Shenyang Sights

This new post has been a while coming as I've been settling into life here in Shenyang. Time seems to be rushing by at a fast pace even though life in this north eastern city is fairly sedate. I have to say at the outset I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere is one of community and harmony. I have been staying at the school apartment but should be moving into a one-bedroom apartment next weekend. Work is busy but quite satisfying and I am working with a great bunch of locals and foreigners. Lots of Brits and Americans with a few Aussies aswell. The group shot of some of the aforementioned was taken at an Indian restaurant which serves amazing food! The watermelon seller plies her trade outside my apartment building and the street artist was painting this mural just up the road. The city played host to some Olympic soccer matches so the parks have been cleaned up and Olympic motifs added. The photo of the horse and cart in the city was a clash of old meeting new, lots of similar sights abound. Finally the fire in the street was the night of the Ghost Festival. People burn fake money either to accommodate their ancestors in the after life or appease the spirits, never did get a clear answer as to why. I am keeping well, had a cold for a week or so but nothing serious. I've started learning Mandarin at long last. My school provides lessons free so it's a great opportunity. I hope to have lots more photos and stories to share soon. Till next time, God bless!

Beiling Park, Shenyang

Went for a stroll around this park which houses the tomb of one of the original Qing dynasty emporers. I was amused by the sign, an unfortunate coupling of words, as is typical here in China!

Olympic Soccer 2008

My new school secured tickets to the Olympic soccer matches held here in Shenyang. I got to watch Holland play Japan with the Dutch winning 1-0!

Splendid China

A few pics from my trip to a theme park in Shenzhen called Splendid China. It's a mix of miniature Chinese tourist attractions and exhibitions/shows displaying the different ways of life of the 56 ethnic minorities. As you can see I even got to take part in one of the shows!

Goodbye Shenzhen, Hello Shenyang

As most of you are probably aware by now I am on the move again. I have exactly one week until I leave Shenzhen for Shenyang. I know the difference in the spelling of the cities is remarkably similar but I assure you they are miles apart and from what I can tell very different. Shenyang is in the north-east corner of China, heading towards North Korea and Mongolia. I have secured a twelve month contract and hope to obtain the elusive work visa soon after my arrival. Shenyang is very a central place to step off and check out the rest of northern China, so I am looking forward to getting to lots of different places up that way, including Beijing which is about 5 hours on a train. So farewell to Shenzhen, thanks for the memories, the laughter and tears. Will miss my fave haunts (the cake shop on Xue Fue Rd, the Beijing restaurant, Shirble - my local supermarket for my entire stay) and will miss the friends and faces that have become so familiar. I recently made a new friend Lynda, who took me to her home town of Guangzhou (new name for Canton) last weekend. I've posted some photos of my short jaunt there,including some pics of Lynda and her family. Zaijen till next time! xo

More Vietnam Pics

A few more photos of me from my trip to Vietnam. Thanks to Sue and Robert for snapping these!

Fabulous Forty's Furlough In Words

I realise that the photos this time around maybe a little dizzying but it kind of reflects my whole trip to Vietnam. The two weeks spent with Sue and Dorian (UK) and Robert (Holland) was jam-packed and fun-filled. The main reason for our vacation was to celebrate the fact that Sue, Robert and myself all turn 40 this year! We arrived in Hanoi and spent quite a lot of time walking the streets and resting at Bia Hoi (the place to find cheap beer and good company!). We had 3 days and 2 nights at Halong Bay, did lots of cruising, visited an awesome cave, got in some kayaking and swimming. Our next destination was Sapa, far north Vietnam (only a few hours from the China border!). This area is still fairly untouched by modern conveniences, we visited the colourful markets to check out the local handicrafts and livestock for sale. We also did a trek to a some villages that belong to the hill tribes, the black H'mong and the red H'mong (easy to tell apart, as each has a head dress to match the colour of their tribe). The people were warm and friendly all over Vietnam but especially so in and around Sapa. Our guide Chau (seen drinking with us, blue shirt) was a local girl who had learned English from tourists, and she was amazing! The rural setting was lovely, lots of rice paddies with the residents working the land the old fashion way with ox and plough. After another brief stop in Hanoi we boarded a train for Hoi An, via Danang. We didn't stop in Danang but had just enough time to check out China Beach (yes it actually exists!) where I had my picture took. Hoi An was brilliant, lots of UNESCO world heritage sites and also a great beach where we toasted our celebration at sunset with a good old bottle of Aussie wine! The next day saw us hire motorbikes to take us 30 km up the road to My Son. This place is incredible, it's another world heritage site back from the 4th century and all that remains of the Champa civilisation. The ride out to the site was the best way to see the countryside, saw lots more rice paddies, old houses and water lilies. Sadly all good things come to an end and so it was that we spent our last day in Ho Chi Minh City, checked out the local tourists traps and ended our time together with one last meal then cocktails at the roof top bar of the Rex hotel. Thanks to Sue, Dorrie, Robert and all the locals for making it such a fab trip! Will update soon on my normal comings and goings here in Shenzhen, ciao till then!!