Bryan in Hong Kong

Title says it all, great trip! Many gigs of photos to sort through, stay tuned…

Arrived in Kiev this morning after an overnight train from Moscow. Went to Independence Square this afternoon. Spending tomorrow at an underground monastery, followed by our flight Friday afternoon.

Pulled in to Moscow last night. Hardly feels like we spent six full days on a train :) Lost of pictures and comments about life on the train later. Time to explore Moscow.

Last day in Beijing, just got back from the Forbidden City. We spent the first day here at the Summer Palace, and the first evening watching some performances at Lao She’s teahouse.  Yesterday we had an amazing hike on a remote section of the Great Wall (we were the only people there, lots and lots of pics later), and spent the evening at a famous hotpot restaurant with friends from my Hong Kong program.  We just picked up our clothes from the laundry and are about to grab some dinner. Train for Moscow leaves in five hours!

Trip is amazing so far. Among other things, we explored the roof of our hotel (great view), stumbled into a mahjong parlor and made some new friends (won the second round, see pic), and ate homemade zongzi (sticky rice) in an old couple’s shop/house. And of course, enjoying all the other food too. Shanghai is better than ever!

Eighteen continuous years of education, over today. Strange feeling ;)

Heading to the airport to get Sam in a few hours!