China, what a great surprise!

China is the country I have been wanting to visit for a very long time and finally, here I am. We have reached our second last destination, China. China, only less than 2 hours by plane from my home country, South Korea but I didn't have any chance to visit there when I lived in Korea. Funny enough when I live 10,000 km away from the country, I finally put down China into our itinerary. 

I was curious. I wanted to see why the world is non stop talking about China. My curiosity led me to come here and I am now discovering the 'WHY?' 11 days of trip in China is definitely not enough to talk about the country but it is enough time to amaze me in many ways. Frankly, my observation can be very shallow as I have seen only little part of this anomous country but I can't stop forcing myself to write about my experiences in China and share my views with someone who are interested in China. I am amazed and surprised. I am amused and fascinated by China. WHY? Let me share with you. 

1. Too many people : I was completely overwhelmed by seeing so many people and being around with them permanently. I couldn't find anywhere without crowds. 23 millions of people in Shanghai and 17 millions in Beijing. I definitely saw enough people while we were in China for 11 days. Being in a queue (very long one) is unavoidable. I was told that Chinese government decided that only 50 thousands of people per day can visit the Forbidden City so you can imagine how many people would be around tourists attractions. All the trains, buses, streets, roads and even hotels are simply full of people. Whenever we come out to the square, we couldn't stop saying 'Wow!'. Too many people everywhere. There is no 'personal space' allowed. It looks like a complete chaos but everything seems to work anyhow. It was amazing.

2. Old and new together: I was often told that Shanghai and Beijing are unbelievably modernised and westernised so I had a rough imagination about the cities. High-raise buildings, luxurious shopping centres, expensive vehicles and well dressed people... Actual level of development of the cities was easily matched/exceeded my expectations. Endless high raised buildings and morden style shopping districts are everywhere. It was an absolute eye opening. However the most interesting thing to me was that the country still keeps their traditions strongly and respect it firmly. In between high-raise buildings, there are traditional markets for their own people and also tourists. Very often, I felt like walking on a street somewhere in Paris and suddenly I felt like being in an old Chinese movie. I loved the combination of old and new. I was fascinated by witnessing the people who keep their traditions sincerely and adopt new chances smoothly at the same time. I absolutely enjoyed being between new and old. 

3. Many choices but not much to eat (especially for vegetarians) : This comment can be very personal so feel free to ignore if you don't agree. There are plenty of different meals available everywhere but choosing right food was the hardest part of our trip in China. First, not many places have menu in English or picture so we didn't know what to order and how to order. Don't expect some staff will help you to order. 99.99 percentage of people will explain to you in Chinese. Especially, as we tried to limit our meat consumption, the choice of food dropped down to 10 percentage. Most of vegetables are cooked or boiled in a meat soup so we couldn't enjoy even vegetables. Quite often we got the food which was far different from our expectations/imagination. Traditional sauces are very strong that sometimes we couldn't be able to finish the food. Chinese food seems to me very meaty, greasy, sweet and overcooked. I am not telling that Chinese food is bad or not delicious. It is very special. Maybe, too much special taste for us. One good thing was that we didn't have to worry about overeating or being fatter in China. 

4. Toilets everywhere but not always what you expected : I know toilet is not a common topic to talk about but I can't help myself. I have never been anywhere that has more public toilets than China. About 1.3 billion people live in China so I guess many public toilets must be available everywhere. Toilets are absolutely everywhere so we didn't have to try hard to find one of them unlikely Amsterdam. I must admit that I was surprised that many of them (in shopping centres) are no problem to use as any develop countries. However I have to mention that public toilets on the streets have very special setups. There is no dividers or walls/doors between toilets. You are totally exposed when you are doing very personal business. When I discovered this funny truth, the person who was very shocked and embarrassed was me not a Chinese girl who was doing her own business. Chinese tradition is sometimes too strong to outsiders like us. 

5. Good roads and excellent public transport : There was absolutely no problem to visit one of the world most famous places, the great wall by a public bus (12 Yuan = about 2 AUD). Public transport in Shanghai and Beijing is unbelievably amazing. It took us only 5 hours between Shanghai and Beijing, 1,300 km by the fast train that goes about 300 km per hour. Quality of roads between cities was far greater than anywhere else in the world. Fare for the public transport was incredibly cheap (30 cents per ride in Beijing) for the public. As I come from the country which has not provided a train line for more than 20 years after spending so much money for the numerous studies, still no promise for any better solution for the public, Chinese public transport system was a delight shock and eye opening experience. 

6. No English, Yes Chinese : Don't expect you can communicate in English in China. We hardly found anyone speak or understand English in Shanghai and Beijing, two biggest cities in China. Most of signs are written in Chinese so it was extremely hard to find our destination. People will speak to you in Chinese regardless of your appearance. My European husband was permanently told something in Chinese. However, we could manage to get very close to whatever we wanted eventually by body languages. It is a fun part of trip overseas, isn't it? Any reason we commonly expect everyone in the world will speak English and respect for foreigners. This unreasonable common sense doesn't work in China. At the end, I didn't really mind their attitudes. Why can't I speak Chinese when I am in China? 

7. Better quality goods than expected : Any reason, I have been underestimating and downgrading Chinese products. This trip has broken my foolish assumptions about the quality of Chinese goods. From simple gadgets to high technology products, from very cheap stuffs to expensive goods... China seems to be on the very top of the world markets. If someone tries to dismiss the Chinese products, I would like to tell them to come to China and see what they have achieved. "Wow!" was my constant reaction. 

8. Disconnected and constantly controlled : Some of you might wonder why I have been so lazy to upload anything in my blog or post any pictures into Facebook. China was the first and only country to me where these social media sites are blocked. No BBC or CNN news, no TV channel for foreign programmes that allow us to be connected to outside of China. Every 10 meters, several police officers and soldiers are standing and checking out people's ID. They could argue that it is for the safety of public but it seems to me more than necessary checks and control. All train station has only one entrance even though there are more gates in order to monitor who goes into the station PERFECTLY. I felt I am very lucky to live in a free country where I can do whatever I want and wherever I want to go without the constant control. Don't get me wrong that people in China would live miserable life. Unbelievably they seem to be very happy and relaxed. They may get used to live and be treated like this on daily basis. 

9. Huge development of residential and commercial buildings : Wherever we go, there are massive developments happening. Skyscrapers are at every conner to attract people's eyesights and high rise apartments are being built everywhere. The country seems to be moving. Quite often I had to assure myself that I am in China as I was surrounded by the westernised department stores and buildings. It was a delightful surprise but all the development seems to happen too fast to be adapted by traditional Chinese people. Most of the luxury department stores merely have any customers so I felt bit strange to shop around. Many apartments looked like empty while another big apartment blocks are being built. I don't want to put too much my opinion as I barely know about China and its current economic situation. However, I can tell that the developments seem too faster than necessary. 

10. Shopping pedestrian walking streets : One of the things impressed me a lot was the streets where no cars are allowed so people can walk, shop, sing and dance freely. There are many streets in Shanghai and Beijing are only for pedestrians. It was absolutely great fun to walk along the streets and enjoying being within local people. Especially in the evening, the streets become full of people. People are gathering together, making many little groups and dancing, singing and performing whatever they want. Looking at them and the ways how they enjoy their lives were delightful surprise. These streets make the cities alive and allow people to release stress from their daily life. Walking on the streets became one of my favourite things to do while I was in China. It was absolutly cool.

I didn't intend to write this long but I couldn't help myself as there are too many things to share with you about our experiences from China. I would like to return to some countries to see more in future and China is certainly one of them. I am very happy that visiting China has ended up as a great decision and eye opening experience. I am amazed by what they have achieved and astonished by how people manage/balance their live between old and new, freedom and being under control. Before heading to our last destination, India, I would like to recommend you to visit China. I am sure that it will open your eyes and change your ideas about China as it did it to us.

The Forbidden City

The Great Wall

View from The Great Wall

Confucious Temple

Heaven Temple

Tian An Men Square

The Bund

 Square Pagoda

Things to learn for a long trip

It has been more than 3 months we are on the road and so far we have been travelling over 13 countries. We are sitting in a metro in Shanghai, China, our second last country at the moment. I can't believe that time has passed this fast and we have got only 1 month to reach our final day of the journey. 

It has been absolutely fantastic opportunity to see many unforgettable places and have memorable experiences. Every single day has been unique and special. Meeting old friends on the way was undescribable joy and knowing new people and learning their lives have been also rewarding. Eating each nation's variety food and learning their culture have been truly amazing experience for me. Every single day has been full of excitement and fascinating expectations.

I have been truly enjoying the trip that opens my eyes and mind about the world and our lives. However, I have to confess that it has not been always easy to move to the next new places constantly. Time difference, cultural difference, language difference, diet changes, sudden climate changes, different rules, people's attitudes diffences, etc... All these differences and changes have been challenging me time to time. I believe that many people would like to travel more and longer as we did (We still do). While I am travelling, I have learnt that there are certain skills/attitudes required for a long travel in order to enjoy the journey more. Without them, many people would feel tired and exhausted before enjoying the true pleasure of travel. 

'My home, my castle! '
Yes, I am bit tired of being away from home such a comfortable place for this long time. Especially, unpacking and packing business still bothers me the most. When I wake up in the middle of night for the loo, I can't count how many times I couldn't find the way to the bathroom as we sleep at different hotels constantly. Whenever I reach a new place, I have to deal with my unsettled mind between excitement and nervousness. However, I still love travelling and experiencing new things. I couldn't be proud of us more that we started this journey. The trip has been bringing anomous pleasure and joyment to our life that I have been always wanting to have so I can't complain too much about these little discomfort. 

Again... Whenever I start talking about the trip, I become so emotional that I can't stop appreciating this opportunity again and again. It is time to back to the main topic what I wanted to talk about. If anyone who is planning on travelling for a long period or who wishes to do in future, I would like to suggest you to have/learn the following skills/attitudes. These are from my personal and live experience and I believe they will hep you to manage your trip better and enjoy it more.

1. Keep physical strength and health: Travelling requires good health and strong physical foundation. We have been walking nearly 10 km on a daily basis. While we are moving to another places, we have to carry about close to 10 kg of backpack on the top of 20kg of baggage. Non stop moving and visiting many places can't be achievable without physical strength. There are too many things to do and too many places to see within the limited time so you need to be healthy and strong. Regular exercise will help you to get the strength for a long trip. 

2. Be adaptable of differences : Nothing is same and every place are different any how. You need to be open and adaptable for the differences. differences in culture, religious belief, food, whether, custom, people's attitudes and behaviours, rules, fashion, appearance, language, etc... You will be permanently shocked by the differences and also amazed by them. Open your mind and accept the differences as you will definitely need the attitude wherever you go. 

3. Be patient : Don't expect that every thing will be happening as you planned. 6 hours bus trip can be turned into the 12 hours trip and you might need to wait for hours to get a stamp on your Visa. No credit cards are acceptable when no money exchange offices or banks are around. Buying a train ticket requires hours of waiting and finding out the hotel can be extremely difficult as no one knows what you are talking about. You suddenly feel like an animal in a Zoo as everyone is staring at you. Unexpected things can happen more often than things expected while travelling so be patient. When you get frustrated or feel anxious, the situation can go worse so try to be calm and find out the best alternatives. Being patient is the best wisdom you need during the travel. 

4. Be organised : I cannot promise you that nothing will surprise you if you organise the trip well but I can be sure that you will get shocked less. Plan earlier and confirm before you do. Some people don't like plan ahead but they should be ready for the shocks. Before you move, find out where you are going to, know about the places and prepare yourself on special requirements. Also, confirm your bookings and prepare alternatives. Being well organised will easy your long journey and relax you on the way. 

5. Underestimate yourself: I know you are smart and very capable but don't overestimate yourself while you are travelling unless you know the place as much as your home town. You are a stranger in a strange place. Ask a help to people if you are not sure and avoid doing things which are not necessary. Be modest about your knowledge and ability and behave like a new student who are ready to be taught. It will help you to have a safe journey. 

6. Be careful and be cautious at any time : I don't think I need to emphasise why you need to be always careful and cautious while travelling. Car accidents, food, diseases from mosquitoes, water, thieves, illegal drugs, etc... There are plenty of things you need to know about and be cautious as you don't have enough knowledge and experience about the places. Better be careful now than sorry later. 

7. Be flexible : Frequently you need to adjust or change your plans while travelling. You need to be ready for the unexpected results constantly so be flexible with your plans. Don't leave the decision till the last minute. Allow enough time for just in case. Travel will surely teach you how to adjust yourself to overcome unexpected situations. 

8. Be positive : Remember how much you wished to have the freedom. Every single minute is precious and priceless so do not waste by being negative. Time to time, you will face unexpected incidents or unpleasant moments during the journey ,and you cannot avoid these. Therefore, take them positive way and ignore some which are beyond your control. Being positive has been very important to keep us going. I have been trying to remind this phrase to myself whenever I feel down or worried and it helped.
'Life is beautiful and all is well.' 

9. Keep simple living : Unless you have plenty of money for a long trip, you need to check your spending constantly to keep your budget under control. There are endless things to buy or want to have. There are always better hotel, better food, better things than you can afford and travel mood makes you be more generous on spending. However please remember wherever you go, there will be many reasons to spend more money than you expected during the travel so you will need to keep extra money available for the occasions. Avoid buying unnecessary things as they will become only extra weights you have to carry. Keeping a frugal lifestyle will help you to complete the journey smoothly and also avoid getting financial hardship when you return from the trip. 

10. Have a good company : Some people wouldn't mind to travel by themselves but I do prefer to having a company to share the time and experiences together. I believe that good companionship can enrich the trip more. Sharing the wonderful memories with someone who you like is blessing. I simply can't imagine what if I didn't have my lovely husband with me. The trip has been gluing our relationship stronger and all the experiences we have been enjoying together will be one of the most important connections between us in future. Travelling together will make yourself happier and also safer so I highly recommend you to find good company/companies for travelling with. 

Of course, there are many more things that you need to prepare or know before travelling but you don't need to worry too much as you will need to learn any how on the way. A long trip can be hard sometimes but the pleasure from it is far bigger and stronger so it will compensates all your efforts. After 3 months of trip, I am far stronger and opener than before but still I struggle with the changes occasionally. I admit that I will need to continuesly practice all these essential skills in order to complete our journey happily and safely. 

Our next and last destination is India. Am I ready for the cultural shock?  I am not sure yet but I hope my experience from the last 3 months of trip can support me get through the challenge easier and smoother.

See you in India!

World is so small...

"Sister!!!! Sissss teeer!!!"

When I realised the desperate calling was for me, it was already too late to react. Someone grabbed my hand hardly and hugged me strongly.
"What the h......!"
"Oh My God.....!"
The friend who I was really wanted to meet while we were travelling in Switzerland was standing in front of me and hugging me in a city where we came for a trip for only two days after 25 years. How can I explain about this unbelievable reunion with her? 

We met and lived together as flatmates in Sydney 8 years ago and she left Australia after getting married to a Swiss man about 5 years ago. Since then we haven't been in touch. How can I excuse my ignorance about the relationship or friendship with her? All I can say is we were too busy to survive and settle in our new country, Australia then so we didn't realise how important things we were missing at that moment. Simply, we were young and foolish. We were only focusing on our future career and getting permanent residency to stay in Australia at the time, and dismissed relationship/friendship with others thoughtlessly.

When we organised this long trip, when we decided to stop over in Zurich, Switzerland, her existence suddenly popped up into my mind and I really wanted to meet her. I was not sure why I started thinking about her after 5 years passed by but as a middle aged woman who feels surrendered by age, I have been feeling hungry for warm and close relationship with people. I wanted to know how people who I knew before are doing nowadays and she was one of them.

Unfortunately, when we were in Zurich, she was away from Switzerland to Korea to visit her parents so I had to give up the hope. What kind of faith it could be! I met the friend, who I wanted to meet in Switzerland, in the middle of street, in front of crossing, in a small city in Korea today. If I didn't go to the city after 25 years, if we didn't ask our tour guide for stopping the bus on the spot where we didn't plan to visit, if we didn't stand and talk on the spot at that time, if she didn't decide to come to the city for a day trip, if her husband didn't recognise my husband's face under the sunset light, if......, we wouldn't be able to see each other. This incredible and unbelievable reunion offered me time to think about how world is small and how old friendships are valuable to our life. I was extremely happy to see her and her family accidentally 10,000 km away from our home. 

My mother used to tell me that according to Buddhism , this kind of unexpected meeting can happen only after more than thousand times of meeting in our previous lives so we should take any relationship sincerely and I was very impressed by the story. As it is hard to forget what you learnt/believed when you were a kid, I couldn't take our meeting as a simple accident. I felt we were meant to meet each other any how. One more funny thing we have found out while we started talking about our trip was that only one extra day trip we made outside of Zurich was where they actually live. How amazing it is?

I organised one more chance to see each other in Seoul as I didn't let this faith go away and as I don't know when we can meet each other again. We had a chat about many things about our past which we all remember so can laugh together and also current life that we all can share so we can know each other's life bit deeper. Non stop giggling and talking made us not to realise that we have been talking for more than 4 hours. I feel sorry for talking too much (as usual) but I couldn't stop enjoying the time with them and knowing their life in Switzerland. 

Friendship that I didn't take seriously when I was younger suddenly became far more precious and valuable to me. Especially, having a good relationship with people who have similar life experiences in the past so we can share our homesickness has been one of the most missing things for both of us who live in the new country. So, this meeting definitely helped out for curing our craving for the friendship. 

After 4 hours of talking, unfortunately we had to say good bye to them as we needed heading to the airport for our next destination, Shanghai, China. We swapped our contact details and promised to keep in touch. I am not sure when we can meet up with each other again. All I can hope for are happy life to them until we meet each other and keeping touch with each other. On the way back to the airport, my husband and I continuesly talk about them and what we were talking about for the 4 hours. We both couldn't hide our joyment from being with good friends. My feet were lighter and my heart was full of gentle warmth.