Comments on: 20 Things I Learned Traveling In China

By: China Carnival #12: Wine, Train, Green Olympic | ChinaBlog.cc - Timeless China Blog

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:24:11 +0000

[...] Hayes presents 20 Things I Learned Traveling In China posted at Sharing Travel Experiences, saying, “A tongue-in-cheek view of travel in China from [...]

By: Some Things In Life Can Only Be Learned Away from Home | Sharing Travel Experiences: Travel More | Travel Concierge Services, Experiences, Recommendations, and Inspirational Stories

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:06:29 +0000

[...] Over the years I have become accustomed to luxurious, sybaritic travel. My work requires taking journalists to elegant hotels and resorts, work that is cushioned by expense accounts and hovering hosts. So imagine this summer the surprises of a four-week foray to China to teach English to Chinese youngsters – an adventure laden with flies, probably fleas, grain-stuffed pillows, kids who spit in the classroom and bad chalk. I didn’t realise at the time, but I was the one being taught a lesson – that some things in life you only learn while travelling. [...]

By: What We’re Reading: January 29, 2010 | Two Go Round-The-World

What We’re Reading: January 29, 2010 | Two Go Round-The-World — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:14:12 +0000

[...] East. Monica Wong shares 20 things she learned while travelling in China. Monica writes about her oh-so-offbeat travel adventures on her site, A Pair of Panties & [...]

By: Chris - The Aussie Nomad

Chris - The Aussie Nomad — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:23:04 +0000

Thats partly why we travel isnt it? To stop seeing the world through a keyhole and actually experience it for ourselves. Not only do you see amazing things up close and personal but you get to avoid the marketing bull.

Having read over a lot of your China posts Im now determined to visit there at some stage. I just hope I can avoid number 9

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:13:53 +0000

Great article! Having lived in Hong Kong for a while and exploring China a bit, many of these hit home (particularly the realization that were not 16 anymore when the going gets tough!)

IMO, these are good times for a visit to China. When I first went in 1990 it was really only for adventurers, as language, transportation, travelers services, etc., were all a challenge. For me that was a big part of the fun, but for others those things were a major problem.

Now China is a very viable mainstream destination, with the popular destinations having comfortable places to stay, plenty of food options, transportation is infinitely more comfortable and convenient, etc. Pollution is indeed a problem in the cities, though anyone who has been to India can vouch that the air could be a lot worse!

By: Monica

Monica — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:24:42 +0000

@Sherry – Isnt there a more visually appealing way to get my protein? Lol

@Barbara – Just imagine running with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle for 20 minutes. Youll start feeling the burn really quickly. Or maybe Im just really out of shape.

@Dave and Deb – Thanks guys! I find myself learning much more outside of the classroom than inside. Im sure Im not the only one.

By: Dave and Deb

Dave and Deb — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:56:53 +0000

Excellent post. I just finished reading Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost and it has scared me off of going to China…almost:) Your adventures sound just as crazy as his.
I am surprised that there is clean air in China, I will be sure to visit Suzhou’s Lingering Garden. According to the book I read, there isn’t any clean air in the country. I know he was probably exaggerating for shock value, but I did tend to believe him:)
I had only recently learned about the Rape of Nanjing, so tragic.
Good for you for getting out of the classroom and learning about China. It takes a lot of guts to venture out on your own! Cheers.

By: Barbara Weibel

Barbara Weibel — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:43:38 +0000

#10 – I want to know why she had a searing pain in her leg in Taishan

By: Sherry Ott

Sherry Ott — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:38:55 +0000

Love #12 – so very true!

Nothin’ wrong with a few flies on the side…protein!