December 26th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
After a tedious bus journey from Hanoi it was as if Mother Nature had snapped her fingers the moment we arrived in Bai Chay. Looming gray clouds parted giving way to dazzling rays of winter sunshine that started to slip through just as we stepped onto one of Bhaya’s traditional junk styled cruise boats.
We immediately [...]
December 24th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
This was the last place I expected to be overwhelmed by atmosphere on a western religious holiday.
Crowds had started to gather in the square in front of St Josephs cathedral in the old quarter from around 5pm. Strangely enough the gates around the cathedral were securely bolted. We found out later that [...]
December 22nd, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, on the road
The overnight train service running daily between Nanning and Hanoi is very comfortable in Chinese soft sleeper carriages however don’t look forward to getting too much sleep.
Departure from Nanning is currently at 6.45 pm, with arrival in Pingxiang a little after 10pm for Chinese border control formalities which took around 90 minutes. Once this is [...]
December 19th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
I have just been out for a ride on what I hope becomes the latest trend or activity to hit Yangshuo.
The Segway is a green, eco friendly people transporter that is quite novel to ride and perfect for a visitor to get a great intro to the delights of Yangshuo and surrounds.
After I managed to [...]
December 17th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
I love lush green landscapes however the gorgeous colours of Fall or Autumn which take over the landscape with reds, oranges and yellows are a spectacular sight.
Whilst out cycling, I realized that it is unfortunately something that doesn’t happen with any real effect around Yangshuo. Most of the plant species are either evergreen or [...]
December 15th, 2009 | by admin | published in eating & drinking, latest posts
It is persimmon season throughout the Yangshuo region. I find this fruit quite a curious one as it more than just a pretty orange ball crowded onto bare branches. With a skin smooth like a tomato and a fleshy, fibrous inside when very ripe it’s slightly sweet in taste.
On doing a little bit of research [...]
December 12th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
One thing which doesn’t seem to have changed in Beijing at all over the past few years is the terrible traffic congestion!
December 9th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Another new project that caught my attention in Beijing was the redevelopment and refurbishment of the ancient Qianmen street. Located at the southern end of Tiananmen Square the street even boasts a tram car which occasionally whizzes past.
Now this refurbishment actually caused me to sit back and ponder a question which disturbs me a little [...]
December 6th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Beijing has developed into such a cosmopolitan city over the past 12 years, so much so it is barely recognizable.
One of the latest developments I am really enjoying is The Village in Sanlitun. So often these types of developments remain half filled or are full of useless shops that I would never go near but [...]
December 4th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Jingshan Park located across from the North Gate of the Forbidden City is somewhere which should be included on your “things to do in Beijing” list.
The Wan Chunting pagoda offers 360 degree panoramic views of Beijing including amazing vistas back across the Forbidden City which help to put in perspective the size, scope and former grandeur of [...]
