Translation from Dutch into English with GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Friday, April 16 & Saturday, April 17

We go back, Piet's dad takes us to the central Station 's-Hertogenbosch we will take steps to train to Schiphol. Grandpa has obvious difficulties that we go away, it seems to be getting worse. We talk on the station together even over here, and it hurts a little to get him to see and go away, but ... Soon, our senses that there is no resistance when trains run between 'S-Hertogenbosch and Utrecht by accident, it will again not to be. At the counter, they could not tell you how we Utrecht had and how long it would take many trains would start driving again. When I went back to that Piet to tell and say we were a taxi back home take the car to go to Amsterdam I met a guard against the said buses were ready to platform 1. I returned to the counter to buy tickets and that hat behind the counter to tell what the real state of affairs. When we were in the bus which was driving quite fast and it was a direct connection to Utrecht Central, so that would come into fall. So very wrong, on the A2 at Beesd arrived there was a traffic jam, accident. When we After 20 minutes had passed since the damage seemed still to go fall, we were finally (too) well on time from Vorrinklaan. Wrong again, arrived in Utrecht heard we have a railway bridge at Breukelen was broken and, through Hilversum to Amsterdam Central Station and from there had to Schiphol. When the train to Amsterdam got on too late and just slowly drove was a bit awkward and I began he even squeezed. Finally we arrived at ten past two in the departure hall (we were there later than twelve fifty-five be), with a scheduled arrival time of ten past twelve. In the check was of course no one in sight of Baobab, but then at the Lufthansa counter. When we were almost there Baobab for luckily the man to us, he had our passports and recognized us from the picture. Quick check in and snatching a sausage roll at Delifrance and brisk steps to the gate. A great start, as the rest of the trip but works better we thought. Eventually, we were just time at the gate, just to board the flight began. On the run Frankfurt we sat next to each other wonderfully. Before the pilot going to land he had to fly a few laps, there were technical problems at the airport so he could not / allowed to land. The first part of the rest of the trip was therefore not entirely smoothly. Once landed had we're right back boards, but we first only once a beer taken, we've certainly had to travel, They wait a moment. Of course we were on time, but This time we were the last ones to be boarded. We had have jumped from spot exchange before we sat side by side, but it was still good. The rest of the trip was very quiet, little experienced, and even wind, so we were right on time in Beijing. First I just changed money, they did just change machines for Euros at the airport. € 1.00 is 10 yen (Yuan). At the airport was our tour leader Franςoise us waiting. She is originally a French woman for over twenty years living in the Netherlands after her last regular job travel is going to accompany you to include China and Mali. After check and we did a short refresher briefing. It's a nice hotel with all the trimmings, even toothbrushes and combs are available to us in the bathroom. After we had listened to the first information together the subway to the Lama temple. The metro is quite fast and very cheap, buy one for ¥ 3 single ticket. You have to make sure you have exact change, everyone otherwise simply crawls the money to deposit and card to receive. Furthermore, it is like any subway, the points themselves. The Lama Temple was the first temple that we travel would visit and was very impressive. Especially the fact that so many Chinese were simply confess their faith, incense sacrificed and were working their (even small) children all to teach. After visiting the temple we went back to the hotel for dinner for another hour to sleep, the journey was nevertheless been very tiring. We are the group dinner at a very nicely decorated restaurant. Franςoise was managed to € 25.00 for 13 people a very nice Chinese dishes to eat. All different meals, recipes from all over China came to pass, where one side was obviously nicer than others, but everything tasted good. Rob and Twan we took a taxi back for 20 yen, where we may take the help of Franςoise had to rely a taxi driver to make clear where we should be. Exhausted, especially Pete, we crawled into bed.


Sunday, April 18

For six hours we got up to join the group of the park Temple of Heaven to visit. The park is very special, even at this (stupid) people are already very early date active, there is provided dance and Tai Chi practice. Addition they are also many people who have some form of aerobic exercise together, looks like a lot of fun and commitment. There are also parts of the park where music is made, is sung, where people just sit together chat. It is a very social event on Sunday, it seems even throughout the day to continue. As a tourist you more than welcome, you are invited to a game with Chinese to do and ask if they can in the picture. This is odd, tourists usually ask if she's allowed of the people who live there. At noon we ate in a shabby tent nearby the hotel. There were many Chinese who went for lunch, so it had to be good. You would never otherwise so Entering such a mess it was. We ordered two dishes with white rice and a few beers. The food was not special, nice and certainly very cheap. The meals cost € 1.50 each and we were therefore lost € 4.50 including drinks. Then we went back to the hotel, we were quiet afternoon make and write cards. Arrived in the hotel room we thought it was better to give just down the theater look at where we were going to a Chinese opera performance see. Of course we went by subway to the environment where the theater should be. When we were there a long time have sought and found the theater but could not have but we have taken a bicycle rickshaw. That put us in 5 minutes for 10 yen to the place of the theater, but unfortunately it was closed. We therefore first but a little further to explore the city and later go back, now we knew where it was. Behind the bicycle rickshaw boarding area, we have commenced and the hutong we like walked around. During the walk we met a against small museum contains the private collection of a doctor. It was especially sculpture and carvings, but very beautiful. We did not enter for free and even got a free tour tours. After the visit we gave a donation and we went further back in the hutong. Suddenly we saw in the sun a nice little patio, but two tables with some chairs. Good enough for a pint in The Sun When we came here there were two men from Sweden joining us and we enjoyed chatting while sipping of a cold beer. Then walked back to the theater, but it was unfortunately still closed. Because we did once were in the vicinity of the restaurant I had found Peking duck dinner, we made that even identical, we would see, if we were back again in time for the theater and otherwise we could have a show tomorrow. We ended up in a pretty big restaurant, a sort of Van der Valk. Still, the Peking duck is good, he was also at the table and we have cut almost all parts are tasted, only the head with beak but we leave. The people at the table next to us had quite a hurry, they had a show booked for the opera, but the food threatened anyway too late to run to. When I asked them Which theater they were going they told me that they at "Us" theater wanted, but that they had heard that it one period was closed i.v.m. repairs. Pity, but we knew that we did not try as a show to attend. When we asked where they or told they were going to go to a theater was that we had seen (and actually our second choice was). After dinner we even started looking for that theater. It has a lot of running cost, and as apparently all this city we could not find it again. Finally dropped, tomorrow we would go see them and back to the hotel gone. To 11 hours to bed without the alarm clock.


Monday, April 19

I slept until a quarter to nine. Then in the hotel breakfast for ¥ 30 (extremely expensive for China, but very nice). We were just on time and took a firm breakfast. After breakfast, we have taken the subway to the Square of Heavenly Peace. Mao's mausoleum was closed and we thought we only other buildings in the next visit to China should look, so we wanted all term storage of the Forbidden City and the Heavenly Gate. At the entrance of the gate we had to return the bags, I had even return my empty water bottle at the security check. On top of the gate was a museum and we had a wonderful overlooking the Square of Heavenly Peace. Here Mao Hence, many speeches. After the gate, we visited the Forbidden City. Incredible again what a wonderful man-made things. Many rooms with jewelry, beautiful buildings with great beautiful carvings. To special temple visit we had even shoes. The Forbidden City is so great that we decided to only one side of this museum to do and next time the other side to do. Luckily it was not as crowded as it would in real tourist season, but there were quite a few people around. We walked in quiet, time for a cup made coffee and quietly looked at people and things. Amazingly were the groups of Chinese tourists, all with a same color hat, and led by usually a much younger Chinese guide to which they all neatly listened. Our first souvenirs we bought in the museum shop, they were chopsticks and a (what proved ugly) chimes. In closing we took a beer before it is theater for the show tonight were searching. Of course we applied again the truck yesterday , but now about equal, we took a rickshaw to take us to the theater. It was found near the restaurant where we had Peking duck dinner, we were yesterday So much too far gone. Also, this theater was closed, but there was one at half past seven depiction. So we eat but first, a Delicious Chinese hotpot, type fondue. It was a great pan in the middle of the table and stoked you got a bowl with herbs and spices that can help in broth did. All ingredients you cook in the hotpot threw you in that dish before you eat it. We ordered shrimp, fish, eel, mushrooms and bean sprouts. The shrimp are thrashed their spit and blood was still on the filleting eel, so it was definitely fresh. It was delicious food, also because we were right on time and were therefore easy do so without having to rush for the show (such as People of the night). Then we went back to the theater and we at a table to witness a Chinese opera. Special, a lot of noise, voices high and quite a few acrobatics. There was a subtitle, but also there was not much understand. No matter, it's about the experience. After representation back to the hotel for the last night Beijing. In the supermarket beer and some chips removed, I still had one more time out for money, my wallet was quite empty and I could not pay so the messages Piet without asking for money.


Tuesday, April 20

Wake-up call 06.00 hours, we go to the wall and straight into the next destination. For seven hours we would leave the bus was already there after the expensive purchase of an egg roll on angle (or 1 yen) and change some money we went towards the Wall at Mutianyu, and not very touristy place. When we arrived it appeared normally very busy even to , considering the large number of parking spaces and the different stalls. The big climb and more than two hours on the run another wonder The Great Wall of China. In the beginning it is very quiet when Piet came up, he was even here only on the wall. Again people you like Westerners regarded as a landmark, again on the photo So with a group of Chinese girls. After the walk we and a Gertjan and Suzanne noodle soup and a drink on a terrace in the sun made good chatting too. Then of course, bought a t-shirt with the text "I climbed the Great Wall" for 15 yen. When the group was complete again, we took the bus to the airport passed for our flight to Lanzhou. At that time we got Tune in our own first Ryer January One is a Custom Tune card with your own quote of the day. Piet sees that things do not sit, so I thought of everything about. When Piet said he did not believe picked Ryer January that very well with Pedro's its value to and say just look what you do with it, I do like that you do participate. Supposedly friends for the rest of the trip. On the airport we paid 64 yen for two cappuccinos, sometimes prices are not much different than in the Netherlands. On the airport, we first went looking for an internet corner, we had still not able to send to tell that we were good arrived. Even when nothing could be found, we only bought a phone card, I did not like that we have had had no contact, especially with his father Piet. Grandpa and Grandma called, they were both happy to hear. When we arrived in Lanzhou, our bus has not yet, he had bad luck said the owner (I think he just forgot us) and He had one hour delay. When the bus finally we had another hour of driving to our hotel, again just a very luxurious with all the out in the bathroom. After freshening up we took a big part of the group went to the night market where we have kebab ate from a stall and warm beer in a shabby tent in 2.50 yen. It takes some, but then you have some, namely 640 ml of warm beer.


Wednesday, April 21

Put the alarm in time to linger in our luxurious hotel to shower. Unfortunately only cold water from the tap. Luxury in China is obviously different than luxury in the Netherlands. But well we are thinking we do not dirty yourself. In the street stalls which we have an egg sandwich and some fruit and drink purchased. Unfortunately the bus was not on the agreed time, the Tibetan part of the country is less sharp. With half an hour late and too small bus because the luggage in the passenger compartment should we headed to Xiahe. En route we stopped at a minaret and a small market. Everywhere you see many children and elderly men all very photogenic. Only the women did not in the picture, it's a Muslim area. After much further agree to we arrived in a small town where we had a delicious noodle soups are eaten and then have eight treasures tea drunk. That was very nice, with eight as the name says ingredients, including a flower. Even Piet did good, he did not just tea. After having walked around a little, to the toilet to been (quarreled with the toilet attendant who ridicule much early and obviously did not) we went bump by bus. En route we stopped at the "Gate of Tibet" along with the holy stupa Zhaxi Sinun. There was a busy man redesigning the small shrine. Ryer was a January picture of the Dalai Lama and those that husband was thrilled. When picking up the photograph of the suitcase was there in January Ryer natural. It did not restore the same way and the rest of the trip we will be pretty some trouble, the whole ball started getting luggage to a bulge to slide and that's just not like you for it. We made it. Arrived at our hotel (Overseas Tibetan Hotel) showed that very fun with a Tibetan decor of the rooms. The The hotel was owned by a Nepali who wholeheartedly with Tibetans had been committed. Course in its own interest because these are very good hotels for tourists. Between 7 and 8 hours we could shower and we have therefore but done extensively, there is even a bath. Just go home and then mailed delicious meal together in the hotel. Weather ridiculously low prices 47 yen for two meals with rice and 3 bottles of beer.


Thursday, April 22

For seven hours we got up after a nice long night. The first was brought down to eight hours and had breakfast with the group in the hotel restaurant. It was all weather fine. After dinner we shared at the Labrang Monastery walked. We found out that we are led by a Chinese guide a stroll through the convent would, but it took Franςoise not settle for that. A Chinese guide has much less knowledge of the monasteries, but also about the religion which we it had set. She also asked us three hours to come back for tour with a Tibetan monk. We were the all agree and so we went our separate ways, we went First we walk the pilgrim route, along with a number believer villagers. Back in the convent saw we just drain the prayer room. A lot of monks, young and old who had to hurry to put on their boots and direction toilet and lunch to go. That toilet was also a very special, it looked more like a shower. Moreover, He also only by the monks used to great message, did they just pee on their haunches to go so where are released (which can therefore with such a long habit). Piet was at one point even went to the toilet and made note that a number of monks squatting sat. Because the walls were not so high so Piet had a stunning views of all those monks pooping, but it was strange it (if it was Pete, but decided not sitting) We have most of the kora run with Ryer and Wietske January. Then we went looking for the second (small) monastery in Xiahe. We have unfortunately not found until we were split. Ryer and Jan went shopping Wietske stayed with us. Because we wanted to do the second monastery visits, we have a taxi to go to bring and revealed that together we have already had in January with Ryer stood, but we did not, the gates were closed. When we arrived by taxi, there were two monks who driver told us we were good and 10 yen per person within left. We then also got a tour of a small and very dark temple. There were very many beautiful Buddha statues in. After the tour we go buy a sandwich and we In the Buddhist Institute Hotel tea. It was a Tibetan hotel with really young monks who were watching TV and an elderly monk tea from the owner of the hotel received. After having spent extensive (it was nice and warm) are three of us at the Labrang monastery declined for the tour. Before the tour began, we had some time and we see the monks music bowls they use in ceremonies. Then the tour with a monk who knew a lot, but very bad speak English, you had to really concentrate to to understand what he said. Just before the tour, which certainly which lasted one hour and we were chased by a group of French and together we saw a group of Chinese a number of monks walk to a central hallway with a kind graduation ceremony was going on, very nice to see. The tour itself was again very impressive, so much see and devotion of many people who look like they have nothing miss, but still all cash deposit or add butter lamps. We have also seen an area where All Buddha images were those of yak butter was made. Even life-size, but they came only once a year out. They were namely a festival and the monks they were made months with busy. In the evening we ate together at Himalayas. Just before we ate I wanted to urinate, but could the public toilet not find. A friendly Tibetan showed me the way and we therefore have a sisterly made pee in a toilet without dividing walls and a hole in the ground as toilet bowl. Part of the group came in later also within, but when we were almost done.


Friday, April 23

We go way to Langmusi and have a long drive bow. Around half past nine, we got off and have a short walk at the end of the walk we even with the driver on the picture taken. It was cool but that was nice and walking. After the first part of the trip, we came across our first road works. Along the journey seems as if all of china is grown, roads and villages. It is a special way of working, you see few large machines, but a lot of manual work. Also women literally wear a bit. Further towards a roadside restaurant for lunch, it was almost like a rice table usually with a beer. There were Many children had to be photographed. After lunch we continued with our dusty ride. We are moving also visited a nomadic family where Wendy Kar, Our Tibetan guide told us some things about nomadic lifestyle. We also had a cup of milk teas and what tsampa. The milk tasted a bit burnt and the tsampa ... Yes what is to say, not good, that people do not understand there three times a day to live. Of course a lot too many pictures. Also half hike containing a nice climb. In Langmusi we arrived at our new hotel. It was also just not finished it seemed, everything had to be swept. But she had a cold beer on the roof and a hot shower. The only downside was that the door was not locked and that it is not like your whole and cut it away. With the group we had dinner in a restaurant where the kitchen in the same room, so basically you eat in the kitchen just like grandma used to. After dinner we went to the disco at the hotel. It was a videotape turned ballroom dancing and danced as the Chinese guys on. We also took part, Pete has even clean with a Chinese dance. It was all very nice.


Saturday, April 24

We were up early, breakfast was served in the same a restaurant where we ate yesterday. We had yesterday even though the order for breakfast basis, it would a bit faster. It was indeed quite fast, not quite on the beat, is increasing but it is after China and then a remote section. The eggs were hard boiled, not fried, but that actually did fairly well, we took them on the go. Others took pancakes and cake and apple pie they had ordered and which were just too big or too much. The driver thought it better to use the old road to go there would not be much roadwork. Too bad, the first we had to get off the bus because the grasslands had to drive. Nice and just walked, it was but ten minutes walk. Also nice walk, on the one hand, sheep and on the other road construction. We went again also has a very bad road, much worse than yesterday. At one point we made a stop for horses in the wind air throw. These are small pieces of paper containing prayers. The aim is to get them from a high summit in the air throw so they go to the gods and prayers be. It was a cold, but very nice experience. We were obviously not alone, because of the leaves that are already on the ground layers and the prayer flags hung at the top. With a little puddle on the road stops, we arrived in town for the lunch. Another rice table. Pete was not hungry and just went run, I thought it was very good. Besides the tea, which was tea from the region and therefore I do not, give me flowers or eight treasures tea. When I had eaten I went also went out and came Piet again. He had now quite a bit and walked around having fun, although the city is very Chinese aandeed. We together bought some biscuits and cakes. Just when we had left the town we got a flat tire, Fortunately we were not that far. The bus went back to the guide and the driver to the tire repaired and we would adopt arrived. I have nice chat with Angela walking about everything and Piet was a bit in our neighborhood. After five minutes The bus picked us up, we were enjoying the sun on a stone. Way we saw two women crawling their separate ways went to some monastery or temple nearby. After a while we stopped at a village-Bon. Stopped for some pictures and then quickly back on the road, accompanied by three young Bon-men who had little further in a nomadic camp. After some congestion, bathroom breaks and photo stops we arrived at half past seven in our brand new, super-luxurious, but very cheerless hotel. After some questions, bickering and self-searching we all had toilet paper and hot water in our room 83xx numbers on the third floor. Delicious soup made with some cake and a hot bath, then a nice cup of tea and go to sleep.


Sunday, April 25

A free day in Songpan. We first look nice but slept, and drank tea getut. At half past ten, we village made up. It's a big pit, but it's fun to stroll through. In the Wang Jiang Teahouse we have The tea with Jan and Wendy Kar Ryer. Then we four of us visited a Chinese temple. This was against the rock face and built without the help of Wendy Kar had monk probably opened the door. Then we yet again missed something beautiful. After some walking around together and wonderful meal at Emma's Kitchen. Noodle soup, fried noodles, sauce and beer, up 27 yen again, it's still ridiculous cheap. After lunch we met while walking along a mosque. After initially displaced by a large, vicious dog (which later turned to the chain Sat.) we were allowed inside the Mosque shows. The Muslim community of origin Pakistan, therefore, so that was fun again. We also received a tour of the mosque yard. After that we went through the streets and walked a lot market experienced. Also there again the special things you only abroad encounter on the street like skinning of a rabbit and the transport of live fish in a big bag on a moped rickshaw. A little shopping for the bus trip tomorrow and Emma's a beer made. There sat the majority of the group also, so we could enjoy a chat about what everyone as today did. In the evening we eat hotpot with the group.


Monday, April 26

With the bus on the way to Chengdu. We have breakfast Emma's Kitchen yesterday ordered, so it would almost be ready. Almost succeeded, but the delay was not rocket science. The whole morning, but drove in the go two photo stops. At lunch, we like almost usually eaten whole again expanded. Apparently too much for me (if there was something else going on), I have the whole noon had a stomach ache. We drove for half past four in Chengdu, hours earlier than expected. Franςoise had told the driver the way to the hotel might not know. When he was already a long way in the he said the neighborhood was not to know. Franςoise then took a taxi to lead the ride. It was almost two times wrong because the taxi driver had lost. Luckily a number of people paying attention. Soon we were at the hotel (Traffic Hotel), again not bad with all the trimmings. After resting a bit and was dropping off we went walking. While we passed through the Hutongs of Chengdu. In the Thai on the grounds of the hotel we have some Coronas (surprisingly nice and cold) and Tsingtao beer removed while enjoying a delicious pot chatting with a friend. After all those drinks we were obviously not hungry anymore and there with an egg, some cookies and a cup of tea to sleep. The whole day spending consisted of 100 yen beer, the rest came spot from the group.


Tuesday, April 27

For six hours the wake-up call and the alarm clock. We go to the pandas and we surely will not miss. Only Frankie and went Sido not him, who had already been agreed. Twan began the day through his breakfast just outside the restaurant to throw. Rob had had a fever all night, so the first patients have we already had. We have two and half hours in the Panda Research Center and spent our great fun. Pandas all ages and also the Red Panda seen. Then we were the buses to the monastery brought Wenshu we enjoy walking around and drank tea in the park. That happens a lot, complete with cleaning the ears fee. We also have a "cemetery" of monks seen in the basement of a building. Afterwards we a taxi to the hotel went back a nice cup of broth drunk (good move about immersion) and then at the bank as money exchange. That was fast and easy. A some walked around and ate at Carol's Mexican. Piet I am a steak and chicken, naturally accompanied by a beer.

TOMORROW WE GO TO LHASA, SO WHAT CAN WE STILL HAPPEN!!