Tour de China

Friends of our Aussie mate Matt had a conference in Hong Kong and decided to turn that trip into a tour of China.  Following Hong Kong, they caught the 20-hour train to Shanghai from Guangzhou where Laura, Matt, and I joined the tour.

With the Aussie's realizing Shanghai is more of an eating and drinking city than a sightseeing city, a few days were spent here eating, drinking, and catching a game of expat cricket.  That last bit may sound odd, but it is kind of a Shanghai thing to do when you consider the international diversity of the city.

From Shanghai, we were all off on the high-speed train to Beijing to explore the city and The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace.  The Aussies were able to secure accommodation amongst the hutongs (traditional Chinese residences/hotels amongst a maze of narrow alleyways), we booked too late.  The Aussies were also more adventurous in exploring the local cuisine, imbibing in kebabs from the hutong alleyways, scorpion on a skewer, and a sampling of other local "delicacies".  We saved room for what may be the best duck in the world, and the duck skin which is particularly delicious dipped in sugar.

From Beijing, we headed to Xi'an.  The Aussies were able to take the overnight train, unfortunately Laura and I booked too late with a holiday approaching and hopped a plane.  Xi'an is the educational hub of China with 183 universities.  It is also the eastern end of the Silk Road which has led to a large Muslim population reflected in the Great Mosque constructed in 700 AD and the massive Muslim market.  Furthermore, Xi'an has the last remaining city wall in China.  Apparently all, or most, major cities in China had a wall at one point.  Beijing's city wall was removed in 1965 and replaced with the 2nd ring road.  Beijing now has 7 ring roads.  And lastly, Xi'an may be best known today for it's proximity to the Terra Cotta Warriors.

Following Xi'an, the boys had to head back to Australia and Laura back to work.  But Matt and I took a few days to check out Guilin.  Guilin is a "very small" city of 1.4 million people.  It is also along the Li River which is lined by gorgeous limestone rock formations.  We had an experience we won't soon forget in Guilin.  More on each of the sights from our travels to come.

On the fast train from Shanghai to Beijing.  The only way to
go from Shanghai to Beijing.  5 hours and reliable, versus 2
hours in the air between the worst (Beijing) and second
worst (Shanghai) airports in the world for on-time flights.

Our Aussie companions.  We tested the theory that the
train was smooth enough of a ride at 300km/hr for a
marker to remain standing vertical for the 5 hour trip.
Would have worked if not for the banking of the track.

Scorpion on a stick.  I'd probably eat it in a pinch.

Panda.  They seemed almost as lazy as koalas.