DAVID DOES CHINA

Friend David A. is just back from a quick "look-see" up in China. (N.B. All photographs here are by David himself. Don't they look professional.)  Anyway, here's his first report:

FIJI BOY IN CHINA

(in a typical HK pose)

DAVID SAYS:  Beijing and Shanghai were fun. The train was a great way to see it all if you have the time: 

H.K.-Beijing, 

Beijing-Shanghai, 

Shanghai-H.K 

with a soft sleeper cost me under $300 Aus. 

BEIJING

Saw all the attractions: The Forbidden Palace, The Great Wall etc etc. If you're in China the one reason to see Beijing is the history in the place.

SUMMER PALACE:

TIANANMEN SQUARE:

THE GREAT WALL:

BEIJING SHOPPING:

SHANGHAI

Shanghai had an easier feeling about it. More vibrant and more of a buzz. With that came a lot more beggars, hawkers and con artists vying for your money on the street. Every body is trying for their piece of the pie and you have to have your guard up.  (H.K. is really mellow in this regard.) They seem to be ahead of Beijing in the Capitalism stakes. These were my observations in my short 10 day visit. 

DAVID IN SHANGHAI:

Obviously, from the pose, he's been in HK too long!

SHANGHAI BUND: 

SHANGHAI AT NIGHT:

SHANGHAI PARKS:

Have you guys been there? Be interesting to see what you think .

Can't wait to get into the China countryside. That's the next one I think.

Regards, catch up with you soon,

David

Since, no, I haven't yet being to either of these places - our planned trip fell through due to Keith's work. BUT IT WILL HAPPEN!

And, seriously, doesn't this photo look EXACTLY like you'd expect a photo of Tiananmen Square to look like!  So much so, I had to put it here again:

For me, this is China in a nutshell!