Qingdao hosted the sailing event at the 2008 Olympics, but sailing is not just for foreign competitors. Contrary to impoverished stereotypes, the Chinese own plenty of their own sailboats. There’s even more than one Qingdao Yacht Club.
ByGD
Avian Social Hour
A while back I posted about how the real life things you see when you travel don’t always live up to expectations. I’m okay with that because I’d rather experience something real, even if it is a little grimy. But it was also a bit unfair. Because even though things aren’t always as perfect and picturesque as our dreams, sometimes they are. On the same day that I saw the dirty little bird cage on the sidewalk surrounded by cleaning supplies and garbage, I also saw this avian social hour. A picturesque little collection of songbirds hanging near a miniature garden cultivated on a city sidewalk.
Personally, I find both discoveries worth the effort of going someplace new.
ByGD
Dirty Bird
One of the best things about travel is that first-hand experiences in other cultures demolishes stereotypes. One of the worst things about travel is that first-hand experiences rarely live up to the imagery that drew us to visit a place. I looked forward to seeing China’s picturesque city squares filled with traditionally dressed octogenarians and their pet songbirds. And I did see lots of songbirds in bamboo cages placed outside for fresh air and company. But it was not always so picturesque as in the movies.
ByGD
Oh My Garden
In Qingdao, my daughter and I loved going to those chichi cafes like the girls in the comic books do. The decor is the point and an iced drink costs $5 but you get to sit in the air conditioning and chat and feel stylish while you rest your feet. Oh My Garden was one of those delightful little havens.
ByGD
Ghibli-Like
I’ve posted more than once about the cute little hilltop towers in Qingdao that remind me of creatures designed by Studio Ghibli. But actually, the entire German Concession area of Qingdao has the same Sino-European look as many of Studio Ghibli’s movies – especially Kiki’s Delivery Service. When I was in Qingdao, I would not have been one bit surprised to see a teenage girl on a broom rushing down one of these hillsides.