Category: Travel

The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

Across the street from Tiananmen Square is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This chapter is straight out of the dictatorship playbook to put a leader’s body to rest in a mausoleum. Mao was the leader of the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 until his death in 1976. He was part of the movement to abandon …

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Zhenyangmen was once the South Gate to Beijing’s Inner City

Built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty Zhenyangmen was once the south gate to Beijing’s Inner City. Now it’s just a tourist attraction that is near Tiananmen Square. The first photo is looking from the China Railway Museum and when looking from the left to the right you see Zhenyangmen, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, …

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China Railway Museum

Across the street from Zhengyangmen is the China Railway Museum. If you’re into trains and near Tiananmen Square it is a short walk to get there.

First Time Eating a Chinese Hamburger in Xi’an

Tried a Chinese hamburger at a local place in Xi’an. The owner wanted to film me taking a bite so she can post it to Chinese media. I’m a picky eater so that is always a scary thing to do, but as it turned out this was actually pretty good.

Statue of Xuanzang in front of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Xuanzang was a buddhist monk that traveled from China to India to learn about Buddhism and he brought back and translated many buddhist teachings during the time of 629-645 of the current era. Here is a photo of the statue of Xuanzang in Xi’an, China in front of the Wild Goose Pagoda.

E.T. Sign at Universal Studios Hollywood

Near the parking lot of Universal Studios Hollywood there is an illuminated E.T. sign. There is also another sign that shows when the movie was made.

Back to the Future Part II Movie Set Tour in Hollywood

While taking the Universal Studios Hollywood movie set tour we passed the iconic Back to the Future Part II clock tower that was struck by lightening. There were some vehicles on display that were used in the movie. Then there was memorabilia that was for purchase that was signed by Michael J. Fox.

Walking on the Sidewalk in China Can Be Difficult

Walking down the sidewalk in China can be difficult. This is an actual photo of a sidewalk in Beijing. First off they use bricks which looks nice, but over time it becomes bumpy and uneven. Then they place as many obstacles in the path of the sidewalk as possible. This causes all sorts of hazards …

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Xi’an Power

Conveniently located between the Xi’an airport and the city of Xian itself is a power plant which supplies the city with electricity. When I look at this I wonder if it is a nuclear power plant. If it is, to me, it doesn’t make much sense to place it between the city and the airport …

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Flight to Shanghai

On the flight to Shanghai here are some sights along the way.

Toll Roads Near Xi’an, China

Here are a couple toll roads near Xi’an. As you can see one looks traditional whereas the other looks more futuristic.

Airplane Baggage Weight Rule

Mechanical Panda Statue in Beijing

Museum of the Communist Party of China

War is Coming Help a Ukrainian Before It’s Too Late

Artwork in the Beijing Airport

Never Travel With Tom Hanks

Embassy of Togo in Beijing

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Familiarize Yourself With Aircraft Safety Features

Everything Will Kill You So Choose Something Fun

MILF Plaza

How to Tell a Columbian Woman

In Memory of Thomas Clark and Robert Finley

One hundred forty years ago was the shootout at the OK corral in Tombstone, Arizona. This plaque is dedicated in memory of Thomas Clark and Robert Finley by the McLaury family & friends.

At the Corner of London and France

The Great Wall of China Near Jinshanling

This was my first trip to the Great Wall of China. I decided I was going to take as many photos as I could because I don’t know if I’ll ever be back. These photos were taken in Jinshanling near the Zhuanduo Pass. I took a few panoramic views of the area and here they …

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Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Retirement to Travel

Garden in England Dedicated to Plants That Can Kill

Japan is a Highly Cultured Society With Whisky

Pont Neuf Bridge in Paris

Biang Biang Noodles in Xi’an

In Xi’an, China there are noodles called “Biang Biang Mian” these are big slippery noodles that are a little bit spicy, but taste great. It is part of the fun trying to pick these big noodles up with chopsticks and the other half of the fun is enjoying their delicious taste. The interesting thing about …

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