March 20, 2009

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What We’re Reading: NYTimes on Travel in China

March 20, 2009 in Culture, Food, In the News, Travel Tips by Emma | 2 comments

The New York Times has some really interesting pieces on travel in China right now, including:

I thought this piece was really interesting, and love the candor of the jade seller (Come on, this is a $2 cellphone charm, of course it’s not great jade!). There are great deals on all kinds of souvenirs in China, but with everything, caveat emptor.

This reminds me of a similar trend that’s happening with snowboarding and skiing developing in China. I haven’t personally been to Hainan, but would definitely be interested in some face time (and, no doubt, falling time!) with a beach and a surfboard. Anyone care to join?

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Unveiling Peking Opera

March 20, 2009 in Culture, On the Road by admin | 2 comments

Before I came to Beijing, I remember hearing the word “opera” and associating it with the beautiful arias of Italian singers and world-famous artists like Pavarotti. After going to the Laoshe Teahouse my whole perspective changed! Opera in China is an entirely different, more amazing and way more colorful way to describe the opera genre… it is Peking Opera.

As I was walking into the Laoshe Teahouse, I didn’t really know what to expect after seeing the distinct feng shui-like decorations in the foyer. I do, however, remember thinking how perfect everything was set up. After listening to a little quartet play, I made my way to the main hall where I was seated in a group table and served some delicious little snacks and their famous green tea (which I downed in about two seconds and proceeded to ask for more).

When the first act opened, I was still unsure about what was coming. The depiction of the tea ceremony was so detailed, but my favorite part was the face changing. This man, all done up in the traditional Peking opera costume, would dance around and change his mask fifteen times in a matter of nanoseconds. How he did it? I have no idea, but it definitely peaked my interest to go look it up. And when I did, I learned this is a form of art that takes about ten to fifteen years to master. Incredible!

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Voluntourism: Rejuvenating Romance

March 20, 2009 in In the News by Emma | No comments

Teaching English, building roads, and revitalizing schools are not usually the first things that come to mind when most people think of romantic getaways. However, a recent article in TIME talks about couples growing closer through service vacations, or voluntourism.

From the article:

Even though volunteer vacations don’t leave much room for candles and flowers, says Antoniotti, they have been rejuvenating for her relationship. “Not that a typical vacation isn’t fun, but if it’s really easy, you don’t have those experiences that stretch you,” she says. “It’s like in exercise how they say tiny tears in your muscles allow you to get stronger. Little things that take you outside of your comfort zone challenge you as a couple and make you stronger.”

WildChina has always been dedicated to serving the local communities we visit, and we’re constantly on the lookout for new projects. We’ve taken students on service trips in Guizhou, work closely with the WWF in Sichuan, and are developing service trips with Habitat for Humanity. Visit us at wildchina.com and follow us on Twitter to learn more!