Guangzhou, China: July 2010

We love to travel and explore all of the wonderful things that our state has to offer, but we also love to explore different cultures from around the world. When my father asked if I would like to assist him with some business in China, I jumped at the chance. Now, I feel bad that Jacki did not get to go, but this was the trip of a lifetime and I had to take advantage of it. China is a wonderful place, very green, and Guangzhou is home to some of the friendliest people I have ever encountered. And thanks to Skype, I was able to keep in contact with Jacki every morning right after breakfast. We do plan to go back as a family as there is so much to see and do that it couldn't all be done in just 10 days.


Welcome to China. I was worried about customs, but everyone was very friendly and helpful.


View of Guangzhou from the hotel window.


The Pearl River is lined on both banks with these beautiful trees and interesting lamps.


Dad and I on Beijing road. Beijing Road is a large outdoor foot mall. Shops and restaurants for over a mile and they range from the rediculously expensive to cheap knock off merchandise.


Street food abounds on just about every street. Some I was a little skeptical, and some actually looked quite good.


On what looked like alleyways, you could find vendors selling everything from dried fish to noodles, to dragon fruit and fresh cherries.



In the middle fo the city, hidden away on a small side street, one of the oldest buddhist temples in China.


Walking along a back street, several tables were set up with people playing mahjong.


A great historical landmark is this theatre built in recognition of the revolution.


How do I get up there?


A lot of stairs, thats how. After nearly dying from the hike up, a whole new Guangzhou opened up for me. There were temples, galleries, and museums waiting for anyone who dares travel up the thousand or so steps.


Eating was a challenge as very few people spoke English and I know how to say two things in Chinese. They do not offer menus in English, however most do have pictures. So what looks good? What did I just order?


So this is what I ordered. Probably one of the best meals I had in China (and they were all very good). It was a spicy, soupy concoction of beef and onions in a spicy broth. Out of this world and I have yet to find anything like it in the states.

Friendly people, big city, great food, very clean, and very safe. Standing on Beijing Road, a little girl walks up to me and says in practiced English, "Hello". I respond in my awful Chinese, "Nihow". She then says to me, "welcome to China". I told her thank you and left me with a huge smile on my face the rest of the day. China is an amazing place and if you are wondering if you should go, do. You will not be disappointed.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron

Denver, CO: July, 2010

After the long trip to Chicago, we had a couple of weeks to relax and get back into our routine before we took off to Denver to visit my family. It is always good to go back to where I grew up and visit my cousins, aunt, uncle and grandparents. They love seeing the great grandchildren as well. This was a short trip and sadly we did not get too many pictures in. We try to make it a point to get up and see my grandparents at least once a year. It is always good to spend time with family.


The Great Grandparents.


Two generations together. Grandparents and Great Grandparents.

Always remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron