shazzbazz

Great place to visit, amazing history and an interesting city. I love to see people and how they live their ordinary lives, or to me their extraordinary lives, a lot of bargaining too!

It was also fun to visit the four star toilet on the same grounds as the Temple of Heaven, a must see they say, just don’t lose your camera there like I did – gone in a few minutes!

Try the yummy strawberries on a stick or if you daring you can try any meat or any part of any animal you like, on a stick. But hey, the dumplings are fantastic especially in those small places where you can barely fit in as you eat along with the family of the restaurant.

I loved it, my friend and I rented bikes from hostel, lucky for me I was tall enough to reach the pedals comfortably unfortunate for my friend who basically stood on her bike most of the time. I have no idea how old they were but they were a treat to ride and get around as Beijing is spread out. Beijing is great and the people were friendly and sometimes entertaining I would go back, maybe when it’s warmer as it’s really cold and dry in winter.

It’s fantastic to see the good, the bad and the ugly, even as a lone female traveller I felt ok most of the time.

I took a government bus tour with many other Indians, I was the only non-Indian (semi I guess as it’s in my blood) they took care of me like I was some kind of superstar. Everywhere I went I was never alone either in a small group or sometimes in a large crowd with me in the centre, which is alright…he he he.

For me India was everything I expected it to be after years and years of listening to my relatives speak of their homeland, I can’t imagine how it used to be some 30 years ago, when my mum climbed mango trees and would eat as much as she could pick, and the freedom in which she had to roam and investigate her surroundings that was full of life. Or even the time my grandmother had a puma in her livingroom. It’s too bad that India is drying up in some places but the history and the colour of the cultures that live there remain in my mind as if it were yesterday.

If I had to move back to Canada then Vancouver would be my new home and the only place that I would consider. I lived there for just a few months before right in English Bay, the best location I’ve ever lived in my life. Right on the beach!!!

You get the best of both worlds here, the mountains and the ocean who can complain. It’s the most beautifully located city.

There are some wicked restaurants right on Davie, with some yummy Sushi, Greek or Thai away from home. But here comes the downfall… the poverty is horrid here especially when you get to Gastown, it’s amazing how many people will approach you for money, it’s a shame. It’s a great place to volunteer as there’s lots do to do here, but hey it’s a great way to meet some wonderful Vancouverites!