China Connection

Ed's Great Wall of China

2009-09-04T17:02:00.003+08:00

My buddy 'Ed' has taken a 20yr. lease on a hutong, located in the mountain region north of Beijing. It's about a one hour drive from downtown - via sidecar of course! Big remodel and construction plans are ready to bring it up to standard.
Anyway, the best part of his place is that a very secluded part of the Great Wall backs up to his property! Actually three of the walls come together in this area.

It was a misty overcast day. View of and from one of guard stations. Ed calls this his office with a view!

The season is changing quickly in the mountain region. Harvest in full swing, a special feeling in the air.

Friends for Life!

2009-08-12T14:09:00.005+08:00

Our final pictures with Tsering before he heads off to prepare for his next tour group (12 people from Europe).

Special bond and friendships fostered during this trip - to me it was and is the best part of the entire experience. So much so, that we are already planning our next trip....
New Zealand, February 2010.

parting shots....

2009-08-12T13:01:00.005+08:00

our fearless leader

sutterbug - two cameras going all the time

on 'beaver' patrol

keeping us on schedule

hey - I'm just along for the ride....

on the road again....

2009-08-12T12:33:00.012+08:00

Our Driver! Little man with the Big Smile. 35+ hours on the road - he got us there and back safely.
Today's drive will be 8-9 hours. 4 on rough winding mountain roads, the rest on pavement.

Our van! For reference, if you plan a Tibetan road trip, opt for the Land Cruiser. They gave us a van to accommodate 6 people (4 of us + driver & guide). It would have been a much more enjoyable ride in a jeep type vehicle! The roads are sometimes very rough, with many unexpected pot holes along the way. Too much wear and tear from a light duty passenger van - our left front brake went out on the return leg.

On the way back, we stopped to help this Land Cruiser change a flat tire. Between the two vehicles, we found enough tools and expertise to get the job done.

Our van gets a needed wash job - one small bucket, a rag and water from a stream does the trick.

Thanks....

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to the sisters that provided our excellent accommodations and meals during our visit to Everest Base Camp!

personal hygiene....very important

2009-08-12T09:54:00.004+08:00

Dee - ready for action - toothbrush, bottled water and TP in the pocket!

Bec shows us the finer art of brushing teeth at Base Camp.

more of 'life in the tent'....

2009-08-12T09:43:00.013+08:00

door covering - to the small kitchen area.

home sweet home!

stoking the fire!

Dee and Bec resting. Dee was probably most effected by the high altitude. When she looked at her watch - she was not able to tell what time it was!?!?! Her brain was shutting down due to limited oxygen. Tough camper - she never complained.

more Mt. Everest - early morning

2009-08-12T06:42:00.007+08:00

sun rising on Mt. Everest

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sun setting on Mt. Everest

2009-08-12T06:27:00.003+08:00

Cloud cover final began to break toward late afternoon - giving us a spectaculer view!

hard to breathe....

2009-08-12T06:23:00.005+08:00

Bec resting. A little trouble catching her breath in the thin air.

2009-08-12T06:19:00.000+08:00

Again - cold wind. But GREAT!

the 'tease'

2009-08-12T06:13:00.005+08:00

This is the best view we could manage during the afternoon that we arrived. Clouds keep moving in and out.

Mt Qomolangma (Everest)

2009-08-12T06:05:00.004+08:00

From 'Tent City' - it is about seven miles to the actual site of Base Camp. Then another 7-8 miles to where the hikers camp and start their climb to the Summit.

The surrounding rock formations were Great!

Very cold and windy!

Our Tent!

2009-08-11T18:44:00.007+08:00

Our 'Tent Hotel' is owned by two sisters and their baby. Yak hair tent lined with heavy quilts. Heated provided by a wood (yak chip) burning stove, surrounded by day beds and tables. Very comfortable. At bedtime they roll out the quilts and yak hair blankets. The blanket really played heck with my allergies!

Just crawl in here for a good nights sleep!!!!

Little guy just taking it all in. He and the two sisters slept in the small kitchen area. We did not hear a peep out of them the entire night.

All the comforts of home - Tibetan style.

Wonder what the 'Pottery Barn' would call the decor????

Water - a sacred resource.

2009-08-11T15:37:00.004+08:00

At Base Camp, water is only available from one spicket - which requires a hike up the hill. Back breaking work.

Slow process as the water just trickles out.

Tent City - Everest Base Camp

2009-08-11T15:32:00.006+08:00

Tents made from Yak hair. Sleeping accommodations for eight in each tent. We lucked out and had the entire tent for just the four of us!

Each tent classifed as a 'hotel'. Big kick out of the names.

Tacky?? But beats sleeping in the van or truck!

Reminder that you are still in China - one harmonious China!?!?

Rongbuk Monastery - Highest Monastery in the World

2009-08-11T15:20:00.004+08:00

Wooden Prayer Wheel. Most are made of brass.

Per our travel agenda, this was scheduled to be our lodging for the night. Tsering made better arrangements for us to stay in Tent City - Thanks Tsering!

Everest Base Camp - We Made It!

2009-08-11T15:01:00.010+08:00

Bec and Dee - smiling all the way!?!?!

From Shigatse, we took the Friendship Highway a few kilometers, then turned off onto a dirt road! For the next four hours we were treated to twisting turns, passing big trucks on hair pin curves, being passed by tour buses, making our way over two mountain passes - all on washboard roads- before final arriving at base camp. Sorry for the lack of pictures along the way - too rough of a ride to take pics from the van.

They went that-a-way!
Rici & Tsering pointing out Mt. Everest. When we arrived - Everest Summit was blocked by cloud cover.

The Rugs

2009-08-11T14:41:00.001+08:00

The finished product. So many to choose from!

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Drying in the sun after a thorough washing.

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The one we are buying - once we determine the correct size. Takes 30-40 days to make, then 10 shipping to our apartment in Beijing.

2009-08-11T14:36:00.001+08:00

Where it all starts!

Gang-Gyen Carpet Factory - Shigatse

2009-08-09T07:44:00.007+08:00

Ok - yes, I have a soft spot for carpets/rugs. Since arriving in China I have purchased four. Three Tibetan rugs and one Indian Prayer Rug from my time in Chennia. And after this trip we will add another!!!! It was great to go to the factory and watch first hand, the people and the process - from raw wool to the finish product.

Always a smile.

Team effort.

Their hands move so fast.

All natural dyes - a sea of color!

The Harvest

2009-08-08T19:46:00.003+08:00

Small patches of crops dot the country side throughout Tibet. Rici and Bec identified wheat, barley, potatoes and these yellow flowers???? - that provides oil for cooking & for the lamps in the monasteries. Did see a few plastic covered green houses - melons and squash.

Most of the work is done by hand with limited irrigation.

Blue Skies

2009-08-08T19:29:00.004+08:00

Living in Beijing for over two years - the sight of clear blue skies and fluffy white clouds is always a treat!

2009-08-08T19:18:00.003+08:00

From high mountain lakes to long winding valleys, our trip on the Friendship Highway takes us to snow covered peaks and a glacier. 5560 M ~ 18,242 ft.

Tashi Ihunpo Monastery - Shigatse

2009-08-08T19:12:00.004+08:00

Of all the Monasteries we visited - the one at Shiagatse was probably the most enjoyable. Not as many people trying to get through the tour process. Again not able to take pictures inside.

2009-08-08T18:47:00.001+08:00

it's ok to pick your nose....

2009-08-08T15:05:00.007+08:00

cuz even the monks do it!

interesting faces along the way....

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little lady in red

2009-08-08T08:23:00.008+08:00

Born to shop! Not sure what was in the bag - she was not willing to share.

Latrine Duty

2009-08-07T15:57:00.004+08:00

Sometimes it pays to be born a man! With TP in hand, Bec & Dee conquered the WC's of Tibet. They would either come away laughing, crying or sometimes a shade of green. Our guide knew where the best ones were located, at times he would tell us it would be better to use the 'natural toilet'.

The Noble Yak

2009-08-07T14:38:00.015+08:00

Cousins to the 'Tourist Yaks' are the 'High Plains Drifters'.

We decided that the Yak had to be one of God's most favorite animals. Very docile, providing so much to the people of Tibet - clothing, shelter(tents are made from the woven hair), food and heating/cooking chips. Nothing goes to waste. Probably a distant relative to the North American Buffalo.

To us, the most surprising thing in Tibet is the lack of trees and timber throughout the region. To heat and cook, one must harvest the yak and sheep dung, mix with a little straw, let dry in sun for a few days and then stack neatly. Some build fences and even decorate the outside of their homes with the stuff.

Tourist Yaks

2009-08-07T14:24:00.006+08:00

Hey Rici - nice legs!!!!

2009-08-07T09:00:00.012+08:00

At certain rest stops along the way - the 'locals' saddle up the Yaks for picture taking. Of course, the exchange of yuan is required.

Bec's journey to China is now complete! Since arriving two years ago, she has said that she wanted to ride a Yak! Not much of a ride - as she was on and off in less than a minute!?!?!?

a visit with the 'locals'

2009-08-07T07:37:00.019+08:00

On the way back to Lhasa, we stopped to visit one of the local family's homestead.

Mud hut and a big blue truck - life is good!!!! Remind you of someone you know???? Retirement at its best in New Mexico........someday!

Love the yaks!!

Rici & the kids.

The kids either wanted candy or money. Not sure they are have a dental plan that would cover too much of the candy.

Prayer Flags

2009-08-07T07:00:00.008+08:00

Prayer flags and symbols dotted the landscape all over Tibet.

Parting pose from the restaurant lady - as we head back to Lhasa.

2009-08-07T06:47:00.005+08:00

Found the Tibetan people very warm and easy to smile. This lady served our lunch at the restaurant.

Probably one of the better pictures I was lucky to capture - 800 total! Dee took closer to 2000, using two cameras!!!!

Lunch at the Lake

2009-08-07T06:29:00.009+08:00

Rici ordering up the perfect lunch.

Big pot of rice on the stove next to our table.

Home cooking - Tibetan style. Simple, fresh and very good!

Our chef!

Our restaurant - but we actually ate in the kitchen shack located behind the main building. Name of the restaurant is fitting - as again we were somewhat struggling with the higher altitude.

Lake Nam-Tso ~ Highest Lake in the World!

2009-08-06T16:30:00.005+08:00

One of Tibet's most sacred lakes. 5 hr. drive from Lhasa - elevation at 4,718 M ~ 15,479 ft.

Prayer Wheels & Prayer Rocks

2009-08-05T20:16:00.007+08:00

More Potala Palace

2009-08-05T19:37:00.016+08:00

Lhasa - from the top of the Palace. Very clean & modern city in many respects. Much new construction underway, especially toward the airport. Our hotel (Dhood Gu) is located in the older part of the city - near Barkhor and Jokhang Temple.

Not allowed to take pictures inside - only in the courtyard areas. Hard to take it all in - still trying to grasp Buddhism and the contributions that each of the Dalia Lamas have made. Wish that we had more time at the Palace, so much to learn! And yes we did make it through the tour with 10 minutes to spare.

See - money does grow on trees, but only in Tibet!!!!

Always fascinated with the doors!

we made it to the top!

2009-08-05T19:21:00.007+08:00

Gasping for air! Even Tsreng was winded by the time we reached the top of Potala Palace. I feel we did Great - considering this was our first day at high altitude. We did begin our medication (Diamox) two days prior to arriving at Lhasa and continued taking until we reach our highest altitude, which was at Everest Base Camp. It worked - none of us had any major health issues during the trip.

Potala Palace

2009-08-05T18:44:00.009+08:00

Home of the Dalai Lamas! Only 2500 people allowed to tour daily. In peak season 60,000 visitors to Lhasa per week - so do the math, we were lucky to have tickets. You are timed, only allowed 1.5 hrs to get through the tour. If your group is late in completing the tour - it can very rough for your guide and his certification.

500 steps to the top!

Brick, stone and straw construction.

And lots of white wash!!!!

tugs at your heart....

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more people....

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People of Lhasa

2009-08-05T17:49:00.003+08:00

Barkhor Circuit

2009-08-05T17:17:00.003+08:00

Darchen - two enormous prayer mast directly in front of the Jokhong Temple.

Pilgrims prostrating themselves as they go around the circuit - lying full length on the ground, then picking themselves up and repeating the act - advancing one body length with each prostration

Barkhor circuit is the most famous and one that every Tibetan wants to circumambulate at least once in their life.

Barkhor Vendors - Wallet Enlightenment

2009-08-05T16:37:00.003+08:00

Street Cuisine

2009-08-05T15:13:00.005+08:00

This 'Buds' for you!

Open air Butcher Shop. Fresh Yak meat daily. Hand washing optional.

Yak butter.

Spices and nuts.

Yak cheese - in the box. Hard as a rock - put it under your arm for one hour to soften it up!?!?!? at least that is what I am told.

Jokhang Monastery & Temple - Mountainland Mecca

2009-08-05T14:53:00.007+08:00

Bec and Dee getting a history lesson from Tsering. For Tibetan Buddhists, the Jokhang Temple is one of the holiest places in the world. Dates back to the seventh century.

Morning prayers and worship in the courtyard outside of the Temple.

Represents the first two animals that came to Buddha to seek enlightenment.

Stupa - burning offerings.

Partaking of the Temple Holy Water.

The Crew!

2009-08-04T12:18:00.009+08:00

Arrived Lhasa airport on Friday afternoon 17Aug2009. Ready for the adventure! Met by our guide and drive. Yes - clean air!!!!

Rici and Dee Johnson - Great travel companions! Rici is retired Air Force, now works for Boeing Aircraft - on expat assignment to Beijing. He also grew up in Idaho, so he and Bec had much to talk about. Much was learned from Dee as she knows the ropes on backpack travel, through her time touring and sightseeing Europe.

Group shot at Everest Base Camp - 5200M ~ 17,060 ft. More on that later!

Our guide - Tsering. Highly recommended if anyone is planning a trip to Tibet or China. He is authorized in both regions, very difficult task to get the certification.

Name: pempatsering

Email: pempatsering20@hotmail.com

Mobile: +13989984786

He can arrange needed permits for foreign passport holders. Again - he is Greatest!!mike

Another Dry Spell

2009-08-04T11:14:00.003+08:00

Worst situation that we have experienced since being here in China. Certain internet sites (Google related) and connections to blogs, face book & twitter are shut down tight. None of the Proxy sites work. But leave it to my engineers to figure a way around the China Government and their attempted control.

Since my last posting - we made our 9 day trip to Tibet! Best vacation ever!!!! Will post pictures and updates over the next few days (if we stay connected). mike

Back On Line!

2009-06-12T11:30:00.009+08:00

Few weeks of the China Government playing games with the internet. All blogs, Twitter and many internet sites were shut down due to the 20 year anniversary of the TM Square uprising. Even CNN & BBC were blocked during certain news reports. Free press & free speech???? They only want the positive spin on China & world events. Also censoring some of the North Korea reports. But heavy reporting on Swine Flu, as you guys are trying to infect China with your diseases.

Anyway, Bec back from her spring trip to the USA. DFW to Beijing via Chicago & Japan - 27 hours start to finish. She arrived safely with her suitcase & box of goodies - most of the stuff made in China, making a return back to the homeland. Then it all caught up with her and she was in bed for a couple of days. Better now.

Unusual wind, rain and thunderstorms pattern over the last couple of weeks. Mild temperatures and the smog level is extremely low. Love it!

Preparing for our trip to Tibet in July. Looking forward to 9 days of touring the area. Going with another couple so it should be fun! Bec is going to doctor to get meds to keep her brain from swelling at the high altitudes!?!?! Will keep you posted on how that works out.mike

Beijing In Full Bloom

2009-04-12T14:59:00.005+08:00

Easter Sunday. Spring time in Beijing. City is a kaleidoscope of color.

Our apartment building.mike

Military Museum

2009-02-28T15:20:00.005+08:00

Bec went to a baby shower this morning, so I headed over to take a tour of the Military Museum. Four story building packed full of artifacts taking you through the history of China as seen by the military machine. Everything from ancient swords to the remains of a U.S. U2 Spy plane - could be the one Gary Powers was flying when it was shot down in the 60's. One of the better museums I have visited so far in China.

Even the Chinese Army has their version of the Hummer!mike

Beijing Snow

2009-02-18T07:48:00.002+08:00

It has been snowing in Beijing since yesterday. Not much accumulation but enough to change the look of our courtyard.

Not even 7:30 in the morning and the apartment staff is busy cleaning the walkways. They will probably be at it all day. Interesting what you can do when the cost of labor is so cheap!mike

Back To Work

2009-02-01T14:33:00.006+08:00

The week off for Spring Festival has been Great, but ready to get back to work. As everyone is aware, I am only good for about three days of down time. Headed to Europe on Monday for a two week trip.

Arrived in China two years ago today. Showed up with two suitcases, now we have enough stuff to fill a shipping container and we are not big shoppers! The time has flown by. Still a long list of things we want to do and see before our time here ends. Bec and I have promised each other to focus on that list this year. Our move to China has been positive and still enjoying our life here in Beijing.mike

Olympic Park

2009-01-31T07:20:00.000+08:00

Olympic Venues

2009-01-31T07:06:00.007+08:00

We decided to take the subway out to Olympic Park, wanted to see the venues up close. As with all attractions in Beijing during a holiday, always a ton of people.

Gone but not forgotten!

We hope the Chinese Government spends the needed money to keep the park in good repair. We noticed that it is already beginning to show signs of wear. Birds Nest alone, estimated 8.8 million dollars per year to maintain! mike

Spring Festival 2009

2009-01-30T19:41:00.006+08:00

Year of the Ox

Always plenty of fireworks at Panda's

Spider car....lookin for the guy in red tights!mike

Happy Lunar New Year!

2009-01-26T08:41:00.006+08:00

Video taken from the window of our apartment. Hard to capture the full impact, it is amazing. It all started last evening at sunset and went through most of the night. They are lucky that they do not burn down the entire city.mike

Fun in the Sandbox!

2009-01-24T12:32:00.007+08:00

Much happier pictures of the grand kids. They love playing in the sandbox. This was one of those crazy Texas January days...80 degrees!!! Paige is now crawling...watch out, she will be into everything!...becky

2009-01-14T06:21:00.002+08:00

Miss Paige was having a tough time on the ski trip. She had to be with her mommy or she was not happy. This can sometimes happen with 9 month old's.

Our cabin that we rent every year in Red River.

Matt and Dad getting air off a jump...Matt on his own and Baby Paige riding in her sled....people kept stopping and saying how cute she was...I have to agree. We had a great time and it was good to be with family...becky

2009-01-14T06:15:00.003+08:00

Red River got a lot of snow this ski trip. As you can see by the pictures. We were so glad to get to know Allan's girl, Neely, better. As we all keep saying "She a keeper". We just love her. This was Miss Paige's first trip as well. She is so cute....more pictures later...

I have to say that I think we have a beautiful family and our kids are the best...becky

2009-01-14T06:00:00.002+08:00

Well, we had Christmas with the Welch Clan on the 25th and then on the 28th we had a wonderful dinner and Allan (aka Santa) brought a second Christmas for everyone. It was Great!!! We loved being with our kids...becky

Graham Family 2009!

2009-01-11T06:42:00.004+08:00

Picture taken during a major snow storm in Red River, NM!

Our family is growing, two new additions during 2008 ~ Ms. Paige and Neely! They are very much loved and appreciated!mike

Vacation Has Ended!

2009-01-11T06:08:00.004+08:00

Arrived back to our apartment in Beijing last evening around 8:30. Somewhat mixed emotions about returning to Beijing. Bec and I feel that there were a lot of things left undone in Texas, and I having made a total ass of myself on the final evening, leaves everyone with a bad taste in their mouth. Such is life and I will strive to do better in 2009!

My Trip Summary - Yes, this is from the "poor Mikey" perspective:

1. 4 hour snow delay in Chicago during our arrival.

2. Lost my favorite hat.

3. Wrecked my truck (my first accident ever!).

4. Had to pay overweight baggage charges on the return trip.

5. Chicago outbound leg to Beijing, 2 and 1/2 hour delay sitting on the aircraft waiting to fixed a computer problem.

6. TSA confiscated antique motorcycle parts I was carrying back to a friend in Beijing. Now my luggage is not overweight - DO I GET A REFUND???????

7. Access card would not work when we tried to get into the apartment last evening.

8. Lost my keys to the apartment and my work office.

Time to put it to rest and look forward to making the next trip a better one!

Seeing and visiting with the family truly made up for all the mishaps. It was GREAT to be home in Texas!mike

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T23:50:00.002+08:00

Back in the USA for a three week visit. Catching up on Tex Mex, BBQ and of course What-a-Burger!!

Headed to New Mexico on the 1Jan09 for our yearly family ski trip.

Much to be thankful for. 2008 has been a Great year for our family. I have now been in Beijing for two years with minimum, another two to go!

We will update the site with all the Holiday pics, once we return to Beijing.

To all - Happy New Year!

Back from the US Visit

2008-11-10T08:39:00.007+08:00

I had a wonderful visit with my kids and grandkids back in Texas. I also had the chance to see my folks in Idaho. My Dad had taken a fall and I wanted to be sure that he and my Mom were ok. They are doing well and we had a great visit with them. Matt got to fish, help great Grandpa stack wood, climb a mountain, see a ghost town and eat a marshmallow from a stick. It was great!! We have a great picture of 4 generations of family. I wish all of my kids could have been there.
I appreciate getting to go back to the US but I am also glad to be back in Beijing...becky

October Update

2008-10-09T16:56:00.002+08:00

Quick update. I am in Finland (again), Bec made it safely back to the U.S. on Tuesday. She will be there for three weeks catching up on spoiling the grandkids and enjoying fall time in Texas.

I head back to Bejing on Friday evening, then head to south China next week for a business meeting and to meet Trent for the Canton Fair. Looking forward to the time with Trent.

I then head back to Europe for two weeks, this time to Finland, Austria and Hungary.

Hope that this is the last big travel for 2008. So far I have logged 16 international trips in 2008.mike

Flowers at the Great Wall

2008-09-28T13:25:00.004+08:00

The flowers were particularly beautiful at the Great Wall the weekend our church group went. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

The Great Wall Weekend

2008-09-28T13:11:00.004+08:00

The weekend of September 20-21 my church group took a trip to the Great Wall to spend the weekend and have church services. It was a great time and we had about 100 people show up. We had a great time Saturday climbing the wall, having dinner, a short entertainment and then dancing. It was a fun time to meet the new comers to the Branch and talk with the old timers as well. This is the part of the wall that I took Allan and his friend to. It is very clean and less crowded than most of the other places. Anyway, I had lots of fun while Mike was in Finland!!!!

That Sick Feeling......

2008-09-06T13:58:00.012+08:00

I am sure that every zoo has their place in dealing with animal research/education and also in helping to save endangered species. But for me, after each visit I come away very depressed. This elephant belongs in the wild, not having to live its life in a concert cage in smog filled Beijing.mike

The Panda Extravaganza!

2008-09-06T13:41:00.020+08:00

The Beijing Olympics and recent earthquakes in central China, have brought the transfer of some new Pandas to the Beijing Zoo. Main reason for our visit today, we wanted to see them before they are returned to their protective reserve.

We arrived during feeding time, which quickly led to nap time.

Amazing creatures!mike
p.s. pics of the younger Pandas were taken from indoors through a glass bearer, not as clear as I had hoped for.

Don't Feed The Bears!?!?!

2008-09-06T13:18:00.009+08:00

The signs are posted everywhere, but the Chinese people are not willing to observe the warnings!mike

Eye of the Tiger!

2008-09-06T13:16:00.000+08:00

The Kids!

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Always the best part of any outing in China!mike

Finally...The Olympic Update

2008-08-31T20:05:00.004+08:00

Lots of you have been asking where the Olympic update is? Well here you go. It was great to have Allan and his friend visit. Every day was full of fun and adventure. They were gracious enough to get some tickets for me to attend with them. I really appreciated going. The city of Beijing is sort of back to normal, we still have the Para-Olympics to go. Have fun looking at the pictures. Thanks Allan for the visit. Dad and I really enjoyed it.becky
p.s. Don't forget to look at the "Older" blogs...I really did have lots of pictures and lots to say. Enjoy!!

The Great Wall

2008-08-31T19:48:00.003+08:00

Allan at the Great Wall.

Can he make it all the way to the top??? More to the point, can I????

Then comes the dog and puts us all to shame. It was hot and humid yet this little dog made it all the way down by himself. We don't know how he got to the top...on his own steam or someone else's......we will never know.

It was a beautiful "Blue Sky" day. We drove about 2 hours out of Beijing to get to this place. There were only about 30 people at this part of the wall. It was great!!!

Almost there!!!!!

becky

The Olympic Park

2008-08-31T19:30:00.004+08:00

In front of the Bird's Nest. August in Beijing has the three H's: Hot, Humid and Hats. With all of the humidity it's always a "Bad Hair" day.

Holding the Torch. It took me several tries to get this right....they got very tired of holding.

The Water Cube at night. They can make it different colors and even show messages.

The Broadcast Tower, a different look every night!

Tennis

2008-08-31T18:35:00.004+08:00

The entire Olympic Park had these great sculptures everywhere. That way the "not so smart" foreigners could find their way to the events.

Allan at tennis courts.

Allan and his friend went to lots of tennis. His friend was sick the night of the gold medal match so I got to go. It was amazing to watch Nadal play with Gonzales. We were in the middle of the Chilean fans (Gonzales is from Chile), they were very rowdy, more like soccer than tennis. This picture is of one of Nadal's serves. The picture below is of one of his other moves. He does this before almost every play. The girl in front of us giggled every time he did this...it got a little annoying after a while. Allan and I figure he needs to buy bigger shorts to avoid the wedgie........

Mom and Allan at the tennis match.

becky

The Games and Other Stuff

2008-08-31T18:18:00.003+08:00

Fuwa at Beach Volleyball. Fuwa are the mascots of the Olympics Games. Fuwa is Chinese and translates to "Welcome to Beijing". All of the school age kids have Fuwa dolls and love them.

Michael Phelps and Team getting the 8th Gold!!

Allan wanted to get a picture with Michael....this is as close as he got. Oh well, he was in the water cube watching as Michael got his 7th and 8th gold medals, how many people can say that???

We got to go the Men's Individual Gymnastics finals. I don't know how they do some of this stuff, it looks like it hurts. Needless to say, Becky will not be trying this at home.....

We also got to see the Women's Individual Gymnastics finals. The USA won gold and silver. Way to go Nastia and Shawn!!!

So much fun.....becky

Tian'anmen Square and Chairman Mao

2008-08-31T17:36:00.008+08:00

These are just a couple of the many flower arrangements in Tian'anmen Square. They put new flowers in them every 10 days. We don't want any dead flowers on the Square!!!!

Allan does not look very happy to have his picture taken with Chairman Mao and the police......smile Allan!!!!

Allan asking one of the 100,000 friendly volunteers for information.....kinda like McDonald's...they are everywhere.....

On the new subway line 10 going to the Square.....so much fun!becky

Xi'an Day Two

2008-08-31T17:22:00.006+08:00

The first day in Xi'an was sunny and beautiful....day two...not so much. It rained all day. Allan and his Dad were to macho to get under the umbrella. They got soaked!!!! As you can see by the smile I am having a great time!!!

This is the Large Wild Goose Pagoda. So many stairs!!!!

The ubiquitous McDonald's....it's Everywhere!!!becky

Xi'an

2008-08-31T16:44:00.005+08:00

We went to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta warriors and they were amazing. This was Allan's favorite warrior. So far it is the only warrior that has been extracted in tact.

The warriors are in all states of repair. This is just a small sample of the repair process.

This is what the digs look like before they extract the pieces for repair.

This is at the top of the Tomb of the Emperor that had the Terra Cotta warrior army buried with him.

Let the Games Begin!

2008-08-13T16:46:00.007+08:00

13Aug08 - Tian'anmen Square.

Allan and Kristie arrived in Beijing on Thursday evening. It has been a whirlwind since they arrived. They made a quick visit to Shanghai then flew on to Xian. Bec and I met them there and we went to see the Terracotta Warriors. Hard to put into words how fascinating and interesting the tour was. Our tour guide (John) was the best!

11Aug08. Open pit inside main building.

This morning we made a quick walk through Tian'anmen Square and the Palace Museum. This afternoon they headed to the tennis matches. Looks like this fast pace schedule will continue for their entire visit!?!?!?

Great to have them here, especially to enjoy such an exciting time in Beijing.

More to come!mike

Airbus A380 - Singapore to Beijing

2008-08-03T03:42:00.009+08:00

Just completed a week in Chennai, India. Special event on the return trip back to Beijing. Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of another Airbus A380. Due to the increased passenger demand during the Beijing Olympics, they are using the aircraft on the SIN-PEK route to help handle the additional load.

Historic Flight. First passenger flight for this aircraft, first time for a 380 to land at Beijing and the Singapore Olympic Team was on board. It turned out to be a big media event. You would not believe all the News and Camera Crews waiting our arrival.

This plane is GREAT!! Amazing how quiet and comfortable the flight was and of course, Singapore Airlines Kris Service - best in the industry. The seats and personal features in business class makes it perfect for the long haul traveler. Love the smell and feel of new leather!

I know, some of you are asking, what's the big deal?!?!?! But as much as I travel, any small improvement or an additional comfort feature is major.

6 days to the Olympics. Allan & Kristy arrive on Thursday!mike

Americas Visit Complete!

2008-07-24T23:40:00.004+08:00

Just got through security at the Manaus, Brazil Airport. Headed to Miami then on to Chicago. Layover tonight in the "Windy City". Then the final leg of the trip, depart for Beijing around noon Friday.
The two week business trip to Mexico and Brazil has gone by quickly. Especially enjoyed the time at our home in Fort Worth. Great to see and visit with the kids and grand kids!!
But ready to get back to our home in Beijing. Short turn around as next week I will be in India.
The following week we are excited for Allan's visit and some vacation time to enjoy the Olympics. 14 days till the games begin!mike