Reset search
Ann and David in China
  • Ann Aitchison
  • David Aitchison
  • Madeleine du Toit
  • Ann Aitchison
  • David Aitchison
  • Madeleine du Toit

Ann and David in China

A 24-day adventure by Ann, David & Madeleine Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • Trip start
    December 16, 2024
  • Ann and David in China
    West Kowloon Railway transport interchange.
    Pizza supper at Fini's113Wan Chai walkabout after supper21Back at Woody House

    Shenzhen to Hong Kong

    Dec 18–21, 2024 in Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    After mastering the working of 3 rail transport systems and many passport checks, we arrived at our quaint hotel Woody House in Wan Chai Hong Kong at 6pm. That night we ate out locally at Fini's Italian restaurant and took a walkabout before bed in our en-suite shoebox!Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    Wan Chai Victoria Harbour waterfront
    21Examples of extreme verticality of small footprint high rise apartment buildings.1Sometimes with remnants of indigenous tropical forest trees between themThis St James Church complex houses the church below with a school and offices and apartments above1a play park between the heights1This and the next 3 pictures are of our 4 small rooms per floor Woody House hotel.13Another delicious vegan supper at Wanaka around the corner.

    1st day in Hong Kong

    December 19, 2024 in Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    Today we explored Wan Chai district on foot - walked through fresh food and other markets down to Victoria Harbour waterfront and later the backstreets on the hill slope above. Amazed by the extreme vertical high density planning.Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    Views walking to the hop on hop off bus
    Shots from the upper deck of the busViews of the less developed wild south south side of HK islandBack into high rise heaven!1South side beachOn the ferry to Kowloon for next bus tourView of Kowloon waterfront skyline from ferryAnother ferry boat heading to HK islandKowloon building on bus ride - note multi level washing lines.The Kowloon main mosqueWe noted with interest that bamboo scaffolding is universally used even on multi story buildingsBamboo scaffolding detailViews of HK island, while waiting for ferry to get back there1Sunset over HK island from the return ferry

    2nd day in Hong Kong

    December 20, 2024 in Hong Kong ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today we purchased a 24 hour 3 route hop on hop bus ticket. The first route took us right around Hong Kong island and included some wilderness areas and beaches along the South China Sea coast. The second tour was through Kowloon on the mainland after a ferry crossing - see picturesRead more

  • Ann and David in China
    Walking through Hong Kong park to the funicular
    12A selfie on the ride up!1Arial view of the sky terrace that we ascended to from the top of the funicular rideViews from atop the sky terrace2Views from our 3rd hop on hop off bus rideViews of a 60's catholic church that caught our eyes!A flat iron type building on an acute vornerAnother more colourful oneClassic HK street scene showing double decker tramSt Pauls convent school.An Anglican Church with a pagoda design to welcome Chinese converts and make them feel at home!In the walk through aviary - see videoViews of the temple at the end of our walk3

    3rd day in Hong Kong and back 2 Shenzhen

    December 21, 2024 in Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    After packing our bags and leaving them at Woody House reception we set off at 8.30 to walk through the beautiful Hong Kong Park to the Victoria Peak funicular station to get the top for stunning views of H K. Once down we caught a regular bus to the hop on hop off bus terminal to take our 3rd tour - this time through the urban jungle of Hong Kong island. We got off at the peak funicular stop and walked back to Woody House via a different route through a marvellous bird avaiary and along Kennedy Road stopping at a temple and then a cooking school eatery for a late lunch. Then to Kowloon east Railway station to catch the high speed train back to
    Shenzhen where Madeleine had prepared a delicious noodle supper for us. Finally to bed after a long day but not before a spot of inter-continental plumbing maintenance arrangements to sort out a burst water pipe at the Hermanus house.    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    1
    Exterior cladding detail11An English terrace - perhaps in Bristol Irene 😜21View across to library with open courtyard belowView of apartment development opposite1Open courtyard with mist fountain

    Sunday in Shenzhen

    December 22, 2024 in China ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Shenzhen Art Museum.
    Today Madeleine took us across the city to this magnificent new gallery. Designed by German studio KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten and opened in December 23. It houses multiple exhibition spaces over 4 floors and a library with an open air courtyard between the two. We visited the gallery starting with an exhibition of beautiful ex libris bookplates, then a collection of water colours and other various works. We returned on the metro and dined at a Turkish restaurant in Madeleine's hood before an early night in prep for next day's pre dawn departure for an early flight to LijianRead more

  • Ann and David in China
    1Vegetable gardens
    MushroomsDumplings2Scooter wearOur room at the bivou

    Shenzhen to Shuhe, Lijiang

    Dec 23–26, 2024 in China ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    After early morning flight from Shenzen to Lijiang airport we were transferred to Shuhe Old Town in Lijian, a delightful 800 year old cobble stoned village. Staying at The Bivou a charming boutique hotel surrounded by tea houses, restaurants, designer boutiques. Madeleine and I wandered around the old streets and had supper in a vegan cafe for R200 per head. Tofu in chilli sauce, mushrooms in black bean sauce, steamed dumplings etcRead more

  • Ann and David in China
    2
    A yak dressed for the photographsItems for hire to be photographed in. The Chinese are non stop posers.1And here are some wedding photographs - these were two on many and BlueLakes on Christmas eve.A fake cherry blossom tree to capture the perfect pic.The natural river below the falls in the next picture had us thinking fake lakes - eek!Fruit sticks and other delights for sale in Baisha1Evening walk around the waterways of Shuhe old town.The bivou vegetable farm with the hotel beyondWaiting for our drinks at the bivou

    Christmas eve at Lijiang blue lakes

    December 24, 2024 in China ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    A good night's sleep had David feeling better. After a leisurely bivou breakfast Madeleine's friend James who used to teach with her in Shenzhen and now lives in Lijiang came to fetch us in his car and took us to the nearby Blue Lake Nature Park where we walked around the series of lakes enjoying spectacular snow capped mountain scenery and other delights. On the return drive James dropped us for a walk about in the adjacent village of Baisha where we had some good coffee and fresh fruit sticks. Back in Lijiang late afternoon, Ann bought two outfits that she'd seen at a shop the previous evening before we all enjoyed a Chinese cuisine supper - quite different from what we get at home.Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    All set for Christmas lunch
    1After lunch walk in the parkA temple in the parkVenacular park dirtbinsMore views of the park walk1Madeleine James and friends jamming.Leaving the farmAnn & Mads back at the bivou for gluwein.1Naxi show.

    Christmas Day in Lijiang

    December 25, 2024 in China ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Christmas lunch spent with lots of ex-pats (mainly English teachers), walked lunch off around the park before going to a jam session in a tent. We had to dog sit Dolly the very lively French bulldog whilst Madeleine and James were playing. Ended the day at The Bivou with a special performance of Naxi dancing (the Naxi are a Yunnan tribe whose unique culture is under threat)Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    Views of Lijiang Lashihai Wetland Park stop off spot for migratory birds
    Ann & Madeleine dressed warmly for our early morning visit.Pictures of pictures of when migratory birds are there en masseNot many birds there for todayViews of a lovely Lijiang courtyard shop and dwelling apartments above.The street lamps of LijiangOur train to DaliView from train of via duct highway - road & railways tunnel through hills and fly over valleys PRCViews of our charming courtyard Dali hotel.Dali hotel roomDali hotel roomQuaint no smoking signageThe building housing cocktal biar we visited with apartment above.Some girls take their kitty clubbing.

    Train from Lijiang to Dali

    December 26, 2024 in China ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    Today we got up early to visit another nearby lake well known as a resting place for migratory birds after learning at Christmas lunch that they had just arrived. We were somewhat disappointed - the birds were few and far between..
    Next we headed to Lijiang station to catch a cross country train to Dali. It was good to be in the country with good views although the line passed through many tunnels So a fair bit of the journey was in darkness. We noticed the same with intercity freeways. Rather than a route that follows the terrain, they go through hills and over valleys on via ducts. Transport infrastructure engineering here is very advanced. On arrival in DaLi we checked into another small hotel in an old part of town, found a vegan restaurant for dinner and later a trendy cocktail bar before bed..    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    2
    11111

    Dali Day 2 - visit to a temple and house

    December 27, 2024 in China ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Visited the Chongsheng Buddhist temple complex set in beautiful gardens and afterwards went to the Yan Family 19th century compound. All these buildings were desecrated or left in ruins in the Cultural Revolution and have been lovingly restoredRead more

  • Ann and David in China
    1
    21111

    Xi'an Day 1 - Taking a break + a museum

    December 29, 2024 in China ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
  • Ann and David in China
    1Pit No 1. The largest of the 4 pits. The 4th pit remains closed and won't be excavated yet.
    Pit No 1Entrance to the vast pit no 11Close up of warriors in pit 1Pit No 32Pit No 3Pit No 3Pit No 2 showing the burnt roof1These 4 horse drawn carriages all in intricate bronze detail were found in a collapsed wooden crate1After 8 years of intensive reconstruction were they have been put together cntnd ç next picture1on show with detailed e planation in an awesome dedicated underground space.12Waiting for our Didi (Chinese uber) to get us home.

    Xi'an Day 2 - visit to the Clay Warriors

    Dec 30–Jan 5, 2025 in China ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Today we set off early on an hour's drive to meet our tour guide, James at the Clay Warrior site. What an experience!
    After viewing the newly opened (in September 24) Exhibition Hall building, we visited pits 1, 2 and 3 with Jim explaining the history of this world wonder discovered only 50 years ago in 1974 by a local farmer. This took some 2 5 hours including a tea break. We then went to see the bronze horse and carriage expo in a separate underground museum which was as fascinating before heading back to our hotel in Xi'an for a contemplative rest.
    This evening we went out for a western meal at a German styled restaurant in a nearby vibey area. Good food and lekker beer and then by chance a fabulous show of different community street dancing to music all at near 0 degrees! 🥶. Xi'an is such a buzz!    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    2
    25211Temple on the Xi'an wall

    Our last day in Xi'an 😥 😜

    December 31, 2024 in China ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    After breakfast at our hotel we went for a walk on the old city wall which is 15km long and was built in 300BC. Preparations on the wall were in full swing for big light displays for Chinese New Year at the end of January. David rode 12km whilst Mads and Ann walked past all the posing princesses - girls (and a few boys) LOVE dressing up and costumes for hire are available at every scenic spot.
    Next we went to the Muslim food market and had delicious street food and a meal at a family owned restaurant. On our way back to the hotel at 20h00 the New Year frenzy had started with young people carrying huge bunches of balloons - all to be let off at midnight together with fireworks!!! (Very sad for the subsequent damage to environment)
    Altogether we spent a lovely day to end 2024    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    1

    Xi'an to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

    January 1, 2025 in China ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we rose at 2.30am to be ready for 3.30 tranfer to Xi'an airport for our flight to Guilin at 6.10. A taxi ride of one hour took us to the beautiful Y M R eco lodge on the banks of the Yulong river amidst towering limestone karst peaks. Thanks Mads. We have a wonderful garden room on the river bank with a curtain of bamboo between us and the water filled with passing rafts
    After unpacking David went for a walk down stream and later the three of us walked up stream. Tomorrow we will do the raft ride down the river.    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    On the way up
    1And a video thereofComing down from the high point into the terminal station - you can see the red skywalk snake beyond2This is an overall video of the route going clockwise - we did it anti-clockwisePutting on the shoe covers so as not to scratch the glass planks before walking it.Here I go with the sheet cliff below!Some others on the walk.Now on the half glass half metal grid skywalk. Madeleine the brave!2Yours truely2Mads holding on with a smileThe structure and forest below - quite an engineering feat.1View of the skywalk snake from aboveAt this point I counted another 195 steps to the top after climbing at least another 795!The top viewing platform from which views of the surrounding multitude of karst peaks was stunningNow down to cross the brideView from my start end1View once I crossed of others including their doggy doing it clockwise.On the back starting descent from the hight pointA view of our garden room where Ann spent a good part of the day getting better.2Post sunset on the terrace before going in for dinner

    Ruyi Peak Cable Car Scenic Area

    January 2, 2025 in China ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    This morning Ann was feeling a tad poorly with a sore throat and not being keen on heights anyway, Madeleine and I decided to visit/explore the above. And what an awesome (in the true sense of the word) experience it was. I have come across pictures and a video of the glass plank walk on the internet in the past and thought this cannot be so when I discovered it is only 7kms away Madeleine and I decided we had to see/do it.
    It starts with a +2km cable car ride over a 3 stage lift to a high point and then a short down ride to the terminal station 241m above the start point. Once there, there is a circular walking route that takes one over a 142m long 2m wide suspension bridge 58m above the forest floor, then up some thousand steps to a circular viewing platform atop of Peak Ruyi, then down to the 246 long skywalk that snakes 33m above the forest, then through a forest walk and finally on the 138m long 1,8m wide glass plank walk cantilevered off a sheer cliff face - not for the faint hearted or vertigo sufferers.
    Because Madeleine's decided against the suspension bridge we did the route in reverse and although she didn't walk the bridge, or the glass planks she did all the rest and loved it.
    Enjoy the visuals attached.
    Thankfully on our return Ann was feeling better and enjoyed a sunset drink on the YMR terrace before we went into dinner.    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    1Pictures taken in the nearby old town village we visited this morning
    2This is in a little hotel in the village owned by a saffer!This lovely buiding appeared to be a community hall1A rather special stormwater gargoyleDavid at a quaint entrance to an eateryA vintage agricultural machine blow the picture to see who's face is featured.1We had coffee in this charming courtyard.A dog, 2 cats and goldfish live happily together in this courtyard.1A bamboo raft in the making - heat applied to bend the bamboo pipes hence the blackened areas.And off we go down the Yulong River with Ann looking serene on her raft.And Madeleine ready to rock on hersPassing our lodging the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.At the end of the run our raftsmen delivered us to this slipway.Now for the together late afternoon ride on the larger raft.1And finally our sunset walk along the towpath.2Videos of us getting over the weird as we travelled down stream.1

    Visit to old town and river rafting.

    January 3, 2025 in China ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we rose at 9 and after a leisurely breakfast set off for a nearby old village at 11.
    Next we boarded river rafts and went downstream on individual rafts and later together further downstream on a larger raft. Then a walk along the towpath, sunset drinks and the best spring rolls ever before supper. Tomorrow we return to Shenzhen.Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    Pictures taken on my bike ride
    1Some geese on another nearby river I came across - surely a tributary of the Yulangbamboo scaffolding1A new construction - note the hoist.1Another karst peak this one has a hole through it1An electric motor cycle and side car of which there are many - fortunately not all are pink!1Goodbye Yangshuo Mountain RetreatA tunnel in construction for a new motor wayOutside Yangshuo stationInside - waiting for our train.1Our bullet train arriving to speed us away at up to 300k2Back at Chez Madeleine with the 12 Apostles painting we gave her.

    Bullet Train from Yangshuo to Shenzhen.

    January 4, 2025 in China ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Today we leave the beautiful karst peaks landscape area of Yangshuo.
    After breakfast David took a bike ride around the hood before returning to shower and pack.
    We said goodbye to YMR soon after noon and then were transferred to the railway station an in good time for our 2.25 train which sped us at up to 303km/h to Shenzhen in under 3hrs.
    Back at chez Madeleine we dined on falafel, humus, cashew labneh, tahini, pita breads and a green salad washed down with some za sauv blanc. We are now ready for bed.    Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    Pictures taken from the Didi which took us across town.
    6 lane motorways are buitifully planted and there are regular foot/cyclist bridges overhead1Overhead pedestrian/cycle way covered with glass roof2Arresting architectural elements abound1Many buildings have holes through them to be feng shui friendlyA city centre school (in the foreground)2Inside the multilevel fabric shopping centre that wasn't 😉Peking ducks and chicken ready to take homeDusk approaching as we head to our favourite vegan eatery.Ann and Mads about to enter vegan heaven!Chefs all hatted up in the open view kitchenYummy wantons again1Apple granadilla and rosemary tea and local beer accompanied our foodWhen we left there was a long line of people waiting to get into vegan heaven!Night shots in this exciting part of the city on our way to the e-hailing pick up point to get home.

    Another Sunday in Shenzhen

    January 5, 2025 in China ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today we got up late and after a leisurely breakfast ala Madeleine set off in search of fabric for Monika. We headed across town to a shopping area which was reputed to have loads of fabric outlets but disappointingly only had a few with nothing to Monika's rather exacting specs. However we made some other purchases and subsequently have found fabric to her liking on line! We then went to the Jupiter Art Museum which sadly was unexpectedly closed - perhaps for good 🤔, so we headed on to the superb vegan restaurant Mads took us to on our first night here for an early supper. Fortunately so because by the time we left at 7pm there was a long line to get in.Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    2Ann relaxing @home after breakfast
    When we set off we took this picture of landmark tall buildings opposite Mad's to find our way backA shopping centre building on a mad-made stretch of water.Madelein's 12th floor apartment is in the building arrowed.Entrance to SWCAC buidingPompei Poster2A video representation of Visuvius erupting on 24 October 79AD incasing Pompei in lava and dust.We're now on the roof of the SWCAC buildingViews of a design exhibition we looked at on the way down11Coffee on the terrace between SWCAC and the seaThese girls spent +30 mins posing/taking pictures of one another - a very popular past time in China1On the walk back to Chez MadeleineOnce home I went up to the roof of Mads block (29th floor) for these pictures.The Sea Word area where we were this afternoon1Some fish drying on the roof - Chinese bokkoms!

    @Home😉 in Shenzhen

    January 6, 2025 in China ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today we got up late well after Madeleine left for work - the school where she teaches opened today after a 2 week break. Around noon we wandered though this cool neighbourhood down to the Sea World Culture & Art Centre - a marvellous 4 storey visual and performing arts building containing a pile of gallery and auditorium/theatre spaces situated on the Shenzhen waterfront. At SWCAC we were enthralled by POMPEI a fascinating exhibition of new archeological discoveries made there since 2017 when a previously unexcavated area of Pompei was opened to discovery. After a brief look around the rest of the building we had coffee overlooking the sea front enjoying a spot of people watching before heading back to Chez Madeleine. She was home from school and we dined on spicy butternut soup with air fried cauliflower croutons followed by chicken drumsticks for us and vegan lasagne for her. A relaxing 2nd last day in China.Read more

  • Ann and David in China
    1On our way for last supper together at an Italian eatery with an over attentive German frau waitress
    1A pool table on the pavement outside a bar we passed1Arriving at Shenzhen airport - quite spectacular.3Inside the vast Shenzhen airport. Check very quick and smooth and 2,5 hour wait for our flight.

    Goodbye China

    January 7, 2025 in China ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Today our last day here before taking off for Joburg at ten past midnight tonight to arrive there at 7.00am after +12,5 hours in the air - it's going to be a long night.
    It's been a fantastic holiday all thanks to Madeleine who arranged everything and often stood in to pay for us when we couldn't - credit/debit cards are not widely accepted and nether is cash. WeChat or Alipay is the way but not easy for foreigners to download. I did get onto WeChat but experienced hiccups in getting OTPs to approve payment from ZA bank/s. Although I did have sms roaming on, the OTPs arrived hours later by which time Madeleine had stepped in. Thank you so much for everything Mads.Read more

    Trip end
    January 8, 2025
  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice