Grandma on The Go

Grandkids Vacation is Cancled.

2009-07-14T05:44:09Z

Kids had their 1st day of summer camp: computers, kick ball then swimming in the morning. Afternoon of kayaking, surfing and boggie boarding. We didn’t have much food to send, only a sandwich and water so they were starving after it was over. We went to Trader Joe’s and bought a ton of food for snacks and lunches for the rest of the week. By 8:30pm they were all asleep. Easy week for us.

I went back to Bakersfield and picked up Dale after dropping kids off. He has been swamped with his night job, a major pressure cooker these days. Now he was told he couldn’t take his vacation as he had requested. I know that we requested the days off before I left for Oklahoma, over 4 weeks ago. He was told today that he must give a request 4 weeks in advance. In reality there is no one to work for him as they are completely short of RN’s.

We are now trying to salvage our grandkids vacation. Good thing we didn’t go forward with the Alaska plans.

Grandkids Vacation is Cancled. remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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First day of the Grandkid's trip

2009-07-13T06:00:19Z

What a long day. We left at 6am for Santa Clarita to work the farmer’s market. We’d baked so many cookies only to find out when we arrived in S.C. that we were not yet approved to sell them. Seems that Nate forgot to tell me that he didn’t get all of the info into the market manager.

People actually came and asked for the cookies, one guy was specifically told by his daughter to pick up some. So we gave out cookies as samples building some good will I hope.

We came on to Santa Barbara where we will mostly be for the week. Grandkids have summer camp starting tomorrow at UCSB. They will have activities in the a.m. and then do a kayak/surfing camp in the afternoon. They are quite excited.

First day of the Grandkid's trip remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Home Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-07-04T01:48:26Z

After driving all morning we arrived back home this afternoon. Got to talk to the neighbors about the local happenings. The lawn is looking sad, overgrown and brown, I’m sure our local watchdog is not very happy with us. Oh well I clean up next week. For now I’ve got to finish up the work I brought home and we leave for Santa Barbara tomorrow for a couple of days.

Home Today, Gone Tomorrow remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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A day in the Life of Taos

2009-07-04T00:48:12Z

Taos is an eating extravaganza, and our plans were no different. We had limited time and lots to do. 1st eating sopapillas at Michaels along with Huevos Rancheros and a fresh green chili sauce, then a walk around the plaza to look for either a coyote or kokopelli sculpture for the backyard like we saw about 20 years ago. Wonder why we couldn’t find it or the store carrying the plate that we wanted to buy more of?
After walking off breakfast the sky was so beautiful we had to go down to St. Frances of Assisi’s and shoot some photos. I still haven’t done anything with my China photos so had to delete some photos from the camera card on the spot and make room for more photos. I’d forgotten to pack my poor old tripod so I had no tripod at all for the big camera. Oh well, I wanted some photos now so shot as many as I could.
Boy did we work up an appetite by then, plus it was 2pm and we had to eat some “blue corn enchiladas” before checking out by 5pm and hitting the road. So back to the plaza where we did a little more looking for the sculpture and dinner settings, then to a restaurant on the plaza. We got exactly what we wanted to eat and stuffed the whole meal in.
We did find out the very important information on pinion wood and when we can buy a load. We will plan to head back this fall for that and another round of eating and our firewood. Love Taos, it is one of my favorite places in the world.

A day in the Life of Taos remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Abluquerque to Taos

2009-07-03T23:59:17Z

Twinks and I were on the road at 5:15a.m, on the way to Albuquerque, we had to pick up Dale at 12:40. We sailed along but I was watching the clock. Then I remembered that NM time was likely not the same as Oklahoma time. A rest stop was in order and after a quick bowl of cereal I found that the time was different so I had an extra hour to get to New Mexico.
We got into Albuquerque and down to the area but without thinking got off on the exit before Sunport Blvd. Of course there was road work going on so it was impossible to get back on the freeway for 1 more exit, we had to go several miles out of our way then come back up to the exit we needed.
We got into the airport and I thought that I’d just park quickly then find Dale. We went into an oversize area but there were no places for the truck and RV. Trying to get out of the lot was a major hassle as there was only a little area where the RV wouldn’t scrape the roof. A ticket person came out and helped guide me backing and forthing until I could get the rig out. He directed me to a lot across the street for RV’s.
I got into the next lot and a shuttle came up right away. I looked at the clock and told the guy wait, my husband is due in just a few minutes. I threw Twinks in the RV, locked the doors and jumped onto the bus. After picking up a few more people in the lot the driver asked who was in a real hurry and I told him “I am, my husband is due in at 12:40. Another passenger looked at his watch and said “well since it is only 11:40 you still have an hour”. Opps, I guess I was using Oklahoma time. I went back to the RV picked up my laptop and went on to the terminal.
Dale and I started up to Santa Fe when the traffic stopped. There was a car that had gone off the road and rolled over. We stopped quickly and Dale ran to help the driver as he is an RN. Then before our eyes another accident occurred. We were glad to get out of that accident alley.
We’d decided to eat at “The Shed” a place we’d found when kids were young but it was closed for the afternoon. Apparently many restaurants here open for lunch, then close at 2:30 only to re-open at 5 for dinner. We found La Casa Sena next door and had some wonderful mini fish tacos and mini buffalo burgers while sitting in the patio. We went into their wine shop and got some NM wine for our dinner. Then it was on to Taos.
We set up camp in a campground we’d stayed in before, right in town but then it was too late to eat dinner. Smith’s grocery had some great cheeses that went with our wine at the picnic table under the stars.

Abluquerque to Taos remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Ready to Leave

2009-07-02T19:52:53Z

The last blog was written about events on Monday/Tues. One Tues I did some calculations and found that the stop I wanted to make in Tishomingo would actually add lots of hours to my trip home and to pick up Dale on Sat. would be pushing it. Dale had off Wed and Thurs nights so we talked and quickly decided that we would meet Wed morning in Albuquerque, NM. I picked up an airplane ticket for him and started preparing to leave.
In the meantime the company asked if I’d quick do a claim in Garden City, KS, only 2 hours away. I said yes as they were short, so instead of writing up more claims I went off to Garden City.
Back at the RV I spent the evening writing up claims and hooking up. When I couldn’t get the hitch to work a neighbor came down; not the old idiot who’d been next to me earlier, but someone I’d said hi to before. He helped me get battened down. Thank goodness for nice people.

Ready to Leave remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Losers along the way

2009-07-02T19:16:22Z

After making friends in other campgrounds on other storms, this site has been unusual in that I’ve made no friends. The campground has other campers who are working in the area and they get together around one of the barbeques for dinner but only one person has ever said hello to me.
So yesterday an older man was walking around when I opened up my door to let some cooler air in. He asked me if he could camp next to me and I told him that it was not my campground, nor did I care where he camped. He went on to tell me that he was staying in his truck but was going back to his house then would return with his RV. I personally didn’t really care what his plans were as I was trying to finish up and get out.
He then saw that my plates are California plates and told me that I was smart to leave CA and come to live in “God’s Country” to which I replied that I preferred CA and would be returning there soon.
I went back into the RV and didn’t give it any more thought.
This morning I was working on estimates when I heard the guy tell the campground manager that the pretty woman “in that RV told me I could stay here”. He went on to tell the manager that he would be back and that we would have a party. I’m thinking Good Luck Buster!
The manager left and the guy came over telling me thru the screen door what he had told the manager. He then asked if I would stay. I said no, that I was leaving tomorrow. He asked me why would I want to go back to CA and I told him “because I prefer it, everything is better there”. He then asked if I was married and I said yes to which he replied that was disappointing. He then told me how his wife had left him (what a shock) and how he had an RV but the fuel was too expensive so he camped in his truck.
I chased him off by saying I had too much work to do so I could get out of Oklahoma. I would not be back anytime soon. Now I will be back soon but not to see him!

Losers along the way remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Done with Inspections on one more storm

2009-06-30T04:35:56Z

I’m finished here in Oklahoma/Kansas!!!! WooHoo!!! Well I guess because that means that once these are finished I’m also finished with my billing. I’d really like to make a little more $$.

When I think about what needs to be paid for: stock up on wine, a new photo printer but not just any photo printer this one is the new Epson 2400,a new computer with mega amount of memory for my photos, a new tripod, pay off a credit card or bill, trademark the names for my businesses and get the USDA testing for the 4 types of cookies. Wow, this list is long but most of these things are not on the list that we made to do in 10 months.

No room for home improvements at all, no new flooring or stove, no new paint on the walls or fixing up the Ferrari or Jag. So it is exciting to think that the businesses that I’ve dreamed of for years can be launched but depressing that our payoff plans have gone to hell in a hand-basket.

Done with Inspections on one more storm remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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What a day!

2009-06-29T05:21:50Z

Twinks and I left at 7:30 a.m. for a little place just past Dodge City, KS. I had Map Quested everything but didn’t bother to check how long it would take to get there. I figured an hour to 1-1/2 hours should be plenty. Well 2-1/2 hours later I arrived. Now this was after a breakfast in which my milk turned out to be soured, like really spoiled. I’d tried to eat the cereal anyway but just couldn’t force it down.
So my first claim threw the other three late and later. Finally by 5pm we got back to the RV hot and tired. Fortunately it was cooler today so never got over 90F but that was hot enough. And of course my last claim had 2 separate buildings the back being a two story so we had to get the ladder up the interior stairs in the garage then set up on a small balcony.
On the way to my last claim I was driving along when Twinks stood up and barked at me. I stopped the truck and got her out, and she let out diarrhea. Glad I stopped when I did. I don’t need a repeat of the Seattle incident!
So if I complain about today no one will listen, no one was killed, or hurt. Just a bunch of hassles.
Tomorrow is my last day of inspections. I’m always thinking about being extra careful on my last day in a city. Don’t want to get distracted and then get hurt.

What a day! remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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"I Believe in Humanity"

2009-06-28T04:25:38Z

After the humiliation of going into Wal-Mart the battery charger gave a little charge to the batteries then quit and said that a cell was shorting. This means that the batteries were bad.
Yesterday I had a claim in Guymon, the 1st I’ve had in the town. Since I was meeting a realtor I thought he would be a good one to ask about who could help me with the batteries. Now the batteries in the RV are a Deep Cycle not just any battery but I needed help quickly.
The realtor called his friend who owns a parts store, Jeff Graue, who told me that he would come by when he had someone to relieve him at his store.
Just after 4pm Jeff came by and took a look at the battery situation. He wasn’t sure how he would hook up 1 12-volt in the place of the 2 6-volts but he called another friend and then assured me that they would have everything hooked up this morning while I was doing my inspections. He said that I could come into the store on Monday and pay what I owed.
Sure enough, when I returned from my inspections the new battery was installed and the AC and fridge were working great.
As Thelma Rick wrote in her “This I believe" essay, “… I believe in humanity”. Many people are good in this world and Jeff Graue is a gem!

"I Believe in Humanity" remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Learning about Batteries

2009-06-26T04:53:28Z

The adventures just keep on rollin’ in. So after coming down on the poor city of Guymon and Wal-Mart yesterday, here I have to eat my words.
I first got a Trader Joe’s paper sack, cut some eye holes in it, then put it over my head and headed on into the dreaded store. One must admit that while other stores in the area are a little drab, this store is clean and modern. Too Bad. But I went in anyway.
The reason? Let me give you some background.
As I’ve written before I’m living in my RV. The 5th wheel runs off battery, propane and electricity. The interior lights, except for the light over the dinette all run off battery. My understanding is that the fridge and AC also need battery power for the ignition but can run off battery or electricity. The RV has a converter built in that runs off electricity and will charge the batteries when they get low when we are plugged into electricity.
Well I realized a couple of days ago that the lights in the RV were getting dim, like really dim. I then also realized that the converter wasn’t running at all.
When I got in from inspections today it was about 100 F but the AC didn’t kick on when I turned it on. I checked the lights and they barely were on so I thought that maybe I was out of propane. I checked the cook top and gas lit so it wasn’t the propane. Then I remembered about the battery.
I ran out and parked the truck by the plug and plugged the RV into the truck to charge the batteries. I came back in and called the RV repair at home, the only person we trust, Ed. Ed told me that the converter was bad so I needed to go to a Wal-Mart and pick up a battery charger and extension cord then charge the batteries that way. That would be a cheap fix until I could get home.
Hence, the trip to Wal-Mart. I did go in and purchase the items needed to keep me going. I swallowed my pride and ego, but just a little. I still have lots more pride and ego!
I came back to the RV and our man Ed walked me thru hooking everything up. Now I find that the batteries are bad so I may need to get some new ones. Problem is Dale said I can’t lift them. Hope to keep these going until Monday when I can get out of here. If I go to Oklahoma to visit family quick then I’ll have a cousin help me out.
Fortunately it is nice in the evening so I don’t need the AC and as for lights well I’m working with flashlights and computer screens for light.

Learning about Batteries remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Small towns

2009-06-25T05:51:10Z

My claims are in the panhandle area of Oklahoma and southwest Kansas for now. I live in an RV park in the panhandle, a little town called Guymon, Ok.

The RV park has farm land on 2 sides and a couple of houses to the west. We are on a main road over which probably 50 vehicles travel a day. Across the street is more farmland. The farmland is more for cattle than anything else. I saw about 8 cows today in the field. Everything is flat and very few trees anywhere.

This area is interesting to me. Most of you know that I was born and raised in L.A., graduated from Cal State L.A. I’m just a city girl who still loves the “big” city. So when Dale and I took over the family farm in Shafter it was quite a shock to move to a small town. But the small town was only 2 hours from L.A. and 4 hours from San Francisco so I could survive even though I hated the small town mentality.

Here most people in surrounding towns have heard of Guymon. Funny, I look at the place and wonder why anyone would live here. The town is really a sad town in a way; stores, like in many places, have closed up. The stores that are left are the “Dollar Stores” and stores that sell stuff that I can’t imagine who’d buy it. There are only a couple of grocery stores but there is the Walmart. I’m guessing that Walmart has done what they have done in so many cities; chase out all of the little guys then go in and take over. Those of you who know me well know that I hate Walmart for the way they treat the women and their business practices. I refuse to shop there except that there is almost nowhere else to shop.

I’ve driven around most of the little towns here now and find that houses are also just sad looking, older, in need of some TLC.

The alcohol rules are so crazy too. I’ve never had to live with them before and wouldn’t you know I only brought 2 bottles of wine along. Usually I bring at least 1 case but this time I was in a hurry and didn’t think ahead. There is virtually no selection and tax upon tax has been added onto each bottle making them much more expensive than at home. GURR!

Thank goodness this storm isn’t big so I’ll be out of here soon.

Small towns remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Alone again

2009-06-20T05:35:42Z

Well Justin called today from Dallas; he’d introduced himself to the head of the Catastrophe Dept and let her know that he was my son. He met several other people; one even came up to him and introduced himself.
Unfortunately for me Jenavieve was not able to find a babysitter for the kids which meant that Justin had to get back to California in order to arrange that. He will come back if we continue to receive claims. So for now I’m on my own.
It is much quieter when I’m alone but I do have Twinks, who has settled into our regular routine and that gives me company. The campground is very quiet, not like the KOA in New Orleans where we got to know our neighbors. But I’m here to work so it really shouldn’t matter.
I’ve only received a couple of claims a day for the past two days so I anticipate that we will move on soon. I’ll be done inspecting mid week so I’ll maybe go home if there isn’t more work.

Alone again remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Flexibility is the key

2009-06-19T02:51:11Z

So we arrived in Oklahoma and found a campground outside of a little town, Guymon. It isn’t a KOA but then the sites are only $16/night with full hookups.
Justin organized the claims and we started to inspect on Wed, but we soon found that he was regretting the decision to miss the claims conference. So as in any CAT flexibility is the key to success and after returning back to the RV from inspections we changed our course again.
I found a cheap flight that left Amarillo at 7:30pm, a 2-1/2 hour drive, arranged a hotel and we were out the door by 3pm.
As we drove south the sky became darker and darker, then lightening started up. Justin got on weather.com and found a big thunderstorm right over Amarillo with more on the way.
Then about 45 minutes away from the airport traffic stopped completely. A trucker told us that a big rig had gone over on its side blocking the 2 lanes. Justin then got on the highway conditions where it was saying the road would be blocked for 2 hours. We decided to just stay put as we didn’t know any shortcuts and couldn’t move anyway. About 15 minutes later the sky lightened up and traffic started moving at a crawl.
Not much later we were past the overturned truck and flying down the road. Justin got to the airport with 1 hour to spare.
Now he is earthquake certified with an additional class on structures and roofing and he has the estimating program in his computer. Tomorrow he will have the basic class required by Crawford. He will be able to work on his own. Funny, if there is a large earthquake then I’ll need to assist Justin until I can get my own certification. We have discussed this but I didn’t seriously consider it. My son has about passed me up.

Flexibility is the key remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Driving to Kansas

2009-06-17T05:26:40Z

Couldn’t sleep until 6am when the alarm was set to ring, too concerned about all the miles left to drive. So I got up and started getting ready to drive by 5:30am.
We’d been driving for a couple of hours when I got a call from CAT. There is work in Kansas and really, like I’d told cat she said, I can just get certified after an earthquake hits. HUM, she had replied that they really wanted for me to get the certification now so they could get me out right away in the event of an earthquake. So could we please just turn north to Kansas instead of south to Dallas? Of course I said yes.
We headed north and Justin got to work on campgrounds to the north, canceling the KOA in Dallas. It appears that there was a massive hail storm last night throughout Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri.
We have already received claims in Oklahoma and Kansas just along the border so we are in a campground in that area.
There is a very nice breeze and with the windows open and a couple of fans going we are able to enjoy the present temps.
But I’m really tired after a very short night and a day’s worth of driving. So off to bed for me.

Driving to Kansas remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Drive to Dallas

2009-06-17T03:54:45Z

I wrote this last night but then had no internet to use to post.
Having driven for about 15 hours it is 12:30am Tues which finds us at the rest stop at the Arizona/New Mexico border.
After driving for about 20 minutes from home I saw Justin’s pillow and remembered mine sitting on my bed at home safe and sound. I decided that I would not go back but would use one of the foofoo ones in the RV for now. If we get to go on to a job then I’ll just buy a new one.
We drove first to Lancaster to see my mom who I haven’t seen since prior to China. We met at In-n-Out Burger which is close to her house. I decided to park in their lot instead of the dirt lot next door. After lunch we came out to find the lot packed with cars and there was no way that I could just pull out then turn out of the lot as cars were beside me and in front of me with only a small drive between. I had to back up and get the RV turned then head out. I was a bit nervous as I’m not great at backing up, but with some backing and forthing I was able to clear the cars and get us out of the lot. Several cars had to wait but I imagine that they got over it.
I know that fuel is cheaper the 2nd exit after the Arizona border so waited to stop for fuel. I still had 90 miles left on the tank as per the gauge but the gauge goes down quickly so I knew I had to stop. But then I missed the turn off. Well no problem, I told Justin. There is a Flying J just ahead; but it was about 100 miles ahead. Oh well, we will find fuel, no problem. Opps. No stations for miles and in the mean time the gauge is falling rapidly! I really started to become concerned. But just before running out we found a station and filled. I thought that the tank held 32 gallons but it must hold more because I filled it with 32.89 gallons.
Sang to fun songs the last couple of hours and entertained Justin I’m sure, lucky guy. Ended with one of my favorites these days, Jimmy Buffit’s “Margaritaville”.
Luck held out today!

The Drive to Dallas remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Off to Dallas

2009-06-15T13:53:27Z

Finally the claims are completed and now it is”sit back and wait for the money” time.
In the meantime before China I’d signed Justin and I up for a claims conference with Crawford which takes place in Dallas TX this week. We have signed up for workshops to get our earthquake and flood certification. Justin also will have the opportunity to meet with HR and have the estimating program installed in his computer.
I’d wanted to fly but it saves money to drive and pull the RV with both of going. Then on Friday Crawford called and said bring work supplies, they will try to send us out to work since we are ½ way across the country.
We have packed up the RV with our computers, printer, scanner; a ton of food and everything work.
I’ll blog along our adventures along the way of I-40

Off to Dallas remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Tokyo and new adventures

2009-05-31T00:33:49Z

After a ride back to Tokyo on the bullet train we found our way to the hotel using the map book. We are becoming quite proficient in getting around, but of course with addresses in Chinese or Japanese we find people can help much easier.
I was very disappointed when I found that neither Kubiki nor the Noh were playing this week as I`d wanted for Mike to see one. We also missed the Beijing Opera which is fun.
Instead we walked thru the extensive Imperial gardens at the Imperial Palace. Here we were disappointed that the Emperor did not receive us but we were well received with the common people. Nevertheless we were impressed with the massive walls around the palace, some stones were chest high to me. I though of Justin and Jenavieve and how they would appreciate that rock work but they would not be anxious to work on that wall in the 1600`s. The walls stand several stories high but there are gaps between rocks so it is difficult to see how intruders would be kept out.
We walked from the gardens to the Ginza district. It has changed since I was there in 1970 but as it was still light out I suggested that we sit down with coffee and wait for the sun to go down. We ducked into a little british pub and drank a beer instead.
After it was darker we started walking all over the Ginza, looking into shops and restaurants. The area under the train tracks is full of tiny restaurants so it was fun to peek into them, looking at the plastic food or photos of food.
After walking for quite awhile we ended up near a park and heard music and shouting so of course we went to investigate. We found Octoberfest going complete with German beers, sausages and actual German bands. The normally reserved Japanese were singing along and waving little German flags. As the evening went on some of the German band members, complete with laderhosen, went thru the crowds singing and yelling and some of the visitors who had been drinking for some time started dancing on the tables. It was absolutely wild and quite funny to see the Japanse version of Octoberfest in May.
I shot some video so will post it on U-Tube when I return.

Tokyo and new adventures remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Kyoto

2009-05-29T13:48:51Z

Wow, we just got to spend the entire day with my friend Yayoi and at one of my favorite places in the world, the Temple of the Golden Pavillion.
Yayoi got here by 8a.m. and we went to breakfast nearby. Yayoi knows that I love to eat and we always laugh about our visits and how they are about eating. She had checked for a restaurant that would serve a Japanese breakfast so she knew just where to take us. We had grilled salmon, miso soup an egg and some veges.
With a full stomach we were able to get on with the business at hand, getting to the Golden Pavillion. Rain was forecast but the skies were full of puffy clouds and sun, a perfect day for Kyoto.
We saw the Golden Pavillion and walked the gardens. I wanted for Mike to have tea in the tea house, something Yayoi and I have done. Then after buying the mask that I`d waited 8 years to buy we went our our way.
We`d decided to have some lunch before going to a shrine and I found that I`d left my cell phone at the Pavillion when I was trying to get coins out of my money carrier. I was lucky as the phone was at the booth still and the women there were so happy when I showed up. I was very happy too.
It was back to lunch then off to the shrine. I`d read about the shrine, where they put on a Noh play on June 1 & 2. We were going to miss it but they were setting up for the play in one of the courtyards. Apparently they have a bonfire also. I really want to come back for that some year.
We were walking in the gardens where they shape pine trees using the same techniques as those used for bonsai trees. Mike stepped back to get a photo but stepped off of the walkway, stepping down into the little lake. He went crashing down and we about died laughing. Fortunately he had his camera in his left hand so it did not get wet. Another visitor was behind us with his camera and I really think that he video taped it. He followed us the remainder of our walk always just behind enough with his camera in his hand.
We headed over to the Goin Corner located in the old part of Kyoto where we saw a 1 hour performance of Japanese dance, puppet show, music and things typical to Japan. Then it was off to dinner of sachimi, and lots of good stuff. We picked up more street food then brought it back to the hotel where we made tea and ate again.
All of us are fat and happy and Yayoi rolled off into the taxi to go home. I`ll be back again someday.

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Beijing to Kyoto

2009-05-28T13:48:44Z

We had a early morning flight so didn't even get breakfast. The line was long for the international flight but a ANA official told us to come with her, which we did. She tried to do a quick check in but when it didn't work she took us over to the premier line and checked us in there. This gave us better seats with lots of leg room. We sat smug as the poor saps filed on to the back of the plane.
We were a little concerned about catching the bullet train to Kyoto out of Tokyo because we'd heard that the train station is very busy with multilevels of tracks and over 3000 trains per day going thru. I asked the guy next to me on the plane and he gave some directions to the JP desk. Then the JP person gave us great directions and had us actually go one stop past Tokyo to catch the bullet train. Thus we avoided the hassles associated with Tokyo.
We checked into our microscopic rooms and went across the street to a local's restaurant where we ordered a dish each. We were still hungry after that so ordered more and more. We have the excuse that we are bulking up for the trip home when we will do without because of the small quantites of airplane food.
For those of you who know me well know that I love to eat. Well never fear, I've eaten my way thru China and am now working on Japan. I have HELL to pay next week as I roll into the gym.

Beijing to Kyoto remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Hangzhou day 2

2009-05-27T14:13:53Z

I was really glad that we had visited West Lake yesterday afternoon. The skies were really grey, smokey this morning and photos were not even an option. We first went to the silk market as Mike wanted to see if there was anything better than the silk he had found in Beijing. There wasn't but I found some silk items that I really liked. I had to just walk away.
We then went to the park where it was so smokey but we walked a good way around it. We then realized that we were a little hungry and needed to eat then get back to the hotel. Had another flight to catch.
So here we are in Beijing our last evening in China. We got here a little late so had to rush to get to the shops for Mike's last second shopping. We haven't eaten yet but will find something.
It is warm out tonight and we have seen a bunch of foreigner's, as if we are not. It is so funny as we have seen so few until tonight. I guess they are all coming for summer holiday.

Hangzhou day 2 remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Hangzhou

2009-05-27T14:04:07Z

A quick flight from Yichang and we arrived late morning in Hangzhou, a city fairly close to Shanghi.
There are beautiful places on this earth and Hangzhou is certainly one of them. There is a lake, West Lake, where an emperor lived which is quite large with gardens around the permiter. Paths run throughout the gardens and a path goes around the lake.
There are 3 islands in the lake, one large and 2 small. The large one has a resturant which has been in that location since the 1800's. We stopped there and had the local famous "Beggars Chicken" a chicken stuffed with beef and cooked in a pot. Yum!
The afternoon sun was nice although the skies were overcast a bit. Still photos came out well.
A nice way to spend our last afternoon.
"The Lonely Planet" has been our bible throughout this trip and it suggested that we go to one resturant for the crispy fried potatoes with chilies. We thought that we'd go thru the night market and then on to the resturant. After walking and looking for the resturant for about 1 hour, and asking many people we finally found it. I'm not sure that the potatoes were worth the effort, but we saw a bit of Hangzhou that was off the beaten path.

Hangzhou remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Yichang and the 3 Gorges

2009-05-27T14:06:04Z

Before arriving in Yichang my son said to keep things simple in this city. As soon as we arrived yesterday we went to the concierge and asked about a tour to the 3 gorges dam. The concierge told us that we could sign for the tour right then. We did paying our 200 yuan on the spot. The only way to see the dam is via an official tour.
A little later the confcierge told us that the tour would be a chinese led one and we should consider paying 150 yuan for a english speaking guide. Since Mike had really wanted to come here and we had made the extra moves to get here we paid the extra for the guide.
Our guide's english name was Lucy, a young woman who just graduated with a degree as a tour guide. She met us at the hotel which was good since we had to change buses along the way.
The weather was forecast to rain an although it had rained earlier it was just a heavy fog.
To get to the dam you must go into the mountains. I'm not sure of the elevation but it is about an hour drive. Near the end the bus goes through 5 tunnels, one of which is over 2 miles long.
The tour takes you first to a point overlooking the dam at which time we could barely see across the dam. The 2nd stop is just under the top of the dam which gives the prospective of how tall it is.
The third stop is from the bottom. By this time fog had lifted enough to see across. To get to the viewing spot one must walk through a park running along the river. The park was built to show materials used in the construction. A waterfall is made from stones used to show how they were cut and so forth.
On the way back to the city we asked Lucy about a good place to eat and she said we would show us one. We told her we'd like to buy her lunch and she said ok. It was nice to have her along as she explained about the area specialty Chongdong fish. Unfortunately it cost 240 yuan so we got a different fish but cooked the same way for 40 yuan. You ask what kind of fish for
240? Catfish.
Keep in mind the exchange rate is about 6.5 yuan to $1.00
After a good and not expensive lunch Lucy asked if we would come to her house for dinner. We said yes and she wrote the place to meet in chinese.
At 7pm we hopped in a cab then waited at the place until she arrived. She said that she had gotten a call to go back to the gorge after she left us and it was raining with no visibility.
She made us a dinner which was fun to share in her small place. I'll blog more about this later. For now it is time to catch a flight.

Yichang and the 3 Gorges remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Xian and beyond

2009-05-25T08:44:34Z

We were concerned because our flight to Yichang was to leave at 4:50pm with a 1-1/2 hour drive to the airport. The concerige suggested that we rent a car for the day and the driver could drive us to the airport saving 1/2 hour in travel time.
We got an early start and went straight to the mausoleum where the emperor is thought to be burried. The findings verify that the ground is full of mercury, hence no digs have been completed there. Around the perimiter however they have found the graves of the emperor's ministers and concubines who would have followed him to his grave by custom.
The warriors are about 20 minutes away but I wanted Mike to see both in order to have a understanding of the distance the Warriors are.
We followed the guide book in this instance and started with the Pit 3 first, then Pit 2 where excavations have only scratched the surface and there is much to go. The last Pit 1 is the largest excavated to date hence the most exciting. It is always a thrill to see the warriors and I was so happy to share that experience with Mike. The warriors are encased in dirt so excavation is slow and exacting. Seeing them close up gives the perspective on the efforts both in their making and excavating.
Since the last time I visited them more have been unearthed. Unfortunately my battery on my big camera died at the end but it was a thrill to take photos and see them again.
We did catch our flight to Yichang and had a very yummy snack. We were given a little box containing a dinner roll, a sweet muffin and a cucumber. I ate the cucumbers while Mike ate the muffins.

Xian and beyond remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Travels to Xian

2009-05-25T08:40:47Z

We had a train to Xian at 9:30A.m. so took a little time to walk thru Peony Park on the way back from coffee at Mc Donald's. I showed Mike where we had taken Sunny, Bel and Elias to play.
The train station was full of drama. Our train was over 1hour late and we were waiting just dozing. We heard a commotion and looked to see a man yelling at the train officials. As is typical, the chinese gathered around the man watching, then more people yelled. We laid low as we were unsure if the situation would deteriorate but finally most people dispursed. Then another person came along and started yelling at the officials.
All of the sudden it was time for the train to come. The officials opened the gates and we all surged to the platform where we got on the train.
After checking into a hotel I'd stayed at when I brought my parents we went and looked at the Bell Tower where the bell would ring in the early days of Xian, walked on the old wall, then went to the Musln quarter. By then we were hungry so we found a resturant where a menu was in english and chinese but packed with chinese people. BBQ'd chicken and beef was great.

Travels to Xian remains copyright of the author Miss Chris, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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