Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 22
November 9, 2017
Sights to See: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Introduction, Sichuan Province, China
JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY 280 miles north of Chengdu, in Nanping County.
The bus ride my tour group endured from Chengdu to the remote, mountainous Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, took nine hours.
stop at Maoxian area on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of ChinaIt seemed to take forever, with brutal restroom stops that cost 1 yuen/US16c and delivered open stalls with troughs down the center. No privacy. No flushing. Sometimes running water.
typical trough toilet on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of ChinaWe made a lunch stop in Maoxian at Tu Giang Restaurant where we enjoyed Qiang nationality items that include yak meat dishes as well as the always-popular Sichuan chicken. After, we bought tangerines from locals outside who weighed the purchase with old-time wood-pole scales.
chicken soup in Tu Giang Restaurant on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
wood-pole scale seen on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of ChinaAt 6,000 to 9,000 feet we came to Barrel Lake, where beautiful long-hair white yaks awaited mounting for photographs. This stop also had a mini-bazaar where we saw exotic giant mushrooms and I purchased some cracked whole pecans that were deliciously spiced and made a great treat to enjoy on the bus.
white yak at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
unusual giant mushrooms at mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
exotic spiced pecans at mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of ChinaThe altitude in the Jiuzhaigou Valley ranges from 8,000 to 16,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a definite possibility, so it is a good idea to pack medications and remedies recommended by your doctor, and to take your time and not over exert. Oxygen canisters can be rented throughout the area, and in a god-forsaken town on our way up my group encountered oxygen water being sold by nurses in uniform for 100 yuen/US$16 per bag.
nurse dispenses oxygen water on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of ChinaAlso be aware that Sichuan Province is frequently struck by quakes. Just this year on August 9, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Zhangzha killed 19 people and injured 247. Another one in Yingxiu town in May 2008 killed almost 70,000 people. Fortunately, there were no quakes during my visit.
On this trip we were really out there.
In spite of these travel deterrents, the Chinese people come here in great numbers for the beauty and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Referred to by some as "China's Switzerland," this spectacularly scenic area is particularly beautiful in fall, when foliage is changing color (winter it is extremely cold). This is the habitat of the giant panda (although sightings are extremely rare) and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.
This region is also home to a small population of Tibetan and Qing people. We visited several villages, where prayer flags flew and where reasonably-priced, locally-produced goods were sold. I bought a beautiful embroidered cloth-and-beads necklace and a lovely floral “pashmina” scarf--both of which I’m sure are probably for sale on Canal Street in NYC--but so far I haven’t encountered them anywhere else. Attending one of their evening cultural performances is a must, as is sampling some of the typical local foods that you’ll see in your hotel’s buffet.
Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
yak butter tea in Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of ChinaMore Area Sights:
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine
Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area
Zhangzha Town
Songpan Ancient Town
Things to do in nearby Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Sights to See: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Introduction, near Chengdu, China
JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY 280 miles north of Chengdu, in Nanping County.
The bus ride my tour group endured from Chengdu to the remote, mountainous Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, took nine hours. It seemed to take forever, with brutal restroom stops that cost 1 yuen/US16c and delivered open stalls with troughs down the center. No privacy. No flushing. Sometimes running water.
We made a lunch stop in Maoxian at Tu Giang Restaurant where we enjoyed Qiang nationality items that include yak meat dishes as well as the always-popular Sichuan chicken. After, we bought tangerines from locals outside who weighed the purchase with old-time wood-pole scales.
At 6,000 to 9,000 feet we came to Barrel Lake, where beautiful long-hair white yaks awaited mounting for photographs. This stop also had a mini-bazaar where we saw exotic giant mushrooms and I purchased some cracked whole pecans that were deliciously spiced and made a great treat to enjoy on the bus.
The altitude in the Jiuzhaigou Valley ranges from 8,000 to 16,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a definite possibility, so it is a good idea to pack medications and remedies recommended by your doctor, and to take your time and not over exert. Oxygen canisters can be rented throughout the area, and in a god-forsaken town on our way up my group encountered oxygen water being sold by nurses in uniform for 100 yuen/US$16 per bag.
Also be aware that Sichuan Province is frequently struck by quakes. Just this year on August 9, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Zhangzha killed 19 people and injured 247. Another one in Yingxiu town in May 2008 killed almost 70,000 people. Fortunately, there were no quakes during my visit.
On this trip we were really out there.
In spite of these travel deterrents, the Chinese people come here in great numbers for the beauty and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Referred to by some as "China's Switzerland," this spectacularly scenic area is particularly beautiful in fall, when foliage is changing color (winter it is extremely cold). This is the habitat of the giant panda (although sightings are extremely rare) and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.
This region is also home to a small population of Tibetan and Qing people. We visited several villages, where prayer flags flew and where reasonably-priced, locally-produced goods were sold. I bought a beautiful embroidered cloth-and-beads necklace and a lovely floral “pashmina” scarf--both of which I’m sure are probably for sale on Canal Street in NYC--but so far I haven’t encountered them anywhere else. Attending one of their evening cultural performances is a must, as is sampling some of the typical local foods that you’ll see in your hotel’s buffet.
Area Sights:
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine
Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area
Zhangzha Town
Songpan Ancient Town
Things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
October 20, 2017
Good Eats: Qin Shan Zhai Restaurant, Chengdu, China
Qin Shan Zhai Restaurant No.247 Temple of Marquis Street, Wuhou District. Located just next door to the historic and cultural site--the Temple of Marquis--this two-story restaurant consists of a warren of dining rooms that evoke old Sichuan culture and the customs of Old Chengdu. The specialty here is medicinal foods, or the Chinese Medicated Diet, which is a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and culinary philosophy. It is the first restaurant in China to advocate this cuisine.
hot pepper dish at Qin Shan Zhai Restaurant in Chengdu, ChinaThe signature dish---Ba Wang Bie Ji, named after the movie “Farewell My Concubine”--is an aromatic chicken soup made with various medicinal herbs. When the soup turns white it is done. The dish is good for your health and hard to find outside of Chengdu. The restaurant is also a feast for your eyes, with a miniature classic garden featuring rockeries, corridors, pavilions, and bridges blending with waterfalls and plants. Sometimes, short cultural performances are presented that sometimes include snippets of Peking Opera.
More things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
October 18, 2017
Great Sleeps: Tibet Hotel Chengdu, Chengdu, China
Tibet Hotel Chengdu No.10 North People's Road, +86)28-83183388. 4 stars. 271 rooms; 17 floors. Fitness center. 2 restaurants. No pets. Free parking. Situated on the banks of the Jinjiang River adjacent to the downtown area, this atmospheric hotel features comfortable rooms with raised bathtubs and Tibetan touches. Bathroom amenities are contained in a decorative box. The gift shop consists of a museum-like Tibetan Culture Shopping Promenade that offers spectacular treasures for sale, and a full-size artificial yak resides in the spacious lobby. Though I missed the Cloud Incense Bar, where you can “making friends with incense,” it does sound intriguing and worth seeking out. Tibetan folk songs are sung and Tibetan tea is served every evening in the bar from 8:30 to 9 p.m., and a Tibetan performance and banquet is sometimes held in the Red Palace Banqueting Hall.
lobby of Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, China
artificial yak in lobby of Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, China
gift shop arcade at Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, China 
guest room at Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, China 
guest room bathroom at Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, China
view from guest room at Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, China
Tibetan breakfast with yak butter tea at Tibet Hotel Chengdu in Chengdu, ChinaMore things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
October 13, 2017
Good Eats: Huang Cheng Lao Ma, Chengdu, China
Huang Cheng Lao Ma 20, 2nd Ring Rd South, 3rd Section. In a city famous for hot pot, this is the most famous of the hot pot restaurants.
seating along conveyor belt at Huang Cheng Lao Ma hot pot restaurant in Chengdu, ChinaThis traditional meal is served in untraditional style here and includes a buffet that alone could fill you up. You can choose from dim sum-style dumplings, fresh fruit, and salad, and also mix up your own dipping sauce. Diners have a choice of sitting at small tables, or at a long raised bar where a moving conveyor belt presents constantly changing selections for you to put in your personal hot pot. Hot pots come in mild, hot, and extra hot (hot is so hot that I didn’t want to find out what extra hot is like). Opting for the basic yuanyang style (half spicy, half mild) seems like the way to go. I especially liked the mushrooms, but did not even try the fish heads. Rumor has it that Michelle Obama ate here. A free “children-keeping” area is on the second floor for under age 6, and a tea house is on the fourth floor.
More things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
image and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
October 10, 2017
Good Eats: 533 Viet-Fusion, Palm Springs, California
533 Viet Fusion 1775 E Palm Canyon Dr., #625, in Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center, (760) 778-6595. I wasn’t expecting much from a shopping mall Vietnamese restaurant. Turns out I was in for a surprise. The spacious open dining room offers plenty of comfortable seating on some midcentury-style orange and white chairs. A full bar produces drinks made delicious by a talented bartender, most notably a gorgeous pink Guava Mojito and a delicious mai tai-like Rum Rickshaw. A great dinner can be composed from several shared dishes. A spring roll from the dedicated spring roll bar makes a perfect appetizer/salad course. Then choose a curry--the exceptionally yummy yellow curry has a deep and complex flavor--and perhaps also a sweet tamari-glazed salmon dish served with noodles. Dessert is easy because there is currently only one choice--coconut-lime crème brulee, which the management decided on because that is what everyone ordered when they previously offered a longer menu.
dining room at 533 Viet Fusion in Palm Springs, California
Guava Mojito at 533 Viet Fusion in Palm Springs, California
spring rolls at 533 Viet Fusion in Palm Springs, California
yellow curry at 533 Viet Fusion in Palm Springs, California
tamari-glazed salmon at 533 Viet Fusion in Palm Springs, California
coconut-lime crème brulee at 533 Viet Fusion in Palm Springs, California
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More things to do in Palm Springs.
Travel articles to inspire and help you plan trips.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
October 6, 2017
Sights to See: Sichuan Opera at Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse, Chengdu, China
Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse 23 Qintai Rd., in Chengdu Culture Park, Qingyang District. 130 RMB including tea. A favorite venue to see Sichuan Opera, this old theater presents a nightly 1½-hour show that includes as well as traditional Sichuan folk performances featuring stick puppets, fire spitting, and face changing. The audience sits as viewers would have long ago, in comfortable oversize bamboo lounge chairs, and are served tea and nibbles. Massage and ear wax cleaning is available before and during the performance, and before the show starts the audience has access to the dressing rooms to watch the performers getting ready. Several more attractions are adjaent: Qingyang Taoist Temple, Wuhou Memorial Temple, and Dufu Cottage.
night exterior of Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse in Chengdu, China
interior of Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse in Chengdu, China
Sichuan Opera performers get ready at Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse in Chengdu, China
Sichuan Opera performer poses at Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse in Chengdu, China
Sichuan Opera performer poses at Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse in Chengdu, China
Sichuan Opera performance at Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse in Chengdu, ChinaMore things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
October 4, 2017
Good Eats: Tyler’s Burgers, Palm Springs, California
Tyler’s Burgers 149 S. Indian Canyon Dr., (760) 325-2990. L-D M-Sat (11am-4pm). Delicious old-fashioned hamburgers and hot dogs, housemade tangy coleslaw and killer potato salad, and super-refreshing root beer floats combine here with reasonable prices--making a wait to get in likely. Though the tarp-covered outside seating and misters make patio seating prime, a sweet little area inside provides a cozy alternative. For smaller appetites, sliders let you fine-tune your portion. Restrooms are almost a block away!, so don’t wait too long and allow extra time because you probably won’t be able to run in the heat.
exterior of Tyler's Burgers in Palm Springs, California
covered patio at Tyler's Burgers in Palm Springs, California
interior counter at Tyler's Burgers in Palm Springs, California
small lunch at Tyler's Burgers in Palm Springs, California[image error]
More things to do in Palm Springs.
Travel articles to inspire and help you plan trips.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
September 29, 2017
Sights to See: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding 1375 Panda Rd., just outside of town, 028-83510033. Daily 7:30am-6pm. 58yuen/US$8/person; parking 10yuen. Pandas are solitary animals and their remote habitat in bamboo forests high in the Szechwan mountains has been destroyed. Operated by panda conservation specialists, this immaculate zoo-like center displays pandas in a near-perfect replication of their natural habitat, including rivers, lakes, wild bamboo forests, and plant pits. Founded in 1987 with just six pandas, it is now home to approximately 50 pandas and has earned a reputation as the best place in the world to see, interact with, and learn about these endangered animals.
entry gate to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, China
It has the largest captive collection of Giant Pandas in the world. Babies are born between July and September. Today, fewer than 2,000 pandas are found in the wild and only approximately 300 are in zoos and breeding centers. Fortunately, China’s giant panda population was recently downgraded from endangered to vulnerable. Though still at risk, their numbers in the wild continue to grow.
people watch pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, ChinaRed pandas (or Lesser Pandas) have enclosures here, too, but are also allowed to freely roam the center’s forest floor. This is the largest collection of captive-born red pandas in the world.
children watch red pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, ChinaBegin a visit here by taking a shuttle to the top, then walk down, visiting the various exhibits as you go. Take time to map out your plan. There is a nursery, kitchen, and hospital, but each is not always open. People do get a little crazy to see the babies, and you might have to elbow your way into a viewing spot. Be patient.
I enjoyed visiting Swan Lake, where there is a population of black swans and hungry koi to feed, and where the outdoor Bamboo Restaurant dispenses simple inexpensive pleasures such as noodles and ice cream and provides umbrella-sheltered communal picnic tables. The Rose Garden Restaurant is more formal and surrounded by a large rose garden.
Swan Lake at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, ChinaA museum near the entrance includes an exhibit of China’s butterflies that is in dire need of refreshing.
butterfly exhibit at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, ChinaMy favorite souvenir was a pandemonium (the group noun for pandas) of tiny unstuffed soft pandas with magnets in their paws--perfect for hanging together or separately--perhaps from a refrigerator or on the top of a computer (that’s where mine reclines). Note that in the U.S., pandas are housed at zoos in Atlanta, Memphis, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.
panda souvenir from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, ChinaMore panda videos:
pandas eating bamboo
pandas doing what pandas do best
More things to do in Chengdu.
Things to do in China.
More China items.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images and videos ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
September 26, 2017
Sights to See: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace national historic site, NYC
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace national historic site 28 East 20th S., in Greenwich Village, by Gramercy Park, (212) 260-1616. Tu-Sat. Free. Guided tours only; at 10 & 11am & 1, 2, 3, $ 4 pm; maximum 18/tour. No reservations. No pets. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your intended tour of this 4-story, narrow Dutch brownstone townhouse, so that you can spend time perusing the displays on the ground floor--among them a sweet teddy bear exhibit and another of antique political cartoons--and view a short film on the life of Theodore Roosevelt. The 40-minute ranger-led tour will take you through the five recreated period rooms (the house was completely recreated in the 1920s) on two floors of this house where Roosevelt lived until he was 14 (the fourth floor is now used as offices). Rooms are dark and cool, which is especially nice on a warm NYC summer day. About 60% of the furnishings are original to the house, but most of the interior is recreated from descriptions. Though the house has large rooms and high ceilings, it is modest in size. The public entry now was originally the servants’ quarters. It is interesting to know that this house is the same era as the Merchant’s House Museum.
sign in the 23rd Street subway station, for Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYC
entrance to Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYC
teddy bear display at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYC
display at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYC
desk at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYC
bedroom at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYC
wallpaper detail at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in NYCMore small museums of NYC.
More things to do in NYC.
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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