DMZ

A quick note this morning as starting to rush a bit with getting sorted. Yeterday I headed off on my own at 6.15 and caught a bus into the city and then a cab to join a tour to the DMZ. I managed all the connections which can be put down to Penny's meticulous planning and giving me suitabley filled out notes with things in Korean etc. The trip was really good. It reminded me of the time all those years ago Kim when we were in Berlin and looked at the wall. There is still a lot of tension and aniomosity from the Sth Koreans towards the Norths administration. We went down into one of the tunnels that the North had been doing after the peace treaty. Apparently it could have had 30000 across the border in an hour. Lots of barb wire and sentry posts etc. All just not 2008. They say they are wanting reunification but a lot of it is they are still worried re a possble invasion. It was all interesting stuff.
A bit of a stroll around Seoul before finding my train back to Suwon. After the guys got back from school we went out for a Thai meal. Back at their appartement we had a game of virtual golf which was a good giggle. It will be lunch with them soon then a market for me. Our final meal tonight and off to Singa in the morning.
Love to All

These photo's are a little haphazard so todays game will be to match the storey with the photo.
On Friday I managed to find my way to the Suwon wall and strolled around saying hello to approx 5000 kids coming the other way.
After Cam and Penny finished work we caught the train down to Pusan. We got there about midnight but without hitch got to the hotel. The hotel was excellent about 100meters to the beach. In my room there was the arrangement you see of an alternative way down from the 8th floor if lifts or stairs were not your style. The next morning was a stroll down the beach where there was an international kite flying competition. There was a NZ team which appeared not to have anyone from NZ . The highlight were the satorially sensational Japanese team. Cam also got to spend time with the Zen Kite master who had a huge kite layed out on the beach beside which he would walk gracefully slowly besides at various times looking very regal and giving advice to those lucky enough to receive an audience. There was an aquariam close by which was good value. We took a boat trip with the highlight being to work out how those that were fishing on rocks, islands and at the bottom of large cliffs could have got there or more importantly how they would get away from them. The logical explanation would have been that this is where they lived and just stayed there.
In the evening we went to a fancy restaurant overlooking the beach for a beautiful meal. It wasn't very Korean but that didn't seem to bother anyone.
The next morning we all swam in the East China sea and it really was beautiful. It drew crowds of people to watch people who actually got in.
A chinese lunch and back onto the train not before I realised I had forgotten my bag in the restaurant. Cam was a little exasperated by the clearly Alzheimic father, although when we got there and in fact his bag was the first bag they gave us back he understood there may have been other circumstances than just plain dementia. Back in Seoul we caught a cab to building 63 which is the highest builing. Great view. Afterwards a nice Italian meal and then back to Suwon. A great weekend. I headed over to the Gym again this morning and managed not to need the guidance of anyone.
Am having a great time although the time is rushing past

MUD PACK GANGZHOU

Well time to leave China. Great visit. Katie and I had breakfast in Yiwu then she stayed in the room a while while I headed off to the train. Only problem in the transport was descending the esculator in Shanghai where an older lady with a large suitcase stumbled on the exit point which demonstarted the domino theory to perfection. After a few upsteps shimmeys I had to lift my bags and go over the top which happened with minimal upset. Looking back at the carnage no one was hurt and everyone seemed to get their feet. I am staying at a good hotel in a part of the city I would have no real idea where. Tuesday afternoon I took a look along the Bund and then a river cruise. The buildings were fantastic. Yesterday I took a walk down the Bund and then a river trip. The skyline is super impressive. Weds I took the trip up Jing Mau tower which goes super fast. Outstanding view. I am not sure if you would have Kimmie. Then a walkk along the main walking shopping street with all the glitz you can imagine and side streets filled with the Rolexs Boss etc
Dinner in the evening was Manchurian which I enjoyed although avoided the sheep eyes and gall bladder which I am not overly bothered with.
So now I am in Cam and Penny's flat. It is very comfortable for them although they are very brave having a father staying not much more then 12 feet from them. The plane was a little delayed but Penny had given me good instructions from the airport and Cam had written down the address for the taxi driver so arrived about 8. They took me across the road to one of their regular restaurants which was excellent. Sitting around BarB Que style eating. lots of fun. Also across the road is a Gym and they gave me a heads up on it last night so at 6.15 this morning I headed over. It was great and managed to have my shoes and clothes off roughly at the right time. I had a very supportive smiling Korean man overseeing my every move so no problems. We are having a lunch during their break and then this evening catching the train to Pusan for the weekend. It is brilliant being here with them.
Love G

Gumbay

Hangzhou finished nicely with a visit to a impressive pagoda and a short 69 meter walk to the top with an easy return following the water trail. Then a boat trip on the west lake and lunch by the lake. On the way to lunch we strayed through a square where there was an English speaking thingie going on. This is where they all go to a certain place and break into little groups to speak English. The girls have done a couple of them in Kuming. We did not have enough time to do this and really the best I could do was teach one particularly annoying fellow one phrase "bugger Off".
Then it was back to Yiwu 34th shower and out to lunch with Peter 2 woman English teachers and the deputy principal. We were in a private dining room with our own squatter just a few feet away in a little room. The food and company was magnificent, Every minute or so they would stop what they were doing and wish cheers to anybody looking their way. This had the chance to cause a degree of wine imbingement. Our deputy principal popped down to another VIP room where the principal and group of his cronies were ensconsed. He returned a short time later ready for a red off with anybody interested[he looked far too committed for me].
It was then our turn to go down the principals to be intruduced. When it was my turn Katie whispered to saty Gumbay[I am sure it is not spelt that way]. I duely did which received a roar of approval and I then learnt what it meant. Bottoms up[Totally!] Back to our own room where Gumbay had been introduced to the evening. All very well as long as you are not learning some of the many mysteries of the Great wall red that is the drink of the evening. However our hosts with an average BMI of 10 it was soon time to head home. They were all very complementary of Katie. It was a good evening. This morning Katie and I had a little check of the town and a market then back to her flat where she was off to a teaching afternoon.
Off to Shanghai tomorrow. Sad to say goodbye for a little time to Katie but she is well in charge of things here and there are very good people teaching with her.
luv Gxx

Hangzhou

Today is Hangzhou.
Friday I had the day to myself so had to introduce the taxi drivers to Gerald chinese. [slowly and loudly spoken]. Worked a treat.NOT. However revisited the trade centre and had a look at another mile or so. Staggering. I went down to the local supermarket to get a few groceries for the kids which I found fun. The most successful buy was the baked beans and potatoes. Katie came to the hotel for dinner and we had some fun at what we had ordered. It was another Mongolian style where you put the things in the boiling mixture. Kate wasn't a big fan of the pigs brain or chicken head so had to make do with the more traditional.
Yesterday we assembled for breakfast then off to the train for a trip to Hangzhou. The train was cruising at 204 KMH through intersesting farm lands.
We were all wrapped by this beautiful city. "In heaven there is paradise and on earth there is Hangzhou" The west lake[about 30 in china but this is the best] was the first stop. A very strong young fellow sciffed us across alarge part of it. He drew the line about the excessive drag that was created with Kate dangling her legs in the water. The heat was right up there and it wouldnt have taken much to abandon ship. Then walking on round there was a very picturesque spot with about 6 newly weds lined up for a turn of the view. At 34 degresss I am glad it was not me with the tux on, as it was you can imagine. From here it was a visit sown silk street[silk is quite light] and then off to a night market.Again this was great and could have bought heaps. Dinner in a local restaurant that did the local cuisine with the beggars chicken being the most famous. Good stuff. We agreed to meet at 8.30 to head back to the hotel. 8.28 and the the rain came down which caused taxi getting difficult. Eventually some slightly less than polite behaviour scored success. Great day.
Today anotheh sorte around the place and then back to yiwu and dinner with the headmaster. His zero English and my 2 chinese words will make it interesting. Most headmasters and me have little more than 2 words in common however so should be fine.
Love Gxx

Markets

A quick note today. I am running a bit behind today as I managed to get on the bike in the Gym which I enjoyed and needed.
Yesterday was a visit to some markets here. Description would be put into impossible folder so best not t ot try, apart from to say that on one floor there were more ties than I believed actually existed in the world. In an attempt to sell us half a container load there was one who lady insisted we take a sample. Walking round with increasing bags of shopping and worsening puddles of sweat identified me more as your average tourist and not as the hallensteins purchasing manager. Kate and Casey had fun although Casey is a bit dangerous within 10 meters of a bargain. After 2 weeks excess luggage is in business, it will be interesting in 6 months.
I had a little look at their school and appartment and both look good. lessons were going on about us and it is apparent that hearing the teacher is not a problem. Found a good chinese restaurant for dinner and collapsed into bed. Great day.
Love Gez