Getting around in China

So, I got to thinking you might be interested in the various ways we manage to get around in China. I went thru my pictures of when the kids were visiting and came up with a few:

Walking, you manage to log a lot of miles just getting around. These two (Destiny & Kevin) were clowning around during a shopping expedition.

Of course, there is always driving, which can add years on to your life! We take a lot of taxis (cheap) and say our prayers as they zoom in and out of traffic. Obeying traffic laws in China is optional (so is driving on your side of the road) so sometimes it is best not to look. Always an adventure...

Pedicabs are a nice way to get around crowded (pedestrian) areas. Some are powered by motor bike and others by are human powered. This picture is on a rainy night on our trip to Xian.

There is always the bike. Here, Carrie & Destiny are enjoying a ride on the inner city wall in Xian on a bicycle built for two!

Dumb and Dumber (Kevin & Paul) can never resist a chance to goof off.

China has millions of escalators and they are always crowded as Paul found out.

You could try the old fashion way...riding a horse. Destiny gave it a try at the Shenzhen zoo.

Trains and subways are some of the easiest modes of transportation. The boys are old pros at this from Japan. Here, Paul & Kevin are commuting in Hong Kong. We will have a subway station near us next year! Can't wait.

Being on the ocean and across the bay from Hong Kong; the ferry is a frequent means of commuting between countries and around Hong Kong (it is an island after all). Above; Kevin & Paul are on the Star Ferry in Hong Kong. Below; Kevin is on the ferry from the Hong Kong Airport and Shekou (Shenzhen, China).

Many people get around by electric bike. The kids had a blast exploring Shekou this way. Kevin is showing off the fisherman's wharf near our home. Luckily you can't smell it in the picture.

Well, the "old folks" traded up to real gas powered scooters. It must be quite the sight to see us coming down the road. We are enjoying the extra power and the wind rushing thru our hair!

Well, that's it in a nutshell. Hope you enjoyed our presentation!

While the kids were visiting we took a trip uo north to Xian, where the Terrecotta Warriors were discovered. Xian has a great area called the Muslin Quarter where Muslin Chinese have shops and stalls and sell their wares. Some great food and bargains can be found here. At night, everything is lit up and is stunning to see the old with the new. They are known for the long kites that are flown all around the drum tower. Anyone up for a pedicab ride?

The warrior museum is a must see (there is a reason why it is named the 8th wonder of the world!) It is unimaginable that over 270,000 people were killed to cover up the secret of where things were buried. Each warrior is hand carved from an actual person, they are all different. Only a small portion of the warriors have been uncovered and they are still unearthing and repairing the statues today (work is done at night). We can only imagine the treasures that will be unearthed in the future. We even had the kid's picture taken with the last living farmer who discovered the buried warriors.  You can buy replicas of the warriors in all sizes to take home. Steve is still trying to talk me into a lifesize one for our backyard!

The next day while Steve had to work, the kids and I went to the inner city fortress. It is an ancient city wall that is still used today. We rented bikes and rode all the way around (8 miles) enjoying the spectacular city views. This was not an easy feat as the road is made of cobblestones! Xian is one of our favorite places!