the tourist and then the traveler

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.        -Mary Schmich       Smile and wave, thumbs up, camera click, wipe the sweat from your brow, no stand this way, closer, closer and camera click again, smile [...]

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Aching backs and the longest stone sculpture in the Forbidden City.

Leading up to the Hall of Preserving Harmony is the largest- or perhaps better described- longest stone carving of the Forbidden City. The single piece of marble is intricately and symbolically carved with dragons- the symbol of celestial power and the Emperor. It forms a ramp flanked by two marble staircases and measures sixteen metres long [...]

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The Forbidden City: where it was possible to have hundreds of brothers and sisters.

Behind the Hall of Preserving Harmony is the largest courtyard of the Forbidden city. As some of our group, sweaty but determined, headed up the grand marble staircase I was distracted by a gathering of folk who seemed intent on trying to fan themselves while catching two wild children. These kids were slippery indeed. They [...]

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another tick off the bucket list

my walk/great wall of china/mutinyu section/july09

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