So with just over 2 months before I leave for China, I thought I should do a little deeper research into what I have actually signed up for! So Here are 6 things I’m stoked for, and 4 things I’m not so stoked for!
I have booked onto the Dragon Tour – a 25 day tour around China with a group of 18-30yr olds. I figure if I’m going to get homesick it will be in the first few weeks so having a bus full of familiar faces can only be a good idea right? On this tour they organise everything for you, transport, accommodation and some daily mandatory experiences. Plus loads of optional extras if your sense of adventure/budget allows! So the following are just a few highlights, there is loads more to the experience.
Stoked:
Bamboo Rafts Down the Yulong River – on the second day we are in Yangshuo and all board Bamboo rafts, Chinas answer to Venice’s gondolas. I’m down for chilling on a boat… so long as sea sickness doesn’t apply to rivers too!!
Blind Massage – After my day with the teddies I get the option of a massage from a traditional blind masseuse. The wording of this one really confused me. A traditional blind masseuse. Why are masseuses traditionally blind? Do they have to give up their sight to get the job, or is the job only available to blind people… surely thats a HR equal opportunities nightmare. Either way, I’m intrigued.
Fake Market – So in Beijing we get to ‘test our bargaining skills’ in a fake goods market, this is 13 days into the tour, by this stage I will be happy if I can say hello and order a cup of tea, never mind try bargaining in a market! But either way I will coming out of that market dressed from head to toe in Armani and smelling like a 10 year old boy that got over excited trying out his Dads aftershave.
Not Stoked:
Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu – I know, I know, as much as I am stoked for the Pandas, I also have a issue with Zoos. Animals in tight conditions and generally ‘domesticated’, which is basically what they are, bother me slightly. So if the Zoo conditions aren’t great I’m really going to hate being there… Fingers crossed it will all be fine.
Mandarin Challenge – ‘Use your freshly learned Mandarin to complete challenges around Beijing’s ancient streets and alleyways. The winning team earns a prize.’ Anyone who has spent time with me in a foreign country will know that languages aren’t my strongest feature (I’m still trying to work out what is!). But they are expecting me to remember the Mandarin they teach me in these lessons and speak to actual Chinese people… somehow I don’t think I will be winning any prizes!
Chicken Feet – Okay, Chicken Feet is not on the itinerary for the trip, but a few people I have spoken to have told me about this phenomenon. Apparently it’s a staple food out there, and not the best staple food either! I was expecting crispy chilli beef and chow mein, apparently that isn’t so common… who knew!
Have you ever been to China, what did you think to the place? I’d love to hear your tips!
16 thoughts on “China – 6 Things I’m looking forward to and 4 things I’m not”
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Great job!
Hear you about what you are not excited about. The one thing that is certain is that this trip will open you up to new experiences. Keep an open mind and have fun 🙂
Yeah, I struggled with the chicken feel in Bolivia too…
How many countries eat those little things!! Ha. What did they taste like?
Interested to hear how Chengdu goes – high on my list but keep hearing conflicting reports about it. Super excited for you, China is somewhere I somehow keep missing. Have a great time (and no chicken feet!)
Yeah man its going to be gold. I haven’t heard anything bad, but their local hotpot us the spiciest dish in China, which makes me worry!! Ha. I will try my best to avoid them, but i feel like I should try them!
Chicken feet are big out here in Korea too! They’re full of collagen and make you look young (apparently) but still have never been convinced to try one ? bamboo rafting sounds amazing! Looks like you’re gonna fit so much in on your trip. So exciting!!
Nicole, yeah there is a lot to do!:) well if they will make me look young and rejuvenated, i can’t say no! 😉 ha!
It sounds amazing! I’ve been to the Yangshuo area and I absolutely LOVED it. Including the rafting down the river. Don’t worry about the bargaining I don’t speak any mandarin and I still managed to bargain. Just start quite a bit lower than what you actually want to pay! I felt bad and I would start close to what I wanted to pay, but they expect you to go a lot lower! Plus don’t be afraid to be firm and walk away, sometimes it works the best!
Hey Sonja, thanks so much. Be firm, walk away, got it. 🙂
Your trip sounds like a lot of fun! You won’t be homesick as there will be so much exciting stuff to take in. I would love to go to China one day! Enjoy!
Thanks Linda, I’m so excited for it! keep an eye out for posts about it! hopefully it will inspire you to get out there soon! Take care and safe travels! 🙂
I had the same thought about Chengdu and was reformed. It is not a zoo for starters it is a research facilitating in the preserving of the species. They are treated well and are more thoughtful to what is truly unique and special to the bears. You will enjoy, learn and laugh lots.
Thank you for commenting Rhoni. I think the stuff I read was about the zoo next door (or nearby) and I was just dreading if they were the same. But I’m so glad you’ve just said that. 🙂
Getting excited for you! And jealous, really want to visit China. The panda’s might be in a rehabilitation sanctuary rather than a zoo like Elephant Nature Park in Thailand or Sepilok Orang-Utan sanctuary in Borneo. Or have you researched already and it’s a zoo? :/
I know it’s so exciting! 🙂 it’s a research and breeding centre, but there’s a zoo attached I think, and I read a few Trip Advisor reviews and the zoo rated low so I tried not to research the Panda sanctuary incase it was the same. :/