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
We’ve travelled to over 30 countries, and each one had something special, unforgettable and memorable. But upon careful review, do we have any travel regrets? Have we travelled to any places that we wish we had not gone to? There are a few that stand out above… 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