I'm starting this thread, because I've been going through thousands of my photos I've taken over the years, and there are some I think are good enough to share on a2k.
This first group is on China.
A busy street in Beijing.
Soldiers marching at Tienamen Square.
Buildings in Beijing.
Xian; the terracotta soldiers' auditorium.
Tai chi lesson by a master in Xian.
Yangtze River Lesser Gorge.
Cultural show on the Yangtze River boat.
The staff on the Victoria Cruise boat.
Wonderful pictures ci - all of them are beautiful, but I especially loved the terra cotta soldier's museum, the tai chi class and the portrait of the boat man (his smile).
My dad loved China and encouraged me to go if I ever had the chance - I never really saw the allure until recently - and these pictures have helped cement my resolve that it's a place I'd enjoy exploring.
Thanks for posting them.
I agree with your dad. I've visited China three times, and the last one was to do the Yangtze River cruise before they completed flooded everything - which is supposed to happen this year. The progress in China since my first visit in 1992 is not only dramatic, but they now have some of the best hotels at very reasonable prices. The biggest problem for China and its people are the increase in pollution through their factories and use of coal for energy. You can still get a glimpse of the old China even in the Hutong area of Beijing and many of its villages. If you get the chance, go with a travel company that includes a visit to their grade schools in China (both in the big cities and in the small villages). When you do decide to go, let me know; I'll try to make some recommendations not found in your itinerary.
This second group is from Central Asia which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The tour last May concentrated on the Silk Road route, and the impressions I got while there was much different than my anticipation. Their architecture is unique, and their people are very friendly and many speak English. We felt welcomed at most of the places we visited from the bazaars to the madrasas, and I learned some new things about the Silk Road; that the eastern-most terminus was Osaka, Japan, and not Xian, China.
The Silk Road.
What most of us "see" about Central Asia.
The architecture of Central Asia.
We were treated to several fashion shows.
The food we ate were quite good.
This was a cultural show in Khiva. That 3-year old boy danced and sang for us.
This time, we're going across the Pacific to Japan. This was our second trip to Japan, and this time it was a Buddhist pilgrimage to Central Japan. The Buddhist temples in Japan are the best way to really appreciate the country, because most were built during the 16th and 17th centuries, and that is where the Japanese culture is extant.
Welcome.
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Girl's day display. My wife used to have one when she was young, but had to leave it behind when they moved to Colorado when WWII was declared.
Mums are popular in Japan.
A small village.
Most of the temples are built on higher elevations, and one must climb steps or hills to reach them.
This is Todaiji Temple in Nara. It's supposed to be the largest wooden building in the world.
Our Sensai at prayer. We all repeated Sutras from a book.
The old town of Kyoto.
This is where they filmed The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise.
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