Merry Christmas, 2011. A photograph of Beijing Christmas snow, from the warm comforts of home in Georgia! ...more

Just off a 22-hour train ride from Dunhuang in the Gobi Desert, EAST to Xi'an. All travels head home now! ...more

Magao Caves ??Hechang Ancient City??? ...more

I've found Nirvana in the Gobi Desert! After being woozy with some bug through a 22-hour train ride from Xi'an to Dunhuang, I fell into the capable arms of local guide, Adam. He diagnosed my needs and took me to Oasis Cafe for pizza! and a milkshake! And then...a massage! Perfection! ...more

Two entries today, so you'll want to skim down to Guilin entry as well maybe. Xi'an had been a visit in time for me. Not just historically, but personally. ...more

Hello dear friends, I'm lost in Xi'an without an Ipad. It finally totally died. So I'm writing from hotels for $.25/minute. You'll hear less as a result, but I'm keeping a written journal and will post more blogs with photos later. ...more

Paradise meets Avatar meets an Olympics levels production! ...more

Life in the new China is improving...both for me and at least for a lot of Chinese. Below I ask: are we in Oz, Wonderland, or a sci fi novel. ...more

I am not a tour girl! ...more

A favorite sign seen on Nanjing street building, "Blind Person Massage and Pedicure.". Gotta love these translations! ...more

I am learning so much about myself as a traveler! We're not in Scotland any more, my dear! Traveling with a group, bus rides, 12-hour days.... Ah for freedom, speaking the language, the leisure same bed every night. So a bit of self-analysis tonight. ...more

From high class (name a designer and they are here) to low at the swarming Silk Market ("shoes, lady, best price, lady"), to a walmart-like grocery selling everything in the world, Barbara and I got to know Chinese as consumers today. ...more

We had an easy 12 hour flight from Detroit. Nearly empty plane meant I skipped my comfort economy seat in trade for a whole row to lie down in! With a good 1/2 an Ambien I slept at least 8 hours, with water drinking wake ups every couple hours. ...more

I-Pad packed, now what to read for nearly five weeks of travel in China? Here's what I've chosen. ...more

In 1987, I taught at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi’an for four months. I’m thrilled to be returning to the new China, after 24 years of incredible change. ...more