Just a few things before we close out on China....
Did you know that Mira and Milan was photographed by so many locals.... why? Because they thought they were cute kids... seriously... They especially took a liking to Milan... His cute looks worked wonders when we were negotiating a discount at the markets... work that charm!
We were able to enjoy all the things we did on the trip because of our tour company... This is the first time that we have actually done the 'pre-packaged-tour-thing'. It worked out really well... Here is a plug for our company we used - ChinaTravelGuide.com We had our own mini-van, driver and tour guide with us where ever we went... seeing as the locals don't speak English, and we don't speak Chinese, this worked out really well!
Even if I had to, I could not pick a favorite... Each city had its own charm and character... Beijing - the Great Wall, Xian - The Warriors, Lhasa - The Buddhist history, and Shanghai - the SHOPPING!!!
Great trip... a lot packed into 10 days. You know that the family has been traveling a lot when the kids pretend to play airport and know the drill of getting boarding passes, checking in bags and clearing security and they can recite the safety protocol that is mentioned at the start of each flight!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Shanghai - Stop #4
Stop number 4 started on day #7 of our trip.
We left Lhasa at 3:30 in the afternoon, a day earlier than the original plan. 2 Nights in Lhasa was enough... and we were tired of the cold... Yes, our threshold for cold has severely dropped after being exposed to the beautiful Bangalore weather for the last 2 winters....
The flight did not get us into Shanghai until almost 10pm... We were tired.... A good nights rest was what we needed!
Day 8 we started with a day of sightseeing. First stop was the top of the Jin Mao tower. This used to be the tallest building in the world until 2007, when right next to it they built the Shanghai World Financial Center. This is the building that looks like a bottle opener. Now the Burj in Dubai surpasses them all..... The views were amazing.
After this we went to Yuyaun Garden. It is essentially a cute little garden in the middle of the 'old' city. It was established in 1559 and is considered one of the most elaborate gardens in town... in my opinion it was OK... nothing too fab... There was a shopping area that was around the garden where we were able to pick up some things... this was fun!!
Then we went to the Shanghai Museum. At this point, we were museumed-out! We opted to forgo our prepaid tickets and just chill out and enjoy the fresh air. It was considerably warmer than Tibet, the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom. It was like spring back in Mich.... Next it was a boat cruise on the Huangpu River... this was a nice way to see the skyline...
Then it was a nice dinner and off to see the Shanghai Acrobatic show. Dinner was very good... nice Chinese food and then the show was really amazing... trapeze artists, jugglers, amazing flexibility and control... A great way to end a very packed day!
Day 9 - we were on our own today, since this was the 'extra-day' we got from leaving Tibet a day early. We decided to use this day to do some shopping. It was off to the knock off market... ohhh we were all so excited. We left with many goodies.... North Face jackets, Channel and Prada Purses, Designer Sunglasses, Converse High tops, backpacks, pashminas..... it was so fun. We took a break from shopping and had McDonalds for lunch... come on, you knew we had to squeeze that in!! After a day of shopping, we went to hotel and rested. We went to dinner with some friends that were kind of on the same tour as us... A nice pizza dinner....
Day 10 - A quick trip to do some more shopping.... a few last minute things that we thought of and then we had to head to the airport.....Yes, we on our way back home... at this point we were ready!!
The flight left from Shanghai at 5pm about an hour late. We had a 2 hour connection in Kuala Lampur, so we were not worried. But something happened en route... typically they are supposed to make up time in flight... but we were further delayed.... We arrived in KL at the same time our flight was due to take off, they held the plane for us, and we had to sprint to our gate to catch our connection! It was crazy... Milan was crying because he was left behind.... Needless to say, we made it!! Once we got on the plane we saw class mates of Mira and Milan!! They were sitting right by us....
And this wraps up Shanghai!!
We left Lhasa at 3:30 in the afternoon, a day earlier than the original plan. 2 Nights in Lhasa was enough... and we were tired of the cold... Yes, our threshold for cold has severely dropped after being exposed to the beautiful Bangalore weather for the last 2 winters....
The flight did not get us into Shanghai until almost 10pm... We were tired.... A good nights rest was what we needed!
Day 8 we started with a day of sightseeing. First stop was the top of the Jin Mao tower. This used to be the tallest building in the world until 2007, when right next to it they built the Shanghai World Financial Center. This is the building that looks like a bottle opener. Now the Burj in Dubai surpasses them all..... The views were amazing.
After this we went to Yuyaun Garden. It is essentially a cute little garden in the middle of the 'old' city. It was established in 1559 and is considered one of the most elaborate gardens in town... in my opinion it was OK... nothing too fab... There was a shopping area that was around the garden where we were able to pick up some things... this was fun!!
Then we went to the Shanghai Museum. At this point, we were museumed-out! We opted to forgo our prepaid tickets and just chill out and enjoy the fresh air. It was considerably warmer than Tibet, the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom. It was like spring back in Mich.... Next it was a boat cruise on the Huangpu River... this was a nice way to see the skyline...
Then it was a nice dinner and off to see the Shanghai Acrobatic show. Dinner was very good... nice Chinese food and then the show was really amazing... trapeze artists, jugglers, amazing flexibility and control... A great way to end a very packed day!
Day 9 - we were on our own today, since this was the 'extra-day' we got from leaving Tibet a day early. We decided to use this day to do some shopping. It was off to the knock off market... ohhh we were all so excited. We left with many goodies.... North Face jackets, Channel and Prada Purses, Designer Sunglasses, Converse High tops, backpacks, pashminas..... it was so fun. We took a break from shopping and had McDonalds for lunch... come on, you knew we had to squeeze that in!! After a day of shopping, we went to hotel and rested. We went to dinner with some friends that were kind of on the same tour as us... A nice pizza dinner....
Day 10 - A quick trip to do some more shopping.... a few last minute things that we thought of and then we had to head to the airport.....Yes, we on our way back home... at this point we were ready!!
The flight left from Shanghai at 5pm about an hour late. We had a 2 hour connection in Kuala Lampur, so we were not worried. But something happened en route... typically they are supposed to make up time in flight... but we were further delayed.... We arrived in KL at the same time our flight was due to take off, they held the plane for us, and we had to sprint to our gate to catch our connection! It was crazy... Milan was crying because he was left behind.... Needless to say, we made it!! Once we got on the plane we saw class mates of Mira and Milan!! They were sitting right by us....
And this wraps up Shanghai!!
 |
| On Top of Jin Mao Tower |
 |
| The 'Bottle Opener' Building |
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| Jin Mao Tower.... It is sooo tall |
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| Notice what we are eating!! |
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| The Shanghai Skyline |
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tibet - Real Life Under Chinese Rule
This is a post from Vim.
An extract from "Friends of Tibet"
Before the Chinese Army Invasion:
Tibet, one of the happiest lands on the Earth, has been traditionally ruled by the Dalai Lamas, the highest institution of reincarnation in the whole of Central Asia. It was always an independent, peaceful state until the invasion by the People's Liberation Army of China in 1949. But to the outside world, Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, was always a Forbidden City. "For many Tibetans material life was hard, but they were not the victims of desire; and in simplicity and poverty among our mountains, perhaps there was more peace of mind than there is in most of the cities of the world," Dalai Lama quotes in his autobiography, My Land and My People.
After the Chinese Army Invasion:
The Chinese occupation of Tibet has entirely changed the life and lifestyles of the Tibetans for the worse. During its invasion, the Chinese army imprisoned hundreds of Tibetans for their political and religious activities, while monks and nuns were tortured and killed for dreaming of an Independent Tibet and for aligning with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Today, political prisoners are being routinely attacked and nuns being raped at Chinese prisons. There is no freedom; even the Dalai Lama's photographs are banned. According to a UN report, "The Chinese occupation of Tibet has been characterized by acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment; torture and cruel, inhuman and degraded treatment of Tibetans on a large scale. The number of Tibetans killed after the Chinese occupation -- a period marked by torture and starvation -- now exceeds a million. More than 6,000 monasteries, their belongings -- the priceless jewels of Tibetan culture, precious Thangka paintings and other valuable documents were destroyed by the Chinese army."
Once a peaceful buffer state between India and China, Tibet has now been transformed into a strong military base with 17 secret radar stations, 14 military airfields, 5 missile bases situated near the Indian border and a secret nuclear power station near Lake Ko-Ko Nor. Of late, China has launched a 'Final Solution' — a systematic state-sponsored movement and encouragement of ethnic Chinese into Tibet — to overwhelm and expunge the Tibetan nation. Besides, it has embarked upon a three-year mission to promote atheism among Tibetan Buddhists as "the key to economic progress". China's sustained, brutal attacks have resulted in a mass exodus of Tibetans to India. Over the years, thousands of Tibetans have taken dangerous, heart-breaking journeys over the Himalayas to enter India where they see a ray of hope. They dream of a more meaningful life and free education on their country, its culture, language and religion.
Today they all have only one hope, one dream and one voice. A free, independent Tibet.
"Friends of Tibet"
Vim: "Our recent visit to Tibet - we were lucky to get a special visa to travel to Tibet. Typically visa's to Tibet are strictly monitored and given. When we arrived to Lhasa you could see allot of military pressence in and around the airport. Not very welcoming at first when you truly take in the majestic views around you. Our guide 'Po-Po' made it very clear after the welcoming/introductions NOT TO TAKE PICTURES of the police/army/swat/undercover teams patrolling the streets, monasteries and open areas in Lhasa. I could not resist. It was the first thing I did once we got to the hotel from a 3rd floor hallway window without anyone knowing. Yes it was stupid and if caught I would have had sever consequences to face - but its me Vim (those of you who know me). The pictures I took below highlight the statement above from 'Friends of Tibet'. Even talking with our Guide 'Po-Po' you could clearly see the sadness in his discussion with us, and feel the deep cries from the tone of his voice".
Did you know???
Here is a break from the China update.
Came across an interesting article....
Check out the link....
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20100415/874/twl-more-cell-phones-in-india-than-toile.html
More phones then toilets.... OMG....
That explains all the guys peeing on the side of the road... while talking on their cell phone!! : )
More China updates coming soon!
Came across an interesting article....
Check out the link....
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20100415/874/twl-more-cell-phones-in-india-than-toile.html
More phones then toilets.... OMG....
That explains all the guys peeing on the side of the road... while talking on their cell phone!! : )
More China updates coming soon!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Stop # 3 - Lhasa, Tibet
Day 5 we arrived in Lhasa, Tibet
It was about 4 in the afternoon when we arrived, and our tour guide advised us to relax in our hotel room for the evening, and avoid any strenuous activity so that we could get adjusted to the altitude change. We were in the one of the highest cities in the world!!! We were at about 4000 meters above sea level. This was almost 2.5 miles!! Yes, Miles!! Also, the air was very thin here... they say that there is 35% less oxygen in the air at this altitude then what you would get at 'sea level'.
So we did as we were told and chilled out for the evening. The hotel was OK... it was only a 3-star and it showed. The heating system was weak, and it was very cold, especially at night and we felt it!!
Day 6 started with a full day of sight seeing. We first went the Summer Place for the Dalai Lama. This trip was filled with bits of Chinese History... I did not know that the Dalai Lama (the 14th one) escaped out of Tibet in 1959 when China took over. He is now living in India in Dharamsala. The take-over by the Chinese has really disrupted the peacefulness and simplicity that was once there in Tibet. The Tibetans have been told to call the take-over a 'peaceful liberation'..... Well, after the 'peaceful liberation', now there are Chinese military and army casing the entire city. It is quite a disparity between the locals and the army folk.
The Summer palace was nice. Our tour guide was very well versed on the history of the dalai lama and Bhuddism and he was able to tell us about how the origin of Buddhism links back to India.
After the Summer Palace, we went to a monastery to see the monks. It was again, very peaceful. The people are so dedicated. After the monastery, we were then off to see a Tibetan house. As part of the tour, we were taken into the house of one of the local families. Again, the simplicity in there life was seen with the way that they live.
Day 7 we went to the Potala Palace, which is also know as the winter palace for the Dalai lama. This palace was nested on the top of a hill. We had to climb over 370 steps to get to the top. Let me tell ya, with 35% less oxygen in the air, we definitely felt winded... after just 15 steps.... it took a long time to make it to the top... many breaks were needed, but we all made it.... Even Mira and Milan!! They were such troopers!
Here we saw the tombs of the Dalai Lamas from the 5th to the 13th... that then begged the question.... when the 14th Dalai Lama dies, will his tomb be placed in Potala Palace?? Each of the tombs were made of pure gold and jewels... Supposedly the tomb of the 13th Dalai Lama is made of 1-ton of gold... yep, that is a lot of gold!!
After the trip to Potala Palace, it was a quick dash to the hotel to grab the bags and a quick lunch and then we were off to stop #4 - Shanghai!!
This is a view of Potala Palace. A shot of us after we climbed up all the stairs!!
Another View of Potala Palace also know as the Winter Palace
Here are people doing prayer (full lay down, to standing up) towards Potala Palace. They do it repeatedly for an entire day. Only taking breaks for food. This is real dedication!!
Another view of Potala Palace
Here is a view of the mountains that surround the Winter Palace... It was beautiful...
Vim with a great backdrop view.
Tibetan Monks.....
Here is the Potala Palace before we started the climb.... Notice the snow on the trees.... yes snow!!
A view of the snowy mountains....
Views were amazing
Who is that cute kid??? The black mark on the nose was a blessing that he got from the Sera Monestary. This is supposed to bring him good luck for a year....
A view of the town from the Summer Palace
Awwww......
The summer palace.........
This is a Tibetan local dog breed that is supposed to be very ferocious. It has been know to attack a lion and actually win.... At least that is what our tour guide told us...
It was about 4 in the afternoon when we arrived, and our tour guide advised us to relax in our hotel room for the evening, and avoid any strenuous activity so that we could get adjusted to the altitude change. We were in the one of the highest cities in the world!!! We were at about 4000 meters above sea level. This was almost 2.5 miles!! Yes, Miles!! Also, the air was very thin here... they say that there is 35% less oxygen in the air at this altitude then what you would get at 'sea level'.
So we did as we were told and chilled out for the evening. The hotel was OK... it was only a 3-star and it showed. The heating system was weak, and it was very cold, especially at night and we felt it!!
Day 6 started with a full day of sight seeing. We first went the Summer Place for the Dalai Lama. This trip was filled with bits of Chinese History... I did not know that the Dalai Lama (the 14th one) escaped out of Tibet in 1959 when China took over. He is now living in India in Dharamsala. The take-over by the Chinese has really disrupted the peacefulness and simplicity that was once there in Tibet. The Tibetans have been told to call the take-over a 'peaceful liberation'..... Well, after the 'peaceful liberation', now there are Chinese military and army casing the entire city. It is quite a disparity between the locals and the army folk.
The Summer palace was nice. Our tour guide was very well versed on the history of the dalai lama and Bhuddism and he was able to tell us about how the origin of Buddhism links back to India.
After the Summer Palace, we went to a monastery to see the monks. It was again, very peaceful. The people are so dedicated. After the monastery, we were then off to see a Tibetan house. As part of the tour, we were taken into the house of one of the local families. Again, the simplicity in there life was seen with the way that they live.
Day 7 we went to the Potala Palace, which is also know as the winter palace for the Dalai lama. This palace was nested on the top of a hill. We had to climb over 370 steps to get to the top. Let me tell ya, with 35% less oxygen in the air, we definitely felt winded... after just 15 steps.... it took a long time to make it to the top... many breaks were needed, but we all made it.... Even Mira and Milan!! They were such troopers!
Here we saw the tombs of the Dalai Lamas from the 5th to the 13th... that then begged the question.... when the 14th Dalai Lama dies, will his tomb be placed in Potala Palace?? Each of the tombs were made of pure gold and jewels... Supposedly the tomb of the 13th Dalai Lama is made of 1-ton of gold... yep, that is a lot of gold!!
After the trip to Potala Palace, it was a quick dash to the hotel to grab the bags and a quick lunch and then we were off to stop #4 - Shanghai!!
This is a view of Potala Palace. A shot of us after we climbed up all the stairs!!
Another View of Potala Palace also know as the Winter Palace
Here are people doing prayer (full lay down, to standing up) towards Potala Palace. They do it repeatedly for an entire day. Only taking breaks for food. This is real dedication!!
Another view of Potala Palace
Here is a view of the mountains that surround the Winter Palace... It was beautiful...
Vim with a great backdrop view.
Tibetan Monks.....
Here is the Potala Palace before we started the climb.... Notice the snow on the trees.... yes snow!!
A view of the snowy mountains....
Views were amazing
Who is that cute kid??? The black mark on the nose was a blessing that he got from the Sera Monestary. This is supposed to bring him good luck for a year....
A view of the town from the Summer Palace
Awwww......
The summer palace.........
This is a Tibetan local dog breed that is supposed to be very ferocious. It has been know to attack a lion and actually win.... At least that is what our tour guide told us...
Thursday, April 8, 2010
China Trip..... Stop #2 - Xi'an
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| Terracotta Warriors |
 |
| Wild Goose Pagoda |
 |
| On the City Wall |
Day 4 started with the trip to the see the Terracotta Warriors. Now, let me be very up front, I only added this stop to the itinerary because Vim wanted to go there. I had not done much research so I was essentially going into it a little clueless. Let me just tell you... our tour guide (Ruth) was amazing and she explained all the detailed history about the warriors.... wow!! Just in case there are a few of you out there are a little 'clueless' too about the history of the warriors, let me fill you in. Essentially the first emperor of the Qin dynasty built over 8000 Soldiers out of terracotta clay. Each soldier is over 6ft tall. Essentially these soldiers were built as part of the preparation for the emperors' afterlife. They were placed in underground pits all around his tomb. The tomb, the pits and the warriors, were constructed in 246 BC. They were only discovered in 1974. Ironically, they were discovered on March 29, which was the same day that were were there..... 36 years later. So even though they are so old, they escavation sight and discovery is very new. From here we went to see the Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall. The day ended with a dumpling dinner (or dunkling as Milan was calling it) and a Dance show. A lot packed into a day!
Day 5
We had a trip to one of the local museums and then it was off to our flight. This was taking us to Lhasa in Tibet.
Overall Xi'an was very peaceful, in an almost eerie kind of way.... The city only became big (or known) because of the Terracotta Warriors. This is the main attraction in this town. There is currently a lot of construction going on, a lot of tall building are going up everywhere.
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