Beijing shows me up

by | Oct 26, 2009 | China 2009

Beijing was determined to prove me wrong after what I said about pollution yesterday. The rain and wind blew away the haze, and we were treated to an absolutely spectacular day...

Going with the flow in Beijing

by | Oct 25, 2009 | China 2009

I did a little walking around Beijing today. During the day, the smog is astounding. China has made some truly impressive efforts to reduce pollution and energy consumption, and the message is constantly hammered home by the media: use less energy and water, live in...

Grasslands and blue skies

by | Oct 24, 2009 | China 2009

Our adventure to the grasslands of Xilamuren was a lot of fun. Not a lot of tourists go there after the beginning of October, because the grass turns yellow, and it gets kind of cold. But, being the hardy Canadians that we are, we decided it would be no problem. Plus,...

In Inner Mongolia

by | Oct 22, 2009 | China 2009

It was great to arrive at our hostel in Hohhot (pronounced Huhehaote in Chinese), the capital of Inner Mongolia. After several days of dusty travel, I was pleased to discover that the shower here is not only the best I’ve experienced in China, but probably the...

Traveling to a lot of places with X in the name

by | Oct 21, 2009 | China 2009

Dad and I find ourselves on a sleeper train once again. Our bunkmates are a middle-aged couple whom we imagine are on a little illicit “office getaway.” Who knows, it’s probably a lot less interesting than that. The last day in Xi’an was relaxing and fun. We checked...

Xi’an I get along just fine

by | Oct 18, 2009 | China 2009

The thing that has struck me on this trip compared to my trip here two years ago is that there are a lot more young people out, looking good and having fun. The difference is striking. Youth are filling the streets, restaurants, stores. The cities are happening...