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RTW 2026 & Beyond

Up first … CHINA ! Read more
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    Xincheng District
    Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Cable car ride up!!! It was REALLY high, and REALLY steep
    The mountain from the shuttle bus stopThe stairs just to get to the startCable car ride up!!! It was REALLY high, and REALLY steepYeah he doesn't get paid enoughFelt like Everest - the line to get to the top of West PeakView from the top of West PeakAfter climbing the ridgeStairs cut into the side of the hill to go upBetter view from the topView of climbing the ridge from the next peakThe stairs were no jokeView from South PeakStairs are still no jokeAnd at 7,070 feet ... I could have bought a hot dog!!Sooo many stairs... and so narrow you had to side step to go downView from North PeakVery proud of myself !!Weird robot at the bottom that stopped to "talk to me" about my dayView of the mountain from the train

    Huashan Mountain

    Yesterday in China ☀️ 59 °F

    Today was maybe the best experience I’ve had yet in China. I went to the top of Huashan Mountain on a gorgeous day!! It was about 75 miles East of Xi’An and its highest point was 7,070 ft! There are five peaks - West, South, North, East and central. I summited the first three!

    I took a cable car up part way to the West peak and then began climbing stairs - thousands of them. At times we were literally walking straight up and had to use chains to pull ourselves up. The view made it worth it. After the West peak I hiked about 90 minutes, straight up, to the South Peak - the highest point on the mountain. Then it was all downhill, but stairs, for almost two hours to the North peak where I rode a second cable car to the base.

    I was pretty proud of this old body - by the time I was at the bottom my legs were literally trembling. But I made it!!! Very proud.

    I know we have mountains that compare in the US … but what doesn’t compare is the accessibility! Crazy how “easy”’they make it for anyone to do this - providing mass transit right to the base.

    What I miss: Sharing these adventures with a friend. Hard to do this alone. 😢

    Steps: 26,915
    Miles: 11.03    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    They keep their cars separate from their scooters and all separate from the pedestrians. Smart.All separate again - three clearly defined "lanes" - cars, scooters, walkersAnd againLiquor storeNot too many strays - rare to see one on the streetGroup Dancing in the parkGiant wild goose pagodaThis was like a combo between Hacky sack and badminton shuttle cock.This couple danced beautifullyThe fountain during the dayIt went on forever!Inside a metro station!Finally went into one!My first Mcd's in like 4 years - was kind of disappointing actually. Will probably be another 4The moat around the ancient city wallAncient city wall from the "outside"Some of the crowd waiting to see the fountain showGiant wild goose pagoda at nightNo idea what this is - but thought it was really pretty2Robot serving coffee's. 😳The IMMENSE crowdEver present Starbucks - but at least they "blend"Streets walking back to my hotelLoved these lamps!Kids playing jump rope in the square - no adults around.

    Wandering Xi’An

    October 29 in China ☀️ 66 °F

    I had nothing planned for today special, so just wandered the city seeing whatever I came across. I’m definitely getting much stronger cause I can walk 20k steps, do 10-11 miles and not really feel it much, as long as it’s fairly flat. I think my good shoes help a lot tho to be honest (Merrill Speed 2 Hiking shoes).

    I found a beautiful park where people were dancing, hanging out and playing games. People looked so happy and contended.

    The Datang musical fountain did a 15 minute show which was really pretty - but what amazed me was the sheer scale of the fountain. It probably spanned 8 city blocks in length! And the music was beautiful as well. I saw it during the day and then returned at night

    I also walked thru Datang Everbright City - just a neighborhood shopping area. It reminded me of the volume of the Minnesota state fair … but everyday. There were sooooo many people there.

    Steps: 21,770
    Miles: 8.92    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Pit 1 - Terracotta warriors!The detail was so impressivePit 2 - still being excavatedPit 3 also being actively worked onHuaqing PalaceChiang Kai-shek was captured here - 1936Chinese wanting a photo with me - so I would ask for one of themLittle boy working on his English ... "Welcome to China!" He said. It was sweetStatue of solid white JadeActive hot spring fountainThis bath was built in 200 BC"Pre-show"Started pouring - gave us all ponchosLights were all over the mountainside I had hiked/cable car up

    Xi’An !!

    October 28 in China ☁️ 50 °F

    I’ve been looking forward to today thru all the months of planning - finally, the Terracotta Warriors! I’ve seen them in movies and documentaries but seeing them with my own eyes was amazing.

    The warriors were built for Qin Shi Huang, who became king of Qin at 13 in 246 BC. After conquering the other six warring states in 221 BC, he became China's first emperor! They estimate it took 700,000 laborers to build this amazing project. They believe the army was meant to guard him in the afterlife. There are three main pits - about 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 670 horses - and no two images are alike!

    In 206 BC, rebels looted the pits, took the weapons, and burned the wooden roofs. The ceilings collapsed and crushed the figures, and the site was buried and forgotten for over 2,000 years. In 1974 the site was discovered by a farmer building a well and excavation has been going on ever since. The actual tomb has been discovered but China, to their credit, has held off opening it until preservation technology improves.

    I then went to Huaqing Palace. A beautiful place that again was built over 3000 years ago. It is surrounded by hot springs and they built the palace to relax at. I saw another outdoor show - Song of Everlasting Sorrows - phenomenal. True love story of an emperor in 750 AD and a woman. Long story short - the guards felt she brought bad luck to the kingdom, demanded her killed, and so she was. It depicted their affair, their love, her death and his grief and eventual reuniting when he died as an old man. Very moving.

    Steps: 26,953
    Miles: 11.07    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Train to Xi'AnSome of the farm land I passedThis duck followed me for a block or so as I walked. 😃Ever constant presence - KFC and DQThe city wall2Bike rental - was a game changer2Biang Biang Noodles

    Travel day

    October 27 in China ☁️ 57 °F

    I traveled from Chongqing to Xi’An - a 6 hr high speed train north! It was my longest trip yet and was pretty comfy.

    I was able to see the rural landscape a bit - family farms and how people actually live here outside of the cities.

    Once I arrived I walked to the “Ancient City Wall”. It was MASSIVE in scope - 8.5 miles long. It encircles the whole city with a moat outside it. About 42’ tall and equally as wide. It was built in 1370 AD.

    I walked a portion of it, but then came across a bike rental! I ended up biking the entire length right at sunset which was fantastic timing as I watched the lanterns come on. It was quite an experience.

    For dinner I had Biang Biang noodles. Xi’An is known for this dish - it reminded me of eating something like lasagna noodles. They’re named that because of the sound it makes while hitting them against the counter. I wasn’t the biggest fan. They tasted good enough but were actually too filling.

    Steps: 21,465
    Miles: 8.77    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell

    T.M.I. (Too much info) 😂

    October 26 in China ☁️ 64 °F

    I am hopeful that this long term adventure will eventually include some months volunteering in Africa. While planning for that, I learned that as a woman, it’s best to have a way to pee while out and about on safari or working. Squatting in the jungle is not the safest - and sometimes there just isn’t cover.

    So I found a “female urination” device - cutely called a “she-wee”. It’s basically a rubber funnel that you can place as necessary, and it allows a woman to stand to pee.

    I bought it, and practiced with it at home to make sure it was possible - and .. it’s easier to use than I thought it would be.

    So I tucked that away for “Africa” - but then pulled it out last week to use here in China! Why squat over a hole when I have this handy device?

    Up until yesterday, there’s been western toilets everywhere so didn’t need to use it - but yesterday was finally the day! No western toilets anywhere - and the She-wee worked phenomenally!

    So .. this solves one issue. Can’t do much about … #2 - other than attempt to take care of business at hotels in the morning before heading out - but #1 is handled!!    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    First "bridge"
    ALL of their train stations are "space age" looking!4I just find these cool looking - their train system is sooo far ahead of anything in the USJust cruising along at a comfy 188 mph!3Wulong Karst Scenic AreaPretty high up ... I'll be going down thereThe paths are beautifulCrammed into the elevator ... luckily not in there longElevator to valley floor - it SPUN 360° while it descended. Didn't help my view but nice touch2Look at those stones!! They are so beautiful and completely level - no risk of trippingFirst "bridge"4Second "bridge"Third "bridge"4And back up I go!! It was a doozyAnd back down ... entrance to Longshuixia fissure gorgeAnd another elevator2It felt "rain forest ish". It wasn't raining at all, but moisture dripping everywhereThe greens were SOOO GREEN and vibrant!!142For sale on the way out ...... or some pigs feet?!?3And of course you can't leave out chicken feet!4I went with the old faithful - pork skewersCan't go wrong With Tanghulu - candy coated fruit

    Wulong Karst Scenic Area

    October 26 in China ☁️ 59 °F

    I took a day trip about 90 miles east of Chongqing today - high speed train to a 15 min shuttle bus, to an hour long second shuttle bus. It was definitely worth it tho.

    I can’t emphasize enough how beautiful the scenic areas are here - so well kept up, beautiful stone paths, and peaceful. At this location they had instrumental music piped in all over which added so much to the experience.

    It was called the “three bridges” area which I eventually saw what they meant by “bridges”.

    We started up high, and took an elevator to the valley floor and then walked about 5 miles. Sadly, they didn’t provide an elevator to go back up! Just my two feet! They DID provide “bionic legs” tho. No joke. At the bottom there was a lady offering these “exoskeleton” contraptions you strapped on your hips and thighs, and apparently, they “assisted” you walking. I may have to give them a try eventually before I leave!

    I also walked the Longshuixia fissure gorge. This was just an “add on” but for me it seemed to be the highlight. It was another 3 miles but definitely worth the experience.

    Steps: 23,594
    Miles: 9.67    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    1My position for most of the day!
    1My position for most of the day!Hotel robot. He delivers food, packages, needs to your door - saw him in action todayGetting my fix the last few mornings. Didn't know I could enjoy a bfast sandwich this much!1Wonderful bakery! My definite weakness is all things "pastry"6Got a blueberry lemon pastry4Nope - not a wet wipe. They give you plastic gloves if you are expected to eat with your hands 🤷‍♀️Meat on a stick can be hit or miss - sometimes dry, spiced badly. It's a crap shoot4But THIS was glorious!! Perfect in every wayVERY curious about this dish - laid out the dumplings just so and then poured a batter over themThen covered for five minutes or so3And this was the result ... bīnghuā jiānjiǎo, or "ice flower" dumplings1And they were YUMMY! A little greasy, but I got past that. 😂Next up ... searching for a dessertI knew I was in trouble when she plopped the white goo into the containerIt is called "stretchy cool cake". Glutinous rice paste, with bayberry and yangmei fruits.Won't lie, the white stuff concerned meIn the end, could only stomach the red parts. 🫣 not my favorite but I tried!6What I WOULDN'T try! Yep .. those are scorpions, spiders and beetles!... or this (why do they have heads on everything?!?)... or this... creepy crawlies in here. 😳Toooo spicy for my blood2I so miss ice - convenience stores sell containers like this for $1. Worth every penny

    Time to recharge!

    October 25 in China ☁️ 72 °F

    I’ve been officially traveling now 23 days … but in a “foreign land” 19 … and I’ve been pushing pretty hard. I had plans to go on a day trip today but after almost a ten mile day yesterday, I was wiped out!! I decided to cancel everything and just spend a day in my hotel only going out to get food. It was a much needed break - for my body and my mind.

    I keep meticulous records of what I’m doing and seeing, as well as detailed financial records of all I’m spending … and all of that needed updating. So my day was spent relaxing on my bed in my comfy air conditioned hotel room “working”. Awww … my feet and lower back thanked me!

    So today apparently was all about rest … and food!

    I’ve gotten VERY tired of non-breakfast food for breakfast … and there’s a Starbucks on the corner next to my hotel … so I’ve given in these last few days and had breakfast sandwiches in the morning! Oh, they are wonderful!!! Just like home. Sometimes you just gotta do it.

    I also found a cute little bakery right next to the Starbucks, which is a very rare find here, - and have splurged as well.

    Then went out at night to Bayi Food street and had an experience. Tried three different new foods - two were great finds, one not so much.

    Steps: 7,550
    Miles: 3.09    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    3Got to the end & had to turn the corner & go along the OUTSIDE on a SKINNY plank
    2Eling Park SkywayIt was REALLY high, and when I stopped walking I could feel it "swaying" a bit. 😬How they water - they "mist" areas instead of "sprinkle"2Making "tanghulu"1Pretty yummy! Crunchy coating of sugar on perfect strawberries2Lots of people out on a Saturday morningThe Bombing museumTook the Yangtze River Cableway2"Raffles City" building - the horizontal part is called "the crystal" - what I walked on!3Getting harnessed up! They were concerned about my age .. my heart .. my BP. 😂All that was keeping me safe for the next hour!2It was a really wide platform - all was good! Felt very comfy43Got to the end & had to turn the corner & go along the OUTSIDE on a SKINNY plankHeck of a view4And it was SKINNY!1Picture of what I was on top of3Drone show on the waterfrontThe drones "going home" after the show was over

    Chongqing

    October 24 in China ☁️ 70 °F

    Today I spent the day wandering Chongqing. I started at Eling Park Skyway, which is an elevated bridge overlooking the city/waterfront. It really captures the enormous size of this city. Then I wandered Eling Park.

    Up until today I haven’t seen many kids - just a grouping here and there unless I happen to be near a school. But today is Saturday, and the families have come out in droves. And … parents want their kids to practice their English so I had about a dozen LITTLE kids walk up to me during the time I was in the park and say “Hallo, how are youuuu today?” They were like 4 or 5! I would talk to them slowly, simply, and we would have a short conversation and they would say “bye!” And run off - all happening under the watchful eye of usually a mother who would thank me after. It was adorable.

    I went to an interesting museum - “historical facts of the June 5th tunnel tragedy during the bombing” - it’s a mouthful. There’s just a big of story (Google it if you’re interested) but in a nutshell it had to do with the Japanese bombings of Chongqing in 1941, and the sad death of 1151 civilians who sought protection in that exact air raid shelter.

    My big event for the day was I went to “the crystal skywalk”. The longest horizontal skyscraper in the world, that you’re allowed to walk on top of!! To be totally honest, It was terrifying.

    Ended the night with a waterfront drone show - 10,000 drones in the sky making all sorts of elaborate pics. Really impressive.

    What I miss: My fearless adventure partner, Jordan. 😢

    Steps: 22,554
    Miles: 9.25    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    4Still not used to no "breakfast food" for breakfast 😕QR code to order food at my train seatNo cross walks here - pedestrians enter a maze of tunnels under the streets if you want to crossMap of the underground system for pedestrians.1WaterfrontHongya cave areanine stories of shops built vertically on the waterfront2Chongqing 1949 show221The three brothers2Restaurant for dinner tonightPork and potato rice - really tasty

    To Chongqing

    October 23 in China ⛅ 68 °F

    I started my day off with a high speed train two hours east to Chongqing. The trains are simply amazing - they have a QR code on each seat which allows you to order food. Food from the dining car, or even food from off the train that will be delivered to you on the next stop! I’ll be using that on one of my future longer trips!

    Chongqing is HUGE. it’s like New York on crack, but a cleaner safer New York … it has a modern kind of vibe.

    I went to a show tonight “Chongqing 1949”. It was an amazing experience. I was given a translation ear piece that narrated the story for me in English. 1949 is kind of like the US’s 1776. It’s the year the communist party overthrew the Nationalist party to take control of the country. It was in the midst of a huge civil war and Chongqing was at the center of it. This was a musical and it depicted that battle following the true story and lives of three brothers, one who fought for the nationalists, one for the communist party and the third who was a communist sympathizer prisoner. It was set on a revolving massive stage, and my bank of seats revolved around that revolving stage as well. It was crazy and worth every penny.

    Steps: 16,494
    Miles: 6.76    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    2View from the top
    Sooo many stairs2View from the top2Stairs to get down to his feetAbsolutely ZERO people there - made it so much safer5The Giant Buddha!Lots of detail - for 700AD... and time to go back up!Chinese man offered to take my picThe walk to the pierHaoshang BridgeBuilt in 1976 ... not as ancient as it looks1... and I'm on the wrong side of the fence!!! Time to backtrack another mileBoat out to the feetThis is the steps I came down, but all by myselfThe walk back up to head to the pier... went OVER that hill. 😳Big Buddha at nightWasher and dryer at hotel2This is the dryer!!! Just hang things up and the box gets really hot! Genius3Strawberry shaved ice with tapioca pearls ... SOOOO good. Felt and tasted like ice cream

    Leshan Giant Buddha

    October 22 in China ☁️ 64 °F

    I was up at dawn one more morning … and this time it paid off. I went across the river to see the Giant Buddha up close.

    I got there right when it opened and had the place to myself - it was REALLY serene and peaceful … tho still had to go up and down HUNDREDS of steps. My legs are definitely getting stronger, but dang …

    The Buddha is the largest “pre-modern stone Buddha” in the world. He stands around 235 ft. A man made it his life’s work & began carving it in 704 AD! He didn’t live to see it completed in 812 AD.

    Where it’s located is a place where four rivers come together - and apparently the water there was treacherous. So .. he thought if he built the Buddha lives would be saved, as Buddha would watch over them. In the end, it worked - not because of magical powers but because they took the stone that was carved out and dumped it in the river. Eventually, that stone changed the trajectory of the river … boom, less deadly river.

    I decided to walk to the pier - Apple Maps said it was about a mile thru the woods so why not. Figured it would be pretty. It was rough - lots of stairs. I finally made it to where Apple Maps said the pier was … and I was on the wrong side of a fence! The “right” side was another mile away. Sometimes things don’t go quite right.

    What I miss: my car!

    Steps: 18,883
    Miles: 7.76    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    1These little dudes aren't so little - stood about knee to mid thigh high. 😬😳
    My early morning train... to the shuttle busTo the mile walk up hill with a massive amount of peopleBreakfast for the walk up - "muffins" and hard boiled eggsFirst bread I've had in two weeks - these were fantastic!!Hard boiled eggs are everywhereSoooo yummyThese are boiled in like a soy sauce so have a very strong flavor... to the cable carWith absolutely no view - probably grateful cause from pics I've seen, it was pretty extreme.Even at 8000 feet there are shopsMy view at the top - 10,197 feet! And there is no view. 😢1But .. I waited and was hopeful!As good as it got - even after the three hoursBuddha with worshippersOfferings of "light" are huge in Buddhism. I just liked warming myself by the fire!IncenseVery peaceful walk back downThe colors are changing - first I've seen if itMonkeys everywhere - I have a HEALTHY respect for them. They can be very aggressive11These little dudes aren't so little - stood about knee to mid thigh high. 😬😳Bus back down - got a front seat this time, and kind of regretted seeing the descent!2From the internet ... the view I was HOPING for but didn't get 😢Also from the internetFrom the internet2I wish ... 😳

    Mt Emei

    October 21 in China ☁️ 48 °F

    Today was probably one of my biggest disappointments so far. The place I was heading to was 50/50 visibility wise but I really hoped it would work out.

    I was up early and traveled west by high speed train to a city called Emeishan. I then boarded a shuttle bus that took me what felt like straight up using a series of switchbacks for two hours. Then I walked a mile up hundreds of steps, and boarded a cable car for a ten minute ride. THEN walked another 1/2 mile to finally get to the top of Mt Emei!! It was an adventure for sure. It should have been a spectacular view but sadly … it was fogged in and couldn’t see really anything.

    I stuck around in the bitter cold and rain hoping it would clear, if even for just a few minutes, but I eventually gave up after three hours. I had 5 layers on - tshirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, down puffy, all covered with a rain coat. Once I started shivering so much my teethe were chattering I threw in the towel.

    I did enjoy the journey and found great beauty in it - even if the final destination was lacking.

    Audiobook finished: Born a Crime, Trevor Noah

    Steps: 15,944
    Miles: 6.53    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Perfect description of their metro system.2Bullet train station - every "gate" is a separate train and they go as far as the eye can seeHave to show up and translate everything to know how to board ...1Booked a window seat ... I guess a sliver of a window is better than none. 🤷‍♀️So much leg room. Very comfyHotel entry - sometimes finding where it is quite the task2Really nice room - $30 again4They make sure your towels monogram match each guests name. Simple gesture but found it really coolMy hotel from the outsideLaundry roomWater front walk waySO MANY people were swimming in the river - they just kept coming3Where I ate tonight - outdoor seating really niceWhere they cooked my dinnerShrimp dumplings - simple but really good. Either served with chili oil or vinegar.2Asked if I wanted water ... and to my surprise brought me a container of HOT water. 🤷‍♀️2Still on my quest for an awesome sunsetWomen exercise group

    Travel to Leshan

    October 20 in China ☀️ 79 °F

    Today was a nice easy travel day - I took a late morning bullet train about 85 miles south to a city called Leshan.

    Traveling as I’m doing is different than vacationing in many ways but today … had to deal with laundry. China is very unique in that the majority of hotels have washers & dryers on site, for free, with detergent provided. Loving that and going to enjoy it while it’s here.

    After checking in went and found dinner, then strolled the water front. To my surprise, people were swimming in the river!! There was quite a current, and they would jump in and then swim against that current - or they jumped in way upstream and floated/swam down. I felt the water - it wasn’t warm, but probably pretty refreshing.

    What I miss: my own washer & dryer

    Steps: 16,137
    Miles: 6.62    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    2Red pandas were much more active2The bamboo has beautiful patternsThis is a "toddler" panda in the nurseryI eventually got too tired to keep walking and got a pass onto the shuttle systemUS food chains around every cornerThe Bamboo TowerBy 10:30 or so it got CROWDEDSwan lakePeoples parkTianfu squareLeader Mao Zedong

    Panda’s and parks

    October 19 in China ⛅ 73 °F

    I was up before the sunrise, headed to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center. One, to beat the crowds and two, to get there early while the pandas are their most active.

    The Giant panda is China’s national animal. Actually, every panda in existence is owned by China. If you’re looking at a Panda in the zoo in DC, (or anywhere) it is on loan from China - and that zoo is paying a hefty fee to have it. In the 1970’s the “gifted” pandas to countries, but by the 1990’s decided they needed to maintain more control over them and began the “loaning or leasing” program.

    There are 237 pandas at the center today (of the 700 China has in captivity) - no country in the world has more than 10, most only 1. Soon the US will have no pandas left on their soil when Atlanta returns the panda they had on loan.

    With every park I walk thru I’m literally in awe. They are the most peaceful settings - I walked thru People’s park, and then Tianfu square.

    What I miss: my kids
    AudioBook finished: Nineteen minutes, Jodi Picoult

    Steps: 18,175
    Miles: 7.43    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Not Mickey ears ... panda head
    Moving on ... another flightCute lunch on the plane - "all things panda" beginsPart of the group I met on the plane from CaliforniaIn my hotel lobbyNot Mickey ears ... panda headJiaozi ParkThese are mostly apartment buildingsGrabbed a pic off the internet to get an aerial shot of the bridge in the parkThis was a big hole looking down to the riverThis water show began in the big hole .. on a bridge 😳And another water show out of another hole behind meMy walk back to the metro2SkylineInside the metro stationOutside my metro station

    Travel Day to Chengdu

    October 18 in China ☁️ 68 °F

    Today was a repositioning day - basically moving to a new city. I left Guilin and boarded a flight taking me northwest to Chengdu. (This will be the furthest west I’ll go.) There was a group, a dozen or so people from California traveling under the watchful eye of a Chinese guide. It was fun to sit and chat it up with them and compare / contrast our experiences.

    It looks like I’ll be clear of the hotter weather for the rest of my time in China thankfully. It was quite a relief to land in Chengdu at a pleasant 68°, and forecast only 73° tomorrow. I was definitely getting tired of just existing in puddles of my own sweat.

    Chengdu is China’s 4th most populous city, and 6th by sheer size. But for comparison … it has 2.5 times more people than New York and is a whopping 18 times larger than New York by area!!! In a few weeks I’ll be in Chongqing - Chinas largest city - and it has 3.5 times more people than New York and is … 105 times bigger by area. 105x!!! 😳😳😳 Puts things a bit in perspective.

    Chengdu is the Panda capital of China - everything, everywhere is Panda’s. Kind of cute.

    I took a metro to Jioazi Park after I got settled. Really beautiful. There was a large green space with a playground and such and then this space age looking bridge that spanned the river. Hard to describe - you’ll just have to see the pics.

    It AMAZES me that I’m in a city this large, with this many people and there is no trash, no homeless, no beggars, no tents, no urine smell (like what permeates New York in places), no one harassing anyone, no one making you feel uncomfortable. No other term but amazing.

    What I miss: American TV (or in English)

    Steps: 20,937
    Miles: 8.58    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Reflections were gorgeous
    4Train boarding board3How my translator app changes itFirst bullet train1Outside Reed Flute Cave - a little transport trainThe older or those who can't walk can get carried for about $40... just like thisReflections were gorgeous4These fans are HAND embroidered - watched a woman make one1All of his paintings literally done with his hands only - no brushes. Ended up buying oneI found sweet n sour pork!!! Not quite like in the US but very yummyThis ... is a bus stop!The two lakes I strolled around41The most garbage I've found yet!2Breakfast this morningThis is where she prepared the noodles for my meal 😳

    Back to Guilin

    October 17 in China ☁️ 88 °F

    I boarded my first Chinese bullet train to take me back to Guilin. The boat ride that took 3.5 hrs was reduced to a 30 min gentle, floating train ride. It operated flawlessly from security, to boarding, to exiting … on time to the minute. They are VERY efficient here. That cost me $6.

    Once there I went to Reed Flute Cave. Beautiful tourist attraction. Not much to say other than it was nice to be in a chilled environment. Shanghai is coastal so was a beautiful 75°, but Guilin is southern and interior and has been very hot - in the 90’s and HUMID. Being in that heat gets exhausting. I get a reprieve as my hotels have AC, but during the day it gets pretty oppressive.

    Headed back to a new hotel and rested for a few hours - and then in the evening took a couple mile stroll around the lakes my hotel was situated on - the same lakes I took the boat ride thru a few nights before. Nice way to end the time here.

    What I miss: my own bed and pillow.

    Steps: 15,473
    Miles: 6.34    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    My transportation for the day!Ruyi Peak RopewayIt was much higher compared to the one a few days agoSuspension bridge42Shop at the top - took an hour break & had an ice cold lime/passionfruit drink! I'll miss these2Soooo many stairs - down can be almost as hard as up!Booties for the glass walkwayGlass skywalk2Glass plank walkWind had picked up and won't lie - made me pretty nervousThis was VERY steepDriving out to 2nd scenic area thru farm landMore and more stairs!2Made it to the top ... at great physical expense22Photographers setting up1A good as the sunset got.Separate "scooter" lanes

    Yangshuo Scenic Areas

    October 16 in China ☁️ 90 °F

    This morning I rented an electric scooter to give me some freedom instead of relying on drivers. (No transit here). It cost a whopping $7 for the entire day I drove one in Indonesia in 2022 so felt fairly sure I could handle it - and for the most part, it all went off without a hitch.

    They have “scooter” or bike lanes which is nice. Allows the cars and scooters to remain somewhat separated from each other and safer.

    I headed about an hour south to Ruyi Peak Scenic area - cable car to the top, cause China LOVES their cable cars, and then literally a thousand steps up and down to see the sites. By the time I was done my legs were pretty shaky. The suspension bridges were really neat, and the glass plank walkways were fun as well!

    Then since I had the scooter I went to a second scenic area an hour north of Yangshuo - Cuiping Wuzhishan. This was VERY remote and literally I was the only one there for the first 90 min. It was another 1000 steps to the top ! My legs got a workout today. Eventually a flood of photographers showed up which was cool to watch work.

    I went for the sunset - it’s famed as one of the best in all of China. Very pretty views, but sadly Mother Nature didn’t cooperate and it was just a bit too cloudy for a good sunset.

    I ended up driving the hour back in the dark … and to my surprise drained my battery VERY quickly having to use the headlights. I limped into town, and couldn’t go faster than 3-5 mph the entire last mile. It was almost comical - when I wasn’t freaking out about not making it. 😂

    What I miss most: Talking and being understood

    Steps: 20,337
    Miles: 8.26    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Getting on the cruise3My seating areaTheir money has a pic of the river3Locals try to photo the spot it representsI think I got it from what they told meBuffet lunch1noodles, wild pumpkin, chicken & potatoes, braised duck, corn,sweet potato,pork soup,millet porridge2Group "throwaway" bowl at the table. 😳Dessert options - explains why there are ZERO obese or even overweight people here2This was the size of the poundcake!!!Docking wharfWalk from the wharf2Hotel room - $30AWESOME drink - ice cold Passion fruit juice. 75 cents!Water showMy walk backOutside of my small hotelView from my room

    Li River cruise

    October 15 in China ☁️ 86 °F

    I took a 3.5 hr river cruise down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, a town not so far away. It was absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. There were “levels” to book, and I decided to treat myself and went “1st class” - it was worth it. Great seat, and great buffet lunch. I stood on the bow for almost all of it - as that’s what I love to do. It brought back memories of 2022 doing the same on multiple boats with Jordan - made me miss her company, but was neat to remember what we had done.

    I had about a mile walk to town from the wharf and it was lined with shops of people selling everything imaginable. My room is awesome, once again, even tho I’m paying so little. I keep waiting for one to actually reflect the low price. 😬

    Then I went to a show … the largest outdoor theatre in the world. It was put on with 600 performers!!! “Impressions of Liu Sanjie”. It’s literally set in the river and tells the story of a singer/martyr that lived in 703 AD. She was said to be able to compose impromptu songs at will. Her songs were touching so she was called the Song Fairy. Her talent, however, attracted jealousy from the local hoodlums, which resulted in her early death. It was all in Chinese so I understood nothing - but could feel the story in the music and the scenes.

    I walked over and back to the show - about a mile and a half each way but was able to see street vendors and feel the local vibe. This is a special place.

    What I miss: Brushing teeth with tap water

    Steps: 16,873
    Miles: 6.91    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    1
    3Rice noodle soup - free breakfast at the hotelCut open green skinned passion fruit with noodlesAthena and Kevin, on the busDinner at a night marketNope ... deep fried whole mini crabs.2Night cruise21Sun and moon pagodas

    Travel Day

    October 14 in China ☀️ 90 °F

    Today was a travel day - I left the rice terraces and basically retraced my steps back to Guilin on the same buses. Much easier the second time around. I did get up and catch a nice sunrise before leaving.

    On the bus ride back a Chinese couple was very friendly and kind. It was the first time anyone has really spoken to me except for handling logistics. She was a doctor, he worked for the transit system - and gave me their “English names” Athena and Kevin. She spoke very good English, he understood it but couldn’t speak it. They offered me fruit and even let me on the hotspot to share some photos. Very kind and it was nice to actually speak with someone.

    When I traveled the last few days I left my luggage in “storage” at my hotel. Here, that was very scary. Basically you just roll it up to a wall … and leave it! Thru the translator I told the receptionist that I was afraid to leave it - and he looked at me like I was crazy. “Afraid of what?!” I said theft and he simply said .. that doesn’t happen here - too much surveillance and pointed to the four cameras pointed at them. So I trusted him, walked away and left almost everything I have, and crossed my fingers. Returned 36 hours later to find it EXACTLY where I left it. After googling some, I found he was right … theft is VERY rare here for many reasons.

    I went on the “two rivers, four lakes” night cruise once the sun set. I’m a huge fan of boats so try to get on one whenever I can.

    What I miss: ICE! 🧊

    Steps: 12,130
    Miles: 4.97    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Hmmm ... hope my ticket is right - who would know?!?2My guardian angel on the busRopeway carNot the tallest - not the biggest - but still got my heart pounding.2What a sight!441My hotel - room is the far right, 2nd floor.4It'll do. 😁 the floor to ceiling windows are a plus2Cooking my lunchFood inside that bamboo tubeSeconds anyone?!? Dinner time.2Finished product - Bamboo Tube RiceView of the valley from my room1Kind of peaceful out here alone with everything shut down.Was surprised to find this - they lit the terraces up! Beautiful end to my day

    Longji Rice Field Terraces

    October 13 in China ☁️ 79 °F

    I went on a road trip today. Sounds simple enough & for most tourists, probably is. simply hire a driver & be “limo’d” point A to point B, easy peasy - but honestly I just don’t like to travel that way. 🤷‍♀️ I like to be “with the people”. I like to see people interacting - even when I understand zero what’s being said. I understand watching humanity - and for me, I don’t get that from the back seat of a sedan alone. So I got on a not so fancy shuttle bus filled with locals going to work - then transferred to a second bus on the side of a highway! The whole journey took about 3 - 4 hours, cost $8 and I can’t believe I made it. And honestly, I wouldn’t have without the kindness of strangers who figuratively held my hand & got me from one bus to the next. I’d probably still be on that bus if not for them! 💙🇨🇳

    So I made it to the village, had breakfast & got on the slowest moving “ropeway” (what they call a gondola) ever. Will be the first of many here in China.

    As I rose, I was overwhelmed with the beauty. The rice fields are turning because of fall so are a beautiful golden.

    I Took just a daypack with a change of clothes & some toiletries which turned out to be the best decision ever. I had arranged a hotel - a whopping $60 at the top of this mountain! But once I stepped in and opened the curtains I knew it was worth every penny. What a view.

    This area is home to the Hong Yao people. There are only 18,000 in China so a significant minority. They cook in Bamboo tubes - dating back 2000 years. So I had Bamboo Tube Rice for my lunch (and again for dinner) cause it was just so yummy & apparently may not get it again anywhere else. I watched it be cooked on an open fire for me.

    Today … I was in awe of this world. I marveled today - I’ve missed this feeling. The kindness of people I would otherwise have NEVER met, the sheer natural beauty of the world and the simple pleasures of a great meal. It was a good day. 💙

    What I miss: Unlimited data/wifi

    Steps: 10,808
    Miles: 4.43    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Guilin airport2Weird, but good snack on the plane1Mountains EVERYWHEREGreat hotel room!4Bidet with a tushy warmerFruit "welcome gift"2Many swimmers in the river2I bowed out of climbing this one - giving my body a rest after the last couple of days11Elephant Trunk Hill11Little shops everywhere.4They may not like desserts, but they apparently LOVE their ice cream!🍦 It was everywhere1Happen to be there during the golden hour. 💙3Scooters are king here ... soooo many1"Beef" skewers (I hope). Told not spicy, but my mouth was on fire by the time I was done3Beautiful walkway outside my hotel.2Guilin Opera house

    Travel day to Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill

    October 12 in China ☀️ 90 °F

    I jumped on a plane early this morning, said “See you later” to Shanghai and flew to Guilin. Shanghai is midway up the eastern coast of China - and Guilin is heading West into the interior about 1/4 of the way across the country, slightly south. It is a very mountainous region.

    I’ve been completely dependent on metro’s until today - which has been fantastic! But It wasn’t running this morning when I needed to head to the airport and Guilin has no mass transport so … I had to figure out how to use their version of Uber - called “DiDi”. It went pretty smoothly actually - and boy is it cheap. A 45 min ride from the airport came in at $7, and 10 min rides around town run about 75 cents!

    I went over to “Elephant Trunk Hill” for the afternoon - a BEAUTIFUL park, and as you can see, named because a rock formation looks like an elephant. Then wandered thru a “pedestrian street” and grabbed some meat skewers for dinner before calling it an early night.

    My hotel is AWESOME! $39 got me a whole lot - they even delivered me a plate of fresh fruit as a “welcome gift”! Sad to only be spending one night here.

    Steps: 14,333
    Miles: 5.87    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    My hotel - actually part of the Hilton franchise
    Metro line near my hotel - easy peasyThe only white person for what feels like milesThey like their national flag ... a lot. In every metro station and on every streetBathroom signageAverage toilet ... lights up red when occupied. No looking for feet in China.Squat toilet - basically just a hole in the ground you stand overWestern toiletMy hotel - actually part of the Hilton franchiseMy roomBathroom

    Misc stuff …

    October 11 in China ⛅ 77 °F

    A few have asked about logistics and accommodations.

    Hotels are dirt cheap. I booked 6 weeks worth and averaged $26 a night - and I’m staying at 3⭐️ - 4⭐️ places. I could have gone very cheap - nice, clean, safe hostels are around $5 a night but I decided to “treat myself” on this leg of the trip.

    The bigger the city, the more expensive - so Shanghai was a bit more and got a bit less. My room is clean, bugless, unlimited water bottles, has free laundry, and has very helpful staff. But nothing fancy. I paid $31 a night.

    The city is easy to navigate - all signs are in Chinese AND English making it a breeze. The metro’s are the same. Signs show what the stop is, and what the next stop will be - and when on the metros the announcements are in Chinese and English as well.

    As far as bathrooms go … they are public, they are free and they are everywhere. There’s signs on the street showing you where to find one. Very helpful. However, They DON’T provide toilet paper - so I carry portable rolls or tissues. Also I have to watch the signs - they have squat AND western toilets here so have to look before I enter. Other than that, pretty simple.

    That’s a wrap for Shanghai. Off to my next city tomorrow!    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    Inside the water town
    Suburb apartments I could see from the metroWalking toward the townInside the water town3But even here ... A Starbucks!There have been ZERO pets or animals in the city - the first I've seen of anyMeat stand ... the smell was nasty. 🤮A store selling ... garlic and herbs???My lunch today. I was scammed. Bought from the 1st place & paid $8. Later found should be $2. WhoopsOne of the few desserts I found.Got this dessert - 90 cents. Sweetened with red bean paste. Not my fav but the rest was good.

    Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town

    October 11 in China ⛅ 77 °F

    I took a day trip out of Shanghai today to an “ancient water town”. I took the metro out about 2 hours west and was able to finally see what I would describe as the suburbs. It was difficult to take any pics because the train was moving too fast but there were SO many huge apartment buildings. The mass transport system here is AMAZING. I have a 3 day unlimited pass for $6 which takes me … everywhere.

    The town was built 1700 years ago - there was relics there dated over 5000 years old. It’s much like Venice - a city built on canals and waterways connected by 36 stone bridges.

    It was street after street about 3-5 ft wide of booths selling crafts and foods of all kinds - what I find odd is there are VERY few desserts here or sweets. They sell a lot of rice, noodles, meat and vegetables - but little bread or anything sweet. The smell of some of the food, especially the meats kind of turns my stomach. 🤢

    Steps: 17,187
    Miles: 7    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    People's square / park
    People's square / parkLots of active women dancing all over the park2Just a fraction of the marriage center signs - there were thousandsTranslated version of previous signTranslated version of previous sign$2.99 breakfast from 7-11!2Example of "different" menu options availableKFC is king here .. like most of the world I've foundBut McDonalds comes in a close second2And why not when your choice is "intestines" ...1... or this.2.. or "animal cream". Translations are funnyShanghai tower - tallest in China, 2nd in world1Yu GardenFrench quarter - Wukang Mansion4Ladies wanting a photo 🤷‍♀️"Garbage man" 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️1Old Street at night - gorgeous

    First full day in Shanghai!

    October 10 in China ☁️ 75 °F

    I spent the day seeing the quintessential Shanghai! I went to a couple beautiful parks - and was shocked to find a “marriage market” happening at one of them. Apparently it goes on every weekend. Basically, parents/grandparents gather and advertise their “eligible” family members. The sheer volume was overwhelming.

    Then I went to Yu Garden - it’s more of a “complex” than a garden. It was built in 1559 as a gift. . I know I’m going to see much older things here, but the age of everything is amazing. The first recorded dynasty dates back to almost 2000 bc!

    After that I headed a ways out of town to the French Quarter. The French concession happened in 1849 - 163 acres in the heart of Shanghai was given to the French as part of a treaty after the opium wars. It still maintains a very European vibe even tho it reverted back to Chinese ownership in 1949.

    While I was sitting on a wall, resting my feet a group of about 8 very fun women came up and asked to take a picture with me. 😂 I ended up taking a pic myself of two of them who had attempted to talk with me. I do stand out some here. I don’t know if I’ve seen ANY gray haired women - and very few caucasians. I get a lot of stares.

    And then finally I finished the night back at the Yu Garden area to see the “old streets” lit up. The lanterns were really beautiful - I don’t think the pics can do it justice.

    Steps: 22,918
    Miles: 9.39    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    3
    1Flight over the East China SeaFULL lunch served .. on a 2 hr flight, in economy with metal silverwareThe Maglev train301 kph today ... 186 mphThe river boatNot sure how they do this ...3This is the interior of one of the metro stations! 🤯

    Shanghai!!

    October 9 in China ⛅ 79 °F

    I flew from Seoul to Shanghai this afternoon. It was interesting flying in - we came in over the East China Sea and they have MANY wind turbines out in the ocean. Also what I saw from the air was many, if not ALL commercial buildings roofs were lined with solar panels. Amazing.

    I took what’s called a Maglev train from the airport - it stands for magnetic levitation! The train levitates above a guideway using magnetic forces — eliminating all wheel-rail contact. It literally floats. There are five in the world. This particular one I took today has the world record for the fastest train in the world (286 mph). Today we cruised along at a mere 186 mph!! It was VERY smooth.

    I was able to get to my hotel easily and then went out for the first time - and went on a river cruise! Shanghai is lit up like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

    I did A LOT of walking today … I think the first of many days where I go home with aching feet and legs.

    Steps: 26,682
    Miles: 10.92    Read more

  • Christie MitchellRTW 2026 & BeyondChristie Mitchell
    1
    1Capsule room in airportFirst nights dinner2Airport robotOptions at a Baskin & Robbin's!

    Seoul, South Korea

    Oct 8–9 in South Korea ☀️ 70 °F

    I arrived in Seoul for 20 hour layover after a 13 hour flight - it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. I got here it around 2am in my head, but 6pm local - so checked into a “capsule room” to sleep off my jet lag some. It was located right outside the airport and just basically a bed with a communal bathroom down the hall.

    It amazes me how the food (from American restaurants) is so much better here than home. I had a drink at Starbucks and it was SO much tastier, fresher, etc. and they offer just so much more than they offer us as well. See the pic from Baskin & Robbin’s!

    There are robots rolling around the airport. You can stop them, type in where you want to go, and they’ll lead you there!! I don’t know how happy he “looks” tho. 😂

    Just here for the layover so now waiting to catch my next flight … China here I come!!    Read more