I had the opportunity to spend my last couple of days in Qingdao, China. The people in all of China are very proud that their country will host the 2008 Olympics. Qingdao will be a great host for the sailing competitions as this is a city with great accommodations and many nice restaurants (for seafood lovers).

We stayed in a hotel that was right on the beach. There are great coastal views here, but the distance is not so great due to the smog. My hosts were very gracious to try and provide a dinner with "western" options. We ended up eating at the hotel where a Brazilian barbecue was served. Additionally, there was a Brazilian band (I think) trying to sing songs in English. We enjoyed drinking some of the famous Tsingdao beer and played snookers in the hotel. This hotel also had indoor golf, but we didn't have time to try.

The next day, our supplier/hosts were kind enough to take us on a tour of the city. There were many great sites to see and I took many photos. I was surprised to see that there were up to 100 brides in gowns in this area having their photos taken. At times there were so many around that it was surreal, like in a movie or something.

My last day in China consisted of a long work day trying to tie up loose ends. My friends in the Zebco China factory took me out to dinner at a very nice looking Restaurant. This trip to China has been interesting, but I am quite ready for everything about home...

I ventured among the 18 million people of Shanghai this weekend to see as much as I could in a couple of days.

Saturday began by visiting The Bund with Situ. The Bund is an area of Shanghai where European influence can be seen all around. In the 1900's - 1940's, this riverfront area was very important for businesses from around the world.

This district, as well as other higher class establishments in Shanghai were degraded after the cultural revolution of the Communist Party beginning in the 1950's. In recent years, Shanghai has re-established these sites as historic and tourist attractions.

After we visited The Bund, Situ and I had a bite to eat in a restaurant atop what I call the "Batman Building". The building has much iron work around the structure, looking like something from Gothic City.

Following lunch, Situ took me shopping in the old Shanghai district, home to many stories regarding gangsters from the 1920's - 1940's. We stopped at a restaurant that Situ thought was Mexican. Turns out, it was sort-of Italian (Chinese style Italian of course). I was able to pick up some nice gifts for the Mrs. and the Miss.

Sunday in Shanghai consisted of an early morning walk. I decided to be brave and walk for a while on my own. I spent about 4 hours exploring and I felt very comfortable.

In the afternoon, Situ picked me up for a visit to his home. His family was very nice. His wife and daughter practiced English with me and they prepared a meal for us to share together. The meal consisted of traditional Chinese food and a Chinese Pizza!?!

At the end of the evening, Situ was very nice to present me and my family with several gifts. I am very thankful to Situ for showing me a small snapshot of what life is like in a Chinese home.

I returned to my hotel room at the Moller Villa with indigestion (I just can't get used to so many new foods). At this time, a Typhoon was coming through town. The rain and wind was pretty heavy, causing some wind damage. I was able to sleep well - just like in Oklahoma in the Spring storms :)

Moller Villa Hotel - Shanghai...

After a short work week at our factory in Kunshan China, I chose to stay in a historic mansion (now a hotel) in Shanghai. I arrived late Friday evening at the Moller Villa Hotel. The car ride from Kunshan to Shanghai resulted in severe nausea. I am sure it was part motion sickness, air pollution and partly due to foods that I am not accustomed to eating.

Arriving at the hotel was a real treat. This is a genuine piece of Shanghai history. The hotel was originally a home built by a wealthy English businessman in the 1930's. As the story goes, the daughter of the businessman dreamt of a castle when they moved from England to Shanghai. The father wished to make his daughter happy with the transition and had her dream constructed.

As with many other grand European structures and culture in Shanghai, the introduction of Communist China in the 40's & 50's resulted in a focus away from entrepreneurism and thus the Moller Villa mansion fell into disrepair.

About 10 years ago, the Moller Villa was transformed into a beautiful hotel. Thanks to my friend Darby who visited the hotel last month, I took up his recommendation and I am really enjoying the opportunity to stay in a place that is much more than a hotel.

China - Day 1

Hello all from Kunshan China.

I am working to overcome jet-lag and the change in diet. My hosts have been very kind and there will be plenty of work to keep me busy for my stay here.

During the weekend, I will stay in a historic hotel in Shanghai. I hope to be able to post some good images of the city soon.

For now, the photo's are less attractive due to the air pollution. More to come...

Johnny