Translation from Dutch into English with GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Sunday, November 4

Piet took me to the airport after a short night. The Saturday before we had our annual dinner of the indoor soccer team. That was too much fun and of course, but is increasing. With a long flight ahead would be fine. Arriving at the airport we went together drinking coffee, followed by a sandwich a glass of wine. Then to the bar where we saw my classmates. What shaking hands, check, which went quickly because the boarding passes were printed by the machine where the passport was, and since then the bags were just the band. Farewell Piet taken, I will miss him so the first time not on the road together. Agnes after customs is a wine made and when boarding. We were not all together, but I was to have a row with Marcel and Hans Westenberg. Even before takeoff (we had to wait) I could not my eyes more open. Luckily I had already announced, I and a plane do not match so well, I always fall asleep. I guess the buzz the machine to do. It was a long direct flight some sleep, eat and drink.


Monday, November 5

At half past nine landed, we were straight through customs, there was quiet so everything went smoothly. Pete sent a text message that I had landed well, just not realize that a time difference, so I got him awakened, it was in the Netherlands half past three at night. At the airport, yet changed money into a change machine and then a luxury bus to the hotel. It was the Royal Plaza hotel, nothing wrong, indeed: a Such a luxury we normally do not leave. En route to the hotel we got the first impressions of Hong Kong, it was overwhelming. That so much can be built in such a small place, no one will believe until it myself. It's not very crazy, the price of land for building size is less than about € 30,000.00 per square meter. That means very small and terribly high building. People in public housing flats look at the neighbors on the board, so close are the flats elkaar.In in the lobby of the hotel, I have classmates with Hong Kong dollars, I was again too excited and had been instrumental in changing so here not notice that I have to pay almost nothing yourself. First we drank coffee and then we took a small group went outside and we went into the adjacent shopping center (seven storeys) of water removed. After shopping it was time for a luxurious lunch terrible. There was everything and certainly not the cheapest stuff. After lunch we got the room, I just went in bath and have some feathered, it was Despite sleeping on the plane seems to be a tiring journey. Then it was time to collect and we went with our bus to the port, where we ship to a port by port taxi did. We are also along came a floating fishing village, a stark contrast to the skyscrapers in the background. We also went to the beach and then walked to the Victoria Peak lookout went to Hong Kong by Night to behold. That was very impressive, they have apparently never heard of energy conservation, everything was full and colorful lights. As a special tram back down quickly, we had time for dinner. Bauhinian that dinner was on the dinner cruise, a large boat and enter the port so that you could eat. It was eating a barn, but we could not go away, thus bridging the jetlag was fine that we could not go to bed early. Then we stopped by some shops and walked We went back to the hotel. I went straight to bed without the bargangers to connect, so it was enough.


Tuesday, November 6

At half past seven the alarm went off, but I slept right through. At a quarter past eight waking, quickly showered, eaten and then smartly dressed to the first company visit: the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. I did not know such a thing still exists, here simply to be a member you must be terribly rich. We have a comprehensive presentation talked about how they operate and what the organization capabilities of the members. So they are mostly business people who serve their Membership use to generate business. If you are not a large organization does come up in other large organizations simply do not. Membership of U.S. $ 300,000.00 per year is no wasted money. After extensive tour of various parts of the Club we had a terribly luxurious lunch. When the waiter for the drinks, I was the first who ordered a glass of wine, but this initiative was very quickly followed the others. There were lots of snacks brought back and a new one: marinated jellyfish. I have tried with and without sauce, but it can not tempt me. Perhaps that has something to do with the idea that you sit to eat jellyfish, but was it separately. After lunch we went to publisher Thomson for a presentation. The space where we sat was very hot, especially after our lunch was not build the after-lunch dip to overcome. The subject of the presentation was culture with which you are a foreign company in China to do with it, and how Thomson deals with them. Back at the hotel there was no hour of free time to be refreshed, so a quick laundry done and showered and dressed, had no time for a bath. Too bad all this luxury, but skip stuff I do not think like. We have dinner at an Italian restaurant was organized by a Czech, so pretty international. The large glasses of wine came back well, it really was a student trip except that we drink wine and The average student will take more beer. After dinner we went to the races gone, that was a great experience. Chinese love gambling, and It was therefore very busy. I have not gambled, but a pitcher of beer bought to hand out. Then we went to the entertainment district of Hong Kong went I get to drink. Since I have a picture of some fellow students created and sent to Peter. That was of course with the new phone tested. But a few drinks and then taken back to the hotel. Because we're at it we were there with a few people have done a nightcap.


Wednesday, November 7

After another short night for us (again smartly dressed) to the Hong Kong Science Park gone. It is a facility where advanced equipment is the industry that their newly developed products to test. It's a great initiative, but I am a not the idea that it's up to its promise. After a cup of coffee at the Starbucks cafe In one of the halls we went into the city for lunch, this time at a bistro. Then we went into a tower for a beautiful viewing point about The city and port of Hong Kong. Nice pictures, but you really would not be in Hong Kong want to live. Seven million people per thousand square feet is very tight. The visit of the then Stock Exchange was a bit disappointing, there is not very much more action because most transactions through networks from office building of the traders themselves happen. The exhibition is really only maintained for older people who are used to take that approach, but it will also die. We were of course a tour. That was unfortunately not very interesting although the guide there apparently thought otherwise, he kept going. Back at the hotel we had an hour of free time again to be refreshed, it's like vacation. Quickly change clothes and together with French and Maartje just gone on the market. The evening tour consisted of walking through the Old Hong Kong. After a beer at the night market (the large old-fashioned Chinese bottles) we will enjoy an aperitif in the Peninsula hotel, the bill that, I would also like to see. Bentleys for the door to guests to bring home, a lady who shows you a towel in the toilet, not one but several fragrances to use in the room where you wash your hands. We then ate at the restaurant Ned Kelly's, very nice. The evening was enlivened by a jazz band. After dinner we went with some people walking, a part was looking for an iPhone, but I and a few others had there not much sentence. So in January, Thijs and I taken a taxi to the hotel and we and French, Peter and Robert have done a nightcap. On time to the hotel room, the trunk partially packed and yet too late to bed.


Thursday, November 8

An hour earlier on there as normal. Twice five minutes and then but gesnoozed take a shower. The use of the luxurious bathroom is so not really, but still previously after short nights are not justified, then I fall all the way around during a presentation. I am still only a light breakfast with some fruit, lunch and dinner is usually hard enough. After breakfast we spent ten minutes to get close to the trunk, I can not as good as John suits and then the small box just a little bit too small. But then a sweater and some documentation in the cabin and trunk are closed to them with violence to make. The bus was told that you had to keep passport and ticket ready. TICKET?? We would then, if I already have about the wallet in the suitcase and that I knew not even, I thought there was only advertising and street maps of cities were. Luckily it was an e-ticket, so issuing the passport was enough. I had also not think that having to make suitcase at the airport, it was already stress enough from the crowds at the counter. After checking in we had to be equal to board the aircraft, taking off again I have not been given, a plane lulls me to sleep anytime soon even though it is still quiet. A delicious lunch, a wine course that we become so accustomed. Prima, but when I get home I have to waste so much is here. I try from the terrible wrong things to continue. French fries I leave, but you do not eat many vegetables. Very wrong of course is the amount of alcohol, we're just like a really study / student trip. I even ice cream for lunch in the plane repulsed. Really did not get along, because instead of ice cream, I still a glass of wine. Arrived in Shanghai we were greeted by a guide with a flag leading us to the magnetic train carried. It was not a long wait and there were enough places to sit over sit with the luggage. That train goes really fast blood, he achieved a maximum of 432 km per hour!. When we arrived at our hotel the rooms were ready. Although This is certainly not as luxurious as those in Hong Kong was wrong nothing on, good spacious and equipped with everything needed for a luxurious stay. The funny thing was that the bathroom from the bedroom separated by a glass wall. This allowed you from the bath simply looking out for the cranes because I was high and the city is a large building site. The bath was very high, so after the shower was a nice jump to get out. After the shower I wanted Peter to call the phone also from here to test, but to hear him again. That did not, and also send SMS and email were not working, I got a SIM wrong message. Bales as a plug! After freshening up we got a presentation about a Chinese Dutch Rabobank China. It was really hard for everyone to stay alert, so the trick annotate a wegtrekkertje was widely used. After the presentation we 1221 went to the restaurant. There we were almost alone as a group in an annex to across the street. A bunch was already, or that will be scared when there was a noisy mess came. The food was excellent, The beers were fast enough, so knocked it back completely. It was the first time we sat at the Chinese way, with a large dial and full scales. After dinner Ronny André, Peter Idema and I take a taxi to home. When we came along the boulevard and saw that it is so nice was alive, we threw the brake on and we got out to continue run. On the boulevard it was very nice, families, groups, couples, and of course the mafia makes it fun to walking. Andre wanted at some point one of grass dragon buy, since we still have good can negotiate. Andre was very pleased with the price he had paid, but Ronny and I felt that too much was paid. As always: it's just what ever you can get, and if both parties are satisfied it is fine. After nice boulevard and walked through the streets (almost obviously) but also by the red light come close. For some reason I always come in districts where No tourists, whether it is or with Piet in the company of other people. Would it still be me? On the rooftop terrace with a fantastic view another taken nightcap and went to bed on time.


Friday, November 9

In one study, a well-organized disasterday sit! The morning mail first sent to the TU / e my phone is no longer did, I would see whether they had a solution. I can also email Peter, but would rather hear his voice if we are so far apart. We went away in time to see Tai Chi in the park Bund. That was a letdown after our visit to the park at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. There was a working group, and further another who had just finished when we arrived. I have no pictures of it because there, unlike in Beijing, seemed to see monkeys. The walk itself was nice, just not on the bus, listening to a presentation, or sit in a restaurant. After the walk we went with a private bus on the way to Kunshan City, where Dutch company Unitex we were going to visit. The trip over there was really a drama, we have more than three hours of effort, while no more than an hour driving. We have more than a half hour, but stopped because the road was closed. There was too much smog, so somebody thought the traffic but then stopped had to be put. You'll see just how the Chinese let such an situation react (they do not respond). Everything just kept quiet, while our country has not confined himself to be, and the case properly stilts would stand. You may wonder what is better, given the cause of the resignation. Just when we had decided to exit that before us than but to take and return to the town were driving again. We found which is actually a little sad, we just had our there in that we would not go. The visit itself was fine, we have a interesting tour through the company. Fortunately no musty presentation, but really what it takes to make lashing. For where working conditions were visible also not bad. It was funny that we were all smartly dressed, and the (Dutch) director of that company in a jeans slobbervest around. He said during the tour many of the conditions and the company which he had to do it is here a real nepotism country. Every important person must regularly are celebrated for doing business. If he is a month away had been to the Netherlands for example, he needed one month all ties to restore / attract. This happened course, mainly in restaurants, and he therefore told joked that he looked so so good. When the visit was over, we are including our host for lunch. Expanded again, I'm growing completely. Louis and I both took a single hotpot. I had Japanese fish soup in advance, but there was no taste. The hotpot was fine, although I do not spicy variant was chosen. The beers were not cold, probably was because we have "no ice" had called. They really understood not a word of English. It was good that English menu and the (surprisingly) stood Dutch texts and pictures, otherwise, we were never fulfilled. After dinner back in the file. We are all sitting around in the bus sleeping, but program of the day was of course completely in ruins by the delay. We could still just change clothes before we were going to the acrobatic show. Before I first refresh eight treasures and jasmine tea in a shop we met yesterday at the evening walk had seen. The show was fine, a lot of girls who could Fold until the audience got muscle soreness. Even men who are strong enough were all kinds of speed to pull together and to lift very heavy objects. After the show we had dinner, I heard later that the intention was before we were going to eat at one of the small restaurants behind the hotel (Which looked very good during the hike out, so very sad). Eventually ridges we found a kind of Van der Valk, not spectacular. These were called the faces when Philip went in and told him that there were so many people. It was still okay. The food was fine, naturally accompanied by a glass wine. But it took so long that a visit to the tower could no longer that was closed at eleven. Firm bales, up from a pretty grumpy dramadag. But if one day is nothing, but must also do nothing. I'm not into clubbing but I went back and got there with some people have taken two wines on the terrace.


Saturday, November 10

I got up early to determine where the suitcase to pack. This time more structured, perhaps there is less violence than to give him closure. Then We went to the station for our train to Su Zhou. The train was fine, we had reserved seats and these could again get a nice speed (249 km per hour on the clock gave). Harld was getting coffee, and came together from two female staff of the back, one for coffee to bear, and one for the cups to serve. It will all be needed in context of job creation, there is here in China over ridiculous staff around. But they then have a few billion people in the Communist system have the right to work, so that will solve them as well. After the train ride we had a fifteen minute walk before we reached the bike rental were. As we all got a bike, laughing, of course, the Chinese bikes are generally not designed for Dutch long as Robert and William. Happy they had some old bikes are great, so eventually we all had a more or less appropriate bike and did the lords of their long legs not quite double fold. The bike was a whole experience, we had three guides with us. That was also necessary, in most places we could not cross the entire group, and so we got together at least not lose. As always with these things it was a hilarious experience and we were a real attraction, a couple crazy Dutch cycling through a Chinese city. We arrived at a temple where I bought some postcards before we enter the temple went to visit. The temple with pagoda, I mostly only visited these places I would like to view everything quietly. Beautiful things and seen pictures. On a courtyard sat a few women to play a game, of course I could not again allow for getting to go. After I asked permission to have a few pictures. The party was of course when they see themselves and each other on the screen of the camera saw a digital camera builds bridges! A little further on a man in the shade of a tree to practice tai chi, very nice for its concentration to see. In a hall of the temple was a gallery of photos people who were deceased. After another hour of cycling through the hutongs, with nice meetings with old and young people we arrived at the restaurant for "Light" lunch. After dinner we had a little bike ride before we reached a silk factory arrived. That was also not interesting that we have often seen. The only thing new was that they processed to the broken cocoons duvets. These moved in different stages until they are so great possible. A large number of these layers were then superimposed to a quilt out of it. When we all saw and heard were we naturally into the store, where a number of people have quite a purchased. They also had nice things like duvet covers, but I did not even know what size we were going to buy new bedding. Moreover, to guarantee the train for € 100.00 I just was not enough and complain a bit tricky to 9000 away. For four hours we took the train back and we went by taxi back to the hotel. Fast clothes, a suitcase and pack more beer in the hotel and by bus to the station. This time we had a driver who liked the idea that we ourselves our suitcases in the luggage of the bus transfer. I found it less, twenty kilos just too heavy. I have asked him anyway if he wanted to do, we are Finally pampered luxury and travel. At the station we had to wait, but when the train was once was it went fine. I was with Philip, and Jolie Maartje in a couchette. We have put the suitcases in the luggage, have sandals done and went to the barwagon. That was not very large and was so completely occupied by our group. After a few Coronaatjes I eat Ronny, Agnes and Philip. The food was fine again, although not all food anymore. I have taken a nightcap or two and went nice to go to bed half past eleven. As always in a good train slept. At half past five to pee all that beer, and then slept again until we were awakened with music. One of the songs was the Ave Mary. Would the Chinese know that, or they just put some quiet western music? There was to be sure but also a hostess in to us arousing, she took the paper with the same bunk. Now we really awake Philip we were chased out, so we could dress our girls. The suitcases were taken by men from our long and this allowed us to suitcase on the train again. We were in Beijing!


Sunday, November 11

We arrived on the same drive as our first China trip, but were the porters if waiting for us. That brought our suitcases outside to May, our guide Beijing welcome in Beijing called on us. Together we went to the bus and thence to the hotel first but once for breakfast. That would have been beyond provided in the train, which turned out to be not very. A hotel I never had in my mind was even more luxurious than the Royal Mansour in Casablanca. After an excellent, but too much breakfast we got the rooms. I have a really luxurious. Complete with fruit, a full (Even with condom) stocked minibar and a bed of at least two meters wide. Peter would be there, especially now that I no longer can call and it should be by mail. Quickly refurbishing to quickly be able to leave for our trip to the Great Wall. I could just ten minutes in the bath and to email us. We were again a half hour in the bus before we arrived at the wall. The was the same spot as where we were together in 2004. This time I went with the cable car went up, hoping to make beautiful pictures. This did not work, it was a little hazy, but I was soon over. Since We have pictures and we went over the wall. I wanted happy with the group that had walked back up to below, a cable car once was enough. I got them So meet him. The others who had gone to the cable car went the other way, so I went walking for a while. Also very nice, beautiful pictures, also from people who have more make contact when you are alone. It was familiar territory, but strange yet so alone. When I met the group we are together I then rose and Maartje Jolie and the stairs down there. Reach the bottom there were a number of group and there was plenty of shopping. I took a beer and saw The fat Buddha that French had bought. Since I was also on search, but not one, but better than a wooden one nothing. Together with French I, disguised as a couple, go shopping. So we bought the Buddha, and also both a set of placemats with chopsticks. The total cost is € 5.50 stuff. At half past three we took the bus back to the hotel where French, and I have some of Maartje the neighborhood walk. Maartje and I bought some tea in a special tea shop. Maartje also took some chips with it, which was sold loose in a supermarket. In the hotel we have taken a glass of wine (with chips so there). There were gradually more companions regularly so it was always enjoyable. After the appetizer we went with the bus to the hutongs, where we have got in bicycle rickshaws. A nice ride through the narrow streets. We also visited a former opera musician. He found himself very sad, because the government had half of his land confiscated. It was also terribly, but he was in the situation that his daughter had a separate playroom, next to her bedroom. The living room was so large that a little further into the hutongs probably three families lived on the same ground. We also stopped by the Drum and Bell Tower ridden, but it was Meanwhile, too dark to really see anything, let alone take pictures. After a bit the rickshaw run because we had to move them to the sewer were at work. Apparently this is a real 7x24 hour economy. It was also noted that with less than five people were in such a small pit, labor costs are probably less then machinery to it a little lighter. We walked through a small shopping street (which we unfortunately had no time) to the restaurant for that evening. There was another long table ready, too bad it always so. I sat opposite Robbie, who quickly ordered a delicious red wine: Santa Rita Carmenère Reserva. Filip ordered a house wine, but he had that long walk to find out we almost had an empty bottle (with four people). We stayed only for that species, ill may still. But because the price was pretty bottle (€ 38.00) Robbie French and have paid the final itself. I am with Harld and French back went to the hotel and got there with a French coffee drink taken.


Monday, November 12

After all the cultural and tourist stuff yesterday once again at the business round. First a visit to Boon Edam (the doors) charged. That was an interesting visit, with a good explanation of how the Dutch director works if you actually would like Western company a "branch" in China have. Then we went to an outlet shopping center gone, because there were some people who wanted to shop. Maarten and I have Together walked around, did not buy anything. In the center we have one at Subway some lunch with a bottle of orange juice as promptly going on because so little place was. After lunch we projects and the infrastructure of the Olympic Go see play. That was when the long bus ride to the stadium in construction. It was nice to see, but all very far away. You could have pretty once again that almost no cost labor in China, there are many males on site. After the tour we got a lecture on population and economic growth in China. Very interesting, but also in that room was very hot. Visiting the university was not by, we would just walk around on campus that, and would not be received. We therefore, all had something of a quiet time to freshen up before we evening were going to do. Back at the hotel, I go first mailing, I'm a through it and miss my little buddy. It is really neat with all my classmates, but the room is always empty, and I have not encountered anyone know where I can hang or whom I can share all those nice things (other than with my classmates). Then I I refreshed and I went to the supermarket with Maartje I have two notebooks and bought some more tea. We left on time for the bus the Martial Arts Show. This was a big theater where the hall was empty, and Balcony was full. Very special. The show was beautiful, unlike what I thought was not only fight, there was even a story. After the show we The bus went to our restaurant for that evening: Paper. Highly recommended, a nice interior (tight white) and great food. This had nothing to do with Chinese as we know it, but it was real haute cuisine. Also here, Santa Rita's again passed, this time the bottles were not much more expensive than The house wine (which says a lot about the quality and price of the house wine). After the delicious food with Robbie and I Wietze in a taxi back to the hotel gone, and gone straight to my room. I have called home.


Tuesday, November 13

The last day in China. First we visited the embassy where we lecture had on economic developments in China. This lecture there was extensive in than the reading of yesterday, but that was more about population growth and one child policy and its consequences. After reading a restaurant next to the supermarket again a "light" lunch, for I must surely be arrived five pounds, but it's all so good too. Yet I am at some point it stopped, I really could not. We walked back the hotel to get dressed for the rest of the program. By bus we went to the Forbidden City, this was also hired a guide, what a luxury. We are less than an hour on the central axis of the gate at the north entrance walked to the plaza. Not seen a lot (well, we already had been). Not a museum, not along the Dragon Wall. But there were many halls, including the large front of the plaza under construction. They were All refurbished for the Olympics. I was glad to get it on another 've seen way, otherwise I probably never have gone. I have still looking around for a lucky charm for my backpack, but they are probably no longer in fashion. I found none. Fortunately I had Suzhou already bought a replacement. About the Square of Heavenly Peace diminished, mausoleum was again closed. Unfortunately, males were the one for which I photo assignment from home had gotten too far away. You could not closer, so sorry. I tried on a stray male picture of it, but I was banned. Fortunately, there was a platoon Marching along what I then very rude to put the picture (Oeps. .. sorry). Then we went to the exhibition area where the planning the development of Beijing was shown. In text, but also in in model form, very nice to see. The last part of the program that day was shopping at Silk Alley: a large shopping center with only but nepspullen. A pair of earrings and a GAP t-shirt bought for it € 6.50 together. The shirt will never fit: XXXL in China is still slightly different configuration L in Dutch sizes. Moreover, as I already can I wonder how many times I can wash away the real needs. We also have a Kung Fu outfit bought for the newborn son of Bas. That I go back to his degree ceremony. Sending is probably more expensive than what it has cost package. Maartje has bought some stuff, so I'm not that nepspul, so I go but missed. I like it a lot so money, especially since January of his guilt is relieved Y200. I do see what I am doing but to throw garbage can always. After shopping, we immediately proceed to weather a luxury restaurant for the last dinner of our trip. A tour experiences, which all of us (two or three points) mind. Also of course well fed. The Peking duck was here only a of the courts. The duck was ready and was not at the table cut. That was sorry, but we had the first time China has experienced. Furthermore, it was fine, a very nice restaurant with all different areas and different furniture. But as all throughout the journey, the ministry does not understand it when we do something else than standard like, and know almost no English. It caused quite some delay before, but we still did not go home, so who cares it actually from. The bus Hans Veltman announced the latest round of United Springs on. I have have participated: coffee and cakes. Of course the latter made to problems. That you do not get a hotel that morning a nice day in Dutch is desirable. I myself go and fetch the drinks, and then I went to bed. I had had a little bit. I had actually first have to pack the suitcase, but I did no laziness.


Wednesday, November 14

I woke up at half past four, puddles quickly and very soon a bit more sleep. Ran for six hours the alarm quickly in the shower. Unfortunately there was a bath anymore. The case again structured as possible packed full weight on it and quickly lock. I've only had breakfast some cornflakes and fresh fruit, it was enough. Checked out and paid the bill, the cost was € 10.00. Calling home only € 3.00. So that was everything. In the bus we had to wait because Frank through his wake-up call was asleep, so still had to be awakened We said goodbye to Agnes and Peter, who would still remain a few days longer Beijing for a closer look. By bus we went to the airport, of course we stood almost the whole trip in traffic. But nice to feather, and as long we are on time for our flight at an airport, we also find nothing. They are all the same. Check all went very smoothly, despite the bureaucratic paper trade in such a country yet again brings. The last Yuan, I spent a perfume for Piet. Fortunately, that, and otherwise I they are sold to Karen, who is ultimately to China regularly. A last can drink coffee on tap and paid by January and then it was really done, we were boarding. Wine, last Chinese meal / over China and a few hours sleep. I sat next to a businessman from Vienna who ever wanted to talk, but I had planned the last few days on the plane writing. So I broke off the conversation, Although not very polite, but I also do not always want to talk. We were just before landing a last meal and were one hour before the scheduled time already above Dutch airspace. I hoped that Peter would be asked, and he asked me happy (Again) do not disappoint. So he stood at a distance waiting for me, I was very happy to see him again. Only with a whole group it is only if you're used to always go on the road together, I had missed him badly. An experience to a journey to do so. A study, so other purposes than just as tourist. And I'm not even talking about the difference between this trip and my fixed size.