Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Great Wall of China

We were picked up first thing in the morning for our trip to the Great Wall.  After about an hour and a half drive, we finally made it.  We chose to go to a part of the wall called Mutiny.  The reason I picked this part was because of the toboggan ride you take down.  After a short, cold (it was in the 30s) walk, we took a quick shuttle ride to the chairlift.  On the bus we met a guy about my age from Canada.  He had quit his job and was traveling Asia until he ran out of money.  We took the chairlift up together, and basically adopted him for the day.  We arrived to the wall early, and it was amazing seeing the lack of people on the wall.  As people did start coming, we started to get approached.  I have never had so many strangers want to take a picture with me!  The best part was they didn't want a group picture. It would start with one, and move through the whole group.  I can only imagine what these people do with these pictures.. Overall, I still can't believe I can say I climbed the Great Wall.   There really aren't words to describe the experience.























Beijing

While the trip was short, it was an amazing weekend.  My parents and I started the trip with a noon flight to China.  Arriving at the airport we were a quick target for "drivers" wanting to take us to the hotel.  Luckily my mom had done her research on the flight over.  Beijing is known for trying to rip people off in unmarked taxis.  The taxi ride was long and stressful during rush hour traffic.   On the way to the hotel we saw 6 different accidents.

After the drive our moods were quickly changed seeing our hotel.  Two living rooms and a gorgeous tub.. things were looking up.  Our first night out we started by exploring a night market.  Scorpions and starfish were quite abundant.  My dad and I decided to give scorpion a try.  It actually was a little less intimidating to try than the spiders in Cambodia.  After a hot pot dinner we decided to call it a night to prepare for our day of exploring.

The first stop of the day was the Great Wall... it was breathtaking.

The next stop was the Summer Palace.  It was crowded, but a beautiful site.  We were very lucky to have such great weather.  After the Summer Palace we took the train to Tiananmen Square.  We even saw the flag lowering ceremony from across the street.

The next day we went to the Forbidden City.  Not a family that is very interested in tours, we were trying to avoid the constant guides approaching us.  However, we soon learned that in order to avoid the hour long ticket line, you need a guide.  We ended up teaming with a group of Aussies and paid a guide to buy our tickets.  It was definitely looked down upon, but definitely the easiest money he had made all day!

Having to work the next day, my trip had come to an end.  There is one part of Beijing that I will not miss.. the spitting.  Never have I seen so many people hawking up loogies.  That is one sound I hope to never hear so often again!










Monday, December 1, 2014

Selfie Nation

Selfie sticks have taken over Taipei, and I assumed they originated in China.  However, I was proved very wrong with all of the weird stares I was receiving all weekend in Beijing.  One person really embraced the selfie stick though.... my dad.  I was hesitant to buy one at first, definitely thinking they were pretty ridiculous.  Now I am a firm believer in how useful they can be.  No more awkwardly asking other people to take our photo!  Here our some pictures of our "selfie portraits".













Mom and Dad Visit

The last two weeks were a whirlwind.  For those of you who don't know, my mom and dad were able to come visit!  Mom came for two weeks, and dad was able to come for about ten days.  Not everyone is fortunate enough to have family come visit, so I feel beyond lucky my parents are already discussing a second trip.  We packed in so many things, including a weekend trip to China.  Here are some pictures from the highlights of the first week!




First excursion of the trip was Taroko Gorge.  We took a 40 minute plane ride to get there, and took the train back.  It was a gorgeous way to begin the trip!  





Changing of the Guards Ceremony

This was a very memorable experience.  I will never understand how they can stay so serious!




Yehliu Geopark

I wasn't feeling great this day, but was excited to actually make it into the park.  Last time I tried to go the park was closed because of bad weather.  Inside the park the rocks were all given different names.  The rocks are formed from waves crashing on them, and named based on what they "resemble".  My mom insisted I take multiple pictures with "Cute Princess".  


After an exciting couple of days, it was time for dad to fly in.  Waiting anxiously at the airport, we finally saw him.  However, I quickly realized he didn't have any bags.  We were concerned that we were leaving for China the next morning, but luckily he is an experienced traveler and was more than prepared to go without luggage!

Next stop is Beijing!