It was a China Eastern flight and so, yes we were delayed by a day going, and then by 2 extra hours each way.
I WAS able to get a Visa on Arrival (OK for Brits and some other nations, but not for Chinese) with a little baksheesh to grease the process.
It was indeed a demanding country to visit, not helped by being there in the rainy season (flooding & cancelled travel), Ramadan (fasting, so few restaurants open) and illness (my wife and I had toliet/vomitting problems most of the time). BUT, the people are without doubt the friendliest and helpful I've ever encountered. Sure, some were "helpful" in the hope of a tip, but many more were just plain friendly, no strings attached. That'll be my main memory.
I'm British, and I don't feel sickened in the least by the Olympics. Of course costs overran - they always do. To put on this sort of show amidst an economic recession was always going to be hard, but so far so impressive. And with 3 million attendess in the last 4 days alone, it seems there are plenty of people who can afford to see it live. I wish I were there to join in the excitement. More sickening is the public money spent on baling out the financial sector over the last year or so. But that's not solely a British problem at all.
Love the website. US government mind control, aliens found and dissected, Princess Diana ghost caught on film, Elvis alive and well. All very convincing...
Chinese 16-year old female swimmer takes 5 seconds off her best time, breaks the world record, swims faster in the last 50m than the men did, and wins gold. Wow... almost too good to be true...?
As an e-bike user myself, the sooner the better for making helmets compulsory, but I see no sign of it being enforced as yet. Why not also fine those who use their phones while driving or who drive up the roads the wrong way or who don't indicate or......
Price is now 100RMB for adults, 70RMB for children.
Some of the animal areas are as far as 10+km from the entrance - you can buy a hop on/off bus ticket for 60RMB per person, but there are also clearly marked walkways for those who are full of energy.
Everything inside is pretty expensive - consider bringing a picnic.
Many of the animals are in large outdoor enclosures. Some are caged. The park calls itself a safari, but this is not a "drive your car amongst the animals" thing. It's more like a decent western zoo.
There are places to handle/be photographed with animals, for a fee. Also, some kids amusements.
The animal show is free, but a waste of time (unless you love watching goats, sheep, pigs, horses etc!!).
Good labelling i English thorughout.
Prague cafe used to be my favourite cafe in Wenlin area but I went for lunch there today after a few months away and it's really gone downhill (new owners?). The menu was a photocopy, the food was lacklustre and much more expensive than before, the decor was dull and the service so-so. I won't be back there anytime soon.
It's open! And it's free. And its terrific for kids.
The museum is surprisingly interactive (although only 2/3 of the attractions are working) and modern (VR, simulators, touchscreens, etc). Sadly, no English on any of the displays but the fun is in trying to work out how the exhibits work and what they are supposed to be showing. Well worth a visit.
Helmets for all: New e-bike regulations rolled out
Posted byTwo months on - business as usual. Shame.
Helmets for all: New e-bike regulations rolled out
Posted byAs an e-bike user myself, the sooner the better for making helmets compulsory, but I see no sign of it being enforced as yet. Why not also fine those who use their phones while driving or who drive up the roads the wrong way or who don't indicate or......
Fight for Charity Preview – Paul vs Tudou
Posted by....title should read "Tudou", not "Tuduo"
Return of Kunming street markets
Posted by2 million e-bikes. Wow!
Travel in the times of Ebola — and Covid-19
Posted byWow. Impressive guy!