A long time ago now I began to collect jewellery as souvenirs. When I wear something I bought in a particular place or with a particular person, I think back to that time and place. And that makes me happy. My jewellery boxes are treasure chests of memories. They are a tangible connection to people and places that matter to me – my souvenirs.
Christina and I went to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, for four days and it was lovely. This is the third country in which I’ve walked (and eaten) alongside the Mekong. I loved wandering around town.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens opened in 1859 and cover a huge space. I couldn’t possibly do everything but did get a taste of the different gardens – especially the incredible National Orchid Garden.
For the first time since leaving China more than two months ago, I spent time with people who really KNOW me. I came back feeling refreshed, and more myself than I have in a long time. I also gained an extra measure of hope/reassurance about my imminent move to Australia.
Yumen Scenic Area is in the desert about 90km (55mi) northwest of Dunhuang and was my favourite spot in the area. The remnants of wall still visible are over 2,000 years old; I was astounded by how much remains after centuries of erosion.
The Cameron Highlands, about 200km north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has lots of tea estates and strawberry farms – the two most famous products of the area. I didn’t try the tea, but the strawberries were delicious!
A well preserved Ancient City with a full city wall built in 1370 – 12m high (40ft) and 6km around (nearly 4mi), with a total of 72 watchtowers – puts Pingyao on the map. Also, by the 19th century PIngyao was the financial centre of China.
Xi’an has over 3000 years of continuous history and is home to 8 million people. We visited Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Da Ci’en Temple; the Drum Tower; the Great Mosque of Xi’an; Muslim quarter markets; and the City Wall.
Dunhuang is an oasis town in northwest Gansu province surrounded by deserts – Gobi to the East, Taklamakan to the West. It is also ringed by mountains – giant “megadunes”, rocky San Wei mountains, and snow-capped Qilian mountains.
Qingdao is a coastal city 550km (340 mi) southeast of Beijing. I wasn’t there as a tourist but enjoyed looking at the ocean, especially the seaside boardwalk. Though it was strange to watch an entire ocean disappear into a greyish smog haze.
My past two visits to Australia have been the easiest I’ve made in ten years. Were they easier because I’m already looking ahead to moving there? It’s still strange to think about not being in China, but I feel more at peace about the coming move.
I spent Christmas in Australia with my family. It was my first Christmas there in 5 years and I was so excited to go. The view from our units was pretty amazing! It was us, a road, the beach, and then the Pacific Ocean all the way to the horizon.
Stories From Tanya 