Mingzhu Hotel Chengde

... much needed shopping at the local, underground department store. I got myself a coat, pair of pants and a shirt and a new, small suitcase for these little trips that don't need my massive fly cases I came to China with. I got my gal one of the same and a sweat-coat with the big buttons. Since we spent above a certain amount of money we got a rice-cooker for free (China is strange), I won't fight it since I need one, but it was really a pain to carry back.

... exactly what you'd expect, and we opted to take the side path (far down, far up again, but not far as the bird flies) to a nearby 'frog' rock. Here I climbed to the top and got some fun pictures, and we climbed through a small hole in the backside of the rock (apparently that allows you to have good knees for the rest of your life).

Here also, there was an old man selling little red straw ...

... surrounding countryside, the wall's strategic positioning became evident and it's incredible to think that anyone actually managed to breach this defense. Approaching via the steep, overgrown slopes would be almost impossible and the closely-spaced vantage points above, coupled with the row of arrow slits, should have prevented any attack. But that was Chinggis for you - it's not for nothing that the Mongolian national beer ...

... town of which I took some great photos.

The following day, and day after we took the bus to Chengde city for some sightseeing and adventure. At our return in the night in between, I had my first taste of Mahjong and had to read up on how to play. I love board games, and this and Go seem to be all that's played here, so I better learn and get a board, just need to avoid playing for money.

... seemingly endless frieght trains journeying across the country
- I counted over 100 carriages on one before it powered out of sight.

We spent a very pleasant day yesterday wandering round the parkland and gardens of the Imperial palace, where deer wander freely around the woodland, lakes, and many pagodas. The park is enclosed by a majestic wall looking a little like a mini version of the Great one, and at the far end, away from the ...

... get out of the way or your road kill. After our treacherous bike ride we make it to the Putuozongcheng temple, which is a replica of the Potala palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It had some really nice sculptures (such as the one of the elephant whose feet bend impossibly) and some great views. We also created quite a commotion trying to send a Birthday message to Anna from the top of the temple. We had a group of tourists huddled around ...

... pork or just enjoy the experience if Sichuan Hotpot on a cold night and finish it off with drinking with the local on one of few small bar in Chengde.

Bishu Sanzhuang probably contain 10% main palace and 90% park. Woke up early in the morning to beat the tour group, Fortunelty it was covered with snow from the night before, making it more beautiful. the downside, it took me longer to cover the ground due to the slippery ground (I fell the ...

... is contained within a 10 km brick wall. Unfortunately for us the entire mountain area was closed off for the winter due to fire prevention. We didn't really understand this; our logic would place fire hazard season in the summer. But there you have it. Oh well. We were well compensated with the part that was open. The lake area was absolutely stunning. An early morning mist shrouded the distant temples, trees and the many bridges that ...

... 2 Dispatching some ...

... but then came the circus market sale. Various goods were brought on trollies which we were encouraged to buy. But before a note could be exchanged our tour guide, Noa came running in to barter. That woman can get a deal. The first five or six offers of a price are normally shouted down with a resounding 'No'. The she offers a price, usually considerably less than the first. Once this is refused she says 'bye bye ...