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Travel, Food, Film, Books, and Music!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Beijing to Paris /Book review

We left Beijing at 9am, took a 6 Hour flight to Kuala Lumpur Via Malaysian Airlines. We were going to do a day tour because we had a 7 hour layover, and they tried to rip us off so we stayed in the airport. I was almost finished reading this:
It's a Gothic Novel, recommended by my 10th Grade English Teacher. I told my mom it was for school because it was the only way to convince her to get me books, I read so much it was getting expensive. I never got around to reading it until now. I really enjoyed it. It's Based in France and Italy, there are lots of landscape descriptions, it's a little bit creepy ( just how I like my books), and it's over 600 pages so it kept me occupied for a while. I'll give this one a rating of 7.5/10, only because It did take me a long time to read. Landscape descriptions took a page sometimes...I still recommend it.

I bought a book in the Airport because it was cheaper than buying it in Australia, I finally caved and bought this:

I ate it up in Less than a Week. I'm not usually into crime novels, but this one is so incredibly well written, and although it's also over 600 pages, I couldn't put it down. Do yourself a favour, avid readers, because this one is going to get you addicted to the 3 book series. To this one I probably have to give a 9.5/10. I can't just GIVE it a ten, but it was pretty darn close.

I can't wait to watch the Swedish (original) version of the Movies, but I'm a firm believer in reading the book before seeing the movie. I'm also excited to see the English language version of the 1st book coming out later this year I believe. Here is the trailer:

I am particularly excited for this version because Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor is doing the soundtrack. And I love a killer soundtrack.

I'm currently reading the next one in the series:
While traveling, do yourself a favour, friends. Either buy a couple of book in the Airport, or if you stay at a hostel long enough, Have some sent via Ebay or Amazon. Now I'm not usually a big fan of Amazon because lately we have had trouble receiving things we have ordered ( also known as my Xmas present from Dave). But, I took the chance, got free shipping on Amazon.fr and got my book on Monday when its predicted arrival date was today, wednesday. I have to say I'm impressed. I've started but this time I'm forcing myself to pace myself. I'm already hooked, of course.

I don't have a very long to-read list at the moment, after this series I plan on reading Eat, Pray, Love. Any suggestions?

Beijing

This is the last leg of our China Trip. We met some super nice people at Woodward, Expecially Max and the Woodward Crew, thanks guys! We had some hot pot dinner ( which I have grown to LOVE). We did have ONE incident in a Muslim restaurant where we though we were going to be poisoned or something...They were asking us where we were from, if we were Muslim, etc. We thought they might not want to serve us, but eventually they asked us our order again and we just waited, fearfully, for half an hour...seeing pictures and drawings of menacing looking men on the walls... It was strange, but we didn't get sick or anything thankfully! Anyway, Here are some photos for you!

Inside of Woodward Beijing


Loving when it's Chinese AND English

New friends!

We made the Wall of Fame!
Next we stayed at the Beijing Heyuan Youth Hostel. It was very modern in the room, but traditional outside. There was a pond next to our room, I loved it!
On the Cable Car going up the Great Wall!

Tobogganing down!

Cable Cars

My honey and I at Tower 2 I think it was? Too bad it wasn't a very clear day.

We ate at this restaurant near our hostel, it was delicious and the menu was in English!

Pond next to our room

Entrance to The Forbidden City
Overall I truly enjoyed China and look forward to visiting again one day. I definitely want to go back to Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Thank again to EVERYONE in China who helped us out. Shocker Dudes ( Karl, Bob, Travis, and Yuen) in HK, George, Jason, and Ronron in Shanghai, Ping in Chengdu, and Max and the crew at Woodward Beijing!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Chengdu!

Here are some photos from Chengdu! We flew this time, from Shanghai via Air China, which was quite an enjoyable flight ( I am not a good flyer...)
Yep, A Panda!!!!!

I made a friend! He came right up to the wall between Us, I would have reached out and touched him but I didn't want to get kicked out.

Feeding time!

They really do act JUST like a human in a panda suit.

Golden Panda!

That is one LONG pipe!

New friends!

Hot Pot, my favourite Chinese dish/dinner experience!

My new friend Ping, in China, it's very common for gal pals to hold hands or walk arm in arm

Incense for Nannu <3

My honey enjoying all the turtles in the pond!

Underwater

Getting my ears cleaned! 20 RMB, less than 3 US Dollars, totally worth it, but not for flinchers!

He had to work extra hard to get all the stuff out of Dave's ears haha
Chengdu was a short stay, we were at the Dragon Town Hostel, which organized the half-day trip to the Panda Breeding Centre. I almost regret not getting a photo with a Giant Panda Baby, but for $170 US I think I'm okay looking at the from afar...Hot Pot and La Mien were yummy. I would like to come back one day!

Shanghai "Noon"


This blog post is dedicated to Frank Galea. May he Rest in Peace. 
Unfortunately, We got bad news during our stay in Shanghai, that Dave's grandfather unexpectedly passed away. I loved Nannu very much and I know Dave, myself, and the rest of the family will be missing him the rest of our lives. Dave's first words after he found out were: "He was a real man". I couldn't have said it better myself. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and great-grandfather. We already miss him so much and can't believe he's gone, it feel like we saw him just yesterday. We lit some incense at a Temple in his honor and memory <3

RIP Nannu! We love you! <3

Hey everyone, today I'm going to share some photos from Shanghai. Aside from Hong Kong, Shanghai was was favourite place in China. I loved the food, the people, and the beautiful spots we saw!


My honey at the Biggest outdoor skatepark in the world! SMP

Our friend George trying to bargain a tazi price and answering questions about his dreads at the same time!

From Left: George, Dave, Jason, and Ruth, at the Grand Opening of the Shanghai Museum of Glass!

Shanghai museum of Glass grand opening

I made a kitty friend! a Scottish fold, officially my favourite breed!

Yu Yuen Gardens Market entrance

Feeding the Koi at Yu Yuen Gardens!

Random tourists wanted to take photos with us

Catching them in the act

A lady absolutely wanted her daughter to pose with George

GOTCHA!

Attracting attention everywhere he goes, I only left the boys alone for 5 minutes and this is what I came back to!

Selling squid on a stick, Dave loved it!

Hand-Made Noodles in a Chinese Muslim Restaurant. Be sure to order LA MIEN if you find one of these places,  it's incredibly delicious!

The Bund

"It's not real hair is it?"

Delicious Crayfish, battles ensue
I also forgot to get a photo, but Pork Buns are amazing! You'll never find anything sweet for breakfast, but vegetarian options are always available! Shanghai was a lot of fun and I can't wait to return when Shanghai Disneyland opens in 2015!