Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Zai Jian Shanghai
Well, my Chinese adventure has finally ended and I am safely tucked away in suburban London.
The last year has been an incredible experience and one that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I hope you have enjoyed these pages as much as I have - I'm a nerd at heart.
Local Chinese Beers
3D Map of Shanghai
Mandarin phrases at the market
Viva Shanghai!
The last year has been an incredible experience and one that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I hope you have enjoyed these pages as much as I have - I'm a nerd at heart.
Local Chinese Beers
3D Map of Shanghai
Mandarin phrases at the market
Viva Shanghai!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
BBC Radio
The BBC recently posted my interview with Melvyn Prior on the web.
If you would like to here it, please click here
Expat Jim Jagger in Shanghai
If you would like to here it, please click here
Expat Jim Jagger in Shanghai
Friday, March 24, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Day 20: Beijing
In contrast to the rest of our adventure, our final day was spent in the relative comforts of an airport hotel.
A far cry from the ancient sites of the last few weeks, we certainly enjoyed a day of idleness before returning to Shanghai.
Beijing Photos
A far cry from the ancient sites of the last few weeks, we certainly enjoyed a day of idleness before returning to Shanghai.
Beijing Photos
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Day 19: Bangkok
In an attempt to quell the disappointment of yesterday, Tessa and I indulged in a little retail therapy as we started the day at Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak weekend market.
Upon leaving the market, we bumped in to Jenny, a Canadian on a visa renewal from Taiwan.
Bangkok Photos
Sharing a taxi to Khao San Road, we exchanged stories of our Asian experiences before sharing a couple of drinks in a local bar.
It was at this point that Bangkok was beginning to look up but, unfortunately, we were soon to be let down by the blatant con-artistry of the Thai people.
After an illiterate Tuk Tuk driver and a lost taxi driver, I thought we had found the first good soul in Thailand.
In fact, I was so surprised that I was prepared to tip him 25% for good service until he deliberately charged us an additional 30%, claiming he had no spare change.
As we headed towards the airport for our return flight to Beijing, it struck me that it is behaviour such as this that makes me very happy that I am leaving this illicit city.
Upon leaving the market, we bumped in to Jenny, a Canadian on a visa renewal from Taiwan.
Bangkok Photos
Sharing a taxi to Khao San Road, we exchanged stories of our Asian experiences before sharing a couple of drinks in a local bar.
It was at this point that Bangkok was beginning to look up but, unfortunately, we were soon to be let down by the blatant con-artistry of the Thai people.
After an illiterate Tuk Tuk driver and a lost taxi driver, I thought we had found the first good soul in Thailand.
In fact, I was so surprised that I was prepared to tip him 25% for good service until he deliberately charged us an additional 30%, claiming he had no spare change.
As we headed towards the airport for our return flight to Beijing, it struck me that it is behaviour such as this that makes me very happy that I am leaving this illicit city.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Day 18: Bangkok
Still nursing our respective ailments, Tessa and I began the day slowly before venturing in to Thailand’s capital.
Starting at the Royal Temple, my first impression of Thailand was decidedly unimpressive.
Bangkok Photos
Perhaps anything would have been disappointing following the splendor of Angkor Wat but I can only describe the 200 year old temples of Bangkok as gaudy at best.
Moving on from the disappointment of the temples, Tessa and I decided to perk ourselves up by experiencing some of Thailand’s famous Thai Boxing.
However, after realizing foreigners are charged seven and a half times the price that locals are, we marched away in protest of the 1500 Baht price.
Although $40 could be a reasonable price to see a boxing match in the West, I refuse to be held to ransom in such a blatant act of racism.
I would not accept foreigners being charged more in the West, so why should I accept it here?
Distinctly unimpressed we left the stadium in search of liquid refreshment only to be taken the wrong way by the first taxi driver and then grossly overcharged by the second.
Unfortunately this behaviour typifies everything that I have experienced from the Thai people in my first 24 hours and, to be honest, I am already looking forward to leaving.
Starting at the Royal Temple, my first impression of Thailand was decidedly unimpressive.
Bangkok Photos
Perhaps anything would have been disappointing following the splendor of Angkor Wat but I can only describe the 200 year old temples of Bangkok as gaudy at best.
Moving on from the disappointment of the temples, Tessa and I decided to perk ourselves up by experiencing some of Thailand’s famous Thai Boxing.
However, after realizing foreigners are charged seven and a half times the price that locals are, we marched away in protest of the 1500 Baht price.
Although $40 could be a reasonable price to see a boxing match in the West, I refuse to be held to ransom in such a blatant act of racism.
I would not accept foreigners being charged more in the West, so why should I accept it here?
Distinctly unimpressed we left the stadium in search of liquid refreshment only to be taken the wrong way by the first taxi driver and then grossly overcharged by the second.
Unfortunately this behaviour typifies everything that I have experienced from the Thai people in my first 24 hours and, to be honest, I am already looking forward to leaving.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Day 17: Bangkok
Unfortunately during yesterday’s relaxed day, I overlooked the need the bug spray, so I spent the majority of Friday resisting the urge to scratch my many bites, while Tessa continued to nurse her bad belly.
Determined to make the most of our last day in Cambodia, we wandered in to Siem Reap for a final exploration.
Siem Reap Photos
As we boarded the plane back to Thailand, I couldn’t help thinking about the fees that we paid to the Cambodian government.
The $20 visa fee, $40 temple pass (none of which went towards the upkeep of the temples) and $25 airport fee amounted to a staggering $85.
Compared against the $300 average yearly income of the Cambodian people, the disparity of wealth is incredible.
With thousands of tourists arriving every day, it makes you wonder what the government is doing with all of this money when people are without hospitals, schools and simple irrigation.
Cambodia is an incredible place but the government needs to step up and provide the infrastructure to help its own people escape the poverty that 20 years of civil war has produced.
Determined to make the most of our last day in Cambodia, we wandered in to Siem Reap for a final exploration.
Siem Reap Photos
As we boarded the plane back to Thailand, I couldn’t help thinking about the fees that we paid to the Cambodian government.
The $20 visa fee, $40 temple pass (none of which went towards the upkeep of the temples) and $25 airport fee amounted to a staggering $85.
Compared against the $300 average yearly income of the Cambodian people, the disparity of wealth is incredible.
With thousands of tourists arriving every day, it makes you wonder what the government is doing with all of this money when people are without hospitals, schools and simple irrigation.
Cambodia is an incredible place but the government needs to step up and provide the infrastructure to help its own people escape the poverty that 20 years of civil war has produced.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Day 16: Siem Reap
With Tessa’s cold now compounded with food poisoning, we chose to slow down our pace by spending the morning in the hotel pool.
Eventually mustering the energy to meander the streets of Siem Reap, we hired another Tuk Tuk and made our way to the town centre.
Siem Reap Photos
After stumbling across an internet café, we decided to burn our 2000 photos on to CDs, for safe keeping.
After dinner we stopped for a quick drink at the Crocodile Bar.
True to its name, real life crocodiles, lined the bridge to the bathroom.
One false move and these six foot beasts would devour their drunken prey.
Maybe this was the local’s way of keeping tourists in check?
Eventually mustering the energy to meander the streets of Siem Reap, we hired another Tuk Tuk and made our way to the town centre.
Siem Reap Photos
After stumbling across an internet café, we decided to burn our 2000 photos on to CDs, for safe keeping.
After dinner we stopped for a quick drink at the Crocodile Bar.
True to its name, real life crocodiles, lined the bridge to the bathroom.
One false move and these six foot beasts would devour their drunken prey.
Maybe this was the local’s way of keeping tourists in check?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Day 15: Siem Reap
Unfortunately Tessa’s throat deteriorated on Wednesday but determined not to let it dampen our spirits, we still managed to see Banteay Srei and the floating village.
The lake and river system of the Tonle Sap, the largest in South East Asia, fills with the waters of the Mekong each year, bringing vast numbers of fish and irrigation during the dry season.
Siem Reap Photos
The 160km long lake more than doubles its size during this period and progressively floods the rice fields and mangrove forests on the margins of the Great Lake.
On the way to the floating village, our guide gave us a fascinating insight in to Cambodian politics.
After waving goodbye to our guide and driver, we enjoyed a traditional siesta before clambering aboard a tuk tuk bound for the Old Market, a cross road of bars and restaurants.
Although the food was delightful, the disparity of wealth was never more apparent and left us feeling distinctly uncomfortable, especially when we saw young children and land mine victims, selling their wares.
The lake and river system of the Tonle Sap, the largest in South East Asia, fills with the waters of the Mekong each year, bringing vast numbers of fish and irrigation during the dry season.
Siem Reap Photos
The 160km long lake more than doubles its size during this period and progressively floods the rice fields and mangrove forests on the margins of the Great Lake.
On the way to the floating village, our guide gave us a fascinating insight in to Cambodian politics.
After waving goodbye to our guide and driver, we enjoyed a traditional siesta before clambering aboard a tuk tuk bound for the Old Market, a cross road of bars and restaurants.
Although the food was delightful, the disparity of wealth was never more apparent and left us feeling distinctly uncomfortable, especially when we saw young children and land mine victims, selling their wares.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Day 14: Angkor
Waking for the best buffet breakfast that we have ever tasted, Tessa and I bought our Angkor passes ($40 each) and, led by our wonderful guide, made our way in to the Cambodian jungle.
Located in Northwestern Cambodia, the temples of Angkor, built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, represent one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements.
Siem Reap Photos
Starting at Angkor Thom, we explored a number of exquisite temples before scaling the precipitous towers of Angkor Wat.
Although in varying in states of decay, the ancient architecture was absolutely astounding.
My words just can not do this UNESCO site justice.
Located in Northwestern Cambodia, the temples of Angkor, built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, represent one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements.
Siem Reap Photos
Starting at Angkor Thom, we explored a number of exquisite temples before scaling the precipitous towers of Angkor Wat.
Although in varying in states of decay, the ancient architecture was absolutely astounding.
My words just can not do this UNESCO site justice.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Day 13: Cambodia
Flying out of Beijing on Monday morning, we arrived in the blistering heat of Cambodia’s Siem Reap.
Nestled between rice paddies and stretched along the Siem Reap River, the small provincial capital of Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire.
Siem Reap Photos
From our very first impressions, it was immediate that the people of Cambodia are some of the most kind and sincere people that I have ever met.
Although exhausted from the 2000 mile trip, we mustered the energy to borrow bikes and explore the streets of Siem Reap.
Stopping for a quick meal ($6 for 2 fried rice, 1 plate of dumplings and 2 beers), we returned to our hotel to find a gecko scurry across the bedroom wall.
Undeterred by out little friend, our exhaustion caught the better of us and we passed out within seconds.
Nestled between rice paddies and stretched along the Siem Reap River, the small provincial capital of Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire.
Siem Reap Photos
From our very first impressions, it was immediate that the people of Cambodia are some of the most kind and sincere people that I have ever met.
Although exhausted from the 2000 mile trip, we mustered the energy to borrow bikes and explore the streets of Siem Reap.
Stopping for a quick meal ($6 for 2 fried rice, 1 plate of dumplings and 2 beers), we returned to our hotel to find a gecko scurry across the bedroom wall.
Undeterred by out little friend, our exhaustion caught the better of us and we passed out within seconds.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Day 12: Beijing
Determined to see more of Beijing, Tessa and I set out to explore a selection of the local sites.
Starting on the hip Dajong street, we browsed many of the trendy boutiques, before moving on to Beijing’s famous Silk Market.
Similar to Shanghai’s Xiangyang market, Beijing’s bazaar is flooded with counterfeit goods, ranging from Gucci and Prada to Nike and Adidas.
Beijing Photos
Our next stop took us south of Tiananmen Square to the back streets of Qianmen, where we meandered amongst the various street sellers.
To round off the day, we enjoyed a couple of beers at Beijing's hip HouHai Lake.
Swarms of different bars and restaurants line the shores of the man made lake, which marks a distinct contrast to the seedy Sanlitun Bar district.
Despite being told to the contrary, Beijing seems far more geared towards expatriates than Shanghai.
Starting on the hip Dajong street, we browsed many of the trendy boutiques, before moving on to Beijing’s famous Silk Market.
Similar to Shanghai’s Xiangyang market, Beijing’s bazaar is flooded with counterfeit goods, ranging from Gucci and Prada to Nike and Adidas.
Beijing Photos
Our next stop took us south of Tiananmen Square to the back streets of Qianmen, where we meandered amongst the various street sellers.
To round off the day, we enjoyed a couple of beers at Beijing's hip HouHai Lake.
Swarms of different bars and restaurants line the shores of the man made lake, which marks a distinct contrast to the seedy Sanlitun Bar district.
Despite being told to the contrary, Beijing seems far more geared towards expatriates than Shanghai.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Day 11: Beijing
Exhausted from the Beijing night train, Tessa and I collapsed in our hotel, rising only for food and football, for unbeknown to me; we were staying next door to a football bar.
Beijing is brilliant!
Beijing Photos
Beijing is brilliant!
Beijing Photos
Friday, March 10, 2006
Day 10: Datong
After buying tickets for the Beijing night train (91 RMB), Tessa and I ate a sumptuous lunch at a high-end local restaurant (86 RMB) where the staff were particularly keen to practice their English.
It is safe to say that whatever the people of Datong lack in English skills, they certainly make up for in effort and perseverance.
Datong Photos
Our waiter, who was teaching himself English via the radio, had a 3 year goal to save enough money and move to Beijing, where he would use his new skills to carve out a career in tourism.
After lunch, we tried, unsuccessfully, to find a bus bound for Datong’s stretch of the Great Wall, eventually opting for an 80 RMB return taxi.
The Great Wall at Datong is not as well maintained as the walls near Beijing but its very remoteness makes it all the more awesome.
Seeing people living alongside the ruins of such an ancient structure, completely untouched by tourism was a humbling experience.
Long may it continue.
It is safe to say that whatever the people of Datong lack in English skills, they certainly make up for in effort and perseverance.
Datong Photos
Our waiter, who was teaching himself English via the radio, had a 3 year goal to save enough money and move to Beijing, where he would use his new skills to carve out a career in tourism.
After lunch, we tried, unsuccessfully, to find a bus bound for Datong’s stretch of the Great Wall, eventually opting for an 80 RMB return taxi.
The Great Wall at Datong is not as well maintained as the walls near Beijing but its very remoteness makes it all the more awesome.
Seeing people living alongside the ruins of such an ancient structure, completely untouched by tourism was a humbling experience.
Long may it continue.
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