The Art of the Chinese Sale, also known as The Calculator Game, is actually a lot of fun! I never considered myself much of a bargainer or a haggler – it felt way too pushy – so what happened was a bit surprising. Everyday in Beijing, I went somewhere… Continue reading
From Beijing, we travelled inland south to Xian. 2200 years ago, Emperor Quin Shi Huant, one of the most famous emperors in China, was losing a battle with his enemy. He developed an ingenious plan. He asked his soldiers to build an army of clay soldiers exactly like… Continue reading
The food in Beijing, China was absolutely nothing like any Chinese food I have eaten in North America or anywhere in the world, for that matter. Because they were business dinners, we had fairly formal dinners in the better restaurants. All of the dinners were served on large round… Continue reading
The Chinese people were warm and sweet, smiling beguilingly at Westerners, offering quick assistance, showing deep respect, bowing slightly, and always using “you first” gestures. A Chinese acquaintance told me that the government is very strict that the people make Westerners feel welcome, but I sensed, especially outside… Continue reading
Did you ever experience a Chinese Foot Massage? Wow, amazing. Absolutely nothing like our North American massages, at least the ones we’ve had. It was a special and unique opportunity to experience a traditional Chinese foot massage at the famous Liang Zi Foot Massage in Beijing, China. … Continue reading
I didn’t even want to go to China! Too many people for me, I thought, but then I was invited to join a friend who had been there many times on business, so that was it. Two weeks later, I found myself in China. First of all,… Continue reading
The parks in Beijing are simply stunning! They make parks in Canada look embarrassingly simple. Beijing’s parks are full of themed areas with separate pathways leading to separate areas within the larger park. Each one is set in a magnificent and serene setting and unique theme. … Continue reading
From Xian, we flew to Tsingtao (pronounced ching-dow), a small city (according to Chinese standards) of only 6 million people, on the southeast coast of China in Shandong province. It had the feel of a beautiful small resort nestled between the mountains and the ocean. It was quiet, and… Continue reading
My friend, L, arranged a car and driver to take us to the GREAT WALL – not to the touristy rebuilt sections but to the original authentic Great Wall, unrestored, fewer tourists, 120 km NE of Beijing, called Simatai. We were anxious to see the countryside in China,… Continue reading