HI all
Well, the foibles of communication here rumble on as now I cannot access the other blog and can access this one! How frustrating. Anyway We have managed to upload a few photos which is good news. Our journey so far: Shangahi, Hangzhou then a plane to Xian then an overnight sleeper to Pingyao which will be followed (hopefully) by a bus to Beijing. I say hopefully because its virtually impossible to get transport information here and everyone tells you something different.
What can we say about our impressions of China - on the downside lots of pollution, dust, dirt, thieving spitting and smoking. On the plus side, great beauty in unexpected places, helpfulness, young people who really want to chat with you and exchange views. Lovely buildings and sights.
The sheer number of people here can be overwhelming - 1.4 billion people live in China, something like 13 million in Shanghai and Xian. There are 44,000 people in Pingyao and no bank! Old and new are cheek by jowl, extreme poverty next to Prada shops in Xian. Its a country of contradictions.
We have stayed in tradition old guesthouses which has been very pleasant, they are always an oasis of calm and peace in any city.
I guess we are getting a little travel fatigued and are looking forward to having a rest in Bali. We haven't decided where we are going there yet so if anyone has any recommendations for locations/accommodation, please let know.
Anyway, thats all for now. Thinking of you all and hope you are well. We are thinking of Nick who is having yet another operation and is still in hospital (4 mths now).
Take care all.
Lots of love
Tracy & Gary xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello again - its getting hard to keep up with you, flitting between blogs, but its good to know that you're well.
China does sound like an 'interesting' place to visit, but some of the local habits sound less than endearing. Its not getting very good PR here at the moment with the progress of the torch.
I'll keep an eye on both blogs for new from Bali!