Starting out: China seemed so intimidating when I started planning for it. It seemed huge (because it is), filled with must-sees (because it is), and also a bit harder to plan for than someplace like Europe (because for me it was). I was also running on limited vacation time, which meant this would be a relatively short trip for Asia …
China Part 4 – Back in Beijing
After a fantastic few days in Yangshuo, we were headed back to Beijing to spend three and a half more days sightseeing, hanging out with the family, and enjoying the city before it was time to fly home. Our final day with ExoTravel held an attraction we’d definitely been looking forward to: the Great Wall. As I’ve said before, Exo …
China Part 3 – Yangshuo
First, I’ll say that while this post is filled to the brim with photos, they still don’t do justice to this unbelievably gorgeous part of China. We had been told by both guides on the trip so far how lucky we were to be going to Yangshuo. Ming told us it was her favorite place in the world, and Selina …
China Part 2 – Xi’an & Chinese “Culture Shock”
Every new place has its own brand of culture shock, and generally speaking I’d say China’s can be summed up in two categories: personal space and bathrooms. The personal space thing was crazy, but the shock quickly wore off. We witnessed close encounters–literally, with women hip-checking one another trying to dry their hands in public spaces–and other interactions that would …
China Part 1 – Beijing
I had been thinking about China since my Godfather/Uncle, Aunt, and their boys moved there six years ago. Since Jon learned about our awesome family living there, it’s been on his list as well. It took us plenty long, but we finally made it! My Mom joined us for this trip as well. We arrived in Beijing and my Aunt …