Well, I made it to Wenzhou. I'm taking a day off the bike. This seems like a nice enough city, and my hotel has a bathtub. That's right a real bathtub. Needless to say, last night I took a bath, and soaked most of the aches and pains away. The road is long, and i'm not sure where my next stop will be. I've decided to be a bit more zen about the whole journey. I think I'll get where I get, when I get there. I'm pretty far south (and it is getting warmer and warmer) and so now I only need to keep going west. I know I'll eventually get to where I'm going.
I got my bike checked, and cleaned. The people at the bike shop were properly amazed that I got here from Suzhou. But I think it wasn't that big a deal. So far, the roads are good, the people are kind, the food is good, and although I'm not making great time, I am enjoying the ride.
And people have been very kind. The police who gave me a ride to a hotel when all I asked for was directions, the hotel staff that moved my bike inside so it wouldn't be stolen, the old woman who gave me some extra oranges for the road, after I had already bought several, the people who give me directions when I'm feeling a bit lost and want to make sure I'm on the right road. So many people are so very very kind.
Until my next post, be good, be happy and have fun.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
and the beat goes on.
So far so good. The weather has improved quite a bit. It was actually hot for part of the trip. I've stopped about 100km from Wenzhou, but I'm not sure exactly where I am. I hope to get into Wenzhou by tomorrow, and maybe take another day off. I can't believe I've been on the road almost 10 days. It is now definitely not flat. I've gone up some mighty big mountains already. I quite like it when I get out of the city and onto the country roads. Yes I don't have the big partition to keep me away from the big bad trucks, but for the most part it has been quiet and most of the cars and trucks have been very polite and given me lots of room. I've also decided that although I appreciate tunnels, because it means I'm going through the mountain and not over the mountain, and I can somewhat de-numb my butt, they are still a bit scary. I'm surprised though at how good the cars are about my bike. They don't seem angry they just either go around or wait until the traffic on the other side makes it possible to go around. I think there are enough bikes that my being on the bike isn't a big deal to them. Although when I ask for directions, most people are amazed that I'm riding. Most people are also smiling at me as I go on my way. I like that.
I've learned a few more things on this trip.
1. It is much harder to read a map if you don't read the language.
2. The signs can sometimes mislead (for example, the mileage varies-- it gains even though I have been traveling in a somewhat straight line.)
3. Ducks can be territorial and downright aggressive.
4. The dogs in China are by and large very mellow.
5. Despite this You can ride quite fast --even when exhausted-- at the bottom of the hill-- in high gear-- if there is an unchained dog barking at your feet.
6. A smile, a please and a thank you will get you far in any language.
7. People are kind.
8. It is amazing how much you can communicate with gestures and body language.
Until the next post, be good, be kind, and have fun.
1.)
I've learned a few more things on this trip.
1. It is much harder to read a map if you don't read the language.
2. The signs can sometimes mislead (for example, the mileage varies-- it gains even though I have been traveling in a somewhat straight line.)
3. Ducks can be territorial and downright aggressive.
4. The dogs in China are by and large very mellow.
5. Despite this You can ride quite fast --even when exhausted-- at the bottom of the hill-- in high gear-- if there is an unchained dog barking at your feet.
6. A smile, a please and a thank you will get you far in any language.
7. People are kind.
8. It is amazing how much you can communicate with gestures and body language.
Until the next post, be good, be kind, and have fun.
1.)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Onward and upward
I made my way out of Xiaoxing fairly easily, even racing yet another barge. This time I won (bwahaha.ha.ha.)- The road was fairly easy to follow, and I was very proud of myself. You may ask how? well I was able to find the symbols on the signs and match them to the symbols on my map. Ha. I can kinda sorta read in Chinese. I feel much better now. I made my way to Shengzhou. The first part of the road was clear, and well marked, but then it became country. Very very country. Then it went up hill. But the weather was better and for the most part even though the road was narrow and winding, there was very little traffic. It was very beautiful in the country side, and if I didn't have to climb so many hills I probably would have enjoyed it more. I'm in Shengzhou now, after taking one day off. The hotel is nice, and I needed a bit of a rest. Tomorrow I'm off again, and hopefully won't get lost and can make it a bit farther.
Till the next post, take care and all my love
Till the next post, take care and all my love
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Perhaps I should have waited
Well,
Where to begin, eh? From Pengwang where I finally stopped on my first day, I got a good start. I went from there with the goal of Huzhou. I did get to Huzhou, and before noon. So far so good, but (and there is always a but..) it was raining. Steady, heavy and cold. Since it was so early, and I was already pretty miserable I decided to try to press on to Hangzhou. I didn't quite make it there, and by the time I stopped for the night, I was covered in mud. Yes covered, head to toe. Part of the road had some dirt that had washed down and so, it wasn't quite an unpaved road, but it was ..muddy. Very muddy.
I found a room, and did my best to clean off, and the next morning, it had stopped raining and was just foggy. I decided to stop in Hangzhou no matter what. I started out very pleasant.
First there were times of silence. I know, here in China. Sweet sweet silence. Then the farms gave way to orchards, and orchards gave way to bamboo groves, and bamboo groves gave way to bamboo lumber yards, and bamboo lumber yards gave way to bamboo crafts people ( I think it is a safe bet that the area is famous for bamboo). Then the fog gave way to clouds, and the clouds gave way to drizzle, and the drizzle gave way to rain. Then I rode into Hangzhou. Early enough I could have found something to do, but unfortunately it was raining. Hard.
I decided I needed the rest. So I had a hot shower ( I can't decide which shower feels better, the one after you are cold and wet, or the one after you are hot and sweaty. I might know the answer after this trip), got out my book, had a cup of coffee, and holed up in my room until morning.
This morning, the weather didn't start out much better. It was cold and raining.
So I kept on. I thought I would be able to get to Xiaoxing fairly early. But ( there is always a but) got lost trying to get out of Hangzhou and onto G104. For three hours. I searched for the way out, I asked people, I circled. For. Three. Hours. By 10am I was about ready to cry. So I hired a truck to take my bike to the highway. Ok, if you want to get technical, it was cheating. But I was riding in circles. In the rain. For three hours.
I finally got on the highway, and the guy in the truck was really nice. Rode by farms and factories, and finally got into Xiaoxing. The rain gave way to drizzle, and the drizzle gave way to clouds. Let's hope for a little sun tomorrow.
Till I post again, be safe, be careful, and be happy.
Where to begin, eh? From Pengwang where I finally stopped on my first day, I got a good start. I went from there with the goal of Huzhou. I did get to Huzhou, and before noon. So far so good, but (and there is always a but..) it was raining. Steady, heavy and cold. Since it was so early, and I was already pretty miserable I decided to try to press on to Hangzhou. I didn't quite make it there, and by the time I stopped for the night, I was covered in mud. Yes covered, head to toe. Part of the road had some dirt that had washed down and so, it wasn't quite an unpaved road, but it was ..muddy. Very muddy.
I found a room, and did my best to clean off, and the next morning, it had stopped raining and was just foggy. I decided to stop in Hangzhou no matter what. I started out very pleasant.
First there were times of silence. I know, here in China. Sweet sweet silence. Then the farms gave way to orchards, and orchards gave way to bamboo groves, and bamboo groves gave way to bamboo lumber yards, and bamboo lumber yards gave way to bamboo crafts people ( I think it is a safe bet that the area is famous for bamboo). Then the fog gave way to clouds, and the clouds gave way to drizzle, and the drizzle gave way to rain. Then I rode into Hangzhou. Early enough I could have found something to do, but unfortunately it was raining. Hard.
I decided I needed the rest. So I had a hot shower ( I can't decide which shower feels better, the one after you are cold and wet, or the one after you are hot and sweaty. I might know the answer after this trip), got out my book, had a cup of coffee, and holed up in my room until morning.
This morning, the weather didn't start out much better. It was cold and raining.
So I kept on. I thought I would be able to get to Xiaoxing fairly early. But ( there is always a but) got lost trying to get out of Hangzhou and onto G104. For three hours. I searched for the way out, I asked people, I circled. For. Three. Hours. By 10am I was about ready to cry. So I hired a truck to take my bike to the highway. Ok, if you want to get technical, it was cheating. But I was riding in circles. In the rain. For three hours.
I finally got on the highway, and the guy in the truck was really nice. Rode by farms and factories, and finally got into Xiaoxing. The rain gave way to drizzle, and the drizzle gave way to clouds. Let's hope for a little sun tomorrow.
Till I post again, be safe, be careful, and be happy.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
She's off
Well, I started out much much later than I had originally planned, between waking up late, having to re-pack some things and a small but fixable problem with the camera. But Jane rode with me all the way to S227 and I started off. I couldn't wait for the open road, even though I was very sad to say good bye to Jane. The only problem was from there to here, there wasn't much open road and some of it was only marginally paved. Plus I only went about 1/2 the distance I had originally planned on going.
The day has been pretty cool, cloudy and windy. Most of the time there has been only a little traffic. On the other side of the road, there was a river and I thought of changing sides and following it. But it would have entailed crossing a 4 lane highway. In China. Even so I raced one of the barges. I would have won too if I hadn't gotten distracted by cute soldier boys and chocolate. I didn't have to stop so early, but I had over shot and missed one of the turn-offs, so I had to go back. I'm staying at a hotel that is right on the road I need to go on. I'll try to start a bit earlier and go a bit farther tomorrow.
I have learned several things already.
1. When you need to go to the bathroom, all the gas stations are on the other side of the highway.
2. I am not nearly as in shape as I thought I was. I've been demoted to totally pathetic.
3. This is going to take a bit longer than I thought.
4. It isn't as flat as I had originally thought
5. It is still all good
Until the next post, be good, be careful and have a good time.
The day has been pretty cool, cloudy and windy. Most of the time there has been only a little traffic. On the other side of the road, there was a river and I thought of changing sides and following it. But it would have entailed crossing a 4 lane highway. In China. Even so I raced one of the barges. I would have won too if I hadn't gotten distracted by cute soldier boys and chocolate. I didn't have to stop so early, but I had over shot and missed one of the turn-offs, so I had to go back. I'm staying at a hotel that is right on the road I need to go on. I'll try to start a bit earlier and go a bit farther tomorrow.
I have learned several things already.
1. When you need to go to the bathroom, all the gas stations are on the other side of the highway.
2. I am not nearly as in shape as I thought I was. I've been demoted to totally pathetic.
3. This is going to take a bit longer than I thought.
4. It isn't as flat as I had originally thought
5. It is still all good
Until the next post, be good, be careful and have a good time.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Here comes the sun, it's alright now
The sun, I saw the sun today. That means in one hour I will re-pack what I un-packed and get ready. Tomorrow tomorrow the sun should come out tomorrow. I'm so ready. I can't wait.
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok, it is safe to go back to your regularly scheduled programing.
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok, it is safe to go back to your regularly scheduled programing.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Rain Rain Go Away
It is raining right now. I am NOT on my bike. I am not riding off. I even unpacked the computer, because, what the hell, might as well get on it, since I can't get on my bike. I am hoping that the rain will stop later this afternoon, I can take the boxes to the post office, and tomorrow get on the bike. I'm starting to feel a wee bit antsy. I don't want to rest up anymore. Sigh.
I may have to postpone for a few more days, if the weather continues in this way, and that means starting on Monday because I'm a bit afraid of starting on a weekend. I think the traffic will be much worse than on a weekday. Sigh yet again.
But I must look on the bright side. It has to be around here somewhere.
I may have to postpone for a few more days, if the weather continues in this way, and that means starting on Monday because I'm a bit afraid of starting on a weekend. I think the traffic will be much worse than on a weekday. Sigh yet again.
But I must look on the bright side. It has to be around here somewhere.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Leaving
The stuff is packed, except for the small bits and pieces that never seem to get put in the right place, and this computer... although that will change soon. I am as ready as I'll ever be. Ok I"m not really ready. But that has never stopped me before and I doubt it would stop me again. I know how to get to my next destination. I just hope the rain stops by tomorrow morning. The thought of all that rain.... no computer, and everything all packed is kinda depressing. I guess I could try to get some cat dancing on the roof pictures, but they kinda hate dancing in the rain. I guess they never saw the movie. I'll really miss Jane, we've been doing a lot of things together now that I'm leaving.
I've always like the transition times. Going from one place to another, one season to another, the twilight and dawns of life. The combination of sadness and hope. I do it well. I'm not really afraid of the trip, or getting lost (just part of the adventure and yet another margarita story).
I don't exactly know when I'll post again, probably in a few days or sooner, depending on when I stop and when I have a chance to get to an Internet cafe.
I'll see ya when I see ya, and till then, may the gods smile on you.
I've always like the transition times. Going from one place to another, one season to another, the twilight and dawns of life. The combination of sadness and hope. I do it well. I'm not really afraid of the trip, or getting lost (just part of the adventure and yet another margarita story).
I don't exactly know when I'll post again, probably in a few days or sooner, depending on when I stop and when I have a chance to get to an Internet cafe.
I'll see ya when I see ya, and till then, may the gods smile on you.
Friday, January 12, 2007
The things I'll miss
There are a lot of things I'm going to miss about living in China. I've been bumming around Asia for over 8 years now, and I must say "I know you won't believe me, but it is the truth to tell, that the living it is hard, but it suits me well." ~ Sandy Denny
In that spirit I offer a short list of some of the things I will miss:
My room-mate Jane, who has single handedly broken the bad room-mate karma that haunted me in Taiwan and Korea. She is One.Of.The.Best.Room-mates.Ever.
The wet market, where you can purchase fruits, vegetables, live chickens, long underwear, assorted sundries, flour, sugar, coffee, shampoo, fish, Chinese medicine of indeterminate uses, and a turtle. If you are so inclined.
Walking down alley ways and small roads and discovering really cool little shops with even cooler shop owners, who sometimes speak English, or not, but always offer an interesting exchange.
My neighborhood, with all its very interesting and varied denizens, and some pretty good street food.
Beijing Kau Ya. (roast duck) Little boutze (dry dumplings with meat and sauce), moon cakes, the little meat sticks (no I don't know what meat, and no, I don't want to know what meat), tomato and egg, fried eggplant in oyster sauce, assorted dishes that I'm not quite sure what they are, and sweet-potatoes that have been roasted on the street.
All the friends I've met. I am still overwhelmed by how kind everyone has been. I'm also incredibly grateful to all those that befriended me while I was here, and I hope will continue\e to be my friend despite the distances between us.
Some very interesting people I've met on the train to Shanghai or Wuxi
The chance to learn Kung Fu (or Wu Shu as it is properly called)
All the glittery cute stuff for your hair (although it can be frustrating when you want something neither glittery or cute)
That men here are not ashamed of loving Pooh bear or cute overload. (being able to use a "hello kitty" wrist guard, without shame or irony, at work shows an amazing masculine security)
Riding my bike through the Suzhou university campus-- it is very beautiful.
Watching the cats that play on the rooftops as I make my coffee in the morning
It is weird sometimes, now that I know I'm leaving, I feel so much more affection for the place and the people.
I will definitely miss China, and Asia.
In that spirit I offer a short list of some of the things I will miss:
My room-mate Jane, who has single handedly broken the bad room-mate karma that haunted me in Taiwan and Korea. She is One.Of.The.Best.Room-mates.Ever.
The wet market, where you can purchase fruits, vegetables, live chickens, long underwear, assorted sundries, flour, sugar, coffee, shampoo, fish, Chinese medicine of indeterminate uses, and a turtle. If you are so inclined.
Walking down alley ways and small roads and discovering really cool little shops with even cooler shop owners, who sometimes speak English, or not, but always offer an interesting exchange.
My neighborhood, with all its very interesting and varied denizens, and some pretty good street food.
Beijing Kau Ya. (roast duck) Little boutze (dry dumplings with meat and sauce), moon cakes, the little meat sticks (no I don't know what meat, and no, I don't want to know what meat), tomato and egg, fried eggplant in oyster sauce, assorted dishes that I'm not quite sure what they are, and sweet-potatoes that have been roasted on the street.
All the friends I've met. I am still overwhelmed by how kind everyone has been. I'm also incredibly grateful to all those that befriended me while I was here, and I hope will continue\e to be my friend despite the distances between us.
Some very interesting people I've met on the train to Shanghai or Wuxi
The chance to learn Kung Fu (or Wu Shu as it is properly called)
All the glittery cute stuff for your hair (although it can be frustrating when you want something neither glittery or cute)
That men here are not ashamed of loving Pooh bear or cute overload. (being able to use a "hello kitty" wrist guard, without shame or irony, at work shows an amazing masculine security)
Riding my bike through the Suzhou university campus-- it is very beautiful.
Watching the cats that play on the rooftops as I make my coffee in the morning
It is weird sometimes, now that I know I'm leaving, I feel so much more affection for the place and the people.
I will definitely miss China, and Asia.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Today was semi-busy. Went to the bike shop and got all the maintence done, they even fixed a few things I didn't think about. Mad props to the guys at silver storm bikes on Shishz street. (They were cute too)
Got the boxes to send some stuff, bought the sadle bags, and tomorrow start packing up. I still don't feel like I'm ready to leave. But then I think about the road laying before me, and my fear goes away.
I realize it isn't the safest trip in the world, but then I don't know anywhere that really is safe, and to be honest, I'm much more afraid of being back in the states, thinking, "oh if only I'd taken that bike trip" and not being happy where I am, because I didn't finish where I left.
As soon as figure out how to get the pictures on the blog, I will be sharing them.
Got the boxes to send some stuff, bought the sadle bags, and tomorrow start packing up. I still don't feel like I'm ready to leave. But then I think about the road laying before me, and my fear goes away.
I realize it isn't the safest trip in the world, but then I don't know anywhere that really is safe, and to be honest, I'm much more afraid of being back in the states, thinking, "oh if only I'd taken that bike trip" and not being happy where I am, because I didn't finish where I left.
As soon as figure out how to get the pictures on the blog, I will be sharing them.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Getting started
Hello everyone. This is my first post. I'm almost ready to start le grand adventure on my bike, and yes, I am a bit nervous. Yes, I am probably insane. That won't stop me.
The plan so far: (with the options of changing my mind at anytime along the way)
Suzhou, where I currently live, to Hongzhou.
Hogzhou to Hong Kong (2 or three weeks)
Hong Kong to Hanoi
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Vientiane to Thailand
To Bangkok
To Malaysia (the coast)
To Singapore
Then head to the US.
Wish me luck
The plan so far: (with the options of changing my mind at anytime along the way)
Suzhou, where I currently live, to Hongzhou.
Hogzhou to Hong Kong (2 or three weeks)
Hong Kong to Hanoi
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia (no special cities on my route)
Cambodia to VientianeVientiane to Thailand
To Bangkok
To Malaysia (the coast)
To Singapore
Then head to the US.
Wish me luck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)