One Crazy Summer

The craziness of Summer '06 started when Tony spent 9 days in the heat of the Chinese summer! Here's a glimpse of what he experienced...

Daily Life in China

Serena is not only Tony's workmate & classmate, she was his travel buddy on this tour.

This man was found near one of the big parks. Parks are a fabulous gathering place for people of all ages in China - but mostly you'll find the elderly exercising, dancing, singing, playing mahjong...

As in Taiwan, night markets are the evening hot spot!

Beijing is gearing up for the 2008 Olympics so the whole city has become a giant construction site. Heavy machinery, along with the jolting noise and dust they kick up, is just part of the general landscape.

So we haven't seen these snacks here in Taipei yet - anyone up for skewered scorpions or roasted grasshoppers on a stick???

Places of Interest

At the Forbidden City where Chairman Mao's portrait still hangs high

Life at the Heavenly Palace

Hmmm, a non-floating marble boat vs. a functioning navy... big decision!
The gov't at the time chose the marble rendition which cost them their whole navy.

Of course no trip to Beijing would be complete without a trip to the Great Wall






Beautiful old village




Shanghai's skyscape

Chinese Art & Architecture

Wai Guo Ren Lai... Foreigner Coming

Tony's always been a "hands on" sort of guy

Not sure if these were originally used as plant holders, offering baskets or rubbish collection -
but they sure are big enough to hold a Tony.

Making big friends

So much resemblance - maybe that's where this interest in China comes from.

It was a whirlwind of a tour, but a great opportunity to see a bit of Beijing & Shanghai and meet the MFAT folks working in those cities. Tony came home to unpack and re-pack... then we were off again!