I’m still going through all the photos from my trip to China…seems I fell into a total photography frenzy and took roughly 10,000 photos. (shame) But in my defense, I was there for a month…

Anyway, after years of reading and studying about Chinese art, history, culture, religion, and language, I finally made it to all the places I’ve always dreamed of seeing! Traveling to 5 cities in 4 weeks, the trip was a whirlwind of adventure full of gourmet delicacies, temples and palaces, visiting friends and relatives, and travel writing.

Highlights? Well, in HONG KONG, I had some of the best meals of my life! I also spent quality time with family, went to the famous bun festival, had my fortune read at a local temple, sipped afternoon tea at the Peninsula, bet at the horse races, bargained like crazy at the Temple Street Night Market, paid a second visit to the Big Buddha on Lantau island, had dinner on the Peak, got stuck in a tropical storm at Stanley beach, shopped until my feet hurt, and took a side trip to MACAU. Flew to BEIJING and hiked an un-touristy stretch of the GREAT WALL. Was awestruck by the massive Forbidden City. Saw the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and a Beijing opera. Went to the World Fair in SHANGHAI, strolled along The Bund, and caught a train to picturesque HANGZHOU to explore the famous lake of Chinese lore. All in all, it was a fantastic trip full of wonderful experiences.

When I get through the photos, one day, I’ll show off some more of them! —G