Marg


 * Marg's thoughts about the upcoming trip to China**


 * //Why you want to go to China?//**

mmm - Can't actually claim to ever have held a burning desire to go specifically to China, but I have always been interested in the Asian countries and when the opportunity to go as part of an organised tour arose, well suddenly it's my greatest travel destination desire! My sister lived in England for nearly 10 years and she told me that if I was only ever going to do limited overseas travelling, then to make sure I went to Asia. Having travelled to many and various European destinations, my sister always maintained that you were always aware that you were in another country, when you visited Asia. So here I am and here we go.


 * //What your are looking forward to the most?

I am most looking forward to seeing the landmarks that I have read about and seen only in photographs and on television. I am excited about visiting the Terracotta Warriors and appreciating the vast display of craftmanship and skill. I can't wait to see or "do" the Great Wall - but I have been warned by Trish Butters, that you need to be fit to "climb" // wall, even though the perception is the you walk on the wall. Tienneman Square is most notoriously, the home of the massacre - I would like to see it for its beauty whilst reminding myself how lucky we are to live in Australia. Of course the other destinations like the Temples, The Silk Factory, The Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, Beijing Zoo etc are all up there as places I am delighted to be seeing as well. I am a little anxious about the squat toilets on the overnight train, but I'm sure they will make for some amusing anecdotes on our return.

**//**What you expect China will be like**

I expect China to be smoggy and humid. I expect to see lots of bicycles in racks on the street, people doing Tai Chi etc in parks and lots of high rise buildings. I expect to see bustling streets, chaotic roads and traditional dress. I expect to struggle with breakfast and to miss my Special K. I expect to struggle with the communication breakdown but I hope to pick up some basic Chinese. I expect to see stern teachers at our school visit, obedient children in classes and amazing displays of structured and traditional work in classes. I expect to make some silly mistakes with money and to find some amazing bargains in the Beijing Silk Market. I hope to taste test all the different foods and to have loads of laughs with the group that I am with.

// =Jess' Tasks=

 GASTRONOMIST: find out about the food from northern China - the stuff typical of Beijing.

JOURNALIST: What's happening in China this week?

LINGUIST: Think about the sorts of things you might be doing each day - what will you need to know how to say? Start by looking at what words you need to be able to bargain!

SINOLOGIST: Let's get some pop culture happening. What were the three most popular movies in China last year? See if you can get hold of one and watch it. If you can't find anything out about the popular ones from last year (or this year) then see what you can find out about some of the most famous Chinese films and see if you can get hold of one.

RETAIL THERAPIST: Starting doing some research on shopping in China, with a particular focus on the rules of bargaining.