Nongmu Renhe Hotel Tongliao

... It's Good to be the Emperor) I heard that some Emperors had so many mistresses that he never even saw half of them. Emperors Qianlong (乾隆) and Kangxi (康熙) also added buildings, bells and whistles to the shrine, and made periodic visits here to honor their ancestors. When we got there, I was surprised at the size of the place as I was told that it was one of the smaller tombs in Shenyang. I guess one of these days I'm gonna have to ...

... have bought enough fireworks to last us a whole week! The smell of the gunpowder and the smoke cloud that ensued after lighting a couple of bands of firecrackers brought back all those good childhood memories where I'm glad I didn't lose a finger to a pack of firecrackers. This blog only contains some pics from Anshan. Please follow the link below to see ALL the pics from Anshan. http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictu res.html?id=2094990530

... and bought a big stack. He has his DVD player with him, so this will keep him entertained in the apartment, on the trains, and buses. Crystal came with me to shop for jewellery for the store. Otherwise, it is an incredible language barrier, bartering is essential, but we found really good things, and had lots of fun. Lunch was KFC, the only place to eat other than Chinese.

Today we are off to the Horticultural Expo in Shenyang. One hour ride across entire city of 7 million. It is a vast, large, exhibit of gardens, parks, and horticultural exhibitions. It is so big, we only saw about 1 quarter of it in a day. We learned that grass(lawns) are very precious in China. NO_ONE walks on the grass. Much of the time, it is not mowed, either. I think the idea comes from the time of Mao, when prisoners ...

... beef (delicious), veggies, weird mushrooms, different greens but included spinach, dumplings (mmm) , and various other things I didn't try, but not any seafood. All cooked in your own hot pot, and eaten with chopsticks. WE are getting very good at that! Even Rob! Oh yes, and lots of Gum Bay with Tsing Tao beer, the beer of Chinese Choice. Good Night, Hic. and very full!

... We took a taxi home, 38 yuan, or $5.50 for 45 minute ride. In the evening we were all invited out to a Chinese welcoming dinner, by Mr. Soon, who is Pete and Peggy's head of dept. The Chinese way is to host a dinner at a restaurant of their choice, it was a private room, he ordered all the food, and he pays for all. The Chinese way is to toast and thank and welcome all through the night with Tsing Tao beer in glasses. If he gives a toast, all will click ...