Kunming
WOW!! So far Kunming is not what I have expected it to be. It is safe to say I am surprised. I did have sort of a culture shock back in Beijing but certainly not as significant as here. Kunming is the melting pot of China. Also the "new" Kunming is being constructed and there is construction everywhere. It is interesting to see a Chinese city that is not as developed as Beijing. This city might look like the China before its huge economic boom. Kunming is still very large. I heard it was about the same size as San Francisco. Like Beijing, the traffic here is still pretty insane and I admire the bus driver's ability to not run over any pedestrians. Unlike Beijing, Kunming is on the foot of mountains. There are steep roads going up and down hills. Also there are farms everywhere. As far as food goes, it has not been that bad. The chicken head I ate was not as bad as it sounds as well as the worms. Since the culture is more diverse than Beijing, the food is a little different.
So far we have been to some interesting places her in Kunming. First we went to an observatory with a giant teloscope. We learned a bunch about astronomy and the technology surrounding teloscopes. The next day we went to the botanical gardens here in Beijing. We took a pleasant walk around the gardens, which was very relaxing. We were followed by a kitten for half the time. And now here I am writing this in an internet cafe about to go back to the hotel. Can't wait to see more,
James Odell
Comments
Hi James, So glad you are are adjusting to your new "culture". I must congratulate you and the group for your bravery of eating your meal of chicken head and worms.I'm sure you all had quite an intersting dinner conversation. Continue to have an open mind and enjoy the rest of your trip. Keep the comments coming.
Best regards,
Mechel Kerr(Rushell's Mom)
Posted by: Mechel Kerr | June 11, 2009 3:37 PM
Hi James,
I'm happy to hear that the you and the rest of the group are having such a great time in Kunming. Thanks for sharing your experience with the "chicken head and worms". I can't wait to hear more about the groups' adventures. Continue to enjoy your new and fun experiences. Keep us updated.
Shelly(Rushell's Aunt)
Posted by: Shelly | June 11, 2009 4:04 PM
Hi James. What a great update! Sounds like you and the group are experiencing many memorable "firsts". How fascinating to visit a place that has one foot in its precious ancient culture and one in the emerging economy of present day. I wonder how the local people feel about all of the coming changes.... Keep blogging. This is fascinating reading. Safe journey! Joan Tirrell (Ian's mom)
Posted by: Joan Tirrell | June 11, 2009 5:36 PM
Pictures are wonderful. Everyone appears to be having such a great time but such serious poses by many in the pictures??? James thanks for the update.
Posted by: Larry Meads | June 11, 2009 9:22 PM
So James we've now discovered more tasty protein / ways to survive ! I bet those worms were delicious !! Really exotic stuff huh !..Rush what about the fowl head ?? was it curried or Bar-B-Q ?
What a great experience guys...embrace it ..Love Rush..
Posted by: Yvonne KerrDouglas | June 12, 2009 2:49 PM
It looks like you are all having a great time. Thanks for blogging each day-it is really fun to read and see what you are doing. You are so lucky to be on this trip!
From Kathy Hiteman, Griffin's 5th grade teacher.
Posted by: Kathy Hiteman | June 14, 2009 2:56 PM