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

Chicago, Il: June,2010

Jacki was born and raised in the Chicago area and her family is still there. When she occassionally mentions that she is yearning for Chicago, it is always wise to make the pilgrimage back to her mother and brothers. June is typically a great time to go there as winter is now over and summer has not hit full swing yet. Well, this time was the exception, sort of. On the days there was sun, it was hot and humid. However, most days were covered with overcast skys and it rained pretty much every day for at least a short period. It was still a great time in a great city with a fun family and that Chicago culture mesh. Chicago aside, we did manage to get up north to Wisconsin and down south to Indiana. We hit up the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Wisconsin Dells, House on the Rock, the great Dunes of Indiana, and of course we had to go to Navy Pier. We love Chicago, the culture, museums, and the food. Also, spending time with family is always nice.




One of the best and most fun museums in the country is Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. From and actual captured WWII German U-boat, to a scale model of Chicago complete with working trains, to various aircraft dive bombing you from the cieling. A lot of interactive displays and just a great time for the whole family.




Another great spot to spend a day is at Chicago's Botanical Gardens. From beutiful flowers, green trees and grass, waterfalls, Japanese tranquility garden, and a very large model train display that takes model trains past historical sites across the country.


The chapel at Holy Hill, Wisconsin. We got there a bit late and didn't get to go inside. Very sad, but maybe next time.


We took a ton of pictures at House on the Rock in Wisconsin. A very interesting museum by all means. My favorite part was the model ships they had on display, the rest seemed to be a very eclectic collection of crap. It would benefit visitors if they would provide more information on the items they had on display, and while the giant carousel is cool in its own right, some of the "horses" and the ladies on the wall and ceiling were just plain creepy.


For good family fun, the Dells in Wisconsin is the place to go. A whole city that caters to fun. Hotel/amusement parks, jet boat tours, go cart racing. All a great time. We took a tour of the Dells via water and while getting soaked by the rain, Jacki and I couldn't help but laugh at the tour guide that did not know anything about what the boat was going past, and didn't even know her right form left. It was a joy by all means. However, the scenery was breathtaking and who doesn't like boat rides?


A quick trip down to Indiana and the Dunes on the coast of Lake Michigan. A huge playground for those looking for summertime fun on the shores of the lake with the skyline of Chicago looming in the background. A big deal is to hike to the top of Mount Baldy. At a booming 150ft, it is quite an endeavor. Actually, the hike up is a little tough as to get to the top you have to walk up hill in some pretty soft sand. It is a good workout.


Mount Baldy.


If you're in Chicago and a little short on funds, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a good place to see. Admission is free and it is not just some small zoo thrown together for you to see in an hour. It is a proper zoo and it'll take you a good portion of the day to see all of the exhibits.


And a trip to Navy Pier is always a good idea and a fun way to spend a few hours. Shops, restaurants, beer garden, and a stained glass museum are all available at Navy Peir.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron