Pianma: The Flying Tigers

Posted December 1, 2014 by admin
China: Yunnan

Pianma

Yunnan Province

China

June 9, 2014 

At the height of the Japanese military power during World War II, their armed forces occupied large areas of China, blockaded the ports, and closed almost all of the roads.  “The Burma Road”  -the one open route that snaked through the mountains from India, through Burma to western China - was bombed by Japanese fighter planes.   Eventually, trucks ceased to transport goods to the Chinese Nationalist Army fighting the Japanese.

“The Hump” became the vital lifeline. 

Nuo Deng: The Salt Town and Confucius Temple

Posted December 1, 2014 by admin
China: Yunnan

Nuo Deng

Yun Long County

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Yunnan Province

China

June 8, 2014

Now here’s a quote to remember:

"Jan, I am impressed!"

So proclaims my guide Ilian as we reach the top of the mountain.

Ilian may be impressed.  But I am not sure whether to feel proud or to feel duped.  An hour ago, after breakfast, Illian casually suggests, "Let's take a stroll to see the Confucius Temple."   Was I impressed into this vigorous constitutional?

Shaxi: Shibaoshan Cave Temples

Posted December 1, 2014 by admin
China: Yunnan

Shaxi

Yunnan Province

China

June 6, 2014

Dear Friends,

I should have known better.   I should have looked at my map.  I should have been more aware of my surroundings.  I should have taken my hiking stick!

My guide Ilian and I decided on an early morning drive to the remote Shibaoshan Cave Temples – a complex of grottoes just north of Shaxi.  We invited Nicole to join us. 

A grotto is a small cave or cavern or a man-made shelter that resembles a cave.  Did I assume that the grottoes are easily accessible?

Lijiang: Ethnic Minority Markets

Posted December 1, 2014 by admin
China: Yunnan

On the Road

Yunnan Province

China

June 4, 2014

You ever see a pig on a leash?

You ever see a lady smoke a pipe?  Did she have tattoos on her forearm?

Somewhere between Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shaxi, we were lucky enough to pass through a large town with a colorful weekly market in progress.

The ethnic minorities were welcoming and friendly and pleased to pose for a photo.

Many, if not most of the women were dressed in their finest outfits.

Go Here!

Posted September 26, 2014 by Jan
Latvia
Bangkok
Thailand
Monday
March 25, 2024

Hello,

My friend Mark called me from London last week.  He regrets he will not be coming to Thailand in April.  Instead, he has accepted a lengthy assignment as a Production Manager in Tallinn, Estonia.   He and a local crew will be shooting exteriors for an upcoming British television series. 

Mark’s announcement prompted me to recall my own visit to Tallinn, and my extended trip to the Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. 

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