Hi all,
Posting in China is trickier than anticipated, please check the group blog for updates on my travel:
http://absolutecomputingvt.com/eil/blog.html
I'll be posting there.
China is amazing, different, sad, exciting, and much more. Here is my post about the great wall:
Well, it's hard to believe I'm really here. China! I'm surprised by how much English everyone speaks here, and by the pollution. The food is wonderful. Beijing is unbelievably huge; there are so many people here.Today we saw the Great Wall and it was truly great. Standing atop the wall on the mountain ridgeline with sweeping views in both directions, I felt the power and security the Chinese soldiers must have felt 600 years ago.The wall is like a snake's back, or as the Chinese say, a dragon's back, snaking its way along the ridgelines off into the mountain haze. The mountains, jagged, layered and blue are truly stunning.We took the tobogan chute(like an alpine slide) down the mountain back to the bottom. What fun! What an adventure! We're lucky to have a great group of people to travel with. I'll try and keep you updated on my adventures still to come!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Getting Ready...again
I have a had a few days in California to myself to get ready to travel again.
A few days ago I went to the Jack London State Historical Park, near Sonoma. I didn't know that he and his wife had a ranch there. They planned to settle there, built a magnificent, beautiful mansion, but they day before they were to move in, it all burned to the ground. Arson was suspected, but it remains a mystery. After Jack's death (there are suspicions of suicide, but it could have been an accidental morphine overdose) his wife Charmain built a different house on the property, now used as the museum.
Jack London had been all over the world, and poking around his wife's house filled with artifacts from around the globe got me excited to travel. He was a real adventurer! The whole place was kind of sad a creepy though...abandoned buildings, barns, vineyards, all left behind and now forgotten, empty.
Today has been laundry and packing. Again, I've worried I've overpacked, but I feel ready. I can't wait to meet my co-adventurers and get to know them better. I am so excited to finally see China, while at the same time, after all the reading I've been doing, I feel angry and China and her government. There has been so much pain, death, and change. In the face of economic boom, it seems that corruption and greed run rampant, particularly with people in power and people in government. There are so many complicated issues facing China right now, among them communism, capatalism, censorship and free speech, overpopulation and the "one child" policy, a growing economy and a changing culture, and the neglected 9 million peseants who are being left behind. So so much happening, I'll try to write more about it as I gain perspective while I'm there.
Next time I write, I'll be writing from China!
Wish me luck!
A few days ago I went to the Jack London State Historical Park, near Sonoma. I didn't know that he and his wife had a ranch there. They planned to settle there, built a magnificent, beautiful mansion, but they day before they were to move in, it all burned to the ground. Arson was suspected, but it remains a mystery. After Jack's death (there are suspicions of suicide, but it could have been an accidental morphine overdose) his wife Charmain built a different house on the property, now used as the museum.
Jack London had been all over the world, and poking around his wife's house filled with artifacts from around the globe got me excited to travel. He was a real adventurer! The whole place was kind of sad a creepy though...abandoned buildings, barns, vineyards, all left behind and now forgotten, empty.
Today has been laundry and packing. Again, I've worried I've overpacked, but I feel ready. I can't wait to meet my co-adventurers and get to know them better. I am so excited to finally see China, while at the same time, after all the reading I've been doing, I feel angry and China and her government. There has been so much pain, death, and change. In the face of economic boom, it seems that corruption and greed run rampant, particularly with people in power and people in government. There are so many complicated issues facing China right now, among them communism, capatalism, censorship and free speech, overpopulation and the "one child" policy, a growing economy and a changing culture, and the neglected 9 million peseants who are being left behind. So so much happening, I'll try to write more about it as I gain perspective while I'm there.
Next time I write, I'll be writing from China!
Wish me luck!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Lavender Ice Cream
California is wonderful, because you can find things to eat like lavender ice cream made with local organic lavender. It was delicious.
This seemed to be the general spirit of the north coast: earthy, refreshing, laid back, and well, not delicious, but at least very beautiful.
On Thursday Mike and I drove north up Route 1 (The Coastal Highway) to Mendocino. The road was very curvy and featured stunning views of the ocean, sheer cliffs dropping a hundred feet to the crashing waves, rocky crags and arches. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful, sunny day with zero fog, which is a rarity along this coast.
Mendocino is a cute little north coast tourist town, not unlike a small coastal New England town. Amid the antique, art, and wine shops we stayed in a historic little hotel with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The Mendocino music festival was in full swing on the green across from our hotel, so after dinner was had dessert and wine on the balcony and listening to great music until it was time for bed.
Friday we continued north and visited some redwood groves before turning south to head back to Sebastapol. We were on a mission to Navarro Winery to find one of my dad's favorite wines : Navarro Pinot Noir Methode Ancienne (an old fashioned method of processing grapes, delicately, apparently to reduce harsh tannins. We tasted it at the winery, it was smooth!). We bought a few bottles as a thank you present for my dad for booking us the night at the hotel in Mendocino.
It was a wonderful few days to soak up the north coast atmosphere and relax. Now we are back in Sebastapol with dad, Mike is packing, he flys back to Vermont tonight. And in just a few more days, I'll be flying out for China!
This seemed to be the general spirit of the north coast: earthy, refreshing, laid back, and well, not delicious, but at least very beautiful.
On Thursday Mike and I drove north up Route 1 (The Coastal Highway) to Mendocino. The road was very curvy and featured stunning views of the ocean, sheer cliffs dropping a hundred feet to the crashing waves, rocky crags and arches. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful, sunny day with zero fog, which is a rarity along this coast.
Mendocino is a cute little north coast tourist town, not unlike a small coastal New England town. Amid the antique, art, and wine shops we stayed in a historic little hotel with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The Mendocino music festival was in full swing on the green across from our hotel, so after dinner was had dessert and wine on the balcony and listening to great music until it was time for bed.
Friday we continued north and visited some redwood groves before turning south to head back to Sebastapol. We were on a mission to Navarro Winery to find one of my dad's favorite wines : Navarro Pinot Noir Methode Ancienne (an old fashioned method of processing grapes, delicately, apparently to reduce harsh tannins. We tasted it at the winery, it was smooth!). We bought a few bottles as a thank you present for my dad for booking us the night at the hotel in Mendocino.
It was a wonderful few days to soak up the north coast atmosphere and relax. Now we are back in Sebastapol with dad, Mike is packing, he flys back to Vermont tonight. And in just a few more days, I'll be flying out for China!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Visiting Yosemite
Mike and I spent the last 4 days visiting Yosemite with my Dad and his friend Karen. It was my first visit to the park, and I will try and share my impressions.
Honestly, I was not prepared for the tourist destination that is Yosemite. Having travelled mostly in the east, I expected to find people like me in the national park: people who like being outside, who like to walk and hike, who know better than to feed squirrels. I had no idea. I wasn't ready for all the RVs, the swimming pool, the golf course, taco stand, women in heels and manicures, and the obese squirrels that positively waddled.
I think it was in part because of this, that it felt like such a Disneyland, I had a hard time connecting with the place. I know it is supposed to be a marvel of nature, but as I gazed at the hulking mass of half dome, gained sweeping views of the valley and stared upward at sheer cliffs, I felt less than moved. It didn't feel real, I couldn't appreciate it. At first I wondered why this park was even exciting at all.
Then, on our third day, we hiked up to Vernal and then Nevada Falls. For the third day we were walking around in extreme heat and sun: weather prediction was 97 degrees for the valley floor, and we didn't feel much cooler as we gained elevation. But as we approached the top of Nevada falls, dark clouds moved in and we heard thunder. A ranger hiked past us, saying he was on his way to half dome to get people off of there, but that we should be OK continuing to the top of the falls. At the top of the falls, it started to rain. We headed for tree cover on the ridge just past the falls, and very quickly the wind picked up, and we were hunkered down in the middle of a hail and lightening storm.
And although it sounds strange, at that moment, sheltered beneath a sequoia with driving hail and lighting crashing around us, I was suddenly having a great time. Now I realized that I actually WAS in nature, it wasn't all a facade for tourists, and suddenly I was able to appreciate Yosemite and the power of nature there in a different way. It was scary up there for a few minutes, but generally it gave us a sense of adventure.
Other highlights include seeing fat bears roaming around in broad daylight, getting stung by a nastly little bee on the first day, hiking Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point (great views!), the fact that our campsite wasn't actually crowded, checking out cliffs and waterfalls that measured in the thousands of feet, swimming in the river after hiking in the heat, being the ONLY people with raingear in the rain/hail storm, and generally just seeing all those famous landmarks for the first time.
I think that is all for now. Mike and I are headed up to Mendocino for a night (anniversary present from dad!) to see the ocean and maybe more redwoods.
I'll write more when I can!
Honestly, I was not prepared for the tourist destination that is Yosemite. Having travelled mostly in the east, I expected to find people like me in the national park: people who like being outside, who like to walk and hike, who know better than to feed squirrels. I had no idea. I wasn't ready for all the RVs, the swimming pool, the golf course, taco stand, women in heels and manicures, and the obese squirrels that positively waddled.
I think it was in part because of this, that it felt like such a Disneyland, I had a hard time connecting with the place. I know it is supposed to be a marvel of nature, but as I gazed at the hulking mass of half dome, gained sweeping views of the valley and stared upward at sheer cliffs, I felt less than moved. It didn't feel real, I couldn't appreciate it. At first I wondered why this park was even exciting at all.
Then, on our third day, we hiked up to Vernal and then Nevada Falls. For the third day we were walking around in extreme heat and sun: weather prediction was 97 degrees for the valley floor, and we didn't feel much cooler as we gained elevation. But as we approached the top of Nevada falls, dark clouds moved in and we heard thunder. A ranger hiked past us, saying he was on his way to half dome to get people off of there, but that we should be OK continuing to the top of the falls. At the top of the falls, it started to rain. We headed for tree cover on the ridge just past the falls, and very quickly the wind picked up, and we were hunkered down in the middle of a hail and lightening storm.
And although it sounds strange, at that moment, sheltered beneath a sequoia with driving hail and lighting crashing around us, I was suddenly having a great time. Now I realized that I actually WAS in nature, it wasn't all a facade for tourists, and suddenly I was able to appreciate Yosemite and the power of nature there in a different way. It was scary up there for a few minutes, but generally it gave us a sense of adventure.
Other highlights include seeing fat bears roaming around in broad daylight, getting stung by a nastly little bee on the first day, hiking Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point (great views!), the fact that our campsite wasn't actually crowded, checking out cliffs and waterfalls that measured in the thousands of feet, swimming in the river after hiking in the heat, being the ONLY people with raingear in the rain/hail storm, and generally just seeing all those famous landmarks for the first time.
I think that is all for now. Mike and I are headed up to Mendocino for a night (anniversary present from dad!) to see the ocean and maybe more redwoods.
I'll write more when I can!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Northern California and San Francisco
Ok, well I just noticed I've been spelling San FranCisco wrong in the last post, my apologies, I don't have enough time right now to go back and fix them. :)
The last few days have been fun. Yesterday, Mike and began our day with a drive out to Bodega Bay. It was a very foggy and cool day on the coast, so we walked around a little bit, but then continued to drive up Route 1. Route 1 is a winding, curvy road that follows the California coast. We got out at a few overlooks, watching some surfers catch waves in the freezing waters, and walked down to a beach. Even though fog is not ideal weather, it was kind of a novelty for us.
The amazing thing is, we we turned east of Route 1 and started heading inland, within mintutes the thick fog had dissapeared we had and blinding, hot sunlight instead. Driving through wine country is very beautiful. We had some Mexican food for lunch (yum!!!) and then went to Armstrong Woods. It is a preserve of Redwoods, and they were pretty impressive. We hiked around most of the afternoon and then drove up to an overlook. Then we met up with my dad, had a great sushi dinner, and did some preparatory shopping for out trip to Yosemite in a few days.
Today we headed into San Francisco itself. It was foggy and gray again, but we went to the Marin headlands for a nice view of the Golden Gate bridge. Then we walked around Fisherman's Wharf, walked around Ghiradelli Square (and my favorite part- got a free chocolate!), took the cable car to China town for lunch, visited the cable car museum, took the cable car back to the wharf, walked around some more, and then headed back to Sebastapol. Walking around in China town itself got me excited to visit China for real- but I was too chicken to try out any of the Mandarin I've learned! I guess I will have plenty of time for that in China!
I am shocked by how expensive everything is out here:
Golden Gate Bridge Toll: $5
Fisherman's Wharf Parking (5 hours): $27
Fresh Wild Salmon: $16.99/lb
Gas: $3.33/gallon
Lunch Dim Sum Plate: $10.95
Despite all that, we're having a great time and really enjoying the California lifestyle.
We are leaving for Yosemite tomorrow, so I probably won't post for a few days, I'll give you the full report when we get back!!!
The last few days have been fun. Yesterday, Mike and began our day with a drive out to Bodega Bay. It was a very foggy and cool day on the coast, so we walked around a little bit, but then continued to drive up Route 1. Route 1 is a winding, curvy road that follows the California coast. We got out at a few overlooks, watching some surfers catch waves in the freezing waters, and walked down to a beach. Even though fog is not ideal weather, it was kind of a novelty for us.
The amazing thing is, we we turned east of Route 1 and started heading inland, within mintutes the thick fog had dissapeared we had and blinding, hot sunlight instead. Driving through wine country is very beautiful. We had some Mexican food for lunch (yum!!!) and then went to Armstrong Woods. It is a preserve of Redwoods, and they were pretty impressive. We hiked around most of the afternoon and then drove up to an overlook. Then we met up with my dad, had a great sushi dinner, and did some preparatory shopping for out trip to Yosemite in a few days.
Today we headed into San Francisco itself. It was foggy and gray again, but we went to the Marin headlands for a nice view of the Golden Gate bridge. Then we walked around Fisherman's Wharf, walked around Ghiradelli Square (and my favorite part- got a free chocolate!), took the cable car to China town for lunch, visited the cable car museum, took the cable car back to the wharf, walked around some more, and then headed back to Sebastapol. Walking around in China town itself got me excited to visit China for real- but I was too chicken to try out any of the Mandarin I've learned! I guess I will have plenty of time for that in China!
I am shocked by how expensive everything is out here:
Golden Gate Bridge Toll: $5
Fisherman's Wharf Parking (5 hours): $27
Fresh Wild Salmon: $16.99/lb
Gas: $3.33/gallon
Lunch Dim Sum Plate: $10.95
Despite all that, we're having a great time and really enjoying the California lifestyle.
We are leaving for Yosemite tomorrow, so I probably won't post for a few days, I'll give you the full report when we get back!!!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Arriving in California
Well, yesterday, Independence day, was a long day!
We started in Burlington International Airport at 3pm, then to Philly, then Vegas, then finally to San Fransisco. It was a long day of travel, we arrived exhausted!
The best part by far was taking off from Vegas. Our plane left just after sunset, and from the runway we could see the strip of glowing lights, which sucked us in like moths. As we stared at the lights, the towering hotels, the flashing bulbs, we both admitted that suddenly we felt the urgent need to take a vacation to Vegas.
But as the plane took off, the fireworks display began. Suddenly, it seemed like every business in town was launching colored explosions into the sky. As the plane pulled away and we gained a wider view of the city, we saw more and more bursts of fireworks, seemingly every few blocks on the glowing grid. It was quite a sight, I felt like a movie star standing in a football stadium with flashbulbs of green and red popping off all around me.
Even as we coasted into San Fransisco, around 10pm local time, we still caught a number of fireworks displays over the bay and around the city. It was really a treat to see it all from the air.
Today, we slept in and spent the morning exploring Sebastapol on foot. We have no car for today, so hanging around, adjusting to the time change and the heat with a few beers seemed in good order. We might head down to the park and throw a frisbee later on.
It's very exciting to be here and to see my dad. It'll be great to have him as our local guide as we explore the area!
We're off to Yosemite in a few days!
"Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself." -Anonymous
We started in Burlington International Airport at 3pm, then to Philly, then Vegas, then finally to San Fransisco. It was a long day of travel, we arrived exhausted!
The best part by far was taking off from Vegas. Our plane left just after sunset, and from the runway we could see the strip of glowing lights, which sucked us in like moths. As we stared at the lights, the towering hotels, the flashing bulbs, we both admitted that suddenly we felt the urgent need to take a vacation to Vegas.
But as the plane took off, the fireworks display began. Suddenly, it seemed like every business in town was launching colored explosions into the sky. As the plane pulled away and we gained a wider view of the city, we saw more and more bursts of fireworks, seemingly every few blocks on the glowing grid. It was quite a sight, I felt like a movie star standing in a football stadium with flashbulbs of green and red popping off all around me.
Even as we coasted into San Fransisco, around 10pm local time, we still caught a number of fireworks displays over the bay and around the city. It was really a treat to see it all from the air.
Today, we slept in and spent the morning exploring Sebastapol on foot. We have no car for today, so hanging around, adjusting to the time change and the heat with a few beers seemed in good order. We might head down to the park and throw a frisbee later on.
It's very exciting to be here and to see my dad. It'll be great to have him as our local guide as we explore the area!
We're off to Yosemite in a few days!
"Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself." -Anonymous
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Welcome!
This is my first post. Today is my one year wedding anniversary! I can't believe it, it's been a whole year!
Tomorrow, Mike and I head off to San Fransisco for a few weeks to celebrate. We'll be visiting my father, camping, seeing the sights. On July 19th, I fly off to China with a group of teachers for another trip (see my other blog). Then on Aug 12th, I return to California and go right from there to Mexico for two more weeks of language school in Oaxaca.
So how am I feeling right now, on the eve of my departure for all these travels? I feel like I've packed too much, wondering if I've really learned enough Mandarin, I'm excited to go but sad to eventually be without my husband for 5 weeks, thrilled to be visiting a new part of the world, and very curious where my adventures will take me.
If you're curious too, check back in once in a while and see what I've posted.
Off I go!
The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land. ~G.K. Chesterton
Tomorrow, Mike and I head off to San Fransisco for a few weeks to celebrate. We'll be visiting my father, camping, seeing the sights. On July 19th, I fly off to China with a group of teachers for another trip (see my other blog). Then on Aug 12th, I return to California and go right from there to Mexico for two more weeks of language school in Oaxaca.
So how am I feeling right now, on the eve of my departure for all these travels? I feel like I've packed too much, wondering if I've really learned enough Mandarin, I'm excited to go but sad to eventually be without my husband for 5 weeks, thrilled to be visiting a new part of the world, and very curious where my adventures will take me.
If you're curious too, check back in once in a while and see what I've posted.
Off I go!
The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land. ~G.K. Chesterton
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