Shanghai Part I: Overnight to Xi’an & The Terra-Cotta Warriors

February 29, 2016China

It’s a two-hour flight from coastal Shanghai to Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi Province. With plans to be docked in Shanghai Harbor for three days, Herb and I had enough time for an overnight trip to see Xi’an’s famous Terra-Cotta Warriors and still do some sightseeing in Shanghai. The Crystal Symphony’s excursion to Xi’an … Read More

Dalian, China: Not Quite Ready for Prime Time Touring

January 20, 2016China

Our cruise on the Crystal Symphony from Hong Kong to Beijing was packed with famous and fascinating places – a trip of a lifetime, as people often say. The final stop before disembarking in Beijing, however, was a bit of a mystery. Dalian, China – a financial center and seaport in northeastern Liaoning Province and … Read More

Taking A Break: Tea & Coffee Shops Around the World

January 2, 2016China, Denmark, Estonia, France

“Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first?” ~J.M. Barrie, The Adventures of Peter Pan Finding a special café for taking a break between sightseeing outings is a great way to discover some local flavor while getting ready for the next stop. Sometimes it’s a place that I simply … Read More