Viking China (Part 2)

[H2Otstr]

J-9

Did you take binoculars along or do you think one would need them?

 

I didn't take mine and was sorry that I didn't.

[caribill]

J-9

Did you take binoculars along or do you think one would need them?

 

We took ours and were glad we did.

[H2Otstr]

I didn't take mine and was sorry that I didn't.

 

I should have mentioned that they would have been great to have on the Three River's Dam cruise. A closer look at the hanging coffins, the monkeys on the hillside, the burial grounds and some of the pagodas would have looked great thru binocs.

[Kohola]

Yes, we met Jackie and Bella last night and met Candi and Eddie today. Very friendly, and Bob, quite excited that we knew you. We met Lois last night too, but I couldn't remember if that was the person you had mentioned, so I didn't mention you. I will tonight.

 

Candy was quite worried the first night that somehow I would have told you about Jacky and not included her;-) Ask Lois to break out the pistachios...ask to see photos of her son to warm her heart. We really enjoyed hanging around with her!

 

Had I known earlier I would have arranged for you to go on a tour with the crew in Shibaozhai...unfortunately that is the only stop that works on the IJ tour.

[Kohola]

J-9: Here is what Candy had to say about you guys at her table...

 

"yes,they are at my station today. it is my pleasure to be good to them. but i am sorry that we are always very busy rush, i can't talk or stay longer with them. and maybe i still didn't make them feel warm enough."

 

They are the warmest, most sincere young people you'll ever meet. Maggie still remembered us three years after our 2009 cruise and we hadn't sat at her station the entire cruise that we remember.

[Kohola]

J-9

Did you take binoculars along or do you think one would need them?

Theater binoculars work great in the museums where barriers or crowds keep you from seeing the intricate details of the antiquities. Here are a two of examples of a shore line view. Our cameras double as binoculars...

[recyclelady]

Theater binoculars work great in the museums where barriers or crowds keep you from seeing the intricate details of the antiquities. Here are a two of examples of a shore line view. Our cameras double as binoculars...

Wow! Very cool pictures that show the difference!

[j-9]

J-9

Did you take binoculars along or do you think one would need them?

 

Absolutely take your binocs! I wish that I had better ones.

 

Beautiful hot sunny day today. Great for viewing the first gorge. Just got back from the dam, and will be getting in line for the locks soon.

[bayerisch]

Thanks everyone. So binoculars it is. I wouldn't have thought to bring theater binoculars but it makes sense. I'll need a backpack for all the tech stuff I am bringing: a small computer, an Iphone, 2 cameras, one good one and a little P&S for back up, theater and regular binoculars, chargers for all above except the binoculars, extra memory cards, cords to connect and download stuff and extra batteries. Did I forget anything? I am sorry if I am driving you all crazy, but I am so excited.

[Turtles06]

Thanks everyone. So binoculars it is. I wouldn't have thought to bring theater binoculars but it makes sense. I'll need a backpack for all the tech stuff I am bringing: a small computer, an Iphone, 2 cameras, one good one and a little P&S for back up, theater and regular binoculars, chargers for all above except the binoculars, extra memory cards, cords to connect and download stuff and extra batteries. Did I forget anything? I am sorry if I am driving you all crazy, but I am so excited.

 

I think one set of regular binoculars would be enough, particularly if your "good" camera has a long zoom (which I sure hope it does!). You should also take a plug adapter for your electronics (which I assume are dual voltage and don't need a converter). And given the amount of electronics you have (similar to the amount I schlep around!), a small power cord or Belkin mini-surge protector is advisable, so that you can charge a bunch of things at once in the cabin and in your hotels where the number of outlets is limited.

 

On a "big" trip like this, I actually take two battery chargers for my "good" camera (my DSLR), that's how crazy I am.

 

I pack all the electronics in my carry on bag....

[Peregrina651]

[quote name=Turtles06;33789093

On a "big" trip like this' date=' I actually take two battery chargers for my "good" camera (my DSLR), that's how crazy I am.

 

[/quote]

 

And two batteries to go in them!! I can go through a battery in less than a day so I always have a spare in my pocket, charged and ready to go.

[Turtles06]

And two batteries to go in them!! I can go through a battery in less than a day so I always have a spare in my pocket, charged and ready to go.

 

Actually, I have three batteries for my DSLR. (But I've never had to go to the third...) :)

[bayerisch]

Actually, I have three batteries for my DSLR. (But I've never had to go to the third...) :)

I actually thought of getting a third battery because I've had one go bad on me before. I have a DSLR, canon EOS Rebel Xt with a 70-300mm ultrasonic image stabilizer lens. If that doesn't do it, oh well. I am not a professional photographer...I might take it up when I retire which may be in the near future.

Some of you experienced China travelors have posted such great quality pictures, it is inspiring.

 

Thanks Kohola and Peregrina

[Peregrina651]

I have a DSLR, canon EOS Rebel Xt with a 70-300mm ultrasonic image stabilizer lens.

 

One lens, no wide angle and not even normal--that would drive me crazy.

[bayerisch]

One lens, no wide angle and not even normal--that would drive me crazy.

Sorry, I also have a EFS 18-55mm lens.

[Kohola]

Some of you experienced China travelors have posted such great quality pictures, it is inspiring.

Thanks Kohola and Peregrina

Thank you for mentioning me alongside the amazing Peregrina;-) Bayerisch please contact me either by e-mail at rebdjb@aol.com or by a Facebook message via the VRC site, just click on one of my photos of China which are start around 17 photos in to get my name.

[swanny727]

Theater binoculars work great in the museums where barriers or crowds keep you from seeing the intricate details of the antiquities. Here are a two of examples of a shore line view. Our cameras double as binoculars...

 

Wow what a difference! What size lens / zoom was used? My hubbie is thinking of a new camera and I want to be sure it is "big" enough for good photos.

[swanny727]

Candy was quite worried the first night that somehow I would have told you about Jacky and not included her;-) Ask Lois to break out the pistachios...ask to see photos of her son to warm her heart. We really enjoyed hanging around with her!

 

Had I known earlier I would have arranged for you to go on a tour with the crew in Shibaozhai...unfortunately that is the only stop that works on the IJ tour.

 

We leave on the IJ, Jun 4 trip, Beij - Shanghai. I am intrigued with the thought of a crew tour! Could you please, give me more details as what the regular tour involves and what we could see differently with the crew. So far, no other CC folks have indicated they are on our trip so you wouldn't be deluged with requests. There are 4 in our group if that makes a diff.

[Kohola]

We leave on the IJ, Jun 4 trip, Beij - Shanghai. I am intrigued with the thought of a crew tour! Could you please, give me more details as what the regular tour involves and what we could see differently with the crew. So far, no other CC folks have indicated they are on our trip so you wouldn't be deluged with requests. There are 4 in our group if that makes a diff.

In Shibaozhai, the tour groups climb a staircase pagoda to tour an ancient temple on a rock plateau with a local tour guide, then you're free to souvenir shop on your way back to the ship. If I'm interested in providing someone with a "personal tour guide" I let my friends on the ship know that we would like them to take our "guests" to see the pagoda, souvenir shopping or whatever our guests have told us they'd like to do. If you check our photos for JiuJiang, afternoon in Wuhan, Shibaozhai, or evening in FengDu you'll see some of our personal tour guides.

 

Our photos were shot with Canon Powershot SX series cameras, the newer models have a X35 optical zoom.

[Peregrina651]

Thank you for mentioning me alongside the amazing Peregrina

 

Oh, no, my friend, you are the ones who are the amazing travelers. You are so much better at interacting with your travel destinations; you are so much more outgoing than I will ever be. More of us should take a page from your travel manual.

[Lori Dobson]

Hello all,

 

We have been in Beijing since Sunday - our Viking tour isn't until August, we are here for the airshow in Anyang later this week. The smog here this week is terrible - looks like heavy overcast all day and visibility is very limited - but still having a great time. This is such an amazing country! If your tour is yet to come, you're going to love it!

[Kohola]

Some Chinese language, internet coding, today!

May 21st=05.21=521 numbers that in Chinese would sound similar to “wo ai ni”(woe I knee) which is "I love you." You will also see 520 = I love you!

So look that special someone in the eye and with your most romantic voice tell them 521...if that doesn't set the mood I don't know what will:p

[Jaxlady]

Hi, My husband and I are leaving in a week and a half for our Imperial Jewels of China trip. Please let me know your opinions on the Yang Dynasty Show and the Peking Duck Dinner and Opera. I would appreciate it.

 

Rita

[j-9]

Hi, My husband and I are leaving in a week and a half for our Imperial Jewels of China trip. Please let me know your opinions on the Yang Dynasty Show and the Peking Duck Dinner and Opera. I would appreciate it.

 

Rita

 

Hi,

The tang dynasty show was quite enjoyable. Very colourful, I enjoyed the music. The food was okay - some people thought it was very good, some thought it awful, I thought it what I expected from a banquet style westernized Chinese food establishment. Not great, but I got enough to eat. I recommend this excursion.

 

We passed on the opera and went to a duck restaurant recommended by our tour escort on our own instead. Quan Ju De was a great experience! We ordered duck and pancakes and had lots to eat, and an authentic meal. Quan Ju De is off the pedestrian walkway, we walked there from the Regent hotel. It was also nice to have a break from the group at this point.

From talking with our group today, the food at the opera was not great, and the music, while a cultural experience, was not so enjoyable by many. I suggest you utube it to get a sense.

 

We head home tomorrow. What an absolutely fantastic experience. Enjoy your trip.

[Jaxlady]

Thank you so much for the information. Have a wonderful trip home.

 

Rita