Shanghi to Beijing then onto Jinan - an adventure 2011

Brianna on Boat on the lake of Summer Palace, Beijing 2007. . .  Beijing 2011

Brianna started this journey in China, in Shanghai at the University of Fudan, in January 2011.

I joined Arron and Brianna in July, to have a few months exploring Beijing. 

We had a fascinating time in this eclectic city. The Summer palace, Forbidden city, Peking duck, food markets, outer town and cities . . . The list goes on and on. 

It's amazing what you can fit into 24 hours of each day, when your days are not enough . . .

and when are they ever enough???

Arron had to return to Brisbane after 4 weeks travelling with Brianna to various destinations, and time with Bri and I in Beijing. I would have enjoyed having more time with Arron, but such is life . . . .and what we did share was extremely enjoyable.

Arron on the Great Wall of China. Brianna pounding peanuts. Arron drinking yogurt. Brianna on the Great Wall of China.

Arron in Food Night Markets Beijing. Brianna with Fairy Floss Man. 

Peking Duck night out- what a night out!! The thrice cooked fish was divine.

We visited The Great Wall of China, The Summer Palace, The Forbidden city. We ventured outside Beijing to Pingyao located in the central of Shanxi Province. Known as one of the 'Four Best Preserved Ancient Cities' in China and listed under UNESCO

We visited the Summer residence of Qing emperors, Chengde. Its a five hour train ride north-east of Beijing. For over 100 years the emperor and their retinues passed the summer months here. The gardens and architecture are stunning.

We visited Cuandixia. A nice old mountain village east of Beijing.

We went here, there, and not everywhere ... but almost!

I am extremely grateful to have spent this time with my children. The exotic locations and the sights we have seen, have been incredible. 

Can I ever say thankyou too often ? Thank you! thank you, thank you ...

   

  

During our stay at the Beijing apartment Brianna took a trip across to North Korea, leaving me alone for a week . . . . if your interested in North Korea her blog is www.poiseonarrows.blogspot.com.au a very good read.

After 10 fabulous weeks exploring, experiencing, and being decadent in Beijing, and her surrounding provinces, it is time to move onto the Shandong province, to deposit Brianna into her New University.

We caught the fast train which recorded its fastest time during our journey as 367 km hour.

I thought the bullet train in Japan was fast. Now I know what fast is.

The journey from Beijing to Shanghai took us 4 hours. The one from Beijing to Jinan was only less than 2 hours. 

Incredible! 

Safe? Who knows ... but we made it!

Cake creations at the LOcal bakery?  . . .Modern shopping centers. . . .

Brianna in her room at the University of Shandong.

Jinan is an interesting city. We did not spy another European face in the first 3 days. Considering it's size and beauty, you wonder why more people do not visit this area. This region is the origin of 700 plus fresh water springs. This copious water supply flows into water ways, lakes and fountains throughout the city. They are well maintained and the lighting of an evening is spectacular.

Outside mammoth, modern shopping center, Jinan. Brianna in University of Shandong, Jinan.  Brianna and  Me exploring Jinan at night.

The shopping is a mix of old, and extremely modern, mammoth structures housing all the expensive and desirable commodities out of Italy and France!I have a feeling that before too long we will not be able to afford to shop in China!

I felt comfortable knowing Brianna is in Jinan. The pace is a BIT slower, the traffic less hectic and the sheer size less daunting. Yes!, it is a NICE 'little' place!!

Through out my visit, I kept wondering what the main differences are between Australia and China?

Why does it feel so foreign?

 Yeah! Yeah! I know the different nationality of the inhabitants is a certain give away!!And the architecture, and the obviously Grey vs Blue skies . . . but there is something else.

 

After my travels, I think I have nailed one of the variances that makes it obviously different.
In Australia we tend to have extremely structured and strict building codes and policies that protect areas from being 'different'. 
Well, I don't think the government has initiated these strict codes in China . . . .

Walking anywhere, you will find a children's toy and clothing shop next to a sex shop, which rubs shoulders with the local bakery . . . . moving right along you'll find a very expensive boutique which derives it's aroma from the open sewerage drains that flow between it and the semi demolished hutong.

Yep! It is this juxtaposition of such variances that causes us foreigners to feel uneasy.

I talked to a lot of foreign visitors (while attending art classes at the The Hutong, and doing the cooking classes etc.) and it seems that you either love this or hate it . . . there is vary little room for nonchalance. I found at first it unsettled me. 

Why have an exquisite shop or boutique Hostel next to a smelly old crumbling food outlet? . . . . a fascinating, modern Art gallery in a dark labyrinth of an alleyways. An exquisite, meditative garden next to a market district lit with the most incredible neon lights . . 

But after awhile I did not find this disturbing. However, I am well aware of the positive differences, that being able to communicate with the local people - speaking their language makes. Just being in Beijing by myself for the week, while Brianna was in North Korea was a slight night mare. Hoping into a taxi was fraught with dangers, ordering a meal off an all Chinese menu an adventure, getting lost a firm reality.

But ! and However ! I must categorize myself as, 'loving the strangeness' of the place.

I know I will find Brisbane plain and under whelming.

I will find the sameness and slowness claustrophobic.

Initially, I will look for something new and unpredictable, without success. Brisbane is like a well manicured garden, with predictable pathways and water features signed and fenced. Nothing is left to explore, with an adventurers heart or a soul that craves something different.

However, like most humans I will adapt and eventually appreciate the orderliness of the roads, the ability to be able to read and understand most signs, the sameness of quality, and the Blue skies. The quietness and the safety.

Yep! Home will certainly be a LOT different . . .

For one thing, I will miss my daughter! But, I would never want her to miss out on such an incredible adventure.

"You Go Girl" 

We will be here when you get back. Enjoy! X