China's Many Faces
(42 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Ted Blank
Woodbury, MN
Tailor-Made Journeys
You understand that extraordinary vacations aren’t simply a function of dollars and cents, and you know that they certainly aren’t just pulled off the shelf.
Journeys of a lifetime are carefully designed with imagination, creativity, atten...
You understand that extraordinary vacations aren’t simply a function of dollars and cents, and you know that they certainly aren’t just pulled off the shelf.
Journeys of a lifetime are carefully designed with imagination, creativity, attention to detail, experience, and insider knowledge.
Are you looking for a travel adviser who possesses the expertise, education, intuition, insider knowledge, and connections to turn your vacation into the trip of a lifetime? I open new doors for discerning travelers like you looking to follow your own path to the world’s extraordinary destinations.
As a specialist in privately guided, tailor-made vacations and luxury cruises, you’ll enjoy highly personalized service and expert recommendations during the planning process. As you travel, you’ll come to appreciate being well looked after from wheels up on departure to wheels down on your return, giving you the freedom and confidence to be your best travel self wherever you go.
Through my extensive worldwide travel experience, an intuitive sense of possibilities, careful attention to detail, and a broad network of carefully vetted supplier partners, you can enjoy vacations that others only dream of to destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia and Oceania, South America, Africa, and beyond.
Please click on the links on this page to email me to schedule a complimentary introductory discovery session where we’ll get better acquainted, discuss your travel dreams, and begin to carefully craft the first of many explorations of this wonderful, fascinating world we share!
Can Be Reached At
1-651-964-8245
Gate of Heavenly Peace, Forbidden City, Beijing
China. An emerging Asian superpower. One of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet with some of the poorest people. A Communist nation that has embraced capitalism, with bustling cities full of modern skyscrapers. A deeply traditional nation that reveres its past yet worships progress and newness. These are just some of the contradictions that make China a must-visit destination for the curious traveler.
My personal adventure in China began in the capital of Beijing. Located in northern China on a high, arid plain, Beijing is experiencing unprecedented growth and development. It can be noisy, crowded, and overwhelming, yet still managed to dazzle me. The city is alive - alive with people, restaurants, and incredible historic sites. The Forbidden City is a place of awe, demonstrating China's rich, deep, and complex history. The Summer Palace, located on a serene lake in the outskirts of the city, is a magical place. Wide avenues give way to narrow streets and alleys full of interesting shops and authentic restaurants.
Nearby, my visit to the Great Wall of China was a highlight of my trip. It would be worth visiting for its scenic beauty alone, but it was its massive size - thousands and thousands of miles in length - that truly put things in perspective.
My next stop was Xian, most famous for Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors. Constructed over 200 years before the birth of Christ, this massive tomb includes nearly 10,000 individual figures. The detailed facial features and elaborate costumes are stunning, Xian also boasts an impressive city wall, built by the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Middle Ages. I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon strolling the walls, taking in the view and sampling some local delicacies along the way.
Hong King was next. This former British Colony presents another face of China, a more western one. The view of Kowloon and the harbor from Victoria Peak shows is incredible, as is the long cable car ride up to the huge Tian Tian Buddha on Lantau Island. I window shopped along Nathan Road and enjoyed the historic Star Ferry ride between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. I also traveled by hydrofoil to Macau, which makes Las Vegas look like an also-ran!
Stanley, located in Hong Kong Island, is a beachfront oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Swimming beaches, a seaside promenade, and dine restaurants made for an enjoyable afternoon of relaxation.
My only regret when I returned home was that I didn't have more time to experience this amazing nation, but I guess the Yangtze River, Tibet, and Shanghai will have to wait for next time!
Is China on your bucket list? Contact me to learn more about discovering the Middle Kingdom on a customized privately-guided vacation, a small group tour or expedition, or as part of a luxury or world cruise to Asia.