We decided since we got sidetracked in Dunhuang that we had to at least travel to Turpan during our extended layover in Urumqi. It is unfortunate that it’s the worst time to visit the “Death Valley” of China but we’re here and not sure if we will be in this part of the world anytimeContinue reading “Catching the VIP Cruiser to Turpan”
Category Archives: China
The Buzzing Silk Road Sands of Dunhuang
Dunhuang is different things to the various travelers who either arrive by private car, bus, train or plane into this “City of Sand”. Some come here seeking to concur the Gobi Desert by camel and others are simply looking to view what’s left of the ancient Silk Road. There is enough here to please bothContinue reading “The Buzzing Silk Road Sands of Dunhuang”
A Little Time in Japan and Little Time in China
Japan will always be on the top of my travel list. June was spent traveling around the southern parts of Japan. Previous visits were short, but we now had the ability to spend as much time as we liked or could afford on the weak USD. We started in Osaka since a couple of friendsContinue reading “A Little Time in Japan and Little Time in China”
Sticker Shock in Japan
The island nation of Japan takes its food very seriously or at least tries to justify the large price tag for a very polished melon and other things most people find for much less back home or on the other side of the South China Sea. The same melon here in Japan would only setContinue reading “Sticker Shock in Japan”
Must-See Museum just an hour away from Shanghai
Last month I had the great fortune to have the opportunity to have an extended visit to Shanghai. Suzhou is one of the most popular day trip attractions for those visiting Shanghai. It’s even possible to visit when transiting through Shanghai because the high-speed trains go almost directly to Suzhou depending on the time. ThereContinue reading “Must-See Museum just an hour away from Shanghai”
Return to the Land of the Rising Sun
We said good-bye to Shanghai on Friday as we boarded our taxi in the surprisingly sleepy Jing’an District. The ride to Pudong seemed like more a demonstration on how our taxi driver could get us to the airport faster than his nemesis the speedy Maglev. Of course, there are no working seat belts in thisContinue reading “Return to the Land of the Rising Sun”
The Ancient and Modern Suzhou
Suzhou in Brief There are many reasons to visit the suburban water town of Suzhou. It’s where In 1272, Marco Polo stopped by and added it to his top 5 list of the most beautiful cities in China. This merchant city still holds its place as one of China’s trade and manufacturing centers. This beganContinue reading “The Ancient and Modern Suzhou”
Four Years and Seven Days Ago and I’m back in Shanghai
In the span of two long days we packed and stored our NYC life, grabbed a direct 14 hour flight from EWR to PVG, and checked into our new temporary home in the former French Concession (FFC) in downtown Shanghai. We chose Shanghai because we are familiar with the city and will be able toContinue reading “Four Years and Seven Days Ago and I’m back in Shanghai”
Xian: The Gateway to the Silk Road
One of the best ways to see history in person is by visiting the cities along the Ancient Silk Road. Religion was the driving force behind many of history’s greatest battles, and the force which leaders used to expand their empires. The faces numerous cities and villages reflect the styles, ideals and philosophies of the dominantContinue reading “Xian: The Gateway to the Silk Road”
Farflungistan 