Saturday 3rd May 2008 - Beijing
Today Jan and I decide not to go sightseeing (we are a bit over temples) so we say goodbye to Nick and Barrie and we head off to the shops, coffee, and a lovely foot massage! Our previous few days have been very hectic so we feel we need to 'catch our breath' so to speak as the following 3 weeks are going to be extremely strenuous. After catching up on emails our foot massage begins. Jan has never had one of these before so is very much looking forward to it.
Well! it is probably the best foot massage I have ever had and our feet feel like silk. All ready for the miles and miles of walking we will be doing throughout Mongolia, Siberia and Russia during the next 3 weeks.
The afternoon is spent getting ready for our 4am departure in the morning - washing, packing etc.
Sunday 4th May 2008 - Beijing to Ulaanbaatar the Capital of Mongolia)
We leave the hotel at 4am and drive the 40 minutes to the new Beijing airport. It is absolutely enormous, extremely efficient - very newly opened and very much a state of the art. It really has to be seen to be believed. After check-in we are taken by monorail to our waiting gate where it is not long before we board our flight.
On our 2 hour flight we fly north over the Great Wall and across the Gobi Desert to the remote capital of Mongolia. The mountains are snow capped and it is a fantastic sight as we land at this very remote city. Bounded by Lake Baikal to the north and the Great Wall to the south is the Mongolia Plateau and Gobi Desert. This was the homeland of the brilliant, tough, well-drilled horsemen who, for over 500 years from the 13th century, plundered and occupied lands and cities from the Yellow River to the Danube. Theirs is a history of incredible acquisition and of towering personalities thundering across Asia; among them Ghenghis Khan, founder of the Empire and Kublai Khan, overlord of China, convert to Buddhism, the Great Khan host to Marco Polo.
On arrival we are met by our local guide Toya a lovely Mongolian local girl who speaks very good English. Our first stop are the Houses of Parliament in the city centre a short tour of the city and the onto our Hotel.
After freshening up an settling in for a couple of hours we join Toya and the rest of the group to visit some more traditional landmarks before having dinner at a Traditional Mongolian BBQ Restaurant. The food is fantastic!
Sunday 4th May 2008 - Ulaanbataar
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and drive the 1 1/2 hours to a traditional Ger Camp where we will spend the night. I am feeling unwell at the moment and have come down with a dreadful head and chest cold. Should be interesting sleeping in a tent for the night. Of all times to be unwell! Anyway, we arrive at the camp and its 'freezing'!! I is clearly going to be a long night. We are allocated our Ger (a round tent with no facilities except a couple of beds and a pot belly fire. It is 1/2 way up a mountain which we have to walk to and I'm sure its only fit for goats. Nevertheless, we arrive and are immediately greeted by a lady who (speaks no English) but has an armload of firewood. She begins to stoke the fire. We notice the wood is so fine however, will it last the next hour let alone the whole evening!!!! I don't think I'm going to enjoy this at all.
After settling in, Toya our group leader informs us that this evening we are going to visit Turtle Rock (wherever that is) and a Mongolian family. I am feeling more unwell as the day progresses and in fear of getting pneumonia. I elect to rug up and stay in the Ger dosing myself up with as many drugs as I can - this I'm sure will be the worse night of my life!!!
I drift into slumber and am woken by the site of the Mongolian woman with another armload of firewood. Apparently she comes into the Gers every 3 hourse day and night to stoke the fire. At this stage I don't care who comes into the Ger I am feeling so sick!!!
I am woken again at about 10:30pm where Nick has arrived back from visiting the Mongolian family. He tells me it was interesting to see how 'they live' and have done for thousands of years. Its certainly not my idea of fun and can't wait until this night is over!!!
Monday 5th May 2008
We wake early to the site of snow falling into our ger. Unbeknown to me there is a hole in the roof which is totally exposed to the elements. Despite the crisp cold air it is rather eery when we open the door and see the sight of the mountains and the snow. A site I will never forget!!!
After breakfast we we drive the 100kms back into Ulaanbaatar where we visit the Mongolian Historical Museum. and the Gandan Hild Monastery which provides an insight into the religious beliefs of the Mongolians - who are predominantly Buddhist. After spending about 1 1/2 hours there we go to the supermarket and stock up on our supplies for the train. The site of our train (The Trans Mongolian Rail) is a very welcome one and we board it and settle into our rather tiny but adequate cabin. We begin to unpack and are given a glass of Russian Champagne by our attendants and as we pull out of the station there is anticipation and excitement and we enjoy lunch of local Russian cheese, tomatoes, cucumber and fresh bread and biscuits. We then settle in for an afternoon of relaxation and enjoy the passing sights of the remote villages of Mongolia. With the snow capped mountains the scenery is breathtaking.
We are woken at midnight by border crossing officials to check our passports and visas. Col and Kerrie (one of the couples in our group) were asked to leave their cabin and have it completely searched. While this is taking place no-one is to leave their cabins and it resembles the Gestapo and a very outdated and unnecessary practice. Thankfully this only took just over an hour but we were told sometimes it takes 2 to 3 hours as you can imagine there were some very 'unhappy campers' amongst our group!!!!
Tuesday 6th May 2008 - Lake Baikal
Thismorning we awake to the site of some of the most depressing little grey villages and people going to work in their dark greay and black overcoats - they all look so unhappy!! Our breakfast of muesli fruit and yoghurt is enjoyed while sitting at the big picture windows looking out to Lake Baikal, the worlds deepest freshwater lake. Its crystal clear water stretches over 600 kilometres to the north, up to 80 kms wide and almost 2 kms deep. Lake Baikal contains 20% of earth's fresh surface water and is home to hundreds of unique animal and plant species. Here is a vast, natural paradise, frozen to a depth of up to one metre during the harsh winter months, while during the summer, bathers brave the still very cold waters for its promised health benefits!
We pack a few things that we will need for the next 24 hours and board our bus and make our way the a small village about 80kms from Irkutsk. Our night will be spent in a wooden chalet with view out to the lake. Nick is still contemplating whether he will take a dip in the lake but after he is told the temperature would be around 2 degrees he is still thinking!!!!!
The afternoon is spent at an architecture museaum which is most interesting. It is the little timber houses, sheds, churches and school of the pioneers here and most interesting. The air is brisk but sunny so it is lovely to be outside despite being rugged up.
Our lunch stop is in a delightful restaurant overlooking the lake. We have traditional Russian food of raw Omul (the freshwater fish caught in the lake) then Borsch the lovely beetroot, meat and vegetable soup. This is followed by cooked pieces of the Omul and this is all washed down with the local Russian beer which is very good.
After lunch we visit an Aquarium museaum relating to the lake. By this stage Nick has decided against swimming in the lake as there are many underwater creatures he is not sure of. However, our lovely young Russian guide, Kostya takes a quick dip as it is custom for him to do this despite the cold. (As soon as he came out of the water he was unable to speak to anyone for the next half hour he was shivering so much)!!!!
Wednesday 7th May 2008
The chalet was very comfortable though very basic. We woke to no hot water though which was an inconvenience. We tried to let the Manager know of this problem but as usual in this country they shake their heads, throw their hands in the air and say - dont understand! Such a nuisance but quite usual.
By this stage the two people in our group Col and Kerry from Jindabyne are not enjoying this trip at all. They were ill-informed when booking this trip as to what the standard of accommodation was (despite us paying extra for premium status) in Russia their standards are so different to ours in Australia and unfortunately they were not keen to continue with the trip. They would leave us in St Petersburg it was decided though the rest of us thought it was a complete waste for them as they had come so far.
We board the bus at 9am and head into Irkutsk.
It is a holiday here today for Rememberance Day and there are many people out and about. It is a lovely atmosphere and whilst the sun is shining it is even nicer. We take many photos and join in the celebrations before heading back to the train ready for our 2pm departure for Omsk.
Thursday 8th May 2008
Back on the train we today and tomorrow so our time is spent enjoying the passing scenery, playing cards, reading and generally enjoying each others company. This is a great group we are travelling with and despite Kerry and Col's disatisfaction the rest of us are enjoying this trip immensely.
Friday 9th May 2008
A short Siberian summer's night, lulled by the ever mechanical rhythms of the train and track, passes to expose a daybreak of fir forests and wild flowers, homely cottage gardens and a thousand and one signs of hardy lives and simple means.
Saturday 10th May 2008
We spend half a day on the train before arriving into Omsk and being met by our local guide Nadia. She is rather boring and tedious - her English is not that fluent and there are many ams! and ahs! in her commentary so she has left some of us 'out in the cold' so to speak. We have to endure another 24 hours of this so we take in what we can and enjoy the scenery for the rest of the time.
Omsk is situated on the banks of the Om River and the north flowing Irtysh River. Omsk is as famous today for its lively Riviera, pleasing architecture and its opera theatre. Although those of us who live in Australia will know that it could never compare to our beautiful Sydney Harbour.
Sunday 11th May 2008 - Mothers Day.
I have phone calls from Danny, Mitchell and Chelsea where they wish me a 'happy mother's day'. This is lovely as I'm feeling a little sad today. It is the first Mothers Day I don't have my mum and my thoughts are with her. I send a message to my sister Jan as I'm sure she will be feeling the loss as well.
Our first sightseeing stop here is at a local Monastery. There is an active Russian church service being held in the church and it is amazing the feeling in that building. It is so spiritual and I cannot describe my feelings at the moment.
We board our train once more for the Asia-Europe border before arriving into Ekaterinburg in the morning.
Monday 12th May 2008
We arrive into Yekaterinburg the cultural economic capital of the Urals and are met by our local guide Ivan. He is a lovely young man, very knowledgeable and his English is very good.
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great and named after his wife, Catherine, Ekaterinburg has an intriguing and bloody history. It is the site of the murder of the Romanov family in 1918 - that ushered in the Communist era as well as the site where Gary Powers' 'spy plane' was shot down from the sky. Yerkaterinburg is also the hometown of Boris Yeltsin, Russia's first President.
The city was closed to foreigners until 1990 because of its many Defense Plants. There are many people in uniform here today and it gives off a very slight feeling of unrest. We are so lucky in Australia.
We enjoy a walking tour through the centre of the city and with its Europen influence is a far more picturesque city than the previous ones we have visitied.
We enjoy a walking tour through the centre of the city and with its European influence is a far more picturesque city than the previous ones we have visited. On the bridge we notice many padlocks with inscriptions on them attached to them. Ivan tells us these padlocks are put there when couples reveal their love for each other lock the padlocks then throw the keys into the river. An interesting concept we think!!!
We walk through the square to a very unassuming looking building which is our lunch stop. Behind the facade is a very lively restaurant where we enjoy more Russian food.
After lunch we make our way to our Hotel to do some washing and relaxing before meeting the rest of the group for drinks at 5pm. Dinner tonight is a delicious Western meal of roasted chicken, mashed potato and baby beans in a sweet potato puree'. Some of us have been looking forward to some tradition western food. I think I nice Australian steak would go down very well amongst some of us now!!
Tuesday 13th May 2008
After a lovely comfortable night sleep (without shaking and rocking) we wake to a lovely sunny morning here in Ekaterinburg. We have breakfast and meet Ivan and take the short bus ride to meet the train for our morning departure and journey to Moscow. We cross the Urals and enter Europe. On crossing the border we are each presented with a certificate. Our day is spent enjoying the countryside, crossing steel bridges spanning Siberia's river system of 5,000 rivers the flickering silvers and greens of the birch forests. Our day is spent reading, playing cards, and in general enjoying the passing scenery.
Wednesday 14th May 2008
Still on the train we have now crossed 5 time zones which will bring us in line for Moscow time. Today is spent again enjoying the scenery and relaxing ready for our arrival into Moscow tomorrow. We enjoy good Australian wine and food which we brought at the supermarket before boarding the train.
Thursday 15th May 2008
We wake up to rain and drizzle as we make our way into Moscow. We look out with interest at the hustle and bustle of the city of Moscow - trains coming and going not unlike any other busy city in the world.
Today is a long day as we have to pack up our gear and leave this train. We have a full day of sightseeing in Moscow. After our arrival at the station we are met by Nadia our local guide. Our day begins with a tour of the city. It is a lovely city , very clean with wide streets and beautiful modern shops. We to to a lookout to view the whole of the city. Its freezing sour viewing is very short lived. Our next stop is Red Square and the Kremlin where se spend about 3 - 4 hours. It is fascinating to say the least!!
By 5pm we check into our hotel -Historical Hotel Sovietsky which is a lovely old hotel right in the heart of Moscow. After dinner we retire to a lovely comfortable night sleep (again no rocking and shaking)!!!
The 5 time zones have really taken their toll and it is a nice thought that we don't leave this hotel until 10am the following morning.
Friday 16th May 2008 - Moscow
Our sightseeing program continues thismorning, before joining the evening express train north to St Petersburg. We rise at around 8:30am, dres s and have breakfast before joining the group for our (9:30 - 10am departure. We continue our sightseeing around this beautiful city - the city architecture are amazing. Kerry and Col decide to leave us today and the rest of us are astounded that you would leave this group with only another 3 days to go. They are heading to Helsinki so hopefully they will enjoy that more than they have enjoyed the last 3 weeks!!!!
After lunch, again of traditional Russian fare we are shown the amazing underground rail system. This moves 2 million people per day without any hitches. Perhaps Mr Iemma could learn a lesson here!!
We visit more museums and churches (quite frankly I wouldn't mind if i never saw a museum or a church again)!!! however it is part of their history.
Dinner this evening is at the hotel and from here we venture to a lovely old building where there is a choir singing. To some of this it is a bit boring but to others it is a highlight of the trip. Just goes to show how different we all are.
After the performance we walk across Red Square. This is the most amazing sight I think I have seen on this trip. It is just magical with the lights, the cool night air, the many people in the square and the general atmosphere.
After many photos we join the coach and drive the short distance to the station where we pick up our overnight (it's 10 to 1 in the morning) train to St. Petersburg.
The station is very busy as there are many FA Cup enthusiasts who have just returned here to Moscow on their way to St Petersburg from Manchester in England. (St Petersburg won by the way)!!!
Saturday 17th May 2008
'The united magnificence of all of the cities of Europe are but is equal". - so said Voltaire. St Petersburg is indeed a unique treasure house of 18th century architecture and the city that best displays the Russian genius for museums.
We are met off the train by Antonina our local guide and by far the most knowledgeable and the best. The weather is fresh but not as cold as Moscow. We do a city tour and are totally amazed by its beauty. We see the Peter and Paul Fortress, St Isaacs Cathedral, Palace Square and the former Winter Palace, now the Hermitage Museum. This is one of the worlds's geatest art collections with works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso and a hundred other great masters. After lunch we check into our hotel - Nevsky Forum and take a 2 hour much needed rest before meeting everyone at 5pm for dinner. After dinner we go to the ballet - its gorgeous and enjoyed by everyone. A performance of Giselle is the story so we arrive at an old theatre and take in the performance.
On our arrival home Jan and Barrie notice that their Hotel room key are missing together with 2 credit cards. After much investigation they find that they have been the targets of a 'pick pocket' and $6,000-00 has been used on their credit cards during the last 5 hours.
It is devastating and really put a dampner on our visit here. Every one in the group is in shock and feels much sympanty for them. It is a horrible feeling to have your privacy invaded and no more so than when you are in another country.
It is our last night of the 3 week tour and we have visited many intersting places, had many difference experiences but most of all enjoyed many new friendships. We make our farewells marred by the unfortunate circumstance of the stolen cards!!!
Sunday 18th May 2008
We leave our hotel at 5:30am and are driven to the airport in time for our flight to Prague. We have heard many lovely stories of this lovely city and are really looking forward to leaving Russia (beautiful city in St. Petersburg but generally unfriendly people) behind.
Our 2 hour flight is uneventful and and we arrive at our hotel Adria (recommended by our daughter in law Laura's parents). It is only 9:30am here so we have to wait until 2pm for check in - after the events of the last 24 hours not a very welcome situation so we find a local coffee shop and spend the time in there.
We find a lovely Steakhouse across the road from our hotel for dinner tonight. It stacks up to all expectation and we have the best steak we have ever tasted. I think we are going to really enjoy Prague!!
Until next time.
xx Wendy and Nick
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Princess World Tour - The Tour Begins
Hi everyone, this is our continuation of the "Princess Tour" and we are now off on the "Princess World Tour".
Thursday 24th April 2008 - Day 1
We rose early for Chelsea and Pete to drive us to the airport in time for our 10:45am flight to Hong Kong at the beginning of our 11 week adventure through China, Mongolia, Russia, Chez Republic, Slovenia, Rome and the Mediterranean then onto the British Isles where we will see some of the countryside, Lords and Wimbledon before our return home via Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.
After a very pleasant 8 1/2 hour flight in Qantas Business Class we landed into busy Hong Kong. I was so relaxed I had to re-watch the movie 3 times as I kept falling asleep. Nick had problems as there were so many buttons and gadgets everytime he pressed a button to watch the movie his seat reclined into a sleeping position. He gave up in the end and was just content to read his book.
Hong Kong was noticeably busier than I had remembered and the smog was horrendous. There were many new skyscrapers, main roads and highways but at least it wasn't as busy as Bangkok!!!
We checked into the Royal Plaza Hotel a middle of the road hotel, a bit tired but in a great position.
Time difference is 2 hours so we were happy to have showers and go to bed. I text messaged our friends Jan and Barrie (Billett) from the Gold Coast who are also doing this trip with us. They have also just arrived at the hotel but are keen to go to bed and we arrange to meet for breakfast the next morning.
Friday 25th April 2008 - Day 2
We wake early (at 6am) although our body clocks are still on Sydney time and it is rather late at 8am. Again we notice the thick smog outside our window. We meet Jan and Barrie at breakfast as arranged and we begin to plan our day.
There is a huge shopping mall adjoining our Hotel (like one of the many shopping malls in Australia) with lots of modern designer shops and noticeably not much cheaper than home. Unfortunately this is what we have experienced in so many places and it is difficult to find the real "Hong Kong" with little backstreets and stalls where you could always pick up a bargain.
We take a taxi to Wan Chai a small suburb where Jan and Barrie know of a shop which does optometry as they both need new glasses. It is very interesting seeing the hustle and busle of the city on the way and eventually we find the shop. 2 hours later they have ordered their glasses and are happy to come back in 2 days time to pick them up. 5 pairs altogether - prescription for golf, violin, reading, sun and general. The cost for the lot was just under Aus$2000-00 less then 1/2 for what you would get them for in Australia.
By the time we got back to the hotel it was time to leave for Lamma Island. An island about an hour from the mainland only accessable by ferry where they have the freshest seafood in all of China. So off we headed.
People come from all over the world to Sok Kwu Wan's plethora of terraced restaurants raised on stilts above the bay. Fresh chilli crab, lobster, garlic prawns, squid and steamed fish with ginger and and spring onions are all delicious and very popular and our journey there was a little challenging to say the least but once there well worth it.
The journey home was not quite so daunting and were safely back at the hotel and in bed by 11pm.
Saturday 26th April 2008 - Day 3
We had planned a huge day today to Macau. So we headed out early after Nick and I swam 40 laps of the Hotel indoor pool. Our bodies were already aching from so much walking the day before so felt a good swim would loosen the muscles.
After breakfast we caught the hotel shuttle bus to the wharf where we showed our passports, cleared immigration and boarded the ferry for the 1 hour 15 minute trip to Macau. Macau is the new Las Vegas and when we arrived it was amazing to see these huge buildings which are Casinos.
We spotted a shuttle bus which was heading toward the Venetian Casino and hotel so we boarded it and took the 20 minute ride to the Casino. The streets were clean, the gardens were lovely and a lot of the buildings were new. The Venetian was also huge but absolutely gorgeous once inside.
Once inside we felt as though we were in an Italian Piazza. The photos we have can only describe what it was like and we spent about 2 hours just wandering 'the streets' inside this big building. We decided to do a gondola ride complete with an Italian singer named D'Marco who serenaded us. It was a highlight of our day. We then found a great little restaurant called '3 Monkeys' (See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil) where we spent a few hours having fun, eating, drinking and generally watching the passing parade of acts here.
Jan's daughter Nicole had told us to go to the Casino MGM which was 'just 1 block down the road'. About and hour and a half later, complete with calloused and blistered feet we eventually found it. If you have ever been to Las Vegas a block is about 7 kms long - Macau, unbeknown to us is very much the same!
After a very long day we arrived back at the hotel at about 7:30pm ready for a shower and a brandy and a good lie down. Not necessarily in that order!
Sunday 27th April 2008 - Day 4
After a long day yesterday we were keen to sleep in thismorning but felt we needed to loosen up some muscles so decided on a morning swim. We met Barrie using the weights in the Gym so he must have been feeling as we were.
After breakfast we took the shuttle to the Peninsular Hotel then walked to Nathan Road. This is where I have stayed in the past and began to get my bearings. This to me is more the real Hong Kong despite now being a little touristy.
I needed to purchase some small binoculars and Nick wanted a little camera so we found a little shop which sold both. After about an hour I came away with my binoculars, tiny ipod speakers and Nick brought a little (cheap as he insisted) camera which was not a good idea as I will explain later!!!!
After we made our purchases we were looking for somewhere to have a decent coffee so lo and behold we find a McCafe!!! They served the biggest cups of lovely coffee I have ever tasted (good old McDonalds)!!!
We then left Jan and Barrie to pick up their glasses and Nick and I headed back to the hotel - but on the way I brought a good little casio underwater watch.
At 4:30pm Jan and Barrie met us in our hotel room for our afternoon gin and tonic/brandy etc when a knock came at the door. When we opened it there was this young, smiling, fresh faced young man (in his very early 20's) who introduced himself as Kostya, our Russian guide for our trip for the next 22 days from here to Russia. He told us to meet him downstairs in the foyer with our other travellers in 20 minutes.
We hurriedly finished our drinks and went to the allotted meeting place. There we met our fellow travellers - The four of us of course, Norm and Vera from the Central Coast, Col and Kerrie from Jindabyne, Heather and Myles from Shepparton in Victoria, Frank and Joan from Calgary in Canada and Rod and BJ from California (6 months of the year and New Zealand for the other 6 months).
After our initial introductions and formalities we all ventured out to find a restaurant for dinner.
Monday 28th April 2008 - Day 5
After a late night the previous night we found it difficult to rise early so gave our swim a miss. With breakfast finished we checked out of the hotel and met our Local Tour Guide - Rosita. Our first stop for sightseeing was Victoria Harbour then the peak. Unfortunately, there was so much smog we weren't able to view it from the top but found a spot where a lot of the city was visible. I purchased a post card of the same view and will compare it with the same postcard I brought 36 years ago when I was first here. I'm sure there will be a huge difference.
We went on to board a chinese junk and view Aberdeen where originally this is where 1000's of the boat people lived. Today the junks are being replaced by million dollar cruisers as our guide told us there is so much money now in Hong Kong that people don't know what to spend it all on!!! What a lovely problem I say.
Our next stop was the Jumbo Floating Restaurant where we enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal before heading to Deep Water and Repulse Bay and Stanley Markets. The markets now are not what they used to be - much cleaner and more expensive! We were happy to wander and buy ice cream to eat before heading back to our coach before we were taken to the airport in time for our flight to Xian (pron. Cheean) in the early evening.
Tuesday 29th April - Day 6
Nick's Birthday today so after wishing him a happy birthday (and reading text messages from Jan and Alan) it is also her birthday so she never forgets his birthday we meet for breakfast. Our Local guide in Xian is Nancy - a delightful young lady who speaks very good English.
Xian is the beginning of "The Silk Road" which ends in the fashion capital of Paris.
Our first stop is one of China's greatest historical sites the 3,000 year old tomb of Qin Shiuang, unifier of China and founder of the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206BC) Surrounding his tomb is the extraordinary buried army of some 6,000 life sized pottery figures - soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons - The Terra Cotta Army. The first of the figures were found in 1974 while farmers were digging a well.
From here we were taken to a Chinese Tea House where we were shown a traditional Tea Ceremony and it was interesting to see how many different tea are beneficial to our health and wellbeing.
After another traditional Chinese lunch we went back to the city where we viewed "the wall". Xian is a walled city surrounded by a moat and some of the people in our group decided to walk the 13kms or bike ride (although many of the bikes were in need of repair) around the perimeter.
Nick and I opted to go back to the hotel for a few laps of the pool before we met at 7pm to go for a traditional dumpling meal.
I have never seen so many combination of steamed dumplings. I certainly makes the ones we get at home very ordinary and if you ever get the chance to sample the huge variety the is on offer we thorought recommend it.
I had mentioned discreetly to Kostya that it was Nick's birthday (he made me promise not to make a fuss)!! so he organised a birthday cake, candles and sparklers for a small celebration within our group. It was a lovely surprise for him and as the cake was huge we left it to the chinese staff to enjoy and by the look of their faces they also enjoyed it.
After a nightcap of Baileys with Jan and Barrie we were home in bed by 10:30pm.
Wednesday 30th April 2008 - Day 7
Today we continue our sightseeing and explore Xian. We visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. It is another huge day and many in the group are beginning to feel the pace. It would be nice to have some free time to do some exploring ourselves but as we don't speak the language it makes it hard to break away from our guide.
One of the couples Col and Kerrie from Jindabyne are having problems as Kerrie is an asthmatic and the smog is interfering with her medication in that she is taking so much medication to combat the asthma she is so stimulated at night that she is not sleeping - in the morning she is exhausted so is needing to find a remedy.
Thursday 1st May 2008 - Day 8
Early am start as we have to be at the airport and catch our flight to Beijing. After completing customs and immigration formalities we board our flight and arrive into Beijing mid morning. The smog is even worse here than in Hong Kong and Xian and they say its because of all the cars here.
After checking into our Hotel we meet our Local Guide Garry - first male guide. He is not quite so easy to understand as the female guides but nevertheless, its still better than trying to do it all on our own.
First stop is Tiananmen Square. It is bigger than I had ever imagined and as today is "May Day Public Holiday" there must be close to 1 million people in the square. It is so funny as we must be a 'tourist attraction' to the Chinese people as all in our group have at one time or another been singled out to have our photos taken with their children, grandparents etc.
We must have walked for at least 2 kms from one end of the square to the other and the entrance to the Forbidden City. Getting around here is also much harder as you are trying to duck in and out of the crowds while also jumping over the uneven pavers on the sidewalk. How people ever get around this city is beyond me but at least we can say we have been here.
Whilst Chinese history is very interesting ie the Imperial Palace from which the Emperors of the different Dynasties governed China for 1000's of years the Chinese are passionate and the guide's get a bit carried away and leave us Westerners a little bored. I guess it would be like our guides informing Chinese tourists about our history of the first settlement etc.
A lot of the people in our group are finding it a bit 'too much information' and wanting to do some exploring on their own.
Consequently, I opt out of the group dinner thisevening to a traditional Peking Duck meal and elect to have a hot bath, room service and an early night. "BLISS"!!!
Friday 2nd May 2008 - Day 9
Today we leave early to make our way out to the Great Wall of China. The traffic here in this city is horrendous and that is putting it mildly!! My brother David told me when he visited India it is a wonder they ever survive the traffic. I feel this is much the same, everyone has the right of way, they just toot their horns. They say the 2 things you don't trust in Beijing is (1) the zebra crossings and (2) the Government!!! I believe it. There is so much work to be done here in time for the Olympics on 8/8/08 it will be amazing if they ever get it all finished. They will have to shut down the city (as we did for Apec) I think.
I'm so glad we left early as it's almost 12 midday and we are only just arriving at the Wall. It was funny to hear the Australians telling the Canadians and Americans in our group about the reason the Wall was built - In the era of Emperor Nazi Goreng to keep the rabbits out. It caused a huge stir amongst everyone and everyone was forever watching out for 'rabbits'!
The crowds here were enormous - 3 times as many as in Tiananemen Square. Our friends Dieter and Pauline who were here a few months ago said exactly the same thing. The crowds really make it a bit unpleasant and despite walking on the wall it was most uncomfortable to do any distance. Anyway, we have photos to prove 'we did it' and can cross that off the list. Jan and
Barrie said they were here 20 years ago and it was far more pleasant. They are a bit disappointed this time as they feel, like everything, marketing is taking over as the cost of entry into all these things can add up to a small fortune.
Nick is having trouble with his camera as firstly we were unable to buy an adaptor for the power socket. The hotel was unable to provide the right sort then Barrie and Jan went down the road and purchased an adaptor (paid $10-00) for one and when they got it back to the hotel and plugged it in it did not work. We eventually found the right adaptor and was able to charge his battery but then when it was charged the memory card showed 'full'. Being a cheap camera is was sold with 'no memory' chip so he brought another chip at the shop at 'The Wall'. When he got it appeared to have no memory on it at all. Kostya is going to check it on his computer and in the meantime lend him a chip. As the saying goes you get what you pay for.
Consequently, I accidentally dropped my good little camera which I purchased about 12 months ago on the advice of David (my brother) who is an expert in photography and computers. He advised me to get this little Fujifilm Finepix camera and it has been fantastic. Unfortunately, when I dropped it I did a huge amount of damage to it so thought it easier to buy another one the same. I was able to retrieve my memory card and brought a new updated verions ($200-00 less than what I got my damaged one for 12 months ago and it is a much better camera)! Nick is sorry he didn't pay that little bit extra and get one like mine.
This evening we went off to dinner to another traditional Chinese Restaurant for dinner then came home and was in bed at 10pm.
We are having a relaxing day today, catching up on emails, washing, repacking etc ready for our early morning (4am start) flight to Mongolia. So, until next time.
xx Wendy & Nick
Thursday 24th April 2008 - Day 1
We rose early for Chelsea and Pete to drive us to the airport in time for our 10:45am flight to Hong Kong at the beginning of our 11 week adventure through China, Mongolia, Russia, Chez Republic, Slovenia, Rome and the Mediterranean then onto the British Isles where we will see some of the countryside, Lords and Wimbledon before our return home via Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.
After a very pleasant 8 1/2 hour flight in Qantas Business Class we landed into busy Hong Kong. I was so relaxed I had to re-watch the movie 3 times as I kept falling asleep. Nick had problems as there were so many buttons and gadgets everytime he pressed a button to watch the movie his seat reclined into a sleeping position. He gave up in the end and was just content to read his book.
Hong Kong was noticeably busier than I had remembered and the smog was horrendous. There were many new skyscrapers, main roads and highways but at least it wasn't as busy as Bangkok!!!
We checked into the Royal Plaza Hotel a middle of the road hotel, a bit tired but in a great position.
Time difference is 2 hours so we were happy to have showers and go to bed. I text messaged our friends Jan and Barrie (Billett) from the Gold Coast who are also doing this trip with us. They have also just arrived at the hotel but are keen to go to bed and we arrange to meet for breakfast the next morning.
Friday 25th April 2008 - Day 2
We wake early (at 6am) although our body clocks are still on Sydney time and it is rather late at 8am. Again we notice the thick smog outside our window. We meet Jan and Barrie at breakfast as arranged and we begin to plan our day.
There is a huge shopping mall adjoining our Hotel (like one of the many shopping malls in Australia) with lots of modern designer shops and noticeably not much cheaper than home. Unfortunately this is what we have experienced in so many places and it is difficult to find the real "Hong Kong" with little backstreets and stalls where you could always pick up a bargain.
We take a taxi to Wan Chai a small suburb where Jan and Barrie know of a shop which does optometry as they both need new glasses. It is very interesting seeing the hustle and busle of the city on the way and eventually we find the shop. 2 hours later they have ordered their glasses and are happy to come back in 2 days time to pick them up. 5 pairs altogether - prescription for golf, violin, reading, sun and general. The cost for the lot was just under Aus$2000-00 less then 1/2 for what you would get them for in Australia.
By the time we got back to the hotel it was time to leave for Lamma Island. An island about an hour from the mainland only accessable by ferry where they have the freshest seafood in all of China. So off we headed.
People come from all over the world to Sok Kwu Wan's plethora of terraced restaurants raised on stilts above the bay. Fresh chilli crab, lobster, garlic prawns, squid and steamed fish with ginger and and spring onions are all delicious and very popular and our journey there was a little challenging to say the least but once there well worth it.
The journey home was not quite so daunting and were safely back at the hotel and in bed by 11pm.
Saturday 26th April 2008 - Day 3
We had planned a huge day today to Macau. So we headed out early after Nick and I swam 40 laps of the Hotel indoor pool. Our bodies were already aching from so much walking the day before so felt a good swim would loosen the muscles.
After breakfast we caught the hotel shuttle bus to the wharf where we showed our passports, cleared immigration and boarded the ferry for the 1 hour 15 minute trip to Macau. Macau is the new Las Vegas and when we arrived it was amazing to see these huge buildings which are Casinos.
We spotted a shuttle bus which was heading toward the Venetian Casino and hotel so we boarded it and took the 20 minute ride to the Casino. The streets were clean, the gardens were lovely and a lot of the buildings were new. The Venetian was also huge but absolutely gorgeous once inside.
Once inside we felt as though we were in an Italian Piazza. The photos we have can only describe what it was like and we spent about 2 hours just wandering 'the streets' inside this big building. We decided to do a gondola ride complete with an Italian singer named D'Marco who serenaded us. It was a highlight of our day. We then found a great little restaurant called '3 Monkeys' (See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil) where we spent a few hours having fun, eating, drinking and generally watching the passing parade of acts here.
Jan's daughter Nicole had told us to go to the Casino MGM which was 'just 1 block down the road'. About and hour and a half later, complete with calloused and blistered feet we eventually found it. If you have ever been to Las Vegas a block is about 7 kms long - Macau, unbeknown to us is very much the same!
After a very long day we arrived back at the hotel at about 7:30pm ready for a shower and a brandy and a good lie down. Not necessarily in that order!
Sunday 27th April 2008 - Day 4
After a long day yesterday we were keen to sleep in thismorning but felt we needed to loosen up some muscles so decided on a morning swim. We met Barrie using the weights in the Gym so he must have been feeling as we were.
After breakfast we took the shuttle to the Peninsular Hotel then walked to Nathan Road. This is where I have stayed in the past and began to get my bearings. This to me is more the real Hong Kong despite now being a little touristy.
I needed to purchase some small binoculars and Nick wanted a little camera so we found a little shop which sold both. After about an hour I came away with my binoculars, tiny ipod speakers and Nick brought a little (cheap as he insisted) camera which was not a good idea as I will explain later!!!!
After we made our purchases we were looking for somewhere to have a decent coffee so lo and behold we find a McCafe!!! They served the biggest cups of lovely coffee I have ever tasted (good old McDonalds)!!!
We then left Jan and Barrie to pick up their glasses and Nick and I headed back to the hotel - but on the way I brought a good little casio underwater watch.
At 4:30pm Jan and Barrie met us in our hotel room for our afternoon gin and tonic/brandy etc when a knock came at the door. When we opened it there was this young, smiling, fresh faced young man (in his very early 20's) who introduced himself as Kostya, our Russian guide for our trip for the next 22 days from here to Russia. He told us to meet him downstairs in the foyer with our other travellers in 20 minutes.
We hurriedly finished our drinks and went to the allotted meeting place. There we met our fellow travellers - The four of us of course, Norm and Vera from the Central Coast, Col and Kerrie from Jindabyne, Heather and Myles from Shepparton in Victoria, Frank and Joan from Calgary in Canada and Rod and BJ from California (6 months of the year and New Zealand for the other 6 months).
After our initial introductions and formalities we all ventured out to find a restaurant for dinner.
Monday 28th April 2008 - Day 5
After a late night the previous night we found it difficult to rise early so gave our swim a miss. With breakfast finished we checked out of the hotel and met our Local Tour Guide - Rosita. Our first stop for sightseeing was Victoria Harbour then the peak. Unfortunately, there was so much smog we weren't able to view it from the top but found a spot where a lot of the city was visible. I purchased a post card of the same view and will compare it with the same postcard I brought 36 years ago when I was first here. I'm sure there will be a huge difference.
We went on to board a chinese junk and view Aberdeen where originally this is where 1000's of the boat people lived. Today the junks are being replaced by million dollar cruisers as our guide told us there is so much money now in Hong Kong that people don't know what to spend it all on!!! What a lovely problem I say.
Our next stop was the Jumbo Floating Restaurant where we enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal before heading to Deep Water and Repulse Bay and Stanley Markets. The markets now are not what they used to be - much cleaner and more expensive! We were happy to wander and buy ice cream to eat before heading back to our coach before we were taken to the airport in time for our flight to Xian (pron. Cheean) in the early evening.
Tuesday 29th April - Day 6
Nick's Birthday today so after wishing him a happy birthday (and reading text messages from Jan and Alan) it is also her birthday so she never forgets his birthday we meet for breakfast. Our Local guide in Xian is Nancy - a delightful young lady who speaks very good English.
Xian is the beginning of "The Silk Road" which ends in the fashion capital of Paris.
Our first stop is one of China's greatest historical sites the 3,000 year old tomb of Qin Shiuang, unifier of China and founder of the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206BC) Surrounding his tomb is the extraordinary buried army of some 6,000 life sized pottery figures - soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons - The Terra Cotta Army. The first of the figures were found in 1974 while farmers were digging a well.
From here we were taken to a Chinese Tea House where we were shown a traditional Tea Ceremony and it was interesting to see how many different tea are beneficial to our health and wellbeing.
After another traditional Chinese lunch we went back to the city where we viewed "the wall". Xian is a walled city surrounded by a moat and some of the people in our group decided to walk the 13kms or bike ride (although many of the bikes were in need of repair) around the perimeter.
Nick and I opted to go back to the hotel for a few laps of the pool before we met at 7pm to go for a traditional dumpling meal.
I have never seen so many combination of steamed dumplings. I certainly makes the ones we get at home very ordinary and if you ever get the chance to sample the huge variety the is on offer we thorought recommend it.
I had mentioned discreetly to Kostya that it was Nick's birthday (he made me promise not to make a fuss)!! so he organised a birthday cake, candles and sparklers for a small celebration within our group. It was a lovely surprise for him and as the cake was huge we left it to the chinese staff to enjoy and by the look of their faces they also enjoyed it.
After a nightcap of Baileys with Jan and Barrie we were home in bed by 10:30pm.
Wednesday 30th April 2008 - Day 7
Today we continue our sightseeing and explore Xian. We visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. It is another huge day and many in the group are beginning to feel the pace. It would be nice to have some free time to do some exploring ourselves but as we don't speak the language it makes it hard to break away from our guide.
One of the couples Col and Kerrie from Jindabyne are having problems as Kerrie is an asthmatic and the smog is interfering with her medication in that she is taking so much medication to combat the asthma she is so stimulated at night that she is not sleeping - in the morning she is exhausted so is needing to find a remedy.
Thursday 1st May 2008 - Day 8
Early am start as we have to be at the airport and catch our flight to Beijing. After completing customs and immigration formalities we board our flight and arrive into Beijing mid morning. The smog is even worse here than in Hong Kong and Xian and they say its because of all the cars here.
After checking into our Hotel we meet our Local Guide Garry - first male guide. He is not quite so easy to understand as the female guides but nevertheless, its still better than trying to do it all on our own.
First stop is Tiananmen Square. It is bigger than I had ever imagined and as today is "May Day Public Holiday" there must be close to 1 million people in the square. It is so funny as we must be a 'tourist attraction' to the Chinese people as all in our group have at one time or another been singled out to have our photos taken with their children, grandparents etc.
We must have walked for at least 2 kms from one end of the square to the other and the entrance to the Forbidden City. Getting around here is also much harder as you are trying to duck in and out of the crowds while also jumping over the uneven pavers on the sidewalk. How people ever get around this city is beyond me but at least we can say we have been here.
Whilst Chinese history is very interesting ie the Imperial Palace from which the Emperors of the different Dynasties governed China for 1000's of years the Chinese are passionate and the guide's get a bit carried away and leave us Westerners a little bored. I guess it would be like our guides informing Chinese tourists about our history of the first settlement etc.
A lot of the people in our group are finding it a bit 'too much information' and wanting to do some exploring on their own.
Consequently, I opt out of the group dinner thisevening to a traditional Peking Duck meal and elect to have a hot bath, room service and an early night. "BLISS"!!!
Friday 2nd May 2008 - Day 9
Today we leave early to make our way out to the Great Wall of China. The traffic here in this city is horrendous and that is putting it mildly!! My brother David told me when he visited India it is a wonder they ever survive the traffic. I feel this is much the same, everyone has the right of way, they just toot their horns. They say the 2 things you don't trust in Beijing is (1) the zebra crossings and (2) the Government!!! I believe it. There is so much work to be done here in time for the Olympics on 8/8/08 it will be amazing if they ever get it all finished. They will have to shut down the city (as we did for Apec) I think.
I'm so glad we left early as it's almost 12 midday and we are only just arriving at the Wall. It was funny to hear the Australians telling the Canadians and Americans in our group about the reason the Wall was built - In the era of Emperor Nazi Goreng to keep the rabbits out. It caused a huge stir amongst everyone and everyone was forever watching out for 'rabbits'!
The crowds here were enormous - 3 times as many as in Tiananemen Square. Our friends Dieter and Pauline who were here a few months ago said exactly the same thing. The crowds really make it a bit unpleasant and despite walking on the wall it was most uncomfortable to do any distance. Anyway, we have photos to prove 'we did it' and can cross that off the list. Jan and
Barrie said they were here 20 years ago and it was far more pleasant. They are a bit disappointed this time as they feel, like everything, marketing is taking over as the cost of entry into all these things can add up to a small fortune.
Nick is having trouble with his camera as firstly we were unable to buy an adaptor for the power socket. The hotel was unable to provide the right sort then Barrie and Jan went down the road and purchased an adaptor (paid $10-00) for one and when they got it back to the hotel and plugged it in it did not work. We eventually found the right adaptor and was able to charge his battery but then when it was charged the memory card showed 'full'. Being a cheap camera is was sold with 'no memory' chip so he brought another chip at the shop at 'The Wall'. When he got it appeared to have no memory on it at all. Kostya is going to check it on his computer and in the meantime lend him a chip. As the saying goes you get what you pay for.
Consequently, I accidentally dropped my good little camera which I purchased about 12 months ago on the advice of David (my brother) who is an expert in photography and computers. He advised me to get this little Fujifilm Finepix camera and it has been fantastic. Unfortunately, when I dropped it I did a huge amount of damage to it so thought it easier to buy another one the same. I was able to retrieve my memory card and brought a new updated verions ($200-00 less than what I got my damaged one for 12 months ago and it is a much better camera)! Nick is sorry he didn't pay that little bit extra and get one like mine.
This evening we went off to dinner to another traditional Chinese Restaurant for dinner then came home and was in bed at 10pm.
We are having a relaxing day today, catching up on emails, washing, repacking etc ready for our early morning (4am start) flight to Mongolia. So, until next time.
xx Wendy & Nick
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