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Even More Trips

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SE Asia December 2005

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Page 6

Day 16 - Sunday, 14 April 2019

Surprise waterless hike

Hiking from Nathan Road up Beacon Hill over Lion Rock and back again

It was supposed to be pouring with rain all day. I got up and peered out the window, it looked like any other rainy day. I went outside thinking I would wander the streets aimlessly all day trying not to get wet, just like yesterday, except it wasnt raining.
I was not yet convinced, so I wandered up Nathan road, thinking it would rain any second now. It didnt.
I saw a hill / mountain, and thought I would head towards it, surely just pondering going up a mountain would cause an immediate severe flood, the direction I choose to walk is clearly the determining factor for weather. Still no rain. Hmmm.

Because I was convinced it would rain all day, I had set off without my running pack thing that I keep water in and now forms a structural part of my camera setup. Despite this, I was determined, I thought to myself, I will just drink 2 litres of water now and not carry any with me. Well that didnt go to plan either, the road I took up to the start of a hiking trail was all guarded compounds of fancy apartments I could not access, oh well, no water it is then!

Finding the real trail first required finding any kind of a trail up the side of a cliff, thankfully a little old guy lead the way, and we hauled ourselves up some ropes before joining the main Maclehose trail. If you have ever done any hiking at all in Hong Kong you will know the Maclehose trail. I checked some of the maps, and if it did decide to rain, there were numerous options back down again, so I had selected the best place to come in case I needed to flee. But it never rained. This allowed me to ascend and descend both Canyon Hill and Lion Rock. It was great. I sweated profusely (btw, sweated isnt a word!) despite having no water since waking up. Sitting here typing this now my legs are aching more than usual because of that. Oh well.

There were other people on the trail, nearly all of them Filipino house maids on their day off. Now ask yourself, why is it Philippines and Filipino. Why not Philippino?

As usual, the photos of Hong Kong from mountains are badly impacted by mist / fog / smog, you have been warned.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is Nathan road out the front of my hotel. Note the surprising lack of rain.

Here is Nathan road out the front of my hotel. Note the surprising lack of rain.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I was looking for a cafe open at 7:30am on a Sunday. No luck. KFC was open for their weird Asian breakfast but I just could not bring myself to do it.

I was looking for a cafe open at 7:30am on a Sunday. No luck. KFC was open for their weird Asian breakfast but I just could not bring myself to do it.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - My route took me up a freeway past a swimming pool.

My route took me up a freeway past a swimming pool.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Soon I joined a hiking trail, still no rain, I skipped gleefully.

Soon I joined a hiking trail, still no rain, I skipped gleefully.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - That is a construction site being built into the side of a hill.

That is a construction site being built into the side of a hill.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Before very long at all I got enough height to start appreciating the excellent, but hazey view.

Before very long at all I got enough height to start appreciating the excellent, but hazey view.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - More view.

More view.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The main trail was very developed, even if it did start to rain I would have no problem today.

The main trail was very developed, even if it did start to rain I would have no problem today.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Beacon hill. This is probably the beacon they speak of. It looks abandoned, as you shall see I suspect it was for the old airport.

Beacon hill. This is probably the beacon they speak of. It looks abandoned, as you shall see I suspect it was for the old airport.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Near the centre of the picture you can see the old Kai Tak airport runway. I am standing almost on the famous checkerboard, where huge jets used to pe

Near the centre of the picture you can see the old Kai Tak airport runway. I am standing almost on the famous checkerboard, where huge jets used to perform a sharp turn in front of the mountain and try not to hit any buildings as they descended between them.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Off in the distance, lion rock, my main goal for today.

Off in the distance, lion rock, my main goal for today.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Half way up the rock part of lion rock looking back at beacon hill. The Beacon has since vanished in the fog.

Half way up the rock part of lion rock looking back at beacon hill. The Beacon has since vanished in the fog.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I stood in this exact spot in severe fog many years ago. Now I am here again.

I stood in this exact spot in severe fog many years ago. Now I am here again.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - There really are steep cliffs to fall off if that is your thing.

There really are steep cliffs to fall off if that is your thing.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - These Filipino girls are trying their best to die posing for photos.

These Filipino girls are trying their best to die posing for photos.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I stayed a long way from the edge, meanwhile behind me they were leaping into the air on rocks near the edge.

I stayed a long way from the edge, meanwhile behind me they were leaping into the air on rocks near the edge.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Past lion rock there is another peak to go over, I dont know what its called, but the signs all point to Sha Tin Pass.

Past lion rock there is another peak to go over, I dont know what its called, but the signs all point to Sha Tin Pass.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - More Filipinos perched on the edge. I am starting to understand why they need the signs everywhere telling people not to go on the official hiking tra

More Filipinos perched on the edge. I am starting to understand why they need the signs everywhere telling people not to go on the official hiking trail.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I chose to access beyond this point. It seemed no more likely to kill you than the previous points.

I chose to access beyond this point. It seemed no more likely to kill you than the previous points.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - That there is my path down, along the ridge. Still no rain, no idea how this has occurred but I was very glad I went for a waterless hike.

That there is my path down, along the ridge. Still no rain, no idea how this has occurred but I was very glad I went for a waterless hike.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I was very powerful today.

I was very powerful today.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - About halfway down, by this point the path became a solid marble stair case.

About halfway down, by this point the path became a solid marble stair case.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Last photo, a temple! This one features razor wire, swastikas, and a huge power pole thingy. Soon after this, it started raining hard, literally minut

Last photo, a temple! This one features razor wire, swastikas, and a huge power pole thingy. Soon after this, it started raining hard, literally minutes after I got back to the road. Perfect timing.


One sided

Accidentally stumbling onto the Hong Kong film awards

I have stayed in Hong Kong for 4 days and not crossed the harbour. The entire time I have been here I have stayed on the Kowloon side, not the Hong Kong island side. There is a method to my madness. I will be back in 6 days time and staying in a hotel on the other side, so my goal then will be to not come to the Kowloon side. Because I am one sided. I think thats what everyone means when they describe me as one dimensional?

I cant do it, I cannot not mention the rain. It is raining again, very hard at times. This stifled any faint notions of climbing up something at night. Instead I headed on a big loop of the main areas, thinking they would provide the most shelter, and a lot of the time they did. First I took in the ferry terminal before heading to the opera house where I stumbled onto the Hong Kong film awards. I had no idea this was occurring, I simply heard screaming girls and instinctively headed towards the RUCKUS. Ruckus is word of the day. As you will see I did not get to see any of the actual stars, but from the signs and announcers I think I worked out that at one point none other than Andy Lau walked past. This is the second time I accidentally found myself within metres of the most popular people in the whole city, years ago in career I stumbled onto an appearance by none other than Super Junior in Seoul, the original K-pop boy band.

After a great dinner featuring one of my old favourites which I have not had for years, it was time to splash back to my hotel where I am now enjoying squid flavoured popcorn (an accidental purchase).

Tomorrow I head just up the road to Guangzhou, a city substantially larger than Hong Kong. Wikipedia says the metro area of Guangzhou contains about 25 million people (coincidentally, just below Seoul), but its next door to Shenzhen which is apparently another 23 million people. In fact, the whole Pearl River Delta is basically one big mega city. Many of the cities metros (subways) now join together. The total population of this mega city is about 120 million, of which Hong Kong is a mere 7 million. Just a small town then.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - There really is a lot of Jesus related stuff going on in Hong Kong. I feel as though a lot of it is fairly recent. Big money in Jesus it seems.

There really is a lot of Jesus related stuff going on in Hong Kong. I feel as though a lot of it is fairly recent. Big money in Jesus it seems.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - My journey took me past a newly constructed arts centre. I dont really understand what the point of it is, but it has this little wooden house.

My journey took me past a newly constructed arts centre. I dont really understand what the point of it is, but it has this little wooden house.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - These people happily posed for my photo in the rain.

These people happily posed for my photo in the rain.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - If you climb up to the roof of the ferry terminal you can go out the back and get an amazing view of the harbour. It seems a very under populated loca

If you climb up to the roof of the ferry terminal you can go out the back and get an amazing view of the harbour. It seems a very under populated location given the amazing view.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - When I first came to Hong Kong those buildings were either not there or under construction. The very tall building on the left disappearing into the c

When I first came to Hong Kong those buildings were either not there or under construction. The very tall building on the left disappearing into the clouds has a roof top infinity pool that you have probably seen girls with huge fake boobs swimming in, its a favourite thing to stick on the Australian news website whenever they have a story about something rich Asians are up to. It was actually featured this week in a story about slavery in Hong Kong.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Like I said, great view from the top of the ferry terminal.

Like I said, great view from the top of the ferry terminal.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here are some actual ferries, their terminal is made of solid gold.

Here are some actual ferries, their terminal is made of solid gold.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Andy Lau was going past as I took this photo.

Andy Lau was going past as I took this photo.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - After Andy they were waiting for other people, lots of signs, flowers. Some of the signs are electronic, many say 'Please do not touch my 193'. Google

After Andy they were waiting for other people, lots of signs, flowers. Some of the signs are electronic, many say 'Please do not touch my 193'. Google has no info on this!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Random tourist pirate ship.

Random tourist pirate ship.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Eventually the pirate ship sailed off into the night.

Eventually the pirate ship sailed off into the night.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - In case you dont like pirate ships, heres the same shot without the ship.

In case you dont like pirate ships, heres the same shot without the ship.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - For dinner I had Lanzhou beef noodle. It is the same all over the world, in Australia its what you get from Noodle Kingdom originally but now there ar

For dinner I had Lanzhou beef noodle. It is the same all over the world, in Australia its what you get from Noodle Kingdom originally but now there are lots of places actually called Lanzhou Beef Noodle springing up all over the place. The noodles are pulled by hand just before cooking. The chefs filthy hands add to the flavour.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - One last shot of a rainy Hong Kong glowing street.

One last shot of a rainy Hong Kong glowing street.


There are currently 5 comments - click to add

Brian on 2019-04-15 said:

Nice night photos


David on 2019-04-15 said:

If it is the name of a movie Google would know about it


mother on 2019-04-14 said:

I also wanted to know what the please do not touch my 193 sign meant. Maybe it is his latest movie.


adriana on 2019-04-14 said:

Lucky hike today. Good view too. You didn't take a photo of the marble stairs though.


David on 2019-04-14 said:

I see the water spot near the top left of the last few photos, oh well


Day 17 - Monday, 15 April 2019

Procedural challenges

Travelling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou on the high speed rail

Today was a day of many challenges, and associated crap photos of nothingness.
It was again raining when I woke up, I splashed around in Hong Kong looking for breakfast, which was a custard tart.
Generally I then go to the airport / train station / bus stop way too early, not today.

I thought I had left myself plenty of time, I was walking to the new high speed rail station just down the road, and sure enough I was there 2 hours early. Oh well, I am always early, or so I thought.
First you clear Hong Kong customs, in Hong Kong, there was a line but this was ok, they dont really check anything.
Next up you enter China, while in Hong Kong. The first thing to do is have your finger prints taken, there are lots of places you do this yourself and it issues you a ticket after scanning your passport, and attempting to scan all 10 fingerprints. I watched everyone else do this without issue, but for me, no fingerprints. I HAVE NO FINGERPRINTS! Now, I do recall having issues doing this in Japan also, but generally it works after 4 or 5 goes. Here I tried 10 machines, none would even register one of my fingers and it needs all 10! I went and got a cop, time to try out my mandarin. He tried to help and was genuinely intrigued, even putting his fingers on the reader after my passport was scanned, which seemed to be working, I thought for a minute I would enter China with his finger prints but he took his hand off in time.
Eventually he escorted me to a customs officer, who tried again to take my fingerprints, still no go. They found this very amusing, looking at my actual fingers to verify they were not robotically smooth. After laughing for a while they let me in anyway, with minutes to spare.

The train to Guangzhou was only an hour, there would have been a view but there was dense fog. Hopefully when I do the return trip in 6 days time I can enjoy the view. Strangely as I type this I have Hong Kong news on which is broadcasting live from clear blue sky, how is this possible? Here the fog is down to the ground and its raining, but I digress, the fun was only just beginning.

Checking into my hotel apartment was very challenging. Thankfully I had already studied the complex instructions to find the check in desk, it is actually in a big shopping mall, and requires going out a fire exit between Uniqlo and H&M, really!
All was going fine, but then they scanned the wrong visa in my passport, and we spoke in Chinglish for a while until they realised their mistake. They seemed very very concerned I had entered China on an expired visa, once I managed to grab my passport and show them that the newer visa is on an earlier page in my passport, that drama was solved. They dont have to call the police. Speaking Chinese actually helped here.
Then I had to get into my room, very slow lifts, 31st floor. Key does not work, back down I go. The guy on the desk understood when I told him the key didnt work, I even took a photo of my door and door number. He didnt seem to do anything and handed me back the key. I asked if it was now ok, he said yes (shi) but he did not look convinced! Of course it still did not work.
So I have now been up and down the slow lift 4 times, I go back to the desk and tell him I knew he had not fixed it, get the boss, I raised my voice. The boss came out in a flash, came up with me, could not open the door. Next thing a maintenance man comes, levers the panel off the door, plugs in a USB cable and we are all go. While I had the boss, I checked that the tv worked, no. Maintenance man again, changes the xiao mi streaming stealing tv box in about 5 minutes.

So finally after many challenges, I have a huge room in a great location in a street with about 10 giant malls on top of a subway station that is apparently a few blocks from the main shopping area.
I will be here for 6 nights, I have no plans, I dont think there are many mountains!

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Powdered milk formula is not just an issue in Australia, Hong Kong also does not like too much of it being exported. Unlike Australia, Hong Kong actua

Powdered milk formula is not just an issue in Australia, Hong Kong also does not like too much of it being exported. Unlike Australia, Hong Kong actually has to import it. Here in Australia we have way too much milk which is going to waste and we still dont want to sell it to Chinese people. It makes no sense to me.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Once you have gone through all the customs and assuming your fingers have fingerprints, you enter the departure hall. There are no shops! None. You ar

Once you have gone through all the customs and assuming your fingers have fingerprints, you enter the departure hall. There are no shops! None. You are technically in mainland China at this point.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The train was just like any other in China. I saw photos of orange colored ones that looked higher than the normal ones, but mine was the standard CRH

The train was just like any other in China. I saw photos of orange colored ones that looked higher than the normal ones, but mine was the standard CRH thing.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here I am at Guangzhou South station, between the trains.

Here I am at Guangzhou South station, between the trains.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The station is absolutely enormous and new. It is connected to the metro. I had no issue getting cash out and getting a Guangzhou metro card. It is ab

The station is absolutely enormous and new. It is connected to the metro. I had no issue getting cash out and getting a Guangzhou metro card. It is about 30 minutes on the metro to the middle of the city, and it was packed.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Now for some photos of my strange hotel apartment, on English websites its called JiaJia mix, but theres no signs saying that at the hard to find rece

Now for some photos of my strange hotel apartment, on English websites its called JiaJia mix, but theres no signs saying that at the hard to find reception area, where it is called Yi Min Hotel. As you can see I get a washing machine.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And a full kitchen.

And a full kitchen.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Bed and a small couch, everything you could want! The internet is super fast too. Some reviewers complained their room was dirty, mine seems fine. Oth

Bed and a small couch, everything you could want! The internet is super fast too. Some reviewers complained their room was dirty, mine seems fine. Others complained they didnt get fresh towels and sheets daily, I dont care about that. It is very cheap, well located and huge. I had many check in issues but they were keen enough to help once I threatened to kill someone.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is my 'view'. My view is all fog. The rain seems particularly heavy right now. Now to work out where the hell I am.

Here is my 'view'. My view is all fog. The rain seems particularly heavy right now. Now to work out where the hell I am.


Dark and mysterious

The rainy colorful streets of Guangzhou

I am very happy with the location of my hotel. There is lots to see in a 4 block radius. Strangely, there are lots and lots of foreigners / westerners. Perhaps they are all here for the Canton fair.

It was still raining, but most of the area I am in is undercover, it is a very interesting mix of old and new. This is not the modern skyscraper part of Guangzhou, I think that is further to the east, this is the old part of town and I think the main street is Guanghzhou's equivalent of Beijing's Wangfujing or Shanghai's Nanjing Road West. That was an extensive geography lesson.

Like much of China (and Korea, and Japan), there is just as much to see under the ground as there is above it. There is also a lot of fruit, I have not had any yet but I want some, I think they even cut it up for you.

Nothing hilarious or ridiculous happened, I just paced around in the puddles gawking at things, wondering which direction I was facing until I hit my magical steps goal that will nett me a million for the month, then I returned to my hotel room.

What will I do tomorrow?

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Obviously China doesnt have the same fear of fan death as Korea, there are hundreds of stores full of fans.

Obviously China doesnt have the same fear of fan death as Korea, there are hundreds of stores full of fans.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is the mall that my hotel is in. I am on the second to top floor. As you can see there is an IMAX theatre.

This is the mall that my hotel is in. I am on the second to top floor. As you can see there is an IMAX theatre.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is Beijing road, the main traditional shopping street. The thick trees provide good shelter from the rain. I got asked by every second dodgy look

This is Beijing road, the main traditional shopping street. The thick trees provide good shelter from the rain. I got asked by every second dodgy looking guy if I wanted to buy a watch or a handbag.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Transformers are still the most important thing to every single Chinese person.

Transformers are still the most important thing to every single Chinese person.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I dont know what these cakes are but they are everywhere. Maybe I will have one. They look like they are many days old.

I dont know what these cakes are but they are everywhere. Maybe I will have one. They look like they are many days old.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The stores are a weird mix of fake antiques, fake armani, and then trendy things like these bags made out of recycled paper that cost $500.

The stores are a weird mix of fake antiques, fake armani, and then trendy things like these bags made out of recycled paper that cost $500.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I was one of not many people standing in the rain taking photos of rain.

I was one of not many people standing in the rain taking photos of rain.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - When in Canton, eat Cantonese food. Roast pork on noodles. Not bad. Small serve. Bland.

When in Canton, eat Cantonese food. Roast pork on noodles. Not bad. Small serve. Bland.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Now for some colored lights, this is just a random street, most of the streets around here look like this.

Now for some colored lights, this is just a random street, most of the streets around here look like this.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Pedestrian street, a side road off the main pedestrian street. The rain makes the lights look good.

Pedestrian street, a side road off the main pedestrian street. The rain makes the lights look good.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is one of the hundreds of fruit stands I was talking about. They add fog to mask how rotten the fruit is.

This is one of the hundreds of fruit stands I was talking about. They add fog to mask how rotten the fruit is.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - There are at least 20 giant malls in the immediate vicinity. Too many to look at. The basements are where the cheap food is anyway.

There are at least 20 giant malls in the immediate vicinity. Too many to look at. The basements are where the cheap food is anyway.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Guangzhou roof light thing is not as good as Daejeon roof light thing.

Guangzhou roof light thing is not as good as Daejeon roof light thing.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A bit more of the main street now that its properly dark.

A bit more of the main street now that its properly dark.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Over the road from my hotel is the peoples cultural revolution historic something park. It has cool lighting.

Over the road from my hotel is the peoples cultural revolution historic something park. It has cool lighting.


There are currently 7 comments - click to add

Bobule on 2019-04-21 said:

Lovely photos again. Food looks good. I wish my society appreciated transformers more..


David on 2019-04-16 said:

Wow! someone who is not my mother commented. Welcome Barbara.


Barbara on 2019-04-16 said:

Beijing Lu has changed a bit over the past 14 years!


David on 2019-04-16 said:

Pulse detection is needed to ensure the fingers being scanned belong to someone who is alive.

The old people were eaten by the young in the event famine.

Also there's another pedestrian Street about a km away I will probably go explore tonight, currently there is a flood!


adriana on 2019-04-15 said:

Don't know what your pulse rate would have to do with finger prints. Maybe you have worn them off playing guitar. There seem to be mainly young people in the streets. Where are all the old people?


David on 2019-04-15 said:

Low pulse apparently


adriana on 2019-04-15 said:

have you worked out why the machines don'e recognise your fingerprints yet? Your hotel has a great view even if it is foggy. Notice the interesting building with turrets on top of the modern building.


Day 18 - Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Flood warning

Exploring the many shopping malls of Guangzhou

In my room I have an internet IPTV box thing, theres no normal tv in China it seems. It runs Android and you can change the language to English. Just like Kodi, it has a weather plugin. This morning I turned my tv on and was greeted with FLOOD WARNING. Great. I looked out the window, yes, it looks quite floody from up here. Oh well, lets plan a day of wandering around inside luxury malls while dressed like a wet homeless person. If you like mall photos, you will like todays presentation.
The other thing is, due to very tall buildings, many of todays photos are vertical, commonly referred to as portrait orientation, which means you will need to scroll further to get to the part where you can leave hurtful comments.

My path in the flood took me east, my goal was the new part of the city where the tall buildings are. The first part of my slosh was quite uncomfortable, even though many of the streets are undercover. There was so much rain that large puddles had formed. My socks became wet about 11 steps out of my hotel / mall.

I pushed on regardless, and about an hour later, as you shall see, a glimmer of blue appeared! The first glimmer in a week I think? It still rained on and off a couple more times, but the huge puddles dissipated, and I was actually hot a few times when the sun broke through.
As for the malls, there are far too many, they are far too large, but they all seem to be full of shops, mainly restaurants.
Nearby Guangzhou is the world famous abandoned mall in Dongguan. I would go and gawk but part of the reason it is abandoned is because its impossible to get to by public transport, at least I think I recall hearing that was the reason, so I cant really go to ghost mall. Oh well, enjoy non ghost mall and puddles.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I attempted to photograph the rain, generally an exercise in futility. Todays futile exercise was slightly less futile than previous attempts due to t

I attempted to photograph the rain, generally an exercise in futility. Todays futile exercise was slightly less futile than previous attempts due to the downpour.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I was mindful of not getting washed away in a flood. It does happen!

I was mindful of not getting washed away in a flood. It does happen!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The first monument park I got to was the Martyrs park. Here is the hand of communism hoisting an ak47 skyward.

The first monument park I got to was the Martyrs park. Here is the hand of communism hoisting an ak47 skyward.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And here lay the bodies of the 4 martyrs of the great communist uprising.

And here lay the bodies of the 4 martyrs of the great communist uprising.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Nearby, future martyrs are singing songs about the cool ways they will sacrifice themselves for their cause. Theres a guy with a drum kit who is way t

Nearby, future martyrs are singing songs about the cool ways they will sacrifice themselves for their cause. Theres a guy with a drum kit who is way too loud and generally drumming in an inappropriate manner for old folks singing opera.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The park is large and quit nice. However nearby is the largest park in any Chinese city. I will go there on a nicer day.

The park is large and quit nice. However nearby is the largest park in any Chinese city. I will go there on a nicer day.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A GLIMMER OF BLUE SKY! REJOICE!

A GLIMMER OF BLUE SKY! REJOICE!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Soon after a glimmer of blue it started to rain again. I stopped for a beverage. I would normally say stopped for a coffee, but today I had a ginger a

Soon after a glimmer of blue it started to rain again. I stopped for a beverage. I would normally say stopped for a coffee, but today I had a ginger and brown sugar latte, delicious. I want another one now. Of course this photo does not show a cup with frothed milk, what it does show is a bank of rechargeable Anker batteries. They are in every single store in China. I think you subscribe to a service, and exchange a flat one for a charged one wherever you go. Basically everyone has their thin phone plugged into a super fat battery at all times.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - After some more walking, more rain, just as I arrived at the main Boulevard. Not to worry, the entire under the parks and gardens area is a giant mall

After some more walking, more rain, just as I arrived at the main Boulevard. Not to worry, the entire under the parks and gardens area is a giant mall. Apparently Vladimir Putin came here for an ice cream.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Back up on the surface, and its another nice park, with good views of great buildings.

Back up on the surface, and its another nice park, with good views of great buildings.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And here are the buildings. These are the two biggest I think. Hard to tell if its the very top of the one on the right, I waited for a break in the c

And here are the buildings. These are the two biggest I think. Hard to tell if its the very top of the one on the right, I waited for a break in the cloud.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The Baiyun tower is actually not as tall as the buildings. I could be wrong about that. It doesnt look as big to me or in other pictures anyway.

The Baiyun tower is actually not as tall as the buildings. I could be wrong about that. It doesnt look as big to me or in other pictures anyway.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Near the tower is this weird stadium. I dont know what it is for. I could not quite fit it all into one shot, but the metal structures on the left see

Near the tower is this weird stadium. I dont know what it is for. I could not quite fit it all into one shot, but the metal structures on the left seem to be nothing more than a machine that erects a giant screen. I am guessing this is only for live performances, and not for any sport?


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is the Guangdong museum. If it were still raining at this point I probably would have gone in. It looks like a small house but if you look closel

This is the Guangdong museum. If it were still raining at this point I probably would have gone in. It looks like a small house but if you look closely you can see people to get an indication of the scale.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This bank is very impressive, they have rock solid financials.

This bank is very impressive, they have rock solid financials.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Time to head to a mall. The first one is the oldest and the biggest (unless the internet is out of date with its info). I took a photo of the fake Eif

Time to head to a mall. The first one is the oldest and the biggest (unless the internet is out of date with its info). I took a photo of the fake Eiffel tower in honor of the today it burnt down and soon to be rebuilt as fake Notre Dame. I visited Notre Dame and felt unsafe the whole time I was there! Not due to risk of fire, due to risk of being shot or stabbed. Paris is a scary place.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The external part of this mall looks old, and its an old style of just being a huge building with no windows or natural light.

The external part of this mall looks old, and its an old style of just being a huge building with no windows or natural light.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Inside it is very massive, this is the central atrium, there are 5 in total, mostly covered in blue tarps. The whole thing is a giant square. Within i

Inside it is very massive, this is the central atrium, there are 5 in total, mostly covered in blue tarps. The whole thing is a giant square. Within its confines are an aquarium with polar bears and penguins, a dinosaur fossil thing, fake statues from history and like all big Chinese malls...


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - ...an ice skating rink.

...an ice skating rink.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I thought this was the only mall in the area so I took another shot from the top. I was very very wrong about it being the only mall.

I thought this was the only mall in the area so I took another shot from the top. I was very very wrong about it being the only mall.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Just next door is this very new much nicer mall. Too nice for the likes of me.

Just next door is this very new much nicer mall. Too nice for the likes of me.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Over the road is an enormous square of light colored concrete and a sporting stadium. Future student uprising location. I probably should have crossed

Over the road is an enormous square of light colored concrete and a sporting stadium. Future student uprising location. I probably should have crossed the road for a better picture.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Back to the mall, after approaching I realised it was mainly underground, with the flying saucer cage thing on the roof. I stayed away from the apple

Back to the mall, after approaching I realised it was mainly underground, with the flying saucer cage thing on the roof. I stayed away from the apple store in case I became indoctrinated with some kind of ideology.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Ladies parking! The spaces are 1.5x as wide, and all the pillars have big pink foam pads on them. Really!

Ladies parking! The spaces are 1.5x as wide, and all the pillars have big pink foam pads on them. Really!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This mall is so fancy it has a Porsche dealership inside the mall.

This mall is so fancy it has a Porsche dealership inside the mall.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Annnnd next door to this mall was another mall. It probably went on and on with more malls but by now I had done 30,000 steps and this mall had a subw

Annnnd next door to this mall was another mall. It probably went on and on with more malls but by now I had done 30,000 steps and this mall had a subway station under it, so it was time to return to my hotel and see if the washing machine in my room had successfully destroyed my clothes. Update, it has not, but it has no dryer function, now I am strategically hanging my clothes around the room.


Shangxiajiu

Eating fruit salad in the ancient shopping streets of Shangxiajiu

It is a bit later than normal, for me, so I dont have time to think of a ridiculous title that will ensure google never indexes this article, instead, I name it Shangxiajiu, because tonight I walked to Shangxiajiu.
Shangxiajiu is number two when it comes to pedestrian shopping streets in Guangzhou, last night I went to number one, Beijing Street (not in Beijing).
Anyway, it has no fancy malls, no department stores, and not a lot of places to eat anything other than things on sticks while standing up. That doesnt mean it isnt worth a visit, it is very interesting. The buildings are all of the same older style, although still made of concrete. It looks to me like they are restoring a lot of these buildings to increase the size of the tourist area.

My walk did not end there, I filled up on fruit as you will see, then walked the streets beyond Shangxiajiu. There is a fancy new mall there, but the restaurants were too nice for me. I looped back around and found a very trendy art gallery area in restored back streets. The gallery owners were very concerned I was lowering the value of their art just by being there, untrendying their district.
Here I met a man and his 2 daughters who were busy playing with a mother cat and her kitten. We chatted in real Chinese for a while (mandarin). The children thought I was hilarious. Despite me appearing to me to be much younger than their father, these children referred to me as old foreigner. This has happened before on my trip last year, although that time they also made fun of my pig nose. Maybe anyone older than them is old.

Thats enough typing for now, somehow I managed 50,000 steps today, which does not happen that often, so I better add some quips about the pics then go to bed.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I liked this building. I guess there are lots like this but this one stood out because it literally stands out, there are not 10 others leaning up aga

I liked this building. I guess there are lots like this but this one stood out because it literally stands out, there are not 10 others leaning up against it. Also, look at the clear blue sky!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Shangxiajiu pedestrian street. I have arrived at tonights destination.

Shangxiajiu pedestrian street. I have arrived at tonights destination.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Touristic. Featuring 200 shops selling old womens underwear. Thats underwear for old women, not old underwear for women. Each store has an old woman o

Touristic. Featuring 200 shops selling old womens underwear. Thats underwear for old women, not old underwear for women. Each store has an old woman out the front clapping loudly to get my attention as I go past. I bought some full control 110% polyester supreme briefs.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I have been eyeing off the fruit for a while, tonight was fruit experience number 1 and it was great. So much fruit! I tried to select mainly fruit yo

I have been eyeing off the fruit for a while, tonight was fruit experience number 1 and it was great. So much fruit! I tried to select mainly fruit you dont regularly get in Australia. It is too much, I didnt quite eat it all. You select bigger bits then they cut it up for you into bits you can stuff into your gaping mouth.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Sunset. Me and everyone else were photographing the sun. -2ev compensation on my handy exposure dial. Probably photo of the day.

Sunset. Me and everyone else were photographing the sun. -2ev compensation on my handy exposure dial. Probably photo of the day.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Just one of many many streets running off the main shopping street which are also shopping streets. This one lead me to a big new mall.

Just one of many many streets running off the main shopping street which are also shopping streets. This one lead me to a big new mall.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Inside this mall were mainly fancy restaurants. This one sells delicious dolphin meat! So succulent.

Inside this mall were mainly fancy restaurants. This one sells delicious dolphin meat! So succulent.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I headed into some back streets and happened upon a Japanese castle? Brand new I think, just like the ones in Japan!

I headed into some back streets and happened upon a Japanese castle? Brand new I think, just like the ones in Japan!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The surrounding area has a number of storm water drains with bridges designed to survive a flood.

The surrounding area has a number of storm water drains with bridges designed to survive a flood.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The castle was quite near the area that has all the art galleries and little cafes. A lot of these were shut already, but it still looked like a reall

The castle was quite near the area that has all the art galleries and little cafes. A lot of these were shut already, but it still looked like a really nice area.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is where I hung out with some local children and annoyed this kitten with my orange pre focus light thing that basically does nothing at all when

This is where I hung out with some local children and annoyed this kitten with my orange pre focus light thing that basically does nothing at all when I half press the shutter release to focus on my camera.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Crap photo, not sure why I didnt cull it!

Crap photo, not sure why I didnt cull it!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I had looped back around to the main street, time for a few dark shots.

I had looped back around to the main street, time for a few dark shots.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I headed further along the main street in the other direction, it got even busier, lots more lights.

I headed further along the main street in the other direction, it got even busier, lots more lights.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A huge number of people for a Tuesday night. I was still full of fruit and dolphin meat, so decided to continue on without dinner...

A huge number of people for a Tuesday night. I was still full of fruit and dolphin meat, so decided to continue on without dinner...


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Except when I got back to my hotel area, I found a fairwood, just like in Hong Kong. A nice cheap small meal with lots of vegetables including okra, s

Except when I got back to my hotel area, I found a fairwood, just like in Hong Kong. A nice cheap small meal with lots of vegetables including okra, something else you cant seem to get in Australia. Apparently it wont rain much tomorrow, the skies are clear now, heres hoping I can go do something that involves nature.


There are currently 7 comments - click to add

David on 2019-04-18 said:

its funny, I learn chinese but until you mentioned it I didnt equate Shangxiajiu with up down!


Barbara on 2019-04-18 said:

I think we used to call Shangxiajiu Up Down Street. Spent many a Sunday there.


David on 2019-04-17 said:

The chinese character says dolphin, and no I did not know the character for dolphin, but I do for beef, pork, chicken, fish etc.


David on 2019-04-17 said:

It is really dolphin meat, it is quite common. They had pork as well.


mother on 2019-04-17 said:

So the dolphin meat is really pork - someone had problems with the translation on the sign obviously. Can you read those characters?


David on 2019-04-16 said:

Yes, there really are trees everywhere, even on main roads they often form a full canopy. I noticed them a lot more on my walk this afternoon / evening when the sun was shining.


mother on 2019-04-16 said:

We like malls. I also like that there are lots of trees everywhere and they are not pollarded like in Japan


Page 7 starts off with the only mountain in Guangzhou.

Contents

Day 0 - Sunday, 19 May 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 30 March 2019
  The 3 worst photos of this trip
  The 3 next worst photos
Day 2 - Sunday, 31 March 2019
  Train to city too tired two photos
  Everything is grey
  Blue makes it less grey
Day 3 - Monday, 1 April 2019
  The first of many identical mountains
  3rd times a charm
Day 4 - Tuesday, 2 April 2019
  The great new ancient Seoul wall of Korea
  Dong Demon
Day 5 - Wednesday, 3 April 2019
  Great hike with a crap view
  All the usual neon and curry
Day 6 - Thursday, 4 April 2019
  No ticket no passport no talking
  Pancakes?
Day 7 - Friday, 5 April 2019
  Fog shots
  Sunny river city
Day 8 - Saturday, 6 April 2019
  A day of rest and walking
  The real actual city
Day 9 - Sunday, 7 April 2019
  All day clay
  By special request
Day 10 - Monday, 8 April 2019
  First of two loops completed
  Its all a giant slope
Day 11 - Tuesday, 9 April 2019
  Seven and a half years later
  Wet mall
Day 12 - Wednesday, 10 April 2019
  Not slippery when wet
  Palpable Shininess
Day 13 - Thursday, 11 April 2019
  A tale of two airports
  I have found my salvation
Day 14 - Friday, 12 April 2019
  To hell with the rain
  Grimey goodness
Day 15 - Saturday, 13 April 2019
  Surprise no hiking day
  Weird stuff happens
Day 16 - Sunday, 14 April 2019
  Surprise waterless hike
  One sided
Day 17 - Monday, 15 April 2019
  Procedural challenges
  Dark and mysterious
Day 18 - Tuesday, 16 April 2019
  Flood warning
  Shangxiajiu
Day 19 - Wednesday, 17 April 2019
  AAAAA tourist mountain experience
  The river that becomes a delta
Day 20 - Wednesday, 18 April 2019
  The industrial wasteland of Foshan
  The quiet river stroll
Day 21 - Thursday, 19 April 2019
  Trapped in a thunderstorm
  More of the same
Day 22 - Saturday, 20 April 2019
  The darkest of places
  Final Guangzhou dampening
Day 23 - Sunday, 21 April 2019
  Back to daylight
  Photos of the mundane
Day 24 - Monday, 22 April 2019
  A peak up the morning path
  Along the waterfront
Day 25 - Tuesday, 23 April 2019
  The cloudy dragon beach trip
  Pictures from a moving tram
Day 26 - Wednesday, 24 April 2019
  Looking down on the airport
  More pork more neon more harbour
Day 27 - Wednesday, 25 April 2019
  Only one airport photo
  The end