A successful train trip this morning from Suzhou to Shanghai- no falls, and escalators that worked…YEAH!!! First impressions…Shanghai is HUGE……Full of skyscrapers, many of which I can't see the top of due to the fog/mist/pollution - I’m not sure which!! With a population around 18-19m you can imagine the traffic, its like constant "peak hour". My guide here is Tony – born and bred Shanghainese – and very proud of his city...

Suzhou is located in the southern part of Jiangsu Province- same province I will be living in this year。Since ancient times, the city has been referred to as "Land of Abundant Landscapes" and the "World of Gardens" and it is easy to see why. I visited 2 of the famous four gardens and even in winter without the flowers they are exquisite. The Humble Administrators Garden is known as the "number one" of the four and dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is huge...

Well I think the worst managed to happen…..first off while the Chinese may have mastered the art of having fast trains going 350+ KPH they haven't managed to design their railway stations without steps. I was heading down to get on the train when I was pushed and next thing I’m falling down the steps with suitcase (all 24kgs) and bags all attached, almost got knocked out when my head hit the concrete AND then had my hand stepped on by some Chinese man...

Well not a good start to the day…..flight delayed due to snow so several boring hours spent at the airport. Finally arrived at about 1430 hours and met my guide – Eva and my driver, whose name I have already forgotten but it's an all girl team for this part of the trip!! The sun was shining and it felt much warmer than Xi’an despite being only 5 degrees. I can still feel my feet today unlike yesterday when I was numb from the cold. Hangzhou is ...

Monday morning and it's off for another day of ancient history. I am finding it all completely mind blowing to see so many sights that are this old. Today is a nice sunny brisk (minus 4 degree) day!! I am wearing so many layers of clothes I’m starting to look like the 'Michelin man". First stop today was a factory in Lintong County where they reproduce the warriors and horses as well as create some fine Chinese laquerware, silk embroidery and jade in every...