We had a leisurely breakfast with nothing on the schedule for the morning. Although a five-star, our hotel was situated too far from the Bund and the waterfront attractions for wandering around on our own.
Sue walked around the neighborhood and bought a pair of shoes. RJ and his wife went out and explored as well. Lots of real life to discover behind the scenes after all. I stayed behind, caught up on e-mail and repacked my suitcase, which had become heavier.
The poor live on one side of the street and the better off on the other:
As we traveled by bus to our lunch destination, I caught sight of a duo hanging off a skyscraper washing windows. You read that correctly: no scaffolding only a rope to secure them from falling as they swung in the wind. What kind of Health and Safety rules are there for workers I wondered?
Chinese saying:
Red lights are a suggestion; crosswalks are just a decoration.
Crosswalks and lights are ignored and no-one is ticketed for not stopping for pedestrians. Jaywalkers cross in the middle of traffic or at crosswalks, proceeding no matter what the suggestion or decoration. Two hundred people are killed a day in China due to traffic accidents.
Quick Facts:
- Population in China: 1.3 billion
- Beijing: 20 million (capital)
- Shanghai: 23 million
We arrived too early for lunch at a moored ship—Sea Palace Floating Restaurant—and were the only patrons. The waitress might have put on a less stern face. She led us to a table where we waited longer than usual for our meal. Until this occurrence, once seated the food arrived within minutes. I looked around, we chatted and took advantage of the Happy House.
All tables had seating for ten. Down the length of the ship, I counted 10 tables in each row, times four rows across. As we finished eating, I noticed the restaurant had begun to fill up in earnest.
Lunch:
- Baby bok choy
- Breaded white fish
- Chicken with green and red peppers
- Onions and pineapple
- Mystery soup
- Scrambled eggs
- Beef with red and green peppers and onions
- Sweet and sour chicken with red and green peppers
- Curried chicken and potatoes with red and green peppers White rice
- Watermelon slices
When food is left over, we wondered more than once what’s done with the remains. Were they thrown out like in North America? I’d always been under the impression that the Chinese wasted nothing.
After lunch we drove to Shanghai Pudong International Airport to catch China Southern, a domestic flight at 15:55. According to our trip schedule, this was supposed to have been a morning flight. Check-in was smooth this time. None in our group were pulled over for additional security check(s).
WiFi and a charging station stared at me at our boarding area. I tried to logon to the internet but couldn’t switch from Chinese to English, the only language greyed out in the list. I wanted to check if my daughter had answered the morning’s e-mail. This ticked me off a bit: handy but untouchable with 55 minutes to kill before boarding for a two-hour flight.
~ * ~
A Special Treat:
RJ continues to share photos. His wife Bonnie sent me this link. Prepare to be mesmerized. Make sure you have your heart medicine handy. Grab a drink and put your feet up.
~ * ~
Next on November 28, Wuhan, Day 12, Part 2 – Cruise Ship
For more related posts, click on China tab at the top of the page
© 2014 All Right Reserved TAK
November 21, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Elegant appearing restaurant and another yummy looking lunch. I like the Chinese saying. Interesting as well that a road divides the upper and lower class. What a great trip. 🙂
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November 22, 2014 at 2:40 pm
So many contrasts in China. The floating restaurant was moored to the shore. Didn’t ever go anywhere anymore. 🙂
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November 21, 2014 at 7:23 pm
Those are some frightful statistics, Tess. And the economic divide right in the middle of the street…
But yes, what a mesmerizing video! Mega-hugs my friend. 🙂
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November 22, 2014 at 2:45 pm
You are so welcome. How do you manage to meet NaNo output and buzz around in Blogland? I’m in awe of your productivity. ❤
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November 21, 2014 at 7:24 pm
Interesting contrasts–from men hanging from buildings to elegant restaurants.
I had to show my husband the video!
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November 22, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Wasn’t that the most amazing video. My mouth hung on lap the whole time.
So many contrasts in China. Thank goodness I’d taken notes or most of the memories would be gone by now.
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November 21, 2014 at 7:31 pm
First, that video was fabulous. Sounds as though you had a somewhat quiet day, nice now and then when you are running hither and yon, right? The luncheon sounded lovely, well except for mystery soups.
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November 22, 2014 at 2:51 pm
I didn’t eat soup now that I think of it. Too filling and lots of other good food to eat. If I didn’t recognize it or if someone in the group didn’t comment other than, “Mm, good.,” I didn’t know what it was.
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November 21, 2014 at 7:48 pm
Wow, pretty impressive acrobatics there! The Chinese really know how to do stuff like that!
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November 22, 2014 at 2:51 pm
I know. How DO they do all that and magnificently?
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November 21, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Considering Chinese movies, and especially the martial arts movies, proves their expertise with cranes and suspension activities. Such a contrast from Japan as to traffic fatalities. They definitely obey traffic rules. As to health and safety rules, window washers and other such workers are lower class workers and expendable, been that way for many centuries. They are lucky to have the work and grateful for it. But your trip sounds increasingly interesting and a Tru learning experience. As usual, the food intrigues. I have a feeling food goes home with workers as they are paid little as well. I imagine they are happy for the leftovers. Because they also have different health rules, it would not be a bad thing for them to take leftovers.
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November 22, 2014 at 2:54 pm
You’re probably right about workers taking home food. Sounds reasonable in this environment. I hadn’t considered that.
Crossing a street on foot was like taking your life into your own hands. There was no trick to it. Sue yelled at a guy because he kept driving right at her. Slow speed not high, thank goodness.
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November 22, 2014 at 6:05 pm
sounds about normal…
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November 22, 2014 at 11:02 pm
~(~_*)~~
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November 21, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Tess I can hardly believe the stats of 200 deaths per day! Being a pedestrian is like an extreme sport!
I watched some of the video. Beautiful and yes mesmerizing.
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November 22, 2014 at 2:55 pm
The tour guide gave us this information without batting an eyelash.
We tried crossing a road in Beijing. Not a good idea. They see you and it’s like it’s a game of chicken. Ugh.
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November 22, 2014 at 4:09 pm
Ugh is right!
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November 21, 2014 at 8:47 pm
Wow! You wouldn’t want to get your wires crossed with stunts like that! Thanks for sharing.
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November 22, 2014 at 2:56 pm
I was so fascinated and worried about all those wires. You’d think for sure there had to be a tangle somewhere, somehow.
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November 21, 2014 at 9:34 pm
I’m overwhelmed trying to contemplate the number of people there. I can’t do it. I have to admit there are many foods I would love to try that you picture and talk about. Some, not so much. But some, definitely.
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November 22, 2014 at 2:57 pm
I didn’t hate one thing except for this green vegetable that looked like some kind of green but not familiar.
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November 23, 2014 at 9:47 am
And it didn’t taste good?
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November 23, 2014 at 9:53 am
I never touched it. Others said it was good but it didn’t appeal to me.
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November 24, 2014 at 5:51 am
For as much time as you spent there, that’s a pretty good stretch of trying foods and not liking just one!
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November 24, 2014 at 11:35 am
😀 😀
I’m pretty adventurous, but not always.
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November 25, 2014 at 5:38 am
Yeah but when you are…..you truly are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀
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November 25, 2014 at 2:03 pm
😀 😀 😀
It’s all or nuthin’ with me, baby.
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November 25, 2014 at 7:19 pm
Hahahahahahahaha! 🙂 Best statement I’ve read all day!
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November 25, 2014 at 7:59 pm
Hahahahahahahaha! 🙂
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November 21, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Two hundred people a day killed by traffic accidents? Wow, you think that would spur the government to action. Must be scary to be a pedestrian around there, especially if you’re a tourist.
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November 22, 2014 at 3:04 pm
If a driver, kills someone the law is harsh
If you have liquor on your breath and driving, even one glass of wine, you can lose your license forever..
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November 22, 2014 at 12:15 am
Another great insight into Chinese life and culture . Not to mention Po faced waitresses. The video is out of this world. xxxx
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November 22, 2014 at 3:07 pm
The waitress seemed put out. Crap the place was e.m.p.t.y.
That video is unbelievable, I agree.
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November 22, 2014 at 12:42 am
Some countries take health and safety more seriously than others. That is a lot of road deaths to accept as normal and not do anything about! When I was in Poland earlier this year there was an on the spot fine deterrent for jay-walking.
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November 22, 2014 at 3:08 pm
It seems the law is harsh if you cause and accident or death and especially if you have liquor on your breath at the time.
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November 22, 2014 at 1:02 am
Pineapple and onion?? Cooked together or raw? Was it nice?
The deaths statistic does not surprise me – I think the value of life is strongly correlated with average income of a population and inversely correlated to population size. So low wages, high population, low value of life.
The skills of the performers in the video are incredible!
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November 22, 2014 at 3:13 pm
The onions were cooked = softened. The pineapple was warm. Must have been thrown in at the last.
I bet the people in the video work hard and perform divinely, but for what pay? Buttons. Glad you enjoyed the video. I want to watch it again. And again.
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November 22, 2014 at 2:54 am
I am having a panic attack just thinking of that many people!!!
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November 22, 2014 at 3:15 pm
And all those wires. How did they not all tangle?
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November 22, 2014 at 3:45 am
Crossing roads is definitely seen very differently all around the world.
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November 22, 2014 at 3:16 pm
They see you and just keep on moving. My friend yelled at a driver because he almost touched her while we crossed a street in Beijing. Scary.
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November 22, 2014 at 4:33 am
That restaurant looks like a cruise ship! The food looked and sounded good there.
Wow that video was incredible, I’ve never seen anything quite like that before, I couldn’t stop watching!
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November 22, 2014 at 3:18 pm
It IS but it’s docked and now used as a restaurant.
That video had my jaw in my lap. How did no-one tangle?
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November 22, 2014 at 6:09 am
The video is amazing, when I saw pink perform I thought that was scary stuff, that though…scary and crazy. How the haves live to have nots, sad state of affairs and life. Restaurant looks incredible. Xx
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November 22, 2014 at 3:22 pm
So many contrasts in China. I’m still shaking my head.
My friend from our trip sent me that video just the night before I posted. I couldn’t wait to share with all of my friends here. I’m gobsmacked.
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November 22, 2014 at 7:11 am
The vicarious thrill of following your journey knows no bounds! Appalling, though, to hear about the road deaths.
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November 22, 2014 at 3:26 pm
So many contrasts between East and West. Sigh.
Another thing: you better not kill someone while driving or be found with liquor on your breath. The law is harsh then.
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November 22, 2014 at 10:07 am
You comments about the traffic reminds me of the first time I traveled to Egypt and we were taking a bus from Cairo to Alexandria. We were waiting for the time to leave and were near a traffic light. It changed from red to yellow and green and it made no difference to the traffic. I was telling my friend Iman that they might as well turn them off, at least they’d save some energy. And the shared taxis and all that…I’m not sure I’d have the stamina for such a long trip although amazing experiences…
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November 22, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Same in China. No matter what color the light, drivers and pedestrians plowed ahead. Too scary for me.
We have down-time coming up.
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November 22, 2014 at 10:11 am
COOL video. I was, indeed mesmerized. Glad that the Chinese version of TSA didn’t cause you any trouble.
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November 22, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Glad you liked the video. It WAS amazing.
What is TSA?
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November 22, 2014 at 4:02 pm
Transportation Security Administration. The army of people who wand us, look inside our bags, take x-rays of us, and other forms of psychological torture at the airports.
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November 22, 2014 at 5:39 pm
We had a couple silly incidents earlier, but that was the end of it. 🙂
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November 22, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Certainly a world of difference in Shanghai. Cool floating restaurant!!
Vijay
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November 22, 2014 at 3:45 pm
It sure was cool. Didn’t feel floaty at all. I wonder if it was grounded.
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November 22, 2014 at 12:38 pm
I wouldn’t want to think too hard about what they do with leftover food!
That video is incredible, I don’t know how they even conceive the idea much less put it into practice!
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November 22, 2014 at 3:47 pm
I didn’t, but someone mentioned maybe the workers took home the leftovers.
That video is the most mind-boggling thing I’ve ever seen.What kind of mind imagines such an unbelievable feat and brings it to fruition?
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November 22, 2014 at 12:56 pm
I envy you, my beautiful friend. You’re traveling while I serve travelers.
Good for you!
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November 22, 2014 at 3:49 pm
Thank you. I am not traveling. I took this trip in April of this year. If it sounds realtime, I’m over the moon.:-)
I scribbled a lot on the bus between stops.
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November 22, 2014 at 7:34 pm
I wait for this post every week, Tess. A live kaleidoscope! Absolutely fantastic!
Hubby and I visit a Chinese restaurant every Friday here in our little town. It’s owned and operated by a Chinese family who still have thick accents. We almost always get there before the restaurant is officially opened. Yet, we’re ushered in with open arms. I think it’s because we’re two of the few who leave a tip. They always set us at the same booth and know exactly what we want to drink each time.
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November 22, 2014 at 11:09 pm
I believe every race have lovely people. I wish we could get along with each other.
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November 22, 2014 at 8:32 pm
Tess, I tried to post a comment earlier but the comment box froze up, second or third time that has happened here. Hopefully this one will go through. Thanks for another “bite” of your Asian adventures and have a great weekend.
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November 22, 2014 at 11:13 pm
You are welcome and I am pleased you enjoy reading about my adventure. I’ve forgotten so many details. Thank goodness for notes.
Thank you for reading and commenting. ❤ ❤
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November 22, 2014 at 8:59 pm
I remember when I traveled in the USSR (pre-Russia) that cars always had the right-of-way. Pedestrians had no protections. I was 20 then. Now I much better understand the law of different cultures.
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November 22, 2014 at 11:16 pm
After all this talk of traffic, it brings to mind my visit to New York City when I was 17. Pedestrians competed with traffic when the lights were red. Hm. How had I forgotten. Not different at all. No idea how that has or hasn’t changed in the last 60 years.
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November 22, 2014 at 10:41 pm
Oooh… mystery soup! Curious! 😀
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November 22, 2014 at 11:18 pm
I didn’t have much soup because there was too much good stuff and I didn’t want to fill up. This soup was different. I’m not saying bad. Not at all. We just couldn’t put a name to it like most other times.The food was always tasty.
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November 23, 2014 at 4:29 am
I remember crossing the road in China. There was lots of whistling, from the police I seem to recollect. This had something to do with controlling the traffic I think! Did you see any dogs while in Shanghai? I know that an increasing number of Chinese people are keeping dogs as pets but there are, I understand strict regulations about the size of dog which can be kept in cities.
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November 23, 2014 at 7:00 am
I saw exactly two dogs in: one a stray and the other a pampered lap dog. In Shanghai, none.
The whistling, was that because there had been some kind of traffic incident?
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November 23, 2014 at 7:14 am
That is interesting, that you saw so few dogs. I was told by the Chinese lady I was with that the whistling was used to control the traffic (it was an extremely busy road to cross) but, knowing little about the workings of road safety (or the lack thereof) in China I can’t say for certain!
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November 23, 2014 at 9:44 am
I meant to say, I saw exactly two dogs in BEIJING.
The country is certainly full of contrasts as as anywhere else in the world, cultures and traditions are different from ours.
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November 23, 2014 at 5:02 am
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Day 12 of our virtual trip around China with How the Cookie Crumbles and this week Tess leaves Shanghai on the way to Wuhan. Some interesting traffic statistics… and I do love that most meals always have a mystery element! Enjoy the descriptive narrative and the great photographs. Next week Tess will be joining us as the guest on the Sunday Show… great post as always.
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November 24, 2014 at 7:02 am
I so enjoy reading your ‘aside’ comments as you view Chinese life. I’m glad we have an “OSHA” in America (Occupational Safety and Health Association). No window washers hanging from windows, and it’s the law to follow the traffic lights. What a daily tragic loss of life in China re traffic accidents.
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November 24, 2014 at 11:36 am
I know. I don’t get it. Laws and rules help us. I keep shaking my head.
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November 24, 2014 at 5:12 pm
I continue to enjoy your travelogue, Tess. And the video was breathtaking. Looking forward to more…
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November 25, 2014 at 7:06 am
The difference between the two sides of the street is incredible. And as for health and safety, well, there appears to be none! The floating restaurant looks lovely – shame about the sour face – and as for the video, well, no wonder you gave your warning! Wow, never seen anything quite like it, how on earth do they do it? Thanks for sharing that, really is mind blowing…and continue to love your anecdotes and shares about the way life is over there, away from the tourist’s path. I have learnt so much from you Tess, truly fascinating ❤
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November 25, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Glad you’re still enjoying the tour. I keep surprising myself with what I’ve forgotten. A lot of the time we had information overload added to a tired body. ❤ ❤
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November 25, 2014 at 8:51 am
Wow! Talk about living on the wrong side of the street!
On another note, let me make sure I got this straight: You were served a “mystery soup” and you ate it?! You are a braver person that I, that’s for sure!
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November 25, 2014 at 2:15 pm
I didn’t have a clue what to call it. I didn’t happen to have any but I was told it was delicious and maybe tomato-ish soup.
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November 25, 2014 at 2:53 pm
Methinks you were wise to pass on it.
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November 25, 2014 at 7:32 pm
It was good according to the other tour members. I didn’t eat soup often as I didn’t want to fill up before the good stuff. 😀
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November 27, 2014 at 11:15 am
Window cleaners on ropes, and 200 pedestrians a day killed – with 1.3 billion people, life is cheaper in China than in the west. And with the lack of oversight, when I traveled in China, I avoided Chinese Airlines when possible. ~James
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November 27, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Ouch. Really? We had four domestic flights and they were fine.
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November 27, 2014 at 10:11 pm
200 pedestrians a day killed a day – wow. I’m always intrigued by the food you were served during your great China Adventure. I would have passed on the Mystery Soup – I’m not very brave! LOL!
That video was incredible! Stunning and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ❤
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November 28, 2014 at 6:51 pm
The contrast between east and west is mind boggling
The mystery soup we couldn’t think of a name for but it was delicious.
That video WAS stunning. How do they do that and who orchestrates such a thing?
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December 1, 2014 at 12:52 pm
It was beautiful and amazing!
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December 1, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Nothing negative to say at all.
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November 28, 2014 at 4:35 am
With stats like that one would think the government would do something about the rules of the road and the ignorance thereof. Very interesting post again Tess. 🙂
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November 28, 2014 at 6:57 pm
It’s every man / woman for him and herself. Have you noticed, they do the same thing lining up or getting a spot in a crowd. No space is left unmanned / open. 🙂
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December 17, 2014 at 4:33 am
It does sound an amazing country. Mystery soup, huh? I think Cathy (Catbird in China) would be steering clear of that one 🙂
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December 17, 2014 at 7:08 pm
It was a mystery because I couldn’t name it. I believe it had tomatoes in the soup. 🙂
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