Day two of China 2012 tour

 

The day started of with a great breakfast. It was buffet style, and of course it had a large selection of Chinese food. The hotels in China are catering more and more to the western visitors when it comes to the breakfast menu. During my first visit to China, my breakfast consisted of Conch, a watery rice porridge, fruit, and eggs boiled in tea. Most hotels in China, today, provide a good selection of fruit, fried eggs, toast and of course the preferred beverage of western tourists, coffee. A chef prepared my fried eggs, right on the buffet line. Eggs fried over hard is the way they served them. I think they fried the eggs hard because because we were eating with chopsticks. I think the task of picking up soft fried eggs, would be a bit difficult using the sticks.

Finishing our coffee, and our friendly banter, we gathered our belongings, and climbed aboard our bus, to take us to Tianamen Square and the Forbidden city. My two travellers that arrived early in Beijing, had already visited this site, so they decided to go with Wendy to the Antique Market. As usual the traffic in Beijing was unusually heavy, so the bus driver dropped us on a corner, near the square. We could see that a lot of people moving towards the cross walk that would take us on to the square, so we moved with them. The police were trying to control the streets and crossings, to ensure the people did not just walk where they wanted. We waited patiently, to cross the street. Some people would say we were in line. This would be an understatement. It was a mob.
 

China, much like the rest of the world, has instituted a strong security, screening procedure. The crowds were growing because everyone had to go through the security check point. The National Holiday celebrations were going to take place the next day, and as such, the authorities closed most of the cross walks. This also attributed to the large crowd waiting to cross the street. The crowd was getting tired of waiting, and the pushing and shoving was gaining momentum. There was no means of control, and oddly there were not that many police around to help manage the people. There was just a small, plastic portable, accordion, fence keeping the people back. When we arrived, at the front of the line, the crowd had become a moving mass that was unstoppable. People started to lose control. The pushing and shoving became stronger. Permission was given for us to cross the street. The crowd as a single entity, and pushed so hard that the fence fell over, and the mob surged forward. I saw two of my travellers get caught up in the surge forward. As I reached to pull one of my group out of the mass, I saw my friend Yukari get caught up in the folding fence. I feared she would be trampled, so I reached far back into the rush of people, and grabbed her arm, just in time to pull her out. It was a hair raising experience.

Sculptures in front of the mauseleum of Mao
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally

Once we crossed the road we had to wait, once again, to go through the security point. Once clear, we relaxed, and our Beijing guide lead us around the square explaining some of the important points. Once on the square I could see a physical presence of security personal preparing for the celebrations that would happen the next day. Beautiful temporary gardens and flowers decorated the square. 

Moving with the crowds.   A lot of people.
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally

The Group moved towards the exit of the square that would take us to the gates of the Forbidden City. My foremost concern was to keeping my group together. It would be easy to get lost amongst such a crowd of people. The second main concern was what we would do should anyone need to go to the toilet. My experience from my previous visit to China taught me to ensure that I would be quickly, be able to find a place to relieve myself. I was sure someone in my group would need such a facility.



These soldiers are those who do the flag raising ceremony.  They are barracked in the Forbidden City Compound
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally



We were soon at the main gate to enter the Forbidden City. This complex was built in order to keep the Emperor safe within its walls. In reality, it is a city within a city. A large portrait of Mao sits above the first gate, called "The Tianamen, Gate of the Heavenly Peace." If one wanted to experience what it would be like to be one of the Chinese leaders, one could purchase a ticket to climb and look out over Tianamen Square. One could imagine reviewing the troops and waving to thousands of followers that fill the square on the National Holiday., The security will not let anyone close to the edge of the balcony. Nevertheless it is an enjoyable experience. My group did not have the time for this experience, but I have done it and found it worth the fee.



Inside the Forbidden City.  This photograph gives an idea of size of the City.
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally






The lions of China.  This lion is the male because he has the world under his paw.
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally





Many believe that this is the main entrance to the City. This is not so. We had to pass through this gate. Then travel along a large, brick paved, square and arrived at the main entrance. Just to the right we could see the army barracks where the soldiers who perform the ceremonial flag raising and lowering events live and practice. Hawkers plied the area trying to sell us souvenirs used the refuse containers as their stands. Most of them were selling illegally, and they would run as soon as any authorities come around. If you stop to purchase anything from these guys, you can barter. Offer one tenth of what they are asking, and you might be able to get the item for around fifty percent of the original price. Be sure you have the right change to use to by what you wish because the vendor may have to run quickly, and if they do, you will be out your change. Also, when they give you any change it is usually old crumpled up bills, they do this knowing that it will take you a long time to count our your change. By the time, you completed your task the hawker would be gone. This happened to two of my gang.  

There are Bronze object throughout the City.

When we arrived at the main entrance, called the Meridian Gate we waited until the guide purchased our tickets and passed through the arched entrance touching the brass decorations on the door. They say that it brings good luck to do this. When we came out of the shade of the gate, the largest hall in the Forbidden City greeted us. To get to his building we had to go over a stone bridge that called the "Golden Stream Bridge." The Chinese of time past must have been poets. They have such beautiful names for their historical sites. This is the building is one of three that dot the outer court yard. It is the one that is most seen by the public, It serves as a scene in many Chinese movies with historical themes. The building is called, "The Hall of Supreme Harmony," The famous Dragon Throne.is located in this building. Chinese, for "Dragon throne". There were also two other building in this area. "The Hall of Central Harmony was one." Our guide explained that this building was where the Emperor would rest prior to reviewing his troops and presiding over grand events. It was also the building where he would practice his speeches before going to the Temple of Heaven to participate in the sacrificial rites. The Hall of Preserving Harmony, where the Emperors held banquets, and greeted delegates, followed. I believed the guide mentioned that this building also served as the center where the imperial examinations took place.









This area was the area for the family and workers in the City.



The next gate to greet us was the gate to the inner palace. This was the area where the emperor, his children, wives and concubines lived. It was a significant complex with many building on each side of the main structures. One of the first buildings was where the Emperor would sleep the next was where he kept his seals. These were valuable items, and thus had to be protected deep within the city. Finally, the last main structure was the Emperor's "Wedding hall." The Emperor used these rooms for his wedding nuptials. The many smaller buildings located on the left and right, were where the Emperor, family, and staff carried out their day to day activities.



The Emperor's Garden accommodation.
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally



Once through the inner court building complex entered a peaceful garden with large river stones, flowers, and old trees, beautifully placed to impart calmness. Many trees were two and three hundred years old. After wandering about this beautiful garden, we exited through the back and final gate called the "Gate of Devine Might." and traversed the moat and found our group on a major thoroughfare.



The Moat was considered the first line of defense.
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally



We walked along the moat until we arrived at our restaurant; a unique building. A large tree grew right up through the center of the restaurant. We climbed three flights of stairs to our private dining room, sat down and ordered a beer.

After a great lunch amongst the trees, we descended and exited the restaurant to find our bus waiting just outside to take us to Beijing 798 Art District. This area was set aside by the government for the use of the regions contemporary artists. It is a conglomeration of old factories that fabricated electronics. The area has been divided up into small art galleries and studios where wandering art lovers can find unique creations and if one is lucky they will get to meet the artist who is being featured.



One of the many Public Art Installations in the 798 Art District
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally

All in all, there is more to do in this area other that visit the galleries. One can wander the streets and see public art on display.

Some of the galleries gave us a chance to view the latest design objects. Every corner offered something new to tantalize our need see art. When we tired we just sat down at the nearest cafe. Yes,  there are these small out door rest areas where we could sit and regain our strength over a great cup of Joe. 

Anna and Wendy take a break at one of the local cafes
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally

We finished our visit with a group photograph.   The sun was getting lower in the sky so we hiked back to the 798 entrance and there, waiting for us was, our bus


Our group. 

Photo courtesy of: Greg Tsontakis-Mally



Sadly, we could not find a duck restaurant with space available due to the National holiday crowd but Lili found a take out Duck restaurant and she served us duck along with our hotel meal.

After the supper, I walked about the hotel looking for a SIMM, to use in my IPAD. It was difficult to find what I wanted. I am sure it was due to "lost in translation," but once I found a shops with wifi I used the translator, that came with the IPAD. It worked wonders for understanding. All I had to do was to speak to the IPAD, and it translated it to Mandarin. We are almost there. Nevertheless, I still could not find a SIMM. This task would be a quest, throughout my journey. More on computers and communication later in this blog.

China 2012 

Our First day on the Tour 

 

Day one of our tour started with a great breakfast and a friendly meet and greet of all the travelers.   We were thirteen in all.  Wendy and her daughter also joined the group.  Wendy was our tour organizer.  She was responsible for arranging our transportation, hotels and meals.  She also arranged specialized guides for us at most of the interesting places that we were to visit.  

 During breakfast, Wendy explained that we had chosen one of the busiest times to take a tour around China.  She explained that the upcoming week was a combination of the Chinese National Holiday and attached to that was what is called the Golden Week.  It is the Moon Festival.  A few years ago the Moon festival was a quiet holiday where people celebrated with friends and family, but without the travelling that one would see during the Spring Festival. However, this year there were more Chinese with cars. Life is good and many people were given time off to enjoy the festivities. As such we were told to anticipate traffic jams. In addition, we were informed that the Government gave a free pass to all the toll roads throughout China.  We were in for a real surprise.

We also decided that, In order to ensure, we covered our tour objectives, we would travel to visit the Ming Tombs and to see the Great Wall on the first day vice visiting the Forbidden City.  We would make the Forbidden City visit on the second day. It was felt that there would be less traffic, which was the case.  Nevertheless, there was quite a bit of traffic, but is was not as bad as we thought it would be.

The Ming Tombs were very quiet and very beautiful.  They were more like a garden with beautiful Ming style architecture.  The grounds were well kept and very  beautiful.   The architecture was wonderful.  We took our time and enjoyed the scenery along with the decor of the buildings. 

The arched entrance to the main building.
Photo by Anna Tsontakis-Mally

The colours, forms and perspectives were splendid.
Photo by:  Greg Tsontakis-Mally

A statue of Yongle, the Ming Emperor at this tomb
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally.

 

We would later visit a factory where similar roof tiles were made.
Photp by Greg  Tsontakis-Mally
 

Walk ways were more that just for walking on.  They were art.
Photo by:  Greg Tsontakis-Mally


After our walk about in the Tombs we climbed aboard the bus to go for lunch.   Getting into the dining room was a real experience.   The specialised guide worked with the China International Travel Service (CITS.)   Traveling with these guides are inexpensive because they must bring any travel group under their care to at least one factory outlet per day.   Our lunch would require us to pass through the Cloisonne factory that was attached to the restaurant.   We got to see the process as well as to meet the artisans creating the work.  In addition were were invited to purchase directly from the factory at a discounted price.  (wink, wink, finger to the nose.)   The workers must have thought we were starving because we did not stay long.  We wanted to eat.

An artisan creating a cloisonne vase.
Photo by: Greg Tsontakis-Mally

 The restaurant meal was good.  We did not take too much time to eat because we wanted to move on to the Great Wall.    About five minutes after we left the restaurant we found ourselves in a real slow moving traffic column all going to the same destination.  The Great Wall.   We were hoping to be able to visit section of the wall called Simatai but were informed that this part of the wall was under renovation.  The suggestion to go to Badaling was discouraged, due to the traffic and that Badaling was one of the heaviest tourists places along the wall so we would be faced with hoards of people.  We went to an off shoot of the Great Wall.  It was a quiet place that let us use our muscles to try to climb to the top tower on this segment.


This part of the wall was very quiet.  A beautiful day.
Photo by:  Greg Tsontakis-Mally





I managed to climb to the first tower but gave up thinking of going to the top.
Photo by:  Terrance Lazaroff

 



Greg is taking a break from the up hill quest.
This view will give you an idea of the angle of the climb.
It is a heart thumping hike.
Photo by: Anna Tsontakis-Mally



A great view from the first tower.  I was to tired to continue.
Photo by: Terrance Lazaroff

I found this part of the wall to be very enjoyable.  I have been to Badalin, and found it too much like a circus.   The day ended with the group taking a beverage, before the souvenir shops closed, for the day.  Shortly after leaving, we had to stop for a pee break.  The problem was that the public toilet had not been services in at least 10 years.   What a mess.   I would have preferred going in the bushes.

 

We arrived at our hotel just in time to find a good dining spot across the street.  After a great meal we walked back to the hotel stopping to enjoy street dancing. This is a common occurence in China.  The people like find a nice place where they can set up a speaker system and to dance the evening away.  We all stopped to participate.  The music was great and we all had a blast.   Day two would be Tienanmen Square, and the Forbidden City.  Be sure to come back to hear about this adventure.

 

 



China 2012 Tour

 

I am back from the mysterious land of China.   My group of twelve travelers and myself made good use of the twenty-one days that we travelled about the Chinese country side.

I left for China on 4 September, arriving in Shanghai ready for two days discussion with an architect who had asked me to look at producing some porcelain work for one of his projects.   I was very excited about the prospects of creating art in China.  I have been told that it is better to work on a project in the country rather than bringing the work into China.  It appears that the duty and taxes are extremely high. Also, while I was in Shanghai I managed to visit the Shanghai Art Museum and saw some great paintings.

The Shanghai Art Museum has a great collection of Chinese painting styles. 

Once I was sure about what was required of me I flew out of Shanghai to Jingedzhen where I would take up a residency position and try to execute the art pieces.   This may sound easy but is not.  When working in China there is a lot lost time due to communication, amassing the necessary materials, setting up a work space and finding out where one can elicit resource personnel.  There is also a lot of lost time due to being hosted by the many local artists, who want to take you out to dinner and to karaoke afterwards.  I managed to get a few prototype objects created before I had to fly to Beijing to meet the first travelers in my group.  I did however have time to study the art of China Painting on porcelain.  I had a very talented teacher.  Her name was Li hua  which means Flower.

The View of the Sanbao International Ceramic Institute workshops one gets when walking to work in the morning.

"Flower"  My China Painting Teacher.

My tour was to start on the 29^th of September but the first travelers arrived on evening of the 25^th .The reason for the early arrival was due to the low cost of air-fair.  They believed that it would be better to spend the savings on hotels rather than purchasing a higher priced air flight ticket closer to the tour date.  Their early arrival gave them to opportunity to visit the ceramic gallery located in the Forbidden City on the following morning. This was a good opportunity because there would not be sufficient time to do this when the tour group would visit to the historical site.  The museum has one of the best collections of Chinese pottery and ceramic works.  The exhibition begins with early works all the way up to today’s contemporary ceramic art. If you are interested in pottery, be sure to ask the information kiosk where to find the museum.   Also allow at least three hours for the visit.

It has been nine years since my last visit.  It is something to see that cars have replaced bycicles.  The traffic is gridlock most of the time.

Beijing is starting to show some real talent when it comes to Archeticture.
 

We left the Forbidden City by the west gate and took a meal in a small restaurant on one of the side streets.  I always enjoy eating in small eateries as the food is hot and the beer is cold.   After the meal we walked along the Changpu River Park, stopping to visit the Imperial City Art Museum.  We came out on Yichang’an jie and visited the five-star Raffles Beijing Hotel that adorns this street.  The hotel hosts numerous high end boutiques and also had a great selection of art adorning its walls. We exited the hotel at Wangfujinn Street. This was truly a shop till you drop street.  Of course this led us to the famous Donghumen Night Market where one can buy live scorpions and slugs to eat as a snack.  We did not stay here long because there were too many people, and the market became suffocating so we decided to go back to our hotel, The Beijing Laure and to take our evening meal in one of the local restaurants located across the street from the hotel.  It was a worker’s restaurant and must say the meal was great.  We dined on little fish and great noodles and vegetables.

One must go to the Forbidden City when you visit Beijing.  There were large crowds this day because it was the day before the National Holiday.

This is a bronze sculpture of a tortus.  I posted it here to show what the next few days would be like.   SLOW.
 

An old tree found in the Emperor's Garden in the Forbidden City.

 

The Chinese like to do thing big.   This basket of artificial flowers adorned Tienamen Square.
 

 The next day I let the first two travelers choose their destinations in Beijing as I had to return to the airport to meet three more travelers were arriving within 30 minutes of each other.  I was lucky as I had my I-Pad with a GPS app. That allowed me to follow the route of the taxi. I had read a great deal about a rash of Black Taxies,(Illegal black marked taxies that do not have a meter and who charge enormous prices for their services,)  operating out of the Beijing Airport and I wanted to be sure that the taxi drivers could not pull the wool over my eyes.  My first traveler arrived on time, although they were a bit shook up because there was bad weather during their landing.  That is when I saw that my third member’s flight had been diverted to another airport and that I would be around the airport for quite a while.    So I sent the first to arrive couple to the hotel and waited. I really got to know the Beijing International Airport.  I was lucky because I could get on the internet.  All I had to do was to go to the information booth and get an access code.  They take your passport and scan it prior to giving you a code.  I think this is some form of control.   It was about three hours later my party arrived.   I was happy that the wait was over.   We took a taxi to the hotel where we joined the others for dinner.   They had visited the Heavenly Temple Park and they went looking for the Beijing Botanical Gardens.  

The Cermaic Collection of the Forbidden City has one of the largest groupings of Ceramics in China.  This is an example of the Tang era horses.
 

Another example of Tang era ceramic sculpture celebrating the Silk Highway. 

The next day was the when the main party would be arriving.   So once again I left the hotel and went to the airport to meet the seven new arrivals.  The main difference this day was that I meet our Beijing Guide, and she had a bus waiting for my travelers.   Our group was now complete and the next day we would begin the formal part of the tour. 

Getting Ready for the Summer Sales.

I have started to put together my inventory for my summer sale at Val David, Quebec.  The exhibition and sale takes place starting on 13July and ends on the 12th of August.   You can find out more about what we do by going to this link:   http://www.1001pots.com    You can find the English description by going to the left side of the webpage.   Enjoy.

In addition to doing the summer sale, I will be leaving for China on a 56 day adventure.   I will be in Shanghai for two to three days.  Then, I will fly to Jingdezhen.  This is the city that produces the famous blue and white porcelain.  My tour group arrives on the 25 through to the 28th and we will begin to explore China for 21 days.   You can find out more about what we will be seeing by going to my invitation blog at:   http://2012sanbaochinatour.blogspot.ca/

The important point that I am making in this blog is that I am going to deactivate my store during my travels.   I don't want someone to buy an item from me when I am not here to wrap and mail it.   I have tried my banner that explains my absence and It looks ok.   I will probably put it up and close down my shop when once I have my inventory organized.

While I am in China I will be staying most of my time at Sanbao International Ceramic Art Institute and Working Village.   You can read more about Sanbao and the great residency programs that they offer on this website:  http://www.chinaclayart.com      I am the International program advisor so if you have any interest in going to Sanbao, just let me know.   I will answer any questions you may have.   By the way.   It is a ceramic institute but we welcome artist of many mediums, so ask us if Sanbao is suitable for your craft.

Well I will close this blog entry now.  I will come back to post some photos later.