Macau, China: Aug. 2010

When it was time to pack up and head out of Guangzhou, there were still a couple of days left before heading back to Hong Kong to go home. We decided that Macau would be an interesting stop over. Like Hong Kong, Macau only recently came back under Chinese rule, though it still has sovereign rule over the people that live there, at least for the next 50 years. For hundreds of years, Macau had been under Portuguese rule, and the European style architecture and a now decrepit Catholic cathedral as well as an old Portuguese fort show the very strong European influence. Now, Macau has been taken over by Las Vegas style casino hotels, luxurious rooms, and food that is recognizable to any foreign travelers. While I did not gamble while I was there (I see no point in gambling) I did take a peek into one of the casinos. On the outside it looks like any casino you would see on the Vegas strip, and you can walk into them in wearing shorts and a t-shirt, yet inside they remind me of a casino in Europe, very quiet and subdued. There is some very rich history in this part on the world, and unless you like to gamble, Macau can be seen in a day. I still found it very interesting and I always enjoy walking the side streets and back ways to see what is out there. There the real Macau showed up, and it was very similar to Guangzhou and the culture there.



In the center of downtown it is easy to get the feeling you could be in Europe. The European feel is all around in the older parts of Macau.


Street signs in both Chinese and Portuguese.



What remains of the cathedral, now a tourist hot spot. A look at a couple of the old canons atop the Portuguese fortress.


The "real" Macau. The back streets. Small shops selling everyday staples to the people that live in the area.


Dried sardines?


Duck, chicken, sausage? All that anyone could need to survive are found on these little side streets.

I am not sure I would travel back to Macau. It's not that I didn't enjoy it; I loved it there for the day that I went exploring. But after a day, I had seen everything. Now, if you like gambling and casinos, then Macau might just be for you. I would have rather spent another day or two in Hong Kong; or traveled to Singapore or Taiwan for new and interesting adventures.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron

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