China

China Photo Set 6: Speedboating & Big Buddha

First full day in Hong Kong, I went with some friends to drive a speedboat in the waters between Kowloon and Hong Kong. The day after, we went to go see the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.
Date: January 30, 2009
Location: Hong Kong
Who: Fellow Fulbrighters and I

China Photo Set 5: Chinese New Year Temple Festivals

For Chinese New Year, Kate and I went to the temple festival near Pan Jia. It was the largest and oldest temple festival in Beijing. We saw lots of insects on sticks, crabapple candies, and games for children. We tried lots of interesting foods, but didn't dare try the fried beetles.
Date: January 28, 2009
Location: Beijing, China
Who: Kate & I

China Photo Set 4: The Great Wall of China

We went to the Badaling portion of the Great Wall of China. There were so many people there because it was Chinese New Year and everyone had a week off. When I was young and went to the Great Wall of China, I tripped on the first step I took. This time, Kate and I climbed 2/3 of the way up one side and 1/3 of the way up on the other side.
Date: January 28, 2009
Location: Beijing, China
Who: Kate & I

China Photo Set 3: Temple of Heaven (Tian Tang) & Tiananmen Square

For our next adventure, we set off to the Temple of Heaven and then to Tiananmen Square. The Temple of Heaven had several gates that you had to go through in order to finally reach the Hall of Prayers. The outer perimeter had firepits for sacrificing animals and as you got closer to the center you reached the Hall of Prayers where you pray for good harvests.
Date: January 27, 2009
Location: Beijing, China
Who: Kate, Billy, and I

China Photo Set 2: Olympic Bird's Nest & Water Cube

Continuing the journey of Chinese New Year in Beijing, Kate, Billy, and I went to the Olympic Arena. You could only access this area through the subway system, no taxis were allowed inside the area. Again, temperatures were freezing with windchill around -10 degrees Celsius.
Date: January 24, 2009
Location: Beijing, China
Who: Kate, Billy, and I

China Photo Set 1: The Forbidden City

For Chinese New Year, two other Fulbrighters and I decided to head to Beijing. We spent one day at the Forbidden City and it was absolutely freezing. After spending about four months in Taiwan where the temperature was about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, our bodies were shivering in the twenty degree weather (-7 degree Celsius or -17 degree Celsius with the windchill). Although the wind was so incredible fierce, these pictures still came out okay! Enjoy!
Date: January 22, 2009
Location: Beijing, China
Who: Two other Fulbrighters & I