This will be a real adventure.
This will be an undertaking never done by the Caulfields' before.
And then there is the last journey to the US
This will be an undertaking never done by the Caulfields' before.
Hopefully this one will not be quite as “exciting”
Link to our Halmahera (Indonesia) travel in January - February, 2014 2014
http://halmaherahighlights-2014.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/just-before-we-goa-briefing.html
and the link to our Sri Lanka Escapades, July – August, 2013
and the link to our Sri Lanka Escapades, July – August, 2013
And our very first bloggified journey from 2009
http://thegrizwalds-partii.blogspot.com.au/
http://thegrizwalds-partii.blogspot.com.au/
And then there is the last journey to the US
And work it out from there.....
This will test every fibre of the limited(some would say very limited) patience and unlimited medication of one of the partners in this particular ultimate adventure. Someone will have to be social.....
We will be travelling to the remotest part of China; The highest steppes in inner Mongolia, roughing it for three weeks in a Yurt, with a traditional and transient Mongolian family of goat herders, after having bicycled, the 3000ks from Beijing, with only a back pack and a tent.
IF ONLY IT WAS THAT EASY......
It is harder than that. We will be going on a 14 day tour.... with "other" people, having to share our space and adventures for the whole time. Having to be places( other than the departing airport on the desired date) at given times given dates......with other "tourists"...... probably Australians......
We will be travelling to the remotest part of China; The highest steppes in inner Mongolia, roughing it for three weeks in a Yurt, with a traditional and transient Mongolian family of goat herders, after having bicycled, the 3000ks from Beijing, with only a back pack and a tent.
IF ONLY IT WAS THAT EASY......
It is harder than that. We will be going on a 14 day tour.... with "other" people, having to share our space and adventures for the whole time. Having to be places( other than the departing airport on the desired date) at given times given dates......with other "tourists"...... probably Australians......
Considering the six hour tour in New York was a close thing, there is no doubt that this will be a curious time for all.
WHAT DO WE EXPECT...?
The author is reliably informed that there are many Chinese people at the destination. Other than that.....
No idea. We fly from Melbourne and then.....we are on being told that the itinerary we were given a few months ago is not accurate.....so apparently we arrive in Beijing not Xian, who knows where else it's different. Patience. Patience. Patience.
One advantage is that finally travelling where it could be really really cold Nathalie and Andrew have purchased really really good(for 'good' read $$$$$) wet/warn clothing, all, coincidently, made in China
This will, due to the relative sensitiveness of the regime, (domestic and international) and the fact that some of our fellow travellers might read it, be a somewhat restrained blog, so can not promise the usual observational obsessiveness, of past blogs....we will see. Off tomorrow leave pretty close to midnight and apparently arrive in Guangdong 0900 hrs then a hop to Beijing.
Packing.
Don't mention the $250 special hiking/lightweight/much loved/ well worn in shoes. It was mentioned once but I think we got away with it....Pity one of us is not a unidexter.
Useful phrases
Where is the toilet?
Hello.
Excuse me.
My hovercraft is full of eels.
Thank you.
Give me some space.....
As to what these phrases are in Chinese, this might be useful. Many people struggle with these phrases in English.
THE AIRPORT.
Observation.....
So far at the check in counter looking at those dashing, keen and excited tourist proudly bearing their name and luggage tags, we are by several years the youngest people on the journey. Will let youse know how it pans out.
