Hooorah! Hong Kong — Internet :-)
2 days at sea - the weather is warming up finally and I now know why this is called the “Yellow” Sea. The water is muddy and brown/yellow in color. On day 2 at sea as we approached Hong Kong the water has become a clearer blue. Looking forward to Hong Kong, having Internet which is not controlled by Big Brother.
Shanghai, China
Day 1 - Zhuijiajiao Water Town called the Venice of China. The village was built on the banks of canals. The canals were built for the Emperor to travel to Shanghai by boat. Utilizing rivers, lakes and man-made canals, the Emperor was able to travel between Beijing and Shanghai in comfort on his own boat. Now the city is still home to many locals and is visited by Chinese Tourists. Few “long noses” were there. I was asked to take pictures with many Chinese people from the interior of the country. They have not seen caucasians and are very curious as to how we look and talk.
Day 2 - Taxi ride to the Old City (cannot call it ChinaTown when you in China!) Wonderful Dim Sum and shopping. I was in my element.
Beijing - Docked in Tianjin
Day 1 - The Great Wall of China was awe inspiring. As we stood on the wall, snow falling, winds blowing it was hard not to be impressed. Learning about the history of the wall and its building via lectures onboard made the visit more memorable. We could not visit the Summer Palace due to crazy traffic caused by the snow the highways and roads.
Day 2 - Forbidden City, Tianamen Square and the Temple of Heaven. I was once again overtaken by the history of the Forbidden City. I was able to stand where Po Yee as a 3 year old stood in the main courtyard. I also observed the changes made in the Palace so he could ride his bike around. Chinese people believe that bad spirits do not have knees, so they cannot enter a house that has a high step, however; this stopped Po Ye from circling the Palace - so they were removed.
In Tianamen Square, there was a large military presence and picture taking was forbidden. Our guide explained to us before we left the vehicle to be aware that white people (caucasians) were called “long noses” because of our facial features. He explained many interior Chinese tourists traveling to Beijing for the first time might have never seen a caucasian and we could be laughed at and have our pictures taken. Needless to say - thank goodness for the warning. Swarmed by Chinese people laughing was more like what really happened. Not real pleasant but it is what it is.
Temple of Heaven was a great spot to watch locals playing Mah Jong in the court yards while their grandchildren played. Today was a blue sky day in Beijing and the pollution was minimal so children where allowed to play outside. The pollution in China is unbelievable, words do not describe the sky and the irritation I can feel in my lungs. Smoke stacks pour smoke into the sky from factories that are littered over the landscape.
I asked our guide why the farms between Tianjin and Beijing were deserted … his reply … the land is worthless. It is so polluted nothing will grow anymore. A 90 minute ride from Tianjin to Beijing was filled with deserted farm buildings however there were many Ghost Cities of high rise condos and warehouses that have been built and not sold. These Ghost Cities have no transportation to them yet. The roads to the Ghost Cities have 5 lines in each direction. The government is planning public transportation in the future. The governor of Tianjin who is responsible for these Ghost Cities has just been selected to run the Government Bank of China - since he was so successful and creative in his planning of Tianjin. Tianjin is the largest port I have ever visited. Most of the cranes to unload ships were not used. When China builds, they certainly build large!
Jeju City - not to be. We cannot get into the harbor because of strong gales.
Seoul, South Korea
Toured the highlights of this city. It was their weekly Saturday protest and I have NEVER seen so many police and protesters in my life.
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| Chinese Tourists in rented costumes |
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| Chinese tourists always ready for a picture |
Nagasaki, Japan
Headed out to Shimabara Castle and Fugen volcano that is still active. This included a great ride through the countryside of Japan. Many ladies are dressed in kimonos — our guide told us they are Chinese tourists that rent the kimonos. She brought us by one of the stores renting the costumes. The young ladies are found all over the city taking selfies. Cherry blossoms just beginning.
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| Shimabara Castle |
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| spring blossoms |
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| Samuri Homes |
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| Sail a way Nagasaki |
Kagoshima, Japan
Pleasant day wondering the waterfront.
Sea Day and Valentine’s Day Ball - fun on board!
Osaka, Japan - DOCKED
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| Golden Palace - Kyoto Winter Gardens |
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| Chinese tourist in rented kimono |
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| Temple Garden |
Day 1:A trip to the doctor with a friend, explored the many cafes in Osaka.
Day 2: Kyoto
This city is one of my favorites in Japan. Seeing the Golden Palace during the winter with snow was fun. I have seen Kyoto in spring and summer previously, it was special to see the gardens in a dormant state. Old Town was a new area I was able to explore and I enjoyed a typical lunch in a very old house. There were rice paper walls and very low ceilings.
The Big Blow - Captain warns us a gale is coming our way
7am on the second sea day
9am seas are building
Noon: 60 mph winds across the dec. We are in 20 foot seas. It isn’t comfortable however, we have experienced bigger storms. Our cabin got messed up - fruit rolling around, bathroom cabinet flipping open, lots of stuff failing off tables and nightstands.
late afternoon - water is drained from the swimming pool as most is spilling over the decks
the gym is closed. The outside walking decks are closed. The ship is very quiet, most folks in their cabins
early evening - ship is very quiet all entertainment cancelled
late evening - Captain decides to alter course so we can avoid bigger seas
By the early morning on day 3, the seas are steady. The ride is more comfortable. I think the only relief will be the Osaka Harbor!
Three More Sea Days on a slow boat to China ….
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