What's Your Travel IQ?

Hi Y'all,

Click here - TravelPod's Traveler IQ Challenge

I was made aware of this site last night, via the Public Radio International series, The World. I've only played once, but I can already foresee this being a highly addictive way to pass the time. But, I'm hurriedly updating the blog at work, so it'll have to be put aside until later.

Below is the screenshot of my first attempt, hopefully to motivate others to give it a whirl. My achilles heel was the South Pacific capitals, but I did surprisingly well (to me, anyway) with the African questions. Thanks to the Amazing Race for enlightening me on the whereabouts of Burkina Faso and it's capital, Ouagadougou.

Enjoy, and let me know how you do!

Later...
G

My Own Exotic Backyard

Hi Y'all,

Sometimes, the exotic place you seek may be in your own backyard. Far away places always capture the imagination, but take some time to look around your everyday world and notice the true uniqueness an area has to offer.

Around eastern Tennessee, I meet people everyday who are always looking somewhere else because they feel the area is, well, choose your favorite shortcoming. I won't go into the specifics, but the southern stereotypes that people apply here are seldom accurate. But even if they all were, isn't that a bit exotic when compared with a normal of, say, London? It's all a matter of perspective.

One common thread I've noticed is that the people who are not experiencing the most eastern Tennessee has to offer are the ones who aren't actively seeking experiences to begin with. Not that Tennessee has everything to offer, but it may certainly be worth exploring. How about a Saturday beginning with a bicycle tour of Knoxville, complete with homes designed by George Barber, a zoo, and a botanical garden; followed by a wine tasting and pig roast at a local winery; a quick dinner of hummus at a local deli, (where one discovers that the proprietor's father was once mayor of Tel Aviv); then walking to the Laurel Theater for a performance by Clyde Davenport, an 86 year old fiddler carrying on the traditions of Appalachian music (if that's not your cup of tea, earlier in the week artists such as Branford Marsalis, Nickel Creek, Superdrag, and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra all had shows around town); and winding up the day with a visit to a tapas bar with live jazz. Clear, sunny day with leaves turning autumn reds and golds, and temperatures in the low 70's. Not a bad Saturday for these hillbillies.

Wherever you are, be happy where you are.

Later...
G

On Blogging from Censored Locations

Hi Y'all,

Despite some minor difficulties and time constraints, I really had little problem posting to this blog during the recent China visit. Viewing the blog, however, was a different story. I accepted this as only an inconvenience until the recent events in Myanmar. After all, my blog was started on a lark; just a way to share my experiences with others I know in a lighthearted manner. The whole concept of internet communication takes on a different light when lives are in the balance and a country's future is in limbo. I won't go into the politics of the situation, but those who know me will already know my stance.

The situation in Myanmar involving how information is being spread from the flashpoints is remarkable. A little reminiscent to April, 1989, when the Tiananmen Square protests were underway. China shut down satellite transmissions, but the media agencies were able to file reports via telephone and video footage was smuggled out of the country. Those images, including the famous "Tank Man" photo below (Jeff Widener, AP), are striking to this day.

The ruling generals in Myanmar were a little late in figuring out that the internet was hampering their ability to control the situation in Myanmar. Friday, they literally pulled the plug on the country's two internet providers. The New York Times has an interesting article today (albeit a little late) here.

All of a sudden, I realize that the inability to view my blog's comments while in China is a rather ominous reminder that freedoms are not always to be taken for granted. I also wonder that if I have the chance to visit Yangon in years' time, if it will have the same impact on me as when I visited Tiananmen Square, nearly 15 years after the protests, with the image of Tank Man and the hushed voices of news correspondents reporting via their phones, seared into my memory.

Later...
G

Let the Updates Begin

Hi Y'all,

As promised, I'll begin updating the blog now. Sorry for the delay, but life has been a bit hectic since returning from China.

Unlike my earlier promise, I'll begin with an entry that is not from a past travel of my own. I received the following video from a fellow traveller, and the wandering bug hit right away. Thought I'd share it first, then share my own experiences later. Enjoy.

Later...
G

Truly Worldwide

Hi Y'all,

Looks like the recent travel has garnered international attention! Check out my new friends' website, http://www.pendantcetempsla.com , and peak around for a bit. Somewhere, buried in the photos, are a couple of pics of yours truly clowning around in China. Cheers to Claire and Johann, and best wishes for the remaining months of their 9 month global journey. Rocky is green with envy!

Later...
G

Coming Home

Hi Y'all,

Just found an internet cafe in the Beijing airport, so I'll type for a few minutes. I've shown up early to avoid the heat of the midday and, most importantly, not to miss my flight home!

The entire 3 weeks have been an absolute blast, further reinforcing my love of travel, meeting new friends, and generally exploring places I've never been. There's been a few surprises along the way, so I'll continue the blog on my return to further explain some of the more humorous, and a few not-so-humorous, moments the 3 weeks in China have offered. I've also taken nearly 800 photos, a few of which I'll publish here from time to time.

In addition, if there's a favorable response, I can include a few pictures from some of my past travels as well. And, of course, there's Rocky, who always accompanies me (see his thrilling encounter with Bruce Lee, below).

Rocky has been a travel companion for 7 years, when he was rescued from a drug store display at a fraction of his original price. He/she (I respect Rocky's privacy) is always smiling, always giving the 'thumbs up' sign, and always wears the aviator's cap, signaling the readiness to travel. Rocky has been to China before, as well as Belgium, Australia, and a vast number of places across the US. I always encourage Rocky to be photogenic in circumstances that will bring a bit of jocularity and to invite all to join in the fun, without being disrespectful to other cultures.

In the case of the infamous Rumble in Hong Kong, everyone seemed to be very intent on snapping a photo of themselves or a family member with the statue of Bruce, so much so that it was nearly impossible to to jostle for position and catch a clean shot (Jackie Chan's footprints were an even bigger hassle). As soon as Rocky appeared, nearly half the crowd's attention was turned toward the crazy western tourist and his sidekick (sorry, Bruce, couldn't resist the pun), with an amusement that I interpreted as easing some of the frantic pace of the amateur photographers. It was a brief moment, but perhaps it did lighten a mood or two.

Many times, I'll be seen with Rocky and will be asked to snap a shot of a family together with their camera. I suppose Rocky has a face others can trust, and that if I can take a photo of a flying squirrel, then surely I can take a photo of parent with their 8 year old son.

Despite the love of travel, I'm looking forward to my home's shower and my own bed. Too bad I have to report back to work 8 hours after I arrive home. I'll catch up on some sleep by the weekend, and will post new updates soon.

Later...
G

From Hong Kong to Inner Mongolia

Hi Y'all,

I'm now in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, at the Anda Guesthouse. Very comfortable and inexpensive, in a city with one of the nicest airports I've encountered in China.

Of course, being in China once again also means not being able to access the blog page, so I'll be typing blind until I'm back in the States. But keep those comments coming, as it's the closest way I've got to share the travels with everyone.

Hohhot is extremely mild compared to the heat and humidity of Hong Kong/Macau. More than a few times I found myself with my shirt wringing wet while walking in the near tropical environment of southeast China. The city itself is very clean (smog dominated Beijing, Xi'an, Kunming, and Hong Kong) and appears very modern. However, tomorrow is a trip to the Grasslands to visit a Mongolian family, so it'll be back to the rural life for at least one more day.

It's very difficult to keep the entries short, as so much happens in a typical day that the experiences pile up after a few hours. But not to worry, I've only taken 648 photos so far. I'll attempt to upload a photo in the next posting of my favorite menu found thus far, taken hurriedly on an elevator in Shenzhen during this morning's departure. For now, a brief nap before going out to find dinner (the kind not listed in the menu).

OK, the delay of two days in this post is due to a power failure at the hostel. I now I'm finding that I can't retrieve my email. But, it's only a few more days until I return, so I'll work on the difficulties from this end and perhaps resolve them before I leave Hohhot.

Later...
G

Hong Kong, Part II

Hi Y'all,

The first part of this post is from a coffee shop on the Avenue of Stars (or something like that), with a great view of the harbor and a very 'kewl' statue of Bruce Lee. Yep, Rocky got to meet Bruce.

Off in a few to Shenzhen, where I'll catch a flight to Hohhot tomorrow morning. The typhoon has only sprayed a little bit of water so far, so it looks like no problem for an early departure.

I've made it back to the hostel in Hong Kong, where the typhoon has now brought more rain. Yesterday, I took the train to The Peak, an overlook on Hong Kong Island that showcases the city. At least on clear days. I thought this would be a good contrast against the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain pic from a few days ago.

I don't know how the internet access will turn out in Hohhot, but I'll try to post when I can. I don't expect to be able to view the blog until I return to the States, so I look forward to some good comments when I return.

Later...
G

Hong Kong Blogging

Hi Y'all,

For the first time in the trip, I can actually see my blog! It's not blocked in Hong Kong, where I'm currently staying in a youth hostel in the Kowloon district. Nearly as crowded as Singapore, and much hotter than I remember S'pore being.

Just about to take off for Macau for the day, so I'll have to keep this one short as well. Hopefully, I'll find a few minutes later today to publish a better update. In the meantime, here's a taste of some of the scenery I had the pleasure of enjoying the last few days in Wenhai. It's the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which rises to over 18,359 ft.

Later...
G

Back to Tourist Land

Hi Y'all,

Back safe and sound in Lijiang, after an amazing time in Wenhai. I'm being pressured for use of the computer, so I'll try to update a little later.

Later...
G

Which way to Wenhai?

Hi y'all,

Updating the blog is an interesting challenge. The website is in Chinese, so I have to click a few wrong turns to figure out how to navigate through the editing screens. Still can't view the blog.

I'm about an hour from setting off on horseback to the Wenhai Ecolodge. Funny thing is, you can't find it on any of the local maps, and it's not listed in the tourist areas. My first impression of this is that there's no 'good ol' boy' network of people all making money off the venture. The second realization is that I may be doing something truly unique to this area, which will be a great awakening after the very touristy old city of Lijiang. All the old city is nothing but a tourist area. Think about the difference in Gatlinburg today as compared to 40 years ago, and you'll have the tip of the iceberg.

Anyhoo, still need to pack and check out of the hostel, so hopefully I can give an update sometime on the 6th when I return.

Later...
G

Finally - An Update

Hi Y'all,

OK, so I can't view the blog from China. It's blocked on all the computers I've tried thus far, from Tsinghua University in Beijing, to the youth hostel in Xi'an, to the hostel in Kunming. But I've finally managed to login to my account for the updates, so here's the first one.

So far I've taken around 150 photos, and I plan on taking more once I'm in the mountains. For now, Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is home for the night. Tomorrow (around 14 hours from now), I'll board a plane to travel to Lijiang. Kunming is thankfully a bit cooler than Beijing, which makes exploring much more pleasant. Tonight, I plan to try a dish called over-the-bridge noodles, for which the Yunnan province is famous. Kunimng is also famous for being the endpoint of the Burma Road, and, after the Japanese cut off the supply route, the base for the Flying Tigers (flying "The Hump", a dangerous part of the Himalayas). Nowadays, it's an industrial center, but with surprisingly better air quality than Beijing (wait'll you see the pics).

I'm hungry for the noodles now, so I'll cut this one short. I'm hoping to include a photo or two in the next update, so stay tuned.

Later...
G

Flying out

Hi Y'all,

Looks like everything is on schedule and I'll be flying out soon. Hope to post a few from Beijing in the next day or so.

Later...
G

Current Itinerary

Hi y'all,

Here's the latest itinerary:

July 28 Beijing West Railway Station - Xi'an Train No. Z19
July 31 Xi'an - Kunming MU5726 1055/1300
Aug 01 Kunming - Lijiang MU5945 0800/0850
Aug 07 Lijiang - Shenzhen ZH9982 1140/1350
Aug 10 Shenzhen - Huhhot ZH9847 0835/1120
Aug 13 Huhhot - Beijing CA1111 2000/2110


July 28th: Depart Beijing by train for Xian 9pm,
Beijing West Rail Station, Xi’an Train No. Z19
July 29-30th: Arrive Xian
Lodging: Xiangzimen International Hostel
July 31: Depart Xian for Kunming/Arrive Kunming
Aug. 1: Depart Kunming for Lijiang
Aug. 2: Hike to Ecolodge
Lodging Aug 2-5: Wenhai Ecolodge
Aug. 6: Hike to Lijiang
Aug. 7,8,9: Depart for Shenzhen
Lodging: Dragon Hostel Hong Kong
Aug. 10: Depart for Hohhot from Shenzhen
Aug. 11: Hohhot
Aug. 12: Hohhot
Aug. 13: Return to Beijing (evening if possible)
Lodging Aug 13-14: Beijing Far East International Youth Hostel
Aug. 15: Depart Beijing

From Lijiang, there will be a hike to the Wenhai Ecolodge, for a few days' stay there. Check it out here. It's within striking distance of Tiger Leaping Gorge, a place I hope to see because of the following photo, courtesy of Michael Palin.

Later...
G

2700 cu in for 3 weeks

Yep, that's that's right. Living out of a 2700 cu in daypack for the entire duration of the trip. That's yet another experiment for this trip.

The biggest dilemma involves my hiking boots. It's the rainy season in a few of the places I'll be going, and my Danner Mountain Light hikers are one of the most comfortable boots I've owned. But they are clunky and big, and will take up a sizable amount of valuable space should I need to carry them while travelling. A pack rehearsal is in the works for later today. Perhaps a pic to show that the daypack can be done.

Later...
G

Worldwide Gordon in the 21st Century

Hi y'all,

I'm Busy. Very busy.

Not usually how it goes, but this is different. I'm preparing to embark on a 3 week vacation to China, and I have much to do. Selling my old home. Settling in my new home. Catching up with projects at work. Establishing my first blog.

Why the blog, you ask? Simple. It's an experiment for the upcoming trip. I'll also be keeping a handwritten journal, which is another first for me. And, of course, taking pictures. The photos won't be a first, but an organized approach to collecting them will be. Lofty aspirations from a person who would rather experience people and surroundings than become a documentarian.

In the next few days, I'll post the itinerary, maybe a preliminary pic or two, and a thought or two. But don't anticipate these writings to be too personal and biographical, though. I'm an engineer. Stick around anyway, since my life seems to defy prediction. Past, present, and most likely future.

Later...
G