Category Archives: Travel & Health

Beijing rivals today’s greatest capitals, on par with Moscow, London and Berlin. For its role as the host of the spectacular 2008 Summer Olympics, the city has been tremendously transformed, reflecting both its past greatness and future potential as the […] Read more »

(Continued) At the northern end of the square sits the imposing Tiananmen Gate or Gate of Heavenly Peace. For many Chinese people, this is still an important symbol of Beijing and indeed the whole of China. Five passages lead through […] Read more »

(Continued) The next day we took a drive out of the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, Wan Li Chang Cheng. It is unquestionably the single most important tourist attraction in all of China. It is impossible […] Read more »

(Continued) Although Communist China is officially non-religious, religion still plays a role in many people’s lives here. Daoism originated in China, but Confucianism, Buddhism and, to a lesser extent, Islam and Christianity are also part of China’s spiritual heritage. Buddhism […] Read more »

(Continued) Visiting the parks turned out to be the best place for some basic interaction with the local population. Everyone we met was extremely polite and welcoming. We were surprisingly free to take photographs and videos everywhere we went, including […] Read more »

(Continued) Although customs are changing rapidly, greetings don’t normally include handshakes. The Chinese prefer to bow or nod their heads. The demeanor at first encounters is respectful and almost solemn. Don’t expect broad smiles. The common greeting is “Have you […] Read more »

(Continued) Health and safety issues For foreigners, Beijing is a very safe place to visit. As long as you are accompanied by a licensed tour guide or are part of a tourist group, you should have no troubles getting around […] Read more »

Bhutan is an extraordinary travel destination by any measure. Some have called it the last Shangri-la. Others described the Bhutanese people as one of the last culturally intact societies. All who visit are bound to be mesmerized by the country’s […] Read more »