My iPad Mini tells me this picture was taken at 6:31 a.m. Fog hung over the city our first morning. Sue hadn’t slept well and had been up and down all night. My unconscious self hadn’t moved all night and I heard nothing. Sue picked up the wake-up call, “You wake up now.” After a quick shower, I felt refreshed. I think.
Breakfast had started at 6:30 a.m. The eating area this time was on the second floor unlike the first one for dinner the night prior. There were no shortage of choices: buffet style for visitors from both east and west. The usual items such as bacon; sausages; eggs boiled or eggs to order; various familiar cereals; yoghurt; bread to slice; rolls; butter and jams were available. As well, roasted potatoes, corn, pasta, congee soups, spring rolls, and a variety of vegetables and more were on offer. Of course, an assortment of juices, coffee, tea and sliced fruits: watermelon, cut-up oranges, bananas, sushi, and tossed and bean salads were available. Prior warnings, by the travel agency, about not eating anything not boiled, were uppermost in our minds. I passed on most of these, though the presentations made my mouth water.
Introductions: At 9:30 a.m., our guide, waited in the hotel lobby and the bus waited outside. The dazzling morning sun had burned off the fog and the fresh air smelled of glorious summer. What a leap from winter, which we’d left behind almost two days ago, to a balmy Chinese spring.
Our tour guide was called Robert in English. I believe he was 40-something. He had the hint of a tummy, but otherwise has an average five-foot five, or six-inch frame. He didn’t avoid eye-contact and his command of English was excellent.
Our bus driver didn’t need to speak but he helped the ladies step up into the bus. I evaded his assistance. I didn’t want help. I don’t need any—not yet. Our traveling companions, the English 8 Group were all retired and eager to start.
Jim and Carolyn (Canada)
Russ and Bonnie (Canada)
Ernesto and Lorena (Mexico). They have a daughter in Canada who fingered the travel ad
Sue and I (Canada)
Upon arrival at the Temple of Heaven, the ladies squirmed and the inquisition began. “Where are the washrooms, please?” Who knew the ladies all followed an unwritten rule: never miss an opportunity. My mantra had begun at Chicago airport.
Park Bathroom
- Had both squat and pedestal toilets
- Men’s and women’s washrooms across from each other
- No toilet paper supplied
- shared sinks are in between the two
- Both sexes wash their hands side-by-side
- Soap supplied
- Driers weak, no paper towels
- Counters drowning in splashed water
I lucked out with a pedestal model, but the floor and toilet seat were a wet mess. How does this happen? Thank goodness I came prepared with my own paper and dried up the worst bits so my clothes wouldn’t get dirty. I managed not to slip and fall and I hadn’t even needed to use a squat toilet. I hadn’t thought to pack a change of clothing. My first flush was an oopsie. I forgot to put the paper in the basket instead of flushing it. The sanitary system cannot handle paper as well due to the extreme volume of usage. We were stared at. I smiled, washed my hands and waved them around when the drier didn’t work. It felt strange standing shoulder to shoulder, next to a man, in what feels like the women’s washroom.
Temple of Heaven (the park)
The area was park-like and filled with young people, seniors and everyone in between. We had come dressed for summer and removed our light jackets. The day was warm and the air clear. Most of the locals wore wool everything, long sleeves, hats and quilted jackets. Even the older folk stretched limbs (legs) against wrought iron fences or practiced Tai chi. The younger groups—most of them female—danced to music (comparable to line dancing or Zumba here).
A few of the older generation (gulp) were contortionists. Say what? I have pictures to back ME up. See. Ouch. My back and legs can’t do that. My teeth hurt to watch. How is this still possible at this guy’s age? He must be over 75 at least.
The man in the red sweater holds something akin to a bird (as in badminton). Demonstrations for its use look similar to a soccer player keeping his ball in motion. The feet and ankles are kept active. An effective exercise, I think and your competition is a small white plastic thing with feathers you must not allow to touch the ground.
- Hawkers everywhere, with shawls, scarves, kites, badminton-like birdies etc.
- Hawkers were persistent but not rude
- Young and old come to the park for exercise and fresh air
- I saw no dogs walked
- Birds taken for walks. Their cages were hung on tree limb
- It was the weekend, a Sunday
We had free time to wander the park for about 20 minutes. Throngs of people surrounded us everywhere we turned. I imagined all these people were occupants from the many tall apartment buildings. The belief there is that fresh air and exercise are necessary to a good life. I kept a low profile—I might have gawked once or twice—the locals stared openly. It is their country after all and we were the odd balls.
Next on June 13th, Beijing Part 4, Day 3 (cont’d)
Click on CHINA tab at the top of this page for all links about this trip.
June 6, 2014 at 7:27 pm
I am so happy to be on the tour with you! Traveling and restrooms, There is a book to be written on the diversity. Birds going for a walk? I can not say I have seen that!
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June 7, 2014 at 12:31 am
Yeah, and you had your Turkish holiday and spa experience. OMG. We didn’t have to worry about the language barrier because we had a guide who took care of everything. How did you get around with minimal Turkish?
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June 7, 2014 at 12:38 am
On the cycling trip our local guides spoke Turkish. I actually had about 200 words of Turkish and in larger places often someone speaks some English. Hand gestures often work…well maybe not quite as well in the Turkish Bath House. 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 1:05 am
Hand gestures. In a Turkish bath. What are the chances I might have any kind of Positive conversation / experience in Turkey with hand gestures.
Every other gesture is likely opposite to what I would think. OMG! 😀 😀 What a situation.
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June 7, 2014 at 1:32 am
You can see how it seemed easier just to go with it 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 7:45 am
Ha ha. I would need a glass of wine first. 😀
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June 7, 2014 at 9:14 am
I will admit we had been buying Turkish rugs prior and there may have been refreshments involved. 🙂
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June 6, 2014 at 7:33 pm
I’m all ears, that toilet stuff is very interesting.
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June 7, 2014 at 12:33 am
Interesting to me too but to people who have traveled no biggie. I shake my head when I think how some people treat concerns we automatically decide are concerns. Still, dirty and nasty is dirty and nasty.
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June 6, 2014 at 7:39 pm
The contortionist photo amazing! Interesting trip. So glad to hear you got a good night’s sleep, finally. 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 12:37 am
Sleep? I died that night. That jarring morning telephone ringing brought me back. Lucky me. 😀 😀
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June 6, 2014 at 7:49 pm
Contortionists and taking birds for a walk! And yucky restrooms. It’s quite an adventure already! I’m very interested in the food so I look forward to hearing more about that 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 12:38 am
Yes, men don’t think this is interesting but women do. There is a pattern I see now that the end of the trip has come. I don’t know what his aunt imagine in her old age when he brought her her old journals. 😀 😀
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June 6, 2014 at 9:07 pm
How fascinating. I wonder how much of this is in our future. I wouldn’t mind the healthier lifestyle. I could even get used to drying my hands by men. Communism–I don’t know.
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June 7, 2014 at 12:47 am
Communism seems to be r/e/l/a/x/i/n/g/ it’s ideals. I wonder. Is it China or is it Memorex?
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June 6, 2014 at 9:41 pm
Note to self: Bring toilet paper if you ever go to China. Of course, as you might have read in one of my previous posts, I’m an old pro at the hole-in-the-ground toilets…
Those contortionists are amazing. Just goes to show you what one can achieve if they maintain their flexibility over the years. Wowsa.
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June 7, 2014 at 12:49 am
I have a story about toilet paper you won’t believe. It’s MY story and I’m amused I came up with it.
Nice to see you Carrie. Aren’t you supposed to have your nose to the ‘grindstone?’ Nice to see you drop in.
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June 7, 2014 at 1:24 am
I have time for a trip to China every Friday night. 😉
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June 7, 2014 at 7:43 am
Ha ha. Nice to see you Carrie. The bus leaves every Friday night. Welcome aboard. 😀
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June 7, 2014 at 9:56 am
I’m bringing my own potty though.
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June 9, 2014 at 4:10 pm
It seems like all of the blogs I follow have good (read: horrible) toilet stories.
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June 9, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Don’t worry; we won’t tell anyone about your fetish… 😉
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June 9, 2014 at 4:24 pm
No, not a fetish. These blogs just serve as a chilling reminder to never leave home. 🙂
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June 9, 2014 at 6:18 pm
I feel I’ve been living in the cabbage patch my whole life. Ha ha. Life sure is different away from home. 🙂
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June 9, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Ha ha ha.
You are a treasure in that case, Carrie. 😀
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June 9, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Ha ha ha. Had they started with potty training per chance? 🙂
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June 6, 2014 at 9:59 pm
One look at those johns and I’d be on the first plane home. Yikes!
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June 7, 2014 at 12:52 am
Hang in there, Karen. I’ll take care of you. Thank goodness this place wasn’t scary, OR we didn’t see anything scary because the doors were closed…know what I mean? Don’t want to reveal too much before it is time.
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June 6, 2014 at 10:42 pm
What an experience! You are selling me on going some day with your variety of details and capturing the beauty of the people/culture.
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June 7, 2014 at 12:55 am
Selling you is one thing and I have nothing to gain. The thing is, China will not be China for long. It is changing fast and will not be the same for long–how long? I can’t say but this much is true. Our trip was bargain basement price but will not be for long.
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June 6, 2014 at 11:43 pm
The people are beautiful. I would have wanted to be able to do what they were doing!!!
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June 7, 2014 at 12:59 am
*\o/*
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June 7, 2014 at 9:33 am
Hahahahahaha! Very good Tess!!! You are GREAT with these symbols!
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June 7, 2014 at 12:28 am
Looks like a gorgeous day and a very community oriented city. Everyone seems to be doing their “thang” in the sunshine, whether you are double jointed or not 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 1:02 am
I might guess it is a mentality…something that comes naturally, just so.
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June 7, 2014 at 1:04 am
You got me in the mood for a nice breakfast buffet 🙂
Those toilet-squat-nasty-dirty things–bleh. (I have limits when it comes to making do.)
Keep the posts coming!
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June 7, 2014 at 1:16 am
Thanks, Joanna. I feel bad about breaking the posts up but time is at a premium and I try to do this in managable and readable bits and byes. ❤
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June 7, 2014 at 9:41 am
You’re doing great. Gives me something to look forward to every week 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 1:21 am
You must have had a great experience, and the toilets were my favourite – ‘not’
I used to check times on my photos and question it. Then I realsed I had not change the time settings to match the country…Lovely story and pictures and fab memory to now have…
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June 7, 2014 at 7:37 am
Thank YOU. Without notes, I will have forgotten everything, that’s why I checked the time on the photo. Wasn’t sure weather sunrise or sunset. 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 1:29 am
There is an older Chinese woman who catches the bus with me in Vancouver who does Tai Chi while we wait. She is so cute and always has a big smile for me.Great post!
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June 7, 2014 at 7:45 am
Thanks Darlene. So many interesting things to learn on this trip. 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 2:47 am
Well done for the squatter avoidance – bet you didn’t manage it all the time!
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June 7, 2014 at 7:51 am
Nope. Started out lucky though. Well sort of. I can’t believe the mess. 🙂
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June 7, 2014 at 3:31 am
Tess – You are providing us a wonderful tag along and your photos are wonderful. I like the size. It gives me a greater perspective of the space you are in. Looking forward to your next post.
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June 7, 2014 at 7:53 am
Thanks, Sherri. Glad to have you along for the ride. See you soon. 😀 😀
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June 7, 2014 at 6:38 am
I am surprised you didn’t ‘squawk’ more at the standing squat. I don’t remember, do they have the signs in China about not standing on the toilets?
Were you entirely impressed by all the Tai Chi in the park? I would have been. I think we have something to learn Tess.
Another great addition, bring more. Your impressions are great fun.
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June 7, 2014 at 7:57 am
I didn’t notice any signs, Val in either language but then I was a little cross-eyed taking everything in and missed such a detail.
I took Tai Chi for a while and I’d rather watch it. I can’t relax or slow down enough, although it did limber me up. It is a pleasure to watch. So graceful.
Glad you’re enjoying my perspective. See you soon.
😀
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June 7, 2014 at 10:10 am
My stepdaughter is Korean-American. After hearing about the other side of her family, I’ve come to the conclusion that most westerners, both European side and American side, are wimps in a lot of ways. Her Korean grandmother, though close to being 90 years old, is more active than most 30 year-olds in the western world.
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June 7, 2014 at 11:09 am
I can barely tie my own shoes. Let alone put my feet behind my back. You did well to watch. I don’t imagine their hospitals are staffed with the very savvy.
I recall my grandfather sending us to the outhouse with two squares of toilet paper. I might have been able to cope with the squat pots.
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June 8, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Funny. Two squares is more than no squares. Thank goodness we brought some of own own. Ha ha.
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June 7, 2014 at 2:13 pm
Looks like a promising beginning. How fun!
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June 8, 2014 at 4:47 pm
The people and the things we saw certainly were. 🙂
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June 8, 2014 at 6:23 am
Taking a bird out for a walk in a cage is a bit unkind isn’t it? Can you imagine what it must be thinking – all that open sky and all I have is a single perch!
Overseas lavatories are always a gamble I find. France and Spain have improved now but Greek toilets can still be rather unpleasant!
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June 8, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Can anyone be worse than China? I haven’t mentioned the holes in cement floors, communal toilets etc . Maybe, as a more frequent traveler, you are more aware. I was aghast when I searched the internet after my return from my holiday and saw how deplorable they used to be and still are in some places.
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June 8, 2014 at 9:04 am
I too take advantage of a “potty break” whenever I’m out and about. Love all of your descriptions 🙂
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June 8, 2014 at 5:11 pm
We understand each other then! *grin*
Thank you for following along and commenting. This IS fun. ❤
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June 9, 2014 at 10:36 pm
you’re welcome. it’s fun to read 😉
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June 10, 2014 at 8:23 am
😀 😀 😀
Makes me happy.
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June 8, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Brilliant photos such an interesting blog!
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June 8, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Thank you, Willow. I hope you continue to find it interesting. 😮
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June 8, 2014 at 6:17 pm
I have no doubt I will.
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June 9, 2014 at 6:01 am
Those loos’ sound awful. I’ll be sure to carry lots of tissues if I ever visit there. Thanks for taking us on your interesting tour, Tess 🙂
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June 9, 2014 at 8:21 am
The ones we ‘saw’ were okay. WE were told on occasion, “Wait, you will not like those. The next one will be a good one.”
https://www.google.ca/search?q=toilets+in+China&rlz=1C1EODB_enCA562CA564&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=cKaVU4PJFInm8AG-3IG4Cw&ved=0CCEQsAQ&biw=1242&bih=585
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June 9, 2014 at 2:33 pm
So glad you got the pedestal loo but what a mess…ewwwww…It was the same in France with the squat toilets in some rest areas. I won’t go into details about those, I don’t want to put you off your dinner…
The buffet sounds wonderful but then you do have to be careful. I’m fascinated by the idea of people taking their birds to the park for walks but you didn’t see any dogs. That would be very strange, a park and no dogs. Loving the grand tour Tess… and how lovely for to have the sunshine after such a cold winter… 😎
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June 9, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Yeppers. We only saw a couple of pampered lap dogs and a couple of strays but other than that no other dogs. Felt surreal.
The part about the toilets sure shows a different culture about that part of living.
I pigged out at breakfast every morning. Yes, I needed an excuse: I needed to keep up my strength with miles and miles of walking we did. Ha ha.
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June 10, 2014 at 6:13 am
That is surreal…a very different culture for sure…I would have done the same at breakfast, but it’s good that you had the perfect excuse… 😉 😀
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June 10, 2014 at 8:29 am
When someone else does all the heavy lifting, I can sit at the table a long time. 😀
It felt strange not to see dogs like we do here. I couldn’t put my finger on what was missing at first. 😀
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June 10, 2014 at 3:25 pm
🙂
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June 10, 2014 at 11:22 pm
😀 😀 Especially when the food is mm mm good.
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June 11, 2014 at 9:49 am
Mmmmmmm….. 😀
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June 11, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Let’s eat!
Anytime.
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June 9, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Great post, Tess! And Dang! Those old guys are bendy!
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June 9, 2014 at 4:24 pm
I tried not to look because the very sight made my eyes cross. Ouch.
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June 10, 2014 at 4:23 am
Ah, the wonder of a squat toilet – “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet,” to quote Rudyard Kipling!
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June 10, 2014 at 8:24 am
Still, it’s a wonder what you get used to when you MUST. 😀
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June 11, 2014 at 5:48 am
If those toilets are in heaven I really fear for what’s at the other side. 🙂
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June 11, 2014 at 1:30 pm
None? And no paper? 😀
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June 11, 2014 at 7:23 pm
why does that sound better to me than squatting over a hole? O.o
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June 11, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Not even a squat toilet in the floor and without paper is better? You are a brave woman but it’s complicated, right? Things like bugs, lots and lots of flies, squirmy things, poison ivy come to mind…
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June 11, 2014 at 10:08 pm
Oh this is all so interesting and gorgeous! I can just feel the lovely fresh morning! And how lucky to have arrived on a Sunday and straight to the park, where all life happens, I imagine, but in a relaxing, Sunday way! Beautiful! 🙂 and the photos are fantastic!
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June 12, 2014 at 7:59 am
Glad you enjoyed the sort tour. More coming Fridays.
Nice to see you. Long time. 😮
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June 12, 2014 at 1:23 pm
I am enjoying this trip and how things appear through your eyes. Taking birds for walks In their cages is a centuries old occurance. Nowadays, dogs are a luxury. Gone are the days when the Pekingnese dogs were guardians of the temple and sole companions to royalty. I love how you talk about toilets. Most folks that travel seem to avoid them, I like how you describe them, the people, and the things allowed or not allowed and flushing the paper. I had a good laugh on that. Whilst travelling ages ago, I always kept those packets of Kleenex In my bag for emergencies. LOL. It is interesting how the food is familiar and yet there are oddnesses. Some of the true Chinese food is scary, especially the street food skewered and grilled scorpions for example. Oh my. I am really truly having fun with you. I can hardly wait for the next installment.
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June 12, 2014 at 9:29 pm
WP doesn’t want me to talk to you. Three times I’ve been deleted…
I write as I have seen because THIS grabs MY attention. Thank you, Kansen, for your input. Even though I have some information, I do NOT have it all. Your input is MOST welcome to this newbie.
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June 12, 2014 at 9:48 pm
I read a few months ago, a wonderful mystery/narration of a man who was apprentice to an inquiry agent during the 1890’s. The agent had a black pekingnese given to him by the dowager princess of China…it was a spoiled little rascal but I liked him a lot. I thought of him when you mentioned taking the birds for a walk. I believe there are some paintings of Chinese royalty doing just that, centuries ago. WP is acting weird. Once again, When I logged out and later back in, all the likes I had put in had cleared out. most bothersome. I like the oddities that grab your attention. I like this instead of the same old same old….saw old buildings, lots of people, blah blah blah.
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June 13, 2014 at 8:57 am
Your post brings back good memories for me Tess. In my working years, I spent a couple of months in Beijing as a part of a team negotiating a business contract with the government. China wasn’t as open in those days, and we were kept on a very short leash (my phone was bugged, so the government could eavesdrop on my calls back to corporate HQ). But, it was one of the most interesting experiences of my life up to that point. Most of China, and Beijing in particular, is an in-your-face destination, and I came away with a different perspective. It sounds like you did as well. ~James
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June 14, 2014 at 8:38 am
Yes, there is no mistaking this is a different world here but catching up as China grows financially. Although we were insulated in our ‘tour group’ our tour guides were open and full of information. 🙂
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June 17, 2014 at 10:58 pm
After seeing those squat toilets I know why they all do Tai Chi – otherwise, no way one can bend and flex as needed to fit over those holes.
I’d love to visit China, but very put off by their social policies. I get to visit with you – thank you!
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June 18, 2014 at 7:53 am
Ha ha. I was so proud of myself when I didn’t fall over when I had to use a squat. Gosh, some are dirty.
China has changed more than you can imagine. If you don’t visit soon, it will be changed soon–not the same as now.
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June 18, 2014 at 7:54 am
Glad to have you travel with me.
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June 25, 2014 at 1:08 am
Dude that guys legs…its unreal…how is that…???
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June 25, 2014 at 7:55 am
He must be made out of rubber or maybe he’s been practicing a long time. 😛
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July 15, 2014 at 3:46 pm
Public conveniences. That’s when I love armchair travel 🙂
They do say Tai Chi keeps your joints flexible, though maybe not as flexible as all that …
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July 15, 2014 at 7:06 pm
All the old(er) citizens find it helpful. Wait it gets better…coming soon to a blog near you.
I tried Tai Chi for almost a year. At first I heard all my joints creek and figured everyone in the gymnasium could hear them. After a while, I felt more limber and they didn’t snap-crackle-pop out loud anymore. 😀 Trouble is, I couldn’t stand the s-.l-o-w format. Made me crazy. I’m used to moving…when I move, that is. 😀
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July 27, 2014 at 10:30 pm
Tess, this is wonderful! Your eye for detail, for the daily life, helps us to travel with you. Fortunately, you get to do the messy parts! 😀 I loved your dialogue with Kanzen!
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July 28, 2014 at 12:44 pm
I’m tickled you have taken the time to catch up on my ‘other worldly’ trip. I had to go back to see the conversation you mention and it makes me smile. She knows a lot about the east, doesn’t she?
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July 28, 2014 at 4:10 pm
Near as I can tell, Tess, Kanzen knows a lot about everything! 🙂
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July 28, 2014 at 4:49 pm
No kidding. She has an answer or story for everything. Have to talked to her lately? Her heart is aching.
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July 28, 2014 at 5:11 pm
Kanzen hasn’t updated or written a post since the Rollercoaster one. She did tell me her Mom’s situation was a bit better and all prayers appreciated. I think it’s time to shoot our bud an email and let her know she is missed.
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July 28, 2014 at 5:22 pm
I sent you an e-mail.
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August 16, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Hi Tess,
This is very interesting, and your take on matters cracks me up. When we went to Turkey some of the women we traveled just refused to use the squat toilets. The contortionists make my teeth hurt too! Looking forward to the next episode! Thanks for sharing.
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August 16, 2014 at 1:10 pm
You’re welcome to come along and I’m pleased you want to. Thanks, Naomi.
Duh. When you travel to a foreign country you have to expect differences, part of the experience. Yes?
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April 21, 2015 at 3:43 am
Toilets in China can be very surprising. My boyfriend told me to always carry toilet paper, because usually you have to buy it if you want to use it in public toilet. And you buy sheet by sheet, how crazy is that ? 😀
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April 27, 2015 at 9:55 am
Paper is not as plentiful there as we are used to in Canada and the U.S. I packed my own toilet paper and carried it with me always. If there was paper in the washrooms I used it instead of my own to make sure it would last. Our hotel had paper but lots of times we had to ask for more because you’d get the leftover roll from the last people who stayed in the room.
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