TravelStream™ news feed for member pauleddy on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/pauleddy en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 16 May 2006 14:11:28 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146479940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146479940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146479940/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 14:11:28 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Xi'an, China

This time we shared our carriage with two Chinese gentlemen, so not a word was spoken, the odd smile and hand gesture during this 20 hour journey. We were the ONLY westerners on board, so the word minority comes to mind!!! Our time was limited in Xi'an due to the delay, so on arrival our new guide crammed in a visit to the City Wall, an impressive sight before another enjoyable meal was provided and the comfort of a hotel, which was adjacent to the City wall. Early departure the next morning for the drive out to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (a highlight for Paul). Pictures we have seen don't do it justice and we had not envisaged the huge complex which has been built to encase the various exposed pits containing the soldiers. We had not realized that all artefacts had been severely damaged centuries ago prior to their discovery by a farmer digging a well in 1974. The reconstruction process is incredible and continues to this day, as is evident from the 'hospital area' where remains are pieced together! Many figures are to remain covered to preserve their colouring as exposure to light has been found to fade them very quickly.
A visit to a pergoda and gardens followed lunch prior to yet another overnight train journey to Chongqing, where our Yangtze Cruise was to depart from.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146912840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146912840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146912840/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 14:09:56 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Yinchang, China

A swift collection by our guide took us into Yinchang (a small town as we thought, which had a population of a mere 4 million). We saw some excellent Chinese art and the newly created central square. The grass was green and inviting, but beware, you are not allowed to walk on any grass in the new parks in China as you will be fined if you do. Basically look but don't touch which is such a sin where the cities are like concrete jungles. We were then dropped off at the railway station for our onward journey to Beijing and naturally we were anxious about our future fellow passengers!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146999360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146999360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146999360/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 13:58:44 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Beijing, China

It was with great relief that we were to find ourselves sharing our carriage with two young female passengers (who fortunately were able to speak fairly good English). We had a very interesting chat to them during our 20 hour journey. First on our guide's list was a tour of Hutong, the old City which comprised of a maze of small alleyways, which we were driven through on a rik-shaw. Next was the 15th Century Drum Tower where there was a short performance at 4.30 we were able to witness. Later we were taken on the rik-shaw to a local's house for dinner, which was a real insight into how the locals live and eat. A brilliant experience and one which Paul survived to tell the tale! During the rest of our time we were taken to Tian An Men Square, which can hold one million people!! together with the Forbidden City. Also a Pearl factory, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and to the longest beautifully painted passageway in the world (so we were told). Of course the highlight was the trip to Juyongguan, our entry point to climb the Great Wall. I had decided in advance, that due to my still aching achilles tendon, I'd take the chairlift up, but guess what, there was not a chairlift at our destination. We were both very impressed with ourselves as having climbed as far as was permitted during our two hour visit we counted the steps upon our descent to be amazed that we had climbed a total of ONE THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT STEPS. We have never climbed so many steps in our lives and as many of them are extremely steep, we wondered if we would have to roll out of bed the next day. Well, we must be fitter than we were, because we were surprisingly fine!?! Our only regret was yet more smog which hid the amazing distant views (bugger). The next day, annoyingly, a blue sky greeted us, the first in two weeks. You win some you lose some eh!
Despite the sweat shop environment of the factory which housed the young people involved in the enameling process of ornaments, it was amazing to watch (they all have mobiles and many ipods - so China has many surprises). As we commented it is really a country of contrasts.
Despite it's appearance
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146567120/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146567120/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1146567120/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 13:47:22 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Chongqing, China

Sadly this journey was the worst so far, due to the company of two middle aged Chinese gentlemen who snored, were smokers, having great delight in constantly clearing their throats (Spit the Dog came to mind) with the icing on the cake being the chicken's feet they heartily tucked into. I felt like vomiting when I saw the claws entering their mouths!! YUK! Neither of us slept well (they had no problem of couse) but one of them was kind enough to help us off with one of our cases at 7.30 the next morning.
Our next guide took us for a breakfast before we were taken to the Zoo, primarily to see the Chinese Pandas. I was apprehensive as to what a zoo would be like in China and was pleasantly surprised by the Panda enclosure. One was kind enough to 'perform' beautifully for us as it was feeding time and he loved lying on his back enjoying his bamboo shoots. Sadly, the same could not be said of the lion enclosure (which we will not mention). More gardens (we really hand the hang of these by now) and another museum which was quite bizarre about an American General?!?!
Prior to our transfer to the dock, we had time to be briefly taken around a local market. Can't say we enjoyed what we saw, but the sights and smells were extremely interesting (ideal if you like freshly gutted eals to eat which we saw skinned alive).
You would not believe how basic and difficult access was onto the ship from the shore. Don't think passengers on the QEII have to descend scores of steps and cross numerous misaligned pontoons to finally reach the ship's gangplank. This, for us, was a feat in itself!!
The cruise took us a total of 600 kms downstream over a 3 day period. This incorporated the most scenic stretch of the Three Gorges area and included stops along the way, the highlight of which was a sampan river tour. Paul was fascinated by the 'yet to be completed' Three River Gorges Dam that will eventually raise the river level a total of 175 metres. This has involved re-housing 1.5 million people along its banks and only the Chinese, we feel, could have undertaken such a project as thousands of homes have been demolished and re-built above the final water line. We believe half the cost of the dam project has been spent on this relocation exercise which has also involved the building of many new bridges across the Yangtze. Our ship had to navigate its way through a 5 flight ship lock which took approx. 3 hours which drops you 100 metres. On arrival we were then transferred to Yinchang. Again, no blue sky, visibility variable and the ship entertainment was, how can best be described at Butlins 40 years ago (bless 'em, they really tried!).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145969940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145969940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145969940/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 12:48:40 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Shanghai, China

We were pleased to discover that the four berth sleeper was to be enjoyed by just the two of us until we hit our destination of Shanghai. The forthcoming tour of China was to include all transport, transfers, accommodation, certain meals, a guide and driver, together with entrance fees. Decided this would be the best way forward as we'd been led to understand China could be difficult!!
Watched many miles of countryside passing us by during the daytime hours, noting how few cars were on the rural roads, one in every thirteen vehicles approx. The carriage was quite comfy with the luxury of a flask of hot water, so the coffee was quickly pulled from the bottom of the rucksack!! Shame the same could not be said of the toilets, which we had been forwarned about. At one stage it saw Ed jumping from the passageway of the train onto the toilet seat to balance, due to the toilet compartment being flooded. Balance much improved now I reckon!! Not a sight to dwell on. Clickety clack all night, frequent shouting and many stops saw us finally arrive, after 24 hours, at our destination. By now we had noticed the roads had become very busy as was the station on our arrival. To our dismay, no guide (as promised) to meet us. We waited and waited - nobody! Surrounded by thousands of non-English speaking Chinese, we headed to the nearby Holiday Inn, and managed to get the receptionist to try our contact numbers for us. No answer!!! We then got a taxi to the hotel we hoped we'd been booked into, but ...... the taxi broke down in the middle of central Shanghai (oh shit). He gestured for us to get out with our luggage and hailed another taxi for us. Unfortunately ...... the new driver had no idea where our hotel was. An hour later, after much head scratching, we finally arrived. Guess what ..... the hotel was walking distance from the station (if only we'd known this). A worried guide was thankfully there to greet us (probably because he was waiting to take our American dollars as payment for the tour!)
Next day was free for us to explore the city, but as we were still no further forward after some hours, we decided to give up on our cause and took the subway across the city to the Jinmao Tower (the tallest tower in Chiina) with an impressive viewing deck on the 88th floor reached by an impressively smooth and fast lift!! We enjoyed dusk at this level, but sadly the fog (smog to you) prevented us seeing far into the distance.
We were surprised to be greeted by a different guide the next day, until the sad tale was told, that he'd been hit by a drunk driver on a motorcycle and was in hospital with a very badly injured leg. To be honest the roads are totally manic here, no respect for pedestrians whatsoever, so this came as no surprise in all honesty. We were taken to Yu Gardens, built in 1559 for the Emperor's most senior General and his 18 wives (hope for Paul yet). Being situated in downtown Shanghai, although the roads were manic, the gardens were tranquil, amazing comparison. After our buffet style lunch, we walked part of the famous 'Bund' alongside the river which flows through the City. Sadly, the smog persisted so it was hardly worth any snapshots. Did they ever see blue sky in China??
The next day we were taken to a place fondly known by the locals as 'Venice of the East' (Tong Li). We were rowed on the canals in a small river boat (like a Gondola) by a charming Chinese lady with the guide translating the superstitions of the bridges etc. Tuisi Garden was next on the agenda, known as a retreat and reflection garden before another buffet lunch. Next was a fascinating silk factory and museum where we were actually able to witness the silk being spun from the cocoons of the silkworm. A visit to the Fisherman's village concluded the day.
We were then issued with our next train tickets and advised of a five hour delay, so the day was spent visiting The People's Square, walking around the Shanghai museum and strolling down the famous Nanjing Road before our onward journey.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1147358580/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1147358580/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1147358580/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 11:01:04 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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London, United Kingdom

Well done BA, a great final flight of 11 hours (and we promise never to moan about aircraft toilets ever again). Lovely to be greeted by Lee's wife Sarah who was blooming with our first grandchild, due in September. Thanks Sarah for letting us blob out in your flat whilst we got to grips with the reality of being in Blighty once again and getting over our jetlag.
Can't believe the much planned year has been and gone. No regrets (well only that I have not found a new husband, or Paul a new wife - ha ha). We have seen many wonderful sights, met many fascinating people and had experiences we never dreamed we'd have (a majority of them good fortunately). In short, it was a year spent travelling and not just an extended holiday, which anyone who has travelled will understand.
We hope those of you who have followed our trip have enjoyed reading about our adventure and apologies for the bits which bored the pants off you (don't be too harsh on us when we see you!)
Special thanks to all of you who made it so memorable, you know who you are!!

P.S. Anyone got a job for us!!!

Paul and I signing out ....... it's raining, we're broke and a year older (but happy to be home!) and can't wait to see family and friends again.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145757840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145757840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145757840/tpod.html Tue, 16 May 2006 08:52:48 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Yet another good flight into Hong Kong and I was given a complimentary box of chocs as Paul's in flight entertainment was not working (he did not pull the plug either). We found our hostel (which is not a hostel, it's a newly refurbished room in a new corridor on the 11th floor of Block E in a 60's built residential block). We had been warned that it's a fire hazard, and the first night caught us both thinking about our escape route, should we need it (which we have since checked out). It's clean and the most amazing shower, which almost compensates for the view (oh, so many stories to be told). Spent the next two days walking our socks off taking in what Hong Kong has to offer (in the smog) but have enjoyed being here. One of those places which has to be seen to be believed. The transport system is good and cheap and we enjoyed travelling on the only double decked trams in the world to Happy Valley Race Course (the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong). We've taken in views from the 43rd floor of the China Bank Building and admired the laser show held at 8 p.m. each evening, viewed from the Kowloon side of the harbour. The history museum was the last on the tick list for us and this was well worth a visit too, depicting the unique history of this place. Don't ask Paul how many times he's been asked if he wants a suit made, or a copy watch, or me a handbag, but that H.K. for you!!
Tomorrow afternoon sees us off on our overnight train (24 hrs) to Shanghai in our 'soft sleeper'. If the bunk bed is a fraction softer than the one we've had for the past three weeks we shall be happy.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1116765900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1116765900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1116765900/tpod.html Mon, 24 Apr 2006 08:48:50 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

John, our promised saviour, at Union Street Station eventually got our Trans Canandian Rail pass sorted for us after 3 wasted hours over 3 days. We now have rail passage all the way to L.A., whereas we would have been stranded in Vancouver due to time running out on our low season pass which was incorrectly issued in London. Good old John worked a miracle and has now given us excellent value for money train travel. (He's on the VIA Canada (Amtrak desk) if anyone runs into problems!
We then rushed to catch our train to Niagara, the New York Express, and experienced a very comfortably clean spacious ride to the run down, uninteresting town of Niagara, but the one mile walk to the falls was lovely which led to spectacular views. We took in the sights from many angles and levels and weighed up the 'package deals' on offer, but in the end we just went on the 'Maid of the Mist' (don't miss it - fantastic) and did the underground caves where you view the falls from behind, but you don't see much to be honest, but you do feel the force. Folk at the hostel told us they did the Sky Tower there and it was really good, but we didn't know we'd get a discount by showing our YHA pass (doh). Overall very good value. If you want to treat yourself and you're not on a budget, stay overnight in one of the hotels overlooking the falls. We just had a coffee at Starbucks with 'the view' and kidded ourselves!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1144227600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1144227600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1144227600/tpod.html Fri, 21 Apr 2006 23:17:48 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Koh Samui, Thailand

We later got dropped at the Port of Na Thon (not inviting) where we tried in vain to get accommodation booked either via the Tourist Information or over the phone. Well this is Thailand and much patience needed. Sadly Paul did not pack his, or it got lost on the ferry on the way over. I found a nice man who assisted us in our plight and eventually we managed to secure accommodation where our U.K. friends (Peter and Anita) were staying on holiday, although they are normally found teaching in Northern Thailand in Chiang Mai. They were as surprised to see us as we were pleased to see them, although we had hoped to meet up at some point. They had moved from a busier and less pleasant area of Koh Samui and so we were very lucky to be positioned in such a nice bay and the resort of Choeng Mon. After a few days we decided this was a great place to chill out (something not usually in our itinery) and so we booked a flight from here to Bangkok to save further hot and sweaty overland travel. It has been lovely to do very little, merely to enjoy chatting, sitting on the beach with the main stress factor of the day deciding which restaurant in which to eat after our dip in the sea just prior to sunset (lovely). The beach is beautifully lit up each evening (little lanterns buried in the sand and lights wound around the palm trees etc) with lovely smiley staff to serve us - all good!
A few days ago we shared a jeep with Peter and Anita to tour the island and today Paul and I are in a two man jeep enjoying a day out. We have just been on a wonderful elephant trek, which will have to go down as one of the highlights. I accepted an invitation to actually sit on the elephants head, dropping down from the chair on its back once our guide had slid to the floor via the elephant's trunk to lead him. Well this was an experience for sure and the feel of his hip joints on my rear will not be forgotten for some time. Paul thought it was amusing until it was his turn!!!!!
Sadly tomorrow is our last full day here before we fly on to Bangkok which will conclude our 14 day stay on Koh Samui. Thanks to Peter and Anita, as their company has been very much enjoyed (well you have to say that don't you - only joking folks!).
As we left from Koh Samui airport we were able to understand why we'd been told it was so unique. How many other airports have open air buildings, amidst palm trees and lush vegetation with beautiful free snacks and drinks provided (just like Heathrow - NOT!).
We were ferried to our colourful plane via equally colourful oversized golf carts (which would not have been out of place in Disneyland!).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145498580/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145498580/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pauleddy/gibsons/1145498580/tpod.html Fri, 21 Apr 2006 23:10:30 -0400 Paul & Eddie's adventure of a lifetime, commencing May 2005.

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Bangkok, Thailand

The 80 minute flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok was fine, apart from a little turbulence and the staff even managed to provide a lunch in that short time (bless 'em). We were fortunate to find that a shuttle bus dropped us very close to our hotel (luck rather than judgement as we didn't have a clue where we were going). We found we were ideally situated, being close to the Royal Palace and the famous Khaosan Road (the road which never sleeps!). We had two full days in Bangkok to see the sights so we had the opportunity to visit some local temples via a tuk-tuk (an experience) and yes, we had the obligatory stop-off at a jewellery and silk shop. We took a fast riverboat along the Khlong Mahanak canal to Siam Square (the best of Bangkok's shopping malls). We are not shoppers but enjoyed the little market stalls in the concourse of the overhead sky-train which we took as part of our return journey and then jumped (literally!) onto a river ferry back to our hotel. Happens to be the hottest time of year in Bangkok so the pool provided welcome relief on our return. On the second day we visited the Grand Palace and grand it certainly was (having made sure we were suitably dressed - bodies fully covered -not ideal in the heat and humidity). It was one of those must see attractions to fully appreciate all the work involved in its construction, so much of it hand-decorated. However, we are not fully 'templed out'. We spent the final evening eating and walking in the Khaosan Road to say our farewells to Bangkok.
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