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Tag: Experiential

1933 Slaughterhouse pano
Shanghai 1933 Slaughterhouse

Shanghai 1933 Slaughterhouse

In Shanghai’s Hongkou district is a building of such interesting mystique and history that it stands out prominently among the thousands of others in the city. The 1933 Slaughterhouse combines function with intriguing design elements that some describe as eerie and “Escheresque“. The building was designed and used to slaughter and process perhaps millions of animals up to about 1960 when it closed. After some years of abandon and disrepair, the building was resurected in 1998 to become an events…

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Longjing Tea Buds
Exploring the Famous Longjing Tea Village

Exploring the Famous Longjing Tea Village

Longjing or Dragon Well is a small village up in the hills just west of Hangzhou’s West Lake. This is the place where the most famous tea in China comes from. Every spring when the tea bushes wake up from their winter sleep and start budding, millions of enthusiasts clamor for a taste of this very special tea. So, What is Longjing Tea? Legend from during the Qing dynasty has it that dragons lived in a well at Longjing Village and…

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Wilderness Lodge pasture pano
Christmas in Picturesque New Zealand

Christmas in Picturesque New Zealand

New Zealand surprised me. Before going I did my research, watched videos, and looked at photos of stunning landscapes. None came even close to what we actually experienced. The mountains and countryside drives were simply stunning and beyond anything I imagined. The people seem rather chill and have an interesting sense of humor. Overall, the vibe is very relaxed and natural. Our time was spent on the South island mostly in Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Arthur’s Pass. These areas often…

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Taikang Road pano
Stroll Around Tianzi Fang

Stroll Around Tianzi Fang

The Tianzi Fang (田子坊) neighborhood is a labyrinth of ally ways and old Shikumen style architecture which has been preserved and converted to shops. Although a bit touristy, the area is a fine example of old Shanghai and a lot of fun to walk around in. The area around Tianzi Fang also has much to do and explore such as shops, restaurants, charming neighborhoods and beautiful tree-lined streets. Tianzi Fang is a great place to wander about looking at shops…

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Wide shot of sand dunes
The Eastern Steppe of Inner Mongolia

The Eastern Steppe of Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia has been on my bucket list for quite some time and I finally had the opportunity to go. We joined with a tour group through Travelers Society which turned out wonderfully as our guides took care of all the details. We spent a fun day and spent the night in the sandy desert near Baotou city. Kids loved running up and down the large sand dunes. We had BBQ, beer, and a bonfire then slept in our tents…

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Town center pano
Thames Town Crazy English Town

Thames Town Crazy English Town

The little town known as Thames Town is in the suburbs of Songjiang district just west of Shanghai. The town is a replica of English style architecture and was completed in 2006. It’s named after the Thames River in London. In the town center there are cobblestone streets, Victorian style buildings, pubs, and shops. The most recognized building is a large church that is directly copied from the Christ Church, Clifton Down in Bristol, England. Other buildings such as a…

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Huangpu river pano
The Joys of Using the Bathroom in Asia

The Joys of Using the Bathroom in Asia

Everybody poops right? But bathroom equipment is not always the same. Most travelers from the US and Europe are familiar with the sit down toilet which is often called a “Western” toilet in Asia. However, around Asia, and much of the world actually, there are some important differences travelers should know about. Top tips: Always carry a little tissue pack with you. Almost no public restrooms have any toilet paper. Get in the habit of carrying tissues all the time….

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Zhenru Temple Canal
Shanghai Zhenru Temple (and Fish Market)

Shanghai Zhenru Temple (and Fish Market)

From the outside you can see Zhenru Temple easily because of the tall pagoda. The temple itself is a bit hidden away behind other buildings and does not seem like it’ll be much. However, once inside the compound is very well kept and nice. There is a long passage way along the canal which is great for sitting and taking in a peaceful afternoon. Getting to Zhenru Temple Getting to the temple is kind of an experience itself if coming…

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Bags for sale at Han City Plaza
Han City Fashion & Accessories Plaza

Han City Fashion & Accessories Plaza

Han City Fashion & Accessories Plaza is one of several “fake markets” in Shanghai, located near People’s Park in the downtown Puxi area. Hundreds of stalls come together with aggressive merchants hocking everything from headphones to hand bags. I am fairly certain everything name brand is fake. Ha, ha just kidding…everything is fake! Of course bargaining for fake designer bags is part of the allure anyway, so I’m told. Getting There Han City Fashion & Accessories Plaza Nan Zheng Building…

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