The name Shanghai Blog is really being used now. The following entries will come from Southeast Asia. In the planning stage there will be the route plan shown. Later the photos and stories will follow. The trip will not be around the world but we only have 20 instead of the 80 days. The map shows the major destinations, dates there and what we plan to do and see. All flights are booked and the visas are in the works. Any comments appreciated.
Although a little out of the normal travel path the old capital Xi’an close to the tomb is a good starting point for a day with the warriors.
Since the first warriors were found in 1974 a lot has happened. A big airplane hanger type building and a museum complex surround the original site. Every single man, copied from a warrior who lived 2200 years ago, is fitted with his own weapon and colored individually. If you ever want to have an army to protect you in your afterlife, be sure to start in your teens, to allow for the construction time. This site will keep archeologists busy for some decades to come.
PS Beware of the fluorescent light the auto while balance will have a tough time, try setting it to manual and please take a fast lens with you so you don’t need to flash on the artifacts.
When sun is shining the Great Wall at Badaling is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. There are not only millions of stones but also a millions of visitors. As always get there early if you can and maybe go up left and not right if you don’t want to get squished. If you are there don’t miss the 20 min. free 360° movie on the Great Wall. Get one of the “I have climbed the Great Wall” sweaters, it can become quite chilly while climbing and they go for a third of the entrance price. If you plan to go for a hike on the Great Wall, then don’t forget the obligatory walking shoes.
