So, China is now in my rearview mirror as I’m back in California dealing with myriad life issues. I’ve been back almost three weeks, but haven’t had the wherewithal to throw up these last few short videos. (Besides, WordPress, in addition to telling me I’m about to exceed my storage limit, is telling me these videos are private?) Oh well…

Perhaps I’ll conclude that chapter with the following on the difference between Freedom and Harmony, or perhaps the values of the West vs. the East? It occurred to me that this may be a fundamental difference between Occidental and Oriental philosophy, or world view, weltanschauung, zeitgeist, or social character?

For a long time now, I’ve considered myself a reformed Confucianist, in that I value the ideals of Meritocracy and Filial Piety.

It’s true that a fair meritocracy is hard to achieve if not everyone starts at the same place. The rich kid who gets an enhanced education from the get go has an advantage over the poor kid who has to help the family survive. However, I’ve seen lots of smart poor kids who can hold their own in a meritocratic system. Perhaps that can be tweaked to be more equitable? In any case, the SAT, APs, IBs, or whatever test their using in China, gives everyone a goal for proving their worth, their merit, and that should matter. Why? Because education is important. Your knowledge, skills, and abilities should determine your destiny. Not the accidents of your birth, parental wealth, geography, or other whims of fate and circumstance…

Don’t you agree, that filial piety should be a virtue and a determiner of the social order, if we aspire to longevity, and believe that time might impart wisdom? Of course there are ignorant old people, centenarians noteworthy only for a number, not the content of their character, or their CV. But experience is right there with education on résumés, and as someone once said, “ya don’t get old bein’ no fool!” Further, it is an individual characteristic that transcends race, creed, color, gender, and other arbitrary determinants of identity. I’m also of the opinion that this is one of the advantages that Easterners have over Westerners, perhaps because it confers some humility which in turn urges one to make up for a lack of experience with more education?

Or not? In any case, while in China, it occurred to me that the Confucian value of Harmony might be better for society than the American (European?) value of Freedom. But lemme argue with myself first. Harmony may be surrendering to autocracy, and freedom may be the superpower of individualism. Freedom is strength and harmony is acquiescence? And perhaps the rise of the West is proof of this? But to everything there is a season, and perhaps a reason, and the times they are a-changin’…

Is freedom so important because slavery is part of the Western social order? Does capitalism not require it? Is the worker and manager relationship not the same as slave and master? Even if paid, are the proletariat not slaves to the system? And does the system not extol freedom because it enslaves us, and we must rationalize our servitude as voluntary?

Certainly, the Eastern social order has had slavery, the servitude of the concubines and eunuchs to the emperor class. The divine right of kings and the mandate of heaven are one and the same. Feudalism, aristocracy, yup yup. And maybe harmony is a rationalization as well? Don’t rock the boat, stay in your lane, follow those footsteps to your grave. But harmony is less delusional. And, rather than fighting the social order for social mobility, harmony makes one feel more part of the social order, and perhaps that is comforting?

Certainly, acting on that virtue, is there not more social harmony. Whereas, the exercise of one’s freedom runs into others exercising theirs. Boats capsize, head-on collisions, lost wanderers? Nowadays, are we not oft told of the importance of relationships? Perhaps that that rugged individualism causes an epidemic of loneliness? Were we to find more harmony with others, singing in a choir rather than alone in the shower, would there not be more happiness, contentment, and the music of conviviality?

In any case, the USA seems to be in chaos, its institutions in decline, our social order on the verge of civil war – if we could just get off the couch? Whereas China seems to be ascendant, its institutions growing and thriving, its social order becoming ever more successful. Too much surveillance, maybe? Too little freedom, for what? Enough, yes! (Other thoughts on this topic.)

Thanks for coming along with me this far, but I recommend going to China and exploring that country and culture for yourself. And if you can’t see these videos, keep scrolling or check some links or go for a walk outside!

Cheers….

Just outside Zhangjiaxie National Park…

In Shenzhen…

Hong Kong tram rides, etc…

Last Didi ride to the airport…

This concludes randomvail.

Find me elsewhere…

谢谢

After three nights in Shenzhen, this trip concluded with two nights in Hong Kong. And it was only a half hour on the train to get there.

However, I’d expected to still be in China, since the handover in 1997 meant this former British colony was now part of China – but no!

In fact, it was like being in another country between the east and the west. Had to cash in my Chinese Yuan for Hong Kong dollars. And suddenly, all my western apps, Google, etc., worked much better. I strangely felt more comfortable not having to juggle my Verizon v. a Chinese E-sim and figure out when and how to use my VPN to access western websites, etc…

Anyway, the train stations are almost as big as the airports, as this first batch shows. And the metro card (known as Opal in Aus eg.) is called “Octopus” – but wait for it.

This batch shows the agglomeration of dried fish dealers, which in another batch will show dried octopus – painfully sad if you’ve seen the documentary!

Also sad – shark fins. At some point I’ve gotta figure out if the Chinese are on to something, or if they need to get off a few things…?

This first walkabout also shows some of the myriad shops on Hollywood Road and the region of Cat Street. I’m in love with antiques, but as one, I don’t want to buy them. I just love the shop windows – and I hope you do too…

In addition to the tragedy of octopi and sharks is the fate of elephants and their tusks.

Perhaps one can admire the craftsmenship and artistry involved in carving them? Or not? As shown above.

Shown below is an old Buddhist temple, and more shops…

The stroll, and the shops in Hong Kong’s antique neighborhood continues…

More of the same, and happy to share that on Cinco de Mayo, also Taco Tuesday this year, I had some comida Mexicana in HK…!

Next day, took the trams around town, a great, cheap way to see the city. More dried fishiness near the end…:(

Here are some pix from down at the waters’ edge of Victoria Harbor, etc…

On the last day, took the Peak Tram to the top (almost) of the HK island. Nice walk at the top, and lots of excellent views…

Hong Kong Park proved to be particularly excellent! First up, some displays in the Visual Arts Centre…

More of Hong Kong Park and the Edward Youde Aviary featuring various birds in a lovely habitat. That was about the last activity before heading to the airport for a night flight back to SFO. Tram and taxi drivers there at the end…

Lastly, here’s a pic of pic of the old HK airport which used to be perilously colose to the several buildings in HK.

Well, that’s all folks. ‘Cept it’s not. I’ma add some video clips shortly, as this here seems quite enough for now, or then…

After five days at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park enjoying the natural beauty of China, I went to Shenzhen to experience the technological prowess of China. Dubbed the Silicon Valley of China, and created from a simple fishing village, Shenzhen is an interesting phenomenon, but not the only tech hub in the country. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities each have their own Silicon Valleys, and while it was cool, it wasn’t overwhelming.

This first batch is a last night in Zhangjiajie, which lights up at night and was having some special event along the river…

Arrived in Shenzhen and stayed in the neighborhood of Nanshan, the alleged techiest part of tech town? In fact, one doesn’t get to see what goes on in the myriad big buildings. Kinda like how a visitor who can’t get into the corporate headquarters of Apple, Google, Meta, etc., might be rather underwhelmed by Silicon Valley itself. And, the allegedly cool Science & Technology Museum was either booked or closed, so had to make due with a few highlights. This batch starts at the Nanshan hotel, goes to a different Science Museum (very Exploratoriumish), and then to the biggest beilding in town at the Ping An Financial Center...

Atop the tower at the Ping An Financial Center – the fifth tallest building in the world! But it was raining and the view was limited – however the flower girls were fun…!

Had some fun with a photo machine, then went to drone shop in the adjacent mall…

Eventually went to the Shenzhen Museum, to learn about the recent history of the Special Economic Zone, and the older history of this part of China.

It did a great job of honoring the genius of Deng Xioping, who, after Mao’s chaos, was instrumental in transforming China into the economic powerhouse it is today.

More stuff about the local leadership and the leaders following Deng, Jiang Zemin and Xi Jinping…

Another floor of the Shenzhen Museum dedicated to earlier aspects of local and Chinese history…

There was a special exhibit at the Shenzhen Museum called “Blades and Blossoms” about the Mughal Dynasty…

Leaving the Shenzhen Museum, a robot shop, then to the area around the China Resources Tower, the gleaming spire of Nanshan, and a visit to a Mi dealership…

More of Talent Park in Nanshan, including the sports facility, many big buildings, kids playing with bubbles & boats, a robot-run coffee shop, and a drone food delivery hub…

In and around Nanshan, including malls, design exhibits, a great lunch, a keyboard shop, a 3D printer shop, and more…

Last batch in Nanshan and Shenzhen, including a weird art store, a bottle shop, and the light show at night…

Next – let’s go to Hong Kong…

Hello Friends! This post is a combo of still and video clips, but all are from the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

The stills are from day three in the Grand Canyon, which features the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, as well as zip lines, walk ways, slides, a boat cruise, and an amazing long walk along the river. The videos are just some from all three days in this glorious place.

This intro batch starts with breakfast, pix of pix, the glass bridge, and ends with the one bungee jumper…

In addition to the glass bridge, there’s a much smaller glass walkway that leads to the zip lines. Didn’t want to drop my phone, so things pick up with the slides (not that well designed) that get one down to the water where the boat rides start…

I hope you’re reading all the signs, they are worth it! Note the glass bridge from below! The boat rides were short, but the walk along the river was quite long…!

Some beautiful nature, some up close…

The last stretch of river walking, including a cave!

Reading material – do!

Sadly, did not make it to Tianmen Mountain, mostly because it was booked for May Day (Labor Day), but also ’cause I got sick. 🙁

As mentioned, this post includes most of the videos from the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

A bridge on day one (but not the glass bridge – ya gotta wait for it)…

Wild macaques, but not so wild…

Live and timelapse…

The cable car rides were absolutely amazing. Did all three and the middle – longest one – twice. Do all of these more than once…!

Some event at the end of the day near the entrance…

The Glass Bridge…

The Zip Lines from afar…

The Glass Bridge again, and a bungee jump…!

The Zip Lines up close…

Two clips of the river walk (after & before two boat rides)…

Wow, you did it again.

Next, ya gotta come check Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area out for yourself!!!

This trip to China started in Yunnan with that last part of an Intrepid tour, and continued there in Dali.

Then, from Guiyang, the capital and center of Guizhou there were two separate trips to Huanggoashu and Xijiang.

Next, Hunan and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

This first batch is the high speed train, canned milk, first class, and a rainy arrival in the main town. In a walk around I met some performers in a nearby tourist show, etc. Thus began a three-day exploration of the area…

This pagoda marks the entrance to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park where the “floating mountains” now often referred to as the “Avatar mountains” can be seen. (Please note some pix are pix of pix.) And, please note, less is not necessarily more here as I often go for more than one angle of particular views, and they are gorgeous…!

In a way, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is somewhat like a theme park and the support for tourist needs is prevalent. In addition to the amazing nature, there are shows, displays, lots of food options, plenty of souvenir and gift shops, lotsa potties, and more…

The sticks above and below, tucked between rock shelves, seeming to help as supports, are supposed to provide good luck (a happenstance much revered in Chinese culture). The red prayer strips are not unlike Tibetan prayer flags, perhaps a Buddhist thing? In addition to more of the extraordinary landscape, there’s a calligrapher, a drone, and perhaps more…

Pink flowers, are they azaleas?

Too much to see. Signs in the scenery.

And this batch ends with more wild monkeys…

Back in town. (Note the urination encouragements.)

Next day, headed out to another part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, this day featuring three cable car (gondola) rides, and more of the same – yet always different – beauty of nature…

More of the scene & scenery.

A couple shops, more signage, and near the end a photographer and his work, some fish and some tadpoles…

Perhaps the best souvenir shop I’ve found in China (next to the cool antique shop somewheres else). Lots o’ rocks, carvings, sculptures, and craftwork…

More from the lingering end of another great day…

Thought about adding day three to this post, but will save it for another, which will include the videos from this amazing place.

谢谢

Xiè xiè

Here’s my next batch of video clips, offered to you separately from my still photography, and representing some of places I’ve already posted about. Enjoy!

Toy demonstrations in Kunming…

How about some dancing in the streets? More common than you’d think in China…!

Some dudes jamming in the street in Dali…

Chongsheng Temple and one of the Three Pagodas…

Gondola ride up Cangshan Mountain near Dali, then a walk along the contour trail, then the gondola ride down…

Scooter driving in Dali – and a quick bike ride down near Lake Erhai…

One of the great dinners of all time, a meat extravaganza from the restaurant “Carnivores” in Dali. Then a study of the intersection in front. And some entertainment down the street filled with BBQ restaurants (where one BBQs right there on the table)…

Guiyang intersection above hotel room, day and night…

The Huanggoashu Waterfall scenic area which involved several hiking trails and a spectacular tunnel trail behind the “water curtain” that went behind the falls. There were two other scenic areas adjacent, requiring another bus ride, one a fascinating labyrinth of rock formations, and the other, another waterfall, more of a cascade. Made for a long, interesting day…

In the Miao Village (Xijiang), an old town in the mountains featuring great views of old wooden houses, lots of charm and tourism. The timelapse is the trip from the hotel down to the main street (going up takes a lot longer!). The timelapse of the gondola – as you will see in subsequent posts – has become a theme for this trip…

A conclusion for Xijiang (the Miao Village), especially since the best part was exploring the steep and narrow side streets – no motor anything – only people and the occasional mule. Lots of knocks and crannies…

Oooops, I said everything above was from previous posts, but below is yet to come: a trip to Zhangjiajie and an exploration of the “floating mountains” of Hunan. The first clip is of a group of musicians who perform in a local tourist show. The second is going up the famous Bailong Elevator. Let it be a preview for what is to come…!

So grateful for your attention! No retention required!

Until we do this again…?

Downtown Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, and a hub for exploring. Exploring what? Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area for starters, which includes an amazing bonzai garden, etc…

More of Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area. An amazing place with multiple access points. Thus, there’s more than one photo…!

An amazing feature of the Huangguoshu Waterfall is the “water curtain” – a cave/tunnel (mostly natural?) that goes behind the waterfall!!! Top notch experience – recommended! This batch includes the rest of the walk which involved a second trip up the wonderful escalators…

In addition the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the scenic area includes two other destinations – a weird/cool zone of natural rock formations and another waterfall. Sorry for not having all the names, but check it out anywayz………

How ’bout those fish?! Below is the second waterfall destination, which includes a large pool below and a bunch of other stuff…

That last batch concluded Guiyang, having returned there, and this next batch takes us to the Miao Village, a very scenic – now touristy – small town in the mountains. Spectacular views from the hotel – very challenging to get to, yet strangely charming. ! But first, views from the train – also nice…

More of the Miao Village, another scenic area which requires a separate fee, and engages many in the current pasttime of getting photos taken whilst donning local apparel. this big batch includes a Friday night dinner in the square for the local senior citizens. Fun to watch at the same time yakkin’ with the kiddos…

See the maps above – did the whole town! Below, the first of three dinners (three night stay) at the same cool place – great people, great food, etc.

More of Miao Village (cat town?), sorry can’t get Google for a link (but you can/should?)…

Miao Village is famous for being lit up at night – see above! Below is a last walk through the narrow and particularly steep passageways in this interesting little spot in great big China…

Faces above? People & pigs? Note the skewered frogs & fish, and the downy mildewed tofu. Etc., etc…

Next? Avatar?

First up, one last batch from Kunming before moving on to Dali.

That means this one’s gonna be a doozy, ’cause there were four nights and as many busy days in Dali.

Enjoy the old town, again, with a nice dinner in an old house of a rich woman, cocktail street, and other night moves…

Next morning’s breakfast followed by a train ride and a taxi ride to the Spirited Silky Inn, on the outskirts of old Town Dali. Then, a walk around Dali, including a hang with some local bluesmen…

This batch starts with a “Visual Ear Cleaning” shop where you can watch your ears being cleaned, including a couple live snaps of the deed being done. Then, more of a walk down the main tourist street in Dali, ending with a shot of the Spirited Silky Inn’s interior courtyard – a splendid atrium with a big pond & smoke on the water…!

Next day, the first of three zipping around on electric motor scooters, a nearby spot on Lake Erhai where there were many folks getting pix taken, often in local indigenous costumes – a continuing theme in China these days…

The very impressive Chongsheng Temple in Dali. Actually, it is a large area on a hillside with numerous temples and shrines, just adjacent to somewhat more famous Three Pagodas…

More of the Chongsheng Temple complex which is just above the Three Pagodas, shown here mostly one at a time…

Later in Dali, the discovery of Angel Bar, a very cool corner spot next to and affiliated with the Carnavores Restaurant. Down the street were many barbeque restaurants on the street. Note the fun example of smart phone translation apps. Such a life saver, in spite of the occasional (often!) mistranslations. A lot more in and around Dali…

Above and below, the next day’s trip to another anciet town further up the lake (almost an hour by electric scooter). First in this next batch is an actual antique shop – different from the myriad other tourist spots, filled with cool antiquities. This batch also shows a local town square, off the tourist track…

Had to go to a peninsula that reaches into Lake Erhai. Then, stumbled upon another photo shoot area amongst some rice fields, but also feature a miniature train track set up. I’m trying to encourage this young man to stop smoking, but he just laughted at me. Back into Dali for dinner, etc…

Next day, a trip up into the Cangshan mountain via cable car. But first a trip into the local museum…

On Cangshan mountain and the seven dragon maiden pools, a cascade of waterfalls, and swimming holes (that you can no longer swim in).

More of Cangshan mountain, and the walk from one cable car to another…

Last batch of Cangshan mountain, etc…

Back in Dali, back to the Angel Bar for a great dinner, and a last stroll around town…

I wanted to go to Dali because Jeff Fischmann, Dan Leanse’s cousin, recommended it enthusiastically years ago. Years ago it might have been cooler, more funky, known as Dalifornia. Those days have passed, but it’s still pretty cool.

What’s next…?

Here’s a pretty rich batch of video clips. Some train windows, OK…?

Giant Tibetan Prayer Wheel in Shangri-La…

Dancing in the streets…

Walking to the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery at Shangri-La…

Making yak butter tea at Tibetan home…

Our Tibetan guide explaining some wares at the local market…

Roller blading kids outside the old town…

On the road…

Tiger Leaping Gorge (at a low water point in the year!)…

Escalator ride to down to the Tiger Leaping Gorge…

Trekking along Tiger Leaping Gorge…

Our local guide “Evan” explaining Tibetan philosophy…?

A birthday wish for Julian…

On the road again…

In and around Lijiang…

Dongba calligraphy…

Tunes…

That’s enough for now…

Back in Kunming, this time the city was on the itinerary and Langer (our tour leader) took us to Yuantong Temple. First tho, some evening pix, including a historically old tree in the courtyard of a hotel (and was this still in Lijiang?)…

A walk around Kunming‘s old town, including more edibles, a groovy dancing dude, more shops (an on-going theme), and a cute kid with a pet bug…

Kunming has an animal (pet) market, which may not be palatable to some, but seemed pretty humane. In addition to the doggies & kitties, birdies & fuzzies, there were some weird frogs, lizards, and a whole bunch of amazing fish…!

In fact, our tour ended in Kunming, and I stayed longer, checking out more of the town, including the city museum. This batch includes some dishes from the farewell dinner, but sadly not the diners – our little group of five travelers. But of course, I couldn’t resist taking a pic of the poster for the German Dental Implant Festival – a great reason for a festival, eh…?

Boom, here’s the Kunming Museum, a surprisingly vast variation of collections…

Really loved this collection of paintings by Wang Hongyun – colorful, meaningful, fun to consider…

More of the Kunming Museum, including an exhibit about the Flying Tigers, formed to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China between 1941–1942. They were led by Claire Lee Chennault, who had an interesting career and eventually married a Chinese woman, Anna Chennault, born Chan Sheng Mai…

Kunming Museum continued…

Kunming, the Spring City, is known for its Flower Market….

In and around Kunming…

Couldn’t get enough of those fish at the critters market…

OK! I’ll stop.

For now…