Adventures In China

Another run finds an overpass sheltering bamboo rings of steamed buns and sizzling griddles. Further on puddled alleyways have more breakfast fare and crates of produce. In one such alley I observe every U.S. Health Code being violated.


Between driving around this sprawling city we get a tour of the springs that make the town famous and then see the silted Yellow River.


The base for the next two nights is Tai’an. A drive through town brings us to a stroll through a park; some go see tigers, others shop. Back at the hotel after dinner my new friends, Rodolfo & Monika, invite me to accompany them to see downtown. The tour guide provides Chinese writing to show taxi drivers destinations.


We amble through a night market of bright carts lighting up an angled riverfront street and then heads towards the insanity of a main thoroughfare.


A real treat is visiting a supermarket gawking at the wares. I get a couple small packages of crackers, banana, and 2 pieces of bakery for what equals about eighty cents.

At this supermarket we are amazed by the sheer volume of employees. One aisle counts 15 alone. Three to four at every check out. Communism- give everyone a job!

Every night the group has the option of a massage priced at $12-20 for 90 minutes.
On this night I am awaken by a young lady at my door. “Massage?” I decline thinking she has the wrong room. “Massage for five dollar?” Yikes, she is not offering a massage but a massage! “No.” Close and chain the door quickly