Finally had time to update my blog. This blog website is partly blocked in China, I can send blogs but cannot view them, so apologies if I have not responded to any messages.
Last time I left you all, I was in Beijing, about to climb the great wall with Lee. Well climb it we did.
We left on a falling apart minibus and speeded towards the great wall which was a good three hours away. The drivers in China are nuts so it was a farily harrowing ride.
Once we arrived, we caught a cable car and began to walk and climb along the 10 Kilometre section of the wall. Before long we were followed by two ladies who became our guides. We didn't ask for this service but there was no way to get rid of them so we let them follow us. Finally, they tried to sell us some maps and T-shirts etc. They were such nice people trying to earn a living so we bought some junk and said goodbye to them. A few minutes later more people appeared to be our guides and sell us crap. This happened several times throughout the journey. I did feel for them all though as they were mostly poor farmers trying to make a living, and if anything they added to the whole experience. The great wall was definately my biggest highlight so far, although my legs ached for two days afterwards!
The next day we caught the train to Shanghai where we have been ever since. Shanghai is vastly different. It is much more alive then the capital, and spares no expense in showing it's wealth. Taking a walk along The Bund was just mind blowing, and contrasts sharply with the slums dotted all over the city. Poverty is rife here too, and I lost count of the number of times I was approached by beggers and hawkers as I explored.
We have spent five days here and head off to Hong Kong tomorrow if all goes well.
Phil Wyatt
Monday October 29th 2007
12 comments:
New post! Looks like you've been busy, I'm just glad this weekend is over....too much going on!
Hi Phil,
Wish I had seen the Great Wall, its always been my ambition to go to China. Is it very smoggy?
Anyway, don't rush back-they have found a structural fault in one of the walls of the Central Library and there is an estimated delay of 6 months-I kid you not!
Sue Slack
Who are these weird women posting on your blog?
Beijing is four times as polluted as Los Angeles so they say.
Yeah it is quite nasty but they are supposed to sort things out for the olympics - god knows how!
Yeah I heard about the library. Looks like they will have to put up with me in Arbury for a whle.
To the ninja - I know not why.
Weird women?
You heard me correctly, weird women.
And who might you be?
I am the mysterious ninja, I come from down your way and I can play.
:: blink ::
I have been sent here by the powers that be to restore order to these twisted shores.
I also play the Trombone.
not sure I wanna know...
Oookay
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