This was my 2nd trip to China, so I pretty much knew what to expect, but it gets me every time! It is Winter there at the moment so we were freezing! I've done snow in Russia, Finland and Alaska, but this was cold!! A wet cold that cuts through all layers.
We had a Translator accompany us everywhere, but communication remains a challenge. We would ask "What time will we be back at the Hotel?" And after a 10 minute discussion between the Translator and who ever we were spending the day with the answer would be "8 o'clock". This was with all questions, 10 minute discussion and a one word reply! But the Menu translations were the best - "A baby duck just lying there" . Literally, a baby duck in a green broth, just lying there! "An egg, with duck liver and fish fetus", fish fetus being Caviar.
There is no Sesame Chicken or Sweet and Sour Pork on any menu! I have gotten myself so far to try anything and everything when travelling, but the rest of the crew turned Vegetarian very quickly! If you are tired, you can have a rest on the best trampoline for a while.
The Great Wall was a very nice experience, finally ticked that off my list! It was very cold up there, but worth it. The shopping was fantastic, but negotiating for the best price is crucial! Bought a watch, started at 800, got him down to 200! Just to be snarled at by our guide, "Too much, you should only pay 80!"
Check out these funny clips of what our crew got up to in China:
