be 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When I arrive in Beijing at 6:00 p.m., it will be 5:00 a.m. East Coast time. The weather forecasts 60’s and sunny.
Warmly,
Karla Scott
SpeakerTrainerConsultant
globalwaysUSA.com
Letter #2
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 8:09 PM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China-Beijing Letter #2
Hello Friends
My first day in China exceeded my expectations!
My flight to Beijing was smooth and I was seated next to a young Chinese man who works for the UN in NYC. We discussed life in China and the US. Upon arrival, I joined the rest of the group from Lets Travel China. Ethel, 75 year old great grandmother from Maine, a young Orlando couple on their honeymoon, Steve from Washington, and Marshall and Nancy with their ten year old grandson, Steele.
We will meet two others today.
Yesterday, we began our exploration of Beijing: toured Tiananmen square, the world largest public square where on Oct 1 1949, one million Chinese gathered holding their red books praising Mao Tse-dung; the massive Forbidden City, home to emperors from 1451-1926, that was closed to the public for 500 years. It is an impressive structure boasting 9999 rooms. Nine is the imperial number that means everlasting. Everything is yellow and red there. The royal colors. After lunch, we visited the majestic Temple of Heaven complex. There we visited temples and observed Chinese dancing, singing, playing games, and practicing Tai Chi. In all, we walked 5-6 hours yesterday.
Our brand new, modern five-star hotel is a great comfort at the end of a long day of active learning.
Today, we will visit the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, and see a performance of the Peking Opera and feast on Peking Duck.
There are 12 million on bicycles, 80% of the men smoke, and they don’t bow or remove shoes here.
Thanks for letting me share!
Love,
Karla
PS please forgive the typos.
Letter #3
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 3:56 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China letter #3
Hello Friends Day #3
Yesterday, we had the privilege of climbing the only man-made structure visible from space and China’s greatest symbol of pride “the great wall”. Construction began 2000 years ago and millions of Chinese built, maintained and guarded it over the centuries. It was built to protect Chinese from tall invaders from the north.
This trip is neither for the faint of heart— nor for those with a fear of heights. Nothing could have prepared us for the steep inclines and the rugged terrain. We toured a less commercial, less populated entrance: Mutianyu. It offered unspoiled views of the majestic mountainside peppered with fall hues. It took our breath away!
On the way down, we were bombarded with some of the most aggressive souvenir vendors ever—(more than Greece, Guatemala, and Nassau’s straw market combined).
The finale of our day consisting of seeing Peking Opera and feasting on Peking Duck, the traditional way. Amanda, our lovely tour guide, a trained opera singer, taught us some tunes on the way back to our hotel. We cheerily agreed that none of us should quit our day jobs.
Our day lasted from 7AM till 10PM.
Today will be our last day in Beijing and our day will include a visit to a children’s classroom and the home of a Chinese family, among other activities. Tomorrow, we will fly to Xian early in the morning.
Please forgive typos---the menu is all in Chinese characters!
Have a good day!
Karla in China.
Letter #4
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:00 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Xian Letter #4
Hello Friends Letter # 4
We saw an extraordinarily exquisite performance yesterday evening. It is called The Legend of Kung Fu-a tale of a young boy initiated into the Buddhist monastery for training to become a king fu warrior. It was ballet, kung fu, drama, and “cirque du soleil”-all rolled into one stunning spectacle! It was spellbinding!
We departed this morning for out flight to Xian, the first capital of China. We toured the famous Terra Cotta Warriors, the 7000 life-sized warriors protecting the emperor’s tomb. It was discovered in 1974 and opened to the public 5 years late. Many of the statues were crumbled and anthropologists have painstakingly pieced together 1500 warriors and horses. It was quite impressive to see how the Chinese, like other rulers, prepared their tomb for an abundant and happy afterlife. All the emperors were incredible ego maniacs—I suppose that is part of the job description.
We had a dumpling dinner with more than 30 kinds of dumplings in all different animal and vegetable shapes. All our meals are family style. We will tour the City Wall and new China museum tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we will fly to Chengdu where we will tour the Giant Panda research center, the next day.
We walk LOTS here. Everyone says they are losing weight because of the healthy diet and extensive walking.
10 others will join us in Chengdu for the rest of the tour. Our little honey moon couple will leave us after Chengdu. We all get along very well, laughing all the time.
I will get a nice message tonight.
Have a good day.
Karla
Thursday
Day #4
Xian, China
Letter #5
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 10:42 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #5 More Xian
Karla China Letter #5 More Xian
Hello Friends
Last night, I had a pleasant evening exploring Xian near my hotel.
Today, once again, we began the day savoring a sumptuous combination Western/Eastern breakfast buffet.
We then spent another long day in Xian, the ancient capital of China and home to 11 major Chinese dynasties. First, we climbed the city wall, the only well-preserved city hall in all of China. I always marvel at how extravagant the walls are that are built to protect royal families and cities from military invasions. It is vast and well-designed, with far-reaching views of the surrounding land. It is even 4 times wider than the great wall. We learned that the greatest threat faced by many dynasties was from the Mongols who were superior military strategists and whose secret weapon was their mobile cavalry of large horses. The Chinese only had small, pony-sized horses, which were a huge disadvantage.
Next we visited a lacquer furniture factory where we learned lacquer comes from the lacquer tree. In it original form, it is a clear liquid that untreated, turns black. We saw some of the most beautiful and intricately designed works of art.
Next we toured the new Shaanxi History Museum. We learned all about the first inhabitants of this cradle of civilization, from the Stone Age, to Bronze Age, to the rise and fall of key dynasties. The Quin (Chin) dynasty, in 221BC united all of China, and standardized the written language and currency. The Quins (Chin) created China that we know today.
Our flight to Chengdu, I sat between Marshal and Xavier again and we played anagrams and other word games. We met the other 10 travelers upon our arrival. They have visited Beijing, Xian, and Tibet.
Tomorrow, we will tour Chengdu, capital of China’s Sichuan province and one of Chinas mot colorful cities. It is famous for its teahouses; massive chairman Mao statue downtown; fiery Sichuan cookery; and of course, The Giant Panda Research Center. The Center was created to protect the animal from distinction and allow scientists to study it in the wild. I have heard the Panda’s main occupation is to consume bamboo up to 18 hours per day.
We ere very tired this evening after spending two days of air travel and lots of touring. (I feel like a zombie right now)
After we leave Chengdu tomorrow, we will drive 5 hours to Chongqing, the world’s largest city, topping 31 million people. There, we will board our ship for our 3-day Yangtze River Cruise. I don’t know if there will be internet access, so I may sign off till 4 days from now.
Our cruise will bring beautiful scenery, visits to historic sites, and take us to visit the controversial 3-gorges dam. We are thrilled we can stay in one room for 3 nights!--No packing and unpacking for a while!
I am signing off for now. Thanks for coming along!
Love,
Karla Chengdu
Letter #6
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 8:39 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #6
It seems random characters have been added to this script. I don’t know why!!!???!!...............
>
> From:
> Date: 2006/11/01 Wed AM 08:30:30 EST
> To:
>
> China Letter # 6 Nov 1, 2006 8:30PM
>
> Hello Gang
>
> It's been a while since I have written because we spent three great nights cruising the Yangtze River (no internet access) , an entire day transferring and flying to Shanghai/Suzhou, and all day
today touring Suzhou, the Venice of The East.
>
After I wrote last, we took a 1.5 hour bus ride to Chongqing and visited the museum of the Flying Tigers, the Americans who assisted the Chinese fight the Japanese during WWII.
>
Of note Chongqing is a great place to invest because it is the departure port city of Yangtze which leads to the massive (and controversial) 3-gorges Dam Project. The dam is scheduled for
completion in 2008. Because 1/3 of China's population lives along the river, the dam's flooding of lower lying areas has forced relocation of 2 million people. That is the size of Miami! They have actually built new cities on the opposite side of the river for the relocation initiative--brand new modern cities, where farmers and peasants; lived for many generations.
>
>Next we boarded our ship, The Yangtze1. There was a big mishap because a family of three who had booked two suites (staterooms) had only one waiting. They were
livid and it was never resolved. The rooms are not built for three.
>
I was comfortable solo. Our staterooms all had balconies so we could watch the majestic scenery as we cruised through the 3 gorges.
>
I bargained for more goodies before bed.
>
>It was nice to have full access to western toilets for 3 whole days.
A hole in the ground variety is simply not my cup of tea. We still had to use bottled water to brush our teeth. This is standard for us.
>
In the AM, we awoke to a soft music wake up call. By then I was sleeping through the night. It took me five days to be able to sleep till 5 or 6AM.
>
During the day, we went on an excursion to Fengdu,The Ghost City. A bit overdone and too commercial was our vote but the history of worshipping the dead was interesting and we took cable car up and back.
Today, on the ship, we watched a foot reflexology lecture, I bargained for a great black and red jacket, and I line danced with a group of Indonesians.
>
During meals, they grouped large groups according to country. There was Israel, India, Singapore, Indonesia, America, Germany etc.
>
I read some of my novel; The Other Boleyn Girl. It's about Anne Boleyn’s younger sister who was seduced my Henri VIII before her sister was. I am remembering all I had learned about life
in the English Royal family (Tudors) back then. It is very engaging!
>
The scenery along the Yangtze takes your breath away. I wont use the word majestic again. (smile). It reminds me of Halong Bay (in north Viet Nam) with limestone roc formations, bright green mountains, and it is spotted with commercial fisherman and cruisers. I had a manicure,
We watched a fashion show tonight, and we attended the captains
welcoming party.
>
It was hazy most of the fist day but the second day unfolded as bright
and sunny.
>
The 3 Gorges Dam will provide hydro-electric power to much of China
(reducing the need for coal); ease shipping; and prevent flooding.
The whole world is watching this gargantuan project.
>
Day 2: We took a one- hour ferry surrounded by some of the most
spectacular scenery, even high-wire artists, to a tributary: The ShenNong Stream. We were ushered into wooden boats-- 15 at a time and rowed and PULLED by FOUR of the strongest men in the world. They pulled us from the shore and while walking in the stream with their bare hands and underwear-clad bodies. It was fantastic! In the past, the men worked naked; they were so poor they would not wear the only pair of pants They ranged in age from 18-79. I am still marveling at their fortitude and persistence.
>
We spent the entire next day touring the Dam and flying to Shanghai,
then driving to Suzhou. We are tired of the logistics of buses, airports, airport security, repacking, changing hotels etc>
I had a horrible cold two days in a row.
>
I bargained well for a beautiful jade bracelet! You bargain everywhere here; even in retail stores.
>
Suzhou
>
Suzhou, The Garden City, is known as the Venice of the East.
It is considered to be one the most beautiful in all of China
attracting wealthy families who built magnificent private gardens. I M Pei (Louvre Pyramid architect) is from here. The city is built along canals with hundreds of bridges. It is also know for its silk and embroidery and beautiful women. We saw silkworms producing silk in the silk museum, and people spending 3 years on massive embroidery works of art.
>
We toured the Master of the Nets Garden; it’s the garden after which the Chinese garden in the Met (New York) is patterned. I visit that garden every time I go to the Met.
>
Our lovely hotel has several beautiful courtyards that are replicas of the famous gardens. It is nestled in the heart of the lively old town.
>
We had the afternoon free for shopping.
>
>
I am so tired from all the walking and learning (and cold) I hope this letter makes sense. Tomorrow we travel to Shanghai for our last day and night in China.
>
Signing off.
>
Fondly,
>
Karla
Suzhou
Letter #7
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 1:00 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China letter #7 Shanghai
>
> From: ? ??
> Date: 2006/11/02 Thu PM 07:17:05 EST
> To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
>
Hi Friends
>
Well it’s a sad day. We are on our way back home.
>
We fell in love with Suzhou! Our guide recommended an alternative tour--
of the traditional canal villages. We toured via wooden boat thru the old
section along the canals observing people live the way they have for
hundreds of years: washing clothes in the river, fishing, traveling etc. It was one of the highlights of our tour. In the villages, we watched men playing cards, playing music, singing, and slicing eel and fish.. I found my ideal Kitsch Chairman Mao item: a Mao alarm clock! When the alarm goes off, his arm swings holding up the red book. I also bought a little red Mao book with English translation.
>
Next, we took a 2-hour bus ride back to Shanghai. We had scrumptious Mongolian bar-b-que for lunch.
>
Then, we headed to the vast old town for shopping. It is actually called China Town!
>
We had our farewell dinner then watched a famous acrobatic show. The
show’s finale consisted of six motorcyclists riding inside a brass globe AT THE
SAME TIME. Phenomenal!
>
We all learned its best to buy a second piece of luggage after the last intra-China flight because within China, only one piece of luggage is
permitted.
>
Our hotel was the historic Peace Hotel built by the Sassoon family in 1926. It is perfectly located right on the Bund. It is known for its art deco design; rooftop garden with panoramic view of Shanghais lighted skyline that goes on forever; and for its jazz club with 75-year old jazz artists
from New Orleans.
>
Shanghai is so massive with so many high-rises and bright lights, it makes Manhattan look like a small city. They spend 4 million per night just to
illuminate the buildings.
>
I heard on the news that Beijing just hosted a summit with Africa
where they hosted 48 of 52 African national leaders. China is aggressively
pursuing trade partnerships with all of Africa, even the controversial
Sudan and Zimbabwe. It’s nice to have access to international news!
>
I am typing fast-as usual!
>
What a wonderful vacation, filled with learning, new experiences, and meeting great people. I have walked more on this trip than I have in several years.
>
I hope to return!
>
Thank you for coming along.
>
Love,
>
Karla
Shanghai to Beijing to JFK to Miami
Arrive 10PM November 3, 2006
10-21thru 11-3, 2006
#1 China Letters Home Fall 2006
10-21thru 11-3, 2006
Letter #1
-----Original Message-----From: Karla [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net] Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 6:30 AMTo: KJScott@BellSouth.netSubject: China Letter #1-en route to JFK
Hello Friends Saturday, October 21, 2006
This is my first in a series of e-mails I will be sending from China. I will take you with me on my journey.
I will go to China for two weeks, beginning with a direct flight from JFK to Beijing on Saturday, October 21(I am now en route to JFK). I will visit Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai, and take a Yangtze River Cruise. Some trip highlights are a visit to the Great Wall, a Beijing (Peking) duck feast, and a visit with the giant pandas at the Panda Research Center. I will stay in four-star and five-star hotels, so I will likely have Internet access in the hotels’ business centers-- just as I did in Vietnam and Thailand last fall.
I am so looking forward to visiting this fascinating culture, where 1/5 of the world lives; were the highest level of foreign investment is made; where manufacturing of everything from clothing, to consumer electronics, to pharmaceuticals, to furniture, to cars, to factory machinery, to jumbo jets, to designer knockoffs, dominates; and were the first Beijing Olympics will be hosted in 2008.
My greatest challenge has been to pack one piece of luggage. I succeeded! I also have one wheeled carry-on bag, with toiletries neatly packed in a quart-sized Ziploc bag. I traveled to Charlotte for work early this week and found they are serious about the one quart Ziploc bag.
If ever I need anything while there, I know I can find it, because practically everything is made in China, n’est-ce pas!
You'll hear from me next from The Middle Kingdom. We will be 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When I arrive in Beijing at 6:00 p.m., it will be 5:00 a.m. East Coast time. The weather forecasts 60’s and sunny.
Warmly,
Karla Scott
SpeakerTrainerConsultant
globalwaysUSA.com
Letter #2
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 8:09 PM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China-Beijing Letter #2
Hello Friends
My first day in China exceeded my expectations!
My flight to Beijing was smooth and I was seated next to a young Chinese man who works for the UN in NYC. We discussed life in China and the US. Upon arrival, I joined the rest of the group from Lets Travel China. Ethel, 75 year old great grandmother from Maine, a young Orlando couple on their honeymoon, Steve from Washington, and Marshall and Nancy with their ten year old grandson, Steele.
We will meet two others today.
Yesterday, we began our exploration of Beijing: toured Tiananmen square, the world largest public square where on Oct 1 1949, one million Chinese gathered holding their red books praising Mao Tse-dung; the massive Forbidden City, home to emperors from 1451-1926, that was closed to the public for 500 years. It is an impressive structure boasting 9999 rooms. Nine is the imperial number that means everlasting. Everything is yellow and red there. The royal colors. After lunch, we visited the majestic Temple of Heaven complex. There we visited temples and observed Chinese dancing, singing, playing games, and practicing Tai Chi. In all, we walked 5-6 hours yesterday.
Our brand new, modern five-star hotel is a great comfort at the end of a long day of active learning.
Today, we will visit the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, and see a performance of the Peking Opera and feast on Peking Duck.
There are 12 million on bicycles, 80% of the men smoke, and they don’t bow or remove shoes here.
Thanks for letting me share!
Love,
Karla
PS please forgive the typos.
Letter #3
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 3:56 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China letter #3
Hello Friends Day #3
Yesterday, we had the privilege of climbing the only man-made structure visible from space and China’s greatest symbol of pride “the great wall”. Construction began 2000 years ago and millions of Chinese built, maintained and guarded it over the centuries. It was built to protect Chinese from tall invaders from the north.
This trip is neither for the faint of heart— nor for those with a fear of heights. Nothing could have prepared us for the steep inclines and the rugged terrain. We toured a less commercial, less populated entrance: Mutianyu. It offered unspoiled views of the majestic mountainside peppered with fall hues. It took our breath away!
On the way down, we were bombarded with some of the most aggressive souvenir vendors ever—(more than Greece, Guatemala, and Nassau’s straw market combined).
The finale of our day consisting of seeing Peking Opera and feasting on Peking Duck, the traditional way. Amanda, our lovely tour guide, a trained opera singer, taught us some tunes on the way back to our hotel. We cheerily agreed that none of us should quit our day jobs.
Our day lasted from 7AM till 10PM.
Today will be our last day in Beijing and our day will include a visit to a children’s classroom and the home of a Chinese family, among other activities. Tomorrow, we will fly to Xian early in the morning.
Please forgive typos---the menu is all in Chinese characters!
Have a good day!
Karla in China.
Letter #4
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:00 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Xian Letter #4
Hello Friends Letter # 4
We saw an extraordinarily exquisite performance yesterday evening. It is called The Legend of Kung Fu-a tale of a young boy initiated into the Buddhist monastery for training to become a king fu warrior. It was ballet, kung fu, drama, and “cirque du soleil”-all rolled into one stunning spectacle! It was spellbinding!
We departed this morning for out flight to Xian, the first capital of China. We toured the famous Terra Cotta Warriors, the 7000 life-sized warriors protecting the emperor’s tomb. It was discovered in 1974 and opened to the public 5 years late. Many of the statues were crumbled and anthropologists have painstakingly pieced together 1500 warriors and horses. It was quite impressive to see how the Chinese, like other rulers, prepared their tomb for an abundant and happy afterlife. All the emperors were incredible ego maniacs—I suppose that is part of the job description.
We had a dumpling dinner with more than 30 kinds of dumplings in all different animal and vegetable shapes. All our meals are family style. We will tour the City Wall and new China museum tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we will fly to Chengdu where we will tour the Giant Panda research center, the next day.
We walk LOTS here. Everyone says they are losing weight because of the healthy diet and extensive walking.
10 others will join us in Chengdu for the rest of the tour. Our little honey moon couple will leave us after Chengdu. We all get along very well, laughing all the time.
I will get a nice message tonight.
Have a good day.
Karla
Thursday
Day #4
Xian, China
Letter #5
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 10:42 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #5 More Xian
Karla China Letter #5 More Xian
Hello Friends
Last night, I had a pleasant evening exploring Xian near my hotel.
Today, once again, we began the day savoring a sumptuous combination Western/Eastern breakfast buffet.
We then spent another long day in Xian, the ancient capital of China and home to 11 major Chinese dynasties. First, we climbed the city wall, the only well-preserved city hall in all of China. I always marvel at how extravagant the walls are that are built to protect royal families and cities from military invasions. It is vast and well-designed, with far-reaching views of the surrounding land. It is even 4 times wider than the great wall. We learned that the greatest threat faced by many dynasties was from the Mongols who were superior military strategists and whose secret weapon was their mobile cavalry of large horses. The Chinese only had small, pony-sized horses, which were a huge disadvantage.
Next we visited a lacquer furniture factory where we learned lacquer comes from the lacquer tree. In it original form, it is a clear liquid that untreated, turns black. We saw some of the most beautiful and intricately designed works of art.
Next we toured the new Shaanxi History Museum. We learned all about the first inhabitants of this cradle of civilization, from the Stone Age, to Bronze Age, to the rise and fall of key dynasties. The Quin (Chin) dynasty, in 221BC united all of China, and standardized the written language and currency. The Quins (Chin) created China that we know today.
Our flight to Chengdu, I sat between Marshal and Xavier again and we played anagrams and other word games. We met the other 10 travelers upon our arrival. They have visited Beijing, Xian, and Tibet.
Tomorrow, we will tour Chengdu, capital of China’s Sichuan province and one of Chinas mot colorful cities. It is famous for its teahouses; massive chairman Mao statue downtown; fiery Sichuan cookery; and of course, The Giant Panda Research Center. The Center was created to protect the animal from distinction and allow scientists to study it in the wild. I have heard the Panda’s main occupation is to consume bamboo up to 18 hours per day.
We ere very tired this evening after spending two days of air travel and lots of touring. (I feel like a zombie right now)
After we leave Chengdu tomorrow, we will drive 5 hours to Chongqing, the world’s largest city, topping 31 million people. There, we will board our ship for our 3-day Yangtze River Cruise. I don’t know if there will be internet access, so I may sign off till 4 days from now.
Our cruise will bring beautiful scenery, visits to historic sites, and take us to visit the controversial 3-gorges dam. We are thrilled we can stay in one room for 3 nights!--No packing and unpacking for a while!
I am signing off for now. Thanks for coming along!
Love,
Karla Chengdu
Letter #6
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 8:39 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #6
It seems random characters have been added to this script. I don’t know why!!!???!!...............
>
> From:
> Date: 2006/11/01 Wed AM 08:30:30 EST
> To:
>
> China Letter # 6 Nov 1, 2006 8:30PM
>
> Hello Gang
>
> It's been a while since I have written because we spent three great nights cruising the Yangtze River (no internet access) , an entire day transferring and flying to Shanghai/Suzhou, and all day
today touring Suzhou, the Venice of The East.
>
After I wrote last, we took a 1.5 hour bus ride to Chongqing and visited the museum of the Flying Tigers, the Americans who assisted the Chinese fight the Japanese during WWII.
>
Of note Chongqing is a great place to invest because it is the departure port city of Yangtze which leads to the massive (and controversial) 3-gorges Dam Project. The dam is scheduled for
completion in 2008. Because 1/3 of China's population lives along the river, the dam's flooding of lower lying areas has forced relocation of 2 million people. That is the size of Miami! They have actually built new cities on the opposite side of the river for the relocation initiative--brand new modern cities, where farmers and peasants; lived for many generations.
>
>Next we boarded our ship, The Yangtze1. There was a big mishap because a family of three who had booked two suites (staterooms) had only one waiting. They were
livid and it was never resolved. The rooms are not built for three.
>
I was comfortable solo. Our staterooms all had balconies so we could watch the majestic scenery as we cruised through the 3 gorges.
>
I bargained for more goodies before bed.
>
>It was nice to have full access to western toilets for 3 whole days.
A hole in the ground variety is simply not my cup of tea. We still had to use bottled water to brush our teeth. This is standard for us.
>
In the AM, we awoke to a soft music wake up call. By then I was sleeping through the night. It took me five days to be able to sleep till 5 or 6AM.
>
During the day, we went on an excursion to Fengdu,The Ghost City. A bit overdone and too commercial was our vote but the history of worshipping the dead was interesting and we took cable car up and back.
Today, on the ship, we watched a foot reflexology lecture, I bargained for a great black and red jacket, and I line danced with a group of Indonesians.
>
During meals, they grouped large groups according to country. There was Israel, India, Singapore, Indonesia, America, Germany etc.
>
I read some of my novel; The Other Boleyn Girl. It's about Anne Boleyn’s younger sister who was seduced my Henri VIII before her sister was. I am remembering all I had learned about life
in the English Royal family (Tudors) back then. It is very engaging!
>
The scenery along the Yangtze takes your breath away. I wont use the word majestic again. (smile). It reminds me of Halong Bay (in north Viet Nam) with limestone roc formations, bright green mountains, and it is spotted with commercial fisherman and cruisers. I had a manicure,
We watched a fashion show tonight, and we attended the captains
welcoming party.
>
It was hazy most of the fist day but the second day unfolded as bright
and sunny.
>
The 3 Gorges Dam will provide hydro-electric power to much of China
(reducing the need for coal); ease shipping; and prevent flooding.
The whole world is watching this gargantuan project.
>
Day 2: We took a one- hour ferry surrounded by some of the most
spectacular scenery, even high-wire artists, to a tributary: The ShenNong Stream. We were ushered into wooden boats-- 15 at a time and rowed and PULLED by FOUR of the strongest men in the world. They pulled us from the shore and while walking in the stream with their bare hands and underwear-clad bodies. It was fantastic! In the past, the men worked naked; they were so poor they would not wear the only pair of pants They ranged in age from 18-79. I am still marveling at their fortitude and persistence.
>
We spent the entire next day touring the Dam and flying to Shanghai,
then driving to Suzhou. We are tired of the logistics of buses, airports, airport security, repacking, changing hotels etc>
I had a horrible cold two days in a row.
>
I bargained well for a beautiful jade bracelet! You bargain everywhere here; even in retail stores.
>
Suzhou
>
Suzhou, The Garden City, is known as the Venice of the East.
It is considered to be one the most beautiful in all of China
attracting wealthy families who built magnificent private gardens. I M Pei (Louvre Pyramid architect) is from here. The city is built along canals with hundreds of bridges. It is also know for its silk and embroidery and beautiful women. We saw silkworms producing silk in the silk museum, and people spending 3 years on massive embroidery works of art.
>
We toured the Master of the Nets Garden; it’s the garden after which the Chinese garden in the Met (New York) is patterned. I visit that garden every time I go to the Met.
>
Our lovely hotel has several beautiful courtyards that are replicas of the famous gardens. It is nestled in the heart of the lively old town.
>
We had the afternoon free for shopping.
>
>
I am so tired from all the walking and learning (and cold) I hope this letter makes sense. Tomorrow we travel to Shanghai for our last day and night in China.
>
Signing off.
>
Fondly,
>
Karla
Suzhou
Letter #7
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 1:00 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China letter #7 Shanghai
>
> From: ? ??
> Date: 2006/11/02 Thu PM 07:17:05 EST
> To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
>
Hi Friends
>
Well it’s a sad day. We are on our way back home.
>
We fell in love with Suzhou! Our guide recommended an alternative tour--
of the traditional canal villages. We toured via wooden boat thru the old
section along the canals observing people live the way they have for
hundreds of years: washing clothes in the river, fishing, traveling etc. It was one of the highlights of our tour. In the villages, we watched men playing cards, playing music, singing, and slicing eel and fish.. I found my ideal Kitsch Chairman Mao item: a Mao alarm clock! When the alarm goes off, his arm swings holding up the red book. I also bought a little red Mao book with English translation.
>
Next, we took a 2-hour bus ride back to Shanghai. We had scrumptious Mongolian bar-b-que for lunch.
>
Then, we headed to the vast old town for shopping. It is actually called China Town!
>
We had our farewell dinner then watched a famous acrobatic show. The
show’s finale consisted of six motorcyclists riding inside a brass globe AT THE
SAME TIME. Phenomenal!
>
We all learned its best to buy a second piece of luggage after the last intra-China flight because within China, only one piece of luggage is
permitted.
>
Our hotel was the historic Peace Hotel built by the Sassoon family in 1926. It is perfectly located right on the Bund. It is known for its art deco design; rooftop garden with panoramic view of Shanghais lighted skyline that goes on forever; and for its jazz club with 75-year old jazz artists
from New Orleans.
>
Shanghai is so massive with so many high-rises and bright lights, it makes Manhattan look like a small city. They spend 4 million per night just to
illuminate the buildings.
>
I heard on the news that Beijing just hosted a summit with Africa
where they hosted 48 of 52 African national leaders. China is aggressively
pursuing trade partnerships with all of Africa, even the controversial
Sudan and Zimbabwe. It’s nice to have access to international news!
>
I am typing fast-as usual!
>
What a wonderful vacation, filled with learning, new experiences, and meeting great people. I have walked more on this trip than I have in several years.
>
I hope to return!
>
Thank you for coming along.
>
Love,
>
Karla
Shanghai to Beijing to JFK to Miami
Arrive 10PM November 3, 2006
