Small group travel is not so bad

I arrived back from my mini trip to China a few months ago... I have to admit, it was wonderful. The group of people I met and explored were like minded, open and adventurous. The travel company was lacking.. but that will be for another post.

What I learned about was how to be ready to pick up and go, ways to maneuver a different city and how very friendly people can be when you are also friendly to them. The best trick I learned.. so simple but I had not thought of it... a small group of us took the subway in Beijing to the Summer Palace. Jay and his wife, very seasoned travelers.. took a picture of the station sign we were at and then upon arrival at our destination took another one.

On our way back, he was able to show the picture.. and directions were easy...

Second, tip as always, Go Local.. eat, hang and interact with the locals. Again our small group within a small group, would go out and visit the local shopping areas, night markets and malls. We were the only foreigners, which made for some funny looks, but was nice to be in real life not tourist central.

I do have to post my travel videos and pics ... time has gotten away from me..

Our next Adventure is to Iceland in September...

Eating and China

I am so excited to be going to China for a quick trip later next month. My only concern is food safety and my health. We have lived and stayed very healthy in Mexico for years but about 10 years ago we took a trip to Thailand and I got very ill. It took about 4 years to fully recover.
Having traveled to Taiwan a few years back, there were no issues. It wasn't until I started reading for this trip that I realized, we are 
on the Mainland now.
As I will only be in China for just over a week, there will be very little packing that I will need. To be safe, (over cautious) I will be bringing protein drinks and granola bars... and other snack items to fill in the gaps. I will also be bringing a round of antibiotics just in case.
The things to remember:
1. NEVER drink the water unless it is bottled and you see it unsealed. (this means no ice)
2. No fresh fruits or vegetables as they can be washed in the tap water.
3. Use bottled water to brush your teeth and be careful in the shower.. (this was how I think I got sick in Thailand)
4. No Fried foods, they use recycled oil..
5. Look for what is safe. Fully cooked eggs, breads and boiling soups...

I will provide an update once I meet with my Dr. later this month.

Never let speed bumps stop you from traveling.. Just be creative in how to go around them.

China: First things First... the Visa Application

It has been over a year since I have posted. There are lots of reasons...

1. My real job got busy and worked on a new course of training that is now complete.

 2. As a family we have re arranged our lives to begin to travel again...

My first trip that I have planned is a very short overview of China. As much as I love AirBnB the many facets and requirements for traveling and enjoying my short trip led me to sign up for my first group tour.... Stunning China 

We (hubby) and I plan to go back and be more independent.. but being on my own, this seems to be the best way for a sampling of Mainland China.

So this is the first time I have traveled and needed a Visa.. The Application process for the Chinese Visa can be a bit daunting... I chose to have the tour group leader complete the process for me. Travelers are required to deliver their passports, drivers license and documents to the Chinese consult in person. The cost of the Visa is $140 (Feb. 2018) and the fee for the travel company to assist and take it to the consulate was only about $75. Well worth it!

Looking forward to getting back to my travel writing and Fair Dinkum Travel experiences... through out 2018..


再见      "Good Bye"
(Zài jiàn)

What we can learn from the title ugly American...

Our view of American Tourists is the ugly American... ..

From Germany to Granada, we hear and see tourists speaking and yelling in English and amazed others don't speak English,.. In the USA, people have voted for English only laws... but when we go abroad we expect the rules to change... 

One of the best parts of travel is to become a part of another culture and country... 

There is a new dynamic that is the exact same perspective but from yet another country... 

This CNN article from 2013 discussed the same learning curve Americans have had now is being traveled thru by the Chinese Tourists as they now begin to become one of the largest traveling countrymen...... 

When traveling, as when you go to another persons home, remember to understand the culture and expectations.. You are a guest.. (no matter the color of your credit card) and all of the manners your parents taught you as a child can make your overseas trip a delight... 

Appreciating how many ways different cultures do and handle situations is exciting and broadens ones world view and makes one more accepting of "the other" even when back at home... 

So as you read the CNN article understand that everyone has been the new tourist and has gone thru the learning curve.. 

A polite reply or gentle comment can go far to help our Guests in American, have a pleasant experience and allows us to enjoy the hospitality that America can be known for.