tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318069232024-03-14T03:49:56.321-04:00Observes From The Satelliteheavy metal, international travel, and half-assed Chinese cuisine, served irregularly.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.comBlogger638125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-89308892392788587252015-05-18T15:47:00.000-04:002015-05-18T15:48:48.327-04:00Cryptopsy with Disgorge, Erimha, Soreption, The Convalescence, and Parasitic Extirpation [Ralph's, Worcester, 5/14/2015]<br />
Having gotten turned back at the door for Saxon the night before, I was wary about going all the way out to Worcester for another ticketed event, but this bill was so fucking good that I couldn't, in good conscience, pass it up just out of pessimism. I headed out as early as I figured I could swing, and ended up at Ralph's about half an hour before official doors, where I blagged my way in for a modest premium on top of the advance price; nothing ventured, nothing gained, indeed.<br />
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Inside, this was set up along the back wall:<br />
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I could feel my wallet sublimating just standing there. With a large (indeed, larger then expected) number of touring bands, all of whom were at max merch selection (this was the first date of the tour), the impulse to get just damn everything needed a lot of active restraint to scale back to what my finances could survive. Same as ever.<br />
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Fortunately, in a world of ever-escalating beer prices, at Ralph's, Yosh will still twist you open a Gansett bottle for two-fifty, also same as ever. Non-band-preempting drink in hand, I tried to stay out of the way for a bit as Blue shuffled Parasitic's merch from one side of the front to the other, out of the way of both the touring bands and the audience, before the band went on, earlier than expected because the tour had expanded.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=3540258620">Parasitic Extirpation</a> [6/7]<br />
I hadn't seen Parasitic since <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/08/king-parrot-with-abolishment-of-flesh.html">last year</a>, which is not so bad considering that it's gotten to be multiple years between seeing good local bands lately. That was before <i>Putrid Crown</i> actually came out; on this gig, they basically read the record straight down, but closed covering "Maze of Torment" as well as the Carcass tune that's on the disc. I've seen better sets from them, but this was a pretty damn good one to be sure, despite the short and early slot, and laid down a marker for the touring portion of the bill.<br />
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Opening barrage.<br />
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Blue ripping on a sponsored axe; the guitarists in this band are some of the most particular and knowledgable gear heads in New England, so it was a little weird to see them wielding identical 7-strings, at least until you crack open the current EP and see that they're officially endorsing the maker.<br />
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<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/theconvalescence">The Convalescence</a> [5/7]<br />
This band satisfied the minimal standards of technical competence and execution to go on a national tour. Unfortunately for them on this gig, that national tour was not <i>this</i> national tour, where thoroughly interior death metal dudes are coming out to see Disgorge and Soreption and check whether Cryptopsy's gotten over the brainfart from the middle of the last decade and started being awesome again. Behemoth-lite black-death changed up with brutal hardcore, this Toledo outfit was about the dead-worst fit for this tour imaginable -- and I saw Seax opening for Engorged and Sapremia in this building <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2011/10/sapremia-with-engorged-avernus-ortus.html">a couple years ago</a>, so I have plenty of imagination for weird fits. The music was not <i>bad</i> as such, but the reaction -- yellow-shirted one-man moshpit aside -- was extremely tepid and got slacker the longer they continued going with their set. Metalfest was three weeks ago and like half a mile away; doing deathcore in corpsepaint in smaller spaces in New England is seldom going to get a positive reaction.<br />
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The Convalescence, before the paint came off; Ralph's is kind of hot normally, and standing on light-up boxes on top of that probably did not help them melting over the course of the set.<br />
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To a certain extent, I felt bad about not buying any of their stuff, since they do have to get to their next stop and nobody else here was going to buy anything off them. However, no bands tour because they have to; The Convalescence thought this tour was a good idea when they took it, and a couple dates of not getting paid because there is next to zero audience overlap between them and the headliners is a powerful inducement to check how good ideas actually are in the future. Also, they were selling branded hotsauce from their merch desk, and fuck that, seriously.<br />
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Soreption setting up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Soreption/88159">Soreption</a> [6.5/7]<br />
I had not seen or heard Soreption before; all I had going in were vague intimations of awesomeness, and the nagging suspicion that I knew Frederik from somewhere. I still haven't been able to place the second bit (probably a merch desk or infield bar somewhere in Europe, the dude is pretty distinctive-looking and Party.San gets in everyone from everywhere), but the first was blown up and completely burned down. Absurdly locked-in and run through with exactly the kind of early-'90s jazz influences that I moan about not hearing around any more, this was an excellent performance of excellent music, barely marred at all -- and at that, mostly by a complete mic drop-out for almost an entire song that was really out of the band's control. This gig ran the full range of brutal death metal varieties from Disgorge's direct if constrained slams to this ceaseless technicality, but those who would be smashing dudes in half in two more sets were equally as dialed in and thrashing out for Soreption. Excellent band, excellent set; it hurts to get old and not learn about bands like this for a while, but when you do end up getting into them, that wasted time starts to matter less.<br />
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Ripping up the crowd.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Erimha/3540335608">Erimha</a> [5.5/7]<br />
This showed that the little things still matter, and that fitting exactly into a predefined range on a tour is neither necessary nor sufficient for getting a good reaction. Despite looking like third-wave crust hoboes, and following on a bill where The Convalescence had gotten golf-clapped for everything short of announcing that they were going to stop, Erimha delivered a solid outing of melodic but not completely trend black metal to a decently good reaction from the crowd. There's definitely some room for improvement here, both in execution and in the diversification and development of their sound, but there are decent foundations here -- and enough Dissection twinges floating in from the edges of the Dimmu Borgir to give the hope that that promise is going to be delivered on.<br />
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Erimha jamming themselves to acceptance.<br />
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On full hobo power, but probably still not going to get any shine from brooklynvegan.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Disgorge/326">Disgorge</a> [6.5/7]<br />
Due to a problem with the DIs for what looked like was probably the drum triggers, Disgorge got a later than expected start; because of this, and because this tour was trying to pack six bands into what was initially booked as a five-band slotting, they got cut off a little earlier than they expected to. That was not real cool, but the whole time that they were actually, like, <i>playing</i> was another thing entirely. Because I don't go out to shows that much any more, I can't accurately comment on how violent the pit was relative to the normal run of death metal shows here, but it was pretty damn violent among those that I can remember, at least; without gimmicks, but with so many slams being dished out that no gimmicks were necessary. Abstractly, I'd've liked to get the full-length, full-content set that Disgorge prepared for this tour and were planning to play here, but the Disgorge that we did get was pretty fucking good, and they were able to squeeze one song's worth of encore in before the need to set up for Cryptopsy cut them off for real.<br />
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Angel roars for violence.<br />
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In this break I picked up my Disgorge merch and let Mark bark me into the new <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Composted/3540265509">Composted</a> record, which is finally out and goddamn hilarious. Hopefully, I'll see them out here with Deceased before heading off to the east, but from the last year, I've learned how futile it is to commit to going to shows in advance.<br />
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No peeking while Cryptopsy sets up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Cryptopsy/17">Cryptopsy</a> [6/7]<br />
Things had been pretty full all the way through, but with the headliners finally up, it got ridiculous, and I shifted way, way, the hell to the back. I was unsure what to expect, but Flo has done most of a(nother) complete bandectomy relative to the <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Cryptopsy/The_Unspoken_King/193915">wack 2008 incident</a> that -- in fairness combined with Kataklysm's <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Kataklysm/In_the_Arms_of_Devastation/104180">contemporaneous if less egregious sellout</a> -- soured a lot of people on Cryptopsy, and the resulting lineup both held up the older material to nearly classic standard and made a strong argument for a return to form with the new stuff. The <i>...Suffering</i> material is not going to catch <i>Whisper Supremacy</i> or <i>None So Vile</i> in the public imagination, but it's still pretty good, cool for us here at this gig to get, effectively, its public premiere, and definitely a hell of a lot better than anyone was expecting from new Cryptopsy seven years ago.<br />
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Matt gets the crowd going, or at least the front of the crowd.<br />
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With a full work day coming, I nabbed the most recent record Cryptopsy had available on their merch desk as soon as the band finished, then beat feet the hell out down to the Pike. Coming back wasn't too bad, and as can be seen, I got this turned around relatively quickly thanks to a relatively quiet on-call stand. There are shows on the calendar in the near future, but this is a tight time of year for me, and I've got another on-call in another two weeks that's probably going to block out Aborted, which is going to suck.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-49480317575665209712015-05-11T09:28:00.001-04:002015-05-11T09:28:40.625-04:00Kamelot with Dragonforce [Worcester Palladium, 5/1/2015]<br />
Through a nefarious combination of work/on-call, study commitment, and slowly but surely turning into <a href="http://thehardtimes.net/2015/05/01/old-school-guy-doesnt-plan-fun-tonights-show/">this dude</a>, I had not really been to a show in a while, though not quite as long as it looks on here -- I was at Onslaught in November and Dark Tranquillity back in January, but both of those got boxed out as a result of delays around a writeup of Argentina/Uruguay that ended up not getting posted because I didn't do anything especially adventurous in the week I was there. I do go to shows now and again, or at least try to, and I'm not completely retired yet; this show though, in all honesty, does have kind of a refamiliarization-tutorial feel about it.<br />
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After slinging my work stuff in the trunk and heading straight out on the Pike, I got in (modulo the usual weekend traffic) right about doors, to boggle at a line-up that ran all the way down the block and around the club the next street over from the Centrum. These are kind of mass bands, and this gig was booked into the much larger downstairs, and on a Friday at that, but despite this it's still weird to come in from the outside (or up from the underground, whichever), and see how popular this kind of music remains. Yes, there were a lot of kids there, but the Palladium doesn't do concessions pricing; <i><b>someone</b></i>, at least, put up thirty bucks a head, minimum, to get them through the door.<br />
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Popular as it was, though, this wasn't a sellout, and I was easily able to buy in at the window and get through security with a minimum of hassle as the line of prepaids inched along the far side of the building. Once inside, I nabbed a beer with ease and went down a couple levels to wait out the lack of local openers. I can see the argument that most of the audience would not have been interested, and cynically must note that this tour was popular enough to reliably meet guarantees and other operating costs without resorting to p2p bullshit, but $30 and go up on day-of is a pretty big ticket, and there was easily enough latency for a single 30-minute set without disturbing either set times or prep times for the touring bands.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/DragonForce/2289">Dragonforce</a> [6.5/7]<br />
They acknowledged, midway through the set, that this building was the site of their first US gig (<a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2006/07/new-england-metal-hardcore-festival.html">Metalfest 2006</a>), and while it's certainly possible (and, indeed, wicked easy) to look at how little they've changed since then, it's also valid to acknowledge what has changed. Though the crowd here skewed younger, there were fewer prop weapons than you'd get on an average "pagan metal" gig these days, and also the persistent sense that these are all metal fans -- yes, young, green, and power-metal-liking metal fans, but metal fans nonetheless. The emos and posers who were into Dragonforce ironically ten years ago are no longer into Dragonforce ironically, and they're no longer prominent enough to profit from current waves of unserious pisstakers: against all indications from their early days, Dragonforce has become a for-serious actual metal band, playing metal for metal fans. Yes, it is frequently silly metal, and they're obviously having fun with it and not afraid to take the piss out of themselves, but it's done with professionalism and at a high execution level. There's not a whole lot of difference between Dragonforce on record in 2000 and in 2014, but Dragonforce playing live in 2015 is a hell of a lot more able to actually execute that material live than they were in, say, <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2006/07/wacken-2005-part-iii-saturday-or-time.html">2005</a>, with a vocalist who can hit all his marks live and roadies who can keep Sam's guitars in tune for more than a song at a time. This was a fun set from a talented bunch of guys, and if you had to laugh at a couple points, at least you weren't wincing.<br />
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In the break I put down for the new record and some gear for overseas use, then got my order misheard at the bar and ended up with a much better Gansett at a negligible premium:<br />
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The basic pisslager from this brewery is pricing in at six bucks for a pint can here now, which is verging on outright robbery when they have the seasonals/collabs in stock for six-and-six-bits in the same size. Probably the best kept secret in New England beer is "Narragansett specials are actually worth the money you pay for them"; normal Gansett lager remains a perfectly functional <i>Saufenbier</i>, but at this long since the brewery revived and started putting out excellent limited variations, you've got to suspect that people are deliberately not informing others about it in order to hog more for themselves.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Kamelot/166">Kamelot</a> [6/7]<br />
I've seen this band a <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2008/08/wacken-open-air-2008-on-turning-page-of.html">couple</a> <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2008/11/kamelot-with-edguy-and-hypersolid.html">times</a> <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/09/euro-tour-2010-part-6-sun-was-in-my.html">in the past</a>, but never been terribly impressed or convinced; this was a better performance and a bigger set than any of those, but it still doesn't really turn the corner for me. I feel this way about Dream Theater and to a sightly lesser extent Symphony X as well; self-consciously progressive bands in this vein for whatever reason just don't hit the right notes, despite my well-documented insatiable appetite for <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/09/gorguts-with-sexcrement-nemecide.html">any</a> <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/10/gigan-with-phantom-glue-odiusembowel.html">kind</a> of <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/04/aborted-with-pyrexia-totality-and.html">brain</a>-<a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/04/master-with-hate-storm-annihilation.html">bent</a> <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/07/blog-post.html">noise</a> that comes with a <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/08/summer-slaughter-2014-dying-fetus-with.html">blastbeat</a> and <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/08/king-parrot-with-abolishment-of-flesh.html">gurgling vocals</a>. This was a well-done and enjoyable, high-production values performance; those who came for Kamelot definitely got their money's worth, and those who were still in the building because hell, they paid already, why not got another set of proggy power metal that truthfully didn't lose a whole lot to the openers in the process of staying completely serious all the way through.<br />
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After a single encore, the lights went up on schedule (sure, it's a weekend night, but that doesn't change the audience's transportation-access options any...), and with a modest push I was able to get back home shortly after midnight. Work and other stuff will make the next six weeks a little complicated, but I should be able to skim the time for Saxon, if not Cryptopsy as well, before I have to go back on call again.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-11105154230896027792014-09-22T09:44:00.001-04:002014-09-22T09:45:15.044-04:00Crowbar with Revocation, Havok, Fit For An Autopsy, Armed for the Apocalypse and My Missing Half [Worcester Palladium, 9/16/2014]<br />
Somehow, the rolling disaster ongoing at work over the past two weeks mostly resolved itself, or at least the part I was working on, in time to head out early to Worcester for this one. Despite a lot of blandishments about lane closures, I managed to get out in decent order and get in shortly after nominal doors to an empty venue; this would be a lot easier if they'd foregone the local opener for a bill that was already five bands deep, but the subtleties of venue operation are not within the areas of my expertise. This didn't matter, of course, to normal people who were going to skip the local openers anyway, but I continue to show up early by nature, and I might as well give new bands a fair shake while I'm there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/My_Missing_Half/3540358875">My Missing Half</a> [4/7]<br />
"Fair shakes", though, must coexist with "high standards", given that there is a lot of good local music in this area, and by those standards, this set shook out to about replacement level. It wasn't really <i>bad</i> per se, and they had problems with the mix like basically every band would on the night, from nearly everywhere on the floor, but the overwhelming indication is that this band is already at their ceiling, and that ceiling is "passionately mediocre". There's definitely an audience for rehashed NWOSDM with reheated aspirational post-rock breaks, but the supply of that music is still at saturation levels, and these guys are not close to being or developing into a best-of-breed at it. This was indicated by the sparse crowd's lukewarm reaction to them, not just my old-guy grumping, but this is, perversely, probably a good thing: if you take a bath on tickets, as one suspects this band did, you will do it exactly once when you figure out the "exposure" con, and refocus on improving to the point where promoters pay <i>you</i> to play shows, rather than the other way around.<br />
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My Missing Half in a room half-full.<br />
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In this break, you can jam out to Thin Lizzy's "Waiting For An Alibi" while waiting for A4A to start, because this is a thing that happened at the gig as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Armed_for_Apocalypse/3540290294">Armed For Apocalypse</a> [5.5/7]<br />
From the band's name, initial press, and merch designs, I was more than a little skeptical about what we were going to get from them. Fortunately, this surface stuff was all predictable side effects of coming out of Cali; the guitarist's <a href="http://reproacher.bandcamp.com/">Reproacher</a> shirt was a much better contraindication. Of all the openers, they were probably the most consistent with the headliners, laying out a gravelling fusion of doom and grind that didn't get nearly the floor response that it ought've. Blame the first couple pit ninjas for scaring people, blame the thrash-revival kids here for Havok for not getting into anything without a polka beat, blame yourself and your old beat-up knees for not getting stuck in and doing something about it yourself. Many of the people who would be especially into this music are not likely to have been at a Palladium show on a Tuesday, though; hopefully these guys will come back, in a smaller room closer to the coast (whether Boston or Providence) and give that audience a shot as well.<br />
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Armed For Apocalypse, committed to crushing.<br />
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In this break I picked up another beer, and also the A4A record; it's not quite as good as their live stuff, but it's smaller than and not as noisomely-designed as their shirts, and a good pick to support a good band for a good set.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/FitForAnAutopsyOfficial">Fit For An Autopsy</a> [5/7]<br />
They've changed singers for a more Crowbar-consistent model (not just more massive, dude also has a huge black fleur-de-lis on the inside of his arm) since the <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2012/06/worcester-death-fest-worcester.html">last time</a> I saw them in this building, but this is about all that's changed: FFAA remains in their groove of grooving brootal slam khed death metal, and almost quite as Jersey as it is possible to be. This remains good, moshable, slamming music, entirely within itself and not pretending or aspiring to anything different. I tend to like more challenging death metal, especially in its more brutal forms, but there's nothing wrong with half an hour of this stuff to get the pit swirling.<br />
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Fit For An Autopsy pump up the slams.<br />
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Running low on cash, I decided to get the last bit of my merch done before I completely drank up the rest of my wallet, and headed up to nab a Revocation shirt and what turned out to be a preorder card for <i>Deathless</i>: the actual album isn't out for another month, but for the low price of $10 and a burner email address to throw in Metal Blade's marketing DB, you can get it shipped straight to your door. This is a kind of leveled-up version of what <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Hessian/3540309643">Hessian</a> (and probably others) were DIYing since <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/04/hessian-with-axe-ripper-seax-and.html">a while back</a>, and it's still cool in the corporate form, with the main part of the album art fitting pretty well into the oblong form factor.<br />
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This in turn led to the stupid gonfallon moment of the night, as the Havok guys happened to strike this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rloidlFbi4w">immortal intro</a> while checking/tuning up, and exactly on cue, Phil (out for "2 tours" with a busted arm), Revocation's merch guy, and I all simultaneously yelled "THERE GOES THA NEIGHBAHOOOD!" to the surprise and confusion of the younger fans ahead of me in line, most of whom probably had not had an obsessive steeping in the many varieties of '90s thrash. A gonfallon is not really a real association, but social signifiers are still social signifiers: in this case, that older metalheads are <i>fucking weird</i>. BODY BODY COUNT BODY MOTHAFUCKIN COUNT.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Havok/34723">Havok</a> [5.5/7]<br />
Though the audience trolled them a little less than the <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2011/11/exhumed-with-goatwhore-havok-and.html">last time</a> I saw them up here, Havok's output was mostly the same: high-quality but still pretty predictable thrash revival that colors within the lines drawn for them by the Big 4. Good music remains good, and they got probably the second strongest floor response, but the 'revival' aspect of the music is the most problematic part of thrash revival: too many bands restrict themselves too rigorously, and end up doing something barely distinguishable from <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Nuclear_Assault/121">Nuclear Assault</a> cosplay, playing originals barely separable from covers. Havok is one of the better band still operating in this style, and this was a good set, but they still haven't broken completely free of the revival tropes.<br />
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If the kids in <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Lich_King/75426">Lich King</a> shirts continue to dig them, though, there's no reason why Havok should have to change to suit the whims of some old kuttentraeger. And it's not like the personally more interesting, more developed, more diverse thrash of the 1990s was going to go unrepresented here, vice...<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Revocation/78107">Daveocation</a> [5.5/7]<br />
Ok, that is not fair. In real terms, Brent and Dan are full members of the band, and for real this was 3/4 of Revocation, 1/4 emergency patch for yet another bite from the injury bug, and a good, solid set of mostly-new material (we got two or three off <i>Deathless</i>, the material selection being driven partly by the coming release, partly because the live drummer can't be expected to know "Chainsaw Sacrifice Ritual" because people who saw these guys in VFWs a decade ago are yelling for it) that nearly won the battle with the mixing board. Revocation have done better sets, and will do better with this lineup on other dates; it's just that weight of memory that has old campaigners looking at this and seeing Dave Davidson doing Joe Satriani. This is now, though, not then, and this is Revocation as they actually are -- and surprise, the band is still a top-class death-thrash metal outfit that remains inspired by the stuff we were getting from the likes of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Demolition_Hammer/1161">Demolition Hammer</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Coroner/117">Coroner</a> at the turn of the 1990s, but not so thoroughly attached to revivalism as to limit themselves off from other influences. We don't get as much live Revocation around Boston as we used to, but more surely than the other touring bands, they'll be back sooner rather than later, and still turning out cool, brutal, continually-evolving music.<br />
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Revocation melting faces off.<br />
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Crowbar [6/7]<br />
While they weren't actually, per their hype earlier in the night, the heaviest band ever (and not just due to reductions in <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20030108013556/http://www.infernalcombustion.com/Issue21/fatbands.htm">average member mass</a>, though this is also a good thing for people interested in another 25 years of Crowbar), there was no need for them to be, boiling and churning out a thick set of absolutely hypnotizing sludge metal to an almost fully packed room. I've not, historically, been really into Crowbar, but this was an excellent set even for me, and of course much more for the more committed fans, even if crowdsurfers were occasionally washing over them even down at the back end of the bar. With 25 years of history to get through, the band kept it pretty tight, clicking on for a good hour or so and keeping the latency between the end of that set and the start of the obligatory encore to a minimum. Quality, front to back.<br />
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Kirk and Matt, bringing the pain.<br />
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When the lights went on for real, I beat feet and managed to get back home in pretty good order, despite more than a few lane closures on various highways; that's a Tuesday for you. Unfortunately, work turned into a full-on shitshow for the rest of the week, which is why this is so late. Next gig, if I don't end up going out to see Prong, probably isn't until the middle of next month, and that's dependent on an on-call schedule that isn't set in stone yet. If it's not one thing, it's another.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-22513992379450407942014-08-19T11:12:00.000-04:002014-08-19T11:12:41.165-04:00Hexis with Plebeian Grandstand [Spotlight, Beverly, 8/16/2014]<br />
Despite the strain and liver commitments of the fitba season kickoff, I managed to get out of the bar and sobered up in time to drive on back up to my old home town for what promised to be a fairly odd show. With what appeared to be plenty of time, I stowed my car in one of the many practically-free lots ($0.25/hour, not enforced after 5 pm) between Cabot and Rantoul Streets, then hiked over to get some good, fairly-cheap Indian food at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/anmol-beverly">Anmol</a> before going the last block up to the bar. This was only a little after five, the initially-declared doors, but the bands had been pushed earlier (to avoid conflicts with the Black Light Body Paint Experience party kicking off at 7) and I missed <a href="http://reproacher.bandcamp.com/">Reproacher</a> and the very start of Plebeian Grandstand coming inside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Plebeian_Grandstand/3540378315">Plebeian Grandstand</a> [5/7]<br />
What I did see of Plebeian, though, was a strong vindication of the decision to come up for the gig. There's a lot of different ways you can do third-wave black metal, but the way that they do it is unadorned, direct, and kvlt, picking up a lot more from <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Leviathan/9562">Leviathan</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Striborg/16746">Striborg</a> than the likes of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Alcest/19701">Alcest</a>. They had some electronics out of a sample box, and more than a few hardcore touches around the grimy edges of their sound, but this is a legit black metal band, and a pretty good one at that.<br />
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Plebeian Grandstand raging under Christmas lights.<br />
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In the break I got a Shiner, talked with some old friends, including on the topic "it is so damn weird to see touring bands in this bar", and did a first-run merch grab that included making sure I got something out of Reproacher, at least, before settling back for Hexis.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Hexis/3540341859">Hexis</a> [5/7]<br />
Direct, intense, and violent, Hexis pounded out a straight-ahead set of relentless blackened hardcore that turned the flip side of what Plebeian Grandstand were doing. This was necessarily a little less diverse, but still excellent in quality, and in a region that's produced <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Morne/3540257571">Morne</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Trap_Them/3540267275">Trap Them</a>, it's kind of a shame that they weren't able to get in front of a larger audience at the likes of Anchors Up or the Democracy Center. Those who were there, though, got a kickass set, and one that still got out with the sun up.<br />
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After nabbing one CD and a pin -- they were sold out of the other they brought across, so I'll probably have to dig it up on bandcamp or something -- I headed out to meet up with my youngest brother and find something else to do, it still being damn early. This, hopefully, will become less irregular in the future: the somewhat over-the-top local boosterism in the intro aside, Spotlight (which used to be the Overtime the<a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/05/autumn-above-with-obsidian-divide-and.html"> last time</a> I saw metal bands there) is not a bad place for a show, and Beverly is not a bad town to see gigs in. While the room setup is weird and they don't clear enough tables out to get to a decent capacity, the Spotlight is about as big as Roggie's (off the list, probably, due to legal problems) or O'Brien's pre-renovation and definitely viable for DIY touring or local shows in that capacity. As regards transit, Beverly has better rail access than any other town on the northern 128 belt (the Depot gets every train on both the Newburyport and Rockport lines) and better highway access than any other town on the commuter rail (62 drops you right in downtown, and there are all those practically-free lots). It's not better than Anchors Up or Sammy's Patio -- both larger rooms with a larger built-in local audience -- but depending on your access method it may be easier to get to, and it's realistically better than the likes of Champions or random metal-detected nightclubs in Saugus as far as second-tier venues between Boston and the NH border go. Spotlight is making a decent fist of it as a music venue mostly on the back of cover bands and college-town dynamics (there is an art school downtown, and a preppy SLAC for academically-disadvantaged children of financially-gifted parents out on the fringes), but it's not impossible that they might get decent shows on a semi-regular basis going forward.<br />
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Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-91742833192828472082014-08-15T16:23:00.000-04:002014-08-15T16:23:02.545-04:00King Parrot with Abolishment of Flesh and Parasitic Extirpation [Ralph's, Worcester, 8/14/2014]<br />
The lack of coordination between "appealing Metal Thursday shows" and "weeks I'm not on call" over the last year has left me still not 100 percent sure of how to Ralph's from my current apartment, so for this one I got a little later of a start out than I'd've liked to, but it was clean sailing until the point where MassDOT decided for whatever reason to effectively close the Pike westbound. This added a little delay, but it was only like a mile and a half from the last neckdown to the 290 exit, and I got up to Ralph's about in normal time. It turned out, though, that this was actually with ample time to spare, because <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Beyond_Creation/3540316039">Beyond Creation</a> hadn't gotten down from Canada yet, and this show was going to go on with only three bands. There was still some time before Parasitic went on, so I finished my beer, and tried, at least for the time being, to refrain from <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/">BUY ALL OF THE DEATH METAL!</a> This would mostly end up happening anyway, but I already have far too many shirts, and need to be better about not buying stuff that's going to immediately head for the discard pile.<br />
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Jim goes all-digital on kicks. Since bass drums are among the more cumbersome things a band has to lug around, it makes sense to go smaller (since there's really nothing you're going to be able to do about guitar/bass cabs, the other big offenders), and in a slammy technical context like this where you're going to be using a lot of triggers anyway, it makes even more sense to skip the head damage and just play the trigger out into the PA when you hit it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=3540258620">Parasitic Extirpation</a> [6.5/7]<br />
On this avalanching sample, Parasitic is completely back -- and likely has been there for a while, given that I haven't seen this band since <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2012/03/parasitic-extirpation-with-blessed.html">goddamn forever</a>, shortly after they swapped out 3/5 members. The pretaste we got of their coming EP (slated for sometime this fall) shows the band taking another determined step forward, but the <i>Casketless</i> material filling the bulk of the set was similarly delivered, continuing to pile technicality on relentless technicality, and tuned up and arranged to hit even harder than it does on record. All in all, an excellent set from an excellent band, and hopefully more to come.<br />
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With only three bands and a not-super-delayed start, the set changes were quick, aided by partial backlining between Abolishment and King Parrot, and so soon enough the music was going again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Abolishment_of_Flesh/3540353437">Abolishment of Flesh</a> [6/7]<br />
I hadn't seen this band before, but had been kind of peripherally aware of them, cobilled on western fests/shows with bands from this region that I follow more closely. This was an impressive New England debut; pounding, fairly technical death metal with fewer slams than might be anticipated in these days of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Devourment/818">Devourment</a>/<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Insidious_Decrepancy/2153">Insidious Decrepancy</a>-style TXDM, and more of the brutal melodics and riff structures that you'd get from the likes of Immolation or older Hypocrisy. There wasn't as much floor motion as they'd probably have liked, without the familiarity factor of Parasitic or the total insanity that King Parrot would release, but this was still a good, strong set, and it still got a good, strong reception from the audience.<br />
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Abolishment as they kick it off.<br />
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A little clearer, as Ramon's standing still for the moment to do some vocals.<br />
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Reid and some two-handed tapping; between him and Damon, there was a lot of good technical four-string bassplaying going on over the first two bands, which, for <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/">bass nerds</a> in the audience, may almost have made up for the lack of Forest Lapointe.<br />
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In the second and last break, I got a last beer -- Gansetts are not exactly trippels, and King Parrot was going to play a long set -- and did nearly all of my merch, which ended up less than desired as Parasitic had run out of "Icon of Torment" shirts in sizes larger than Medium, and while I'm not quite as large as I've been in the recent past, getting down to a Medium is probably not going to happen, like, ever. Still, I secured a patch, the King Parrot full-length, and NEARLY ALL OF THE DEATH METAL that Abolishment had along; a good haul that did not leave me completely broke even as it armored up my pockets for the pit to come.<br />
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Youngy stares off at the first row as King Parrot sets up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/King_Parrot/3540341718">King Parrot</a> [7/7]<br />
There is high intensity, and then there is King Parrot level. You expect (or ought to) after <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Blood_Duster/177">Blood Duster</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/The_Berzerker/827">The Berzeker</a> (alums of both of whom have been in this band at various points), that Australian grindcore is going to be completely rammed to 11 all the time, but such expectations aren't always delivered, nor delivered to the level that has several members of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Demoralizer/3540341806">Demoralizer</a> simultaneously crowdsurfing in a sub-100-capacity venue. This set delivered not only mile-a-minute devastation and high-quality sleaze weirdness, but also the first wall of death I've participated in at Ralph's and probably the most stagediving this venue has ever seen for a single show since, um, it is a bar and not a regular host to youthcrew shows that will have a lot of stagediving in a room this small. It was hell of fun, and nobody got a hospitalization-level injury from a close encounter with one of the steel support poles, making this an unambiguous success. The touring part of this bill is hooking up with Origin (and, hopefully, Beyond Creation) for a run of a couple weeks that may turn out better, generally, than this gig, but this was a fucking amazing set to tie off a class night any way you slice it.<br />
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King Parrot set this shit <i>off</i>.<br />
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After the lights went on and King Parrot started breaking down their shit, I went back and grabbed one of their shirts -- if you think there's a better catchphrase than "I'm not here to fuck spiders, mate", guess what, you're wrong -- and then headed out, an easy ride with minimal construction that got me home in time to get rested enough that I could bust this out without delay. The weekend is going to be mostly fitba, with the Prem kickoff consuming most of the mornings, but there's also a bizarre-ass matinee black metal show in my home town that I'd like to get up to: bands from France, Denmark, and Wyoming in a bar that my high school friends' cover bands play like three nights a week. We'll see if I can get up for that -- and if it ends up happening, and if it is not absolutely the weirdest thing to occur in said building.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-40508089960341768822014-08-12T14:55:00.000-04:002014-08-12T14:55:17.483-04:00Summer Slaughter 2014 - Dying Fetus with The Faceless, Thy Art Is Murder, Goatwhore, Origin, Decrepit Birth, Within the Ruins, Fallujah, Boreworm and Reborn Divided [Worcester Palladium, 8/9/2014]<br />
Since for once I wasn't on call for a major tour, I bit down on the high door price and the large number of bands I wasn't particularly interested in and headed out for this one; it's no Party.San, and missing <a href="http://www.party-san.de/bands-2014/running-order-2014/">Benediction</a> was probably the biggest price I paid for the China thing, but there were still a lot of quality bands on this bill, and it's not like there was much else going on. Despite the usual midday tie-up on the pike, I got over about half an hour after doors, got in and through, and did some merch and got a beer while waiting for the bands to start.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Reborndivided">Reborn Divided</a> [3.5/7]<br />
I could have waited a little longer. These guys opened up the downstairs with a preschool-level set of My First Deathcore, about five songs with two compositional ideas at one (pointlessly slow) tempo. This is not the worst band I've seen in this room, and the score improved a little when the drummer showed in the last song that yes, he was capable of playing a blastbeat, but it was pretty fucking bad -- like "a bad version of ten-year-old Acacia Strain B-sides" bad. I tried for most of their set to find something else redeeming, or that would indicate that there was some potential for improvement, but...just...nothing. No key changes. No tempo changes outside of a couple ten-second blast sections. No special technical competence from the instrumentalists, and no particularly appealing breakdowns: you don't need to do either or both, especially in deathcore, but if you can't solo, you better have some good breakdowns, and vice versa. Nothing. Whether due to excessive self-satisfaction or simple lack of ability, this band is probably at their ceiling and can be safely disregarded until such time as they can find professionals to say nice things about them.<br />
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Feeling fairly confirmed about what kind of things can be expected to happen when I go to larger tours, I went back, grabbed another beer, and got down in time for the next band up. I could probably have tried harder to see the upstairs as well, but there wasn't, like, a fairly obvious running order posted anywhere -- one sheet with times on it taped in a forest of posters next to each of the staircases from the lobby to the downstairs, that's it -- and I wasn't really looking out for any of the local openers. The good ones, I'll see at some point on a local show; the less good ones, I won't waste time and the chance of missing Decrepit Birth on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Boreworm/3540364825">Boreworm</a> [5/7]<br />
The other Battle-for-Summer-Slaughter winner on the bill (Reborn Divided placed between first and third at the first round of regionals in <a href="https://phillymetal.com/topics/Feb_19_At_Champs">Trenton back in February</a>, which is a hell of a thing to have to put in your press kit, and an additional reminder that the "wisdom of crowds" depends pretty heavily on the composition of those crowds), Boreworm won the final to go from southeast Michigan to the whole national tour, and to their credit held their end up with a pretty good set of brutal death metal flavored with post-metal bits. Though the next time they come around, they're more likely to be at Ralph's, they commanded the large stage well and gave the audience a good time; you can ask more from openers, but not realistically expect much more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Fallujah/3540255104">Fallujah</a> [6/7]<br />
I had low to no expectations of this band, based on mostly national press and the fact that most of the bands who play Summer Slaughter, I tend not to like too much. They completely blew those expectations away with a solid, crushing set of quality brutal death metal leavened with space-influenced tech breaks; more <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Obscura/63100">Obscura</a> than Decrepit Birth, but Decrepit Birth was kind of already playing this show also, and Obscura wasn't -- and in any case, more quality death metal never goes amiss. If you're also an old crank who tends to give new bands a miss for no real reason, this tour -- loaded with old known-good bands -- is an excellent opportunity to remind yourself that newer music does not necessarily suck, and that some of this stuff is pretty damn good.<br />
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Afterwards, I tried to buy their new record off the merch stand, but rather than pay for vinyl to get snapped in half during the coming Decrepit Birth/Origin rail stand, I ended up with the old one, which I didn't have yet either. Retail is still a thing occasionally, right? I can just go to a store and get physical music, right? Maybe not; only about three bands had records on their merch tables, a clear sign that digital delivery is dominating physical music generally and CD format in particular straight out of existence. Whether bought on Itunes or boosted on bittorrent, the assumption is that the audience here is pulling the music out of the ether, and lugging physical copes around is wasted van space that can't be used for shirts, which people <i>are</i> going to buy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Within_the_Ruins/107168">Within the <strike>Flames</strike>Ruins</a> [5/7]<br />
As an old North Shore head, it is good to see that Gothenchusetts is still a thing. It is less good to see that it is this <i>silly</i> of a thing, loaded with decade-old tropes and rounded out with electro shadings that make it seem like this band should be opening the <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Crossfaith/3540280717">Crossfaith</a> tour in a couple months, but I'm not really the audience for this band. People who are still in the age bracket that I was in when <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Life_in_Vain/5837">Life In Vain</a> was the greatest thing to ever happen to a VFW will find these guys less silly, less cheesy, and a whole lot more fun to get in the pit for, which is kind of the point of this music. This is not old-dude-in-armored-jacket music, but it is an enjoyable way to pass the time between heavier bands.<br />
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A last beer, and I hit the front; Decrepit Birth into Origin was kind of mostly why I came out for this, and if I can't do two sets' worth of rail stand, I should really stop going to shows altogether.<br />
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Decrepit Birth setting up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Decrepit_Birth/916">Decrepit Birth</a> [6.5/7]<br />
You can pick points with this set. The only one that matters is that it was on a super-package tour, and thus had to stop at some point. When Decrepit Birth is on like this, there is not ever really <i>enough</i> Decrepit Birth, only varying degrees of "not enough"; this was "not enough", true, but it was a good, long deep toke of "not enough", technical, melodic, floor-churning, brutal, and mind-expanding in the way that the best death metal is. With the short set time as a constraint, the band kept the pedal down all the way through, and the results were pretty fucking impressive, holding the entire hall rapt straight on to the end. Excellent.<br />
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Bill roaring away; the clouds of smoky haze are exactly what you think they are. There were technically some other pictures, but they came out even less than these did.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Origin/79">Origin</a> [7/7]<br />
As they've been in the past, Origin set off an explosion of brutal, hyperblasting death metal that made no compromises and barely stopped over the full runtime. With the larger stage and larger floor, there was also enough room for Jason to bust out a couple of the old <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Skinless/820">Skinless</a> Stupid Mosh Tricks; they needed more time for actual music, so there was no <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2007/05/metalfest-nemhf-report.html">Tsunami or Zombie Wall</a>, but Jason remains the one guy who can plausibly get people to do a silent Wall of Death, and Origin one of the few bands where this is a better idea than trying to go on the music. As expected, the floor was a sea of violence for most of the set, contested only by the even less inhibited violence coming out of the PA. Surgical precision, devastating results: death metal does not really get much better.<br />
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At this point I was done for a while -- until Dying Fetus and the decision whether or not to stick for Morbid Angel -- so I got some food and moved back a ways to see the next couple bands.<br />
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Goatwhore [5/7]<br />
Exactly as expected, Goatwhore continues to be as they have been since they succeeded Krisiun as the <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20021228100023/http://www.infernalcombustion.com/Issue12/krisiun.htm">default opening band</a> on every show: attempting, with intermediate success, to follow up "...Black Sun Cult". They played this song second, but might as well have played it in every other slot as well, since it is quite literally all they have, a conclusion that grows more and more obvious with every passing year. It's a good song. Copying it on every other song has gotten them to be an acceptable 1349 ersatz. But there's still nothing in this set to indicate this band is ever going to do anything different, or ever get any better than "good enough".<br />
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I got another beer, and since the lower hall was getting fuller, changed sides before the next band.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Thy_Art_Is_Murder/3540316559">Thy Art Is Murder</a> [5.5/7]<br />
For a poing-by-numbers deathcore band, these guys were all right, and kept a pretty good sense of humor through the set. Their music's well-executed, but not really memorable, the point of it being mostly to have something going on audially so dudes can jump up and down in time. There are better bands from Australia, but not many that are both better and so perfectly pitched to this tour's expected audience.<br />
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One last beer -- it was becoming clearer that I probably wasn't going to stick around for Morbid Angel, and I needed to dry out a little -- and it was back down, getting a decent place that I could also keep for Dying Fetus.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/The_Faceless/74954">The Faceless</a> [5.5/7]<br />
This was a pretty good outing from a band that I habitually ignore; good, but not disruptively so to the degree that I'd actually develop an interest. Their take on death metal is well-worked and usually interesting, but a lot of their more melodic or prog parts are a lot better in conception than in execution -- especially the ones that call for clean vocals from the guitarist, who either is really not capable of doing them at all, or needs to invest in a working in-ear monitor ASAP, rather than soldier on with one that's obviously broken. They're still a good time overall, though, and still continuing to develop and do different things while keeping a good baseline of brutality, so I'm going to continue to make sure to see them when they're inevitably on another festival/tour that I'm going to see other bands at.<br />
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Dying Fetus [6.5/7]<br />
This is probably not the best set I've seen from Dying Fetus; that honor will probably end up going to the gig <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2008/09/carcass-with-suffocation-necrophagist.html">a couple years</a> back with Carcass, but it was pretty damn close. Ceaselessly explosive and exactly on point for a good, full, set that could easily have gone on like half an hour longer without any complaints, they pounded the crowd into small pieces and kept on hitting. For those who, like me, were going to end up bailing rather than sticking around to see how much <i>Illuderp</i> material Morbid Angel was going to try to get away with, this was an excellent headlining set from an excellent band. For those who were going to stick around and hope that the headliners were going to pretend that the twenty years since <i>Domination </i>didn't actually happen, this was a hell of a mark for them to come up to.<br />
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After Dying Fetus, as alluded to, I headed up and out, accompanied by more people than I was really expecting. I don't think it's the wheels coming off for Morbid Angel, not really, but this was a pretty good tour from about 1600 to 2100, dudes were exhausted, the kids who came for the metalcore had a curfew, the diehards all saw Morbid in Boston back in November under better circumstances, and their last album is a steaming turd. I've seen enough Morbid Angel festival sets, and don't really need more, until such time as they get their shit together and put out something new and non-horrible. Missing them in November sucked, but they weren't going to play that set on this date anyway.<br />
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Owing to the relatively early start (seriously, it was like 10, on a Saturday night in the summer -- the hell, Palladium), I got back in good order, did not get too soused watching the Community Shield on Sunday, and turned this thing around in decent time. Next up should be King Parrot and some death metal bands in Worcester; the surprise that they're back from Australia is overshadowed by the relief that they're appearing with appropriate touring partners, rather than whatever nominally-metal bands their tour agency could scrounge up.<br />
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It was because of this show that I didn't go out to <a href="http://rpmfest.org/rpm2014">RPM Fest</a>; there were several bands on that bill that I was interested to see, and the festival experience is always a good thing to support. From the latest iterations in the <a href="http://www.returntothepit.com/view.php?formid=86987">thread of ceaseless screaming drama</a>, it looks like the fest went ok: neither such a failure that the trolls could claim victory, nor such a success that they would be shut up and left to slink off with their tails between their legs. Regardless, the success or failure of a festival isn't decided on the internet the week after, but by the organizers in the month or so to come, when they decide if they do a second. At a minimum, they fulfilled the requirements I mentioned <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2011/05/mdf-crisis-point-or-build-your-own.html">a couple years back</a>, and depending on which pictures from which angle and what time you trust, may have gotten up to the 200 headcount point that previous examples in Germany have established as a baseline for something that's not going to immediately collapse in on itself. However, they did a bunch of stuff wrong that made it difficult to support going in, and eventually made me decide against going out.<br />
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The first was bad scheduling around the fest. When you announce a festival two months in advance, you should maybe make sure that is not booked against the one date of the big summer tour in the area. Putting Saturday night against Summer Slaughter was just stupid, and unnecessarily locked out, um, everyone in New England who was interested in seeing Dying Fetus or Morbid Angel. This is kind of a large slice of the metalheads who you'd want to show up for a DIY festival on its first run out, and this fest could have gotten them back easily by booking just two weeks later, which would conflict with neither Summer Slaughter nor Pray For Death.<br />
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The second was the scheduling internal to the fest. If you look at any other multi-day camp-in festival, anywhere else in the world, you will never see bands going this late into a Sunday, the reason being that it is a lot easier to take off, or take off a couple hours earlier, on Friday than it is to take off Monday. Sunday morning is for pack-up, Sunday afternoon for travel back to wherever the hell you came from. It'd've been a lot more friendly for people outside the immediate catchment area -- western Massachusetts is not well served by highways, and most of the population centers are at a pretty fair distance -- to open the gates at 5 PM Friday, with bands starting at 7 or so, and either push later on Friday and Saturday or just cut some of the fat from the schedule.<br />
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The third is the unnecessarily bloated schedule. There ended up being 32 bands on this thing, and many of them were (by investigation in advance) pretty bad. You do not need the best bands in the world on your fest -- seriously, check the Party.San bills for the <a href="http://www.party-san.de/history/1996-2002/">first five years</a>, and see if you can avoid the conclusion "this is all late-90s unlistenable garbage" -- but you do need to avoid the impression, prominent here, that the music is going to be a dump truck's worth of suck. This bill could easily have been trimmed back to 15 or 20 bands without trimming the audience, giving more of them better sets and eliminating the need to play all Sunday to fit them all in.<br />
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Provided that they do a second, and that it's not booked against stuff that will take precedence -- even with China, it was a close-run thing to not spend this past weekend in Schlotheim -- it's likely that I'll be out for it, despite the road miles involved, to take in the experience for myself. But seriously, smarter scheduling and a more selective filter on who plays will make that decision a lot easier for others who might be on the fence about the camp-in idea.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-77943357075561056602014-07-25T09:31:00.000-04:002016-02-24T13:35:22.392-05:00中国重金属<br />
This should have immediately followed the China posts; it didn't because I was swamped with work, but here it is because I have some time. These are the best (active, music-available) bands in China, most of whom I didn't encounter because I didn't visit their cities, some of whom I didn't encounter because I wasn't there long enough or couldn't really get out of the tourist-available parts. If you're around longer, try harder to find these dudes, and listen to them in the meantime regardless.<br />
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This only covers mainland, non-SAR bands; HK artists are pretty accessible and frequently do promotion in English and/or are allowed to tour elsewhere.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/annihilation/">Annihilation</a> (湮灭)<br />
Beijing/Hebei Death Metal Corridor; technical brutal death metal<br />
If you like <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Gigan/108235">Gigan</a>, <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Decrepit_Birth/916">Decrepit Birth</a>, and/or Suffocation, you will probably also dig these dudes. An absolutely essential listen.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/delirious/">Delirious</a> (精神错乱)<br />
Nanjing; grindcore<br />
Straight grind rather than anything really metallic, this band is also refreshingly devoid of anything resembling compromise in their approach. Fast, dirty, and 1000% DIY, this is exactly the sort of immediate resistance music that you might not expect from China -- and that you'll be glad to find.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/Eblis/">Eblis</a> (伊布里斯)<br />
Yinchuan; old-school brutal death metal<br />
Hearkening back to the early '90s musically and in its conception resolutely anti-authority, Eblis are probably the band on this list most likely to be censured, especially given the growing tensions in China's other Muslim region. They're also locked in to some good fucking music.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/excruciate/">Excruciate</a> (劓刖)<br />
Tianjin/Hebei Death Metal Corridor; OSDM<br />
Virtually alone in China, these dudes practice a grueling style of old-school brutality that will remind New Englanders of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Blessed_Offal/114019">Blessed Offal</a> and everyone else of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Obliteration/31532">Obliteration</a> or Incantation's slower parts. Excellent.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/fearless/">Fearless</a><br />
Shanghai; melodic death metal<br />
If it was still five years ago, this would be trend. That they're still doing melodeath when all the other trendies have moved on to emo-ified deathcore and (gods forbid) <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Crossfaith/3540280717">Crossfaith</a>-esque dubcore, means it's not trend, and if you can't dig this even a little, you have completely lost your sense of fun. I still like Dark Tranquillity, and so should you, probably, and if you do, you will like this band.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/blackx/">腐尸爱美丽</a> (Fushiaimeili/Beauty in Decay or something like that)<br />
Chengdu; folktroll metal<br />
Who knows where they found the accordion in Chengdu, but these dudes are regardless the best Finntroll imitators in China (surprisingly, this is not decided just by showing up) and still solidly listenable for those sick to fucking death of polka metal.<br />
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<strike>Ghost Bath</strike> (鬼浴)<br />
<strike>Chongqing</strike> fuck these North Dakota shitbirds; third-wave black metal<br />
A fully-functional replacement for [insert American third-wave hipster band here], these dudes have gotten some shine from Pitchfork, because of <i>course</i> they have. Despite this, they're pretty good if not especially true, and you can actually send them a couple bucks by bandcamp for a zip of their album if you like, rather than having to put up with douban.<br /><b>UPDATE 2016-02-24</b>: Sounds like American third-wave rather than any of the other bands on this list? <a href="http://noisey.vice.com/blog/black-metal-hoaxes">Turns out there's a reason</a>. All the tumblr cultural-appropriation shit aside, this is legit harmful: 1) it gives a false impression of the Chinese scene and the level of development of metal in China and 2) it wastes the time of people in the place you're pretending to be from. There is a scene out there, even in Chongqing and other places in interior China; how many inquiries about setting up gigs between Chengdu and Changsha do you think they just dropped on the floor? If there's a consistent rule in the underground, it's "don't deliberately cause problems for other people just to look cool". Fuck these posers, listen to <a href="http://solitudeprod.bandcamp.com/">Desolate Hills and Duringlifend</a> if you want actual Chinese DSBM or whatever it's being called this week.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/hfwz/">合法武装</a> (Hefawuzhuang/Legal Arms)<br />
Urumqi; German-style darkwave metal<br />
You listen to this, and you're expecting lyrics in German a la Rammstein or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letzte_Instanz">Letzte Instanz</a>, but you get them in Chinese. Why? Because there are more Uighur expats in Munich than anywhere else in the world, and a bunch more in other German-speaking territories, so musical influences currently live in western China/East Turkestan naturally get passed through a Germanic filter. It's wicked interesting, and pretty cool for the genre to boot.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/hellward/">Hellward</a> (向地狱)<br />
Xi'an Hell Metal City; blackened heavy metal<br />
A high-speed collision between <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Sabbat/580">Sabbat</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Metalucifer/48">Metalucifer</a>, Hellward is an awesome feast of headbanging Satanism that puts an eastern spin on the same ideas behind Witchery and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Nocturnal_Breed/1274">Nocturnal Breed</a>. One of several related bands from the unexpected metal hotspot in Xi'an.<br />
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<a href="http://ninetreasuresband.bandcamp.com/">Nine Treasures</a> (九大圣器)<br />
Inner Mongolia via Beijing; folk metal<br />
Finntroll fans will dig the fuck out of this. People sick of Finntroll will find zero accordions here, replaced with the sweet drone of horsehead fiddles. Seriously, this is pretty fucking good, even if it's not as deathy as Tengger Cavalry below.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/renzhi/">人彘</a> (RenZhi/Human Swine is probably a good approximation)<br />
Shijiazhuang/Hebei Death Metal Corridor; slammy brutal death metal<br />
If you were bummed out when <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Proteus/115035">Proteus</a> and/or <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Terminally_Your_Aborted_Ghost/3826">Terminally Your Aborted Ghost</a> folded the tents, you could do a lot worse than check this band out; a feast of angular, heavily triggered death metal insanity, this is not real accessible or for the faint of heart, but if you're listening to Chinese death metal you're not worried about that shit anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://tenggercavalry.bandcamp.com/">Tengger Cavalry</a> (铁骑)<br />
Inner Mongolia via Beijing; folk/death metal<br />
With more death metal elements and more traditional instruments than Nine Treasures, this is the version of steppe metal for trueness purists. Where Nine Treasures reminds me of the open grasslands of Siberia, this has more of a feel of the distant mountains and gray birch forests of the Amur country. Regardless, it's good fucking music all around.<br />
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<a href="http://site.douban.com/yngizarm/">Yn Gizarm</a> (英吉沙)<br />
Xi'an Hell Metal City; Bathory-influenced black metal<br />
In discussions of Chinese black metal, it is these guys first, followed by "everyone else" a substantial distance back. Essential, period.<br />
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<br />
The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebei">Hebei</a> Death Metal Corridor referenced multiple times above is not really an administrative division of China (and is actually almost totally contained by the Beijing and Tianjin provinces that got chopped out of Hebei for having too many people), but it is an easy way to talk about something that does exist: an extremely high prevalence of slam-influenced, high-brutality, frequently-technical death metal bands in the strip from Beijing down to the ocean. (Shijiazhuang is located both south and west of this strip, but RenZhi are about as complete a HBDMC band as exists.) This is an extreme concentration of population and industry that naturally gives rise to the sort of frustration, anger, and desire for violence that is easily and frequently vented out through instruments plugged directly into a computer, which is doing the drumming, in a tiny, crumbling, concrete apartment overlooking a cement-block factory built on a combination of seized farms and landfill. There are other good bands, in other styles, elsewhere in the country; there are also good death metal bands elsewhere. However, nothing is as authentic an expression of Chinese metal culture as the ceaseless violence of the Hebei Death Metal Corridor scene.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-79080693425296949932014-06-11T14:31:00.001-04:002014-06-11T14:31:29.084-04:00China 2014 part 11 - Hong Kong[5/23]<br />
<br />
- Hong Kong -<br />
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1108. First look at Hong Kong from the ocean.<br />
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I missed the hotel on the first pass, but got in on a simple double-check; I'm going to get an early dinner and hike southwest to see a bit of the infamy of Wan Chai. I need to stay out of trouble, though, to hike over the hump to Aberdeen tomorrow morning.<br />
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1109. Green walls and skyscrapers.<br />
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1110. (DNCO).<br />
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1111. Greenery in an intersection near Causeway Bay.<br />
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1112. Sweeping circle pedestrian bridge.<br />
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1113. A small park at the west end of the Lockhart Road.<br />
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1114. Into the Lockhart. Except for the foreigner-friendliness, it's got nothing on the Portland from Jordan to MK.<br />
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1115. Wan Chai back street.<br />
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1116. East under the bridge on King's Road.<br />
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1117. (DNCO).<br />
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1118. Library facade.<br />
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1119. (DNCO).<br />
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1120. It's probably not pronounced that way, but yeah, lulz.<br />
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1121. Built over the wall.<br />
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1122. North Point at night.<br />
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1123. Into the Java Road.<br />
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I did not get heavily challenged on my 空人-ness on the Lockhart; only barked once, and zero flyers. However, between one thing and another, I hunted up another 5 or so caps, and should have no problem going in the bars for the CL final tomorrow morning -- provided I pack a spare shirt.<br />
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On the downside, I completely smashed up my left wrist not falling down the stairs to an otaku shop. I don't have enough duct tape to dress it, so all I can do is hope it swells stiff overnight. Crap.<br />
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1124. Night lights inland.<br />
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<br />
5/24<br />
Hong Kong<br />
<br />
Today should be pretty simple: trams to Kennedy, then hike around the west side to Aberdeen and take some pictures, then come back and see what I've got time for. This is the last real day of the trip -- tomorrow is going to be mostly packing and going to the airport -- and I want to make the most of it.<br />
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I sweated entirely through my ironhide shirt, but got to Aberdeen in good order, toweled off, and changed back into my fitba rig. This is an excellent hike, but I'd rather do it in the winter, and I'm taking the damn bus to get back.<br />
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1125. Morning view; the other side has harbor views, but this is also kinda cool.<br />
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1126. Dawn in North Point.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zPbrwtmhuB8" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v68. Between two stops on the island tram in Wan Chai.<br />
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1127. Part of the Western Market.<br />
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1128. They liked it enough to put a permanent piece over it. (Reference <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/central-and-victoria-peak.html">#056 from 2010</a>.)<br />
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1129. Island point between buildings.<br />
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1130. Bridge and west Kowloon.<br />
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1131. Lush slope; greener than it was that November.<br />
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1132. West end of an island.<br />
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1133. Hill and channel.<br />
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1134. Down to a dome island.<br />
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1135. Brilliant blue skies.<br />
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1136. The tentacles of a banyan attack the pavement.<br />
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1137. A notch in the greenery.<br />
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1138. Out into the harbor.<br />
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1139. Islands in the distance.<br />
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1140. A path down into the jungle. I had plenty of time, so why not?<br />
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1141. Watercourse by the path.<br />
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1142. An anomalous block of tile.<br />
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1143. Lookout at the bottom of the hill.<br />
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1144. Headland to the west.<br />
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1145. A pan across from the lookout.<br />
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1146. Cloud towers over the ocean.<br />
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1147. (DNCO).<br />
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1148. Container ship rounds the head.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aynDbOnchMM" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v69. The tide lashes the rocks.<br />
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1149. Waterfall, heading back up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1150_zpsa01b3671.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1150_zpsa01b3671.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1150_zpsa01b3671.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1150. Small boat, vast sea.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1151_zpsbf1be34c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1151_zpsbf1be34c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1151_zpsbf1be34c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1151. Weathered rocks in the surf.<br />
<br />
1152. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1153_zpsd4c6006e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1153_zpsd4c6006e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1153_zpsd4c6006e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1153. Shrine by the path.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1154_zps830c0f9c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1154_zps830c0f9c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1154_zps830c0f9c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1154. The channel's close in here.<br />
<br />
1155. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1156_zps3a83ced4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1156_zps3a83ced4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1156_zps3a83ced4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1156. Down to Sandy Bay.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1157_zps903e1782.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1157_zps903e1782.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1157_zps903e1782.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1157. Top of the morning.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1158_zps18819842.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1158_zps18819842.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1158_zps18819842.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1158. Hill of tombs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1159_zpse24acb35.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1159_zpse24acb35.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1159_zpse24acb35.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1159. Built into the slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1160_zpsfb0eb5d5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1160_zpsfb0eb5d5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1160_zpsfb0eb5d5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1160. A stream down the cliff.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1161_zpsf36d8838.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1161_zpsf36d8838.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1161_zpsf36d8838.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1161. Below a sweeping curve.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1162_zpscc50d744.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1162_zpscc50d744.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1162_zpscc50d744.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1162. A single pillar.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1163_zpsf6318033.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1163_zpsf6318033.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1163_zpsf6318033.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1163. Down to the bay over the cemetery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1164_zps6d7b6bd8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1164_zps6d7b6bd8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1164_zps6d7b6bd8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1164. Back to the track in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1165_zpsc3af9cd8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1165_zpsc3af9cd8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1165_zpsc3af9cd8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1165. Across a deep gorge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1166_zps298d18fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1166_zps298d18fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1166_zps298d18fb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1166. The dizzying drop to Cyberport.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1167_zps90b4fd41.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1167_zps90b4fd41.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1167_zps90b4fd41.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1167. Villas on the reverse slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1168_zps7cdf1d2f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1168_zps7cdf1d2f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1168_zps7cdf1d2f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1168. Jockey Club clinic; Hong Kongers can "afford" low (not really; the average tax burden on the average HK resident is not much different proportionally from the US, it's just that the rich need fewer accountants to avoid paying something like a fair share) taxes due to the inevitable private tax paid to the racecourses.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1169_zps05ca915d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1169_zps05ca915d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1169_zps05ca915d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1169. Channel from above Cyberport.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1170_zpsa27b4728.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1170_zpsa27b4728.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1170_zpsa27b4728.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1170. Supports from a descending road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1171_zpsc82ae6a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1171_zpsc82ae6a2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1171_zpsc82ae6a2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1171. Window in the wall.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mWHY05dzHjs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v70. A storming cataract, coming in to Aberdeen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1172_zps1ef2c352.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1172_zps1ef2c352.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1172_zps1ef2c352.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1172. Channel and islands.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1173_zps54fe3109.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1173_zps54fe3109.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1173_zps54fe3109.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1173. Breeze blocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1174_zps87cd8ddb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1174_zps87cd8ddb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1174_zps87cd8ddb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1174. Slope towards Aberdeen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1175_zpsa914decd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1175_zpsa914decd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1175_zpsa914decd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1175. Down away to the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1176_zpse654d759.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1176_zpse654d759.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1176_zpse654d759.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1176. Channel across the road.<br />
<br />
1177. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1178_zps96429e92.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1178_zps96429e92.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1178_zps96429e92.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1178. Back up the road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1179_zpsb5b26cdd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1179_zpsb5b26cdd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1179_zpsb5b26cdd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1179. Arriving Aberdeen harbor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1180_zps6072e0a9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1180_zps6072e0a9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1180_zps6072e0a9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1180. Fisherman at anchor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1181_zpsb910bbc8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1181_zpsb910bbc8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1181_zpsb910bbc8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1181. Temple gate and mountainside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1182_zpsa3c06d02.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1182_zpsa3c06d02.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1182_zpsa3c06d02.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1182. Green growth, white buildings, blue sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1183_zpsf6cabdcc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1183_zpsf6cabdcc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1183_zpsf6cabdcc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1183. Fisherman statue on the Aberdeen Promenade.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T1AFndGfM7M" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v71. Old-style boats plying in the anchorage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1184_zps669b415c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1184_zps669b415c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1184_zps669b415c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1184. Trapper and basket.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1185_zps0bcb441f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1185_zps0bcb441f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1185_zps0bcb441f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1185. The fleet at anchor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1186_zps254f39a7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1186_zps254f39a7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1186_zps254f39a7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1186. Jumbo ferry running out.<br />
<br />
The idea is to maybe check out the floating restaurant here, maybe hit the market, and then head on back, take a shower, change shirts, and see how Kowloon is. <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/06/china-2014-part-5-harbin.html">As prophesied</a>, Guangdong in late May is melting me into a puddle of finely rendered adventurer blubber. Even before just taking the bus, I'll probably need to drain most of another 2l of water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1187_zpsb1f4c5c6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1187_zpsb1f4c5c6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1187_zpsb1f4c5c6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1187. Sail structure over the park. It was still too early (like 10:30) for a proper lunch, so I got a couple sausage rolls with my water and took a rest before the bus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1188_zps76f59a9f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1188_zps76f59a9f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1188_zps76f59a9f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1188. Cool skylight from under the structure.<br />
<br />
This is ridiculous. My ironhide shirt is so badly sweated that if I put it away without airing, it would probably rot. For the afternoon's expedition, I'm going to need to go to a reserve dress shirt and known-unlucky shorts, because I have to reserve gear for tomorrow and the seat of the normal shorts is drenched. It's a shame that I wasn't able to take the heli, but having all my gear has been a godsend. Hong Kong is no place to sit around waiting for your only set of clothes to dry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1189_zpsa8abd5ba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1189_zpsa8abd5ba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1189_zpsa8abd5ba.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1189. Fried flat noodles with assorted meat; mostly chicken, pork, and deli ham. This was a $34 late lunch from Family Kitchen, right next to the hotel, and good for that point. It'd be cheaper in Kowloon, but I'm not in Kowloon yet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1190_zps38b30945.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1190_zps38b30945.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1190_zps38b30945.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1190. Ibis tower and nice sky from the North Point ferry pier.<br />
<br />
Across on the Hung Hom promenade, east TST is heavily regenerated. If the Nathan's gentrified as far north as Jordan, I won't be surprised.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1191_zps09d692a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1191_zps09d692a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1191_zps09d692a1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1191. Across to eastern Kowloon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1192_zps3176bd04.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1192_zps3176bd04.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1192_zps3176bd04.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1192. Central skyline from the sea.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1193_zps3bc00e4e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1193_zps3bc00e4e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1193_zps3bc00e4e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1193. On the Kowloon side.<br />
<br />
1194. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1195_zps22017951.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1195_zps22017951.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1195_zps22017951.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1195. Along the promenade to the Central waterfront.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1196_zpscbcaa134.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1196_zpscbcaa134.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1196_zpscbcaa134.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1196. Hung Hom rebuilt; this could be practically anywhere.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1197_zpsbe938dae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1197_zpsbe938dae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1197_zpsbe938dae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1197. The harbor's still familiar, though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1198_zps7387f358.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1198_zps7387f358.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1198_zps7387f358.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1198. Towers and sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1199_zpsec7a0400.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1199_zpsec7a0400.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1199_zpsec7a0400.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1199. Stormcloud over the harbor.<br />
<br />
Hong Kong's infinite capacity for self-regeneration has been noted before. At almost the same interval, it's really interesting to see what's changed between the last two points. If you understand nothing else about HK, understand this: anything written down here has an even chance of being obsolete even as the pen touches paper, a chance that grows to lim(1) over time -- and that growth can be remarkably quick.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1200_zps6ed6f636.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1200_zps6ed6f636.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1200_zps6ed6f636.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1200. A solid front charging up from the south.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1201_zps01cfcbe3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1201_zps01cfcbe3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1201_zps01cfcbe3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1201. A hole in the beetling weather.<br />
<br />
This stuff looks bad, but it didn't catch on the mountains of the island, so it's not going to catch on anything till it hits the NT. I'm probably not going to get soaked. Probably.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1202_zps0cd90516.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1202_zps0cd90516.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1202_zps0cd90516.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1202. Adrift.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1203_zpsfe6e42eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1203_zpsfe6e42eb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1203_zpsfe6e42eb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1203. Not a stone of the old remaining atop another.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1204_zps80beab6b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1204_zps80beab6b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1204_zps80beab6b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1204. The new east TST -- wide streets and leafy trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1205_zps57358584.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1205_zps57358584.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1205_zps57358584.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1205. Into the sky, waiting to cross Austin.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1206_zpsb359b2f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1206_zpsb359b2f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1206_zpsb359b2f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1206. Back to the old Kowloon; this far south, mostly cleared out of the major streets.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1207_zps57bbec61.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1207_zps57bbec61.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1207_zps57bbec61.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1207. Crowd at a press conference on Carnaveron.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1208_zpsa9152d03.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1208_zpsa9152d03.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1208_zpsa9152d03.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1208. For this guy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1209_zpsf62c8f8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1209_zpsf62c8f8b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1209_zpsf62c8f8b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1209. Up the Nathan again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1210_zps3d96e583.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1210_zps3d96e583.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1210_zps3d96e583.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1210. Gentrification's not uniform or all-conquering -- but does extend well past Jordan into the middle 300s.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1211_zps1189527d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1211_zps1189527d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1211_zps1189527d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1211. Church, old apartments, and sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1212_zps047e2a47.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1212_zps047e2a47.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1212_zps047e2a47.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1212. Green and silver.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1213_zps63e570a0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1213_zps63e570a0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1213_zps63e570a0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1213. The Kowloon of Western imagination.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1214_zps1c7b4d24.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1214_zps1c7b4d24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1214_zps1c7b4d24.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1214. Old and new at another stoplight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1215_zps76d09fde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1215_zps76d09fde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1215_zps76d09fde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1215. Enclosed; off Nathan towards the Portland.<br />
<br />
1216. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1217_zpsfbc99035.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1217_zpsfbc99035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1217_zpsfbc99035.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1217. The banyans still dream lushly over the Park Lane arcade.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1218_zps790b4142.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1218_zps790b4142.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1218_zps790b4142.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1218. This is the Chungking Mansions in 2014. Almost all that's left is the infamous name.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1219_zps3bf6f1de.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1219_zps3bf6f1de.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1219_zps3bf6f1de.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1219. True enough; forget for a moment that we're in China, which places rather severe restrictions on its citizens' ability to move around domestically, let alone internationally.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1220_zpsbbad985a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1220_zpsbbad985a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1220_zpsbbad985a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1220. Clear skies from the Avenue of the Stars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1221_zps848ce174.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1221_zps848ce174.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1221_zps848ce174.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1221. The spirit of Hong Kong cinema.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1222_zps0754fd69.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1222_zps0754fd69.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1222_zps0754fd69.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1222. Without serious autotune, this is as close as this guy will get to being among the stars. Like a Japanese v-kei singer with a tin ear...and if you know what weird 'melodies' you get from v-kei generally, that's saying something.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1223_zps3a52a20d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1223_zps3a52a20d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1223_zps3a52a20d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1223. Sky and Central.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1224_zpsc52e3fbd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1224_zpsc52e3fbd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1224_zpsc52e3fbd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1224. A slice on the Bank of China tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1225_zpsc6fc604e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1225_zpsc6fc604e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1225_zpsc6fc604e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1225. Avenue of the Stars; the Shaw brother with a title gets in.<br />
<br />
1226. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1227_zps4fe53b69.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1227_zps4fe53b69.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1227_zps4fe53b69.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1227. Slice on the opera house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1228_zps6a6e80aa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1228_zps6a6e80aa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1228_zps6a6e80aa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1228. Catamaran inshore for no reason.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1229_zps42f7682d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1229_zps42f7682d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1229_zps42f7682d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1229. He dies early in a lot of his flicks, but lived to put his hands in the pavement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1230_zpsd007b948.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1230_zpsd007b948.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1230_zpsd007b948.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1230. ...while Bruce of course didn't.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1231_zps313e9c9b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1231_zps313e9c9b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1231_zps313e9c9b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1231. Sammo Hung is on the walk.<br />
<br />
1232. (not germane)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1233_zps1050d0e4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1233_zps1050d0e4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1233_zps1050d0e4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1233. Jackie Chan's star is popular with the ladies -- though nowhere near as much as Andy Lau's, which was too packed to sneak a picture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1234_zps4d0e14a3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1234_zps4d0e14a3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1234_zps4d0e14a3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1234. John Woo attracts attention.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1235_zps37e639be.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1235_zps37e639be.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1235_zps37e639be.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1235. Some dude steps on Tsui Hark.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1236_zpsaf7d9e6e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1236_zpsaf7d9e6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1236_zpsaf7d9e6e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1236. Tsui Hark, not being stepped on by some dude.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1237_zps2c3661eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1237_zps2c3661eb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1237_zps2c3661eb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1237. Of course, he's here as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1238_zps1d71941d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1238_zps1d71941d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1238_zps1d71941d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1238. Bruce Lee squares up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1239_zps5833aee1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1239_zps5833aee1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1239_zps5833aee1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1239. Not forgotten among the action heroes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1240_zps89269302.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1240_zps89269302.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1240_zps89269302.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1240. Bruce and more of Central.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1241_zps63d4a471.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1241_zps63d4a471.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1241_zps63d4a471.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1241. Stephen Chow's star is overlooked and frequently stood on, much like his usual lead characters.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1242_zps9d6882ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1242_zps9d6882ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1242_zps9d6882ea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1242. I appear to be the only one who cares about Simon Yam.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1243_zps3e7f5445.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1243_zps3e7f5445.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1243_zps3e7f5445.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1243. The Aqualuna, the last of the red-sail junks.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wMnv8DwPG-E" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v72. The old remaining, or passing away into the east?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1244_zpsd334f7ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1244_zpsd334f7ca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1244_zpsd334f7ca.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1244. Aqualuna and old-style major ad fronts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1245_zpse10612ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1245_zpse10612ac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1245_zpse10612ac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1245. Building the future today.<br />
<br />
1246. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1247_zps5d07a58f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1247_zps5d07a58f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1247_zps5d07a58f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1247. Perfect sky behind a forest of cranes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1248_zpsbcc18e9d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1248_zpsbcc18e9d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1248_zpsbcc18e9d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1248. Light, shadow, crane, sky.<br />
<br />
I'm going to stick a bit, see the night lights, take the ferry across one last time, then head back by MTR to get some dinner and sack out. It's been an eventful, productive, and very sweaty day, but it, and the trip with it, is coming to an end. And well in time too -- I'm nearly out of book to note it in, and would prefer to not start a second to cover the last couple hours.<br />
<br />
1249. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
Final scores: South Asian Dudes Holla At Whitey<br />
tailors: 7<br />
watches: 6, the last of whom also offered drugs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1250_zpsc8de2359.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1250_zpsc8de2359.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1250_zpsc8de2359.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1250. Lights rise to the south.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1251_zpsc046dbfb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1251_zpsc046dbfb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1251_zpsc046dbfb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1251. This guy can spell his English name any way he likes as a private citizen, but when you take out ads on buses, you're fair game.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1252_zps7cd63ad8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1252_zps7cd63ad8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1252_zps7cd63ad8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1252. Island and clouds into the west.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1253_zps7a52f21f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1253_zps7a52f21f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1253_zps7a52f21f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1253. Lights come on west of the IFC.<br />
<br />
1254. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
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<br />
1255. This building was unfinished in '10; it's about the tallest thing in Kowloon now.<br />
<br />
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<br />
1256. Palms and the corner of the arts center.<br />
<br />
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<br />
1257. Tower and hotel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1258_zpsd114d051.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1258_zpsd114d051.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1258_zpsd114d051.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1258. A panorama across the pier promenade.<br />
<br />
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<br />
1259. Across south to the light.<br />
<br />
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<br />
1260. Around the Bank of China tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1261_zpsa30468a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1261_zpsa30468a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1261_zpsa30468a1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1261. Further east.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1262_zps8b5d87b2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1262_zps8b5d87b2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1262_zps8b5d87b2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1262. IFC and western shore.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1263_zpsc93b8c21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1263_zpsc93b8c21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1263_zpsc93b8c21.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1263. Dusk falls; the ferry roll accounts for the blur.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1264_zpsbb6b2920.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1264_zpsbb6b2920.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1264_zpsbb6b2920.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1264. Neon in the water.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XkbS7KxSZCI" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v73. A pan along the shore and back, crossing on the ferry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1265_zpsec8511aa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1265_zpsec8511aa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1265_zpsec8511aa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1265. Lit-up ferry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1266_zps1a881dde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1266_zps1a881dde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1266_zps1a881dde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1266. Back to the Kowloon side.<br />
<br />
1267. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1268_zpsde4a5982.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1268_zpsde4a5982.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1268_zpsde4a5982.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1268. Full-building ads.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1269_zps9f02bda2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1269_zps9f02bda2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1269_zps9f02bda2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1269. The heart of Central and a hole in the sky. I timed this crossing perfectly; the lights and darkness set up the other shots, but there's still enough light left to do a crazy wide like this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1270_zps353125f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1270_zps353125f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1270_zps353125f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1270. Wide on the BoC.<br />
<br />
1271. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1272_zps15f6a721.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1272_zps15f6a721.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1272_zps15f6a721.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1272. Wobbly view on a motor junk.<br />
<br />
1273. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1274_zps404a366d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1274_zps404a366d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1274_zps404a366d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1274. Along Central, coming in to anchor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1275_zps114c99d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1275_zps114c99d7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1275_zps114c99d7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1275. The eastern reaches reflected.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1276_zps2c7edb8c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1276_zps2c7edb8c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1276_zps2c7edb8c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1276. Wide open above.<br />
<br />
1277. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1278_zpsfc2e9aef.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1278_zpsfc2e9aef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1278_zpsfc2e9aef.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1278. Landfall; castles by sunset.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1279_zps21065227.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1279_zps21065227.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1279_zps21065227.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1279. BoC and neighborhood from the shore.<br />
<br />
1280. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
When I got back to the room, I pulled up lame; a huge blister under a callus needed addressing, and the dressed wound was still hard to walk on. But my stomach reminded me that while it was ok now, repairing today's damage was going to suck without additional inputs. So I hobbled down the street and got a nice big bowl of ramen -- it's what's for dinner at 9pm -- from the ramenya next to Family Kitchen. Thus fed, it was home and sleep; it's a late start tomorrow, but I had a full day today.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/25<br />
Hong Kong<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1281_zps23b42d5e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1281_zps23b42d5e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1281_zps23b42d5e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1281. Morning view, last day.<br />
<br />
I have to kill a couple hours this morning, so I'm going to go after Chinese-style vac-packed {xiaochi} after breakfast, go see if I can find another mushroom dude despite it being Sunday, and then head back and pack up, getting lunch somewhere on my block before heading to the airport. I'd go up to Sha Tin, but I could only see like one race, and it's a hard hack from there back to HKG.<br />
<br />
So while I wasn't able to find any airworthy 小吃, and the otaku store doesn't open till 11:30, the morning's hike must be reckoned a smashing success: checking the Wellcome by the Fortress Hill metro, I found six new caps, getting me to about 70 elements and over 60 caps. I'd previously collected almost all the locals, but hunting the Island gets you the expat market as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1282_zpsbaca15f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1282_zpsbaca15f0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1282_zpsbaca15f0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1282. A gleaming blue tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1283_zps031f7748.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1283_zps031f7748.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1283_zps031f7748.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1283. Sudden storm.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1284_zpse70200c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1284_zpse70200c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1284_zpse70200c1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1284. Lol China.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1285_zpsbb9f0f01.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1285_zpsbb9f0f01.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1285_zpsbb9f0f01.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1285. Hidden gold.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1286_zps43543e2e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1286_zps43543e2e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1286_zps43543e2e.jpg" /></a><br />
,br />
1286. Sampan congee and donut sticks; a better breakfast than lunch, but I was hungry from trucking my pack from North Point down to Tin Hau and elated to get 50% off another mushroom dude and a Doraemon blind-pack.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1287_zps70a5ec38.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1287_zps70a5ec38.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1287_zps70a5ec38.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1287. A gap in the buildings.<br />
<br />
I still need something for work...airport snacks from the duty-free counter it is. I've got that kilobill rattling around after all....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2011/zh1288_zps78084905.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1288_zps78084905.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2011/th_zh1288_zps78084905.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1288. South and east at the Lantau Link.<br />
<br />
I got to the airport too early again, re-rigged, and have about an hour or two to kill with a last novel before check-in opens. No water. No good.<br />
<br />
On the plane, short booze and with an uncertain baggage situation, moved around due to others' poor planning. It's par for the course; my journey's not over just yet. I need more water, and hopefully to be less angry; it's not going to help anything.<br />
<br />
- Qatar -<br />
<br />
I've got nearly an hour before the gate opens, and though I could use some water, this is definitely Childe Harolde/Orpheus territory, and I'm doing enough damage by using their dumb airline. Probably, I'll try and get my Philly boarding pass issued from the transfer desk so that I don't get marooned between arrival and recheck.<br />
<br />
No pass issued. Stupid security recheck. Oh well; I'm at least capable of getting home from Philly, even by organization, on my own. It might even, in extremis, be possible to call for pickup. Long's I get on here, I should be able to get out somehow.<br />
<br />
I seriously doubt this flight is overbooked, based on the volume of passengers available at the outset, but if it stops folk whining about middle seats, well enough. Try 15 hours with one leg trying to leave the aircraft and a middle-school girl a few dozy inches away from a Love-Hina-"plot"-"twist" faceplant. Try a day and a half in a bunk where you can't sit up nor lie straight. This is a plane, ffs, and all the seats are wide and packing a private TV. If you're not sharing a cabin with livestock (or British Med-resort-goers) or open to the air, it's not really possible to rough it on a plane...not and survive.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/26<br />
over Baghdad<br />
<br />
If I don't sleep now, I can't reset; we'll be riding the sun west.<br />
<br />
1289. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
- Philadelphia -<br />
<br />
Time to kill before Boston, my bag successfully rechecked and pass issued. This was the first TSA point I've been through -- the fourth in the last 24 hours -- to be staffed by incompetents and tinpot dictators; people who travel by air mostly on holiday weekends may get more of these, as all the ones who don't suck can get the day off. It's like an hour and a half till boarding; time for some more bad novels.<br />
<br />
Finally, though, I got on the plane, dozed for most of the 45-minute sprint, and got through brief consternation at the Logan baggage claim because the idiots in Philly had just put my pack on the first plane out instead of the one I was on. This handled, it was back to my place to sleep, recover, and over the course of the next week, get this report shipshape.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Looking back over the whole of the trip, there are some definite lessons to be learned. First, May is probably too late for something like this; you have about a month, either in April or September, when you can use mostly the same gear north to south and not completely melt in Guangdong. Second, doing this trip is probably not a good idea, because even under those constraints you miss stuff due to excessively hot weather north and south. It'd be smarter to break this into two trips: a Shanghai - Qingdao - Beijing (most people will not have two weeks living in Beijing already completed) - Xi'an - Chengdu - Wuhan - Guilin -Shanghai loop done in the summer, and a winter trip to Harbin (by high-speed rail from and to Beijing), then down to Guangzhou - Macau -Hong Kong with an air insert. This will require two visas, though, and the Chinese visa process is neither real cheap nor real friendly.<br />
<br />
Third, I correctly identified the compass as an essential piece of gear for this trek, even if I fucked up and didn't pack a rainshell. Most other places in the world, you can expect to be able to navigate off the sun and general map impressions, but not in China: the combination of pollution and weather means that you can't assume that coming out of the subway, you'll be able to find your bearings unassisted. Your compass is your best friend, especially in the interior; I could have got along without it fine in Qingdao, but Harbin would have been impossible.<br />
<br />
Fourth, this is eminently doable -- provided you're able to train up enough Chinese language proficiency in advance. This was less expensive than Russia by nearly half, and a lot of that cost was in hotels, which scale. Food is cheap. Trains are cheap, and you can make them cheaper than I did. You just need to be able to speak Chinese and read a little bit. Five hundred characters, which was my vocab after about three months of intensive self-study, should be enough, provided that you can pronounce them all correctly, recognize them as written, and put them together into more complicated concepts. If you want to see all these places in China speaking only English, you can do that too. But it will be more expensive, and you'll have a guide mediating your experience.<br />
<br />
Lastly, this is no longer necessary to do full Chinese tourism. Recently, the government has opened up Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou as "72-hour transfer" cities: if you have a flight to somewhere else, you can stay within the city for up to 72 hours without a visa. You can't sneak into China like this, not too well -- the rail stations and presumably long-distance buses require a passport (and visa for non-Chinese) to buy a ticket -- but you can still see a lot of stuff. It remains to be tested whether it's possible to bounce Beijing-Shanghai-Guangzhou-southern SARs on the same trip, or if you have to take your flight ending the 72 hours to somewhere not in China, but in a way, we're back to where things started two hundred years ago, albeit with a different five "treaty ports".<br />
<br />
Someone else will need to do that one; I've still got three continents not crossed off yet, so it will likely be a while before I go back to Asia, and if and when that happens, there are other countries to see that will take precedence over speed-touring and rule-bending in urban China.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-63001085841273573942014-06-11T12:50:00.001-04:002014-06-11T12:50:48.670-04:00China 2014 part 10 - Macau<br />
5/22<br />
Guangzhou<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1049_zps80e72f0e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1049_zps80e72f0e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1049_zps80e72f0e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1049. Last dawn.<br />
<br />
After repacking -- stuff barely fits, I may need to throw out dead socks to get home -- I got out of the hotel in good order, got breakfast and a last souvenir, and then down to the (non-airconditioned) train station to wait like two hours and drink up a Bud tab. Something every cooldown.<br />
<br />
I left a lot of stuff undone in Guangzhou, mostly due to that wrong turn on Tuesday. If that was done correctly, I'd've seen the museum and more of the park then, and maybe had the bandwidth to wait out the shipping thing yesterday and go to the game in person rather than watching it from the hotel through the bottom of a San Mig bottle. However, a lot of it was the explosive rain, and you occasionally just have runs of bad luck, like yesterday afternoon, where there's nothing to do but cut your losses, go home, and wait out the influence of the evil star. I saw a lot of Guangzhou -- the tower, some of the park, the Hanyue museum, a lot of Zhongshan 6th Road -- but I missed enough to want to come back sometime; sometime when it rains less, or when I have the weather shell that successfully warded off rain in my last stay in HK, which I did not bring this time for space/weight reasons.<br />
<br />
Next, Macau, but how "next" it is depends on where the train is routed to. As a 高铁, it should be going to Zhuhai North, as it was on the prebook form, but both the ticket and the callboard have plain old Zhuhai. This only makes sense if the old station on the border has been taken out of service and the flag moved north, but China doesn't generally abandon rail stations. Maybe this is like Qingdao was, where certain high-speed trains are still routed into the old station; maybe I'll have to take a bus. Regardless, I still have to hike through Macau to the hotel, under a lot more pack than I intended doing it.<br />
<br />
Careful reading of the can shows the Bud tab is not cheating; it's brewed under license in Wuhan. Win.<br />
<br />
To some extent, the rather large number of toddlers in Chinese rail transit is an artifact of traveling during the school year; families with school-age children are kind of rooted most of the time, so only people with sub-kindergarten kids are moving around. Some of it is the law of large numbers. Some of it, though, is the fact that 2012 was a dragon year, and as such you can expect there to <i>be</i> abnormally more kids between the ages of 16 and 27 months right now than at other times.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1050_zps698426e0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1050_zps698426e0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1050_zps698426e0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1050. Jars in Guangzhou South.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1051_zpsae8eaa1c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1051_zpsae8eaa1c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1051_zpsae8eaa1c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1051. Zhonglish; generally, the Chinese pile existing words together in weird ways rather than making them up, but this is an exception.<br />
<br />
- Macau -<br />
<br />
The train was to the normal/border station. From there, I got to the hotel, and then in amid a bunch of caps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1052_zps4bc9558d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1052_zps4bc9558d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1052_zps4bc9558d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1052. Macau off the tourist track.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1053_zpsb587d36b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1053_zpsb587d36b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1053_zpsb587d36b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1053. Rank of apartments.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1054_zpsb85999f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1054_zpsb85999f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1054_zpsb85999f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1054. Corner of a stairwell.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1055_zps3d329fc9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1055_zps3d329fc9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1055_zps3d329fc9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1055. Across the reservoir into town.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1056_zps321e7d76.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1056_zps321e7d76.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1056_zps321e7d76.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1056. More of the north side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1057_zps62a96023.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1057_zps62a96023.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1057_zps62a96023.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1057. Lisboa and governor's hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1058_zps2edad424.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1058_zps2edad424.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1058_zps2edad424.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1058. Ship at anchor in the harbor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1059_zpsc3cc76b6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1059_zpsc3cc76b6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1059_zpsc3cc76b6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1059. Grand Prix setup.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1060_zpsfe0b3558.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1060_zpsfe0b3558.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1060_zpsfe0b3558.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1060. Graceful arches of the harbor bridge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1061_zpsa9d8ed09.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1061_zpsa9d8ed09.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1061_zpsa9d8ed09.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1061. Temple gate detail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1062_zps7136a816.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1062_zps7136a816.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1062_zps7136a816.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1062. Casino or something under demolition. The regeneration is continual.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1063_zpsc755ae91.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1063_zpsc755ae91.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1063_zpsc755ae91.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1063. Mural in an underpass.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1064_zps4f4b5d56.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1064_zps4f4b5d56.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1064_zps4f4b5d56.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1064. Lisboa complex.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1065_zps485f17bd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1065_zps485f17bd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1065_zps485f17bd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1065. Island and tower, across the lake.<br />
<br />
1066. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1067_zpsceea418f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1067_zpsceea418f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1067_zpsceea418f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1067. New casino, old apartments; far from the only view of this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1068_zps0a4f4349.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1068_zps0a4f4349.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1068_zps0a4f4349.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1068. Mural on an older hotel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1069_zps1d53d90b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1069_zps1d53d90b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1069_zps1d53d90b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1069. Wrong guy, the first name's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Coutinho">Phillipe</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1070_zpsc3eee907.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1070_zpsc3eee907.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1070_zpsc3eee907.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1070. Back stairs on the hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1071_zps053b675a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1071_zps053b675a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1071_zps053b675a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1071. Faraway Villa, up close.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1072_zps401c9302.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1072_zps401c9302.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1072_zps401c9302.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1072. The jungle kind of took over this part of the path.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1073_zps7636495b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1073_zps7636495b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1073_zps7636495b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1073. Along the hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1074_zps43b4a30f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1074_zps43b4a30f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1074_zps43b4a30f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1074. Down to the casinos.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1075_zps8b590a77.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1075_zps8b590a77.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1075_zps8b590a77.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1075. This parklet; apologies for the clutter, but I couldn't be arsed to move my provisions out of the way to take a picture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1076_zps1019fe85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1076_zps1019fe85.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1076_zps1019fe85.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1076. Out to some north islands.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1077_zpsd22597a7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1077_zpsd22597a7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1077_zpsd22597a7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1077. The Tree That Ate The Pavement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1078_zps3e6dc21b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1078_zps3e6dc21b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1078_zps3e6dc21b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1078. Old colonial house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1079_zpsaa75f6f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1079_zpsaa75f6f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1079_zpsaa75f6f1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1079. Hill tower though a plaza sculpture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1080_zpsa2a8c538.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1080_zpsa2a8c538.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1080_zpsa2a8c538.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1080. Close traffic circle bronze.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1081_zps52a053c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1081_zps52a053c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1081_zps52a053c0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1081. The hotel, coming from inland.<br />
<br />
I drank too much to go eat either chicken or Macanese, but I've been here before, and need caps more than cuisine. There's a Fedex office about, but the heli's a bust; I've got breakfast, caps, and lunch tomorrow, and then it's off to the ferry.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/23<br />
Macau<br />
<br />
Since I don't give up easily, I'm going to check the Fedex office this morning, mainly for a price check. The helicopter may not be totally out of reach, even with pack up, and I want to make sure that I'm not inadvertently spending more to ship gear home than I would to keep it local. Mostly, though, I have two supermarkets to check for a Macau Beer -- yesterday got caps from Denmark and goddamned Tasmania, but no locals -- and a little bit of breakfast before the ferry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1082_zpsa22c76c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1082_zpsa22c76c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1082_zpsa22c76c3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1082. Golden flower, morning rain.<br />
<br />
1083. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1084_zpsca4aabaf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1084_zpsca4aabaf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1084_zpsca4aabaf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1084. More mist, less taxi.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1085_zpsf88e94bd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1085_zpsf88e94bd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1085_zpsf88e94bd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1085. Art sphere in a driving rain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1086_zpsca135c4a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1086_zpsca135c4a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1086_zpsca135c4a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1086. Up to the Guia lighthouse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1087_zps63c88530.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1087_zps63c88530.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1087_zps63c88530.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1087. Arch, traffic, lashing rain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1088_zpsef7db451.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1088_zpsef7db451.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1088_zpsef7db451.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1088. Carp pond in front of a government building.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aOk0bfYSQFY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v67. Rain on the trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1089_zpsebfae5b1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1089_zpsebfae5b1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1089_zpsebfae5b1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1089. Casino and street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1090_zps31c98205.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1090_zps31c98205.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1090_zps31c98205.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1090. The Grand Lisboa, looking especially phallic from this angle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1091_zps1d3df209.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1091_zps1d3df209.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1091_zps1d3df209.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1091. Seriously, if this building wasn't intended to look like a cockanballs, the architect is the best troll ever.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1092_zps2b0c4c2e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1092_zps2b0c4c2e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1092_zps2b0c4c2e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1092. Street in front of the Grand Lisboa.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1093_zps56bbc5c2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1093_zps56bbc5c2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1093_zps56bbc5c2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1093. Wynn and MGM Grand beyond.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1094_zpsc7f55cf7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1094_zpsc7f55cf7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1094_zpsc7f55cf7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1094. Traffic circle park.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1095_zpsaeb2ef6a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1095_zpsaeb2ef6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1095_zpsaeb2ef6a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1095. An invitation sparsely taken.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1096_zpsf32a9e84.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1096_zpsf32a9e84.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1096_zpsf32a9e84.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1096. Wynn, MGM, and lagoon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1097_zps6f03a4d0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1097_zps6f03a4d0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1097_zps6f03a4d0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1097. Bridge north to China.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1098_zps5cd48f39.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1098_zps5cd48f39.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1098_zps5cd48f39.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1098. Proof the lagoon's not dead; leftovers of some bird's dinner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1099_zpsd4a3f1f5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1099_zpsd4a3f1f5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1099_zpsd4a3f1f5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1099. Lisboa, old and new.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1100_zps5eac0496.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1100_zps5eac0496.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1100_zps5eac0496.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1100. Green end to a side street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1101_zpsb630875f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1101_zpsb630875f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1101_zpsb630875f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1101. Greenery across the Av. Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1102_zpsb8a68d12.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1102_zpsb8a68d12.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1102_zpsb8a68d12.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1102. Banyan does a stepover.<br />
<br />
It's my regret to report that Macau Beer is likely extinct in the wild. I hunted Macau extensively, though not exhaustively, and despite securing 11 caps, more per ground hour than any other city on this trip, even Harbin, I was not able to raise a single can or bottle of this beer. As late as <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/macau.html">2010</a>, it was orderable in restaurants, but it appears at present that Zhujiang, Blue Girl, Carlsberg, and Haizhu have entirely driven it from the market. Macau is a city worth coming back to, but repeated visits to hunt this cap will probably be in vain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1103_zpscaf22f35.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1103_zpscaf22f35.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1103_zpscaf22f35.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1103. See, I wasn't lying <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/macau.html">4 years ago</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1104_zps62c0f0d4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1104_zps62c0f0d4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1104_zps62c0f0d4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1104. Ships and standoffs at anchor.<br />
<br />
I made the 12:15 ferry by inches, and will trade in my patacas after I get across to HK. I'm almost done, but I still have to have the energy to tour hard across the estuary. They're not running tomorrow, not till fucking Sha Tin on Sunday, so my HK time will involve less leisure and more hard push to the max.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1105_zps680b2ee2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1105_zps680b2ee2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1105_zps680b2ee2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1105. The Sands and some of the waterfront.<br />
<br />
1106. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%2010/zh1107_zps49c31bef.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1107_zps49c31bef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%2010/th_zh1107_zps49c31bef.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1107. Not going to collide. A cat ferry hit a cargo hauler around midnight of the 20th/21st; this was a strong factor in not sticking around Macau late, and making sure I was able to get a ferry out in daylight.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-32170133227843849312014-06-11T09:37:00.000-04:002014-06-11T09:37:11.747-04:00China 2014 part 9 - Guangzhou<br />
5/19<br />
heading south-southeast<br />
<br />
So the kid's a little loud, but the bunks are big and soft enough to sleep on properly (see also Russia), and there's a seat on the toilet. This leg won't be so bad after all, and it's already more than 1/3 over. After that <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/08/rtw2013-leg-4-irkutsk-to-vladivostok.html">Irkutsk-Vladivostok run</a> last year, anything less than 48 hours feels too short to be bothered about.<br />
<br />
The windows are streaky and the air's wet, so I won't be taking too many pics. Hopefully, this will clear off by the time I have to go it on foot; a morning under pack is bad enough, but a morning under pack in the rain is worse still.<br />
<br />
The train's still stopped; it does this frequently, and for relatively long times. This is probably why this run, much shorter in distance than Harbin-Xi'an, is going to take about the same time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0880_zps3e705ae9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0880_zps3e705ae9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0880_zps3e705ae9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0880. The watermelon of the adventure.<br />
<br />
- The Adventure of the Watermelon -<br />
<br />
So around 10 the fruit cart guy came around, and whether for a lack of customers, to flirt with the young mom who had her kid in this carriage, or just to bait the foreigner out of boredom, he made a real hard pitch. I of course couldn't follow perfectly, but for sport I committed to a 15元 watermelon, which I could see he didn't have, even cut. Of course, he came back with the melon about 10:30, and I had to scrounge, being short of small bills, but in the end it's cut up on the table. Since it's a little large for one person, I offered the kids to eat what they liked (on Chinese long-distance trains, you generally bring extra snacks in order to share with everyone else around you), but they ran away. I still hope it may be shared out; if not, I'll be less starved today and maybe save some 小吃 for tomorrow's breakfast.<br />
<br />
Addendum: the kid later pissed in the trashcan, and nearly on my kit, but this is China, after all. And soon enough, he did enjoy the watermelon.<br />
<br />
My pack had trouble getting back under, but with the train supplies tossed, I should be able to move some gear around. I'll finish off the last of the train food tomorrow as well; of a kilo of sausage laid in in Harbin a week ago, but one link is left, and that'll be gone tonight.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OH4r8DY0ReE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v59. Quick look into a rural town.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KvdCQ2Ztg0g" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v60. Another of fields and houses.<br />
<br />
The windows are impossible, but the country is too beautiful and striking to ignore. The main problem, though, is that we're continuously in and out of tunnels, so I can't keep the camera on generally. The vistas I can preserve are nothing, literally nothing, on those that obstructed fields, technical limitations, and/or social decorum prevent me from preserving.<br />
<br />
0881. (not germane)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0882_zpsf7957d37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0882_zpsf7957d37.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0882_zpsf7957d37.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0882. River view; trying to get a boatman, but the train was too fast.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0883_zps7c376236.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0883_zps7c376236.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0883_zps7c376236.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0883. Riverbank scene.<br />
<br />
The rain has dried up, but the train's kicking along at a right fast clip; stuff is there-and-gone at Japanese speeds rather than Siberian.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0884_zpsab8cb6f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0884_zpsab8cb6f0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0884_zpsab8cb6f0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0884. Temple gate and trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0885_zps9bed8328.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0885_zps9bed8328.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0885_zps9bed8328.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0885. Misty mountain far.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0886_zpsd83b5011.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0886_zpsd83b5011.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0886_zpsd83b5011.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0886. A long river view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0887_zpsa311ec9f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0887_zpsa311ec9f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0887_zpsa311ec9f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0887. Country road through the forest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0888_zps8c6ca234.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0888_zps8c6ca234.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0888_zps8c6ca234.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0888. Fields and mountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0889_zpsdb3a4a77.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0889_zpsdb3a4a77.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0889_zpsdb3a4a77.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0889. Flooded fields and a hill of graves.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0890_zpsb2f06ca1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0890_zpsb2f06ca1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0890_zpsb2f06ca1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0890. Sharp-horned mountains at a station stop.<br />
<br />
0891. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0892_zpse715e78d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0892_zpse715e78d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0892_zpse715e78d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0892. Hill and station house; the high rises ubiquitous to eastern and southern China are nowhere to be found in these mountains. This is rural among rural, truly, and passing through it at the tail end of a late spring rain gives a singularly peaceful stillness the the countryside. As a tourist I should have done Guangdong all at once, and be headed from here to Guilin and thence to Tibet, but I don't have all the time or money in the world. As a traveler, though, it's very good that I've come this way, and seen a side of China that you will never find where the land's flat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0893_zps87d2bab2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0893_zps87d2bab2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0893_zps87d2bab2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0893. Raw mountain, pulling out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0894_zps45e0ddd3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0894_zps45e0ddd3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0894_zps45e0ddd3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0894. More of the high dome.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0895_zps16d42e87.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0895_zps16d42e87.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0895_zps16d42e87.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0895. Mountains and town.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0896_zps12d7a64f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0896_zps12d7a64f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0896_zps12d7a64f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0896. Flooded paddies, distant peaks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0897_zpsba9ab12c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0897_zpsba9ab12c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0897_zpsba9ab12c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0897. Mountains and river flow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0898_zps749046e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0898_zps749046e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0898_zps749046e9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0898. Serrated peaks in the distance.<br />
<br />
The kid had been napping, but woke up owing to having wet the bed. I feel bad for his poor mom sleeping beside him at the time; I've spent too long at German metalfests to be overly troubled by the stink of urine. Other travelers' mileage may vary; I suggest, in the first instance, not feeding them fruit with an abnormally high water content, even if it was originally procured for a joke and is too large for one person. :[<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0899_zps502ec86f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0899_zps502ec86f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0899_zps502ec86f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0899. Great karst domes, leaving Rongshui.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0900_zps8cddd541.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0900_zps8cddd541.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0900_zps8cddd541.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0900. Three in sequence.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0901_zps768e9a7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0901_zps768e9a7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0901_zps768e9a7a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0901. A bluff rises from the plain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0902_zps6edd4f89.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0902_zps6edd4f89.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0902_zps6edd4f89.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0902. Closer to the mass.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0903_zpsb8e13dbe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0903_zpsb8e13dbe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0903_zpsb8e13dbe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0903. A solitary knob of rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0904_zpscb45506b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0904_zpscb45506b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0904_zpscb45506b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0904. Standing alone.<br />
<br />
0905. (DNCO) Outcroppings and a windbreak. The strategy here was to shoot a lot, only keeping those that were the most in-focus and most in-frame. (This one wasn't, really)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0906_zpsd4f220e3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0906_zpsd4f220e3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0906_zpsd4f220e3.jpg" /></a>
0906. Range around a valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0907_zps60bacc28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0907_zps60bacc28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0907_zps60bacc28.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0907. Another battlement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0908_zpsd9392030.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0908_zpsd9392030.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0908_zpsd9392030.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0908. Closer, passing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0909_zps4a878638.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0909_zps4a878638.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0909_zps4a878638.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0909. A long mountain over the road.<br />
<br />
This is a poor substitute for Guilin, but not having the time to actually visit the karst country, the least I could do was pass through some of the outskirts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0910_zps59273a68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0910_zps59273a68.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0910_zps59273a68.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0910. Mountains and well-watered country.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0911_zps08d9b477.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0911_zps08d9b477.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0911_zps08d9b477.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0911. With a different stream.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0912_zps62a8dd59.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0912_zps62a8dd59.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0912_zps62a8dd59.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0912. A triangular prominence.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0913_zps89e15002.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0913_zps89e15002.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0913_zps89e15002.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0913. Away to the range.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0914_zps678f0b0f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0914_zps678f0b0f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0914_zps678f0b0f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0914. A great peak right by the track.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0915_zps3da96131.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0915_zps3da96131.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0915_zps3da96131.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0915. Closer on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0916_zps29276bc8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0916_zps29276bc8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0916_zps29276bc8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0916. Up from below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0917_zpsf503c02c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0917_zpsf503c02c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0917_zpsf503c02c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0917. High, bare, slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0918_zps52dd3f0d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0918_zps52dd3f0d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0918_zps52dd3f0d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0918. Mountains and dam.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0919_zps92f43500.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0919_zps92f43500.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0919_zps92f43500.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0919. A few peaks more.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0920_zpsf94f65b6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0920_zpsf94f65b6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0920_zpsf94f65b6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0920. A great bare castle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0921_zps8303e3da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0921_zps8303e3da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0921_zps8303e3da.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0921. Looming out of the jungle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0922_zpsae894370.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0922_zpsae894370.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0922_zpsae894370.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0922. Bare cap and rockslide fencing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0923_zps17bb9a33.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0923_zps17bb9a33.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0923_zps17bb9a33.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0923. Steep slopes cultivated still.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0924_zpsf85363b8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0924_zpsf85363b8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0924_zpsf85363b8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0924. Rural China.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0925_zpsf365579d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0925_zpsf365579d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0925_zpsf365579d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0925. River view, right before the trestles hit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0926_zpsf453e3e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0926_zpsf453e3e5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0926_zpsf453e3e5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0926. A block of mountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0927_zpse1a36276.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0927_zpse1a36276.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0927_zpse1a36276.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0927. A second mostly-clear view.<br />
<br />
China's attitude towards track access is pretty laissez-faire generally. So when the train enters an artificial tunnel box and emerges alongside a fence topped with razor wire, you don't turn the camera on, no matter how amazing the surrounding mountains are.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0928_zps1260bb04.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0928_zps1260bb04.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0928_zps1260bb04.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0928. Berg in the deepening mist.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0929_zps9aedb149.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0929_zps9aedb149.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0929_zps9aedb149.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0929. Doubly faced.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0930_zps57b43b4f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0930_zps57b43b4f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0930_zps57b43b4f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0930. Bare rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0931_zps27727167.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0931_zps27727167.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0931_zps27727167.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0931. A last peak over a viaduct.<br />
<br />
The compartment's full again; young dudes, some of whom are booked elsewhere. On the whole, I'd rather put up with the kid.<br />
<br />
Six hours till packout. We'll see how well I sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/20<br />
almost to Guangzhou<br />
<br />
Pocket stuff apart, I'm fully packed, with my train-specific gear discarded and tied off. Today's plan starts with breaking a bill at the Hbf -- I probably have enough change to get south, but it's not certain -- getting my next ticket at Guangzhou South, and then doing a bit of Siu Bek and maybe seeing the mosque before checking in, at which point I divide and parse out my gear. I'm not sending it out till early on the 22nd, but I want to know where I'm sending it from -- and that what I keep will stay under seven kilos.<br />
<br />
- Guangzhou -<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0932_zps1fc1ce73.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0932_zps1fc1ce73.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0932_zps1fc1ce73.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0932. GZ Hbf in the dark. In the plaza in front of the station, there were a couple dozen people sacked out -- not homeless, just waiting for an early train.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0933_zps96267f43.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0933_zps96267f43.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0933_zps96267f43.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0933. Looping overpasses from a footbridge in Xiao Bei.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0934_zps2982d809.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0934_zps2982d809.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0934_zps2982d809.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0934. Greenery bubbles off the path.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0935_zps66f19141.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0935_zps66f19141.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0935_zps66f19141.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0935. Growth and skyscrapers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0936_zps13fe564f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0936_zps13fe564f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0936_zps13fe564f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0936. Apartments and more plants.<br />
<br />
Siu Bek was cool, but it was too early to see a whole ton; the only difference to elsewhere in Guangzhou is the large signs, in English and Arabic (and probably also, lower down, French and Chinese), reminding people that foreigners need to present a passport when challenged by police. Other than that, just as well-off, well-maintained, and green as anywhere else. <br />
<br />
The greenery is probably half planted, half accident. The jungle is all around you here, and will fill in at a moment's notice.<br />
<br />
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0937_zps6d9d315d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0937_zps6d9d315d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0937_zps6d9d315d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0937. Hall from the west gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0938_zps64bad21c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0938_zps64bad21c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0938_zps64bad21c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0938. Closer on a corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0939_zpsea80b780.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0939_zpsea80b780.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0939_zpsea80b780.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0939. Roof corner and new build.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0940_zps0360d339.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0940_zps0360d339.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0940_zps0360d339.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0940. On the south side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0941_zps0f2c5763.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0941_zps0f2c5763.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0941_zps0f2c5763.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0941. "Tree Embracing Tree", a banyan grown around a fan palm. This is also occasionally translated on signs around the park as "Tree On Tree", which is hilarious.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0942_zpse28f4745.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0942_zpse28f4745.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0942_zpse28f4745.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0942. South face view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0943_zpsd2d23c86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0943_zpsd2d23c86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0943_zpsd2d23c86.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0943. Long shot of the east gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0944_zpsa81d0088.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0944_zpsa81d0088.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0944_zpsa81d0088.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0944. The net of a great banyan.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0945_zps670f9848.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0945_zps670f9848.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0945_zps670f9848.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0945. North side and statue.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0946_zps10300cb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0946_zps10300cb2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0946_zps10300cb2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0946. Statue, side-on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0947_zpsf9c6233a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0947_zpsf9c6233a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0947_zpsf9c6233a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0947. Inside; a nice latticed window.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0948_zps77f45bf0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0948_zps77f45bf0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0948_zps77f45bf0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0948. The furnishings recall temple architecture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0949_zps8cb22ce9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0949_zps8cb22ce9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0949_zps8cb22ce9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0949. Also insured by Smith & Wesson.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0950_zps123cfaa9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0950_zps123cfaa9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0950_zps123cfaa9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0950. Anticolonialist poster; note the frog in French colors.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0951_zpsac476681.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0951_zpsac476681.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0951_zpsac476681.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0951. Original diagnosis; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was a doctor of medicine, not philosophy, and continued to practice even while gaining fame as a thinker, speaker, and leader of the revolutionary movement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0952_zps1a79203e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0952_zps1a79203e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0952_zps1a79203e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0952. Memorial tablet in the main auditorium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0953_zps6a185a2f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0953_zps6a185a2f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0953_zps6a185a2f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0953. New build, new life, through a sunshower.<br />
<br />
The hall didn't have much in the way of artifacts, and a substantial chunk of the exhibit was devoted to the hall itself. However, it was still quite interesting, and a good diversion running out the clock before I can credibly go to the hotel. Beer and an early start has me running on empty, but I should be able to string it out to get in like 10:30 or 11, not much earlier than Xi'an. We'll see how long I've got to stew.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0954_zpsf1917637.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0954_zpsf1917637.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0954_zpsf1917637.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0954. Statue in a separate memorial hall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0955_zps1502f5f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0955_zps1502f5f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0955_zps1502f5f6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0955. A dodge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0956_zps5a6685d8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0956_zps5a6685d8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0956_zps5a6685d8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0956. A commanding if streaky view of Guangzhou.<br />
<br />
In addition to nice views, the hotel also has a range top rather than just an electric kettle for making tea. There's no cooking utensils, but that's easily remedied -- and if I find a wet market, I can't be entirely responsible for my actions.<br />
<br />
Further investigation revealed the stove had been deactivated, which is probably for the best.<br />
<br />
Attempting to go to the Hanyue burial mound museum, I got lost coming out of the subway (despite still having a compass on me, which should have eliminated that possibility) and got caught in a rainstorm, but it wasn't a complete failure: Italy and England Hapi caps, and I did see most of Zhongshan 6th Road.<br />
<br />
0957. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0958_zps44ce90f2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0958_zps44ce90f2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0958_zps44ce90f2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0958. Storm over a pedestrian bridge.<br />
<br />
v61. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0959_zpsac8ad5a5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0959_zpsac8ad5a5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0959_zpsac8ad5a5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0959. Angry clouds sweep across.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0960_zpsf1ac936b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0960_zpsf1ac936b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0960_zpsf1ac936b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0960. Old-school building in Zhongshan Sixth Road.<br />
<br />
My clothes are currently busy drying out, and I may try to explore local cuisine on a late dinner. Regardless, I'm going to make close plans for tomorrow, so I can see all I need to, in the time I have, and not screw things up like today.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0961_zps78cb0a79.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0961_zps78cb0a79.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0961_zps78cb0a79.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0961. Chinese buffet, Chinese style.<br />
<br />
After a bit of a walk, I came to this place, a cafeteria setup that covers all the bases. You get a tray with a bowlful of rice on it, then go down the line and point at the dishes you want added. Each averages like six yuan, with the meat ones and the veggie ones lower. You get charged at the end based on what's on your plate; I paid about 40元 for this intentionally indulgent dinner, but if you're poor, you can come in, refuse all dishes, and pay a single yuan for a hot bowl of rice.<br />
<br />
My good luck continued on the way back; I got a German Hapi and a hot lead on a likely source of more caps. It cost me a 13.50 can of import (expensive, I've been drinking bigger 3-yuan bottles of domestic further inland :[ ), but I saw a Hapi rack nearly cleaned out, with Argentina and Spain remaining. That's the first case assortment; there's at least one more tranche on the streets here, and that rack's going to fill up overnight -- probably with caps from the later tranches. The demand here for Hapi -- or colorful Hapi caps -- keeps the racks churning, and as long as the churn goes, I've got a chance at the (only) seven caps now remaining at large.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0962_zps33bd26f5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0962_zps33bd26f5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0962_zps33bd26f5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0962. Down into the night.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/21<br />
Guangzhou<br />
<br />
I'm partly packed/manifested, and mostly ready to go; I figure tower, then post pack, then do the longer foot stuff and prep for an early start tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I got to the tower in good time, but like an hour and a half before it opened. Some notes from outside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0963_zpsefffc366.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0963_zpsefffc366.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0963_zpsefffc366.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0963. A rainy morning in Guangzhou.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0964_zps94cc7b70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0964_zps94cc7b70.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0964_zps94cc7b70.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0964. At the tower; completely swallowed in mist.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0965_zps1d77ab89.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0965_zps1d77ab89.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0965_zps1d77ab89.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0965. Ostentatious apartments nearby.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0966_zps9029ef68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0966_zps9029ef68.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0966_zps9029ef68.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0966. More of the steel weave of the base.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0967_zpsd7f80612.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0967_zpsd7f80612.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0967_zpsd7f80612.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0967. North across the wharf.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0968_zps61c9da63.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0968_zps61c9da63.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0968_zps61c9da63.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0968. Along the mist-shrouded riverbank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0969_zps6f25a298.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0969_zps6f25a298.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0969_zps6f25a298.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0969. Looking east.<br />
<br />
0970. (DNCO) Bridge lost in the fog. Visibility's about 300-500 meters, less, obviously, looking straight up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0971_zps129837e0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0971_zps129837e0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0971_zps129837e0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0971. Clearing a little.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0972_zpsd7cc4552.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0972_zpsd7cc4552.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0972_zpsd7cc4552.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0972. Lulz. This has to be posted, because people come here from all over the world, often not realizing that much of the year, the Pearl delta is functionally equivalent to a sauna bath, and the tower is frequently socked in by clouds.<br />
<br />
It does appear to be clearing a little, so I'll probably go straight up the tower as planned. Fog or no fog, I'm not here forever.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MX2t46BuZis" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v62. Sudden raindrops bounce on a patio. It's been dripping all morning, but the real rain started with this burst; in the old days, people used to believe that these sudden, short downpours were the result of a dragon going by.<br />
<br />
A film crew set up a generator for their catering area by my seat, so I took another hike around the tower and a few more pictures. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0973_zpsb054b4ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0973_zpsb054b4ad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0973_zpsb054b4ad.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0973. Skyscrapers emerge from the fog.<br />
<br />
0974. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0975_zps8cbd4619.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0975_zps8cbd4619.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0975_zps8cbd4619.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0975. A long wash of green.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0976_zps65ab4da1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0976_zps65ab4da1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0976_zps65ab4da1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0976. Helix and tower.<br />
<br />
After more waiting, I got in, and while the views from the elevator were amazing, 450 meters is more visibility than there is this morning. As soon as the engineering hall opens, I'll check that out, and hope that things continue to clear.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0977_zps54529f94.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0977_zps54529f94.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0977_zps54529f94.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0977. Above the clouds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0978_zps1f4cdcb3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0978_zps1f4cdcb3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0978_zps1f4cdcb3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0978. Black marble in the Star observation deck.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0979_zps579841e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0979_zps579841e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0979_zps579841e9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0979. Well, they're not lying.<br />
<br />
The wait paid off handsomely, as of course the clouds cleared and I was about the only person up in the tower.<br />
<br />
0980. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
v63. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
0981. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0982_zps1919320c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0982_zps1919320c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0982_zps1919320c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0982. The waterfront emerges.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0983_zps3667f727.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0983_zps3667f727.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0983_zps3667f727.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0983. Down to the shrouded river.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YNb6lprNqhg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v64. Wisping off northwest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0984_zpsc9741bfc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0984_zpsc9741bfc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0984_zpsc9741bfc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0984. Into the city.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0985_zps02e36ae8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0985_zps02e36ae8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0985_zps02e36ae8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0985. Greenway and brownfields.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0986_zps5e6bc8e0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0986_zps5e6bc8e0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0986_zps5e6bc8e0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0986. A slice of waterfront.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0987_zpscf359ad7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0987_zpscf359ad7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0987_zpscf359ad7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0987. Wisps of hanging fog.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0988_zpsad96b02a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0988_zpsad96b02a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0988_zpsad96b02a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0988. Down to the Chigang Pagoda.<br />
<br />
0989. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0990_zpsba163c0f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0990_zpsba163c0f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0990_zpsba163c0f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0990. More of the Pearl bridge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0991_zpseba29b37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0991_zpseba29b37.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0991_zpseba29b37.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0991. Challengers appear.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0992_zps4c000592.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0992_zps4c000592.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0992_zps4c000592.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0992. Down into the weird stadium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0993_zps925b852a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0993_zps925b852a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0993_zps925b852a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0993. Into the north cultural park.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0994_zps3cb66b3b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0994_zps3cb66b3b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0994_zps3cb66b3b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0994. Still socked in upriver.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0995_zpse4ccd039.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0995_zpse4ccd039.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0995_zpse4ccd039.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0995. Pagoda and park.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0996_zps9d347638.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0996_zps9d347638.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0996_zps9d347638.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0996. Bridge and bank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0997_zps832bce10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0997_zps832bce10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0997_zps832bce10.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0997. The dawn comes.<br />
<br />
I recovered from the retinal burn I'd gotten looking east to the shrouded sun, and the engineering floor was free today, a 30-yuan value. Score!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0998_zps29ffe06a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0998_zps29ffe06a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0998_zps29ffe06a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0998. Across an island.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh0999_zps310f0322.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0999_zps310f0322.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh0999_zps310f0322.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0999. The IFC, clear of fog.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1000_zpsd278cbfa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1000_zpsd278cbfa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1000_zpsd278cbfa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1000. Its companion, still underway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1001_zps7310e6af.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1001_zps7310e6af.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1001_zps7310e6af.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1001. Library and museum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1002_zpsdcbab427.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1002_zpsdcbab427.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1002_zpsdcbab427.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1002. Along the north bank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1003_zpsfe47794c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1003_zpsfe47794c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1003_zpsfe47794c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1003. Surrounded by streams.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1004_zps8bc03e20.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1004_zps8bc03e20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1004_zps8bc03e20.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1004. 2-D bearing assembly, engineering floor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1005_zps2124c45e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1005_zps2124c45e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1005_zps2124c45e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1005. Damper piston.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1006_zpse0fad1f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1006_zpse0fad1f4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1006_zpse0fad1f4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1006. Tank and explanation. Since they need to keep a lot of water up top anyway for firefighting purposes, they can use it as an inertial mass to fight vibration from wind and earthquakes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1007_zpsb55213ee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1007_zpsb55213ee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1007_zpsb55213ee.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1007. Damper and rubber shock absorbers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1008_zps97e53d6a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1008_zps97e53d6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1008_zps97e53d6a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1008. Motor and the top of the tank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1009_zpsfee5d197.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1009_zpsfee5d197.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1009_zpsfee5d197.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1009. Two-floor view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1010_zpsb9d02625.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1010_zpsb9d02625.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1010_zpsb9d02625.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1010. Not actually this solar-friendly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1011_zps27283097.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1011_zps27283097.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1011_zps27283097.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1011. Motor transmission drive and cable belt. NEEEERRRRD.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1012_zps3fde27fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1012_zps3fde27fd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1012_zps3fde27fd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1012. A nice display, but the buttons weren't working. A button alone is sufficient to raise hope in the heart of an engineer; when pushing it does nothing, it shatters then into shards of pure disappointment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1013_zpsf18ccc6a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1013_zpsf18ccc6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1013_zpsf18ccc6a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1013. Flower design in a park, coming down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1014_zps978b5ab5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1014_zps978b5ab5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1014_zps978b5ab5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1014. Riffs of cloud over the city.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1015_zpsff2a9cbb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1015_zpsff2a9cbb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1015_zpsff2a9cbb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1015. Model of the north side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1016_zps438a61c5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1016_zps438a61c5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1016_zps438a61c5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1016. Outside; northwest on the wharf. It's a lot different when you can actually see all the way across the river.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1017_zpsbe9df09e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1017_zpsbe9df09e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1017_zpsbe9df09e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1017. IFC towers and stadium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1018_zps7c6c56b4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1018_zps7c6c56b4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1018_zps7c6c56b4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1018. Pearl bridge, ground level.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1019_zps15d5941b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1019_zps15d5941b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1019_zps15d5941b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1019. All the way up, finally.<br />
<br />
1020. (not germane)<br />
<br />
It's been nearly an hour. If I've still got nothing by 2, I've got to hit the road; I know where there's a shipping desk that's not a form and bad communications, and there's touring I have to do.<br />
<br />
Well, that was a bust. Can't ship the pack, missed half my points due to the rain. This run of bad luck means it's time to stay in, cut losses, and drink rather than head out to the stadium and see <a href="http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/english/default.aspx">Evergrande</a> live.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1021_zps75f3fb2d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1021_zps75f3fb2d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1021_zps75f3fb2d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1021. A streaky skyline.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1022_zps7a90e92b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1022_zps7a90e92b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1022_zps7a90e92b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1022. In the park; raining like hell.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1023_zps73065991.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1023_zps73065991.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1023_zps73065991.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1023. Peacock spreads out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1024_zpsdab4c848.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1024_zpsdab4c848.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1024_zpsdab4c848.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1024. Hill of stone sheep. I didn't see the 五羊 statue due to the rain, so this will have to do.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1025_zps19178cf6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1025_zps19178cf6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1025_zps19178cf6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1025. Lake pavilion.<br />
<br />
1026. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1027_zps19e4cff9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1027_zps19e4cff9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1027_zps19e4cff9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1027. Weathered rocks and greenery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1028_zps5746c17e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1028_zps5746c17e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1028_zps5746c17e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1028. Point in the lake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1029_zpseb4743ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1029_zpseb4743ac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1029_zpseb4743ac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1029. Bridge into angry clouds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1030_zps6c429ebd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1030_zps6c429ebd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1030_zps6c429ebd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1030. Bridge in the rain.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SOKfF9Jzhi0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v65. Rain hammers the lake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1031_zpsbc48dfca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1031_zpsbc48dfca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1031_zpsbc48dfca.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1031. Island in the rain.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VoCgndCXFQo" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v66. Water falling in just sheets.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1032_zpsa9ec5b7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1032_zpsa9ec5b7b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1032_zpsa9ec5b7b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1032. A land crab enjoying the wet weather.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1033_zps27c67c45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1033_zps27c67c45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1033_zps27c67c45.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1033. Rain and greenery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1034_zps9af1363d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1034_zps9af1363d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1034_zps9af1363d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1034. In the tropical jungle.<br />
<br />
Hanyue Mausoleum<br />
<br />
After a quick hike around the perimeter, I got to the museum, got through the water curtain in front of the ticket office, and in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1035_zps6335d5ed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1035_zps6335d5ed.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1035_zps6335d5ed.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1035. Artifacts from the Han tomb.<br />
<br />
1036. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1037_zpsfb05b848.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1037_zpsfb05b848.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1037_zpsfb05b848.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1037. Ceramic pillow from a HK capitalist collection.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1038_zpsd174637e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1038_zpsd174637e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1038_zpsd174637e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1038. Tomb furnishings; even the dead gotta eat. Later, there were dog figures described as "hounds" and 家犬, the first time I'd seen that 'dog' character in China. It's more usual in Japan, where 狗 is largely unknown, so there's probably a hound/dogge thing going on here like we had happen in English, and which I strongly suspect happened in Russian as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1039_zpsc68792ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1039_zpsc68792ad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1039_zpsc68792ad.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1039. Rain on the tomb mound.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1040_zps77ab2e48.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1040_zps77ab2e48.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1040_zps77ab2e48.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1040. Map of the tomb.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1041_zps64ddc52d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1041_zps64ddc52d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1041_zps64ddc52d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1041. Short lintels. The internal rooms have about a 5'6" clearance, but the doors are 4'6" to 5', so even the ancient Chinese would've had to stoop in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1042_zps8cbc62a8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1042_zps8cbc62a8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1042_zps8cbc62a8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1042. In the tomb. The artifacts have been mostly removed, with only the dust of one of the sacrificed concubines remaining in situ in a glass case, and taking pictures of that and signboards just felt weird.<br />
<br />
The secret to haggling is the willingness to walk away. Not in a git of pique, but just trying to get out of the damn deal. I talked my last souvenir (for the boss) down to cost, mostly by trying not to buy the damn thing. I got an unparalleled deal (probably not actual cost), but I DIDN'T WANT TO FUCKING BUY THIS THING.<br />
<br />
The reason, of course, is that the sales people get a flat percentage commission on sales, so whatever they shift, no matter how little, they get a cut. On the street, you'll be able to walk away if you can't get to a price the vendor's happy/comfortable with.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1043_zpsc25aa6d9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1043_zpsc25aa6d9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1043_zpsc25aa6d9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1043. A worse death trap. For a museum in an area with this much rain, the drainage here really sucks. No wonder the gift shop was cutting such impressive deals.<br />
<br />
1044. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1045_zpsf94f09d6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1045_zpsf94f09d6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1045_zpsf94f09d6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1045. Towers in the evening haze.<br />
<br />
1046. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1047_zps5a438c8d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1047_zps5a438c8d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1047_zps5a438c8d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1047. Clearer from the IFCs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%209/zh1048_zps191a0711.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh1048_zps191a0711.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%209/th_zh1048_zps191a0711.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
1048. The gleam of a relatively-clear Guangzhou night.<br />
<br />
The nuker may also be inactive, but there's still the kettle and the sink, and I didn't live nearly a year in the <i>Ostmark</i> for nothing. A couple minutes in the near-boiling-water immersion bath, and the microwave meal from the 7-11 is ready to eat as well, for solid food in addition to bar snacks.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-4597184973465066672014-06-10T18:08:00.000-04:002014-06-10T18:08:21.921-04:00China 2014 part 8 - Chengdu<br />
5/16<br />
headed mostly south into Sichuan<br />
<br />
I got up at about six -- it was raining, and we're far west and south enough that the sun isn't coming up till like five. I'll need to set my alarm for the pandas tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bnkSBpf9-lk" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v35. Grainy river; first impressions of mountain China.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0721_zps3a9002f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0721_zps3a9002f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0721_zps3a9002f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0721. Forewarned is forearmed. This train doesn't even have a flush, so "aim well" and "throw water".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0722_zps902cddcf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0722_zps902cddcf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0722_zps902cddcf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0722. Misty mountains deep.<br />
<br />
0723. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
0724. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
Any other place, any other time, these would have been deleted on site for DNCO. But you only experience the mystery of arriving in Sichuan at daybreak for the first time once, so they got kept as a hedge that they might turn out. They didn't.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0725_zpsb0d865cd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0725_zpsb0d865cd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0725_zpsb0d865cd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0725. Upriver over bridges.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0726_zpse349546a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0726_zpse349546a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0726_zpse349546a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0726. Another break in the cliffside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0727_zps6704b881.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0727_zps6704b881.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0727_zps6704b881.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0727. Small lone houses on the slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0728_zpsf7243304.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0728_zpsf7243304.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0728_zpsf7243304.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0728. Up over an erosion wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0729_zps5d277d4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0729_zps5d277d4d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0729_zps5d277d4d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0729. Ahead on a curve; the trains are shorter and faster than in Siberia, so there's fewer of these.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0730_zps455c287e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0730_zps455c287e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0730_zps455c287e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0730. Range through a pass.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0731_zps5e678801.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0731_zps5e678801.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0731_zps5e678801.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0731. More distant peaks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0732_zps5b865cf5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0732_zps5b865cf5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0732_zps5b865cf5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0732. Mountain and torrent.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QyrnnDAdR7U" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v36. Keeping up. If Sichuan is reminiscent of Japan, it's the climate and the youth of the mountains; the Chinese build their roads to proper standard.<br />
<br />
0733. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
0734. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0735_zps9e302357.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0735_zps9e302357.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0735_zps9e302357.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0735. Buddhas in the cliffside, coming in to Guangyuan.<br />
<br />
This was a long enough stop to clean up from breakfast and get this all written; Chengdu's about five hours away, and squaring my pack will be the stuff of minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0736_zps7cdc60f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0736_zps7cdc60f4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0736_zps7cdc60f4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0736. Town and distant range.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0737_zpse4bc4b71.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0737_zpse4bc4b71.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0737_zpse4bc4b71.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0737. Ringing the horizon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0738_zps44d60757.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0738_zps44d60757.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0738_zps44d60757.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0738. More serrations over a village.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0739_zps94b0b3e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0739_zps94b0b3e7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0739_zps94b0b3e7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0739. Cloud catches on a mountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0740_zps6c9b8a7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0740_zps6c9b8a7b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0740_zps6c9b8a7b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0740. Again, with less old building.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0741_zps52ad7b5c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0741_zps52ad7b5c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0741_zps52ad7b5c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0741. Burning the slopes clear.<br />
<br />
0742. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0743_zpsb75263b0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0743_zpsb75263b0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0743_zpsb75263b0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0743. Mountains and river.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0744_zpsf75fcf81.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0744_zpsf75fcf81.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0744_zpsf75fcf81.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0744. Clear as glass.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0745_zps77cfa19c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0745_zps77cfa19c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0745_zps77cfa19c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0745. Amazing reflections.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0746_zpsfe78c9df.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0746_zpsfe78c9df.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0746_zpsfe78c9df.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0746. Top of the peak.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0747_zps7e4f9969.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0747_zps7e4f9969.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0747_zps7e4f9969.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0747. Mirrored in the flat water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0748_zpsedac24b6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0748_zpsedac24b6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0748_zpsedac24b6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0748. Erosion and terraces.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8bLZDeIFcBU" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v37. Along the reflecting stream.<br />
<br />
0749. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
0750. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
0751. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0752_zpsa142e86e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0752_zpsa142e86e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0752_zpsa142e86e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0752. Town and misty slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0753_zpsc2d693ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0753_zpsc2d693ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0753_zpsc2d693ea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0753. Down a valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0754_zps90ea608d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0754_zps90ea608d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0754_zps90ea608d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0754. Characteristic bare rock of Sichuan.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0755_zps7b493e0a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0755_zps7b493e0a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0755_zps7b493e0a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0755. More, and some of the river.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0756_zpsbb77cf5e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0756_zpsbb77cf5e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0756_zpsbb77cf5e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0756. Peak ahead, wreathed in clouds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0757_zps5574b701.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0757_zps5574b701.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0757_zps5574b701.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0757. Farm town and range behind.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0758_zpsd45e63b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0758_zpsd45e63b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0758_zpsd45e63b9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0758. Reclining Buddha and temple.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0759_zps72fd3b1f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0759_zps72fd3b1f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0759_zps72fd3b1f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0759. More of the temple complex.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0760_zpsec01b974.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0760_zpsec01b974.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0760_zpsec01b974.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0760. Hilltop pavilion, coming in to Mianyang.<br />
<br />
- Chengdu -<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0761_zpsa5ecb457.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0761_zpsa5ecb457.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0761_zpsa5ecb457.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0761. For reference, trains to 成都 go to the north station.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0762_zps811c0359.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0762_zps811c0359.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0762_zps811c0359.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0762. Chengdu. This is a new, big-built city in most of its modern parts.<br />
<br />
Hiking around to get to the hotel, I noticed an odd thing on the license plates of the cars around. In Heilongjiang, the plates start with the 黑/black character from the province name, and in Shandong, it's the 山 and 东 stacked, because both characters are extensively used in other names. However, even though no other province uses the 四/four in Sichuan, the license plates here start with 川/river; even though the government is officially opposed to superstition, and most Chinese are ok with living in a building that has a fourth floor, they knew that asking everyone in Sichuan to put a 四 on the back of their vehicle would be asking for a popular uprising.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0763_zps0b2b845b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0763_zps0b2b845b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0763_zps0b2b845b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0763. Washing up. This room didn't have anywhere to run a clothesline, until I made it have one. These can take the next up to 36 hours to dry out, I've got enough clothes till then.<br />
<br />
The hotel is in a touristy backyard by the Wenshu monastery, so there's no shortage of stuff to see and crap to buy. Washing up took a while, so I ate another sausage and had some tea around 2:30, then went to find a beer store, see some sights, and depending on the time, maybe get a first taste of real Sichuan for dinner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0764_zpsc2683413.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0764_zpsc2683413.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0764_zpsc2683413.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0764. Hotel furnishings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0765_zps80a9c1b6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0765_zps80a9c1b6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0765_zps80a9c1b6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0765. Buddha downstairs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0766_zps7ec74222.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0766_zps7ec74222.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0766_zps7ec74222.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0766. Sole evidence -- unless I grab a can to drink in GZ and post back. (Spoiler: this did not happen.) Best Zhonglish.<br />
<br />
0767. (not germane)<br />
<br />
<br />
5/17<br />
Chengdu<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0768_zps42580ea5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0768_zps42580ea5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0768_zps42580ea5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0768. A dark passage. The courtyard around the hotel's locked up at night; good thing the train out isn't till 1700 tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0769_zps39dedcda.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0769_zps39dedcda.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0769_zps39dedcda.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0769. Open to the sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0770_zps34af5c15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0770_zps34af5c15.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0770_zps34af5c15.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0770. Buddha and garden downstairs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0771_zps6a86ffe0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0771_zps6a86ffe0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0771_zps6a86ffe0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0771. Empty stalls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0772_zpsc7940282.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0772_zpsc7940282.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0772_zpsc7940282.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0772. Morning back street view.<br />
<br />
I made the subway and bus connections fine, and rode out the last leg to the panda base in a little bus made mostly of wood.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0773_zpse5384daf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0773_zpse5384daf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0773_zpse5384daf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0773. The 87 steams off.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0774_zps40be895f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0774_zps40be895f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0774_zps40be895f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0774. Open land (for now) in the Chengdu suburbs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0775_zps53a31584.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0775_zps53a31584.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0775_zps53a31584.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0775. After the tiger base, maybe not such a good omen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0776_zpse7de3cde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0776_zpse7de3cde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0776_zpse7de3cde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0776. Wooded paths inside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0777_zps3f77ebe1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0777_zps3f77ebe1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0777_zps3f77ebe1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0777. Trees and bamboo all around.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0778_zps6d9e42ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0778_zps6d9e42ac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0778_zps6d9e42ac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0778. Artificial fall by the path.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0779_zps20a123e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0779_zps20a123e5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0779_zps20a123e5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0779. Sculpture display.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0780_zps865d345f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0780_zps865d345f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0780_zps865d345f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0780. There's more to this quote, usually, but rule 8 of the park interdicts superstition along with gambling, drugs, and pornography.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0781_zps42528e56.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0781_zps42528e56.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0781_zps42528e56.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0781. Thick stand of bamboo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0782_zps507fa6ee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0782_zps507fa6ee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0782_zps507fa6ee.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0782. Backs to the wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0783_zpsb567bb32.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0783_zpsb567bb32.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0783_zpsb567bb32.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0783. The soil's beat up here too; sprinklers keep up the greenery.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SAuUcIQVha4" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v38. A morning's rest interrupted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0784_zps4c68ac8f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0784_zps4c68ac8f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0784_zps4c68ac8f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0784. Tucked up in a corner.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TO4wpPwaK-g" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v39. A pile of fish in the pond. The ubiquity of carp and insecurity of the panda is a great lesson in evolution.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0785_zps9af5349d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0785_zps9af5349d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0785_zps9af5349d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0785. Deep greenery of the forest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0786_zps1441ec7f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0786_zps1441ec7f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0786_zps1441ec7f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0786. Habitat structure.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0787_zpsd74ca184.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0787_zpsd74ca184.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0787_zpsd74ca184.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0787. And how it appears. The wires and moat are hidden, so it's like you're right on top of these large, massive, and pointy if no longer carnivorous animals.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0788_zps7a906464.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0788_zps7a906464.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0788_zps7a906464.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0788. Some friends picnicking in the sun.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D2_rzDCw8Ic" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v40. A test setup of "Pandas Eating Things".<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dEt9cQV2ucg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v41. Close up on five-finger-thumb feeding action.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0789_zps4793f69f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0789_zps4793f69f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0789_zps4793f69f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0789. Sitting up, after more of the tourists moved.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0790_zpsc88d82df.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0790_zpsc88d82df.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0790_zpsc88d82df.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0790. A green arching arbor.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nBuB8_GbHIg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v42. Short subject: Baby Panda Gets Unstuck.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0791_zps9b2656fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0791_zps9b2656fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0791_zps9b2656fb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0791. Mom chews through some bamboo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0792_zpsa2fa2728.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0792_zpsa2fa2728.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0792_zpsa2fa2728.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0792. Starting on a ladder.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9LOknUfzS5g" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v43. Short subject: Baby Panda Climbs Down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0793_zpsbbcaf46c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0793_zpsbbcaf46c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0793_zpsbbcaf46c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0793. Mom and cub.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZgzxO-Wix8c" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v44. Short subject: Baby Panda Has Trouble With A Ladder.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0794_zpsa62f8b37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0794_zpsa62f8b37.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0794_zpsa62f8b37.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0794. That isn't food yet, but it sure smells good.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7GzSQ4fNGRE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v45. Short subject: Baby Panda Doesn't Know How To Eat Bamboo Yet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0795_zpsa9509f44.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0795_zpsa9509f44.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0795_zpsa9509f44.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0795. Baby panda bugging mom.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OSZd9svQkJo" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v46. Panda family life.<br />
<br />
This was the smallest cub on display at 8 months. Pandas do not breed frequently, so there weren't any normal-person-handleable (I could probably have picked this guy up, but I have a longer body length and more mass than the average adult panda) cubs around to be photographed with for 2000元.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0796_zps511cf479.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0796_zps511cf479.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0796_zps511cf479.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0796. Back to the audience.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0797_zps62902489.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0797_zps62902489.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0797_zps62902489.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0797. Chowing down.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vGYdYc7JU_s" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v47. Contentedly chomping away.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0798_zpsf9d6e9fc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0798_zpsf9d6e9fc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0798_zpsf9d6e9fc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0798. Closer in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0799_zps29ab214b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0799_zps29ab214b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0799_zps29ab214b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0799. Double-fisting it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0800_zps09388f0c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0800_zps09388f0c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0800_zps09388f0c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0800. Closer still.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UF-Nfrrspd8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v48. Ambidextrous gobbling.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0801_zpsfa2215e8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0801_zpsfa2215e8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0801_zpsfa2215e8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0801. Mid-chomp.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0802_zps35bb991d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0802_zps35bb991d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0802_zps35bb991d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0802. Still packing it away.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0803_zps4d844d6e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0803_zps4d844d6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0803_zps4d844d6e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0803. Looking for another good one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0804_zps4b6a9ced.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0804_zps4b6a9ced.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0804_zps4b6a9ced.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0804. Clearing the front pile.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7eOjmUoyQIY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v49. Sooo done with looking at tourists while she's eating.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0805_zps6ddc10e2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0805_zps6ddc10e2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0805_zps6ddc10e2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0805. Still sitting, still chewing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0806_zpsa1275b69.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0806_zpsa1275b69.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0806_zpsa1275b69.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0806. Pile of pandas in the shade.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0807_zpsf28175e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0807_zpsf28175e7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0807_zpsf28175e7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0807. Bad view through some trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0808_zps6011b1f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0808_zps6011b1f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0808_zps6011b1f8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0808. Lounging around.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0809_zpsc0b9bc3b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0809_zpsc0b9bc3b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0809_zpsc0b9bc3b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0809. Plowing through the forage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0810_zps52c3bcfb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0810_zps52c3bcfb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0810_zps52c3bcfb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0810. Piled up under a post.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Id-BoeN5aE0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v50. Grazing and lounging.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0811_zpsa84e77fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0811_zpsa84e77fd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0811_zpsa84e77fd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0811. The first goddamn thing you see, entering the red panda enclosure. This becomes important later.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0812_zpsbbdac44a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0812_zpsbbdac44a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0812_zpsbbdac44a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0812. Red panda at breakfast.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jjFxhChYJto" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v51. More interested in eating than tourists.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0813_zpsa6f41bec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0813_zpsa6f41bec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0813_zpsa6f41bec.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0813. A better view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0814_zps0cd1d4f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0814_zps0cd1d4f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0814_zps0cd1d4f6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0814. Still curled up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0815_zpsec416267.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0815_zpsec416267.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0815_zpsec416267.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0815. Arch of bamboo and a den log.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0816_zps2b572538.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0816_zps2b572538.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0816_zps2b572538.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0816. Red panda asleep in the trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0817_zpsfe547da5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0817_zpsfe547da5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0817_zpsfe547da5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0817. Arbor over the path.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0818_zps220fad18.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0818_zps220fad18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0818_zps220fad18.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0818. Pool in the habitat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0819_zps5c274c0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0819_zps5c274c0b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0819_zps5c274c0b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0819. A disappearance in progress. The culprit is among us.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0820_zpsc6582596.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0820_zpsc6582596.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0820_zpsc6582596.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0820. Red panda, well hidden.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0821_zps57d47cd8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0821_zps57d47cd8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0821_zps57d47cd8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0821. A better look at that guy in the tree.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0822_zps3e76c9ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0822_zps3e76c9ce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0822_zps3e76c9ce.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0822. Still there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0823_zps39f3c8c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0823_zps39f3c8c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0823_zps39f3c8c3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0823. Again.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kg5LsmjgrHY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v52. Stirring awake; I'd rather sleep than deal with tourists too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0824_zps26aec266.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0824_zps26aec266.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0824_zps26aec266.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0824. Ducking his head.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0825_zpsfa62b229.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0825_zpsfa62b229.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0825_zpsfa62b229.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0825. This will not end well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0826_zpsa4271eb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0826_zpsa4271eb2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0826_zpsa4271eb2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0826. A crowd of Chinese tourists, the kids trying to pet it, boxes in a dangerous wild animal (see 0811).<br />
<br />
I try to avoid taking pictures of ordinary people, because 中国人民 are not a tourist attraction, but this shit needs called out. Chinese people frequently disregard access chains at museums and climb on stuff they're not supposed to stand on (the museum at the Pearl Tower in Shanghai was particularly bad for this), and mostly interpret "no photo" signs as "do not take a picture of this 'no photography' sign". And here, a large number of people are disregarding well-posted warnings to stay 3m back from a wild animal, some of them urging or at least not stopping their kids to pet something that is known to attack when messed with. Also, this is a friggin conservation area. It's not good for rare, endangered red pandas to get chased around by a herd of humans.<br />
<br />
This has to stop. There are PSAs out on "don't spit everywhere", "don't clear your nose onto the floor in a crowded elevator", and "don't litter", with the punchline "because it makes you look like a caveman"; perhaps the next series might include "pay attention to posted rules occasionally".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0827_zps1ac3642a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0827_zps1ac3642a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0827_zps1ac3642a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0827. Seeking a way out.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I3zsCxkjbBs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v53. The escape is made good.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0828_zps3de95170.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0828_zps3de95170.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0828_zps3de95170.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0828. The nap, not the food, is the priority.<br />
<br />
v54. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
v55. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0829_zps49dcf564.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0829_zps49dcf564.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0829_zps49dcf564.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0829. Another panda in the foliage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0830_zpsdb46073b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0830_zpsdb46073b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0830_zpsdb46073b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0830. Engrossed in the food.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0831_zps6b8422a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0831_zps6b8422a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0831_zps6b8422a1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0831. Searching the pile.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k3rTHwFhknM" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v56. Poking about for a good bit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0832_zpsca2153a9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0832_zpsca2153a9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0832_zpsca2153a9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0832. Found one.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-mV4eqLm5FU" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v57. Picking through the food pile, scratching an itch.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0833_zps139157f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0833_zps139157f4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0833_zps139157f4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0833. Long shot through the forest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0834_zps69e07d41.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0834_zps69e07d41.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0834_zps69e07d41.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0834. Water-tumbled stone out front.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0835_zps9e6b0fd7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0835_zps9e6b0fd7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0835_zps9e6b0fd7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0835. How it's made. The rivers in China tend to have a high silt content and an extremely violent spring flood. The water knocks boulders loose, and any areas of heterogenity see the softer stone get ground out, over the couple years or decades to wash the rock from the mountains to the plains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0836_zpsff987e67.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0836_zpsff987e67.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0836_zpsff987e67.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0836. Thumbprint rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0837_zps6bfcd1be.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0837_zps6bfcd1be.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0837_zps6bfcd1be.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0837. Apartments over the base kitchen. The park is entirely within city limits and barely outside the first ring road.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UAWlE_Hwpbk" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v58. Peahen poking around on the road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0838_zps95605be7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0838_zps95605be7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0838_zps95605be7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0838. A whole group together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0839_zpse489c22f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0839_zpse489c22f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0839_zpse489c22f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0839. Unbothered by tourists.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0840_zps9ae00521.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0840_zps9ae00521.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0840_zps9ae00521.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0840. In the museum; unlucky bird, lucky panda.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0841_zps1e40d4fc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0841_zps1e40d4fc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0841_zps1e40d4fc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0841. Comparison check. The pandas are probably Ursidae, but I'm not completely convinced by any of the proposed classifications. Fortunately, this is why cladistics is a thing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0842_zps9d8930f2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0842_zps9d8930f2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0842_zps9d8930f2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0842. Thumb spurs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0843_zps8492e092.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0843_zps8492e092.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0843_zps8492e092.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0843. It's a good thing pandas can't read; that's pretty brutal.<br />
<br />
Additionally, another panel suggests that female pandas are really, really choosy about potential mates: between defective equipment and unrealistic partner expectations, it is not a surprise that most of the panda cubs born in captivity have come via artificial insemination. The species is not exactly fighting extinction real hard on its own.<br />
<br />
The hard question, though, is why should it? In nature, the niche of the giant panda is a walking compost barrel system to replenish the soil of the mountain bamboo forest. Pandas eat bamboo, notionally digest it, and crap out ground-up, bacteria-rich, bamboo mulch from which more bamboo can grow. Their horribly inefficient digestion -- this is still a carnivore gut which can't break down cellulose, so they're getting about 1/4 of the herbivore-available nutrition from a largely nutrition-void diet -- means that they are continually eating, continually churning vegetation. If the bamboo forest is gone, there's no need for its compost processor.<br />
<br />
However, there is the <i>desire</i> for it, from another group of large mammals who mostly just sit on their butts and shove food in their faces all the time. Humans want to save the panda so we can look at baby pandas falling over stuff, not because we intend to leave any significant amount of alpine bamboo forest undeveloped and want mulchers maintaining it. Thus the extraordinary effort to save a cute but pointless creature that has painted itself into a really hard ecological niche: if we can save the panda, which a competent design review would not have released as an alpha, and which is content, on its own, to go extinct as one of millions and millions of speciation branches that didn't really go anywhere great or groundbreaking, it shows that mankind is ultimately stronger than nature. If we can save the panda, there is nothing we cannot reshape -- it may even be in our power to save ourselves, and pass the world to the next generation as something other than a burnt-out cinder.<br />
<br />
Xi'an, <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/06/china-2014-part-7-xian-ii-bingmayong.html">as noted</a>, is part of a story that China desperately needs to tell itself. The Chengdu panda base, crawling with more Westerners than I have seen anywhere on the mainland (the <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/central-mid-levels-causeway-and-happy.html">Happy Valley races in '10</a> have it beat, but not by much), is a story that we need to tell each other as a species. But is it true? Only time can tell, but in comparison to Harbin, it's not encouraging. The Harbin tiger station has a lot of animals in deplorable conditions, but <i>they have a lot of animals</i>, over 2000 in the 2010 census and probably more in the 2015 check, despite extensive rewilding. The panda base has fewer than 400; they're where the Siberian tiger project was 20 years ago, and the giant panda doesn't have 20 years to spare. The reserves that have been cut out of the mountaintops to date are all the habitat there's going to be, as the Chinese population keeps increasing, while more and more of the Amur country and Okhotsk coast can be blocked off for tigers, as Russia's population falls and shifts out of the Far East. The breeding difficulties make it harder; the panda's not longer so surely on track to "extinct in the wild" status as before this facility was founded, but the light at the end of the tunnel is not unambiguously visible yet, not at all.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0844_zpsde81feb7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0844_zpsde81feb7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0844_zpsde81feb7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0844. Upstairs in the butterfly hall. It was still early, but the tourists were starting to come in torrents, so I had to clear out to somewhere mostly empty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0845_zpsdcc6f791.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0845_zpsdcc6f791.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0845_zpsdcc6f791.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0845. Pugmark in the cement, heading out.<br />
<br />
I went back to the station by bus, then into downtown by subway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0846_zps3d01cf97.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0846_zps3d01cf97.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0846_zps3d01cf97.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0846. Tianfu Square; Mao and fountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0847_zpsf7d1faf2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0847_zpsf7d1faf2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0847_zpsf7d1faf2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0847. Red flag, golden pillars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0848_zps62dcae54.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0848_zps62dcae54.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0848_zps62dcae54.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0848. Fountain sculpture and a modernistic hall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0849_zps06500056.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0849_zps06500056.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0849_zps06500056.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0849. Sculpture pillar in the recessed plaza.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0850_zps3bbd38ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0850_zps3bbd38ce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0850_zps3bbd38ce.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0850. Mao in front of the science museum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0851_zps42dd9991.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0851_zps42dd9991.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0851_zps42dd9991.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0851. Southwards; presumably Renmin Road on this side too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0852_zpsa6915cfe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0852_zpsa6915cfe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0852_zpsa6915cfe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0852. Back into the square from the north exit; I saved 2 yuan (on a cool souvenir ticket) and hiked it back to the hotel area rather than taking the metro.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0853_zps70554896.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0853_zps70554896.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0853_zps70554896.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0853. Goddess in green and silver.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0854_zps8f11041f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0854_zps8f11041f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0854_zps8f11041f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0854. Chengdu stadium; probably built as an Olympic soccer site, but it's now kind of a white elephant, and at least partly under construction/demolition. They probably have a team in the CSL, but not one good or well-supported enough to fill this thing every other week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0855_zps947f24f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0855_zps947f24f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0855_zps947f24f1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0855. Entrance to the monastery street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0856_zpsf9c89aaf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0856_zpsf9c89aaf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0856_zpsf9c89aaf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0856. Subtle symbolism.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0857_zpsad8e30fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0857_zpsad8e30fd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0857_zpsad8e30fd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0857. Golden lion looks down from the top.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0858_zpsd8929390.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0858_zpsd8929390.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0858_zpsd8929390.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0858. Monastery entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0859_zps39c377c7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0859_zps39c377c7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0859_zps39c377c7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0859. Roof gables of the monastery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0860_zps810a3fdf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0860_zps810a3fdf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0860_zps810a3fdf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0860. Entrance to White Cloud Silk Street; no pseudomystical cooldown unblown, because white people fucking love that shit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0861_zpsf26582ff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0861_zpsf26582ff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0861_zpsf26582ff.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0861. Cat in the restaurant.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0862_zps996d2436.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0862_zps996d2436.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0862_zps996d2436.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0862. Authentic Sichuan. This is a variation on the "popcorn chicken with chiles" dish that you get elsewhere, but hotter and with more vegetables: lotus root, celery, onion, garlic, peanuts, and potatoes. It was a little big for one person, and a little hard to eat until they took mercy and brought out the rice I forgot to order, but in every other way excellent. It was more, at about 120 yuan, than I wanted to spend on lunch, but I got a lot of good food, a good experience, and a cap I've never seen anywhere else before.<br />
<br />
After lunch, I poked around a little more, and found a neat souvenir for me rather than a special one for the boss. The vendor quoted me 200元 for a Yunnan trade dollar, but I was able to get him down to 65 by actually haggling for once, and if I'd opened at 40 rather than 50, I might've gotten it cheaper. That makes it almost certainly a modern reproduction with next to no actual silver in it ($11 for an ounce and a half is well below spot price), but what I paid is a fair enough price for a neat piece. I'm still looking for a Morgan with a chop in it, but this one's cool, and life will go on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0863_zps959e73e3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0863_zps959e73e3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0863_zps959e73e3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0863. The back gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0864_zps01b77fdb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0864_zps01b77fdb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0864_zps01b77fdb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0864. Lit up at night.<br />
<br />
Dinner was a $33 hotpot instead of a $1.50 bowl of noodles, but fuckit, I'm not here forever. I have enough, even if my card stays off, to get out from GZ, and then do the SEZ leg in that currency. I won't have enough to eat chicken -- which I shouldn't do anyway -- and I may have to give up on the chopper, but I can do this.<br />
<br />
Feeling stuffed, I passed on Tianfu at dusk; I was there at noon today, and the fountain show was nice, but not worth the hike. Instead, I checked another super and got at least one new cap; this makes 36 caps and 40 elements with the station supers to check tomorrow, and the Pearl region mostly not collected from....at least in the last three years.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/18<br />
Chengdu<br />
<br />
The washing is all dry, and I have a good start on packing. Light tourism, a last beer check, and another pull try after ASAP-breakfast this morning, and then I finish baling shit up and head for the Hbf.<br />
<br />
I will never, ever,ever understand the kind of Westerner who bothers to come to interior China and then, once there and faced with a breakfast of cured ham, dumplings, fat noodles, watermelon, and delicious veggies, stacks up a mountain of toast and orders a scrambled egg. It's like we're two different species.<br />
<br />
This morning's hike was an unqualified success in all respects. I took a number of cool pictures, found a reliable ATM brand, started to rebuild the helicopter fund, and even found a new cap that I had somehow missed so far.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0865_zps2496ced3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0865_zps2496ced3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0865_zps2496ced3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0865. Nunnery hall front and Spanish moss.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0866_zpsd9b0f424.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0866_zpsd9b0f424.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0866_zpsd9b0f424.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0866. On the front itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0867_zps442d5223.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0867_zps442d5223.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0867_zps442d5223.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0867. The residential gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0868_zpsb42b32c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0868_zpsb42b32c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0868_zpsb42b32c3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0868. One country, two systems.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0869_zps9dd3b317.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0869_zps9dd3b317.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0869_zps9dd3b317.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0869. An urban corner of Chengdu.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0870_zps91cdb85c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0870_zps91cdb85c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0870_zps91cdb85c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0870. Folk area gate, with bronze sculpture and an awesome old apartment building.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0871_zps8a0ad7da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0871_zps8a0ad7da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0871_zps8a0ad7da.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0871. Stone hall and old city map relief at the entrance to the "folk culture area".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0872_zps73810f5f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0872_zps73810f5f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0872_zps73810f5f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0872. It's signed, so this is "graffiti" rather than "copyright abuse".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0873_zps84bfd40a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0873_zps84bfd40a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0873_zps84bfd40a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0873. Folk area manhole covers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0874_zpsb9466c84.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0874_zpsb9466c84.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0874_zpsb9466c84.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0874. Hall carving in the hotel. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0875_zpsd61d7268.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0875_zpsd61d7268.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0875_zpsd61d7268.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0875. Chinese national soft drink. A sweet tea with ginseng, this is advertised constantly and placed prominently in most stores and restaurants. It may still be more consumed than the American Big Two (separately, not in combination) locally.<br />
<br />
It's real hot out already, but I'm still planning to hike to the station; it'll kill more of the 5 1/2 hours I have between checkout and lineup, and I'll get to see the river here. As a plus, it's more steps, which I need to pile up for tomorrow, where I'll for the most part be just bunked out flat again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0876_zpsccb47fb9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0876_zpsccb47fb9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0876_zpsccb47fb9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0876. Trees and wall, heading out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0877_zps84109a6f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0877_zps84109a6f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0877_zps84109a6f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0877. Along the river; the green's not so cool paired with this haze.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0878_zpsc94fe73d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0878_zpsc94fe73d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0878_zpsc94fe73d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0878. Golden bull by the Wanda Plaza shopping center.<br />
<br />
Going past here, I saw something unusual: the aftermath of the first auto collision I'd seen in China. You'd think that with the corners that Chinese drivers cut all over the place, the way that motorbikes generally disregard the traffic rules, and the amount of walking in the street that pedestrians have to do, there'd be more, but in general Chinese traffic does a pretty job of not running into each other. The ridiculous accident and fatality statistics come from the absurdly large population; South Korea sees significantly more accidents per capita, but they also mostly prevent pedestrians from wandering around on dedicated vehicle roads, and China doesn't.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%208/zh0879_zpsa1701978.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0879_zpsa1701978.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%208/th_zh0879_zpsa1701978.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0879. Chengdu Hbf; people imagine that all public transit in China looks like this, but not really so much.<br />
<br />
After a nice cheap lunch across from the station, I absolutely failed at getting new caps, but bought my groceries for tonight and tomorrow and headed in. Of special interest is my first bowl of 火车面; the chopsticks I've been carrying around will finally see some use.<br />
<br />
The upper hall's nearly cleared out. It's about three hours to lineup, but there's two hours till the next train (after the current one) opens. Well to enjoy the space a little bit; there wasn't really anything like this in Xi'an, and certainly to fuck not in Harbin.<br />
<br />
The one difficulty is that the train ends in Zhuhai rather than Guangzhou. I've got to get up and packed at 4 AM <i>uebermorgen</i>/后天, and then bundle myself out on the clock. Good thing I've still got that alarm clock packed somewhere....<br />
<br />
Thirty-odd hours with a kid in the next bunk. Joy. The setup of the Chinese soft-sleeper's like the Russian second-with, and my first (and last) 火车面 was not terrible. Sausage, tofu, sleeping, and a reset on the morrow.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-5769804955124986522014-06-10T16:57:00.000-04:002014-06-10T16:57:14.317-04:00China 2014 part 7 - Xi'an II: Bingmayong<br />
5/15<br />
Xi'an<br />
<br />
I got an early start, and got up to the Terracotta Warriors site before the ticket office opened. Time enough to write up the morning.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0613_zpsea538747.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0613_zpsea538747.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0613_zpsea538747.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0613. Circle bridge on Jiefang.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0614_zpsc18a8be6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0614_zpsc18a8be6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0614_zpsc18a8be6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0614. Up to the station.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0615_zpsdb54bbfc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0615_zpsdb54bbfc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0615_zpsdb54bbfc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0615. Elephants, coming down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0616_zps054ea863.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0616_zps054ea863.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0616_zps054ea863.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0616. Pagoda on the way out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0617_zpsa901dbff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0617_zpsa901dbff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0617_zpsa901dbff.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0617. Up to the mountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0618_zpsda037105.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0618_zpsda037105.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0618_zpsda037105.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0618. Statue coming in from the parking lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0619_zps867eddd0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0619_zps867eddd0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0619_zps867eddd0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0619. Mountains over the bag drop.<br />
<br />
It's probably faster by cab, but 8 yuan is fair cheap for an authentic experience, even riding with regular commuters for most of it. Let China be cheap where it can, save your cash for where it isn't.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0620_zps4e39276d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0620_zps4e39276d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0620_zps4e39276d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0620. Not "bite the wax tadpole", but most of "can mouth can happy".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0621_zps34f63ece.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0621_zps34f63ece.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0621_zps34f63ece.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0621. Mountains, inside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0622_zps027151a3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0622_zps027151a3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0622_zps027151a3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0622. Trees in the entry garden.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0623_zpsb626be86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0623_zpsb626be86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0623_zpsb626be86.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0623. Plaza before the Pit 2 hall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0624_zpsd7aa99da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0624_zpsd7aa99da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0624_zpsd7aa99da.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0624. Path and trees.<br />
<br />
0625. (DNCO)..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0626_zpsf0e8d137.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0626_zpsf0e8d137.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0626_zpsf0e8d137.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0626. Recovered stoneware.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0627_zpsbd6433d4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0627_zpsbd6433d4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0627_zpsbd6433d4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0627. Iron tools of the builders.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0628_zps011f9ccb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0628_zps011f9ccb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0628_zps011f9ccb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0628. Scratched inscriptions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0629_zps21999efd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0629_zps21999efd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0629_zps21999efd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0629. Pottery from the site.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0630_zpsc0f457e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0630_zpsc0f457e7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0630_zpsc0f457e7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0630. Halberd and mostly-decayed shaft.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0631_zps7ec00c09.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0631_zps7ec00c09.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0631_zps7ec00c09.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0631. Kneeling archer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0632_zps9cff146a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0632_zps9cff146a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0632_zps9cff146a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0632. Bronze crane.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0633_zps4d453bde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0633_zps4d453bde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0633_zps4d453bde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0633. Slate mail; not very practical, but if you're building your afterlife army in terracotta rather than from sacrifices, it's ok to make armor that just looks good for your grave goods.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0634_zpsc00bf095.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0634_zpsc00bf095.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0634_zpsc00bf095.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0634. Stable pit reconstruction. Most of the horses in the pits are terracotta, but several have been recovered from the stable areas that were buried alive, standing up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0635_zpsc29d834f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0635_zpsc29d834f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0635_zpsc29d834f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0635. Roof tile; note the pinyin. This must not be on the list of characters required for graduation-level literacy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0636_zps0fd16f8e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0636_zps0fd16f8e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0636_zps0fd16f8e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0636. Stone d14.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0637_zpsa7332c88.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0637_zpsa7332c88.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0637_zpsa7332c88.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0637. Imperial edict on a weight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0638_zps4a6b9d37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0638_zps4a6b9d37.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0638_zps4a6b9d37.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0638. Grave in bronze.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0639_zps662ab7ef.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0639_zps662ab7ef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0639_zps662ab7ef.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0639. Chariot I.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0640_zps3f41cc4c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0640_zps3f41cc4c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0640_zps3f41cc4c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0640. Closer detail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0641_zps21d8609f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0641_zps21d8609f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0641_zps21d8609f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0641. Front of Chariot II.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0642_zpsa00c91f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0642_zpsa00c91f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0642_zpsa00c91f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0642. Driver detail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0643_zpsade11bd4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0643_zpsade11bd4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0643_zpsade11bd4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0643. Better light on the car.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0644_zps48d3396c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0644_zps48d3396c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0644_zps48d3396c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0644. Industrial process; yours is an engineer to the last.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0645_zps2a5d0f42.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0645_zps2a5d0f42.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0645_zps2a5d0f42.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0645. Reproductions for joint detail; these belts are all metal, made with the processes that were available to the artisans who built the bronze chariots.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0646_zpsedabe396.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0646_zpsedabe396.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0646_zpsedabe396.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0646. Gold and silver bridle (reproduction).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0647_zpsad6cc462.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0647_zpsad6cc462.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0647_zpsad6cc462.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0647. Spare parts. These go on Chariot I somewhere, but there's no clear indication of where, and the instruction sheets are of course missing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0648_zps1e0077f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0648_zps1e0077f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0648_zps1e0077f1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0648. Towels and canteens.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0649_zps78d69fd6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0649_zps78d69fd6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0649_zps78d69fd6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0649. Party mission statement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0650_zpsef655187.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0650_zpsef655187.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0650_zpsef655187.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0650. Not <i>the</i> torch, but the one that came through here on the way to Beijing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0651_zps4e3c013f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0651_zps4e3c013f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0651_zps4e3c013f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0651. Pan across Pit 2.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0652_zps7f0278c2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0652_zps7f0278c2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0652_zps7f0278c2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0652. Rubble to sift; this is an active dig.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0653_zps612b2e4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0653_zps612b2e4d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0653_zps612b2e4d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0653. Horses as well as men.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0654_zps35950fb6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0654_zps35950fb6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0654_zps35950fb6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0654. Dug out as they lay.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0655_zps483e8739.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0655_zps483e8739.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0655_zps483e8739.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0655. Scrapings in the earth.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0656_zps33c06a44.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0656_zps33c06a44.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0656_zps33c06a44.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0656. Tarp to protect an exposed area.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0657_zps843829ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0657_zps843829ae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0657_zps843829ae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0657. A squad mostly together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0658_zpsb8034c62.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0658_zpsb8034c62.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0658_zpsb8034c62.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0658. Another take.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0659_zps830bd535.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0659_zps830bd535.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0659_zps830bd535.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0659. More pieces.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0660_zpsb3d0412d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0660_zpsb3d0412d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0660_zpsb3d0412d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0660. View across the excavations.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0661_zps459710f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0661_zps459710f4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0661_zps459710f4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0661. One in a trench.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0662_zps0df02048.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0662_zps0df02048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0662_zps0df02048.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0662. Shattered soldiery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0663_zps4ca91aa8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0663_zps4ca91aa8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0663_zps4ca91aa8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0663. Small cell and a few statues.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0664_zpsf1b8dd46.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0664_zpsf1b8dd46.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0664_zpsf1b8dd46.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0664. Team of horses.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0665_zps24bf18eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0665_zps24bf18eb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0665_zps24bf18eb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0665. A better take, probably.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0666_zps3656636e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0666_zps3656636e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0666_zps3656636e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0666. Original burial pit walls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0667_zps88da9c1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0667_zps88da9c1e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0667_zps88da9c1e.jpg" /></a><br />
,br />
0667. Standing archer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0668_zpsc5c6284f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0668_zpsc5c6284f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0668_zpsc5c6284f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0668. Weapons of the buried.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0669_zps6b5c03c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0669_zps6b5c03c9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0669_zps6b5c03c9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0669. Cavalryman and charger.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0670_zps651ff4dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0670_zps651ff4dd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0670_zps651ff4dd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0670. "Captain" figure.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0671_zps0e1a3c1a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0671_zps0e1a3c1a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0671_zps0e1a3c1a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0671. One of seven (not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heroic_Ones">13</a>) generals found so far.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0672_zps4ecb3375.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0672_zps4ecb3375.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0672_zps4ecb3375.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0672. Texture of the roof.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0673_zpsa4c0ac06.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0673_zpsa4c0ac06.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0673_zpsa4c0ac06.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0673. Men and horses lie together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0674_zps9175d6ff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0674_zps9175d6ff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0674_zps9175d6ff.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0674. More in a wider pit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0675_zpsc4ba5ec2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0675_zpsc4ba5ec2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0675_zpsc4ba5ec2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0675. More cavalry.<br />
<br />
0676. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0677_zps8a579649.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0677_zps8a579649.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0677_zps8a579649.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0677. Recovered horse bones.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0678_zpse6e4926d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0678_zpse6e4926d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0678_zpse6e4926d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0678. Non-bony horses.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0679_zpsb873dd49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0679_zpsb873dd49.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0679_zpsb873dd49.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0679. Retaining wall of the chamber.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0680_zps20c4ee6c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0680_zps20c4ee6c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0680_zps20c4ee6c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0680. A dark chariot wheel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0681_zps2576f96e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0681_zps2576f96e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0681_zps2576f96e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0681. Trees outside Pit 3.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0682_zpse641470f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0682_zpse641470f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0682_zpse641470f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0682. More of the park.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0683_zps026986fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0683_zps026986fd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0683_zps026986fd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0683. Into Pit 3.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0684_zps1ea321f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0684_zps1ea321f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0684_zps1ea321f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0684. Decimated ranks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0685_zps0fdd7ad6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0685_zps0fdd7ad6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0685_zps0fdd7ad6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0685. Side view on the front team.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0686_zpsc42e02b7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0686_zpsc42e02b7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0686_zpsc42e02b7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0686. Silent guards.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%207/zh0687_zps670735d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0687_zps670735d1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%207/th_zh0687_zps670735d1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0687. More as scrap.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0688. The first view into Pit 1.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0689. Closer down.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0690. To the right.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0691. To the left.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0692. Dressing along the rank.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0693. Along the hall.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0694. Close on two.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0695. One squad of hundreds if not thousands.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0696. Cav's here too.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0697. Escaping the clay.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0698. Ranks of standing soldiers still.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0699. Strewn and tossed.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0700. Active dig portion. There were "no photo" signs further down, but the point of these was to protect the privacy of the OLs working at the incongruous office desks plunked in the middle of the site, who would otherwise be creeped on by thousands of tourists while they're just trying to do their jobs.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0701. Excavation conservation.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0702. Waiting block.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0703. Ranks of the restored.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0704. Tagged to position.<br />
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<br />
0705. Assembly area.<br />
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<br />
0706. The world's biggest jigsaw puzzle.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0707. How reconstruction starts.<br />
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<br />
0708. Setting for now.<br />
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<br />
0709. Finished and fallow; about 40% of Pit 1 so far is fully assembled, and 30-40% of the site is not even excavated yet.<br />
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<br />
0710. Attention front.<br />
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0711. Close up on the first ranks.<br />
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0712. Further back in file.<br />
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<br />
0713. Up into the hangar structure; a barn for two <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-95">Bears</a> was probably the biggest-footprint building the Chinese government could put up on short notice in 1975, so that's what they built, and have improved on since.<br />
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<br />
0714. Mountains over a store corner; the museum does a good job keeping the vendors in the vendor area, but you shouldn't bother going in the museum store unless you know nothing about China at all and are not overly attached to the contents of your wallet. The souvenir sets in here start at 500 yuan, marked as a solid price; I was offered them at 30 by a tout who'd gotten into Pit 1, and when I actually did souvenirs, I got the next tier up (1000元 in the store) at a tenth of the price, with extensive vendor service, and felt I did a bad job of haggling it.<br />
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0715. Garden heading to the vendor area.<br />
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0716. Horses bound up a fountain.<br />
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0717. "Biang" with construction guide. There are like 12 sub-character radicals in this thing, which is too niche and nonstandard to have a simplification or a Unicode point, but you don't need to know how to write it; just find it and ask for "biang biang mian", and you'll get a bowl of wide flat noodles with (usually) a spicy meat sauce. This was today's awesome $3 lunch; make it yours and don't go to the fucking Subway.<br />
<br />
I did ok on souvenirs, though my haggling on the first part could've been better. Regardless, I'm short just Chengdu and HK stuff, which is a good position to be in when that's about all's left of the trip.<br />
<br />
I have a ton of time before the train, so I'd rather kill it outside; I'll finish these Landmarks (蓝马, so there's a blue horse on the bottle), cram in some Lanzhoumian, and then submit to the push and stand. At least it's a lower bunk this time.<br />
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0718. Blue sky beyond the clouds. I think this is the first since Qingdao.<br />
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0719. Close on the station front.<br />
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<br />
0720. A probably origin of the "English muffin". Unknown in England, but common here in Central Asia, these buns are cooked between two grills to a limited height, then fork- or chopstick-split and filled. Irish or Scots soldiers sent to India would have had first contact with them from Afghan or Pakistani vendors, filled them with ration condiments (instead of the incredibly aggressive spicy-vegetable mix in this one), and put a meal dusting on when making them at home.<br />
<br />
I don't actually know where the train is yet (too early), but there's space in hall 1, and I can check again in a few hours.<br />
<br />
Xi'an has more pictures than any other city to date, the fruit of two days' hard touring a lot of scenic sites. I had more time in Harbin, and about as much in Shanghai and Qingdao, but here I was ready, and there was all to see. If you go to China, warm up on the coast by all means; land in Shanghai, take a jetlag adjustment day, do the first-timer menu while you're getting your feet under you, do Beijing and Badaling by 高铁 as you get a grasp on the country, and then go to Xi'an when you're ready to go the furthest and hardest. Tonight's train will suck, because Chinese hard sleepers inherently suck, but tomorrow in Chengdu is the end of the middle leg and, really, the start of the end, though for my part the trip isn't "ending" while I still have an army pack to muscle around.<br />
<br />
Reflecting on Xi'an, it's really remarkable the condition it's been able to remain in; how green, how well-preserved. The city's remote location, cheap land outside the walls, and revolutionary importance preserved it, probably, until the terracotta warriors were discovered -- at which point preserving rather than developing Xi'an became a matter of national importance.<br />
<br />
This is because above and beyond the tourism revenues from across China and around the world, Bingmayong <i>allows China to tell themselves the kind of story they most desire to tell of themselves</i>. The immense antiquity, the idea of an ultimate power sleeping away in the earth, industrial sophistication, the wealth to carry it off -- it's important for China today to believe in these as eternal marks of China, past present and future. The ability to tell that story well, and in a consonant setting, is worth hundreds of ring roads where the wall stands, thousands of apartment buildings inside it rebuilt to 30 floors rather than five. China comes apart when agriculture can't keep up with the population, but it will come apart faster and harder if people cannot have an idea to lead them, coughing through the coal smoke, dodging a motortrike, through planks on a construction site at their doorstep, into a future worthy of the glorious past.<br />
<br />
Train's still not posted. Another hour or so, probably.<br />
<br />
Finally got to the right hall; about an hour and a half till lineup.<br />
<br />
Most Chinese people have specialized luggage now, of course, but in rural sub-高铁 halls like this, you still see the old ways: a 20-kilo rice sack, or a couple 5-gallon buckets. The buckets are more generally useful -- they have handles, and you can sit on them if the hall's packed -- but you can't fit nearly as much stuff in them, or generate them passim via a month's cooking. Horses for courses, probably; a short trip can be done in a bucket, but a migrant laborer coming home will have all his rice bags to bale up all his stuff.<br />
<br />
Not only is the bunk big enough to sit up in, with an easy stow for all my kit, the company is a lot better: younger, mixed, closer to <i>Putonggua</i>, and in the next compartment a bunch of Germans under guide. It's almost too bad that this is the short leg, but it's still a hard sleeper with hole-in-the-floor facilities.<br />
<br />
The heat in the train let me know I'd lost my handkerchief at some point; I wasn't really using it, since for sweat or dust my hat's usually more to hand, so all this means is I need to get another at some point when I get back.<br />
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v34. From a lower berth. Lights-out is enforced by the provodniks around 10 pm.<br />
<br />Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-34980811687034220222014-06-10T16:13:00.000-04:002014-06-10T16:57:41.908-04:00China 2014 part 6 - Xi'an<br />
5/14<br />
Xi'an<br />
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v31. Daybreak in Shaanxi.<br />
<br />
The train rattled on the last couple hours, and I bailed out, did not find a tourist bus, spent 35 cents on breakfast, and decided to do the city wall stuff first, in full pack.<br />
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0503. Castle in the north wall.<br />
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0504. Blocked-off staircase.<br />
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0505. Disused access gate, northeast corner.<br />
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0506. Garden wall inside the east wall.<br />
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0507. Peacock in temple grounds by one of the east gates.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0508_zpsab395b24.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0508_zpsab395b24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0508_zpsab395b24.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0508. Temple front.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0509_zpsbcdba60a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0509_zpsbcdba60a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0509_zpsbcdba60a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0509. East gate house over some trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0510_zps1e291bdd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0510_zps1e291bdd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0510_zps1e291bdd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0510. More towards the front; this is the version of the shot with the least bus in it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0511_zps4508edd5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0511_zps4508edd5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0511_zps4508edd5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0511. Inside the east gate. I got here just at the 0800 opening time. Go me, hiking most of 2.3 km in about 45 minutes, under full pack, through traffic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0512_zpse357a008.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0512_zpse357a008.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0512_zpse357a008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0512. It's less severe than the <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2006/07/beijing-part-3-misty-mountains-where.html">Great Wall</a>, but the wear pattern's the same.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0513_zpsc0a5e64d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0513_zpsc0a5e64d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0513_zpsc0a5e64d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0513. Main castle over the east gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0514_zps18611624.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0514_zps18611624.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0514_zps18611624.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0514. Watchtowers stretching south.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0515_zps5c284fb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0515_zps5c284fb2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0515_zps5c284fb2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0515. Apartments consonant with the wall. In a rare case of aesthetic rather than relentlessly practical city planning, most of the high-rises in Xi'an are outside the walls, and most of what's inside doesn't go much more than a story or two taller than them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0516_zps57f61db1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0516_zps57f61db1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0516_zps57f61db1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0516. Quality control marks in the paving flags.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0517_zps0c5cba69.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0517_zps0c5cba69.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0517_zps0c5cba69.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0517. More modern stamps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0518_zps734222e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0518_zps734222e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0518_zps734222e9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0518. Corner watchtower, southeast.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0519_zpsd0bb5620.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0519_zpsd0bb5620.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0519_zpsd0bb5620.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0519. Around and down to the west.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0520_zps5892baea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0520_zps5892baea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0520_zps5892baea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0520. Moat and parkland.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0521_zpse8d98888.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0521_zpse8d98888.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0521_zpse8d98888.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0521. Ornamental lanterns, modern highrise.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0522_zpse65a2411.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0522_zpse65a2411.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0522_zpse65a2411.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0522. Back north on the outside of the east wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0523_zpse8afa359.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0523_zpse8afa359.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0523_zpse8afa359.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0523. The outside of the south wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0524_zps222f4d25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0524_zps222f4d25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0524_zps222f4d25.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0524. At a pagoda like 1.5 km away (center). The air didn't <i>feel</i> that bad....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0525_zps5d286f2e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0525_zps5d286f2e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0525_zps5d286f2e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0525. Restored watchtower detail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0526_zps83cab425.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0526_zps83cab425.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0526_zps83cab425.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0526. Old guardhouse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0527_zps3ae1e2a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0527_zps3ae1e2a2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0527_zps3ae1e2a2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0527. Grass on the roof.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0528_zpse765cc0c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0528_zpse765cc0c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0528_zpse765cc0c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0528. Further west to the Examinations Temple.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0529_zps2c24fb4c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0529_zps2c24fb4c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0529_zps2c24fb4c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0529. The Wolong (Lying (down) Dragon) monastery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0530_zps08c2cc5b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0530_zps08c2cc5b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0530_zps08c2cc5b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0530. Front of the temple area.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0531_zps3b56d78c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0531_zps3b56d78c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0531_zps3b56d78c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0531. Story of a Japanese ambassador.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0532_zps2a92c20d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0532_zps2a92c20d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0532_zps2a92c20d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0532. An exhibit on bikes of China, by the southern walltop bike rental place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0533_zpse9f78787.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0533_zpse9f78787.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0533_zpse9f78787.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0533. Courtyard of the south gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0534_zpsde4df5ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0534_zpsde4df5ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0534_zpsde4df5ea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0534. Drums below the wall.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MMLAC-WKHjA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v32. I got over right in time to film most of this cool daily opening ceremony. Starts at 0900, don't miss if you're in town.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0535_zpsbaaacad0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0535_zpsbaaacad0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0535_zpsbaaacad0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0535. Old legend over the gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0536_zps0b010dcb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0536_zps0b010dcb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0536_zps0b010dcb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0536. Warriors on guard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0537_zpsc26cbed1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0537_zpsc26cbed1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0537_zpsc26cbed1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0537. Along the south moat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0538_zps16b71502.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0538_zps16b71502.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0538_zps16b71502.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0538. Temple by the south gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0539_zpsef457321.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0539_zpsef457321.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0539_zpsef457321.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0539. Original stone and donation box for further restoration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0540_zps044517bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0540_zps044517bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0540_zps044517bf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0540. The drums up close.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0541_zpsd39c8782.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0541_zpsd39c8782.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0541_zpsd39c8782.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0541. Old block plan, within and without the walls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0542_zps03fa61b0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0542_zps03fa61b0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0542_zps03fa61b0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0542. Outer castle of the south gate from below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0543_zps537b4dfb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0543_zps537b4dfb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0543_zps537b4dfb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0543. Out through the walls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0544_zps567abb5f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0544_zps567abb5f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0544_zps567abb5f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0544. And into central Xi'an.<br />
<br />
I hiked east a bit along the wall, and after a bar street (the "German" bar was advertising Carlsberg, and the "American" one had Franzi), I got to the Xi'an Beilin Bowuguan, the Forest of Steles Museum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0545_zpsc9bee489.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0545_zpsc9bee489.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0545_zpsc9bee489.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0545. Main gate in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0546_zps49f3678a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0546_zps49f3678a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0546_zps49f3678a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0546. Tree growing through an outbuilding.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0547_zps06474c82.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0547_zps06474c82.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0547_zps06474c82.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0547. Raw wooden pavilion.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0548_zps365fc11d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0548_zps365fc11d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0548_zps365fc11d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0548. Roof over the trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0549_zpsc680abec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0549_zpsc680abec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0549_zpsc680abec.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0549. Bell and inscription.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0550_zpsda6ba3a0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0550_zpsda6ba3a0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0550_zpsda6ba3a0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0550. Inside a pavilion -- inscriptions in Chinese and another script, probably Vedic if it's scripture, Arabic if it's a secular order/proclamation, not legible to me either way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0551_zpsb70a8724.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0551_zpsb70a8724.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0551_zpsb70a8724.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0551. Ornaments on the steps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0552_zps1334e620.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0552_zps1334e620.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0552_zps1334e620.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0552. Back of a courtyard stele; faint carvings of birds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0553_zpsb8825817.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0553_zpsb8825817.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0553_zpsb8825817.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0553. The front side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0554_zps3d58157d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0554_zps3d58157d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0554_zps3d58157d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0554. Supported by a turtle. Most of the steles later inside are as well, but this dood is mostly underground.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0555_zps2cdb1631.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0555_zps2cdb1631.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0555_zps2cdb1631.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0555. Stele and trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0556_zps6432793a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0556_zps6432793a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0556_zps6432793a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0556. Inside the first hall; walls and walls of the Twelve Classics.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0557_zps53f29c3b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0557_zps53f29c3b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0557_zps53f29c3b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0557. Close up on the text.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0558_zps39f66398.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0558_zps39f66398.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0558_zps39f66398.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0558. Not without damage; I'm not sure if the barred bits are effacements or hexagrams from the Tao Te Qing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0559_zps8c1dcbb6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0559_zps8c1dcbb6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0559_zps8c1dcbb6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0559. Top of the Nestorian Stele.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0560_zpsbaf7f5c8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0560_zpsbaf7f5c8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0560_zpsbaf7f5c8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0560. Bottom and slate. While most of Europe was still battling it out for pagan or Christian hegemony, the Church came to China by the Silk Road, hung around for three or four hundred years, and then got displaced by Islam from the same source. Nestorian Christianity in post-Hellenic, pre-Mongol Central Asia is a fascinating subject, and a continual reminder that the way you think antiquity worked is probably wrong; if it took heroic white Christian explorers to 'open' the far east, Japanese temple sculptures wouldn't be so clearly influenced by Greek classicism -- and the Stoics certainly wouldn't've built on Zen Buddhism, among other sources, going the other way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0561_zps4afdc48d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0561_zps4afdc48d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0561_zps4afdc48d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0561. Cursive stele from the Tang dynasty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0562_zpsa0d84fcf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0562_zpsa0d84fcf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0562_zpsa0d84fcf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0562. Close up; you occasionally see these forms in seals and logos, but not anywhere that needs immediate legibility.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0563_zps3ea5be75.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0563_zps3ea5be75.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0563_zps3ea5be75.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0563. Tablet from the mid-6th-century; most of the characters are basically in their modern forms.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0564_zps9bdef572.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0564_zps9bdef572.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0564_zps9bdef572.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0564. Inset from a stele of 177 AD; still pretty much as readable as any newspaper.<br />
<br />
Western antiquarians may be wondering what the point, exactly, is of this; there's a lot of well-preserved relics from the Roman and Greek world that can still be read today. That's true, but they can only be read if you speak Latin or Classical Greek. Any Chinese person who's graduated high school can read these steles as easily and with the same meaning as the day they were carved. Pronunciations may have changed over the centuries, but the character forms are remarkably consistent, and while the Chinese government simplified the character set in the '50s, the radicals are for the most part recognizable between their simplified and traditional forms, and the basic plan of combining meaning and pronunciation radicals into more complex characters has been the same since the language was defined. That's the thing about China's "4000 years of history" -- most of it is immediately accessible to everyone, not just to scholars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0565_zps1fca75e4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0565_zps1fca75e4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0565_zps1fca75e4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0565. A scene of Mt. Taibai.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0566_zpsae573840.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0566_zpsae573840.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0566_zpsae573840.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0566. Worker preparing a demonstration slab for a rubbing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0567_zps7b365522.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0567_zps7b365522.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0567_zps7b365522.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0567. Close up on calligraphic chisel work.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0568_zpse9933343.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0568_zpse9933343.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0568_zpse9933343.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0568. Outside; end of a hall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0569_zps65a76b88.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0569_zps65a76b88.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0569_zps65a76b88.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0569. Tree in a courtyard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0570_zps434c2d24.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0570_zps434c2d24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0570_zps434c2d24.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0570. Inside one of the pavilions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0571_zpsdbd9f776.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0571_zpsdbd9f776.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0571_zpsdbd9f776.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0571. Stone horse of Daxia. Hun khans didn't go in for "writing that doesn't look like anything", so this stele is shaped like a horse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0572_zps211a6352.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0572_zps211a6352.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0572_zps211a6352.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0572. Jin gate, heading out.<br />
<br />
So eventually, after entirely too much hiking, I got to the hotel much too early, then drank my lunch, wrote this up, and prepped for the bell/drum towers and the Muslim quarter for this afternoon. If I can't find reliable stops for the noted tourist buses by tonight, I'll do Terracotta Warriors by cab tomorrow and hop a bus back; if I can't make a 19:45 train from an attraction with 3 hours total travel time on a 0700 standing start, there is something wrong with me. Even a UNESCO World Heritage Site in full pack.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0573_zps7f4222ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0573_zps7f4222ad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0573_zps7f4222ad.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0573. Down from the bell tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0574_zps1288c25a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0574_zps1288c25a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0574_zps1288c25a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0574. Up at the facade.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0575_zps5624b454.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0575_zps5624b454.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0575_zps5624b454.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0575. Across the doors.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0576_zps2951c1e2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0576_zps2951c1e2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0576_zps2951c1e2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0576. Bell out front.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0577_zps1b4ebdef.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0577_zps1b4ebdef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0577_zps1b4ebdef.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0577. Along to the drum tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0578_zpsa47ce7a4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0578_zpsa47ce7a4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0578_zpsa47ce7a4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0578. More of the bell tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0579_zps5a164061.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0579_zps5a164061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0579_zps5a164061.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0579. Qing edicts inside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0580_zpsd38d4a47.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0580_zpsd38d4a47.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0580_zpsd38d4a47.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0580. Detail in Arabic for parts west of here. All the edict scrolls on display at the bell tower are bilingual.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0581_zps51c54ad2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0581_zps51c54ad2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0581_zps51c54ad2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0581. Replica bells for a performance. I wasn't going to sit and wait a half hour for it, though...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0582_zps33a1fdc5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0582_zps33a1fdc5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0582_zps33a1fdc5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0582. Ceiling inside the bell tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0583_zps36649cac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0583_zps36649cac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0583_zps36649cac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0583. Lamps and more detail.<br />
<br />
0584. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0585_zps0ad55024.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0585_zps0ad55024.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0585_zps0ad55024.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0585. Inside the upper level.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0586_zps16b3ce9a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0586_zps16b3ce9a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0586_zps16b3ce9a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0586. More roof beams.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0587_zps9a4c8a8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0587_zps9a4c8a8b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0587_zps9a4c8a8b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0587. Stunning flowers below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0588_zps7d1aed5f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0588_zps7d1aed5f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0588_zps7d1aed5f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0588. Workman's tag on a pillar.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0589_zps91c90b42.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0589_zps91c90b42.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0589_zps91c90b42.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0589. Scenes from mythology and the classics on the doors.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0590_zps6775fb07.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0590_zps6775fb07.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0590_zps6775fb07.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0590. Lamp detail coming down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0591_zpsc654647a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0591_zpsc654647a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0591_zpsc654647a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0591. Outside the bell tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0592_zpsea9119f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0592_zpsea9119f0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0592_zpsea9119f0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0592. Drum and corner at the drum tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0593_zpse304eee0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0593_zpse304eee0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0593_zpse304eee0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0593. Long row of drums.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0594_zps9088f3da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0594_zps9088f3da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0594_zps9088f3da.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0594. Watch drum and slate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0595_zps855d304e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0595_zps855d304e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0595_zps855d304e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0595. Nifty floor tiles going in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0596_zps61dfab85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0596_zps61dfab85.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0596_zps61dfab85.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0596. Lamps and roofbeams upstairs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0597_zpsf94a350e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0597_zpsf94a350e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0597_zpsf94a350e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0597. Qing screen and vessels.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0598_zps2089c80b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0598_zps2089c80b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0598_zps2089c80b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0598. More detail along the upper walls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0599_zps17dcc2d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0599_zps17dcc2d1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0599_zps17dcc2d1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0599. Back over to the bell tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0600_zpsafc472c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0600_zpsafc472c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0600_zpsafc472c0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0600. Eyeline; the joists here don't uniformly clear 6', and occasionally don't clear 5'8". Walking around admiring the views, I bumped my head several times and almost walked straight into a couple more.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0601_zps201f2d37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0601_zps201f2d37.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0601_zps201f2d37.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0601. Along the big tourist street of the Muslim quarter.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VnLqRDyML4w" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v33. Down into the bustle of the street, with sound.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%206/zh0602_zpse9097a04.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0602_zpse9097a04.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%206/th_zh0602_zpse9097a04.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0602. A neat disused side staircase.<br />
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0603. A desk lion. Because sometimes you have a spare desk lying around, so what better to put on it than a giant wire-frame pottery lion? In modern times, the answer is "another TV", but the Qing didn't have TVs, so they looked at desk lions instead.<br />
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0604. Lamp and scrolls, coming down.<br />
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0605. Most drums on display in the drum museum are two-headed, but usually the heads are opposite each other, rather than nearly on the same side.<br />
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0606. Old pottery drums. Cowhide only lasts so long, even cured, so it was neat to see some stuff that's indisputably ancient.<br />
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0607. Drum performance stage. I also wasn't sitting around for half an hour to wait for this one to start.<br />
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0608. Yang Rou Pao Mo, the famous mutton-and-bread stew dish of the region. This is before adding about 1 tsp of chili paste from the table jar, which probably wasn't quite enough to get it up to Hui standards of hot. It's a little pricey here at 38元, but this is a tourist area, and they do cut in the bread for you, rather than just handing you the bread whole and letting you shift for yourself.<br />
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0609. Down the street, in below. The sights, sounds, and smells of this district are indescribable.<br />
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0610. Yogurt drink to chase dinner. This was a little high at 8元, but it came in a real nice stoneware jar that's in retrospect, worth at least that much as a souvenir. Don't pay 8 yuan for plastic, though.<br />
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0611. Mosque gate. Not being a believer, I didn't go in. Islam as defined by the Five Pillars is not, on the whole, really dumb as major religions go, but "must believe in God" and "no beer" are pretty big stumbling blocks for me.<br />
<br />
I wandered around the 回民 district a little more, and eventually got out, at which point the "China cough" I'd picked up from the coal- and coke-fired street vendors and ever-present construction/demolition dust went away. The ground floors are amazing and colorful, but all those noodle and kebab shops burn coal, and too many of the upper stories here are just ruins, gaping holes in the superstructure. You see the little kids playing in the dirt and rubble piles here, and you wonder if their view, or their parents' views, of how China treats its religious and ethnic minorities will match in to that of tourists who only go up the main shopping street.<br />
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When I got out, it was right across the street to get some water and beer -- no point looking for caps in the Muslim quarter -- and then back to the hotel.<br />
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0612. Is this a pineapple <i>Radler</i>? What the HELL Qingpi?<br />
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It certainly appears that way; I have rules against fruity beers normally, but I'd still've gone in on this one for the variant Hans cap if I'd been paying more attention.<br />
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--</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Xi'an turned out too big to be reasonably covered in one entry, so it's continued, including the stuff that normal Westerners come here for, in <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/06/china-2014-part-7-xian-ii-bingmayong.html">Xi'an II: Bingmayong</a>.</div>
Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-51956909243873808852014-06-10T15:33:00.000-04:002014-06-10T15:33:09.612-04:00China 2014 part 5 - Harbin<br />
5/10<br />
Qingdao<br />
<br />
The taxi was fast enough to have gotten me to the 6:30 train, even with a fuel stop, and if about as expensive as expected, a source of two more half-yuan bills. Qingdao is a paradise for old money; those willing to hunt in rural Shandong may even be able to find old 分 coins in circulation; they'd be roughly half as valuable as the Russian 10-kopeck piece, but that's not quite extinct yet itself.<br />
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0390. (mostly for Wikitravel) The north train station is served by these buses, but until the metro is finished (it was supposed to be done this year), the easiest way to get up from the city center is by taxi. From the main rail station, it's about 55 RMB and a minimum of 30 minutes, even on the expressways.<br />
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v17. Empty train station with mid-'00s eroge soundtrack music on the loudspeakers. I think this is the main theme from "ツンデレ娘: "あなたなら きっと、一人で死ぬ"".<br />
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0391. In the super-plush cabin to Harbin. I only sprung for first-class; this is a little much, but it's ten hours sitting down, and I'll pay it back in spades later -- the Harbin-Xi'an and Xi'an-Chengdu legs are hard sleepers on K trains, and the first of them is 35 hours in a middle bunk.<br />
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0392. China: pastorals and power plants. There's more open space here, but this train goes through the Beijing-Tianjin corridor to get around the bay and go north; nothing but industry there. Industry and amazing d-drum slammy death metal bands, but that kind of goes without saying.<br />
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v18. Through the countryside outside Cangzhou, backwards at 300 km/h.<br />
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Coming in to Tianjin, the ground is just ripped up with drought. Like in Beijing those eight years gone, this country's on a knife's edge.<br />
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North of the capital corridor, the hills at least can run wild and green. They stand like mountains out of the plain, but then I remember those giant walls of rock from <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/01/56-micro-nations-iv-milan-switzerland.html">the winter</a>, and need to be firmer about what gets described as a "mountain". In any likelihood, I'm not going to see those again till I get to Sichuan.<br />
<br />
Wisps of cotton on the breeze. Smaller, from the sick dry soil, but I can almost feel myself back in Siberia. The land was dry there too, but it's had fallow time to shrug off the poison, and there's a hell of a lot more of it, in absolute terms and especially relative to population.<br />
<br />
About four hours to go now, so we must be getting on to the 东北. The sky's a dull, soft grey, like a rain's coming; if it isn't, it's just the wash of pollution out from Beijing. We'll see when I finally hit the ground.<br />
<br />
Headed for Shenyang, and the whole of the country's covered in rice fields wherever there's water enough to allow it. No terraces (because no hills, anywhere), just flat paddies from one horizon to the next.<br />
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v19. Farmlands of the Dongbei.<br />
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0393. Out into the fields.<br />
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It's a perfect pale gray out without a hint of rain. We're running straight north this last leg, and I can see the sun to the west -- a yellow-orange smudge through the gray. It's not Beijing bad, but it still doesn't much hurt to look at.<br />
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0394. Paddied fields, towards Harbin.<br />
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0395. Farmlands, past a flood.<br />
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Harbin presently, but I'm going to need to hop a bus to get in, and it'll be dark by then. Fortunately, I've got a compass -- the biggest lesson I took from Russia -- and should be able to find my way in the dark.<br />
<br />
- Harbin -<br />
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0396. Welcome to Harbin; in front of the giant sterile west train station.<br />
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0397. Lights on Jiahong Road.<br />
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0398. Cathedral square at night.<br />
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The hotel is an insecure pile (somebody took the bolt out of the deadbolt at some point), but I've got the door trapped, and if I'm worried about this, I'll never handle six to a compartment. The wifi doesn't work (pass locked, not accepting hacks) but I can check that at the desk later.<br />
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The air here's smoky and toasted; not so bad as Beijing so long ago, but worse than Wuhan this time. Nowt to do but stand it -- that and wait for rain. I'm at the very northernmost outpost of the D/G system; from here back to Guangzhou, it's all along back roads, and I can't I can't blame the backcountry for being itself.<br />
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<br />
5/11<br />
Harbin<br />
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If I can get a bus map or tourist map, I can do the Unit 731 museum. If not, I must be content with the cathedral and the tiger park, and then the flood memorial and the river in the near six hours I have to kill tomorrow between checkout and reasonable train check-in. It's early, but I still need to get breakfast, and hopefully some supplies for later; this air works up a powerful thirst.<br />
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0399. An interesting warning. Harbin gets most of its visitors in winter, and most Chinese aren't very aware of what happens when a lot of water vapor -- like from hot showers and an electric kettle -- meets a glass pane with subzero temperatures on the other side. Outside the Dongbei, the populated parts of China don't go in for winter much; the desk clerk in Qingdao, wearing a suit, was using a space heater in what for me was shorts-and-shirtsleeves weather (albeit a little bracing). They'll get it back, though; Guangdong at the end of May is going to leave me little more than a puddle by the time this trip's done.<br />
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0400. This astroturf garden was in complete darkness last night.<br />
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0401. Along a shopping street to some Russian-style architecture.<br />
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0402. Back end of St. Sophia.<br />
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0403. Blue's; if you're in Harbin and for some reason want to get stabbed, this is probably the place to go. It's also the #1 foreigner hangout, so someone'll be able to talk to you in Russian while you wait for the ambulance. Also, for some reason, it's in a listed building.<br />
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It was closed when I went by at about 7, and not open when I came back at like 3. My feet are too badly damaged to go out tonight, so I'm not gonna go in and check the sitch.<br />
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0404. Wall art at a crossing.<br />
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0405. Billiard club on Jiahong. I didn't go inside, I can just still read Cyrillic/Russian-when-it's-obvious-cognates-from-other-languages-or-super-easy.<br />
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0406. Jiahong Bridge.<br />
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0407. Bridge detail; still Russian.<br />
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0408. Building near the station. Because of the way development happened here, there's a lot of Stalinist architecture still left in Harbin.<br />
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0409. Like this.<br />
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0410. Front of the main train station.<br />
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0411. Sculpture-cum-light fixture.<br />
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v20. Hotel workers doing dancercise for morale purposes. There were some other workers at a cellphone store doing similar further up the block; the practice is probably a Japanese import that hasn't been stripped away from the non-cult-building parts of the kaizen business philosophy yet.<br />
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0412. Old-style corner and V-sign sculpture on a karaoke place.<br />
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<br />
0413. This is probably the only place that "russkiy" gets translated as "western".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0414_zps3b9ad60a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0414_zps3b9ad60a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0414_zps3b9ad60a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0414. Flood memorial sculpture on the Songhua right/south bank promenade. The river suffered a major benzene spill about ten years ago, and they've really worked hard to clean up the river and make the waterfront (and Stalin Park, a little further on) presentable.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0415_zps9dbc356b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0415_zps9dbc356b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0415_zps9dbc356b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0415. Castle on the far bank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0416_zps7ea9fd17.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0416_zps7ea9fd17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0416_zps7ea9fd17.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0416. Old building on the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0417_zpsb93f4508.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0417_zpsb93f4508.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0417_zpsb93f4508.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0417. The cablecars from there go to the castle from 0415. The Swan Castle attraction, on this side or the other, is nowhere near finished, but the cablecars are running, and if you have problems hiking through construction sites, what are you doing in China? It's probably on schedule to be completed for the '14-'15 winter ice carnival, so if you go to Harbin at a normal time like a normal person, you'll probably be able to ride a moving escalator to the gondola rather than kicking paint cans out of the elevator doors, and have the opportunity to get harassed to buy overquoted fragile trinkets or visit the snack bar.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0418_zpsaedbee68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0418_zpsaedbee68.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0418_zpsaedbee68.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0418. Upriver from the cable car.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0419_zps9f1ce8e6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0419_zps9f1ce8e6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0419_zps9f1ce8e6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0419. Down to the promenade.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0420_zpscd56f659.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0420_zpscd56f659.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0420_zpscd56f659.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0420. An old decker, now a floating restaurant.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0421_zps2db057af.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0421_zps2db057af.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0421_zps2db057af.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0421. River ferry circling north.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0422_zps1533ffbd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0422_zps1533ffbd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0422_zps1533ffbd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0422. Broadside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0423_zps0bc3c29d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0423_zps0bc3c29d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0423_zps0bc3c29d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0423. Stadium north over the trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0424_zps8087a3d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0424_zps8087a3d7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0424_zps8087a3d7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0424. Skeleton of an old building on Sun Island.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0425_zps225ca992.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0425_zps225ca992.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0425_zps225ca992.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0425. Squat sculptures in the park.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0426_zpsb15d1df4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0426_zpsb15d1df4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0426_zpsb15d1df4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0426. Nice greenery, moving north.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0427_zps4f9bab7d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0427_zps4f9bab7d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0427_zps4f9bab7d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0427. Derpy Bear, the mascot of the amusement park on the island.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0428_zps08cae779.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0428_zps08cae779.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0428_zps08cae779.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0428. Water park and swamp. China, folks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0429_zpsce927214.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0429_zpsce927214.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0429_zpsce927214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0429. An ornamental causeway across a pond.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0430_zpsb988f09c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0430_zpsb988f09c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0430_zpsb988f09c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0430. Lake and pagoda above.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0431_zps81fc8cec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0431_zps81fc8cec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0431_zps81fc8cec.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0431. Almost a normal Songhua flood plain view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0432_zpse6b73d00.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0432_zpse6b73d00.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0432_zpse6b73d00.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0432. Trees in bloom.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Vo2Le9z5-Qs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v21. A perfect storm of cotton.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0433_zps09c4ce50.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0433_zps09c4ce50.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0433_zps09c4ce50.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0433. Flowers on the path.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0434_zps125f7545.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0434_zps125f7545.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0434_zps125f7545.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0434. Closed bridge off to the north. When this is open, it will save a lot of time for idiots who want to hike through Sun Island to get to the tiger park.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0435_zps3a322708.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0435_zps3a322708.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0435_zps3a322708.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0435. Bridge from the south.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0436_zps209a9081.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0436_zps209a9081.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0436_zps209a9081.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0436. Screw this, let's find a bus. I got an 88 a couple blocks on, and went up a couple stops, but not far enough.<br />
<br />
I hiked on through a windowframe-making street, not taking pictures, though it's the closest I've gotten to the real China so far. Why? Because just being there, let alone gawking, is disruptive enough. You can do it, too, even in the legendarily-aggressive Dongbei: let others pass first, stay out of the way, smile when you make an expression, never look judging, and in all ways be neutral and pretend like you belong there -- while moving through and out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0437_zps50cf8c4f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0437_zps50cf8c4f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0437_zps50cf8c4f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0437. Grey skies east. There's occasionally patches of blue, but mostly this is it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0438_zps104da4b0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0438_zps104da4b0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0438_zps104da4b0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0438. Finally here.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0439_zpse88ad37c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0439_zpse88ad37c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0439_zpse88ad37c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0439. Park seal on the front gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0440_zpsffa54d24.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0440_zpsffa54d24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0440_zpsffa54d24.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0440. On the other side; that says "tiger", 老外.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0441_zpsc5fa23fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0441_zpsc5fa23fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0441_zpsc5fa23fb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0441. Mascots by the parking lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0442_zpsf05c4f22.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0442_zpsf05c4f22.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0442_zpsf05c4f22.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0442. Big 'tiger' silk burner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0443_zpsdbacc466.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0443_zpsdbacc466.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0443_zpsdbacc466.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0443. Lazy tiger in a front pen. Most of the tigers here are caged breeding stock; a few are rewilded for introduction to tiger reserves, but the #1 mission of this station is to maximize the gene pool of the critically endangered Siberian tiger. It sucks for the current tigers, but it's needed to enforce absolute outbreeding for a Siberia, Manchuria, and Amur country full of healthy tiger populations in the future.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0444_zps33ea2eb6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0444_zps33ea2eb6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0444_zps33ea2eb6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0444. Through the Jurassic Park-esque front gate.<br />
<br />
The camera was outside the car for that shot. That was a risk too much inside, even though, as will be seen, the tigers were in general not mobile or interested enough to go for a bit of foreigner hanging out through the bars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0445_zps37c24952.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0445_zps37c24952.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0445_zps37c24952.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0445. Ranks of pens.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0446_zps2bd9232e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0446_zps2bd9232e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0446_zps2bd9232e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0446. First tiger sighted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0447_zps494c0bac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0447_zps494c0bac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0447_zps494c0bac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0447. Bothered by the intrusion.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EtARZUoKsr4" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v22. A couple tigers sticking to the shade.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0448_zps1f9651a0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0448_zps1f9651a0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0448_zps1f9651a0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0448. Close-up frame.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0449_zps5f821b8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0449_zps5f821b8b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0449_zps5f821b8b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0449. Lolling in the landscape.<br />
<br />
0450. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0451_zps1af83c1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0451_zps1af83c1e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0451_zps1af83c1e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0451. High up, across the bus.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JUj4XaSpCMs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v23. Walking into focus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0452_zps4ca722d0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0452_zps4ca722d0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0452_zps4ca722d0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0452. Further on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0453_zpsdf6a180d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0453_zpsdf6a180d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0453_zpsdf6a180d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0453. Tigers hugging the fence.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0454_zpsfd7e87a7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0454_zpsfd7e87a7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0454_zpsfd7e87a7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0454. Guarding a thicket.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0455_zps6c553e1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0455_zps6c553e1e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0455_zps6c553e1e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0455. King of the forest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0456_zps112fdf08.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0456_zps112fdf08.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0456_zps112fdf08.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0456. Back of the other one.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T11Q3nd-OaM" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v24. Looking for a reaction.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0457_zpsdab09dfd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0457_zpsdab09dfd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0457_zpsdab09dfd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0457. Sitting up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0458_zps2e7d1a0f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0458_zps2e7d1a0f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0458_zps2e7d1a0f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0458. A pile of lions in the next pen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0459_zps9dfe31b1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0459_zps9dfe31b1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0459_zps9dfe31b1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0459. Sooo sleepy.....<br />
<br />
Visitors should combine a trip through the tiger park with a visit to the ice carnival. When the weather's hot, these thick-furred, flesh-torpor-susceptible animals tend to lie around as still as possible. No charging the bus. :(.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0460_zps2bb29688.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0460_zps2bb29688.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0460_zps2bb29688.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0460. More pens. Even without video of cows getting torn apart, this isn't real great for Western animal lovers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0461_zpsa3d58e18.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0461_zpsa3d58e18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0461_zpsa3d58e18.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0461. Hanging out in a corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0462_zpsb2f9454c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0462_zpsb2f9454c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0462_zpsb2f9454c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0462. The one by the fence again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0463_zpsb74d5753.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0463_zpsb74d5753.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0463_zpsb74d5753.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0463. Just wandering.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0464_zpsbd60c8fe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0464_zpsbd60c8fe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0464_zpsbd60c8fe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0464. Scads of sleepy tigers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0465_zpsfb649855.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0465_zpsfb649855.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0465_zpsfb649855.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0465. Buds hanging out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0466_zpsb41fa091.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0466_zpsb41fa091.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0466_zpsb41fa091.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0466. Huge, but mostly flat. It should be 一张虎, rather than 一只虎.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TPsU93NC_b0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v25. On patrol.<br />
<br />
0467. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0468_zpsecde62f7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0468_zpsecde62f7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0468_zpsecde62f7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0468. Alone in the wasteland.<br />
<br />
0469. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0470_zpsfb769b6b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0470_zpsfb769b6b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0470_zpsfb769b6b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0470. ...and that's how it stuck.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0471_zps954b5792.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0471_zps954b5792.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0471_zps954b5792.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0471. A little less flat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0472_zps40ef406b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0472_zps40ef406b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0472_zps40ef406b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0472. King of the mountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0473_zps60a391e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0473_zps60a391e5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0473_zps60a391e5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0473. Checking the yard limits.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EPpDoFgs7KE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v26. Keeping pace.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0474_zpsf955d011.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0474_zpsf955d011.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0474_zpsf955d011.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0474. Leftovers. I had the money, they had the chickens, but they weren't selling.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bm8WPbPFx2U" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v27. It's like they know they're being videoed and stop mid-roll.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0475_zps780c68e4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0475_zps780c68e4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0475_zps780c68e4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0475. A hill bivouac.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0476_zps4158a645.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0476_zps4158a645.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0476_zps4158a645.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0476. White and normal tiger in the breeding area. Mandatory outbreeding, again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0477_zps9087fb98.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0477_zps9087fb98.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0477_zps9087fb98.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0477. Another of the couple.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/j5xROFAAEGg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v28. Restless in the pens. The pacing is a red flag; these animals will snap from stress if they don't get some yard time real soon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0478_zps2427e367.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0478_zps2427e367.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0478_zps2427e367.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0478. One of the growlers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0479_zps4325431b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0479_zps4325431b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0479_zps4325431b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0479. Mid-roar.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RdjeZtlJisw" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v29. Ceaseless in circles. SPCA folks should probably not press play, and just see what they can do to help set up an adequately-funded breeding base in Russia, where land's at less of a premium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0480_zps5a654c46.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0480_zps5a654c46.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0480_zps5a654c46.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0480. Loner in the yearling pen.<br />
<br />
0481. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0482_zpsd20d2f30.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0482_zpsd20d2f30.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0482_zpsd20d2f30.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0482. Not quite that close.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0483_zps59f3fc63.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0483_zps59f3fc63.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0483_zps59f3fc63.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0483. An albino through the bars.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1HpRS8QZ9Q0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v30. Just bone lazy, all of them.<br />
<br />
0484.(DNCO).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0485_zps2ca3236a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0485_zps2ca3236a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0485_zps2ca3236a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0485. Giant old lion.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0486_zpsa7b7c501.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0486_zpsa7b7c501.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0486_zpsa7b7c501.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0486. Another of the gate, heading out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0487_zps961aa638.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0487_zps961aa638.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0487_zps961aa638.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0487. Tiger-drawn cart.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0488_zpsd310d518.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0488_zpsd310d518.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0488_zpsd310d518.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0488. A nice peaceful building, hiking back through the university campus to the bus.<br />
<br />
The bus didn't quite get me back to the Hbf, so I hiked the last of it, and got another two caps -- in a mix of 中文 and русский язык -- bringing today/Harbin to five total. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0489_zps49d15b0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0489_zps49d15b0b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0489_zps49d15b0b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0489. Chinese ornament on a newer building; I couldn't remember if I'd gotten one of these on the way out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0490_zps52c4a93c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0490_zps52c4a93c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0490_zps52c4a93c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0490. Alongside the cathedral.<br />
<br />
Today logged over 41000 steps; my stride's somewhat short of a full meter, so that's not a 40k. But it's a 30k without a doubt, and my feet are so badly battered that even if the 731 museum was open on Mondays, I'd bag it to regen and do that hike to the station as late and as slowly as possible tomorrow. The bottoms feel like they've been bastinadoed, and the tendons are strained, cramped, and probably abraded where the laces wrap around. This is a bad scene, but they and the socks have near a full day to regen, and then I'm naked/in slippers for a day and change heading to Xi'an. I can do it, but I'd better be able to wash and dry my kit in Chengdu; a lot of these socks were minimum-qualifying when I set off, and I've been kicking the absolute shit out of them.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow will be the end of the front leg and the start of the back leg; the trip's about half over, and in terms of cities, it's six down, five up. I've been going east and north; now it's all west and south. I've pushed the envelope on easymode; now it's time to do some harder difficulties, and see how I measure up. It's been ten days; another ten, and I'll be out of the mainland (about) and in the full-on relax part of the program.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0491_zps507a9e83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0491_zps507a9e83.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0491_zps507a9e83.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0491. The oracle has it; Spain (collected first) over Argentina in the World Cup final.<br />
<br />
Hapi is doing a promotion of caps colored for various World Cup qualifiers as a local sponsor, which tends to suggest that I, as a roving beercap vacuum, truly enjoy the Mandate of Heaven on my travels. I plan on making a nuisance of myself tomorrow on the way to the train asking various small operators 请问, 你们有 什么国 的 哈啤? and showing off the two I've got so far to explain. The first crates have just gone out, because they weren't in QD, but fortunately it's not one country per major city, and Xi'an and Chengdu don't really have major local brewers. In the Pearl region it'll be hopeless -- too many locals -- but north of Guangzhou, I feel like I've got an even shot.<br />
<br />
Observant people may have noticed that Hapi predates Qingpi by three years, and via пиво probably introduced the "pi" phoneme in 啤酒 to Chinese. So how is 青酒 the first Chinese beer and brewery? Well, at the time, this wasn't China. Manchuria, including all of Heilongjiang, was a Russian province, and this was a Russian city, built out of a tracklayer's camp on the Trans-Siberian, which originally ran through here to Vladivostok (because why the FUCK would you do that huge detour around the Amur Mountains all the way to Khabarovsk when there was a straight shot). Even now you can get a train to Vladi on those old beds, if you don't mind a 20-hour trip, and even now you can see in the obviously-transliterated name of the city that the Chinese didn't come up with it. I'm generally skeptical of irredentism elsewhere, but for me, in spite of my Germanic sympathies, Hapi is first -- but that conviction won't change the geopolitical historical record.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/12<br />
Harbin<br />
<br />
My feet feel much better, though the tendons are still tight; fortunately, I've got nowhere near as much hiking in the plan for today. Check out in a few, see the flood memorial, eat some big cheap food, stock up on provisions, and then in to wait for the train. The only problems are the rain, and the like nine hours between checkout and boarding. Oh well.<br />
<br />
Time well killed, and some food in at least; it's like 5 hours left, but I've waited longer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0492_zpsb339cbae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0492_zpsb339cbae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0492_zpsb339cbae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0492. Comic by the elevator; recourse against lawbreakers. There was one of these in <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/08/rtw2013-leg-5-vladivostok-and-attempts.html">Vladivostok</a> as well, but nowhere else; northeast Asia and elevator postings go together?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0493_zps84b3ab2f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0493_zps84b3ab2f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0493_zps84b3ab2f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0493. Chinese-style end of an official building.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0494_zpsb1013324.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0494_zpsb1013324.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0494_zpsb1013324.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0494. Into the mists above the flood memorial.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0495_zps1ff681e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0495_zps1ff681e7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0495_zps1ff681e7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0495. Memorial column.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0496_zps1e0fd636.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0496_zps1e0fd636.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0496_zps1e0fd636.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0496. More of the memorial square.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0497_zps8d925d84.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0497_zps8d925d84.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0497_zps8d925d84.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0497. Modern mall complex opposite.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0498_zpsd3d2a6c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0498_zpsd3d2a6c9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0498_zpsd3d2a6c9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0498. Russian-style bus shelter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0499_zps83118b65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0499_zps83118b65.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0499_zps83118b65.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0499. Public newspaper. Harbin -- and probably other Chinese cities off the tourist track -- puts up these boards so that even those without the yuan or so for a paper of their own can stay informed. The rampant commercialism aside, this is still a communist country.<br />
<br />
<i>Neben mir saufen die Jungen Bier; fressen sie Jaegerwuerst -- war hier richtig von Russen statt Deutschen eingeseidelt?</i><br />
<br />
0500. (DNCO) A long shot at a long trek. From Harbin to Guangzhou on a T train (non-express) is about as long a route as you're likely to get in China, outside of direct Shanghai-Wulumqi service maybe. The longest possible hack is probably from Kashgar to Fuzhou, but they won't book that one directly for spoke-and-hub reasons...and maybe not at all given recent events.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0501_zps6230519f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0501_zps6230519f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0501_zps6230519f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0501. In a middle berth. Open corridor, six bunks per "compartment". It's not called a hard sleeper because the bunks are hard (though they are), but because it's fucking hard to sleep in these conditions.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/13<br />
heading west-southwest<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%205/zh0502_zps112f97ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0502_zps112f97ec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%205/th_zh0502_zps112f97ec.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0502. Barrow in a midnight rail stop.<br />
<br />
It's hard to sleep, I can't sit up (my trunk's somewhat longer than the gap from my bunk to the upper one) and there's still about 25 hours left to Xi'an. I'll probably be spending most of this leg napping -- that and wishing the Chinese rail system used Russian cars and Russian bunk-booking procedures.<br />
<br />
There's not a lot of pictures, partly because I can't sit up, partly to not offend my carriagemates, but mostly because this part of China is not real photogenic. The land is entirely consumed in feeding and housing its people -- no space for anything else.<br />
<br />
Before dinner I battled with an Asian toilet -- shovelclub with a flush -- and didn't lose. So much for that.<br />
<br />
The landscape now, through these tunnels and into sandstone hills, is a lot more scenic, but I still can't sit up. Less than 12 hours left, and I have the hope -- obligate diurnalism and all -- that I'll be able to sleep most of the rest of the way to Xi'an.<br />
<br />Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-18597280284491796942014-06-10T14:01:00.001-04:002014-06-10T14:01:44.149-04:00China 2014 part 4 - Qingdao<br />
5/8<br />
Shanghai<br />
<br />
If you want to improve your Chinese and learn a lot about what kind of country China is, you could do a lot worse than looking up 天天把歌唱 on the internets. Today's program, heavily based on 中国梦, signed off with an ode to the high-speed rail system. Seriously. 坐上高铁去北京 is a <a href="http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNzEyODE4Mjg0.html">real song</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0267_zpsb2018f0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0267_zpsb2018f0b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0267_zpsb2018f0b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0267. Down into the high-speed departure area at Shanghai Hongqiao.<br />
<br />
I couldn't go get an extra cap with breakfast due to time constraints, but after a little poking around at the station, I got a bag full of quality from Bread Talk. This will cover lunch as well, which is good since it's a seven-hour train. How on earth is that a "G" only up to Shandong? (Answer: because you are not good at estimating distances, duh. Shanghai to Qingdao is a minimum of about 350 miles, the train is not an express, and most of the track down the peninsula into the city is not rated beyond K speeds.)<br />
<br />
- Qingdao -<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0268_zps5149c9d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0268_zps5149c9d7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0268_zps5149c9d7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0268. The wreckage.<br />
<br />
I spent several fruitless hours looking for a bus connection north, then dragged myself out to grab some beer and snacks. I got these, but got pulled into drinking with some Chinese dudes in the minimart; I amazed them with my beertank ability and won about 4/6 tests of strength, but baijiu was ultimately my undoing. It was a fun time, but horking up a freshly eaten sandwich afterwards was decidedly less fun. Moral of the story: if you must drink baijiu, don't do it on an empty stomach. Better, of course, is to not drink baijiu in the first place, but it's difficult to do that in China without, like, completely avoiding socialization.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/9<br />
Qingdao<br />
<br />
So despite the booze-up and the shitty hotel circumstances that made me feel a lot less sorry for puking on them than I really ought've, I was up with the sun again and out front by 6, showing no lack of taxis. It'll be expensive, but I should be able to get out tomorrow without undue difficulty; I'll still try to ask at the desk, though.<br />
<br />
A quick hour's hike got me from there to the 青啤 brewery; of course, this was two hours before it opened, so I had some time to write up the inbound pics.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0269_zps5bea510d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0269_zps5bea510d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0269_zps5bea510d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0269. German-style buildings on Hunan Road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0270_zpsdcbc31e1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0270_zpsdcbc31e1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0270_zpsdcbc31e1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0270. Mosaic further east.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0271_zpsc3eb3e9e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0271_zpsc3eb3e9e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0271_zpsc3eb3e9e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0271. It's like a tropical annex of Thuringia.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0272_zps94e4a8df.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0272_zps94e4a8df.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0272_zps94e4a8df.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0272. The big Second Empire block of the local government.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0273_zps2ab27824.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0273_zps2ab27824.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0273_zps2ab27824.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0273. Tower of the Protestant church.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0274_zpsb62ae60b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0274_zpsb62ae60b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0274_zpsb62ae60b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0274. Beer Street service cover.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0275_zps582f91b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0275_zps582f91b5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0275_zps582f91b5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0275. Main front of the Tsingtao brewery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0276_zpse4c6057f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0276_zpse4c6057f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0276_zpse4c6057f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0276. Branded cladding on the tanks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0277_zpsabc40cde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0277_zpsabc40cde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0277_zpsabc40cde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0277. Up the bar street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0278_zpsef1518d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0278_zpsef1518d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0278_zpsef1518d3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0278. Parklet, sculpture, and hanging tank thermometers.<br />
<br />
Still and hour and a half. This sucks. I hate, hate, hate waiting around doing nothing. I'd much rather be up the road, but since I have that G train tomorrow (and don't need to split for Yantai for the ferry to Dalian), I'm damned if I'm not going to get some tank-fresh Qingpi out of this stop. Wait wait wait.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0279_zpsea4d4b03.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0279_zpsea4d4b03.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0279_zpsea4d4b03.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0279. A beer-bottle bench. This is a legit tourist point, not just for cap-collecting weirdos.<br />
<br />
Others have remarked on the alleged hilliness of Qingdao. These people are hallucinating. It's hillier than the plains around Shanghai, but as the AIR proved, so are <a href="http://www.improbable.com/airchives/paperair/volume9/v9i3/kansas.html">most pancakes</a> at appropriate scale. The hills have nothing on Vladivostok, which is good because I'm not in Vladi-hill-climbing shape. There's also consistent good breezes off the water, which makes what hills there are somewhat easier, and cleans up the air a little.<br />
<br />
Finally, I got in, and my adventures continued.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0280_zpsde7adee2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0280_zpsde7adee2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0280_zpsde7adee2.jpg" /></a><br />
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0280. A stone barrel doorstop.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0281_zps7b7a74d5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0281_zps7b7a74d5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0281_zps7b7a74d5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0281. Beer in stone.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0282_zps1d80c88f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0282_zps1d80c88f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0282_zps1d80c88f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0282. The modern brewery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0283_zps964293c8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0283_zps964293c8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0283_zps964293c8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0283. From the first rebuild.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0284_zps3facd6c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0284_zps3facd6c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0284_zps3facd6c0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0284. Older usage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0285_zps94f3a55a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0285_zps94f3a55a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0285_zps94f3a55a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0285. Beer as a liver aid. Maybe if it's replacing 白酒...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CAuS0M6ej9M" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v14. Beer fountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0286_zps69980b9b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0286_zps69980b9b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0286_zps69980b9b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0286. A still of it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0287_zps93297faa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0287_zps93297faa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0287_zps93297faa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0287. Dionysos with a keg.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0288_zpsd57d98cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0288_zpsd57d98cf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0288_zpsd57d98cf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0288. Historical change.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0289_zpse2ea9a61.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0289_zpse2ea9a61.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0289_zpse2ea9a61.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0289. Articles of incorporation and concession.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0290_zps451d4eb5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0290_zps451d4eb5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0290_zps451d4eb5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0290. Old labels; the NSDAP guys should have stayed off the imported stuff.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0291_zps47be9117.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0291_zps47be9117.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0291_zps47be9117.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0291. After the Japanese takeover.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0292_zps209ae9ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0292_zps209ae9ec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0292_zps209ae9ec.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0292. Brewery official seals.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0293_zps10a88084.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0293_zps10a88084.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0293_zps10a88084.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0293. Ads from the Nationalist period.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0294_zps3cc4592d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0294_zps3cc4592d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0294_zps3cc4592d.jpg" /></a><br />
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0294. Hard handwork kept the brewery going at the start of the revolutionary era.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0295_zps0b8d0ce2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0295_zps0b8d0ce2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0295_zps0b8d0ce2.jpg" /></a><br />
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0295. This place literally wrote the book on brewing in China.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0296_zpsaa30af83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0296_zpsaa30af83.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0296_zpsaa30af83.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0296. Bottle brush for export.<br />
<br />
0297. (DNCO) About it; this is about the absolute worst thing that can happen to a brewery (a bottle brush broke off in early 1979 and made it out of the brewery in a bottle of beer exported to Hong Kong), and it is absolutely certain, though unsaid, that several people lost their lives or freedom over that brush.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0298_zps3ecaf65c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0298_zps3ecaf65c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0298_zps3ecaf65c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0298. First fruits from the first Qingdao beer festival.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0299_zps1ec0bdfe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0299_zps1ec0bdfe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0299_zps1ec0bdfe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0299. Unfinished graphs; they'll paste the columns in when the accounts for this year and next come in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0300_zps9fe62da9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0300_zps9fe62da9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0300_zps9fe62da9.jpg" /></a><br />
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0300. Light-up track through the old brewing process.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0301_zps4fa8fb72.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0301_zps4fa8fb72.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0301_zps4fa8fb72.jpg" /></a><br />
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0301. Worldwide connected.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0302_zps8254abed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0302_zps8254abed.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0302_zps8254abed.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0302. Some I hadn't collected yet. (These were partly filled in later in the museum, and partly in Harbin. All are currently on the board.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0303_zpse1969168.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0303_zpse1969168.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0303_zpse1969168.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0303. Under the old tanks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0304_zps06f420f9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0304_zps06f420f9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0304_zps06f420f9.jpg" /></a><br />
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0304. One of the original kettles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0305_zps7b4aa1e1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0305_zps7b4aa1e1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0305_zps7b4aa1e1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0305. Old implements.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0306_zps2cf44940.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0306_zps2cf44940.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0306_zps2cf44940.jpg" /></a><br />
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0306. Inside one of the kettles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0307_zpsaf09f71f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0307_zpsaf09f71f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0307_zpsaf09f71f.jpg" /></a><br />
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0307. Stirrer and strewn grain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0308_zps1dd19db7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0308_zps1dd19db7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0308_zps1dd19db7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0308. A nice display of regular and toasted malts in the floor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0309_zpscaf3807c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0309_zpscaf3807c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0309_zpscaf3807c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0309. Old malt shovels.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0310_zpsce9432a9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0310_zpsce9432a9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0310_zpsce9432a9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0310. Malting, 1930s style.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0311_zpsb9725f49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0311_zpsb9725f49.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0311_zpsb9725f49.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0311. Recycling the remains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0312_zps0b486572.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0312_zps0b486572.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0312_zps0b486572.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0312. The modern flow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0313_zps5bf10621.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0313_zps5bf10621.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0313_zps5bf10621.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0313. Again, lights out.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Gk9VrtlrLsE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v15. Flowing taps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0314_zps9d7cea1c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0314_zps9d7cea1c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0314_zps9d7cea1c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0314. Necessary; the non-cutout lintel is at about 6' even.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0315_zpsccd21613.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0315_zpsccd21613.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0315_zpsccd21613.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0315. Old yeast systems.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0316_zps724bb25b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0316_zps724bb25b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0316_zps724bb25b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0316. Original yeast recovery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0317_zpsacefd5a6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0317_zpsacefd5a6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0317_zpsacefd5a6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0317. Fermentation tanks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0318_zpseb2aa4cc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0318_zpseb2aa4cc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0318_zpseb2aa4cc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0318. Old-school open-tank fermenting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0319_zps2be7a182.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0319_zps2be7a182.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0319_zps2be7a182.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0319. Original lagering barrels.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0320_zps390cfd6e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0320_zps390cfd6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0320_zps390cfd6e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0320. Modern steel tanks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0321_zpse00b0990.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0321_zpse00b0990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0321_zpse00b0990.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0321. It's official, it's a health food.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0322_zpse19465ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0322_zpse19465ae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0322_zpse19465ae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0322. World beer wall; of the distinct beers here (there are a lot of Bud and Macau Beer repeats), I have drunk and collected about half. I didn't stand around and do a tally, but by eye it might be as low as 40% or as high as 60%.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0323_zps23c8b357.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0323_zps23c8b357.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0323_zps23c8b357.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0323. First taste. This is unfiltered, and as a consequence a little more sweet-and-sour than 青啤 usually is; this is probably the result of putting rice in the mash (and not controlling hard enough for fructivorans), because <i>Reinheitsgebot</i>-compliant beers don't do this when unfiltered.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0324_zpsd1896bf9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0324_zpsd1896bf9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0324_zpsd1896bf9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0324. Old filtering gear.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0325_zps90649e28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0325_zps90649e28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0325_zps90649e28.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0325. The modern filtration room.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0326_zps508fa56d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0326_zps508fa56d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0326_zps508fa56d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0326. More of the pipes and tanks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0327_zps0489cc3f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0327_zps0489cc3f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0327_zps0489cc3f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0327. Кириллица 不是 Latin; it's hard to tell them apart sometimes, but you still need to pick exactly one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0328_zpse8b491c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0328_zpse8b491c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0328_zpse8b491c0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0328. Old packaging.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0329_zps1b98023e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0329_zps1b98023e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0329_zps1b98023e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0329. More of the keg end.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0330_zps00fd1ad5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0330_zps00fd1ad5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0330_zps00fd1ad5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0330. Early communist labels and packaging.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0331_zps30962c87.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0331_zps30962c87.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0331_zps30962c87.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0331. Tops of the tanks outside.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fH2fyAXsFns" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v16. Bottlers at work.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0332_zpsbe8ff831.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0332_zpsbe8ff831.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0332_zpsbe8ff831.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0332. Awarded treasures.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0333_zps552c48fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0333_zps552c48fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0333_zps552c48fb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0333. A glass of 'klarer'. Much better; if you put weird things in your mash, you fucking better filter it.<br />
<br />
At the gift shop, I got a bunch of work souvenirs and two caps I didn't have yet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0334_zps172da491.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0334_zps172da491.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0334_zps172da491.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0334. Outside of the Wine Museum; there's no tradition worth speaking of, but as per Macau <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/macau.html">four years ago</a>, wine has status in China and beer doesn't.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0335_zpsb8c6f3cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0335_zpsb8c6f3cf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0335_zpsb8c6f3cf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0335. Nice greenery on the Wine Street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0336_zps794fd3b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0336_zps794fd3b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0336_zps794fd3b9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0336. A look up into the mountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0337_zps8a5b374a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0337_zps8a5b374a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0337_zps8a5b374a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0337. Greenery going downhill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0338_zpse0ca03cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0338_zpse0ca03cf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0338_zpse0ca03cf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0338. TV tower over a first-class parking lot by the zoo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0339_zpsc3b1134a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0339_zpsc3b1134a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0339_zpsc3b1134a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0339. Another, wider, view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0340_zps68890799.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0340_zps68890799.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0340_zps68890799.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0340. Urban forest and fence.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0341_zps6fdeacae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0341_zps6fdeacae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0341_zps6fdeacae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0341. Off to a high Western-style house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0342_zpsb4110dac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0342_zpsb4110dac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0342_zpsb4110dac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0342. Other side of the parkland.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0343_zps27059151.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0343_zps27059151.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0343_zps27059151.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0343. Down at the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0344_zps8999df67.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0344_zps8999df67.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0344_zps8999df67.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0344. Hilltop temple.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0345_zps11fa1265.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0345_zps11fa1265.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0345_zps11fa1265.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0345. Dolphins on the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0346_zps74f2bffd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0346_zps74f2bffd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0346_zps74f2bffd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0346. Along the east point.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0347_zpsca2e8390.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0347_zpsca2e8390.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0347_zpsca2e8390.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0347. Pines and a pavilion. Eastern Qingdao is really reminiscent of western Japan.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0348_zps7c25163c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0348_zps7c25163c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0348_zps7c25163c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0348. A neat rock formation by the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0349_zpsa3bf8133.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0349_zpsa3bf8133.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0349_zpsa3bf8133.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0349. Graphic, but probably necessary.<br />
<br />
PLA Navy Naval Museum<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0350_zps4f4e3ce6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0350_zps4f4e3ce6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0350_zps4f4e3ce6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0350. Anchor and screws out front. There was an interior exhibit of photos from the history of the building of the PLA Navy, including a lot of minor naval engagements against Taiwanese and allied (frequently US) forces, but there were No Photo signs, and when you're an American on Chinese military property, you respect those unless you've got no major attachment to 1) the rest of your pictures and 2) spending the next 6 to 18 hours not getting yelled at by guys in blue suits.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0351_zpsfa49843d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0351_zpsfa49843d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0351_zpsfa49843d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0351. A cool spiral staircase on a neighboring house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0352_zps769b9f9d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0352_zps769b9f9d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0352_zps769b9f9d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0352. Naval aviation. These were free for pictures, because seriously, what is the risk? Foreign militaries may get an idea of what outmoded equipment has been retired from active Chinese service?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0353_zps1ce50216.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0353_zps1ce50216.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0353_zps1ce50216.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0353. Back end of a huge flying boat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0354_zpse981d76a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0354_zpse981d76a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0354_zpse981d76a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0354. Some marine gear as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0355_zpsed5d2f4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0355_zpsed5d2f4d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0355_zpsed5d2f4d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0355. One of the first to wear the PLA star.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0356_zps09c4d0f9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0356_zps09c4d0f9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0356_zps09c4d0f9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0356. Sting in a recce bomber's tail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0357_zps87d8268f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0357_zps87d8268f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0357_zps87d8268f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0357. Landed patrol boat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0358_zps48d2375f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0358_zps48d2375f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0358_zps48d2375f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0358. Line astern.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0359_zpsdb7e84ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0359_zpsdb7e84ac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0359_zpsdb7e84ac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0359. Antiship artillery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0360_zps80dfba6a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0360_zps80dfba6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0360_zps80dfba6a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0360. Business end.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0361_zps05508c72.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0361_zps05508c72.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0361_zps05508c72.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0361. Armed landing craft.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0362_zpsb1b04831.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0362_zpsb1b04831.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0362_zpsb1b04831.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0362. Under the nose of the flying boat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0363_zps515cd05b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0363_zps515cd05b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0363_zps515cd05b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0363. Mothballed ships and skyline.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0364_zps629d7857.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0364_zps629d7857.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0364_zps629d7857.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0364. Destroyer and a harbor island.<br />
<br />
Museum over, I stopped in at a small family restaurant for lunch.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0365_zps89155de8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0365_zps89155de8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0365_zps89155de8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0365. Lunch; hot stirfried sea snails. As the oceans get exhausted, this may be coming to a plate near you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0366_zpscaede934.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0366_zpscaede934.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0366_zpscaede934.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0366. Bonus; not a snail, but a hermit crab fry. I got two of these, but couldn't extract the other from the shell.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0367_zps853c01ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0367_zps853c01ae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0367_zps853c01ae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0367. Backup pantry. I didn't notice this in time to instead point and say 请给我那条银色的鱼,红烧.<br />
<br />
Lunch over -- I ate all the snails I could extract, and all the non-chili-pepper other stuff on the plate -- it was up the road to the German prison museum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0368_zpsd3778dce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0368_zpsd3778dce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0368_zpsd3778dce.jpg" /></a><br />
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0368. Carcass/1984 style.<br />
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0369. Secure corridor.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0370. Martyrs of the May 4 uprising that eventually pushed out the Japanese (well, until the war started).<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0371_zps5ed942c6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0371_zps5ed942c6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0371_zps5ed942c6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0371. Prisoners packed into the cells.<br />
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<br />
0372. German warden's office.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0373. Map and imperial eagle.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0374. Solidity, but style, descending.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0375_zpsd5e51c5b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0375_zpsd5e51c5b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0375_zpsd5e51c5b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0375. In the underground torture cells, put in or at least built out by the Japanese.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0376_zps12a64e89.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0376_zps12a64e89.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0376_zps12a64e89.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0376. Interrogation chair.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0377_zpsaa1612bc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0377_zpsaa1612bc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0377_zpsaa1612bc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0377. Brutality backlit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0378_zps92d0eb48.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0378_zps92d0eb48.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0378_zps92d0eb48.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0378. The rack and the hot iron.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0379_zps0a6b4909.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0379_zps0a6b4909.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0379_zps0a6b4909.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0379. Stringing frame with whips and chains.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0380. Outside the prison, headed away.<br />
<br />
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0381. Front of the Tien Hou temple.<br />
<br />
0382. (DNCO).<br />
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0383. The famous pavilion. It was packed, I didn't bother hiking out.<br />
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0384. Rail station and apartment blocks.<br />
<br />
I haven't had beer out of a bag yet -- and that's more of a summer thing, so it may not happen -- but in all other ways I'm pretty satisfied with this visit to Qingdao. I'll try to get a bag beer this evening, then eat a bowl of Lanzhou lamian on the street or something.<br />
<br />
Got 'em both, and plenty of time to rest up for tomorrow's early start.<br />
<br />
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0385. Catholic cathedral at sunset.<br />
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0386. (picture superseded) Bag beer GET. The Wikitravel directions are unduly specific, but poke around the Sifang Road market, and sooner or later you'll find someone minding a keg with bags next to it.<br />
<br />
The Sifang Road market is worth a visit even without the beer. It's the only wet market I've ever seen live chickens at, let alone the scallops snapping in the air, every imaginable kind of vegetable, butchers smoking as they chop, and old women who point and laugh not at the giant foreigner, but at the immense cloggers on his feet. There are probably market streets like this all along the coast (and with fewer fish inland), but this is the one in Qingdao, and it rules pretty hard.<br />
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0387. Another view of the cathedral. Qingdao has a reputation as a romantic city, with the unspoiled coastline and large numbers of well-preserved Imperial German buildings, so it's not surprising to see scads of brides getting their wedding pictures done in the cathedral square. There were other concessions, but the Germans built their churches in severe and durable stone, with restrained lines that probably helped them survive the more iconoclastic times.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0388_zps6f6d1e17.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0388_zps6f6d1e17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0388_zps6f6d1e17.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0388. A better shot of the beer bag. I did not save this, because at the end, it was a flimsy plastic bag full of beer foam.<br />
<br />
The best way to drink this is to tie off the mouth of the bag, tip it to pour the beer into one corner, and bite a hole in the corner that doesn't have beer in it. You can now drink from it at leisure like an improvised wineskin.<br />
<br />
I mastered beer in a bag, but I still don't know what the other <a href="http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/119660.htm">seven strangenesses of Qingdao</a> are.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%204/zh0389_zpsc48ba451.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0389_zpsc48ba451.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%204/th_zh0389_zpsc48ba451.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0389. Lanzhou lamian (pulled noodles). There were originally a few more flakes of beef in the bowl, but I got hungry. This is a big dinner for a hard-working fisherman or 工人, but still drops in at a wallet-friendly 9元. Yes, $1.50. You could maybe make it for $3 in the US and rake it in, but we don't have enough Lanzhou Muslim dudes to run the shops.<br />
<br />
I also picked up a couple beers and a half-yuan note; I'll stay up and drink some, then save the rest for the train.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-18821098578605172732014-06-10T12:56:00.000-04:002014-06-10T12:56:54.585-04:00China 2014 part 3 - Shanghai<br />
5/7<br />
Shanghai<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0111_zps91f2f295.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0111_zps91f2f295.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0111_zps91f2f295.jpg" /></a><br />
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0111. A cool rats' nest of HVAC ducts below the hotel.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0112_zpsba7452a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0112_zpsba7452a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0112_zpsba7452a1.jpg" /></a><br />
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0112. A neighboring rooftop.<br />
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0113. Along People's Square in the morning light.<br />
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As usual, I was up with the sun. This is good, because I have to get the first goddamned train to Hongqiao tomorrow morning -- that, and being finally over jetlag will give me more of Shanghai today.<br />
<br />
The shirts are all set -- fitba tops, getting it done again -- but the camera battery is dogging it a little. I'm running a spare along today, and will probably reload it in Qingdao tomorrow night.<br />
<br />
Owing to an early start, I hit the Bund before it got busy, and saw it without the crowds.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0114_zps4c70789c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0114_zps4c70789c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0114_zps4c70789c.jpg" /></a><br />
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0114. Eastwards into the sun.<br />
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0115. A wall full of power supplies. This wasn't the only Schneider outlet on the way over.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DX7yVEHjedo" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v08. Through a narrow arcade, hiking towards the Bund.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0116_zps07be1d45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0116_zps07be1d45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0116_zps07be1d45.jpg" /></a><br />
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0116. Old Shanghai.<br />
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0117. First sight of Pudong, like something out of Star Wars.<br />
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0118. Next trip, planning in progress.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0119_zpsd369c70f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0119_zpsd369c70f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0119_zpsd369c70f.jpg" /></a><br />
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0119. Monument at the north end of the Bund.<br />
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0120. Down along the bank.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0121_zps8429edce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0121_zps8429edce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0121_zps8429edce.jpg" /></a><br />
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0121. Pudong backlit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0122_zpsc0e8cc7f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0122_zpsc0e8cc7f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0122_zpsc0e8cc7f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0122. Closer on "Big Ching".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0123_zps35a43f58.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0123_zps35a43f58.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0123_zps35a43f58.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0123. The Chairman in bronze.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0124_zps9ba309b1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0124_zps9ba309b1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0124_zps9ba309b1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0124. Flowers on the embankment wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0125_zps029b199a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0125_zps029b199a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0125_zps029b199a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0125. Face of the Development Bank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0126_zpsbe5fff7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0126_zpsbe5fff7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0126_zpsbe5fff7a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0126. Of course there's one here -- if there's one philosophy in Shanghai, it's that the boom will last forever, and when it doesn't, that the next one's just around the corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0127_zpsd466982d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0127_zpsd466982d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0127_zpsd466982d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0127. Second Empire corner over some trees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0128_zps9ab11127.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0128_zps9ab11127.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0128_zps9ab11127.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0128. The signal tower at the south end of the Bund.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0129_zps3a195644.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0129_zps3a195644.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0129_zps3a195644.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0129. Color on an east-west street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0130_zps1b613685.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0130_zps1b613685.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0130_zps1b613685.jpg" /></a><br />
<
0130. Up at the crows' nest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0131_zpsbb2f9c7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0131_zpsbb2f9c7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0131_zpsbb2f9c7a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0131. Back along the Bund north.<br />
<br />
Since it was <i>so</i> damned early still, I took a rest to eat some extra breakfast and neck the bottle that finally gave me a Suntory cap. I've got a fitba-edition Tsingtao in the bag and a lead on a third cap, but there's limits to how much Westerners can drink in public, even early in the morning, without pulling aggro. I'll give the ferry a shot after seven.<br />
<br />
I missed the 7:15, but caught the 7:45. Well in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0132_zpsc48e81f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0132_zpsc48e81f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0132_zpsc48e81f8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0132. Ship's wheel, heading for the ferry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0133_zpsc6c64eb3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0133_zpsc6c64eb3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0133_zpsc6c64eb3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0133. The Bund from the dock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0134_zpsd989b73e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0134_zpsd989b73e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0134_zpsd989b73e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0134. Luggers in the river.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0135_zps74dcfb49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0135_zps74dcfb49.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0135_zps74dcfb49.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0135. Pearl Tower and northish Pudong.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xtpaHF1GSfE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v09. Cargo luggers running upriver.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0136_zps5fbb5be4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0136_zps5fbb5be4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0136_zps5fbb5be4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0136. The Hai Da Hai headed up, and a tug to get it through the corners.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0137_zps334f3441.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0137_zps334f3441.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0137_zps334f3441.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0137. Up to south Waitan from the dock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0138_zpsddfc6896.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0138_zpsddfc6896.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0138_zpsddfc6896.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0138. More river traffic.<br />
<br />
Those accustomed to the Star ferries of Hong Kong for your 2元 short-channel service will be in for a thump in Shanghai. Rather than lay out for gangplanks, the drill here is to have floating, repairable, docks, and a good strong rubbing strake on the ferry, so it can belly in and slam into the pier to get tied up. The first time the ship hits, you may lose your balance; afterwards, any regular subway rider should be able to handle it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0139_zps01d2643d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0139_zps01d2643d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0139_zps01d2643d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0139. Harbor patrol and offices.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0140_zps9b83799b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0140_zps9b83799b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0140_zps9b83799b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0140. Still it goes up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0141_zps33d3bcfd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0141_zps33d3bcfd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0141_zps33d3bcfd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0141. And up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0142_zps49945d65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0142_zps49945d65.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0142_zps49945d65.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0142. With this many highrises, developers have to set theirs apart. These have nothing on the ones out in the suburbs with replicas of the Big Ching clock tower as capitals.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0143_zpsebbe7241.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0143_zpsebbe7241.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0143_zpsebbe7241.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0143. Not the only bank yacht on this pier, but probably the most awesome.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0144_zps48fb5e62.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0144_zps48fb5e62.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0144_zps48fb5e62.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0144. Upriver, turning in to Pudong.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0145_zps8774271f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0145_zps8774271f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0145_zps8774271f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0145. A look up on landing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0146_zpsde343136.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0146_zpsde343136.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0146_zpsde343136.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0146. Taiping towers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0147_zpse9c68912.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0147_zpse9c68912.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0147_zpse9c68912.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0147. A clean shot on this still unfinished spire.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0148_zps5f4cb254.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0148_zps5f4cb254.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0148_zps5f4cb254.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0148. Pearl Tower over foliage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0149_zps207135ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0149_zps207135ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0149_zps207135ea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0149. Swank riverfront bar.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0150_zps979de630.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0150_zps979de630.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0150_zps979de630.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0150. The Bund is nationalized, but the criminals just shifted their base east.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0151_zpsef21e39e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0151_zpsef21e39e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0151_zpsef21e39e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0151. Up at the Aurora building.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0152_zpsfb33a9e3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0152_zpsfb33a9e3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0152_zpsfb33a9e3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0152. There's a Friday's right across from this, but this is more photogenic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0153_zps7be9dff6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0153_zps7be9dff6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0153_zps7be9dff6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0153. Facade of the Super Brand Mall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0154_zps1ccb1150.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0154_zps1ccb1150.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0154_zps1ccb1150.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0154. Shrine on the pavement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0155_zpsf8ed3a60.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0155_zpsf8ed3a60.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0155_zpsf8ed3a60.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0155. Fire department in action. As I was going past, there was an evac of the mall underway, which I thought was a drill until the engines showed up. In contrast to racist expressions you might have heard, the evacuation was orderly and well-conducted, at speed, and the fire brigade deployed directly and effectively. Let's reuse the slur with an opposite meaning.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0156_zpsa55975a8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0156_zpsa55975a8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0156_zpsa55975a8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0156. Traffic circle topiary.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0157_zps54056e2a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0157_zps54056e2a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0157_zps54056e2a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0157. South-southwest to skyscrapers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0158_zpsdb665788.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0158_zpsdb665788.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0158_zpsdb665788.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0158. The Pearl Tower reflected.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0159_zpsabfd215e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0159_zpsabfd215e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0159_zpsabfd215e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0159. Welcome display inside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0160_zpseb8e6dda.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0160_zpseb8e6dda.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0160_zpseb8e6dda.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0160. For lucky cats, a catrobot or a Sanryo trademark is fine too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0161_zpsb2f7f8e1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0161_zpsb2f7f8e1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0161_zpsb2f7f8e1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0161. Not field turf, more like a green carpet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0162_zps8bb97b63.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0162_zps8bb97b63.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0162_zps8bb97b63.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0162. Back away from the tower.<br />
<br />
To go in, I had to chug my second beer from the morning, but again my knife got waved through. Apparently, western tourists, even the gigantic ones, don't need to get wanded.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0163_zps17abfadf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0163_zps17abfadf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0163_zps17abfadf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0163. Development in Pudong.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0164_zpse045d1fe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0164_zpse045d1fe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0164_zpse045d1fe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0164. Hanging lanterns inside, waiting for the elevator.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0165_zps227b3a1a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0165_zps227b3a1a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0165_zps227b3a1a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0165. Upstairs; a place I'm not going.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0166_zps2d3d8218.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0166_zps2d3d8218.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0166_zps2d3d8218.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0166. And another; I have to remember to use this pronunciation with "Xinjiang", and the other with "East Turkestan", which of course I didn't go to the lengths of writing down in the original notes I was going to be carrying on my person.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0167_zps7f89ecc8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0167_zps7f89ecc8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0167_zps7f89ecc8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0167. Down to the head of the Bund.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0168_zps6528960f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0168_zps6528960f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0168_zps6528960f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0168. Shadow in the river.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0169_zps8ce77422.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0169_zps8ce77422.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0169_zps8ce77422.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0169. North into Puxi.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0170_zps7006e9b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0170_zps7006e9b5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0170_zps7006e9b5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0170. Ceaseless regeneration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0171_zps2609c0e3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0171_zps2609c0e3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0171_zps2609c0e3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0171. The build stretches infinitely off towards the sea.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0172_zps1d66eeab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0172_zps1d66eeab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0172_zps1d66eeab.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0172. Down to older Pudong.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0173_zps2b4db83a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0173_zps2b4db83a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0173_zps2b4db83a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0173. The signature tower of the World Financial Center.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0174_zpsd45e1d3b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0174_zpsd45e1d3b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0174_zpsd45e1d3b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0174. West over the Bund.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0175_zpsd2ce8b2b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0175_zpsd2ce8b2b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0175_zpsd2ce8b2b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0175. It's been a long time since I strapped up in cleanroom booties -- fortunately, they have a "very largest pair" available on reserve for foreigners who show up with boats tied to the ends of their legs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0176_zpsb60d71d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0176_zpsb60d71d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0176_zpsb60d71d3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0176. The start of the Space Capsule. More for kids, but the booties and smooth floors allow for a perfect moonwalk; maybe not for kids, who don't necessarily know what that is or how to do it, but definitely for anyone else who isn't afraid of looking silly in front of anyone else who may happen along.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0177_zpsb8035e4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0177_zpsb8035e4d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0177_zpsb8035e4d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0177. Pan along the top.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0178_zpsfd797c46.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0178_zpsfd797c46.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0178_zpsfd797c46.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0178. This sticks a lot closer to the concept than Toronto's, which also uses the "space capsule" name for the top floor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0179_zps86757deb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0179_zps86757deb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0179_zps86757deb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0179. Even the tourist-trap souvenir stand is futuristic.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z2KiLQWSJII" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v10. Strobing floors, waiting for the elevator.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rnxltKxwMF8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v11. Van de Graaf arcs by laser in the elevator hatch.<br />
<br />
0180. (not germane).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0181_zps4822256a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0181_zps4822256a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0181_zps4822256a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0181. Obligato feet shot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0182_zps5f5cae3e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0182_zps5f5cae3e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0182_zps5f5cae3e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0182. Houses not yet pushed out by development.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0183_zps35fe3774.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0183_zps35fe3774.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0183_zps35fe3774.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0183. Down to the traffic circle from 0156.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0184_zps45355359.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0184_zps45355359.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0184_zps45355359.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0184. Finally down to the arcade floor; localized Initial D machines are the first encountered.<br />
<br />
According to my plan, it's the museum left here, then out by subway, but we'll see how things shake out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0185_zps94aeb291.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0185_zps94aeb291.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0185_zps94aeb291.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0185. Reflections in composition.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0186_zpsa7605aa0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0186_zpsa7605aa0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0186_zpsa7605aa0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0186. A Western house by the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0187_zpsf3b0520e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0187_zpsf3b0520e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0187_zpsf3b0520e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0187. Down to the Apple presence at the IFC.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0188_zps742f5109.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0188_zps742f5109.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0188_zps742f5109.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0188. Shooting around corners.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0189_zps9496c07b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0189_zps9496c07b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0189_zps9496c07b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0189. The neoclassical front of the PingAn Bank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0190_zps098fd74f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0190_zps098fd74f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0190_zps098fd74f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0190. A villa behind the aquarium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0191_zpseeacfd18.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0191_zpseeacfd18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0191_zpseeacfd18.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0191. More buildings north along the river.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0192_zpsf59142bb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0192_zpsf59142bb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0192_zpsf59142bb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0192. In the museum; examples of early cars in Shanghai.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0193_zps6a02dd7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0193_zps6a02dd7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0193_zps6a02dd7a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0193. A Buick Eight; the flat isn't political commentary, it's just original tires and inexpert curation. Several of the Chinese-built cars of the current post-revolutionary period here have this problem as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0194_zpsbeabd68b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0194_zpsbeabd68b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0194_zpsbeabd68b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0194. A modern, Chinese-built Buick.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0195_zps416eeb49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0195_zps416eeb49.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0195_zps416eeb49.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0195. An elaborate wedding sedan chair.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0196_zps636704f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0196_zps636704f0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0196_zps636704f0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0196. It's pushing it a little to call the backbreaking practice of pre-mechanized agriculture "farmers' fun", but apparently it's politically necessary to describe cranking millstones by hand as a fun activity.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0197_zps7e8afdee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0197_zps7e8afdee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0197_zps7e8afdee.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0197. Through the corridors. There's next to no original artifacts, and there's life-sized vignettes all over the place, making this less of a museum and more of a kung-fu movie set...which is ok as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0198_zps4d90c9e2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0198_zps4d90c9e2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0198_zps4d90c9e2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0198. Original boundary stone from one of the international concessions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0199_zps1dd96e33.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0199_zps1dd96e33.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0199_zps1dd96e33.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0199. A view of old Shanghai.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0200_zps1c0472e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0200_zps1c0472e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0200_zps1c0472e9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0200. Boundary markers from the American and French concessions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0201_zps4fa8f144.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0201_zps4fa8f144.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0201_zps4fa8f144.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0201. Betting on a cricket fight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0202_zpsed46fd21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0202_zpsed46fd21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0202_zpsed46fd21.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0202. German-style timberwork over a stairway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0203_zps9665489c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0203_zps9665489c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0203_zps9665489c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0203. Selection of a shoe shop.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0204_zpsf0dd6934.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0204_zpsf0dd6934.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0204_zpsf0dd6934.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0204. Well corner posts from Jinjiang Road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0205_zps5ffe8796.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0205_zps5ffe8796.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0205_zps5ffe8796.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0205. A big view of prewar Nanjing Road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0206_zps973063d8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0206_zps973063d8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0206_zps973063d8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0206. A model of the pre-colonization customs house.<br />
<br />
Museum done, it was across the river on the subway to Yue Yuan.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0207_zpsfb652149.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0207_zpsfb652149.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0207_zpsfb652149.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0207. Close old streets to the south.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0208_zps99b506ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0208_zps99b506ca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0208_zps99b506ca.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0208. The start of the garden block.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0209_zpscca136a4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0209_zpscca136a4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0209_zpscca136a4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0209. Gate in from Renmin Road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0210_zpsea801e45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0210_zpsea801e45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0210_zpsea801e45.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0210. An imposing corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0211_zpsb8349913.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0211_zpsb8349913.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0211_zpsb8349913.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0211. Another on the close side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0212_zps2eeb6588.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0212_zps2eeb6588.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0212_zps2eeb6588.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0212. Crossing to the Yue Yuan complex.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0213_zps301795c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0213_zps301795c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0213_zps301795c1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0213. Inside the "classical street". Note the brands everywhere; this whole area is a walled open-air mall of tourist traps that must be navigated to access the garden. It is a masterpiece of commercial plotting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0214_zpsaf6e9e49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0214_zpsaf6e9e49.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0214_zpsaf6e9e49.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0214. A peaceful corner in the garden.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0215_zps0a8217be.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0215_zps0a8217be.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0215_zps0a8217be.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0215. Gate and tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0216_zps8ef87d29.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0216_zps8ef87d29.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0216_zps8ef87d29.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0216. Building and some of the lake.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0217_zpsfafc4926.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0217_zpsfafc4926.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0217_zpsfafc4926.jpg" /></a><br />
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0217. Bridge across the garden.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0218_zps5f52c6e0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0218_zps5f52c6e0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0218_zps5f52c6e0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0218. View through a pavilion.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0219_zps6a560f1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0219_zps6a560f1e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0219_zps6a560f1e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0219. Dragons on the roof.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0220_zps2263000a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0220_zps2263000a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0220_zps2263000a.jpg" /></a><br />
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0220. Stones and the wall.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1oD6hJesAoQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v12. Carp in the pond.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0221_zps38c23708.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0221_zps38c23708.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0221_zps38c23708.jpg" /></a><br />
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0221. Past, present, future.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0222_zpsb4b30df4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0222_zpsb4b30df4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0222_zpsb4b30df4.jpg" /></a><br />
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0222. Tower and rocks.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0223_zpsd84f60e2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0223_zpsd84f60e2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0223_zpsd84f60e2.jpg" /></a><br />
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0223. Inside a memorial hall to the Small Knife Society, a peasant rising of the 1850s.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0224_zpsdae4e872.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0224_zpsdae4e872.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0224_zpsdae4e872.jpg" /></a><br />
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0224. Dragon wall ornament.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0225_zpsee8952d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0225_zpsee8952d1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0225_zpsee8952d1.jpg" /></a><br />
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0225. Greenery and more of the dragon's back.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0226_zps7eae5af1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0226_zps7eae5af1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0226_zps7eae5af1.jpg" /></a><br />
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0226. Corner with dragon and lion.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0227_zps744cd41e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0227_zps744cd41e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0227_zps744cd41e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0227. Long view across the pond.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0228_zpscdd731d6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0228_zpscdd731d6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0228_zpscdd731d6.jpg" /></a><br />
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0228. The focus is the bush; the skyscraper needs shooped.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0229_zpsbfbb6f93.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0229_zpsbfbb6f93.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0229_zpsbfbb6f93.jpg" /></a><br />
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0229. Door in the wall.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0230_zps04446f63.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0230_zps04446f63.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0230_zps04446f63.jpg" /></a><br />
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0230. Pavilion and water below.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0231_zpse4ce8344.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0231_zpse4ce8344.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0231_zpse4ce8344.jpg" /></a><br />
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0231. Almost natural.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0232_zps3a846d1f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0232_zps3a846d1f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0232_zps3a846d1f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0232. A shock of red in the green.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0233_zpsf1d5292c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0233_zpsf1d5292c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0233_zpsf1d5292c.jpg" /></a><br />
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0233. Wall and tower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0234_zps84046538.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0234_zps84046538.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0234_zps84046538.jpg" /></a><br />
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0234. Pavilion behind greenery.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0235_zps58e079c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0235_zps58e079c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0235_zps58e079c0.jpg" /></a><br />
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0235. Another view.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0236_zpsa7afef4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0236_zpsa7afef4d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0236_zpsa7afef4d.jpg" /></a><br />
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0236. Across the Nine Turnings lake.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0237_zpsd823ed53.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0237_zpsd823ed53.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0237_zpsd823ed53.jpg" /></a><br />
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0237. The rest of the bridge; it could not be more perfectly designed as a crowd-slower if it was put together by a committee of pickpockets and airport security line designers.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0238_zps5ba63858.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0238_zps5ba63858.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0238_zps5ba63858.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0238. A corner heading up to Nanjing Road. Fucked if I was going to get on the metro to go one stop.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0239_zpsa103d300.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0239_zpsa103d300.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0239_zpsa103d300.jpg" /></a><br />
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0239. An old colonial building on a corner.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0240_zps9d3f5414.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0240_zps9d3f5414.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0240_zps9d3f5414.jpg" /></a><br />
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0240. Skyscrapers over Renmin Square.<br />
<br />
Having toured hard, I got a big, yummy, and relatively cheap (24 yuan; street food is cheaper, but try getting this much good food for $4 stateside) at <a href="http://www.yonghe.com.cn/">Yonghe Dawang</a> in the World Emporium basement, and hit the hotel to wash up before going for the museums south of the park. I'll probably do all of the "first-timer" menu in one day, which is good news for the big hikes in Qingdao to come.<br />
<br />
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center!<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0241_zps086e7dc0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0241_zps086e7dc0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0241_zps086e7dc0.jpg" /></a><br />
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0241. A Rivera-style frieze inside.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0242_zpsdd17bd9a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0242_zpsdd17bd9a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0242_zpsdd17bd9a.jpg" /></a><br />
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0242. And the rest of it.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0243_zps3eade2bc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0243_zps3eade2bc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0243_zps3eade2bc.jpg" /></a><br />
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0243. Miniature of the Yue Yuan in Qing times.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0244_zps11f1d0ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0244_zps11f1d0ca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0244_zps11f1d0ca.jpg" /></a><br />
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0244. The museum centerpiece, a 1:650 recreation of all of Shanghai inside the first ring road. The insane detail of this model is not adequately preserved in the photos.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0245_zps6facf0e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0245_zps6facf0e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0245_zps6facf0e9.jpg" /></a><br />
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0245. Same view, at "night".<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0246_zps53dcda83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0246_zps53dcda83.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0246_zps53dcda83.jpg" /></a><br />
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0246. Looking along the HuangPu.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0247_zpsb4397cac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0247_zpsb4397cac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0247_zpsb4397cac.jpg" /></a><br />
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0247. Up from the far south of the map.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0248_zpscae6657b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0248_zpscae6657b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0248_zpscae6657b.jpg" /></a><br />
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0248. A complex in the southwest corner.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0249_zps55210eb8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0249_zps55210eb8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0249_zps55210eb8.jpg" /></a><br />
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0249. The south center and a new stadium.<br />
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0250. (DNCO).<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0251_zpsef3d0f91.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0251_zpsef3d0f91.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0251_zpsef3d0f91.jpg" /></a><br />
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0251. A model of the plane-train-metro integration at Hongqiao.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0252_zps86c6c28a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0252_zps86c6c28a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0252_zps86c6c28a.jpg" /></a><br />
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0252. Looking north up the map.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0253_zps7e3a2a79.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0253_zps7e3a2a79.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0253_zps7e3a2a79.jpg" /></a><br />
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0253. Planned extensions; more structure and domination for the land.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0254_zps66e9c6d0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0254_zps66e9c6d0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0254_zps66e9c6d0.jpg" /></a><br />
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0254. Looking down from the next floor.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0255_zps8d21a5b2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0255_zps8d21a5b2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0255_zps8d21a5b2.jpg" /></a><br />
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0255. "Day" and a different angle.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0256_zpsff3f331f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0256_zpsff3f331f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0256_zpsff3f331f.jpg" /></a><br />
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0256. End of the "Home In Shanghai" exhibit.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0257_zpsa2f33973.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0257_zpsa2f33973.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0257_zpsa2f33973.jpg" /></a><br />
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0257. A sparkly endcap.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0258_zps932a33d4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0258_zps932a33d4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0258_zps932a33d4.jpg" /></a><br />
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0258. The pace of progress.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0259_zpsdf695f58.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0259_zpsdf695f58.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0259_zpsdf695f58.jpg" /></a><br />
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0259. Starting from nothing.<br />
<br />
To sink this in, get some masking tape and go in your living room, or wherever you have the most floor space. Measure out a strip six and a half feet long. Measure another one and put it at right angles to the first. Connect them into a square. You now have an idea of how big four square meters is. If possible, find another 3-4 people to stand in this square with you. This is how half a million Shanghai people lived at the time of the revolution. Those memories are still remnant in the city, even as the median living space has increased, and the high end has gotten much more plush.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YX-TT8dysn0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v13. A pan through the "Future City". The museum curators around here sure like 2001.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0260_zps6bba505c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0260_zps6bba505c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0260_zps6bba505c.jpg" /></a><br />
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0260. Air-rail integration at Pudong.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0261_zps0fe73f11.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0261_zps0fe73f11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0261_zps0fe73f11.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0261. If there's not enough island to have a deep-water container port, just build more.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0262_zps94c60b95.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0262_zps94c60b95.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0262_zps94c60b95.jpg" /></a><br />
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0262. Or hell, build two!<br />
<br />
The most impressive thing about China is that no matter what the engineering problem is, it can be attacked and solved. "Build a deep-water island" is something that can happen. Enviro problems, maybe not so much, but those take time, and until this decade, there was zero official interest -- and limited, disunited, activism -- in the proposition "let's not shit all over everything". But even that only requires commitment, as the regimentation of the countryside shows.<br />
<br />
The point of this digression is that while the problems that the US faces do not generally involve building new islands, there's a real absence of the unbounded vision shown here to stand up and get them solved. Part of that is that there's nothing like this museum/exhibit hall in the US; we don't, in general, plan cities so much as just kind of let them happen, which is an idea whose time is running out in the face of climate change. We have a terminal allergy to the idea that governments can do anything correctly, but zero confidence that the market will ever select for anything but "whatever makes the most money right now". The result is a societal paralysis that creates the stupidest problems imaginable: rural jobs that don't pay the cost to commute, San Francisco responding to increased housing demand by further reducing supply, facilities through empty neighborhoods draining Detroit dry. There are simple solutions to all of these, but local autonomy stomps all over them, and the ideas behind solving them have become anathema.<br />
<br />
Tell your friends that Shanghai is expanding green space as the population increases by destroying low-rise units and building taller, and if you go on long enough, you will eventually find one who starts screaming about Agenda 21, maybe while waving a firearm around. That's where we're at: trying to solve problems is the end of national sovereignty. Meanwhile, what China learned from the last 200 years is that if you ignore your problems for long enough, eventually other people come and solve them for you, and make parks in your cities that you're not allowed to enter, as a consequence of which they've been aggressively Solving Problems (yes, more than a few self-created, occasionally by the process of solving others) for the last 65 years.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0263. Cranked up. The rest of <a href="http://shanghaistreetstories.com/?p=1215">Xi Zi</a>'s stuff on this floor is also really cool.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0264_zps30cd997a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0264_zps30cd997a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0264_zps30cd997a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0264. Red flags still fly.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0265_zps13039718.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0265_zps13039718.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0265_zps13039718.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0265. Clock tower under a corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%203/zh0266_zps9efd98cd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0266_zps9efd98cd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%203/th_zh0266_zps9efd98cd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0266. New and old views.<br />
<br />
I busted on beer with dinner, and discovered why I was so dead: roughly 25 km of hiking in 11 hours is kind of a lot. For circadian reasons I can't go to sleep yet, but lying down and avoiding strain to my battered and crushed leg muscles is probably all that's left for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-17050716301801004782014-06-10T11:12:00.000-04:002014-06-10T11:12:36.920-04:00China 2014 part 2 - Wuhan/Shanghai<br />
5/6<br />
Wuhan<br />
<br />
After necking the excellent included east-west breakfast at the Novotel, I changed plans and made for the Yellow Crane tower. I should have tried to look at classical Chinese porn yesterday; the sexology museum is an easy cut in favor of this hike.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0048_zps0a2745ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0048_zps0a2745ab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0048_zps0a2745ab.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0048. Blue skies behind the hotel.<br />
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<br />
0049. Greenery and traffic crossing Zhongshan.<br />
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<br />
0050. Bridge ring over an intersection by the park.<br />
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<br />
0051. Entrance stairs at the Yellow Crane park.<br />
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<br />
0052. Sculpture at the front.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0053_zps9109beae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0053_zps9109beae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0053_zps9109beae.jpg" /></a><br />
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0053. West gate backlit by the rising sun.<br />
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<br />
0054. Up to the tower.<br />
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<br />
0055. Down into the city from the foot.<br />
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<br />
0056. Side pavilion.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0057_zps6175f1f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0057_zps6175f1f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0057_zps6175f1f1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0057. Pavilion and foliage.<br />
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<br />
0058. Crane sculpture out front.<br />
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<br />
0059. Looking down at the west entranceway.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AOxYtS92Uzw" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v03. Turning in the wind, faint music.<br />
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<br />
0060. Inside the tower.<br />
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<br />
0061. The rest of the tile mosaic/mural below it.<br />
<br />
0062. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
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<br />
0063. Down to the bell tower.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0064. Detail of one of the roof finials.<br />
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0065. Across to the west/left bank of the Han.<br />
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<br />
0066. TV tower on a green hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0067_zpse030043a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0067_zpse030043a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0067_zpse030043a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
0067. More history inside.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0068. Rooftop garden.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0069. Greenery and skyscrapers to the southwest.<br />
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<br />
0070. Tight corners -- these are hazardous for 太高的西国人.<br />
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<br />
0071. Temple horn and city.<br />
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<br />
0072. Traffic westbound on the Hubei expressway over the river.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0073. Inside again; old ritual utensils. I was trying to keep the cleaning lady out of the shot, because 中国人民 are not a tourist attraction, but really, she has exactly as much right to be pictured as the tower contents she maintains.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0074. Roof bell and some of the city.<br />
<br />
0075.(DNCO).<br />
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<br />
0076. More of the old temple furnishings inside.<br />
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<br />
0077. Old doorpost covering.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0078. Cranes and more artifacts.<br />
<br />
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<br />
0079. More reimagined than restored. The iconoclasm of the Communist takeover, and especially the Cultural Revolution afterwards, did a lot of damage to historical religious sites. But this, too, is China; patching over the past with a reverence that's sincere, but won't be an undue bar to forging ahead.<br />
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<br />
0080. More of the artifacts at the foot.<br />
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<br />
0081. Denied! As will be seen later, while China <i>will</i> allow giant white devils to wander around the map at leisure, trying to go <i>off</i> the map is problematic.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0082_zps023b7b00.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0082_zps023b7b00.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0082_zps023b7b00.jpg" /></a><br />
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0082. A green corner below the tower.<br />
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0083. Calligraphy in stone.<br />
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<br />
0084. A weathered worship rock; there's a lot of these in the alluvial plain of southeast China, probably washed out of the karsts in Guanxi and Yunnan.<br />
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<br />
0085. Another quiet corner, immediately ahead of a tour group.<br />
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0086. More peaceful scenery, seconds ahead of the tourguide.<br />
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0087. Poetic steles; the start of a 200m-long complex.<br />
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0088. Mao's poetry, preserved in stone. The requirements of a leader did not change in the transfer of the mandate from Heaven to the Party Congress.<br />
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<br />
0089. Crane frieze and ponds below.<br />
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<br />
0090. An outbuilding of the temple complex.<br />
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0091. Path through the green. Despite the relentless urbanization, China fights hard to preserve urban greenspace.<br />
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v04. Pan across waterfalls in a garden.<br />
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0092. Double-level waterfalls at the end.<br />
<br />
There was a dude on the landing before the second falls doing tai chi with a tassel-hilted sword, but I didn't take a picture for the same reasons that Chinese tourists don't take pictures of Westerners doing zumba classes: morning exercise isn't a tourist attraction.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0093_zpseeaf3d4c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0093_zpseeaf3d4c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0093_zpseeaf3d4c.jpg" /></a><br />
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0093. The long fall above.<br />
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0094. Statue of Yue Fei.<br />
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0095. Old gate, heading downhill.<br />
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0096. Down to the south entrance.<br />
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0097. South gate and apartment blocks; little sums up Wuhan like this.<br />
<br />
That was it for the park, so I continued east to try and find the 1911 memorial museum, or at least the Wuchang rail.<br />
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0098. The former Hubei provincial library. A public safety (公安) cop stopped me after taking this, so I opened the camera to delete if needed, but he just sent me on my way. The nationalist period is not expected to be of interest to travelers.<br />
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0099. A lonely tag in the underpass.<br />
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0100. Looking up west, about to jump off looking for Mao's villa.<br />
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I busted on this due to bad, imprecise directions, but got to give a laugh to some Chinese dudes about the big dumb foreigner who wandered down their street and needed to be set right. Han-looking people in twig may be able to get through, but for the likes of me, "off the map" is fairly sharply constrained. In cases like this, the tourist attraction is you, so smile, take the bust, and head back for the boundary.<br />
<br />
The most important lesson from this encounter for the rest of the trip was the conviction that as long as I stayed on paved roads, I wasn't going to come to grief, and that a track turning into a dirt or gravel path was an indicator to head back or take another turning. This proved to be correct, and was very useful in keeping me on the straight and narrow in Harbin.<br />
<br />
My streak of modestly bad luck continued at the station, where I got my santoku taken off me by the first observant sec-checker I'd encountered. From this, you have a 100% chance to be able to bring a business-sized knife on a Chinese subway in your pack -- even if, as for most of this trip, they're scanning baggage -- but only a 50% chance to get that knife cleared for intercity rail. My actual to-hand knife, though, continues to go through metal detectors unscathed.<br />
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0101. No cap, no tab, but probably the best beer so far. This is an unwidgeted stout from Qingdao that is not really trying to be a <i>schwarzbier</i>, no matter what the can says.<br />
<br />
It's about an hour to the train; time for some lunch, and then in queue.<br />
<br />
So for lunch I went to Master Kong's Express, and since it's a fast food place, I couldn't use the 招牌菜 trick. But a miracle happened! I could pronounce all the characters in their special! <i>Jinpaihongshaoniuroumiantaocan!</i> TEN HIT COMBO!<br />
<br />
But seriously, a big bowl of beer, veggies, and noodles in spicy soup for 48 yuan is probably the best real you're going to get in the Wuhan controlled-access area. I'm fine till Shanghai now, and will probably pitch dinner there late off this feed.<br />
<br />
金牌红烧牛肉面套餐!!!<br />
<br />
Another neat thing from the restaurant: a great constant of public spaces in China is the intermittent presence of some kind of canvassers, usually young women with a clipboard, probably soliciting Party contributions or something, because they leave Westerners strictly alone, where charity scammers in other countries tend to go directly for tourists. However, one of them came up behind me and rounded towards my table before turning away; from the back, hunched over a bowl of noodles, and wearing a shirt with "CHA" on the back (rep dat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha_Du-ri">Human Weapon</a>), my hair is apparently dark enough, and the rest of my frame without enough immediate tells, that I can blend in. Kind of. Ultimately I can't blend in -- too large, too tall, too pale, too beardy -- but all I desire is to be as minimally disruptive as possible, while still seeing not only the sights of China, but also, as much as possible, the real lived experience of Chinese people. I don't do guided tourism because I want to mediate my own experiences, generally, but the risk of that is blundering on and off the map like a mastodon in an army pack; the less I disrupt, the better not only for the locals, but for my experience of China as it is <i>without</i> my immediate presence. I leave; what I pass through stays, and the more I see of what will remain rather than the environment reacting to my presence, the better I understand.<br />
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0102. The "sightseeing" cab. The normal first-class cabin is pretty plush, but this is ridiculous. I've got to keep my ticket out to prove that a mook like me is allowed to be here even.<br />
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0103. Some sights; probably not a reactor (see the smoke), but a coal plant.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rU1qTAMKhmA" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v05. Running east by northeast at speed.<br />
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0104. Mountain greenery; this was a third try at this view, since high-speed trains are as unforgiving as ever.<br />
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The run of the train goes through some amazing views: paddies worked by an ox trailing a wooden plough, small knots of mountain ranges, crumbling houses cheek by jowl with shiny new ones. Rail travel remains the best way to see the countryside; we'll have to wait to drop to K trains, though, to get reliably preserved versions of those views.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dBN6B-pIZF8" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v06. Reaching Wuxi, coming on sunset.<br />
<br />
If the approach to Shanghai is dominated by any one thing, it is the relentless grasp of man on the land. The trees are planted in rows, and the rivers and ponds are walled or cut with aquaculture pens. Nothing on this plain is left wild, if it can possibly be of use under administration. And everywhere, new buildings are going up, new foundations being bulldozed. The country is in a life-or-death battle with the heat, the smog, and the increase of population to keep agriculture going, for when that fails, this will all break to pieces. Elsewhere in China, things grow that aren't planted, but on the G/D track inwards of Nanjing, there's no such thing.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%202/zh0105_zps161a2109.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0105_zps161a2109.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%202/th_zh0105_zps161a2109.jpg" /></a><br />
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0105. Off the platform at Suzhou. Grass as flat and manicured as a putting green, trees held in by stakes.<br />
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v07. Crossing Huanghe.<br />
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0106. (DNCO).<br />
<br />
- Shanghai -<br />
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0107. This is a train station, not an airport. Well, Hongqiao is an airport, too, but this is just the high-speed rail terminus.<br />
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0108. Coming up at People's Square.<br />
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0109. The lights of Shanghai (well, Renmin Guangchang area) from the 10th floor of the Park Hotel.<br />
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0110. The full panoply.<br />
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As of now, I have zero leg strength left and several shirts to wash. Tonight in, tomorrow tour hard, and then on the eighth, out at the goddamned crack of dawn.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-7494860613560907662014-06-10T10:39:00.000-04:002014-06-10T10:39:04.022-04:00China 2014 part 1 - Doha/Hong Kong/Shenzhen/WuhanIn May 2014, to burn off the visa that I had acquired for Harbin <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/08/rtw2013-leg-5-vladivostok-and-attempts.html">the year before</a>, I took an extended trip around China and managed to not get killed or break the bank, two things that were in doubt going in. I didn't get out to Xinjiang/East Turkestan, which was kind of turning into China's Northern Ireland at the time, and I didn't take a helicopter between Macau and Hong Kong, but I did get to see and do a lot of other stuff. This is how it started.<br />
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<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br />
5/2<br />
Boston<br />
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0001. (DNCO) Packed up. This is three weeks of gear, tied up real small and making the best of several years of hard travel and their hard-earned lessons.<br />
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I will make mistakes. Shit will go wrong. I will get in trouble, and may have difficulty getting out. But I've learned from previous trips, and I continue to set up smaller and smarter.<br />
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This is by far the hardest trip I've done, and under probably the hardest language conditions. There is an absolutely absurd amount of missable connections and other shit that can go sideways, and my ability to recover it will be limited. But the only thing to do is to press on.<br />
<br />
- Philadelphia -<br />
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0002. The Lego Liberty Bell in Philly's Terminal A. The "crack" is black bricks...<br />
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0003. ...unless you count the corners smashed off by souvenir hunters.<br />
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A short wait, and I'm outbound on a big single-deck for the near east. Old roads, but I won't have time to take in the sights; it's another short change, so though I NEED to sleep a lot of the next 12 hours, I probably won't end up doing so.<br />
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Landfall over Tunisia. This doesn't count as a 'touch', but still.<br />
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<br />
5/3<br />
over the Red Sea<br />
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I didn't sleep enough on this leg. I'll take a nap on the next one, hopefully.<br />
<br />
It's interesting to see a certain country absent from the inflight maps, regularly noted in the west. And not passed by reference to its shadow companion either -- just blackholed, as though any acknowledgement of <i>anything</i> there would be controversial with the powers behind <a href="http://www.qatarairways.com/us/en/homepage.page">this carrier</a> -- which, of course, is probably the case.<br />
<br />
- Qatar -<br />
<br />
Security again, and sand in my face climbing the jetways. It counts.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%201/zh0004_zpsf8f84018.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0004_zpsf8f84018.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%201/th_zh0004_zpsf8f84018.jpg" /></a><br />
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0004. Lineup from the bus. Qatar puts you on the tarmac on and off, in a dun-colored, smoggy, slab of windswept desert.<br />
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0005. Bus to plane; proving I had boots to ground in what is, perhaps surprisingly, my first multiple-point country. (This is a reference to the shortly-to-be-published International Badass Certification, a project that I've been working on making hard enough to matter and achievable enough to attempt for the last couple years. At the end of this trip I'd completed 86.78% of the then-current iteration and was seeking to make it harder. The 'points' referred to are for [X.1] and are awarded on relative risk/accessibility from 1 (most developed countries) to 25 (North Korea without guides or escorts).)<br />
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The plane's not full, but this was the first renmin bus out; there'll likely be at least one more. The bus ride out gives a picture of Qatar, if you know where to look; I'd be interested in coming back to see how well that picture matches the reality, but not on an American passport in my lifetime. The damage we've done to this part of the world in the last 60 years (since Suez proved that Europe wasn't up for fucking it up any more) is too extensive to be undone in the 30 to 40 years that I likely have left. Well, at the outside. Assuming I even survive this trip, that is.<br />
<br />
- Hong Kong -<br />
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v01. On the train in, crossing from Lantau.<br />
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0006. South from the connector to the HSBC Center.<br />
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0007. Another one. I thought I had a previous reference for this, since I remembered taking one in Beijing, but apparently, this is the first published shot of an elevator panel missing not only '13', but also '4', '14', and '24'. You see these a lot in China, occasionally in Japan.<br />
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0008. Kowloon at dusk from the 21st floor (well, 18th). The warm wet air and incredible dynamism remain unchanged.<br />
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0009. A subtle one; alcex.cn was probably just taken.<br />
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<br />
5/4<br />
Kowloon<br />
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0010. Graffitied block in morning light.<br />
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My Octopus card is dead -- a pretty predictable effect of zero transactions in three years -- I've got a nagging headache, and I got hit with a double commission changing money, but these things will pass. What I need now is some more solid food (a diet of beer and watermelon isn't a marching ration), and a good first step off into China proper.<br />
<br />
It really feels like there's a storm brewing up. I want to head down for the harbor and just hang out in the weather, but there's 1) all of China to discover and 2) pretty much the same conditions in Shenzhen, a long subway ride away.<br />
<br />
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0011. Across to China. There's no transfer ticket, but I've gone farther changing trains at Downtown Crossing. It counts.<br />
<br />
- Shenzhen -<br />
<br />
I got over to the hotel without difficulty, but the booking had not taken, so I got stuck, at least temporarily, with a second bill. Gear dropped, it was out to Chiwan.<br />
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0012. A Shenzhen token. These are RFIDed or unique-numbered or something, so it gets bound to your fare, but you can use it like a combination of smart card and regular token. This is kind of cool, but I probably won't get an extra to souvenir.<br />
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0013. Palace front in Chiwan.<br />
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0014. On the road to the Left Fort.<br />
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0015. Brick rebar holds up the hill.<br />
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0016. Along the road ahead in the rain. It wasn't bad, but it kept the other tourists down -- best weather.<br />
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0017. Under the canopy, out of the wet.<br />
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0018. The gate to the Left Fort, in context.<br />
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0019. The gate, and up the hill.<br />
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0020. Rampart of the remaining battery.<br />
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0021. Through the door inside to a cool mix of restoration and preservation.<br />
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0022. Restored blockhouse and greenery.<br />
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0023. 太绿了. Into the canopy.<br />
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0024. Canopy over the fort.<br />
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0025. Original cannon, restored mount. It's made out of concrete, but like the originals, won't allow much of an elevation adjustment.<br />
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0026. Out to the Pearl from the battery.<br />
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0027. Back to the battery from a far corner.<br />
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0028. Door in the blockhouse.<br />
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0029. Statue on a built-up landing.<br />
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0030. A better view down to the river.<br />
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0031. Some chickens in a factory backlot, coming back.<br />
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0032. Misty mountains by the Chiwan metro stop.<br />
<br />
I had the Minsk in as a potential point, but was a little jetlagged, a lot hiked out, and intolerably hungry, not having eaten between immigration and doing several miles over hill and dale seeing the fort. I passed on "figure out bus system in time to go see a Soviet carrier in the rain" and took a hike around the Dongmen area to eventually get a Snow and some bar snacks, which thanks to a longer-than-expected nap ended up being dinner. I'm getting more set, but I need to work harder on eating real food -- or, failing that, eating period. I've got more gut than's good for me, but doing 20k hikes on starvation rations isn't the right way to get rid of it.<br />
<br />
The good thing about missing stuff here due to adjustment is that I've got give; this is all Guangdong, and I'll be adjusted when I come back to the Guangzhou/Macau/HK leg at the end of the trip. I don't have that same give anywhere else, so from tomorrow I need to push real hard to do the max in Wuhan.<br />
<br />
<br />
5/5<br />
Shenzhen<br />
<br />
So after an unnecessary detour to have some very kind staff let me out of the ticketed area (note for the future: make sure the gate is all the way closed and back to start position before chucking your fare in on the exit), I ate my breakfast and got a chance to sketch this up before the train. I'm probably way too early, but you don't take chances with rush hour, and at this point I have no idea how long it takes to clear security.<br />
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0033. Westward into town.<br />
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0034. Dongmen shopping street under a rising sun.<br />
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0035. New and slightly less new Shenzhen.<br />
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0036. Buildings catch the light along a back street.<br />
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0037. Freaky statues in front of the GAP.<br />
<br />
So I got hustled out of my place by a cop, and went in through security. Neither my pocketknife nor my santoku got lifted, and I was through in a flash. Hongqiao will not be this easy, and perhaps not GZ 南 either, but for most other stations, arriving more than like 80 minutes ahead of departure is probably unnecessary.<br />
<br />
The upside, though, is less police attention, and a PBR pull tab. There's no glass bottles for obvious reasons, but while my stock-in-trade is caps, pull tabs from this part of the world -- provided they're marked -- are also welcome. Something every cooldown.<br />
<br />
Travel alone, meet friends, get tips. I had a good convo with Mark, and in exchange got some food/language tips and like 50 calories of tofu and pancakes. Solid.<br />
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The train seats are kinda small, but I fit with a little spare space, and it's only like 5 hours.<br />
<br />
- Wuhan -<br />
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0038. Along Jianshe Boulevard east of Wangjiadun.<br />
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0039. New skyscraper and foliage.<br />
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My Wuhan tourism is being cut short by bad timing. I will go eat, and maybe poke around in a bit, but the big historic sites are across the river, forever away by subway, and I don't have enough charge to do another hike like yesterday on no food. I have one point for tomorrow, but it's a weird one, and then it's on to Shanghai. This stop was put in just to break up a 12-hour train initially, but I need to start touring sometime instead of being a high-class drifter.<br />
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0040. Exercise facilities. I can hear my brothers' brain circuits popping at the use of "dagai" around course measurements, but worse still is the idea that people might go jogging in the toasted air of Wuhan. It wasn't so bad today, but you can still taste the soot -- and when it gets bad, it gets Beijing bad.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ctvvp4uMvCg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v02. Sights and sounds at an intersection, Wuhan. Crossing the road here is a multi-stage process that takes your life in your hand.<br />
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0041. Still growing. The national bird of China <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2006/07/beijing-part-3-misty-mountains-where.html">remains</a> the construction crane.<br />
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0042. Back southwest, going around West Lake.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%201/zh0043_zpsc3888712.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0043_zpsc3888712.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%201/th_zh0043_zpsc3888712.jpg" /></a><br />
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0043. Old concept apartment blocks; not actually joined, but it looks neat.<br />
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0044. More representative of the housing stock in interior China.<br />
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0045. A neat corner, turning south onto the bar street.<br />
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0046. Folk exercising some large dogs. This might pass without comment, but not if you're aware of how small the average living space is in China.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/China%202014%20part%201/zh0047_zpsf4257e4b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo zh0047_zpsf4257e4b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/China%202014%20part%201/th_zh0047_zpsf4257e4b.jpg" /></a><br />
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0047. Picturesque street, south of the hotel.<br />
<br />
Despite my best efforts, I couldn't stay awake long enough to go for a real dinner, but I slept about long enough to set up a hard reset. Tomorrow, what little "attraction" tourism I can do, and then on to Shanghai.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-15496409479552959532014-04-22T17:10:00.000-04:002014-04-22T17:10:37.059-04:00Master with Hate Storm Annihilation, Summoning Hate, Ramius, and Abstruktor [Sammy's Patio, Revere, 4/19/2014]<br />
So despite hiking myself into the ground in the morning running around getting the last stuff for China, I drove out to this (not confident in making three train and one bus connections coming back) and after a short period of "what the hell is wrong with highways not going anywhere in Revere, man" I got to the venue, stowed the car further away than I had to, and hiked down along the beach. Sammy's is located right on the water, so during the offseason (i.e., when it is too cold for guidos to LIKE A CHAMP all over the beach) there's tons of easily-accessible free parking for those who don't come in by the immediately adjacent Blue Line stop, and inside, beer is cheap and you're right on top of the band.<br />
<br />
I picked up some stuff from Master, including a physical copy, at long last, of the <i><a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Death_Strike/Fuckin%27_Death/31710">Fuckin' Death</a></i> demo, and then browsed the <a href="http://www.wickedmusicshop.com/">Wicked Music</a> distro table. This was a good and a bad thing; my wallet ended the sequence a hell of a lot lighter than it started, but there was a copy of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Cancer/695">Cancer</a>'s <i>To The Gory End</i> involved, and if you walk away from a copy of that record at an old school death metal show, you will not generally come back and find it again. Front pockets armored up with death metal old and new (including Decrepit Birth's <i>Progeny</i> and the new Cynic, which is the first metal record of any stripe I've seen with commentary from the New York Times on a sleeve sticker), I got a beer and watched Abstruktor finish setting up.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Abstruktor">Abstruktor</a> [4/7]<br />
I had not seen this band before, but in a way I had: over the course of a long set, what they provided was a lot of league-average, poorly-differentiated thrash metal that did not go much beyond "we like early Metallica a lot". For the most part, it was pretty well executed technically, and the several lapses in keeping in time might be down to the lack of monitors (which Paul from Master would complain about later) and/or breaking in a new guitarist (Brendan also of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Black_Mass/3540354019">Black Mass</a>), but other bands didn't have these issues, and they might easily have been forgiven if there was more <i>there</i> here. Abstruktor are an ok band, but didn't really offer anything in this set that couldn't have been replaced, in the general "melodic thrash also-rans" sense, by staying in and listening to my <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Blessed_Death/682">Blessed Death</a> record. Actually, I should have done that anyway and still gone out on time; "listen to Blessed Death" is usually a good choice regardless of the circumstance.<br />
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Abstruktor doing their thing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/ramius">Ramius</a> [5/7]<br />
Ramius got back to the death metal that most of the audience came here to see, and offered in their five songs a solid, lyric, and for the most part well-finished performance, despite opening with "Omegaton" again, which still starts off with that riff cut directly out of "Crystal Mountain". Monitor circumstances notwithstanding, this was still about as good as set as I've seen from this band, and while it's good that they're continuing to develop, it's not quite so good that they still, after all this time, sound the most focused, confident, and dominating when they're playing other people's stuff. The scene's as demanding of originality as of quality, and it would be awesome to hear Ramius originals that they kill as hard as they did on "Pull The Plug" this time out.<br />
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Ramius detonate the Omegaton.<br />
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In here I got another beer and attempted to support the local bands who had merch out without adding needlessly to my shirt piles, and failed it. I can understand, in the presence of the internet, the reluctance of local bands to charge for demo burns, but it would be really nice to drop some cash, every now and then, and get something tangible that isn't going to get worn twice and then go in the SVdP box in eight months. And if you must loss-lead all your stickers/demos/printed patches, then ffs, have a tip jar.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Summoning_Hate/3540257758">Summoning Hate</a> [5.5/7]<br />
In the too-long intervening time since I <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2012/07/summoning-hate-with-weregild-forced.html">last saw</a> this band, Juan has come back on at least shared vocals, bringing one of Boston's longest-running old-school death metal bands back almost full circle. Marco still has a lot of the vocals, and still executes them pretty well, but much of their old stuff was written for one vocalist without an axe over his shoulder; Juan's lack of instrumental responsibility makes the delivery that much more guaranteed, and the dude still has one of the best sets of death metal lungs east of the Hudson. At times it was a little crowded with five dudes in the limited stage space, and the member shift and shorter set time meant that a bunch of good stuff they frequently have done in the past got cut from the setlist, but this was still a killer set from some killer dudes who have been killing it for quite a long time. That <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Brutality/508">Brutality</a> shirt on Juan in the picture down there isn't a reissue.<br />
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Juan and the Avilas, back together for the first time (well, in my experience) in a long time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Hate_Storm_Annihilation/3540378924">Hate Storm Annihilation</a> [5/7]<br />
On tour out of Chi-town and sharing Master's kit, Hate Storm Annihilation put on a thoroughgoing brutal death metal tech demo that shook out maybe a little short in the composition department, but excellent in every particular of execution. The songs as such did not hang together on much beyond brutality, or in large part separate themselves from each other, but in this style, that can become secondary to Craig's heroic seven-string evocation of several more musicians and Konstantin's flawless blasting battery all around the kit. This band is not going to end up at the NEMAHF (running concurrently with this show) at any point, but technical mastery and a brutal attack is always going to be accessible and in-demand for underground death metal audiences. Another axe might help them evolve in composition, along either the lines of Decrepit Birth or Gigan, but Hate Storm Annihilation clubbed us pretty well into submission and definitely justified the haul out from the Midwest, even as they are.<br />
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Hate Storm Annihilation fan the flames with a relentless barrage of notes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Nervochaos/7311">Nervochaos</a> was supposed to play in here, but weren't able to get the work visas needed for the tour. This was a bummer, but with them off and one of the original four local openers dropping and not being replaced, a seven-band bill got cut back to a much more normal and hospitable five. This is about the limit for normal shows; much more, and you're starting to trend back towards <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2007/11/suffocation-with-immolation-skinless.html">Mark's</a> territory and people claiming that their overbooked, early-starting club show is a "festival".<br />
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Master [6.5/7]<br />
We're all getting older, and the bloom is off the rose; this set didn't quite come up to Master's <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2008/11/master-with-estuary-sexcrement-and.html">previous</a> Boston-area gig, but it was pretty fucking good, and a hell of a lot better than most of the band <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2011/03/nachzehrer-with-soul-remnants-and.html">getting turned back at the border</a>. They played more new stuff on this go-round than then, but also more old stuff, including "Cut Through The Filth", which I'd never run across before, <i>DIJTB II</i> being super out of print and one generation before even I started following that comp series, and despite the carping from Paul about not being able to hear the vocals due to the lack of monitors, the <i>sound</i> was pretty much dead fucking on. This was the one band that the floor really filled in for, and when dudes weren't knocking the mic stands over thrashing out, it combined with the primitive PA setup and the older Death Strike tunes to really emphasize the down-and-dirty DIY feel. Sammy's is pretty fuckin' DIY in any case, combining the exterior of a warehouse show and the interiors of Anchors Up with a Revere Beach boardwalk bar, but Master ripping up most of the old grimy parts of the Boston death metal scene in a floor filled with equal parts band and audience is about as close as you're going to get to a basement gig on any show you pay money to get into.<br />
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Paul Speckmann, the best beard in death metal, the rest of Master, and a bunch of Boston dudes.<br />
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Eventually, though, they closed up, despite the tired crowd getting a second wind after "Pay To Die" and demanding encores, including <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/">some weirdo</a> who wanted to hear "America the Pitiful". When it was clear that no more was in the offing, I wound my back in and headed out home, which ended up taking like twice as long as it ought to have, through random back streets in Medford, Somerville, and Winchester, because I am bad at not getting lost all the time. Fortunately, I didn't have much to do on Easter, and was able to get this down and dusted. Unless I by some miracle manage to go to Cloudkicker (volume of hipsters in Allston and being on call at the time suggest not), this is the last show, and thus the last writeup, before I try to go to east Asia and do a bunch of fundamentally very stupid things. We'll see if that works, and if I come back in one piece...and not in a pine box.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-159598581957094592014-04-08T09:30:00.000-04:002014-04-08T09:30:06.095-04:00Aborted with Pyrexia, Totality, and Forced Asphyxiation [Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge, 4/1/2014]<br />
As a quick look down the page will show, I have been out to approximately fuck-all shows for way too goddamned long. I was sick for Destruction and on call for literally goddamned everything else, in a shit cascade of bad luck that will continue for Metal Church and Carcass, because of course it does. This one, though, I was not on call for, so I gave Chinese a pass on the night and went out to see some fuckin death metal.<br />
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I got down wicked early, as it turned out, and probably should have taken the bus in instead -- same time, less expense -- but was out of practice, especially with the Middle East's ridiculous definitions of 'doors' to include 'like an hour and a half before the first band can be reasonably expected to start'. In the meantime I drank a couple beers, caught up with some dudes I hadn't seen in a while, and generally chilled out. Doors trickled from 7:00 to 7:30 to nearly 8, and eventually I did get in (other people's concerns about potential sellouts and lack of advance tickets being completely chimerical), got the latest CD off Pyrexia, and picked up another beer because jeezo, this was dragging on and getting <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/04/absu-with-hthen-bog-of-infidel.html">hot</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Forced_Asphyxiation/3540330082">Forced Asphyxiation</a> [5/7]<br />
It'd been along time since I'd gotten out to a gig, period, but longer still since I'd last seen Forced, who appear to have straightened out whatever rumored issues were hanging around them and have definitely filled out their sound via adding another guitarist. The board wasn't super kind to them at the start, but this is kind of an occupational hazard of opening gigs, and the sound guy got them dialed in after about a song and a half, with fairly minor effects on flow. Forced is continuing to develop their no-holds-barred style of brutal but minimally slammy death metal, at times getting more technical, at times picking up some black metal tropes, and throughout, almost completely about weed. That's going to continue to be go-to gag for lazy reviews of these guys, but seriously, we give a pass to bands all over the map whose songs are all uniformly about murder, and there's some good fuckin death metal under here. This was a good set, and the start of an extremely active floor on the night.<br />
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Forced roaring through some weed puns.<br />
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Afterwards, I got another beer and had a couple mostly-apologetic words with some <i>hen mei de xiaojie</i> who I'd been catching rather than tanking for, because I make a lot better wall than a window; this show had a good mix of people, but quite a few dudes like me pushing two meters, and the sadly normal lack of height sorting that you kind of get at gigs. The normal solution for short people is to go forward, but when people are mixing it up right from the very first local opener, on a Tuesday night, it occasionally deters the smaller end of that spectrum.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Totality/3540336522">Totality</a> [5/7]<br />
Totality continued the battering, laying out a solidly brutal but still committedly technical set featuring Jarret's 8-string upgrade. As noted to a couple people (including some from Romania and France), Totality is probably, right now, the best techy death band in Boston; some of that is a lack of competition (seriously, you have <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Replacire/3540354685">Replacire</a> and then a struggle to classify either <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Abnormality/101081">Abnormality</a> or <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Parasitic_Extirpation/3540258620">Parasitic</a> as distinguishably "Boston-based" when their members are spread out all along the coast), but a good chunk of it is on the band themselves, who continue to do interesting, technical things without getting totally up their own ass about it and still continuing to kick ass. There's a next step that they still have yet to take, but they've improved in execution and diversity since the <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2012/06/worcester-death-fest-worcester.html">last time</a> I saw them, and eventually some of this newer material should make it onto record to testify.<br />
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Totality shred the audience.<br />
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Here I got another beer and looked at the local bands' tables; unfortunately, I owned basically one of everything Forced Asphyxiation had out already (I don't go to as many shows any more, but I've still been to too many local shows), and Totality had one new shirt design and zero new records. I already have far too many shirts, and I've been making a conscious effort to have fewer; I know they're better and more reliable value for bands, but at a certain point, if I can't trade it for <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Annihilation/3540348246">Annihilation</a> or <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/%E8%8B%B1%E5%90%89%E6%B2%99/68609">Yn Gizarm</a> gear in China, it's going to sit at the bottom of a pile in my spare room for six months at a time. <br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Pyrexia/363">Pyrexia</a> [6/7]<br />
Somehow, despite being aware of their existence since forever, I had never actually seen this band; a long, thoroughly hammering set of classic slam-tinged NYDM definitely remedied that. They're a little closer to the likes of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Deeds_of_Flesh/829">Deeds of Flesh</a> (turned over <i>Age of the Wicked</i>, saw Unique Leader, was 0% surprised) or <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Mortal_Decay/217">Mortal Decay</a> than <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Suffocation/119">Suffocation</a> or <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Malignancy/403">Malignancy</a>, but ultimately that just helps the synthesis, a concise distillation of most of the things that were going on in brutal death metal in the I-95 corridor from '95 to '05. Both their new stuff and old tunes as far back as "Sermon of Mockery" got a great response, and while the floor kept it going on the brutal pace that the openers had set, there was enough room that Eric could spend the start of a song riding around the pit on dudes' shoulders. Whatever you expect from an upstairs show, the scene and bands have at least the possibility to surpass it.<br />
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Pyrexia in a rare standing-still moment between songs.<br />
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After Pyrexia, because I had to drive home and thus stop drinking beers at some point, I mostly just picked up their other two records and an Aborted shirt that turned out to be not the one I wanted, because it was out of stock (at least in fat-dude sizes) already. Five days into the tour, with most of North America, including a five-date run across the friggin <a href="http://beatonna.tumblr.com/post/81993262830/here-is-a-sketch-comic-i-made-called-ducks-in">Canadian prairies</a> ahead of them. From one point of view, this is a good thing; the last thing bands want to do is have merch left over at the end of their run. From another, it's not: Belgians, especially with an American in the band now, should have the expectation that North Americans will be a little bigger/fatter, generally, even death-grind fans, than Europeans. In picking the CDs up off Pyrexia, I talked a little with the guys; they were wicked impressed with the turnout and activity on a Tuesday night, and similarly impressed with the news that it's not out of the question to get 50-75% of these numbers at Roggie's or O'Brien's for three or four local bands. It's not all the same people, and it's not uniform, obviously, but this gig was maybe 100-120 people, a little short of the max upstairs capacity, and it's not unknown for local/DIY shows to fill up the 75-person rooms they play at. As <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/08/beyond-farthest-shore.html">previously noted</a>, the scene around here is pretty damn good.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Aborted/213">Aborted</a> [6.5/7]<br />
As good as the bands before them were, Aborted definitely took it up another level. Due to an unlucky mix of <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2008/09/carcass-with-suffocation-necrophagist.html">cancellations</a> and (if I recall correctly) oversleeping at festivals, I hadn't actually seen these guys before; this set definitely made up for lost time. Their grind-flavored death blasted the room absolutely flat, inspiring about the fiercest pit action that I haven't seen members of <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Proteus/115035">Proteus</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Dysentery/19021">Dysentery</a> involved in; North American floors remain more ferocious than their Euro equivalents, but the set definitely picked up a European coloring from other elements, from the melodic leads laid over everything to the roided-up ned in the Real Madrid shirt laying people out. (Disclaimer: Andrew is a friend and not a ned, nor, as far as I know, actually on chemical gym supplements. This doesn't matter when you're getting body-checked by some 6'/240lb meat tank.) The beatings continued straight up to the venue curfew, over a short encore led in by a minimum of bullshit, and if nobody had really had enough by the time the lights went up, nobody can rationally claim to have gotten shortchanged by this set.<br />
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Sven churns the pit.<br />
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After the show, I picked up Aborted's new 7" (if you carry breakables on you at a death-grind gig, you are light in the brains and heavy in the wallet), then bailed. The fact that I'm right up Mass Ave now made the run back easier, and I got in early enough not to be too affected the next morning. Work and other commitments, though, pushed this writeup out; hopefully, I'll get the <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Satan/774">Satan</a> gig at the conclusion of this on-call shift reported on faster.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-66310810538487219632014-01-15T17:17:00.000-05:002014-01-15T17:17:46.283-05:00(5/)6 Micro-nations VI: Paris seulment<br />
12/7 - Paris<br />
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623. Engrish (well, Franglais), here too.<br />
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After a struggle with the parking ticket machines that eventually ended in paying off the security guard directly to spring my vehicle, I drove the couple of blocks over to the Parc des Expositions RER stop and stowed my car, amazingly finding an open free parking space, which was of course too good to be true. I then got my ticket and got the next train in, ceaselessly worrying that the space wasn't free after all, or was only open because it wasn't actually attached to the train station. Once in Paris, I couldn't get myself over to the connected-to-anything metro stop correctly, so I went up to the surface because why the hell not hike it, I've got legs.<br />
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624. St. Mihiel at the metro stop.<br />
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625. Check your suspected Americans here on their Don Cherry impressions, Pierre Trudeau stories, and whether the Leafs will win the cup this year. Actually, strike that last one, it is too easy. (Spoiler: no.)<br />
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626. Along the Seine.<br />
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627. Old house, Left Bank.<br />
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628. View along the quai.<br />
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629. Ile de Notre Dame.<br />
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630. Statue over the Pont Neuf.<br />
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631. Downstream end of the island.<br />
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632. Sail barges on the river.<br />
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633. Gauls in the Mint.<br />
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634. Another view across to the statue.<br />
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635. The right bank.<br />
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636. The views are slightly better without the construction cabins.<br />
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637. A semi-subversive boat.<br />
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638. The Institut.<br />
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639. Fuller view of the building.<br />
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640. Close end.<br />
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641. Locks on the Pont des Artes.<br />
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642. Memorial to a Resistance fighter. There are a lot of these scattered subtly about.<br />
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643. Carpet of locks.<br />
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644. The Pont Royal, next bridge down.<br />
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645. Statues and pillars at the foot.<br />
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646. Across to the north side.<br />
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647. Down into the waters of the Seine.<br />
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648. Bridge and the end of the Louvre.<br />
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649. Plaque on Pont Royal.<br />
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650. Parisian street view generally south.<br />
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651. Side facade of the Musee d'Orsay.<br />
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652. Closer detail.<br />
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653. View of the roof decorations.<br />
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654. Animals by the entrance; the rhino is clearly after the famous Duerer engraving.<br />
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655. Street games on the riverbank.<br />
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656. Statue of Jefferson.<br />
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657. Unique detailing on a house front.<br />
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658. Obelisk across the river in the Place de la Concorde; I did get closer later.<br />
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659. Front of the National Assembly.<br />
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660. Across the river again.<br />
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661. Detail by the Pont Alexandre III.<br />
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662. Golden pegasi on the bridge.<br />
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663. Memorial to Nelson Mandela on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<br />
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664. Close-up on bridge pillars.<br />
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665. Golden Dome to the south.<br />
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666. First sight of the Eiffel Tower.<br />
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667. Another resistance memorial.<br />
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668. Old-style kiosk, still in use.<br />
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669. In front of the South African embassy.<br />
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670. The American Church next door.<br />
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671. Church spires north of the river.<br />
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672. Special warnings, for tourists and other dumb pedestrians who can't be bothered to pay attention to their surroundings.<br />
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673. Drawing closer.<br />
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674. For cargo as well as tourists. Paris' streets are small and full of tourists who like to walk in traffic, and the Seine is a wide highway running straight through the center of the city; makes sense.<br />
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675. A couple hundred yards from the tower.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JhKSBOuWd04" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v16. Memorial to the combatants in the Algerian war.<br />
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676. Wider view of the installation.<br />
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677. Disclaimer: monument does not endorse torture or war crimes.<br />
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678. Interactive display; the names stream continuously, but you can pull out a relative manually to be sure they're remembered publicly.<br />
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679. Base of the tower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m680_zpse3a1b62f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m680_zpse3a1b62f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m680_zpse3a1b62f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
680. Half of the Trocadero.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m681_zps1cf50fe4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m681_zps1cf50fe4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m681_zps1cf50fe4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
681. The other half.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m682_zpsb3ac0677.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m682_zpsb3ac0677.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m682_zpsb3ac0677.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
682. Most of the tower, headed out. I've got better things to do than stand in line.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m683_zpsd5a95b62.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m683_zpsd5a95b62.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m683_zpsd5a95b62.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
683. Monument to Polish liberators.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m684_zpsd86731ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m684_zpsd86731ec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m684_zpsd86731ec.jpg" /></a><br />
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684. From the steps of the Trocadero.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m685_zpsff2b1141.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m685_zpsff2b1141.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m685_zpsff2b1141.jpg" /></a><br />
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685. Marshal Foch.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m686_zps5cd3473c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m686_zps5cd3473c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m686_zps5cd3473c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
686. Statues by the Trocadero.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m687_zps3cc5b40b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m687_zps3cc5b40b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m687_zps3cc5b40b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
687. Statues and tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m688_zpsfb40c203.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m688_zpsfb40c203.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m688_zpsfb40c203.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
688. Along Avenue Kleber to the Arc.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m689_zps96197813.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m689_zps96197813.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m689_zps96197813.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
689. Hotel Baltimore.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m690_zpsa53a2e32.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m690_zpsa53a2e32.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m690_zpsa53a2e32.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
690. Metro<i> a la Belle Epoque</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m691_zpscbc19811.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m691_zpscbc19811.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m691_zpscbc19811.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
691. Arc de Triomphe.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m692_zps974373a0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m692_zps974373a0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m692_zps974373a0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
692. Security motorcade in the traffic circle. This was the tail end of a French-African economic development summit at the Elysees and the start of <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Op%C3%A9ration_Sangaris">Operation Sangaris</a>, so Paris was a little busy with heads of state and government bigwigs going around with heavy security.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m693_zps0c202014.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m693_zps0c202014.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m693_zps0c202014.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
693. Arc and sign for the plaza. Probably renamed by the man himself.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m694_zps6c3d447f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m694_zps6c3d447f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m694_zps6c3d447f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
694. Down the Champs Elysees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m695_zps99a4b2d5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m695_zps99a4b2d5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m695_zps99a4b2d5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
695. House Vuitton.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m696_zps842bd13f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m696_zps842bd13f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m696_zps842bd13f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
696. Bar Napoleon and golden gate.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m697_zps01d42090.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m697_zps01d42090.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m697_zps01d42090.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
697. Modernity -- people taking pictures of themselves in front of the PSG store. I did not, not gawking nor buying; PSG is a no-history team established for the same reasons that the DFB put <a href="http://bundesligafanatic.com/whatever-happened-to-you-after-all-this-confusion-tasmania-berlin/">Tasmania</a> in the top flight for a lack of other options, owned by a cadre of cash-dripping slavedrivers and until recently followed principally by as hardcore a gang of crypto-racist yobs as you're likely to find, and that is coming from a dude who used to live in Saxony. Some towns need and enjoy the flash of color and passion that top-flight football brings; Paris by contrast needs a Champions-League-worthy FC like a dog needs a brick tied to its head.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m698_zps2ddd8e36.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m698_zps2ddd8e36.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m698_zps2ddd8e36.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
698. Architecture and tourists, brought together by an Abercrombie & Fitch sign. I have no idea how the real local businesses around here manage to keep their leases; the pressure from multinationals for a loss-leader Champs Elysees address, to show the flag and announce themselves, must be enormous.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m699_zps425cf804.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m699_zps425cf804.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m699_zps425cf804.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
699. Gate detail further down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m700_zpsc1033e85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m700_zpsc1033e85.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m700_zpsc1033e85.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
700. Weihnachtsmarkt <i>a la mode Parisienne</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m701_zpsd1e97169.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m701_zpsd1e97169.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m701_zpsd1e97169.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
701. De Gaulle and Elysee Palace.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m702_zpsf8ffcfa1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m702_zpsf8ffcfa1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m702_zpsf8ffcfa1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
702. More of the Grand Palais.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m703_zps182dddd9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m703_zps182dddd9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m703_zps182dddd9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
703. Clemenceau.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m704_zpsaf8e8934.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m704_zpsaf8e8934.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m704_zpsaf8e8934.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
704. "Unfortunately horny" wtf. Someone involved in the decision to put "leider geil" on this sign does not speak German as well as they think they do -- either that, or this is a massive troll plot by actual Germans, convinced that Parisians will either not be able to read this, or remember it solely from that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPJlyRv_IGI">Deichkind track</a>. My brother thinks this is probably supposed to be "geile Lieder", "awesome songs", and is just typoed, but it's still hilarious.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m705_zps337095cb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m705_zps337095cb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m705_zps337095cb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
705. Across the plaza to the Ferris wheel.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m706_zpsbc9ec359.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m706_zpsbc9ec359.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m706_zpsbc9ec359.jpg" /></a><br />
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706. Column base detail, Place de la Concorde.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m707_zps3cc469ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m707_zps3cc469ab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m707_zps3cc469ab.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
707. Grand buildings to the north.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m708_zps231441ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m708_zps231441ab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m708_zps231441ab.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
708. Plaque for the Montgolfiers in the Tuileries.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m709_zps1913e0fe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m709_zps1913e0fe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m709_zps1913e0fe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
709. Down the Tuileries to the Louvre.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m710_zps47e885b3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m710_zps47e885b3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m710_zps47e885b3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
710. Back to the Ferris wheel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m711_zpse8f1213b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m711_zpse8f1213b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m711_zpse8f1213b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
711. Teamwork - crows dissect a garbage bag.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m712_zps9a5123ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m712_zps9a5123ca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m712_zps9a5123ca.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
712. Tuileries to Carousel in winter.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m713_zpsd9b65484.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m713_zpsd9b65484.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m713_zpsd9b65484.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
713. Hedge maze before a wing of the Louvre.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m714_zps60758c9f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m714_zps60758c9f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m714_zps60758c9f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
714. Gate at the Place du Carousel.<br />
<br />
Louvre!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m715_zps2a9d58a0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m715_zps2a9d58a0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m715_zps2a9d58a0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
715. Louvre and pyramid entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m716_zpsc16b1167.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m716_zpsc16b1167.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m716_zpsc16b1167.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
716. Along the south wing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m717_zpsf20240d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m717_zpsf20240d7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m717_zpsf20240d7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
717. Out front, Louis XIV, deleaded 1998.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m718_zps5e665802.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m718_zps5e665802.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m718_zps5e665802.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
718. Look back to the gate.<br />
<br />
I went in the pyramid and surrendered my knife like a good boy, figuring that it beat getting it metal-detected somewhere inside and getting tossed. As it turned out, it was unnecessary and I probably could have trucked it in without issue.<br />
<br />
719. Inside the sculpture gallery. There is, by any responsible measure, Too Much Stuff in the Louvre. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m720_zps4967f761.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m720_zps4967f761.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m720_zps4967f761.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
720. Funerary relief.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m721_zps52b6c723.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m721_zps52b6c723.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m721_zps52b6c723.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
721. Painted relief by Robbia.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m722_zpsd5a5a3ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m722_zpsd5a5a3ec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m722_zpsd5a5a3ec.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
722. All that's left is his feet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m723_zps7bd80f6f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m723_zps7bd80f6f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m723_zps7bd80f6f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
723. An abbot's funeral plate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m724_zps56e1732f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m724_zps56e1732f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m724_zps56e1732f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
724. Fighting dogs in the courtyard. It turns out that something like this, art that's in rather than alienated from its historical and temporal context, is a lot more interesting, on average, than the stuff piled together inside, at least to me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m725_zps0eebfeb6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m725_zps0eebfeb6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m725_zps0eebfeb6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
725. Amazing column detail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m726_zps376f816f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m726_zps376f816f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m726_zps376f816f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
726. The Trinity; English, and looking a lot like that seated Thor/Jesus figure that people are still puzzling over.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m727_zps6509e8a8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m727_zps6509e8a8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m727_zps6509e8a8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
727. In the Michelangelo galley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%206/m728_zpsfc483540.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m728_zpsfc483540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%206/th_m728_zpsfc483540.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
728. A sarcophagus in the Borghese gallery.<br />
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729. Gallery view; Napoleon stole this stuff from Italy, literally dumping the remains out of the many, many sarcophagi in this room for the art value of the coffins. He'd've made a hell of a Monty Haul D&D player.<br />
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730. In praise of Bacchus.<br />
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731. Botticelli in the Italian section.<br />
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732. Another, more famous one.<br />
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733. The Grand Gallery.<br />
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734. St. Peter the Martyr, machete and all.<br />
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v17. Student at work.<br />
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735. Room of the State, and crowds to see La Gioconda.<br />
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736. Gallery and Chinese guy tour-flapping.<br />
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737. Retake, same shot.<br />
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738. The Wedding at Cana; remix culture -- the scene is explicitly set in Renaissance Italy -- has been with us for a long time.<br />
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739. La Gioconda, crowd, and security measures.<br />
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740. The Mona Lisa, side-on.<br />
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741. Security curbings.<br />
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742. Titians on the back of the security device. The security measures -- which include this whole block and probably the entire of the room (the walls have been moved in about 20-25 cm, all the dun-gold stuff is non-solid synthetic material, there are holes all the way around waist-height) -- are almost more interesting than the art here, at least to someone like me. And yet people will continue to try to steal the world's most famous painting.<br />
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743. Rotunda immediately past; this is what you missed if you fought your way to La Gioconda, stood in front of it long enough to get your wallet stolen/not be called a sucker, and then went home.<br />
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744. More of the absolutely incredible room.<br />
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745. A gigantic commemoration of one of Napoleon's victories.<br />
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746. Another Delacroice, crossing the Alps.<br />
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747. Staircase detail.<br />
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To do the Louvre more than this requires multiple days. There is just so much stuff, and while a lot of it is out of its historical context and less interesting to me, it kind of makes it up on pure overbearing almost-incomprehensible volume. I don't have the time to do it thoroughly, so I headed out to try and find lunch.<br />
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748. Community pamphlet pile.<br />
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749. Un-unveiled; sculpture under the pyramid.<br />
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750. Deliberate choke point. It's a lot harder to get out of the Louvre than it is to get in.<br />
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751. Tower of Pavilion Sully.<br />
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752. Sully and sky.<br />
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753. Church and arrondisement "city hall", coming out of the Louvre.<br />
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754. Seine bridge in the sunshine.<br />
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755. Front of Notre Dame; that's it, I was hungry and broke.<br />
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I did not find the Henri IV weinstube that my folks had remembered so fondly from 40 years before; I found a hotel of the same name that probably doesn't set up its sidewalk cafe in the winter. However, I did hit my last points before heading out; seeing Paris in a day is impossible, even not going in museums (which is in itself kind of inexcusable) -- I need to come back sometime, stay in the city, get a week-long metro pass, and see this place for real.<br />
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756. Back at the Place des Expositions, industrial action; this was the only sign I saw of the French national pastime ("en greive") in my time in-country, which is perhaps better luck than I had even with weather on this trip. The <a href="http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/societe/20131202.OBS7748/vers-un-lundi-noir-sur-les-routes-francaises.html">Ecotax</a> <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Op%C3%A9ration_escargot">operation escargot</a> ran while I was in the Pyrenees, and by the time I got as far as Marseilles, never mind Nice, the demonstration was over.<br />
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757. Cap haul; 20 isn't so bad for six days in mostly non-beer-drinking countries. Between the two local Peroni caps, the Moretti (which turned out to be surplus), and the Titanbrau, this probably covers every commercially-available beer native to the Italian peninsula.<br />
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12/8 - Charles de Gaulle<br />
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So I managed to fill up and return the car without incident, and without the staff freaking out about the mileage. I'm now in the neo-Kafka-esque departure hall of CDG, and have probably about an hour to kill until an Icelandic counter opens.<br />
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So what was the point here, and what have I learned? In terms of objectives, this was an incomplete success, since I missed the Vatican and thus only got 5/6. However, that wasn't on me, but on Trenitalia. I was in position to correctly and completely accomplish this trip, and did so without personal or vehicle damage -- other can do it too.<br />
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So what's necessary to do a trip like this?<br />
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First, you need a satnav, or at least an experienced rally navigator to call turns. I brought direction sheets as I've used in the US in the past, and rapidly abandoned them. The satnav, which should be available in any modern rental, is your most important piece of equipment.<br />
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Second, you will need a small, modern, hopefully diesel vehicle, preferably closer to the start than the end of its maintenance cycle. The diesel increases your cost per liter of fuel, but increases your distance between fillups even more. I had seven fuel stops planned, assuming a gas engine; I did only six. Fewer stops means faster total drives. The lack of maintenance hurt, as described in the Switzerland bit, but to a certain extent any time you pick up a rental car, you should assume it's been abused, and any time you drive 2500 miles at a stretch, you should assume you will need to dump some oil in the vehicle in the process.<br />
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You will need to budget about 40% of your fuel cost in tolls. Any road of note in Italy and most roads in France are tollways, and fucking expensive. Switzerland requires a 35e toll sticker on entry, which must be paid in cash (you might be able to get around this by renting in Zurich, but that probably makes the flights more inconvenient and expensive by more than 35e of value). Germany, of course, is free of tolls on the <i>Autobahnnetz</i>.<br />
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You will need New England driving experience to handle the combination of mountains, winter, rotaries, leadfoots, and people with no lane discipline.<br />
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You will need to be really good at beating jetlag, and prepared to begin and end each day with a significant amount of night driving. You will get about eight hours of daylight, max, this time of year, and a lot of that is going to need to be spent doing tourism in the micronations. Additionally, the first leg is "get off the plane and drive 750 kilometers". If you're not going to be able to do that, then wake up at 5 AM local the next day and do another 800km, including the most dangerous and isolated mountain stretch in the route around dawn, this may not be the trip for you.<br />
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You will need enough proficiency in French and Italian to be able to read road signs and follow traffic/weather reports. The German and Spanish portions are short enough to not cause major problems, but you will need to read a lot of French highway signs, and a fair number of Italian ones.<br />
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You will need to be very lucky with the weather. Any time you do this, you have the climb into the Pyrenees, the descent out, the climb into Italy from Monaco and the drive straight through the ranges, the climb up and then back down San Marino, and then the climb through the <i>Heidi-land</i> Swiss Alps to get to Liechtenstein. There is a lot of mountain driving here, and bad weather luck can make a lot of it unfeasibly dangerous. I had a cutoff built in if the weather was too bad to go to Andorra, but I also had unreal weather luck despite several severe storms in the area.<br />
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That said, you probably want to do this in the summer. You'll have more tourists, but also less ice, less weather risk, and more daylight. That'd probably be the smart way.<br />
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Even at that, you probably need to be a little insane to do this. It probably does not meet your definition of "vacation" to do 4200 km -- about 2500 miles -- of OTR driving in six days. It barely meets mine, and I do insane stuff like this pretty regularly. It's a punishing stress test on you and your car that could easily be expanded to two weeks, doing no more than 500km per day, at a lower risk of driver or equipment breakdown, and in more hospitable conditions.<br />
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But if you want an adventure -- here, in the safest and most civilized part of the world, where airsoft drivebys make the national news -- you kind of have to push the envelope.<br />
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The other important takeaway from this is that it's not only possible, but so easy, really, to do this route that it needs compressed. I crossed national borders 21 times on this route -- France - Andorra - Spain - France - Spain (Llivia) - France - back into Llivia - France again - Monaco - France (by accident on foot) - Monaco (and back) - France - Italy - San Marino - Italy - Switzerland - Liechtenstein - Switzerland - France - Germany - Luxembourg - France -- and got stopped by customs exactly once. Nobody asked me for my passport. I used exactly two currencies. Even twenty years ago, those numbers would all have been significantly higher. These micronations are objects of humor for being small and poorly differentible from the countries around them, but every country in Europe, even -- albeit haltingly -- Switzerland, is moving in the same direction. Greater connectedness, fewer borders, more interdependence.<br />
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A hundred years ago, as seen in <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2014/01/56-micro-nations-iv-milan-switzerland.html">Liechtenstein</a>, a passport was something you had to get the state authorities to hand-write out for you, a certificate that it was ok to leave where you were from and move about freely. Now, they're more useful as a form of international photo ID than for the blandishment from the appropriate ministry that the pictured individual is allowed to travel. I didn't get stamped at the tourist offices where the service is offered -- I don't get stamped moving between the bigger EU countries, so why bother about the smaller ones?<br />
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Even with the EU/euro in "crisis" (tell that to a 1.43:1 exchange rate), the trend continues: Kazakhstan in UEFA and the protests in Ukraine are proof of that. There's something to be gained from closer connections, even at the cost of sovereignty, because what does sovereignty actually mean in a world that has mostly renounced war and embraced multilateral agreements? Every agreement, given separate national interests, must be a compromise; everybody loses something, and they accept it as long as they gain more. If the ability to, Cartmanlike, tell other countries "wha-eva, I do wut I want!" is sovereignty, then that is disappearing, even from Russia, China, and the US. If not, then sovereignty means something else, and that's negotiable as well.<br />
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Perhaps, in 20 years, with a more unified Europe and self-driving, self-training electric vehicles, six days will be too long for this trip -- you'll sleep while the car rides in the caternary lane to recharge, and this much time would mean a full day in each place and no risk driving in to Rome. The Swiss sticker gone, all tolls charged directly to the license plate holder via RFID and thence to your rental bill. Maybe. But for now, it's easy enough to be possible, and hard enough to be an adventure -- if done in six days in December.<br />
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v18. Passage to the gate wing, CDG.<br />
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Despite the number and long names of the countries encountered, I was able to get them all onto the two lines on the customs form by printing small and on the ground.<br />
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God fucking damnit I should have recharged the mp3. These assholes are going to do me for 6 euro if they don't shut the fuck up. This is always my least favorite part of traveling: when I encounter Americans in numbers again coming back. However, Icelandic still has <i><a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Solstafir">Svartir Sandar</a></i> in library, so 6e to effectively re-buy that record, plus a pretty good pair of earbuds, as it turned out, is not a huge loss -- and the in-flight won't run out of battery or need to be stopped on the ground approach. "Ljos i Stormi" all the way home.<br />
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Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-73779394306162371482014-01-15T16:26:00.000-05:002014-01-15T16:26:28.261-05:00(5/)6 Micro-nations V: Strasbourg - Trier - Luxembourg - Paris12/6 - Strasbourg to Trier to Luxembourg to Paris (well, Roissy-en-France)<br />
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The main intent with this was to see Trier, since it was close and old, and it turned out to be a lot better than Luxembourg, which came off as a theme-park Rhineland full of English-speaking d-bag i-bankers. At least there were new beers there.<br />
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464. Tailback sign in Saarbruecken. The Italian ones are better, but fortunately I wasn't involved in any tailbacks in Italy, and had to go by them at speed.<br />
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465. Traffic and original Autobahn bridge in Saarbruecken.<br />
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466. Fields on the hills above Trier.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m467_zps625074d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m467_zps625074d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m467_zps625074d3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
467. Trees and clouds over a ridgeline.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m468_zps9f25174d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m468_zps9f25174d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m468_zps9f25174d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
468. Street view, Trier.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m469_zps07cd2cd7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m469_zps07cd2cd7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m469_zps07cd2cd7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
469. Into the amphitheater.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m470_zps3f7ae76b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m470_zps3f7ae76b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m470_zps3f7ae76b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
470. Vineyards above, probably also here since Roman times.<br />
<br />
Trier was settled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Trier">sometime between 30 BC and 17 AD</a>. It remained a Roman city for the next four hundred years or so, and was actually the de facto capital of the Roman Empire for most of the fourth century. To miss this stuff on a tour that has been littered with stuff from the still-echoing collapse of Rome would have been a real loss.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m471_zps668d028a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m471_zps668d028a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m471_zps668d028a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
471. Around the east curve.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m472_zps8542431b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m472_zps8542431b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m472_zps8542431b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
472. The west curve.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m473_zps56ef4aae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m473_zps56ef4aae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m473_zps56ef4aae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
473. Tunnel room by the entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m474_zpsc9253259.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m474_zpsc9253259.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m474_zpsc9253259.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
474. Down to the underground part.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m475_zpsa50e7341.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m475_zpsa50e7341.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m475_zpsa50e7341.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
475. Underneath the arena.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m476_zpsd2f48702.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m476_zpsd2f48702.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m476_zpsd2f48702.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
476. Remnants of an original column.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m477_zps5cd7ff86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m477_zps5cd7ff86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m477_zps5cd7ff86.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
477. Stonework in what's now an underground pond.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m478_zpsfd7f05bb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m478_zpsfd7f05bb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m478_zpsfd7f05bb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
478. Roman-carved well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m479_zps10c04873.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m479_zps10c04873.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m479_zps10c04873.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
479. Into a barred passage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m480_zps16bd6f25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m480_zps16bd6f25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m480_zps16bd6f25.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
480. Original masonry below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m481_zpsba5b019f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m481_zpsba5b019f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m481_zpsba5b019f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
481. Coming up, back towards the present entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m482_zpsbd65ff44.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m482_zpsbd65ff44.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m482_zpsbd65ff44.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
482. The renovation shows how deep the original stonework goes into the hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m483_zpsca7fd490.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m483_zpsca7fd490.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m483_zpsca7fd490.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
483. From the top, east side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m484_zps6e42e6ff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m484_zps6e42e6ff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m484_zps6e42e6ff.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
484. Across to the more developed "home stand".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m485_zps00a3875b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m485_zps00a3875b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m485_zps00a3875b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
485. Southeast corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m486_zps32999a3a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m486_zps32999a3a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m486_zps32999a3a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
486. Stepped masonry on the entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m487_zps07a7bfd6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m487_zps07a7bfd6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m487_zps07a7bfd6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
487. Around the lower edge of the home side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m488_zps8c470a03.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m488_zps8c470a03.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m488_zps8c470a03.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
488. This tunnel up's closed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m489_zps09267a19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m489_zps09267a19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m489_zps09267a19.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
489. Entrance to the open tunnel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m490_zps47912332.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m490_zps47912332.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m490_zps47912332.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
490. Passage into the arena below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m491_zpseda205ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m491_zpseda205ac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m491_zpseda205ac.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
491. Inner passage facing the arena.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m492_zpsbd5eca52.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m492_zpsbd5eca52.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m492_zpsbd5eca52.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
492. The deepest cell.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m493_zps4c0cf97a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m493_zps4c0cf97a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m493_zps4c0cf97a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
493. Stonework in the tunnel out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m494_zps806d0a51.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m494_zps806d0a51.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m494_zps806d0a51.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m495_zps7ab385d2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m495_zps7ab385d2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m495_zps7ab385d2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
494. One side of the gate.<br />
and<br />
495. The other, a little better preserved. It wasn't until I was collating this stuff for this posting that I realized I'd actually gotten the two views to line up exactly. Good job, accidental camera placement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m496_zpsc0642984.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m496_zpsc0642984.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m496_zpsc0642984.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
496. West gate, full view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m497_zps42077374.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m497_zps42077374.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m497_zps42077374.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
497. Down from the top of the "main stand".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m498_zps0b8a4880.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m498_zps0b8a4880.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m498_zps0b8a4880.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
498. Remnants of a shattered column.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m499_zpsa55034db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m499_zpsa55034db.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m499_zpsa55034db.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
499. From the southwest corner; probably the best view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m500_zpsa323ebcc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m500_zpsa323ebcc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m500_zpsa323ebcc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
500. Trier as it was when this place was new.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m501_zps876c08bd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m501_zps876c08bd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m501_zps876c08bd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
501. Rounded wall on the way out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m502_zps75514a31.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m502_zps75514a31.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m502_zps75514a31.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
502. Storm past; clouds over the modern entrance house. This was the leftovers of that North Sea depression that flooded all of the English east coast, which I 95% missed. I caught some icefall going over the mountains in the Westerwald, but otherwise my superhuman weather luck, on display throughout this trip, held firm.<br />
<br />
I left the amphitheater and parked closer in to the town center. Of course, the parking lot was super expensive and I could only pay for two hours in coins. Can you see all of Trier in 2 hours? Why yes, if you do so before the museums are open, have a long stride, and frequently confuse tourism with rally driving.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m503_zps7135ccba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m503_zps7135ccba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m503_zps7135ccba.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
503. Long view past the Kaiserthermen. I parked in the museum lot, then headed away clockwise from north.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m504_zps5008f2cc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m504_zps5008f2cc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m504_zps5008f2cc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
504. The synagogue, obviously restored.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m505_zps4c7cc11b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m505_zps4c7cc11b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m505_zps4c7cc11b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
505. Tower behind a classical house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m506_zpscae8e452.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m506_zpscae8e452.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m506_zpscae8e452.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
506. Imperial column at the foot of the Roemerbruecke.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m507_zps621597b7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m507_zps621597b7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m507_zps621597b7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
507. The bridge itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m508_zps823de7c7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m508_zps823de7c7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m508_zps823de7c7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
508. Tower atop the west bank.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m509_zpsa0281d9b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m509_zpsa0281d9b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m509_zpsa0281d9b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
509. Strip clubs and the <a href="http://www.cavemen.de/">Cave Men</a> clubhouse; what passes for a red-light district.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m510_zps9d28e24c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m510_zps9d28e24c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m510_zps9d28e24c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
510. Old-style houses further up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m511_zpsc27ba98c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m511_zpsc27ba98c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m511_zpsc27ba98c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
511. The Karl-Marx-Haus, since I wasn't going to stick around here till 11 for the museum to open.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m512_zps62ec7d88.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m512_zps62ec7d88.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m512_zps62ec7d88.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
512. Festive signs over the Fleischstrasse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m513_zpscbbd6412.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m513_zpscbbd6412.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m513_zpscbbd6412.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
513. Baroque column in the Viehmarkt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m514_zpsd73e00db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m514_zpsd73e00db.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m514_zpsd73e00db.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
514. Straight up, while waiting for the ATM.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m515_zps10c6f56b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m515_zps10c6f56b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m515_zps10c6f56b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
515. More old buildings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m516_zpsbe434aaa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m516_zpsbe434aaa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m516_zpsbe434aaa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
516. Weihnachtsmarkt in the square.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m517_zps73ec5a31.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m517_zps73ec5a31.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m517_zps73ec5a31.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
517. Half-timbered facade.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m518_zpse0d50374.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m518_zpse0d50374.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m518_zpse0d50374.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
518. The Porta Nigra.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m519_zps1de8675c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m519_zps1de8675c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m519_zps1de8675c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
519. Black Gate form the side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m520_zps3d3435dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m520_zps3d3435dd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m520_zps3d3435dd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
520. A whole row of pre-20th-century houses.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m521_zpsf0f69426.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m521_zpsf0f69426.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m521_zpsf0f69426.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
521. Side of Sancta Maria.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m522_zps477017c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m522_zps477017c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m522_zps477017c0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
522. Most of the front of the church.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m523_zpse5dfef54.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m523_zpse5dfef54.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m523_zpse5dfef54.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
523. Baroque-styled carvings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m524_zps98ecbe9e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m524_zps98ecbe9e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m524_zps98ecbe9e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
524. Back of the cathedral.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m525_zps3707cd68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m525_zps3707cd68.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m525_zps3707cd68.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
525. Better view along the side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m526_zps4c3dfdfa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m526_zps4c3dfdfa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m526_zps4c3dfdfa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
526. Decorations on diocesean property.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m527_zpsbc56c096.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m527_zpsbc56c096.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m527_zpsbc56c096.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
527. Old buildings and an appropriate street name. The elector for this part of the Holy Roman Empire was the archbishop, and as mentioned, the capital moved here right after the Romans officially Christianized. The Catholic Church has been a very big wheel in Trier for a very, very, long time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m528_zps8fa79368.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m528_zps8fa79368.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m528_zps8fa79368.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
528. Tourists on a narrow back street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m529_zps2491ac57.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m529_zps2491ac57.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m529_zps2491ac57.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
529. Pillar by the back of the basilica.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m530_zpsb12e149a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m530_zpsb12e149a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m530_zpsb12e149a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
530. Basilica rotunda.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m531_zps0d0eb1ba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m531_zps0d0eb1ba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m531_zps0d0eb1ba.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
531. Across the road; not all of the family went in for the abolition of private property.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m532_zps2646d79b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m532_zps2646d79b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m532_zps2646d79b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
532. A chunk of the basilica.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m533_zpsae600803.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m533_zpsae600803.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m533_zpsae600803.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
533. I moved for a better shot, and it is still too big to fit in the frame.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m534_zps249de9a7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m534_zps249de9a7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m534_zps249de9a7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
534. Side view of the imperial palace. This is directly connected to the basilica, because buildings stuck to each other -- the Liebfraukirche being directly connected to the cathedral, for instance, and also see Luxembourg later -- is apparently kind of a thing in the Mosel valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m535_zps2b831a4c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m535_zps2b831a4c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m535_zps2b831a4c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
535. Palace gardens.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m536_zps8563c39a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m536_zps8563c39a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m536_zps8563c39a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
536. Palace and lawn.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m537_zpsf4f9482d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m537_zpsf4f9482d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m537_zpsf4f9482d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
537. More statues around a reflecting pool.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m538_zpse5f58e5b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m538_zpse5f58e5b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m538_zpse5f58e5b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
538. Old city walls by the Rhenish history museum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m539_zpsb8abd761.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m539_zpsb8abd761.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m539_zpsb8abd761.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
539. Somebody's a Terry Gilliam fan.<br />
<br />
The museum didn't appear to be open, so I got over it and went on to the Kaiserthermen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m540_zps8224080e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m540_zps8224080e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m540_zps8224080e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
540. Trees and city wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m541_zpse3730a8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m541_zpse3730a8b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m541_zpse3730a8b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
541. Arches of the Kaiserthermen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m542_zpscc8d9b8e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m542_zpscc8d9b8e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m542_zpscc8d9b8e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
542. Complex from the outside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m543_zps9ffcd8ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m543_zps9ffcd8ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m543_zps9ffcd8ea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
543. Along the museum wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m544_zpsb70502b3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m544_zpsb70502b3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m544_zpsb70502b3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
544. View of the far wall over the fence.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m545_zps95bab817.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m545_zps95bab817.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m545_zps95bab817.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
545. Sky over the arches.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m546_zps4e179a47.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m546_zps4e179a47.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m546_zps4e179a47.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
546. Another foot by the museum entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m547_zpsdc6c03f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m547_zpsdc6c03f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m547_zpsdc6c03f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
547. Inside the baths complex.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m548_zpsa61edc3b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m548_zpsa61edc3b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m548_zpsa61edc3b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
548. Sun and excavations.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m549_zpsdc86546e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m549_zpsdc86546e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m549_zpsdc86546e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
549. More of the surface part.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m550_zps6b5c0792.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m550_zps6b5c0792.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m550_zps6b5c0792.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
550. Stairs down; this is explored later.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m551_zps5bda8912.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m551_zps5bda8912.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m551_zps5bda8912.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
551. Passages underground.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m552_zps2a6caac7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m552_zps2a6caac7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m552_zps2a6caac7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
552. More of the underground system.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m553_zpsb5cc0c8e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m553_zpsb5cc0c8e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m553_zpsb5cc0c8e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
553. Ruins and regrowth.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m554_zps36b98946.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m554_zps36b98946.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m554_zps36b98946.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
554. The open-air frigidarium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m555_zpsa6b10d66.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m555_zpsa6b10d66.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m555_zpsa6b10d66.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
555. Arches and scaffolding.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m556_zpsbe59c3b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m556_zpsbe59c3b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m556_zpsbe59c3b9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
556. Roman brick with a minimum of German steel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m557_zps4968e6de.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m557_zps4968e6de.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m557_zps4968e6de.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
557. Catching the sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m558_zps2987fb7c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m558_zps2987fb7c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m558_zps2987fb7c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
558. The medieval wall almost meets the Roman part.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m559_zpscb0301ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m559_zpscb0301ad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m559_zpscb0301ad.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
559. Almost, now, at least; it's pretty obvious that it used to before someone cut a vehicle access road through it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m560_zps05320595.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m560_zps05320595.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m560_zps05320595.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
560. Arches at this gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m561_zps4e79c54a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m561_zps4e79c54a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m561_zps4e79c54a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
561. Ruins above.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m562_zps670a76db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m562_zps670a76db.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m562_zps670a76db.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
562. Roots driven deep.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m563_zps3e7dd2d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m563_zps3e7dd2d7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m563_zps3e7dd2d7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
563. Into the passages down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m564_zpsf002bc2a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m564_zpsf002bc2a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m564_zpsf002bc2a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
564. Narrow corridors in stone.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m565_zps5d0e978e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m565_zps5d0e978e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m565_zps5d0e978e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
565. A long part open above.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m566_zpsbb58e745.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m566_zpsbb58e745.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m566_zpsbb58e745.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
566. Supports keep the wall in place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m567_zps7549051a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m567_zps7549051a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m567_zps7549051a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
567. Another open passage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m568_zps7ee31144.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m568_zps7ee31144.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m568_zps7ee31144.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
568. A fork in darkness.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m569_zps3b763bc3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m569_zps3b763bc3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m569_zps3b763bc3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
569. This end's closed off...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m570_zps4d3f3a0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m570_zps4d3f3a0b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m570_zps4d3f3a0b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
570. ...but this one's free and lit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m571_zpsd4ca397d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m571_zpsd4ca397d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m571_zpsd4ca397d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
571. Staggered arches to the light.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m572_zpscc95800e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m572_zpscc95800e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m572_zpscc95800e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
572. Original and renovated stonework.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m573_zpse2b66559.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m573_zpse2b66559.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m573_zpse2b66559.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
573. A bend in the tunnel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m574_zpsb5e36fb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m574_zpsb5e36fb2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m574_zpsb5e36fb2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
574. A restored chamber below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m575_zps8eb60566.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m575_zps8eb60566.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m575_zps8eb60566.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
575. A reinforced passage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m576_zps2895b2b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m576_zps2895b2b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m576_zps2895b2b9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
576. "...a maze of twisty passages, all alike..."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m577_zps35054350.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m577_zps35054350.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m577_zps35054350.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
577. Moss grows down from open skylights. This must have been a bitch to maintain in Roman times -- Italy, where these came from, is not nearly as damp as northeast Europe, so there were probably a bunch of mostly-enslaved Belgae at this, constantly, every day, with sponges and putty knives, trying vainly to keep the earth from reabsorbing this place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m578_zpsb3c0cd65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m578_zpsb3c0cd65.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m578_zpsb3c0cd65.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
578. Steps to the light.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m579_zpsbcd90074.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m579_zpsbcd90074.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m579_zpsbcd90074.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
579. A chunk of the original roof.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m580_zps3ee9ca9f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m580_zps3ee9ca9f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m580_zps3ee9ca9f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
580. Fused rubble in the corridor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m581_zps4ecd864f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m581_zps4ecd864f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m581_zps4ecd864f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
581. Light above, flume below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m582_zps69aa4b09.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m582_zps69aa4b09.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m582_zps69aa4b09.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
582. Like on the <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2006/07/beijing-part-3-misty-mountains-where.html">Great Wall</a>, the mortar's stood centuries of feet better than the stone.<br />
<br />
I still had some time after doing all the cultural activities, so I went to get provisions before the parking meter ran out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m583_zpsc61335ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m583_zpsc61335ab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m583_zpsc61335ab.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
583. TUFA-topia, a weird artist/anarchist collective with an ice cream shop. Not open yet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m584_zps4d7af1cd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m584_zps4d7af1cd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m584_zps4d7af1cd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
584. Another church below the Viehmarkt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m585_zps64b1d4e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m585_zps64b1d4e7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m585_zps64b1d4e7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
585. Sculpture in the square.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m586_zpsc6f1f8ee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m586_zpsc6f1f8ee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m586_zpsc6f1f8ee.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
586. Headed out; the simple matter-of-factness sells it. It's Germany, absolutely nothing out of the ordinary with an Iron Maiden sticker on a minvan.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m587_zps5d0eb19e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m587_zps5d0eb19e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m587_zps5d0eb19e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
587. Heights of the west bank.<br />
<br />
588. Skies over the land. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m589_zps6384034d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m589_zps6384034d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m589_zps6384034d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
589. View down into Luxembourg. This is by far the largest of the micro-nations encountered on this tour, big enough to have nontrivial agriculture as well as banking and manufacturing sectors -- nearly as large as the state of Rhode Island, which is pretty goddamned big in comparison to the four previous and one missed so far.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m590_zpsa0637b0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m590_zpsa0637b0b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m590_zpsa0637b0b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
590. Commercial bank blocks, headed into town. Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein are also private-banking powerhouses, but they do a better job of hiding it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m591_zpsf49acf80.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m591_zpsf49acf80.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m591_zpsf49acf80.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
591. Old station building.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m592_zps4f60e242.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m592_zps4f60e242.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m592_zps4f60e242.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
592. More modern street above.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m593_zps668fdb0c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m593_zps668fdb0c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m593_zps668fdb0c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
593. Murderers' row.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m594_zps6baba248.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m594_zps6baba248.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m594_zps6baba248.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
594. Across to the center. The parking centers in town were hopelessly full, so I had to cross to the Gare side and go up seven floors to find a place to stow the car. Come here by train, there's actually rail access unlike the other nations visited.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m595_zps21f59aca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m595_zps21f59aca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m595_zps21f59aca.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
595. Narrow house on the river slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m596_zps664e0a94.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m596_zps664e0a94.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m596_zps664e0a94.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
596. Along the now-dry gorge. This used to be a prominent part of Luxembourg's defenses, before modern artillery and the advent of the forward spotter made them kind of pointless.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m597_zpsa9b5bac7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m597_zpsa9b5bac7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m597_zpsa9b5bac7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
597. High tower on the Gare side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m598_zps9c4d024d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m598_zps9c4d024d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m598_zps9c4d024d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
598. Church cut into the hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m599_zps3173ecb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m599_zps3173ecb2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m599_zps3173ecb2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
599. Memorial stone for the ducal guard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m600_zps68b1695a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m600_zps68b1695a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m600_zps68b1695a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
600. WWII memorial.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m601_zps705a932e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m601_zps705a932e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m601_zps705a932e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
601. Monument specifically for the armed forces. The language is interesting and really shows the scars of war -- after the conflict, this is all in French, but today, the only new tokens of this country are its Euros, with the legends all struck in Lettebuergish....which is nice and independent, in a shrinking continent dominated by its big close neighbors, but at the time obviously sounded far too close to German to put on anything to do with the war.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m602_zps40e2262c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m602_zps40e2262c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m602_zps40e2262c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
602. Neumuenster Abbey.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m603_zps9252d725.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m603_zps9252d725.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m603_zps9252d725.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
603. Another abbey view, with part of the national library. Again, this part of the world, buildings are stuck onto each other.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m604_zps0de172fc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m604_zps0de172fc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m604_zps0de172fc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
604. Weihnachtsmarkt by the casemates.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m605_zpsb64a0a67.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m605_zpsb64a0a67.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m605_zpsb64a0a67.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
605. Monument to foreign volunteers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m606_zpsb9340519.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m606_zpsb9340519.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m606_zpsb9340519.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
606. Down to the lower village.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m607_zps26b8e42f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m607_zps26b8e42f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m607_zps26b8e42f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
607. Fortress wall and far tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m608_zpseb022395.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m608_zpseb022395.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m608_zpseb022395.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
608. Green corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m609_zps682004b4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m609_zps682004b4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m609_zps682004b4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
609. Natural rock and fortress wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m610_zps76283ed4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m610_zps76283ed4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m610_zps76283ed4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
610. Corner of the fort.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m611_zpsfe69bb29.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m611_zpsfe69bb29.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m611_zpsfe69bb29.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
611. Below the bridge to the Gare Quartier.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m612_zpse1ca402c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m612_zpse1ca402c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m612_zpse1ca402c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
612. Ministry of Justice above.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m613_zps2bea4d46.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m613_zps2bea4d46.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m613_zps2bea4d46.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
613. Old and new town on the bank.<br />
<br />
This was Luxembourg finished, after looting the nearby market for nearly all its beers and a pandoro to go with them. I didn't get a Batten because they were only coming in six-packs, and I couldn't justify that expense/alcohol load (or, actually, carry it with the other stuff) with nine other beers to put down in two days.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m614_zpsa050e843.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m614_zpsa050e843.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m614_zpsa050e843.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
614. Church heading through Trocheville.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m615_zps61a9c468.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m615_zps61a9c468.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m615_zps61a9c468.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
615. The world's best place names are in Alsace and Lorraine. Seen earlier but not pictured: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitche">Bitche</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yutz">Yutz</a>, and <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wacken_%28Strasbourg%29">Wacken</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%205/m616_zpsb4a16551.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m616_zpsb4a16551.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%205/th_m616_zpsb4a16551.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
616. Lorraine and beetling clouds.<br />
<br />
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v15. Through Lorraine towards Champagne.<br />
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617. Trees and dying sun.<br />
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618. Spotlights from heaven. These things are hard to photograph (well, with a point-and-shoot from a moving car while steering at highway speed), but literally everywhere.<br />
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619. Endless fields, roiling sky.<br />
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620. The burning sun sinks to the southwest.<br />
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621. <i>Plus-derniere peage</i>. These things are the bane of travelers by road in France; this one took me for 22,40e. Mostly expensive and frequently inconvenient, they mess up the French highway system, which remains in worse repair than the no-toll, no-speed-limit <i>Autobahnen</i> across the border. Another miracle of privatization, which, to date, has not resulted in notably lower taxes in France than in Germany. (French autoroutes are for the most part operated and maintained by one of several <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9_concessionnaire_d%27autoroutes_en_France">private corporations</a> as toll roads.)<br />
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The passage in to Paris from here was kind of rough, partly due to heavy traffic, and partly due to the engine having a coughing fit. This was probably due to a combination of stop-and-go traffic, overdue maintenance, and a bad fuel mix that wasn't particularly settled. I remain suspicious of the idea that "gazole" (under French formulation) is exactly the same as "diesel" (under Swiss formulation); they're no doubt functionally equivalent, but they were not mixing cleanly here.<br />
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622. Line-up in Roissy. It's a good thing I don't have a long drive tomorrow...<br />
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I've got Paris mostly planned, and if there's not a lot on the menu, there's not a lot of light these days. Like Berlin, I'm not going to get everything on the first pass -- and like Berlin, I'm planning on coming back sometime.<br />
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Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-44365610350143330502014-01-14T17:39:00.001-05:002014-01-14T17:39:42.262-05:00(5/)6 Micro-nations IV: Milan - Switzerland - Liechtenstein - Strasbourg12/5 - Milan to Liechtenstein to Strasbourg, both legs via Switzerland<br />
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First the drive out of Milan was a pain. Then the Swiss customs police hit me with a 35-euro sticker I will use exactly today, despite it being good till the end of next year. But I survived, and once past Lugano things got a lot cooler.<br />
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301. Alps, just over the Swiss border.<br />
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302. Catching the dawn. (DNCO)<br />
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303. Covered in snow and pines.<br />
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304. More scenery through the valleys.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i40surXjXwA" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v11. Chopper lifting something in the woods over the rest stop.<br />
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I couldn't pull any francs here, so I decided to take some pictures as long as I was off the highway.<br />
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305. Brilliant mountain skies.<br />
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306. An imposing block in the early light.<br />
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307. Range over the minimart.<br />
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308. Back on the road, dawning for real.<br />
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309. Church and streaming heavens.<br />
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310. Rugged peaks against the sky.<br />
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311. White shadows in the distance.<br />
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312. Peak and opposite carriageway.<br />
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I got off and into Liechtenstein and stowed the car for as long as I could leave it, which was like 3 hours and change. Time enough to see some stuff.<br />
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313. Switzerland, from across the Rhine in the FL.<br />
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314. Schloss above the town.<br />
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315. Cash get, the one alternative currency used.<br />
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316. The black cube of the art museum; they're building a white one next to it.<br />
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317. Rathaus and plaza.<br />
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318. Another view of city hall.<br />
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319. Corner detail and St. Andrew's contrails.<br />
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320. North out of town to the mountains.<br />
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321. Different definitions of practical. No word on whether the Renault is a car or a motorcycle for Liechtensteiner purposes.<br />
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322. Forested peak above Vaduz.<br />
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323. Classic-styled <i>gasthof</i>.<br />
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324. Swiss mountains northwest.<br />
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325. Vineyard and alps beyond.<br />
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326. Mountains over the "milk center".<br />
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327. Another view of the castle from the <a href="http://www.torkel.li/">Torkel</a> (entrees from 50 CHF) parking lot. <i>Fuerstenkeller, fuerchtenpreisen</i>.<br />
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328. Misty peak to the south.<br />
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329. Closer view of the northern range.<br />
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330. Literally, "back street".<br />
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331. The sun coming over the mountains.<br />
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332. Sky and ridgeline.<br />
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333. Brook and mountains beyond.<br />
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334. Traditional Wetterkreutz on the hike/bike path.<br />
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335. Fountain in one of the few public spaces in town.<br />
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336. The original energy bars. Each stick is about 225 calories; this pack will do for breakfast and lunch. I'm mostly herbivorous at home, but for space and caloric value, it's pretty hard to beat jaegerwurst when you're on the road.<br />
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337. Another Alpen view.<br />
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338. Peaks over traditional houses.<br />
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339. Summit over the town.<br />
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340. Swiss slopes and a lone pine.<br />
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341. Alpen panorama from the fields east of town.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m342_zpsf6fd5dd4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m342_zpsf6fd5dd4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m342_zpsf6fd5dd4.jpg" /></a><br />
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342. Closer on the mountains.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m343_zps7f7c8e2a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m343_zps7f7c8e2a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m343_zps7f7c8e2a.jpg" /></a><br />
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343. Vaduz under the mountain.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m344_zps1957a357.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m344_zps1957a357.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m344_zps1957a357.jpg" /></a><br />
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344. Alps and another Wetterkreutz.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LqM2f1PasGw" width="420"></iframe><br />
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v12. Baby goats play-fighting.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m345_zps7b5a9a5c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m345_zps7b5a9a5c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m345_zps7b5a9a5c.jpg" /></a><br />
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345. <a href="http://www.fcvaduz.li/">FC Vaduz</a>' ground; the views here are some of the few that won't lose to <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2013/08/rtw2013-leg-5-vladivostok-and-attempts.html">Luch'</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m346_zps4f2762c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m346_zps4f2762c9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m346_zps4f2762c9.jpg" /></a><br />
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346. Swiss alps behind the stands.<br />
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347. You'd think this was an open-air hockey ground.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m348_zpscd84ab5e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m348_zpscd84ab5e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m348_zpscd84ab5e.jpg" /></a><br />
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348. <i>Statt <a href="http://www.bvb.de/eng">Suedtribune</a> <a href="http://www.dynamo-dresden.de/">SGD</a></i>.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m349_zps3061948e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m349_zps3061948e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m349_zps3061948e.jpg" /></a><br />
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349. Another calendar shot.<br />
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350. ((not germane))<br />
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351. The Rhine makes its way north.<br />
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352. The sun on the river. I didn't go see the rest of the planets, to the south at scaled distances.<br />
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353. Instead, I went in the water.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m354_zpsa464e566.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m354_zpsa464e566.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m354_zpsa464e566.jpg" /></a><br />
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354. Upriver from the verge.<br />
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355. Downriver, same point.<br />
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356. Up to the Swiss side.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m357_zps2a4462eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m357_zps2a4462eb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m357_zps2a4462eb.jpg" /></a><br />
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357. Summit of the peak over the town.<br />
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358. The goats from before hanging out.<br />
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359. Whimsical murals and a steampunk thingy.<br />
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<br />
"v"13. In the bus park public washroom. Oddly, it isn't in Chinese, which is probably more useful for this app than Japanese or Korean.<br />
<br />
Museum! In the process I surprised some of the staffers with my actual provenance, in combination with my German ability -- they'd marked me, on the basis of a slight but still resident Saxon accent, as coming from the old East rather than the new West. <i>Iss nixt zoe 'ne zonderbare Zocke</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m360_zpsea20ce23.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m360_zpsea20ce23.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m360_zpsea20ce23.jpg" /></a><br />
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360. Pottery from some of the earliest settlers.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m361_zps8eaa99ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m361_zps8eaa99ce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m361_zps8eaa99ce.jpg" /></a><br />
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361. Firepit for cooking.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m362_zpsd3459c62.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m362_zpsd3459c62.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m362_zpsd3459c62.jpg" /></a><br />
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362. Hanseatic plate, even this far upriver.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m363_zps86e3cf29.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m363_zps86e3cf29.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m363_zps86e3cf29.jpg" /></a><br />
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363. An incredibly realistic mannequin; replace the tunic with a kutte and the pemmican with a brat, and this guy would fit right in with any group of Germanic dudes at Party.San.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m364_zps2eb24f07.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m364_zps2eb24f07.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m364_zps2eb24f07.jpg" /></a><br />
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364. Jewelry and amulets, prehistoric to medieval.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m365_zpscfed0f85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m365_zpscfed0f85.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m365_zpscfed0f85.jpg" /></a><br />
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365. Burials, as excavated.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m366_zpse2b9729c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m366_zpse2b9729c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m366_zpse2b9729c.jpg" /></a><br />
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366. Buried after burning.<br />
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367. Devotional tapestry.<br />
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368. Wetterkreutz; the others pictured so far have been outside, in use, with a roof over them.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m369_zps4644c267.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m369_zps4644c267.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m369_zps4644c267.jpg" /></a><br />
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369. Pre-Christian votive figurines.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m370_zps28670569.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m370_zps28670569.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m370_zps28670569.jpg" /></a><br />
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370. Cast copies of helms found at a Roman castle near Schaan.<br />
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371. Roman and medieval weapons.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m372_zps200a0888.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m372_zps200a0888.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m372_zps200a0888.jpg" /></a><br />
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372. Replica of that castle that most of this Roman stuff was excavated from.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m373_zpse8e63a95.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m373_zpse8e63a95.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m373_zpse8e63a95.jpg" /></a><br />
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373. Todesschild of a dying house.<br />
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374. Cast of a noble's tomb plate.<br />
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375. Scattered states after the fall of Rome.<br />
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376. Sculpted roof timbers in the coin room.<br />
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377. Old coins; some of these are worn smaller than modern 1-Eurocent pieces.<br />
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378. Traditional schnaps still -- in use into the 20th century.<br />
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379. Games in the lifestyle exhibit; wonder if the top one has a mechanic for putting other players' pieces into concentration camps.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m380_zps111fd559.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m380_zps111fd559.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m380_zps111fd559.jpg" /></a><br />
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380. Fireworks for Fasching.<br />
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381. Masks and cartouches.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m382_zps42bf3245.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m382_zps42bf3245.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m382_zps42bf3245.jpg" /></a><br />
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382. Wood striker; this replaced church bells on Good Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m383_zps7729e6ba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m383_zps7729e6ba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m383_zps7729e6ba.jpg" /></a><br />
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383. Rules of the Church Police.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m384_zpsd93801ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m384_zpsd93801ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m384_zpsd93801ea.jpg" /></a><br />
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384. Princely crest.<br />
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385. The current prince.<br />
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386. Artifacts of the bicentennial; I missed the tricentennial by at least a year.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m387_zpsc39accdc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m387_zpsc39accdc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m387_zpsc39accdc.jpg" /></a><br />
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387. If I couldn't get a cap onto my wall, this'd have to do. I was able to get one at the <a href="http://www.coop.ch/">Coop</a> later though, the only Liechtensteiner beer with a distinctive cap.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m388_zps8768fd0a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m388_zps8768fd0a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m388_zps8768fd0a.jpg" /></a><br />
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388. Old map of Switzerland.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m389_zps7f10b866.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m389_zps7f10b866.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m389_zps7f10b866.jpg" /></a><br />
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389. Despite its size, Liechtenstein supports two papers.<br />
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390. Old scales and princely decrees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m391_zps2989fd5a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m391_zps2989fd5a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m391_zps2989fd5a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
391. Official weights and measures.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m392_zpsdbd8e4da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m392_zpsdbd8e4da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m392_zpsdbd8e4da.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
392. Farmhouse replica, to the mid-1800s.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m393_zps16f21b6a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m393_zps16f21b6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m393_zps16f21b6a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
393. From the princely collection, painted from the Swiss side. See 328 above for the current mountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m394_zpsfd4a473e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m394_zpsfd4a473e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m394_zpsfd4a473e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
394. Parliamentary voting box, in use basically from the start of the Landtag up until the start of electronic tabulation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m395_zps23bf8e7c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m395_zps23bf8e7c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m395_zps23bf8e7c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
395. Liechtenstein has a surprisingly active political scene.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m396_zps888f0bbe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m396_zps888f0bbe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m396_zps888f0bbe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
396. The man who helped Liechtenstein avoid becoming <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/364">Lutia</a>. Johann II, still styled "the Good" by locals, guided the transition to modernity and navigated the era of the first World War, leaving the country a significantly better place than he found it. Liechtenstein is mostly independent today because it happened to win the genetic lottery with this man and his great-grandnephew Franz-Josef II.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m397_zps1c48eea3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m397_zps1c48eea3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m397_zps1c48eea3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
397. Police equipment and strike dies.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m398_zps94860e76.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m398_zps94860e76.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m398_zps94860e76.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
398. Similar artifacts of the army.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m399_zpse7cc158a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m399_zpse7cc158a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m399_zpse7cc158a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
399. Veterans and discharges.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m400_zps3d35ecad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m400_zps3d35ecad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m400_zps3d35ecad.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
400. Remaining equipment. Liechtenstein abolished its military for budgetary reasons in 1868, as soon as Bismarck dissolved what was left of the Holy Roman Empire.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m401_zps60e9d120.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m401_zps60e9d120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m401_zps60e9d120.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
401. Memorial plaque; the victims of the local witchcraft hysteria are remembered.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m402_zpscdfd4a79.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m402_zpscdfd4a79.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m402_zpscdfd4a79.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
402. This hall notes all of them; like Massachusetts Bay, the madness came late to a small country, so the number of victims is relatively small. Ten or fifteen women murdered on the say-so of someone's hallucinations was a slow morning in Scotland or Spain two hundred years earlier.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m403_zps778c0b07.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m403_zps778c0b07.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m403_zps778c0b07.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
403. Diplomas in agriculture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m404_zps2de2e2ee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m404_zps2de2e2ee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m404_zps2de2e2ee.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
404. These must be the <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Holy_Moses/The_New_Machine_of_Liechtenstein/4543">old machines</a> of Liechtenstein.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m405_zps2fa9aba9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m405_zps2fa9aba9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m405_zps2fa9aba9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
405. Passports used to look like this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m406_zps906b9fbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m406_zps906b9fbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m406_zps906b9fbf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
406. Teachers of the principality; a hundred years before this was taken, nearly all Liechtensteiners were illiterate, as you'd expect from a subsistence-farming nation bordered by a mostly-dry river and ramparts of impassable mountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m407_zpsf88acf57.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m407_zpsf88acf57.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m407_zpsf88acf57.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
407. Recreation of an old schoolroom.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m408_zpsf4bd2a73.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m408_zpsf4bd2a73.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m408_zpsf4bd2a73.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
408. Old-school telephones.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m409_zpsdf86d7f9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m409_zpsdf86d7f9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m409_zpsdf86d7f9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
409. Old and new; I had a handy much like the Motorola at left when I was living in Germany, less than ten years ago, and by today's standards, it really is a museum piece.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m410_zpsce2db312.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m410_zpsce2db312.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m410_zpsce2db312.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
410. Wall of hand tools.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m411_zpse278741d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m411_zpse278741d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m411_zpse278741d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
411. Carved antlers from the Roman period.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m412_zps536b030a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m412_zps536b030a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m412_zps536b030a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
412. Modern products of Beltzer AG.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m413_zpse017d3d8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m413_zpse017d3d8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m413_zpse017d3d8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
413. Intro to the special exhibition on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Liechtenstein#Liechtenstein_during_the_World_Wars">nonschluss</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m414_zps37653101.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m414_zps37653101.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m414_zps37653101.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
414. Explains itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m415_zpsbe165381.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m415_zpsbe165381.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m415_zpsbe165381.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
415. Even here, the '30s were the '30s.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m416_zpsedec5261.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m416_zpsedec5261.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m416_zpsedec5261.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
416. Explicit plans from official sources.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m417_zps7e986784.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m417_zps7e986784.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m417_zps7e986784.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
417. Local Nazis and the reaction.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m418_zpsa5f896b7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m418_zpsa5f896b7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m418_zpsa5f896b7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
418. The border with Austria is small and rough, but was useful to a degree.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m419_zpse6d36cfd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m419_zpse6d36cfd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m419_zpse6d36cfd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
419. Franz-Josef sets the example for Belgium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m420_zps216aeb65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m420_zps216aeb65.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m420_zps216aeb65.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
420. Stuffed heads to the upper hall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m421_zps183c1a41.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m421_zps183c1a41.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m421_zps183c1a41.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
421. Diorama of local wildlife.<br />
<br />
422. ((not germane))<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m423_zps95a28296.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m423_zps95a28296.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m423_zps95a28296.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
423. The macabre Germanic trophy style.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m424_zpsc28f0f10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m424_zpsc28f0f10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m424_zpsc28f0f10.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
424. Woodland inhabitants, for the Auerhahn.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m425_zps0c1b1e25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m425_zps0c1b1e25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m425_zps0c1b1e25.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
425. What in the freakish hell?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m426_zps55856f60.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m426_zps55856f60.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m426_zps55856f60.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
426. Yes, I did pet the boar.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m427_zpscf7813bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m427_zpscf7813bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m427_zpscf7813bf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
427. Twenty species to four in eighty years. We need to stop killing ourselves.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m428_zpsd25d5b16.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m428_zpsd25d5b16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m428_zpsd25d5b16.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
428. Collection of Russian ikons, another special exhibit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m429_zps62a7c1f5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m429_zps62a7c1f5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m429_zps62a7c1f5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
429. In the "Sexperts" exhibition, a special presentation about animals fucking.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m430_zps889ab0e3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m430_zps889ab0e3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m430_zps889ab0e3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
430. Seriously. This is here until mid-January.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m431_zps3dad0424.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m431_zps3dad0424.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m431_zps3dad0424.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
431. Stuffed heads from the top landing.<br />
<br />
The museum done, I hit the road before my parking meter expired.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m432_zps24981df5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m432_zps24981df5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m432_zps24981df5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
432. Crossing to the Swiss side, into the wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m433_zps1c0ed9c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m433_zps1c0ed9c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m433_zps1c0ed9c3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
433. Mountains tower over the valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m434_zps581d2686.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m434_zps581d2686.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m434_zps581d2686.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
434. Sharp crag to the southwest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m435_zpsed35d384.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m435_zpsed35d384.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m435_zpsed35d384.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
435. More exposed rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m436_zpsa4d93675.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m436_zpsa4d93675.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m436_zpsa4d93675.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
436. Stacked up over the highway.<br />
<br />
437. I am immature. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m438_zpsfd878e12.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m438_zpsfd878e12.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m438_zpsfd878e12.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
438. The wall at the end of the valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m439_zps5e550a3d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m439_zps5e550a3d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m439_zps5e550a3d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
439. Mountains along the road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m440_zpse2a6d4fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m440_zpse2a6d4fd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m440_zpse2a6d4fd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
440. Alps behind Alps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m441_zpsf12f0b51.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m441_zpsf12f0b51.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m441_zpsf12f0b51.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
441. High castle on that ridge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m442_zps901f688c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m442_zps901f688c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m442_zps901f688c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
442. A line of broken-out peaks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m443_zpsd7f931ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m443_zpsd7f931ce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m443_zpsd7f931ce.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
443. Church on an outcropping.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m444_zps69a357ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m444_zps69a357ae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m444_zps69a357ae.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
444. Wide shot of the valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m445_zps574a471d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m445_zps574a471d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m445_zps574a471d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
445. Still more mountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m446_zpscd8b5ae1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m446_zpscd8b5ae1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m446_zpscd8b5ae1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
446. Going past the ridge.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m447_zps4868cf6f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m447_zps4868cf6f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m447_zps4868cf6f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
447. Mountains sloping down.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m448_zps32e8ca7e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m448_zps32e8ca7e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m448_zps32e8ca7e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
448. Mountains along the Wallensee.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m449_zps3ac6e38b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m449_zps3ac6e38b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m449_zps3ac6e38b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
449. Church on the curve.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m450_zpsce291da9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m450_zpsce291da9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m450_zpsce291da9.jpg" /></a><br />
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450. Still ringing the Wallensee.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m451_zps63380f77.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m451_zps63380f77.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m451_zps63380f77.jpg" /></a><br />
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451. Trying to get the town below, not very well.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m452_zps3d0e49f7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m452_zps3d0e49f7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m452_zps3d0e49f7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
452. Chopper warming up on a snowy field.<br />
<br />
Going through Switzerland, I stopped for a 78-franc fuel bill, probably the most I've ever paid for gas in one shot, and a bag of wiper fluid. While filling up the fluid reservoir, I opened the oil cap on a whim, because I was closing in on 25000 km and the mandated service interval. Wisps of smoke came out. So I went back in the gas station and spent goddamned 28 francs on a liter of all-synthetic motor oil as mandated by the manufacturer, because the last thing I needed was to melt the engine. It took all of it, which I guess is a good indicator that all was not right with the reservoir, and for the rest of the trip I tried to avoid pushing the car too hard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m453_zps30b9eba0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m453_zps30b9eba0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m453_zps30b9eba0.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
453. Rappers will what?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m454_zps7add04a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m454_zps7add04a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m454_zps7add04a1.jpg" /></a><br />
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454. Town on the Wallensee.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m455_zpsd1783cc2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m455_zpsd1783cc2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m455_zpsd1783cc2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
455. Snowy fields on the other side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m456_zpsd5a16fb3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m456_zpsd5a16fb3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m456_zpsd5a16fb3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
456. More of the lower shore.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m457_zpsbf034e2a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m457_zpsbf034e2a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m457_zpsbf034e2a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
457. If you laugh at this, report to Otakus Anonymous immediately. No link, if you don't know what it is, it's probably for the best.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m458_zps0604d29f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m458_zps0604d29f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m458_zps0604d29f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
458. My Swiss toll sticker back in France. It was, as mentioned, a little expensive for one day, but I paid more on single toll bills in both Italy and France.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m459_zpsa33a2650.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m459_zpsa33a2650.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m459_zpsa33a2650.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
459. <i>L'Alsace</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m460_zpse9e0d898.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m460_zpse9e0d898.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m460_zpse9e0d898.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
460. More toplit Alsatian skies.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hClF9p9ImSA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v14. Along the road north to Strasbourg.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m461_zps7de883dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m461_zps7de883dd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m461_zps7de883dd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
461. Hills under the clouds.<br />
<br />
462. Agriculture to the east. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%204/m463_zps4453ad48.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m463_zps4453ad48.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%204/th_m463_zps4453ad48.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
463. The weather makes it over the mountains with difficulty.<br />
<br />
I was a little nervous about tire pressure here -- they felt soft in Switzerland, but a lot of that appeared to be the cold by the time I got to Strasbourg -- but I reloaded the oil as described, which is always the most critical, and everything else appears to be behaving, thanks to the wiper reload and my legendarily light touch on the brakes. This could change rapidly, but I was back in the country I rented it in, with gas stations about and mechanics who know what a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_C4_Picasso">C4</a> is. One more leg to the finish.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-75501940168156079032014-01-14T16:37:00.000-05:002014-01-14T16:37:02.204-05:00(5/)6 Micro-nations III: Rome - San Marino - Milan<br />
12/4 - Rome, not to the Vatican, to San Marino to Milan<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m205_zps44e5e74c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m205_zps44e5e74c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m205_zps44e5e74c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
205. Leaving the Castella.<br />
<br />
I planned to visit the Vatican, but didn't reckon on Italy becoming a cashless society. Unwilling to take a 50-euro fine on a 1-euro fare (seriously to fuck <a href="http://www.trenitalia.com/">Trenitalia</a>, <a href="http://memegenerator.net/Y-U-No">y u no</a> do exact change? Fuckers) for riding "schwarz" in from La Giustiniana, I tried to avoid one backtracking from Ipogeo del'Ottavi (also one ticket machine, also only taking credit cards) to get an early start on San Marino. One day or another, I'll be back in Rome, and by civilized transit, staying somewhere close enough to walk to the smallest of the micronations.<br />
<br />
206. Misty hills, headed out of Rome. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m207_zps32f2e81f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m207_zps32f2e81f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m207_zps32f2e81f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
207. Village on a sheer cliff.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m208_zps5973b3dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m208_zps5973b3dd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m208_zps5973b3dd.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
208. Villa on another hill.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m209_zpsbe88d166.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m209_zpsbe88d166.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m209_zpsbe88d166.jpg" /></a><br />
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209. Seriously. Wonder what the people of this town call themselves.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m210_zps0afaf2b3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m210_zps0afaf2b3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m210_zps0afaf2b3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
210. Hilltop medieval town.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m211_zps8cd00506.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m211_zps8cd00506.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m211_zps8cd00506.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
211. Church in Calesina, going past.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m212_zps52dd1e21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m212_zps52dd1e21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m212_zps52dd1e21.jpg" /></a><br />
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212. Another old hill tower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m213_zpseebdb896.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m213_zpseebdb896.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m213_zpseebdb896.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
213. Long view ahead.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m214_zps51434406.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m214_zps51434406.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m214_zps51434406.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
214. Rural forests.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m215_zps10cfd2cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m215_zps10cfd2cf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m215_zps10cfd2cf.jpg" /></a><br />
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215. Raw slopes, high snow.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m216_zpsc3e970da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m216_zpsc3e970da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m216_zpsc3e970da.jpg" /></a><br />
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216. Across the spine and headed for Ravenna.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m217_zps7f703293.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m217_zps7f703293.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m217_zps7f703293.jpg" /></a><br />
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217. Exposed layers.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m218_zps0165ccfa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m218_zps0165ccfa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m218_zps0165ccfa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
218. An old watchtower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m219_zpsd6cb4f6e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m219_zpsd6cb4f6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m219_zpsd6cb4f6e.jpg" /></a><br />
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219. Objective in sight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m220_zpse5d3719d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m220_zpse5d3719d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m220_zpse5d3719d.jpg" /></a><br />
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220. Arch entering San Marino.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m221_zpsf9041ba3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m221_zpsf9041ba3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m221_zpsf9041ba3.jpg" /></a><br />
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221. View from the peak.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m222_zpsdab2d707.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m222_zpsdab2d707.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m222_zpsdab2d707.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
222. German ultras get just everywhere.<br />
<br />
223. Outside the walls. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m224_zpsfc97d933.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m224_zpsfc97d933.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m224_zpsfc97d933.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
224. Panorama at that level.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m225_zps1061c1fc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m225_zps1061c1fc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m225_zps1061c1fc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
225. Out past a shop knight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m226_zps786e6084.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m226_zps786e6084.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m226_zps786e6084.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
226. Pillar outside a church.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m227_zps9508fb7c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m227_zps9508fb7c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m227_zps9508fb7c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
227. The church itself.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m228_zps865468f2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m228_zps865468f2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m228_zps865468f2.jpg" /></a><br />
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228. Public transit. In these steep, narrow, and sharply-winding streets, it beats a bus -- especially at silliness.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m229_zps76776023.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m229_zps76776023.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m229_zps76776023.jpg" /></a><br />
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229. Portal in chiaroscuro.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m230_zps798f9d89.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m230_zps798f9d89.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m230_zps798f9d89.jpg" /></a><br />
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230. Statue in the plaza.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m231_zps710f571f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m231_zps710f571f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m231_zps710f571f.jpg" /></a><br />
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231. Cast when these were neutral symbols of the Roman Republic.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m232_zps4af594aa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m232_zps4af594aa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m232_zps4af594aa.jpg" /></a><br />
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232. Front of the statue.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m233_zps6dbf3415.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m233_zps6dbf3415.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m233_zps6dbf3415.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
233. Battlements and guard house.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m234_zps3b16549a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m234_zps3b16549a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m234_zps3b16549a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
234. Plaque by the gate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m235_zpsdb18ac45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m235_zpsdb18ac45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m235_zpsdb18ac45.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
235. Inattentive traffic cop and a class view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m236_zps0d63c4e4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m236_zps0d63c4e4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m236_zps0d63c4e4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
236. Monument to Garibaldi.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m237_zps3c8e382b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m237_zps3c8e382b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m237_zps3c8e382b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
237. The Palazzo Publico.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m238_zps0a3a7659.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m238_zps0a3a7659.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m238_zps0a3a7659.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
238. A look out from the plaza.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m239_zps2b0b8751.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m239_zps2b0b8751.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m239_zps2b0b8751.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
239. If it's higher, it's not by that much.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m240_zpsd3bebb80.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m240_zpsd3bebb80.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m240_zpsd3bebb80.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
240. Theater tower behind scaffolds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m241_zps815d8cce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m241_zps815d8cce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m241_zps815d8cce.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
241. Basilica in the upper plaza.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m242_zpsc2a0f4cb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m242_zpsc2a0f4cb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m242_zpsc2a0f4cb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
242. Plaza Borghese; due to its tax status relative to Italy, a lot of San Marino looks like a medieval-themed outlet mall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m243_zps5c5d1f19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m243_zps5c5d1f19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m243_zps5c5d1f19.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
243. And then there's the tourist traps. The museum of torture looks like another franchise of the one in <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2011/12/spedition-gebr-d-gmbh-bohemia-part-2.html">Prague</a>, but this is just dumb, like <a href="http://www.piratemuseum.com/">pirates in Salem</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m244_zps87758274.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m244_zps87758274.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m244_zps87758274.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
244. Open look, going up to the watchtower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m245_zps977f79ee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m245_zps977f79ee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m245_zps977f79ee.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
245. And through, to Rimini and the Adriatic.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m246_zpsa715ba79.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m246_zpsa715ba79.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m246_zpsa715ba79.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
246. Tree and valley view.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m247_zps81a147db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m247_zps81a147db.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m247_zps81a147db.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
247. Guard ceremony, probably for the benefit of a contingent of American paratroopers in attendance.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6ZXaUDSIgfU" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v10. Troops rolling back the morning gun.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m248_zps518d11cc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m248_zps518d11cc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m248_zps518d11cc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
248. Plaque outside the tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m249_zps39ff8bde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m249_zps39ff8bde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m249_zps39ff8bde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
249. Side of the watchtower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m250_zps62781000.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m250_zps62781000.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m250_zps62781000.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
250. Main tower keep.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m251_zps45f5e482.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m251_zps45f5e482.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m251_zps45f5e482.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
251. Well and artillery -- this place needed defended until relatively recently.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m252_zps5a7803ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m252_zps5a7803ad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m252_zps5a7803ad.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
252. Tower battlements.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m253_zpsb4c55c99.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m253_zpsb4c55c99.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m253_zpsb4c55c99.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
253. Across the wall to the mountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m254_zps1d8ea4b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m254_zps1d8ea4b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m254_zps1d8ea4b9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
254. Tower from below.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m255_zps151ed065.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m255_zps151ed065.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m255_zps151ed065.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
255. Mountain and fortress wall.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m256_zps0e7f181f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m256_zps0e7f181f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m256_zps0e7f181f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
256. Panorama from the east watch.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m257_zpscb6aecb4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m257_zpscb6aecb4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m257_zpscb6aecb4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
257. Church in the town below.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m258_zpscc738baf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m258_zpscc738baf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m258_zpscc738baf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
258. Graffiti in the mortar.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m259_zpsf8b4ca3c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m259_zpsf8b4ca3c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m259_zpsf8b4ca3c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
259. Leonardo exhibit in the main tower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m260_zpsc6c5c74d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m260_zpsc6c5c74d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m260_zpsc6c5c74d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
260. Originals, close up.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m261_zps696734ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m261_zps696734ab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m261_zps696734ab.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
261. It's not closed, so it's open.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m262_zps0f21b063.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m262_zps0f21b063.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m262_zps0f21b063.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
262. In the upper room.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m263_zpsa9e62fba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m263_zpsa9e62fba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m263_zpsa9e62fba.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
263. Top chamber, the highest publicly-accessible point in San Marino.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m264_zps95b875b7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m264_zps95b875b7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m264_zps95b875b7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
264. Down towards the Palazzo Pubblico.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m265_zps27047297.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m265_zps27047297.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m265_zps27047297.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
265. Out into the valley.<br />
<br />
There are other towers, but this is the highest -- and I was hungry and needing to buy limoncello before chasing the light to Milan. I finished off the main keep and headed back down to the town.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m266_zps3d82761e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m266_zps3d82761e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m266_zps3d82761e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
266. North peak watch tower.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m267_zps8be7c280.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m267_zps8be7c280.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m267_zps8be7c280.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
267. A little closer focus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m268_zps4a0d932c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m268_zps4a0d932c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m268_zps4a0d932c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
268. Valleys to the north.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m269_zpsc0e04b6e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m269_zpsc0e04b6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m269_zpsc0e04b6e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
269. Mona Lisa part of the Leonardo exhibit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m270_zps69c39aa5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m270_zps69c39aa5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m270_zps69c39aa5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
270. Simple furnishings a la Da Vinci.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m271_zps541693fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m271_zps541693fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m271_zps541693fb.jpg" /></a><br />
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271. Doors to the prison cells.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m272_zps9b723008.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m272_zps9b723008.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m272_zps9b723008.jpg" /></a><br />
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272. History of the "Rock".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m273_zps2ade5dd7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m273_zps2ade5dd7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m273_zps2ade5dd7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
273. Old art of the way San Marino was, before the towns built up.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m274_zpse1e049a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m274_zpse1e049a2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m274_zpse1e049a2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
274. Graffiti by prisoners.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m275_zps5971a734.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m275_zps5971a734.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m275_zps5971a734.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
275. Mad at the pope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m276_zpsf85ede2e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m276_zpsf85ede2e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m276_zpsf85ede2e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
276. More graffiti on the cell walls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m277_zps8951649f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m277_zps8951649f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m277_zps8951649f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
277. Weapons of the garrison.<br />
<br />
278. Halberds, without cameo. (DNCO)<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m279_zpscf8e8724.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m279_zpscf8e8724.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m279_zpscf8e8724.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
279. North watchtower and battlements.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m280_zps81cb0028.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m280_zps81cb0028.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m280_zps81cb0028.jpg" /></a><br />
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280. Fortress chapel front.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m281_zps4baa1f8c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m281_zps4baa1f8c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m281_zps4baa1f8c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
281. Inside the chapel.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m282_zpse44202a3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m282_zpse44202a3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m282_zpse44202a3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
282. Graffiti covers the chapel walls.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m283_zps9631516b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m283_zps9631516b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m283_zps9631516b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
283. A cleverly-designed access panel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m284_zpsbcb0304d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m284_zpsbcb0304d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m284_zpsbcb0304d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
284. Bell tower from below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m285_zpsc9053723.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m285_zpsc9053723.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m285_zpsc9053723.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
285. Along the face of the Rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m286_zps88f293b4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m286_zps88f293b4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m286_zps88f293b4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
286. North watchtower and guardhouse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m287_zpsbd8a0121.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m287_zpsbd8a0121.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m287_zpsbd8a0121.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
287. The connection to Da Vinci.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m288_zps7edf49da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m288_zps7edf49da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m288_zps7edf49da.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
288. The face of the Rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m289_zps8b459986.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m289_zps8b459986.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m289_zps8b459986.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
289. Walled paths and brambles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m290_zps4ba8b3c5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m290_zps4ba8b3c5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m290_zps4ba8b3c5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
290. Vegetation and the north tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m291_zpsad827715.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m291_zpsad827715.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m291_zpsad827715.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
291. The north tower without the brambles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m292_zps5c866aa4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m292_zps5c866aa4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m292_zps5c866aa4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
292. The corner of the Rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m293_zpseceb4918.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m293_zpseceb4918.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m293_zpseceb4918.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
293. Upthrust under the Rock. This was laid down horizontal, obviously, but it's at a 45-degree angle now. Italy was crumpled up the hard way, and every tunnel bears evidence of it, though usually not this dramatic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m294_zpsa686b6f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m294_zpsa686b6f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m294_zpsa686b6f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
294. Forge markings on the cannon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m295_zpsd4066ffe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m295_zpsd4066ffe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m295_zpsd4066ffe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
295. Tourist trap -- it even admits it's a ripoff.<br />
<br />
Tourism done, I picked up like 25 euros worth of provender, some of which made it all the way to Strasbourg, including a bottle of limoncello that was so <i>preiswuerdig</i> that I hesitate to put a number down here in case the people who I gave it to for Christmas ever read this, and a bottle of <a href="http://www.thelocal.de/20121205/46579">Duff beer</a>, first encountered in Germany and now available from the thousand San Marino off-licenses that speak mostly Russian and sell mostly cheap wine in bottles adorned with art of women with their tits out. And I'm pretty sure Groening doesn't see a dime of it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m296_zpsc1db558b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m296_zpsc1db558b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m296_zpsc1db558b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
296. Heading off the autostrada for fuel, but I <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alea_iacta_est">crossed it</a> (again) later. I couldn't figure out how to transcend it from the highway, because otherwise I would have done <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Benediction/Transcend_the_Rubicon/1749">that</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m297_zps5b55c8d6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m297_zps5b55c8d6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m297_zps5b55c8d6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
297. Big farm.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m298_zps66f9843a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m298_zps66f9843a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m298_zps66f9843a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
298. Viticulture heading towards Lombardy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m299_zps92313e25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m299_zps92313e25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m299_zps92313e25.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
299. Random bouquet at the Milan tolls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%203/m300_zps3c2bd47e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m300_zps3c2bd47e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%203/th_m300_zps3c2bd47e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
300. Sunset in Milan; radiation + pollution. The "gray line" is a lot thicker here in the industrial northeast -- it's not at <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2006/07/beijing-part-1-repost.html">Beijing</a> levels, but it's as dense as I've ever seen it short of <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/central-mid-levels-causeway-and-happy.html">Hong Kong</a>. The Po valley is flat all the way to the Alps, and I guess the weather doesn't often come over and drive the air out into the Adriatic. <br />
<br />
I'm moving on early in the morning, and I can't be out soon enough. I'm concerned about the service indicator -- it went over 24000 km today, less than 1000km from the service schedule -- but I'm pretty sure I can get the car back to France, at least, if not all the way back, before the thing breaks down.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31806923.post-5605200630279482922014-01-14T15:54:00.000-05:002014-01-14T15:54:37.164-05:00(5/)6 Micro-nations II: Cannes - Monaco - Rome<br />
12/3 - Cannes to Monaco to Rome<br />
<br />
This was another early bail, but my adjustment to Europe was being dictated by the travel commitments, not the other way around. If 5 AM is when you wake up normally, you wake up normally at 5 AM -- the circadian hard reset was helping, and it had just about taken at this point. The tolls between Cannes and the Monacan border were uniformly the old, crappy, throw exact change in the bucket kind, but at least I was getting out of France and its infernal, constant, zero-predictability <i>peages</i> for a while.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m082_zps9c60add6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m082_zps9c60add6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m082_zps9c60add6.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
082. Midnight Monaco.<br />
<br />
083. Illuminations in the street. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uv09yekUl3M" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v05. Along the Boulevard des Moulins.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m084_zpsab6a60e8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m084_zpsab6a60e8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m084_zpsab6a60e8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
084. Back of the parking center, which is underground from the Boulevard des Moulins and at ground level on Avenue Princesse Grace. Nine stories drop.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m085_zps47be9b8e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m085_zps47be9b8e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m085_zps47be9b8e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
085. Stowed Bentley. I saw another in silver here in the reserved spaces, and a black Ferrari -- of course with Monaco plates.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m086_zpsabd940cc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m086_zpsabd940cc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m086_zpsabd940cc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
086. Dawn on the Cote d'Azure.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m087_zps54e2a803.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m087_zps54e2a803.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m087_zps54e2a803.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
087. East along the terrace.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m088_zpsb2576ed3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m088_zpsb2576ed3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m088_zpsb2576ed3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
088. Buildings from the Boulevard d'Italie.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m089_zps82acc4bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m089_zps82acc4bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m089_zps82acc4bf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
089. Passage from the elevator.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m090_zpsf9ea618a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m090_zpsf9ea618a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m090_zpsf9ea618a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
090. On the Avenue Princesse Grace.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m091_zps83148b70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m091_zps83148b70.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m091_zps83148b70.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
091. More of the lightups.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m092_zps4526df20.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m092_zps4526df20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m092_zps4526df20.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
092. Statue, towards the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m093_zps6c630e33.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m093_zps6c630e33.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m093_zps6c630e33.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
093. Into the sunrise.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m094_zpsda905f99.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m094_zpsda905f99.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m094_zpsda905f99.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
094. Along the beach northeast.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m095_zps093cbe15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m095_zps093cbe15.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m095_zps093cbe15.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
095. Some ducks by the waterline.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lBfP_Vvy3dA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v06. Waves crash on the breakwater.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m096_zpsd6f22246.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m096_zpsd6f22246.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m096_zpsd6f22246.jpg" /></a><br />
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096. Another shot into the Med.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m097_zps2203de36.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m097_zps2203de36.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m097_zps2203de36.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
097. Old-style block in the Avenue Princesse Grace.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m098_zps28217178.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m098_zps28217178.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m098_zps28217178.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
098. Sleeping statue.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m099_zpsf899bcbb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m099_zpsf899bcbb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m099_zpsf899bcbb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
099. Southwestish on the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m100_zps661433db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m100_zps661433db.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m100_zps661433db.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
100. Hotels and foliage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m101_zps444637c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m101_zps444637c9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m101_zps444637c9.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
101. More, taller.<br />
<br />
102. To this house on the rock. (DNCO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m103_zps4403afe7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m103_zps4403afe7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m103_zps4403afe7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
103. Monte Carlo Bay; Monaco still does grand hotels.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m104_zpse9f6645c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m104_zpse9f6645c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m104_zpse9f6645c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
104. National border post in a traffic circle at the north end of the Avenue Princesse Grace -- at least the part that's in Monaco.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D4OBTRnCqJQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
v07. Waves pound the bay.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m105_zps4de11009.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m105_zps4de11009.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m105_zps4de11009.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
105. Crashing breakers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m106_zpscc5ba65b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m106_zpscc5ba65b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m106_zpscc5ba65b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
106. The spray reaches the landing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m107_zps1f728c9d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m107_zps1f728c9d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m107_zps1f728c9d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
107. Foam and dawn.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m108_zps7a23c7cc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m108_zps7a23c7cc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m108_zps7a23c7cc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
108. The sun crosses the horizon.<br />
<br />
This was at the north end of the beach, and actually past the northeastern end of Monaco, period. It wasn't until I got back and checked a map that I realized that I had accidentally walked entirely out of the country. Unaware at the time, I headed off southwest to try to see the Casino and the royal palace, if possible.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m109_zpsa6907885.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m109_zpsa6907885.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m109_zpsa6907885.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
109. The sun hits the Avenue Princesse Grace.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m110_zps3a06efde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m110_zps3a06efde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m110_zps3a06efde.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
110. Hotel and bay.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m111_zpsb8592003.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m111_zpsb8592003.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m111_zpsb8592003.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
111. A street sign catches the light.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m112_zpsb4aeee5f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m112_zpsb4aeee5f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m112_zpsb4aeee5f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
112. Towers and vegetation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m113_zps119d0dfc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m113_zps119d0dfc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m113_zps119d0dfc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
113. Another view along Princesse Grace.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m114_zps1c02bd41.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m114_zps1c02bd41.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m114_zps1c02bd41.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
114. Up to the raw mountain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m115_zps383aa915.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m115_zps383aa915.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m115_zps383aa915.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
115. Fantastic balconies in the dawn.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m116_zps03d00496.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m116_zps03d00496.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m116_zps03d00496.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
116. Sculpture by the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m117_zps27a67017.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m117_zps27a67017.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m117_zps27a67017.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
117. Markers for the Princesse.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m118_zpsded7d70c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m118_zpsded7d70c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m118_zpsded7d70c.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
118. The buildings stack into the hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m119_zps9b55a291.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m119_zps9b55a291.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m119_zps9b55a291.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
119. Along the walk by the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m120_zps51ffe67f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m120_zps51ffe67f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m120_zps51ffe67f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
120. A notch in the build.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m121_zps2c5b0701.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m121_zps2c5b0701.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m121_zps2c5b0701.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
121. Dancers in the median.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m122_zpsc76f3fbb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m122_zpsc76f3fbb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m122_zpsc76f3fbb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
122. Packed tight. This place could hardly be more different from <a href="http://munster-iv.blogspot.com/2010/11/macau.html">Macau</a>, but the resemblance still echoes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m123_zpsa3030802.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m123_zpsa3030802.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m123_zpsa3030802.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
123. Famous address.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m124_zps54edf688.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m124_zps54edf688.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m124_zps54edf688.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
124. You know your town is rich when you have a <a href="http://cars.mclaren.com/home.html">McLaren</a> dealership. (Note that this link isn't to the root domain; McLaren assumes that randoms visiting them on the internet will be more interested in their F1 team than actually buying one of their products.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m125_zpsc8f3a377.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m125_zpsc8f3a377.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m125_zpsc8f3a377.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
125. Better view of the sign.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m126_zps9c5b8221.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m126_zps9c5b8221.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m126_zps9c5b8221.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
126. On top of the world.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m127_zpsae4aa7b2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m127_zpsae4aa7b2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m127_zpsae4aa7b2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
127. Of course, there's a Rolls dealership, too...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m128_zps70d3f1f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m128_zps70d3f1f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m128_zps70d3f1f1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
128. ...and they're not necessarily out of reach! Only in Monaco, perhaps, is there a ready supply of late-model Rolls-Royces entering the market enough to make a certified-preowned program viable.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m129_zps2022b774.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m129_zps2022b774.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m129_zps2022b774.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
129. Next door, the Ferarri salon. The first word is Italian, meaning "stable", which I didn't realize till later, reading it off a truck in Italy. It's pretentious enough without knowing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m130_zpsd5eec8f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m130_zpsd5eec8f4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m130_zpsd5eec8f4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
130. And beyond that, Bentley. Of course.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m131_zps2863cb83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m131_zps2863cb83.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m131_zps2863cb83.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
131. Looking back to the northern peak.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m132_zpsf3cdd3a7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m132_zpsf3cdd3a7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m132_zpsf3cdd3a7.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
132. Commemorative stone by the sea.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m133_zps182edd93.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m133_zps182edd93.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m133_zps182edd93.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
133. The slowest F1 car.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m134_zpsab15b22e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m134_zpsab15b22e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m134_zpsab15b22e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
134. Around the Fairmont bend to the casino.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m135_zpscf17612d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m135_zpscf17612d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m135_zpscf17612d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
135. Plaque on the sidewalk.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m136_zps9859cd0f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m136_zps9859cd0f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m136_zps9859cd0f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
136. Light on the corner.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m137_zps9ede8f70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m137_zps9ede8f70.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m137_zps9ede8f70.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
137. More views between buildings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m138_zps7fad03ea.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m138_zps7fad03ea.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m138_zps7fad03ea.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
138. Now that she doesn't have to go to all those state functions, she can go back on tour.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m139_zpsbc3583e8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m139_zpsbc3583e8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m139_zpsbc3583e8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
139. Place de Casino.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m140_zpsc32aa4ba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m140_zpsc32aa4ba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m140_zpsc32aa4ba.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
140. Palms and Christmas trees. The natural beauty, odd climate, and disgusting wealth here go a long way to explaining how Hollywood became so taken with this place, even before Grace Kelly married into the royal family. This sort of surrealism is really evocative of the DeMille-style Golden Age.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m141_zps4c4a160f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m141_zps4c4a160f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m141_zps4c4a160f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
141. Not going to wait six hours for the casino to open -- and I didn't bring a tux anyway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m142_zps41986e0a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m142_zps41986e0a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m142_zps41986e0a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
142. Pony cars around here. Immediately after this, some dude drove by in a Ford GTX-1. No, seriously, it was a convertible conversion, not the stock GT, which in itself is super rare and stupidly expensive. As alluded, unreal.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m143_zps408f4608.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m143_zps408f4608.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m143_zps408f4608.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
143. Hills over the Place.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m144_zpsb4004ab8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m144_zpsb4004ab8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m144_zpsb4004ab8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
144. Rear face of the Casino.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m145_zps1d6e78bc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m145_zps1d6e78bc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m145_zps1d6e78bc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
145. Long view of the palace.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m146_zps30915068.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m146_zps30915068.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m146_zps30915068.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
146. ...and the rest of it. As close as I got.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m147_zps4a40887e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m147_zps4a40887e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m147_zps4a40887e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
147. Raw hills over a shopping street.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m148_zpsab37fd4e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m148_zpsab37fd4e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m148_zpsab37fd4e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
148. Round tower and the dawn light.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m149_zpsf2eab562.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m149_zpsf2eab562.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m149_zpsf2eab562.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
149. Port Monaco. These are the winter-over yachts in a town with a McLaren dealership.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m150_zps70e8134e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m150_zps70e8134e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m150_zps70e8134e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
150. Apartments and the southern peak.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m151_zpse52fe481.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m151_zpse52fe481.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m151_zpse52fe481.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
151. More of the marina.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m152_zpsaf65adbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m152_zpsaf65adbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m152_zpsaf65adbf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
152. I'm not sure whether this Renault counts as a car or an enclosed motorcycle. Discussions with the resident motorhead from France at work (we have this guy, ok; he moved here on a "temporary" assignment and immediately bought a Camaro) indicate that it's technically a motorcycle for licensing purposes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m153_zps56ff0cb5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m153_zps56ff0cb5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m153_zps56ff0cb5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
153. "Private game room" -- at the side of the Casino. Too early to expect Bond, too late to look out for Lupin.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m154_zps28c38633.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m154_zps28c38633.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m154_zps28c38633.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
154. Cabaret entrance, further down.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m155_zps48fd39c2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m155_zps48fd39c2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m155_zps48fd39c2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
155. Down to the bay.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m156_zps69a95aa2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m156_zps69a95aa2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m156_zps69a95aa2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
156. It's Monaco, of course it's real marble, all the way down the staircase.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m157_zps383954d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m157_zps383954d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m157_zps383954d3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
157. Tire marks on the curve.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m158_zps21574203.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m158_zps21574203.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m158_zps21574203.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
158. Seriously wtf is this even? Wikipedia thinks it is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorkyball">soccer played like squash</a>, but I'm not sure, because that would be dumb and hyperpretentious, even for Monaco. Suggestions on a postcard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m159_zpsf41c6cf3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m159_zpsf41c6cf3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m159_zpsf41c6cf3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
159. The bay in the morning light.<br />
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<a href="http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/sonnmunster/media/Micronations%202013%202/m160_zps5379160f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo m160_zps5379160f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii551/sonnmunster/Micronations%202013%202/th_m160_zps5379160f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
160. The radiant blue sea rolls in.<br />
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161. Another median sculpture.<br />
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162. McLaren dealership close up, plus cameo.<br />
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163. Old-school elevator in the garage.<br />
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164. ((not germane))<br />
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v08. Heading out of Monaco.<br />
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Climbing out of Monaco to the autoroute over the border was a real trip. Not just on a technical do-not-run-into-walls-or-pedestrians-or-poorly-parked-scooters level, but because the satnav got itself confused, and couldn't identify which street I was on due to position error. Not from lack of satellites, as occasionally happened in the mountains in Switzerland -- just that the streets are so closely packed that it was prone to guessing wrong.<br />
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165. Terraces -- we're in Italy.<br />
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166. Through the toll plaza at Sanremo.<br />
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167. The rest of the formation. I have shittalked northern Italy in the past, but this one rock face made me take it all back. The pictures suck hardcore relative to live.<br />
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168. Alps above the valley.<br />
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169. Again, a few tunnels over.<br />
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170. Again to those peaks.<br />
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171. Villas on the hills.<br />
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v09. Along the coastal road, with some appropriate jamz courtesy <a href="http://www.rai.it/">RAI</a>. It's not all like this -- the first I heard from them over the border was Johnny Cash covering "Hurt".<br />
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172. Stark slopes to the sea.<br />
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173. Villa over the highway.<br />
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174. Mountains across the carriageway.<br />
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175. Church spire and high-tension wire.<br />
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176. Coming down the mountain. There are views like this -- and better -- literally everywhere on this route.<br />
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177. Weathered mountain.<br />
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178. Church in a valley town.<br />
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179. Along the shining coast.<br />
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180. Bridge and minicar, changing autostradi in Genoa.<br />
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181. Alps and treeline.<br />
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182. Ahead; snowcapped peaks kind of in the shot.<br />
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183. Steeple and cement hauler.<br />
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184. High mountains near Pisa.<br />
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185. Without the truck. There were a lot of fails like this, which I mostly deleted, but you need to leave some in for historical accuracy.<br />
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186. Again; you can't be sure, mostly concentrating on driving, that any of these will come out. I chucked like 15 pics from this leg for being of nothing, or parts of the car, or so poorly focused that it was obvious in the camera preview.<br />
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187. Further mountains, soaring clouds.<br />
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188. Alp and foliage.<br />
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189. Farmland on the other side.<br />
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190. Vineyard, despite window damage. (DNCO)<br />
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191. Mountains and reflections.<br />
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192. Ahead to an ancient tower.<br />
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193. Renaissance castle, mostly hidden.<br />
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194. High clouds over the afternoon.<br />
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195. Trees along the roadside.<br />
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196. Monastery on the summit.<br />
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197. Villa on the peak.<br />
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198. No! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarro">Me am</a> normal truck!<br />
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199. Ridge ahead.<br />
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200. The hotel on the outskirts of Rome. I chose this place for train and highway access reasons, but it doesn't hurt that it's a damn castle.<br />
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201. In the room. This isn't original, but still.<br />
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202. Window and ceiling.<br />
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203. "The Chancery". You can probably find this one on their <a href="http://www.plh.it/eng/castello_della_castelluccia/index.html">website</a>.<br />
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204. ((not germane))<br />
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The restaurant doesn't open for another hour, and will be nightmarishly expensive. I'm'a go to sleep, maybe bore into the minibar snacks in the morning, and get ready to get out by 0600 -- the roads around the castle are small and crap, and I don't like the idea of dealing with oncoming traffic.Son of Munsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224847316258516654noreply@blogger.com0