Articles from this Category
June 1, 2017
China Landmarks and Highlights China landmarks, 5,000 years of history and culture, the discoveries of tea, silk, papermaking, printing, the compass, and gunpowder, Confucianism, through dynastic rule, and on to Communism, Chinese culture has made an impact on the world. The last few decades have seen not just an increase in tourism abroad, but with […]
May 20, 2017
Danny Tang, 48 years old, has been the Chef de Cuisine for Viking River Cruises’ Imperial Jewels of China tour for 10 years. It’s a plum job. China’s flourishing inbound tourism has led it to become the world’s second-largest travel and tourism economy. The Asian country has sustained its international fascination, particularly in America, where […]
April 19, 2017
“You’d better hurry!” said the concierge. We’d just returned to our hotel after at the end of our weekend in Shanghai. We wanted to see the Bund at night but had just been informed that the lights go out at 10:00 pm. Prompt. With a mere 15 minutes before lights-out, we took a right turn […]
March 26, 2017
Beijing is China’s colossal capital, with a rich and fascinating history dating back 3,000 years. It’s a location with architectural marvels from the ancient dynastic palaces to stunningly unique modern skyscrapers. It’s arguably China’s cultural center, offering a glimpse into the old hutong warrens of the past to the hustling mega-metropolis of the inner city, […]
March 20, 2017
“Aaarrrggghhhh,” I screamed when I felt something crawling on my head. “What is it?” “It’s a giant grasshopper,” said Alison. “Wait a minute, hold still. I want to get a picture.” “Get it off! Now!” I bellowed “No, leave it. It’s good luck,” she insisted. China is full of surprises, from superstitions to fascinating food […]
February 12, 2017
Ask a random sampling of people about their bucket list destinations, and virtually all of them will mention the Great Wall of China, probably near or at the top. “He Who Has Never Been to the Great Wall Is Not a True Man” I’m no exception. My two-week trip to China was prompted by my […]
February 1, 2015
“No giggling allowed!” I said to Rebecca and Marie, head turned away to hide my own smirk. “We need the right attitude to pull this off.” Shuffling our feet an inch at a time, we painstakingly made our way towards the shrine looming at the end of the cobblestone street, less than a quarter of […]
February 16, 2014
Are the unique dishes in Japan delicious….or horrible? Will the food have you clamoring for more…or send scampering to find one of Japan’s unique and weird toilets? Remember this jump rope song (okay, I know I’m dating myself!): “Apple on a stick. Makes me sick.” I have a better one: Squid on a skewer. Put […]
January 28, 2014
“Everyone is staring at us,” said Rebecca. “That’s because you’re dressed like a Geisha!” I reminded her. I have to admit, she did look stunning, even minus a Japanese heritage. Kyoto is awash in stunning sights, and with a pair of good walking shoes and a lot of energy and motivation, it’s possible to see […]
September 11, 2013
Updated 3/23/2023 Once impenetrable shogun castles now standing sentry to empty chambers… ancient shrines wafting incense across ethereal Buddha images… slick skyscrapers and neon lights that surpass even New York City’s Times Square… Geishas on their way to the shrine. Bullet trains aside, seeing “the land of the rising sun” in a week – a […]