The “Only” Tourist Destination in Hefei, not really

When I arrived in China eight months ago, I asked just about anyone who spoke English what there is to do and see in Hefei. Most everyone mentioned the same place, Lord Bao Park or Baohe. In fact it’s the … Continued

No need for NCAA in China

posted in: Adventure, China, Photography | 2

In China, schools don’t compete against each other in athletic competitions. They do compete in language, debate and other scholarly competitions, but there is no NCAA equivalent in the Orient. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t play sports. Instead, each … Continued

It was the best of China; it was the worst of China

After Hongcun we went to Tangkou, the small town just outside of Huangshan national park. The travel people we worked with (a professor Melissa taught last semester) had booked our hotel and everything should have been fine. However, when we … Continued

Hongcun – The village of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Surrounded by fields that this time of year are bright yellow from the canola flowers lies the ancient city of Hongcun, our first adventure for the Tomb Sweeping Day vacation. With Aaron, Melissa, Fernanda (Spanish teacher here at AHU), and … Continued

Miniature Anhui – diminutive buildings, magnified issues

I’ve passed it on the bus dozens of times and I mean baker’s dozens not regular dozens. The front entrance is marked by five towers shaped like lotus stems and pods. Behind the fences I could see old style buildings … Continued

Shanghai – A Love / Hate Relationship, part 2

continued from Shanghai – A Love / Hate Relationship, part 1 Pudong As the sun lowered on the horizon, I headed to Pudong, to the business district across the river from the Bund. This is home to the most iconic … Continued

Shanghai – A Love / Hate Relationship, part 1

Over the past six months of living in China, I’ve been repeatedly asked where I’ve been and what I liked the best. Being only a few hours from Shanghai by train, many people were surprised that I hadn’t been yet. … Continued

Macau – the Vegas of Asia (almost)

Macau is just as unique from Mainland China as it is from Hong Kong. Many of my students assume it would be just like HK since it was a colony of a European power; however, it is so different. First, … Continued

Hong Kong, again – The Island

Hong Kong Botanical Gardens and Zoo On our last day in Hong Kong, the China Horizons group was headed to the museum, so we decided to go over and explore Hong Kong Island a bit more mainly focusing our adventures … Continued

Hong Kong, again – Fishing Communities

posted in: Adventure, China, Photography, Travel | 2

Hong Kong was traditionally made up a fishing villages around its various islands. On this trip, we visited two Hong Kong fishing villages, Aberdeen and Tai O. Tai O is a fantastic adventure while Aberdeen was a bit disappointing. Aberdeen … Continued

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