DANANSHAN HIKE

After exploring our area of the city a little, we discovered a hike up to the nearest peak. At the top we met a lively group who all wanted pictures with the Americans. In the last picture you can see colleague Kevin's finger pointing to Hong Kong across the bay and can even make out the oyster beds between. At the end of the trail we discovered, George and Dragon, an English style pub with very good BBQ and imported Oregon beer, Dead Guy Ale!!

Thanksgiving Dinner at Apartment One

The notice appeared a couple weeks ago. The americans wondered - is the dinner going to be like the end of “A Christmas Story”? Peking duck including the head? Lo and behold there was a perfectly brined and roasted, moist, tender turkey carved by the apartment chef. As well as French Fries and Ketchup.

The Hotel in Hongcun Village makes their own wine.

Visit to Wudang Mountain

Almost right in the middle of China, Wudang Mountain has several Taoist (pronounced Daoist) Palaces as well as Temples and Monasteries nestled in cliffs or perched on various peaks. Legends tell of how Tai Chi was born when a monk observed a snake fighting a large bird. Inspired by the snakes victory, the hermit monk created a martial art form that became Wudang Wushu or Wudang GongFu. Tai Chi Master starring Jet Li is a film based on the legend.

Resting about half-way up the mountain.

A monk looks out at the tourists flowing through the monastery.

After reaching the Golden Hall which is up in the peaks to the left we took a gondola down. A relief after climbing 7,500 stairs up the other side of the mountain.

The stairs to the Golden Summit of Wudang Mountain

 The start of the climb to the summit. Fireproofing begins here. 

Over 7,500 steps up and down mountain stairways.

 Almost to the top

This 82 year old was keeping up with us the whole way.

At the top

SHENZHEN

I arrived Monday, October 20th into Hong Kong with three other Americans. A van shuttled us to the city of Shenzhen. Below is a description of the city.

"The name Shenzhen may not enjoy the name recognition in the West as the cities of Beijing or Shanghai. But as one of the largest and most successful economic zones, Shenzhen is in many ways most emblematic of modern China. A 2010 study conducted by Forbes magazine ranks Shenzhen’s population density as the 5th highest in the world. Shenzhen also boasts the highest per capita GDP in China. 

Part of the reason it is still unfamiliar is the fact that it’s so new. In the 1980s, Shenzhen was merely a small fishing village. In less than 30 years, it has grown into a major metropolis of three times the population of Manhattan. The pace of urban construction — referred to in China as “Shenzhen speed” — is unparalleled across the globe."

I'm staying in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen (pronounced SHEN-JEN) in a very nice apartment complex that is almost brand new. Shenzhen is not too far North West of Hong Kong. In the picture I'm packing for a 7 day trip to visit some research spots for the project I'm working on. I hear they are amazing locations.