Author: Gray
Location: Beijing
Sooo were actually writing this July 1 because we didnt get back into Beijing until today after our looong train ride. But this is the update from yesterday. We awoke in our nice air conditioned hotel rooms and treated ourselves to showers that didnt run out of hot water!! Yaaay. First stop after breakfast was the city wall where we rented bicycles and took a spin around the wall that surrounds the inner city of Xian (9 miles!!). It was definitely an adventure since those walls certainly seemed like they shouldnt have survived hundreds of years. Some people rode tandem bikes as well. Another huge Chinese feast for lunch and then to this beautiful Muslim mosque in the center of the city. There are about 200 000 Muslims living in Xian and they have this amazing sanctuary in the middle of a bustling touristy market. We were even lucky enough to walk in during their prayer time and heard them doing their chants. The shopping was stressful but fun. The Muslim market workers were a bit sketchy at times, but not as aggressive as those at Silk Street. They sold lots of the traditional Chinese goods and some more unique items, like a Mao lighter that started singing a Communist song! Unfortunately the rain starting coming down veryyy hard and the walk to the train station was not enjoyable. Thankfully most of the purchases were saved, but everyone seemed to be drenched down to their very core!! And then began the train ride..
More to come
Gray
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Xi'an and Hamsters...Oh my
Author: Sammie
Location: Xi'an
So after our looooong train ride to Xian we finally arrived bright and early (too early!) and were met by our smiling guide Daniel. After a quick stop at our hotel for a Chinese breakfast we were off touring. First stop was the Banpo village museum where we saw bones about 6000 years old and checked out a bunch of museumish artifacts ---the usual. After that it was off to the famed Terracotta Warriors. Although we were all exhausted and dragging our feet, Daniel exhibited a great deal of enthusiasm, even though it was his 874 time seeing them!!!!! Then we went to an 'international" lunch aka. Tourist central. After lunch Daniel dragged us off to some 'swimming pool". A few of us tempted to try out the waters, but were quickly reprimanded by the guards. They were supposed to be hot springs at the location of an emperors concubine supposedly this beautiful lady who just ruined the emperor before he was caught by the communists. Then it was back to the hotel for a much anticipated nap. For dinner we went to this neat cultural show and dumpling dinner. There were about 18 different kinds of dumplings, but unfortunately most of us were sick of them and yearned for the McDonalds we had passed on the bus. The show was pretty neat though, all displaying dance and song from the Tong dynasty. Any ways, thats about it.
Peace and Love, Sammie
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Xi'an
So after our looooong train ride to Xian we finally arrived bright and early (too early!) and were met by our smiling guide Daniel. After a quick stop at our hotel for a Chinese breakfast we were off touring. First stop was the Banpo village museum where we saw bones about 6000 years old and checked out a bunch of museumish artifacts ---the usual. After that it was off to the famed Terracotta Warriors. Although we were all exhausted and dragging our feet, Daniel exhibited a great deal of enthusiasm, even though it was his 874 time seeing them!!!!! Then we went to an 'international" lunch aka. Tourist central. After lunch Daniel dragged us off to some 'swimming pool". A few of us tempted to try out the waters, but were quickly reprimanded by the guards. They were supposed to be hot springs at the location of an emperors concubine supposedly this beautiful lady who just ruined the emperor before he was caught by the communists. Then it was back to the hotel for a much anticipated nap. For dinner we went to this neat cultural show and dumpling dinner. There were about 18 different kinds of dumplings, but unfortunately most of us were sick of them and yearned for the McDonalds we had passed on the bus. The show was pretty neat though, all displaying dance and song from the Tong dynasty. Any ways, thats about it.
Peace and Love, Sammie
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Friday, June 27, 2008
Zoo-tacular!!
Author: Cason
Location: China
Hi everyone! Its Sammie and Cason ;)
(Well actually only Sammie doing the writing, Cason just makes sure she spells her words right)
Today, we are going to Xian for a few days so we wanted to fill you in before we left!
Yesterday, we went to the zoo to see all the animals and show Pierre his relatives! Pierre got a lot of action at the zebra and llama cage. Pierre seemed very happy to get out of the apartment and explore the real world! The Giant Pandas were really cute; they looked kind of fat. Then we went to the elephant cage and observed the extremely large excrement of the elephants. When we went to the reptile room, the second floor was closed because their giant python was missing. Dont worry parents, we are 50% sure he didnt come back with us on the bus. After this came dinner back at Suzies (which fyi is actually Yao Restaurant), followed by a spectacular massage at a nearby massage parlor. (Note: This was not that type of 'massage parlor," dont worry, we checked--it didnt have the pink lights.) Most of the group got the 1 hour Chinese foot massage and a few others got a full body massage in addition (a very good choice, given the total cost was just over $15). We came back to the apartment and watched a movie before falling asleep in a state of utter relaxation (except for Emily who was in a ton of pain after her Step Back massage when the masseuses walk on your back). This morning we all woke up and noticed that Emilys eye was swollen from some unknown cause. We all ate breakfast and Brent didnt show up for our daily sino-toid and sino-truth so we left for the kids early. Emily is currently doing yoga in the aparment, and the two Red Proletariats are sweeping the floor. Wen is working on her computer on Tibetan stuff, and Lanier and I are writing this blog. Later today we pack up and leave for a weekend away--a Chinese vacation!--to Xian. Were taking the overnight train which should be an interesting experience. Pierre is staying at home to look over the house. We probably wont be able to update you for a few days, but you can all rest assured that we are having an amazing time here!
Love,
Cason (and Sammie) (and Lanier)
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: China
Hi everyone! Its Sammie and Cason ;)
(Well actually only Sammie doing the writing, Cason just makes sure she spells her words right)
Today, we are going to Xian for a few days so we wanted to fill you in before we left!
Yesterday, we went to the zoo to see all the animals and show Pierre his relatives! Pierre got a lot of action at the zebra and llama cage. Pierre seemed very happy to get out of the apartment and explore the real world! The Giant Pandas were really cute; they looked kind of fat. Then we went to the elephant cage and observed the extremely large excrement of the elephants. When we went to the reptile room, the second floor was closed because their giant python was missing. Dont worry parents, we are 50% sure he didnt come back with us on the bus. After this came dinner back at Suzies (which fyi is actually Yao Restaurant), followed by a spectacular massage at a nearby massage parlor. (Note: This was not that type of 'massage parlor," dont worry, we checked--it didnt have the pink lights.) Most of the group got the 1 hour Chinese foot massage and a few others got a full body massage in addition (a very good choice, given the total cost was just over $15). We came back to the apartment and watched a movie before falling asleep in a state of utter relaxation (except for Emily who was in a ton of pain after her Step Back massage when the masseuses walk on your back). This morning we all woke up and noticed that Emilys eye was swollen from some unknown cause. We all ate breakfast and Brent didnt show up for our daily sino-toid and sino-truth so we left for the kids early. Emily is currently doing yoga in the aparment, and the two Red Proletariats are sweeping the floor. Wen is working on her computer on Tibetan stuff, and Lanier and I are writing this blog. Later today we pack up and leave for a weekend away--a Chinese vacation!--to Xian. Were taking the overnight train which should be an interesting experience. Pierre is staying at home to look over the house. We probably wont be able to update you for a few days, but you can all rest assured that we are having an amazing time here!
Love,
Cason (and Sammie) (and Lanier)
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Made In China
Author: Cason
Location: China
So yesterday was one of the more relaxing excursions of the trip: shopping day. We worked with the kids in the morning and then after lunch headed out into the city to the Silk Street Market. We spent three hours navigating the chaos of this "market" which is really just a compilation of crammed stalls selling the same goods for exorbitant prices so all the tourists can feel like they're "haggling" when in reality they're still paying enormous prices for cheap, low quality products. Frankly, after buying two overpriced shirts I was a bit disgusted with myself for supporting this institution which in my mind demeans the entire shopping culture. Everyone else seemed to enjoy this experience, for reasons I am not capable of comprehending. Wen did agree with me though; she only bought a copy of Maos Little Red Book. She swears shes not a communistwere having second thoughts though. (Kidding.we love Wena lot.) Emily wants her name in this blog, so lets chitchat about her for a bit. Emily is having a wonderful experience in her second year leading the China trip. Now, back to the kids. Taylor (Dixon)s favorite child is Lily, who seems to be the most popular, as she is also Chris, Emily, Pat, and a few others favorite. Taylor (Harrison) also loves playing with the kids, especially when shes not dropping them. She also loved the veggie dumplings we made specifically for her J . The dumplings were a huge hit with all the older kids from the group home. They had performed their own abridged version of The Sound of Music for an audience of about 50 volunteers and neighbors. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip so far, many in the audience were in tears by the end. Some of the kids have exceptional English, probably better than Emilys when shes speaking to non-native speakers in her own version of broken English--Chinglish. Everyone else wants a shoutout, so: Jessica has been sleeping a lot lately, but she managed to get up the other day to talk to her boyfriend over skype; Caroline has been very busy orchestrating the various 'Dino-pic" photoshoots (all from the wonderfully creative mind of Ms. Caroline Ruhl); Lanier is getting more and more talkative by the second--she cracked a really funny joke a second ago, but it probably wouldnt be appropriate for the blog; Virginia has been online a lot wishing happy birthday to the numerous friends she has who have birthdays this week; Sammie improved her ACT score; Chris and Pat have been improving their haggling skills; Michael has been acting the Master Photographer role with his super cool camera; and Callie has mastered the art of the Chinese postal system. Oh--almost forgot, our group added a member the other day: Pierre. Pierre is a red inflatable donkey and he poses in all the group photos with us. Today we go to the zoo, so Pierre can meet all of his long lost relatives.
peace out,
cason
Location: China
So yesterday was one of the more relaxing excursions of the trip: shopping day. We worked with the kids in the morning and then after lunch headed out into the city to the Silk Street Market. We spent three hours navigating the chaos of this "market" which is really just a compilation of crammed stalls selling the same goods for exorbitant prices so all the tourists can feel like they're "haggling" when in reality they're still paying enormous prices for cheap, low quality products. Frankly, after buying two overpriced shirts I was a bit disgusted with myself for supporting this institution which in my mind demeans the entire shopping culture. Everyone else seemed to enjoy this experience, for reasons I am not capable of comprehending. Wen did agree with me though; she only bought a copy of Maos Little Red Book. She swears shes not a communistwere having second thoughts though. (Kidding.we love Wena lot.) Emily wants her name in this blog, so lets chitchat about her for a bit. Emily is having a wonderful experience in her second year leading the China trip. Now, back to the kids. Taylor (Dixon)s favorite child is Lily, who seems to be the most popular, as she is also Chris, Emily, Pat, and a few others favorite. Taylor (Harrison) also loves playing with the kids, especially when shes not dropping them. She also loved the veggie dumplings we made specifically for her J . The dumplings were a huge hit with all the older kids from the group home. They had performed their own abridged version of The Sound of Music for an audience of about 50 volunteers and neighbors. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip so far, many in the audience were in tears by the end. Some of the kids have exceptional English, probably better than Emilys when shes speaking to non-native speakers in her own version of broken English--Chinglish. Everyone else wants a shoutout, so: Jessica has been sleeping a lot lately, but she managed to get up the other day to talk to her boyfriend over skype; Caroline has been very busy orchestrating the various 'Dino-pic" photoshoots (all from the wonderfully creative mind of Ms. Caroline Ruhl); Lanier is getting more and more talkative by the second--she cracked a really funny joke a second ago, but it probably wouldnt be appropriate for the blog; Virginia has been online a lot wishing happy birthday to the numerous friends she has who have birthdays this week; Sammie improved her ACT score; Chris and Pat have been improving their haggling skills; Michael has been acting the Master Photographer role with his super cool camera; and Callie has mastered the art of the Chinese postal system. Oh--almost forgot, our group added a member the other day: Pierre. Pierre is a red inflatable donkey and he poses in all the group photos with us. Today we go to the zoo, so Pierre can meet all of his long lost relatives.
peace out,
cason
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Whoever Can Put the Chicken Back Together First Wins
Author: Everybody
Location: All over China!
Sorry we haven't written in while. we have been very very busy!
We have been volunteering in the mornings and then doing an activity everyday after lunch. The orphans are very cute and everyone is having fun with them. We are working in three baby homes, one hospice, and one group home for older kids. Everyone already has their favorites!
Since the last blog, we have visited the Lama Temple, a Confucius Temple, The Summer Palace, The Forbidden City and Tienamen Square.
The temples were pretty and it was interesting to see the Buddist who were partaking in their daily rituals. It was very cool having Wen with us because she is a Buddist master for sho.
In the Summer Palace everyone had a great time. We bought some cool hats and went paddle-boating around the palace's lake. The highlight was trying to race each other in the boats.
The Forbidden city was an experience to say the least. After having walked what felt like 10 miles in a thunder storm, we eventually made it to the palace. It was pouring and all of us looked and felt like we had just gone swimming but that didn't stop us from doing the hokie pokie and the Chicken dance in the middle of the forbidden city's central plaza. All the people were taking tons of pictures and videos of us and we had a lot of fun!
Today at the Tienamen Square we were supposed to visit a museum but it was closed.
Everyone felt the political importance of the square after watching Brent's expertly chosen documentay. We walked around and did some shopping instead. The shopping is very different in China, you can barter for your items and get them for 1/5 of the price (if your good like Chris and Pat). While trying to cross the streets (which for the most part are very busy and have no street lights or signs!) half the group almost got killed when they were stuck in the middle of the road between two gigantic buses. All in all the square was a great trip and everyone had a lot of fun.
Dinner tonight was 'interesting.' It started off okay with some nice rice, chicken, and veggies but once the tofu came out things started going downhill. Our final dish was two huge bowls of noodles and chicken. It was disgusting! The chicken looked as if it had been chopped up whole, bones and all, and thrown into our dish. All the pieces had huge bones in them and were almost impossible to eat! Dinner turned into Sammie's game of 'who can put the chicken back together faster.'
Okay talk to you soon
PEACE and LOVE
us
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: All over China!
Sorry we haven't written in while. we have been very very busy!
We have been volunteering in the mornings and then doing an activity everyday after lunch. The orphans are very cute and everyone is having fun with them. We are working in three baby homes, one hospice, and one group home for older kids. Everyone already has their favorites!
Since the last blog, we have visited the Lama Temple, a Confucius Temple, The Summer Palace, The Forbidden City and Tienamen Square.
The temples were pretty and it was interesting to see the Buddist who were partaking in their daily rituals. It was very cool having Wen with us because she is a Buddist master for sho.
In the Summer Palace everyone had a great time. We bought some cool hats and went paddle-boating around the palace's lake. The highlight was trying to race each other in the boats.
The Forbidden city was an experience to say the least. After having walked what felt like 10 miles in a thunder storm, we eventually made it to the palace. It was pouring and all of us looked and felt like we had just gone swimming but that didn't stop us from doing the hokie pokie and the Chicken dance in the middle of the forbidden city's central plaza. All the people were taking tons of pictures and videos of us and we had a lot of fun!
Today at the Tienamen Square we were supposed to visit a museum but it was closed.
Everyone felt the political importance of the square after watching Brent's expertly chosen documentay. We walked around and did some shopping instead. The shopping is very different in China, you can barter for your items and get them for 1/5 of the price (if your good like Chris and Pat). While trying to cross the streets (which for the most part are very busy and have no street lights or signs!) half the group almost got killed when they were stuck in the middle of the road between two gigantic buses. All in all the square was a great trip and everyone had a lot of fun.
Dinner tonight was 'interesting.' It started off okay with some nice rice, chicken, and veggies but once the tofu came out things started going downhill. Our final dish was two huge bowls of noodles and chicken. It was disgusting! The chicken looked as if it had been chopped up whole, bones and all, and thrown into our dish. All the pieces had huge bones in them and were almost impossible to eat! Dinner turned into Sammie's game of 'who can put the chicken back together faster.'
Okay talk to you soon
PEACE and LOVE
us
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
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