Did China Live Up to My Expectations?

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The recent trip to China was an eye-opening experience characterized by overwhelming crowds and heavy traffic, with a noted lack of sunlight attributed to haze and pollution. The traveler expressed astonishment at the sheer number of people and vehicles, including bicycles, scooters, and cars. The weather was extremely hot, and the air quality was poor. Jacob, a companion on the trip, primarily ate rice and bread, although he enjoyed spaghetti during a Yangtze River cruise. He became a popular figure among the locals, often photographed due to his light-colored hair. The return flight to Atlanta was comfortable in Business Class, aiding the transition back to their time zone. The traveler plans to share over 1,000 pictures from the trip, which include various cultural highlights like the Terra Cotta Warriors and scenic views, generating excitement among friends and family.
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pamperedlinda
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We finally got home this evening. China was awesome and so different than I had ever dreamed it would be! I was amazed at the number of people there I have never seen so many people - every where you look there are people. The streets are crowded with bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, cars, taxis, buses...and more people. Traffic is horrendous there. And it was HOTTER than Hades too! The entire two weeks we never saw the sun. The Chinese people tell you that it is the haze against the mountains, but I personally believe that it was air polution and smog!

I missed all of you and I will post some photos as soon as I get a chance to download them (I have over 1000 pictures to go through :eek: so some of them should be good).
 
Welcome home Linda !I missed you!
 
Linda, I called you about sitting together during Career Club lunch. Um, yea...I forgot you were in China!! I talked to Sue about it and she reminded me. I felt like an idiot!! :D glad you had a good trip! Can't wait to see pics!
 
Welcome home! We missed you!!How did Jacob like the trip?
 
Welcome Home! Hope it was MORE than you dreamed it could be!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
dannyzmom said:
Welcome home Linda !I missed you!
Click to expand...

I missed you too - we are way overdue on a marathon phone conversation!
 
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  • #7
Chef Kearns said:
Linda, I called you about sitting together during Career Club lunch. Um, yea...I forgot you were in China!! I talked to Sue about it and she reminded me. I felt like an idiot!! :D glad you had a good trip! Can't wait to see pics!
Click to expand...

LOL! I though about you all everyday of conferecne! Well, after the first coupe of days into the trip I had no clue what day of the week it was, but I really missed going to NC with you guys. How was the food? And, what kind of swag did ya'll get this year?
 
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  • #8
DebbieJ said:
Welcome home! We missed you!!

How did Jacob like the trip?
Click to expand...

Jacob enjoyed it. He did not like the food and pretty much only ate rice and bread for 80% of the trip. I want to put him on the scale today and see how much weight he lost. He was very excited when we got on the the Yangtzee River Cruise and they served spaghetti for lunch - he was in pure heaven! He was ready to come home though. He was ready to have someone to play with. He found a 'friend' on the River cruise that he hung-out with. That little boy didn't speak english and Jacob didn't speak chinese, but somehoe they made it work and enjoyed each other.

Jacob was a huge attraction in China. The Chinese people really like to have their picture taken with Americans (especially those of us with light colored hair) He had his picture taken SO MANY times! It got quite comical. It was really funny when you would catch them trying to be sneaky about it too.

We decided to take our chances on coming home from Shanghai on Delta (DH works for Delta so we fly free - when we can get on) straight to Atlanta (instead of using the ticked that FIL bought for us that would take us to San Fran). We were lucky and got in Business Class - NICE! it was a 14 hour flight, but we had the lie-flat seats and wow were they comfy! Jacob was able to sleep for @ 9 hours. And, I slept for @ 6. That made the transition back to our time-zone much easier.
 
Welcome home! Can't wait to see the pics!!!
 
Welcome back Linda. Can't wait to see the pics!
 
Welcome back Linda! What an awesome trip!! Can't wait to see pictures!
 
Welcome back! Sounds like a great trip! I can't wait to see pictures either.
 
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  • #13
I just finished downloading my pictures and there are 2016 of them! (that is mine and my SIL's) I stil need to get DH's so I can merge them all and put together a photo album.

here are a few though:


Jacob and some Chinese Girls that wanted their picture made with him:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/123.jpg

The Summer Palace:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/137.jpg

Lotus Flowers:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/140.jpg

Bamboo Raft on the Yagntzee River:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/1457.jpg

On the Yangtzee River:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/1489.jpg

Motorcylce truck:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/1543.jpg

Having dinner:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/1977.jpg
 
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  • #14
Here are more:

Sea of apartment buildings (it was like this everywhere!)
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/2014.jpg

A truck in Yangshou:
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/1546.jpg

The Terra Cotta Warriors (FASCINATING!)
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/373.jpg

Internet Cafe - looks safe, huh? LOL
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/501.jpg

Rooftops:
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/578.jpg

Riding a Sampan in one of the Three Gorges Tributaries (Yangtzee River)
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/lindachild/841.jpg
 
I've heard of the Terra Cotta Warriors! Amazing!!!Thanks for sharing these pics!!!
 
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  • #16
finley1991 said:
I've heard of the Terra Cotta Warriors! Amazing!!!

Thanks for sharing these pics!!!
Click to expand...

They were unbelievable! I want to do more research on them now that I've seen them and learn more about them.
 
very cool!
 
cool pics, looks like you had a cool time!
 
Those were great! Thanks for sharing!
 
Wow - looks amazing!
 
Love the photos LInda! Keep 'em coming!
 
those are great linda! thanks for sharing! China is somewhere that i don't think i'll ever get to.
 
Those are great!! Thanks for sharing!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Did China live up to my expectations in terms of product quality?

Many customers find that the quality of products sourced from China can vary significantly. While some products meet or exceed expectations, others may fall short. It's important to research specific brands and read reviews to gauge quality before making a purchase.

What were my expectations regarding the cultural experience in China?

Expectations about cultural experiences can differ widely. Many travelers anticipate rich history, diverse cuisine, and unique traditions. If you engage with local customs and explore various regions, you are likely to find that China offers a vibrant cultural tapestry that can exceed expectations.

How did my expectations about customer service in China compare to reality?

Customer service experiences in China can vary. Some visitors report excellent service, especially in high-end establishments, while others may encounter language barriers or different service standards. Being patient and open-minded can enhance your experience.

Did the cost of living in China meet my expectations?

The cost of living in China can be surprisingly affordable, especially in comparison to Western countries. However, expectations can vary based on location; major cities like Beijing and Shanghai tend to be more expensive than rural areas. It's advisable to research specific cities to align your budget with your expectations.

Were my expectations about the pace of life in China accurate?

Many people expect a fast-paced lifestyle in urban areas of China, and this is often true. Cities can be bustling and busy, which may be overwhelming for some. However, rural areas offer a much slower pace of life. Understanding this contrast can help set realistic expectations.

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