Egypt - Alexandria

And on to Northern Africa it was.  Thanks, Emirates, for a smooth ride over a volatile airspace into the exotic location of Cairo, Egypt, the largest city in the continent of Africa.

Met by an On the Go Tour staff member, it was an uneventful journey through immigration but another exhilarating ride through the African version of traffic.  Probably a bit more polite than the Chinese but still crazy!  Check out the Egyptian horse float!

First impression of Cairo is that it is like a mammoth archeological site.  Lots of rubble everywhere and rundown buildings, that people still live in.  

There are many different areas of Cairo depicting the social economic lifestyles of the Egyptian people.  Unlike the Asian countries, it was noticeable that there was rubbish everywhere, especially in the poorer areas of the city.  It is actually an occupation of some Egyptian families to sort through the garbage to look for any food, clothing or ‘treasures’ that they could use.  Watching that definitely makes you appreciate your own lifestyle.

The main thing to know about this fascinating country is that throughout history, Egypt was invaded and conquered by numerous foreign powers, so their culture has many different international flavours intertwined in it.  In chronological order Hyksos, Kushites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and then the Arabs put an end to the millennium-long Greco-Roman period. 

This varied culture was evident in our first excursion to the ancient city of Alexandria on a private tour with two young lovebirds from London (recently engaged) and Aymen, a local tour guide who has an extensive knowledge on Egyptian culture and history.  The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331BC, nearly 1400 years older than Cairo, and it has evolved into a thriving metropolis of 5.6 million with a reputation of being one of the most cultured cities in the world that still has some iconic historical sites to visit.

1.      Qaitbay Citadel – a defensive limestone fort, built in the 14^th century on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, over the ruins of one of the great ancient wonders, Alexandria Lighthouse that had toppled over in an earthquake.  As it was built in a strategic location, it drew the attention of many rulers over the years and has actually been rebuilt many times.

2.      Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – largest Roman burial site in Egypt where there is evidence of both Roman and Greek mythology for a man, his wife and child.

3.      Pompey’s Pillar – was not actually erected for Pompey the Great but to commemorate Roman Emperor Diocletian’s victory around 298-302AD.  It is more of a reminder of the city’s Roman past and the interaction between Roman and Egyptian cultures.

4.      Ancient Roman Amphitheatre – a 4^th century landmark that was used for close to 300 years falling into ruin after the Islamic conquest.

5.      Library of Alexandria – the new one as the original one was accidentally burnt down during Julius Caesar’s siege of the city in 48BC, and many historical records were destroyed.  We didn’t venture in, but it has the biggest reading area in the world, apparently.

We were also treated to a yummy seafood lunch looking out onto the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea before making the 3 hour trek back to Cairo on the new motorway, which is only 3 years old.

Beijing, China

 First of all, apologies for the delay in the next installment of my adventures.  It is a true story that China does not allow Facebook, or any Google products if you are on a Chinese sim card, which Rosie bought (the Great Firewall of China).  It was quite amazing how many one does use that Rosie has now, had a week off using.  Grant was still able to access most of his apps and I, the vegetable, don’t use any so it didn’t worry me! 

China is the world’s most populated country, and you can tell no matter where you go, there are a lot of people here, and it just happens to be the Chinese school holidays.  They have 2 months off over the Summer so would you believe that the most common nationality of tourists in China during this time is Chinese!  At this stage, we would like to point out that New Zealand children are so much more polite that Chinese children, well most of them are! :)

First impressions of Beijing, capital city of China since 1057BC yet was established over 3000 years ago, and was called Jin City, is that it is quite chaotic.  Coming from the well organized and systematic Japanese, we arrived into the craziness of Chinese driving.  From the taxi ride to the hotel, we counted at least 4 near misses and when you are out walking you need to watch not only the cars and buses, but the numerous scooters and bikes!  The white striped pedestrian lines don’t seem to mean too much, and they also like to use their horn loudly!  We now know why the Chinese drivers are not very popular on the New Zealand roads!  They have a pretty good subway system if you don’t want to navigate the traffic.

So, wits about us at all times as not everything is in English and most of the locals don’t speak our tongue.  There was a lot of gesturing, pointing and sign language to get them to understand what we want.   We were staying near a major shopping street that is for pedestrians only – Wangfujing St and every second building is a mall of some description that has at least 4 floors and 1-2 of those floors is dedicated to food so there is no shortage of finding any food.  They are also open until 10pm each night.

As the Chinese sizing of clothes is like the Japanese, quite small fitting, Grant was able to get some shirts and trousers custom made from Silk Street, a huge 7 floor building with everything imaginable for sale.  Most of the products were knock offs for high ended brands and you bartered with them for a price.  During the negotiations Grant was referred to as a 'buddha' and they wanted some extra money for the extra material they were having to use to make his clothes! LOL!   Fortunately, Grant got his way and didn't pay any extra.

It seemed that every second shop was a restaurant of some description and who knew that Chinese food could be so varied.  Would you believe that not once did we see a wonton or a combination fried rice but we did try as many variations of the food that we could. One of the food outlets that took our fancy was the NotPot, a moving buffet meal on a conveyor belt.  All three of us were in heaven with the amount of food that could be eaten in one sitting.

A definite highlight was the visit to see one of the wonders of the world, The Great Wall of China, a series of stone and earthen fortifications that stretches for 21 000km along the northern border.  The history surrounding this structure is mindboggling.  It dates back over 2,500 years ago when various emperors built it to protect ancient states from nomadic tribes.  Most of the wall was built during the Ming Dynasty 1368-1644.  We went to the Mutianyu part of the wall of which they can have up to 100 000 visitors a day. There is a plaque that states “Once intended to ward off enemy attacks, today it brings together the peoples of the world.  The great wall, may it continue to act as a symbol of friendship for future generations.”

It was also during the time of the Ming Dynasty that the Forbidden City was constructed.  This was the former imperial palace of China and is the world’s largest palace complex, rectangular in shape, and covers 720 000 square metres.  It is surrounded by a 6m deep moat and a 10m high wall.  It is called the Forbidden City because no one could enter it without the emperor’s permission.  This year, 2025, they are celebrating 100 years of allowing the public to view this unique and historical series of buildings.  NB:  The last emperor, Puyi, abdicated in 1912 but was allowed to live there for a certain time.  That was the end of the Qing dynasty and the start of the Republic of China, referred to as 'Modern China'.

Alongside this former palace is the infamous Tiananmen Square, 44 acres and is the biggest square in the world.  With the Forbidden City on one side, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the great hall of the people, and the National Museum of China flank the other three sides.  Over 100 000 people per day visit both these sites and so you can imagine, security is very, very high.  Instead of looking like a terrorist in disguise, I stayed in the van, as who knows what a stuffed toy vegetable could have hidden inside him?  Fortunately, Rosie and Grant, had a tour guide who suggested “no bags” and that saved them over an hour’s wait not having to get their bags checked but still had a few passport checks.  

One of the emperor’s most important jobs to do was to pray.  Twice a year, depending on the seasons, he would venture to the Temple of Heaven and pray for a bumper harvest.  This was the next stop to see a beautiful temple built in a round shape which is the Chinese symbol for Heaven.  The rectangular shape of the Forbidden City represents earth.

The Beijing Zoo is a must visit.  With it being the school holidays there were many families exploring the vast enclosures to see over 5000 species of animal.  We felt like we were on display as well.  Walking around, we must have looked like unusual specimens to the locals as we got many strange looks.  At one stage we got stopped by three teenage boys wanting our photo with them.  Rosie asked them (via translator) “are you on a scavenger hunt?” and the reply was “No, we are just looking for some animals.” 😊  I guess with Grant towering over everyone, Rosie looking like a leprechaun in her bright, green top and me, a vegetable, we did look a bit out of place amongst the Chinese.

Unfortunately, it must have been naptime for the giant pandas, so we didn’t really get to see them in action, same as the Bengal tiger and polar bear, sound asleep.  The rest of the animals were in full flight especially the monkeys – very entertaining to watch.

For a more modern attraction we went to the venue for the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympics where they still use the magnificent sporting venues for lots of different events.  They are the only city who has managed to use these venues for both Summer and Winter Opening and Closing Ceremonies.  As with all the places we have visited so far, we ventured up high.  The Olympic Tower gave us a magnificent 360 view of Beijing in the 36 degree heat!  

Then it was over to the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium (capacity 91 000 spectators) which is an amazing piece of architecture and engineering.  Not only could you tour around inside, but you could also have a walk around on top, too.  I was too scared to venture up there, but Rosie and Grant did!

China has 4 things that they are famous for, and we were fortunate to visit a few places to find out some more about them.

1.      Tea.  After a very informative tea ceremony, Rosie was recommended to never drink tea from a tea bag again and after having explained about the benefits of certain types of tea, I am sure that Grant will indulge in a few cups himself (especially the one that helps with gout symptoms).

2.      Jade – national gemstone (just like us but different colours) symbolizing purity, beauty and grace so yes, Rosie bought a bracelet and some earrings.

3.      Silk – we were given an explanation about the silkworm cycle and the benefits of products made from silk.  We were persuaded to buy a silk duvet which has warming and cooling benefits and was a lot cheaper than buying one of that quality in New Zealand.

4.      Traditional Chinese Medicine – given an insight into the benefits of their herbal remedies and had the most gorgeous foot massage.

So that is a wrap from Beijing, China.  We could not do it justice in a week but now have some wonderful souvenirs, and memories, from the most populated country in the world.

Land of the Rising Sun - Kyoto

Kyoto, 9^th most populated city in Japan, and one of the oldest dating back to 794 when it was chosen to be the capital, and where the Emperor lived until he shifted to Tokyo in 1868.  We didn’t get to either Tokyo’s or Kyoto’s Imperial Palaces, but the pics look like they are grand living quarters!

Instead, we ventured up the Kyoto Tower to get our bearings and had a wander around what ended up being a quieter part of the city.  Just down the road from the hotel was the Higashi Honganji temple which is the mother temple of Shinshu Otani-ha (Shin Buddhism) and has one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan.

We felt like we needed to see some countryside so rode the train out to the Arashiyama area to see the famed wooden Togetsu-kyo bridge over the Katsura River and the Sagano bamboo forest which is part of the Tenryu-Ji Temple gardens.

Following on from that peaceful afternoon, we arrived back to Kyoto to explore the crazy Nishiki Market.  There was so much to see, smell and listen to, we didn’t know where to look or go.  Instead, we found a seat, our bearings and ventured into the Gion district to find a bar for a cold beverage.  The options for food and drink felt like they were infinite so we decided to head back to the quieter district of Kyoto Tower and its food hall where we could try a number of different yet still delicious dishes for a cheaper price.  Our favourite so far is the tempura battered seafood and vegetables along with fried chicken accompanied by a variety of sauces.

One last ride on the Hello Kitty Hakura bullet train to Kansai Airport near Osaka but instead of going on another hour trip on the train to visit the 2^nd most populated city in Japan, did some retail therapy at nearby Rinku-Town where they had numerous retail shops with every brand imaginable!  Not too much purchased though as we are finding that the Japanese clothing is considerably a bit smaller than what we require!

And so, we say sayonara to Japan, let’s sum it up in three words each…

Rosie – polite, organised systems, friendly

Grant – busy, enriching culture, safe

Steve – sweaty, delicious food, hot (mid-high 30s).  Too much for this Southern character!!

Land of the Rising Sun - Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a somber reminder of what happened at the end of World War II with many memorials and tributes to what happened at 8:15am on 6^th August 1945.  Every day at that time a clock chimes but you can see how the city has come together to rebuild after that devastating event in world history.

Dedicated to honouring the memory of those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing is the Peace Memorial Park.  Throughout the park there is a message advocating nuclear disarmament and global harmony, encouraging future generations to strive for a world free of nuclear weapons. The most significant landmark that survived the bombing is the Atomic Dome which was formally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall.  Because the blast struck from almost directly above, some of the centre walls remained standing, leaving enough of the building and iron frame to be recognizable as a dome.

The Bell of Peace is a symbol of Hiroshima Aspiration.  “Let all nuclear arms and wars be gone, and the nations live is true peace!” There are also many memorials to the children who were killed instantly in the blast as there were several schools nearby.

In Japanese, Hiroshima means ‘wide island’ and has a long and proud history before and after 1945.  The community has done an excellent job of the rebuilding and have many new buildings and stadiums.  One such building is the Orizuru Tower.  From the observation deck you can see a 360 view of the this lovely city.

Using the very efficient public transport system, we travelled to Miyajima Island to see the Miyahima O-Torii Gate, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, which is the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine.  This gate symbolizes the connection between the spiritual world and nature.  On the island there are native, friendly, deer.  If you don’t watch your belongings, they will have a wee nibble.  At one stage I thought I was going to be lunch for one of them!

A venture under the shade of the trees in the beautiful Shukkeien Garden was a great way to keep a bit cooler.  Did I mention that the temperatures are in the mid to high 30s?  We have even had to buy an umbrella, not to keep us dry but to keep the UV rays off us! There were also some very cool fish and turtles, again wondering if I was going to feed them!  The construction of this garden dates back to 1620, built by Ueda Soko, a famous master of the tea ceremony, and expresses the idea of collecting miniaturizing many scenic views.  Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb but was quickly restored to its condition prior to the bombing.

Near the gardens was the Hiroshima Castle.  Touring through the rebuild of this historic place, you were taken back to the Nambokucho period (14th century) and what life was like back then, especially if you were a Samurai.  I got to try on a helmet!  Very, very heavy so imagine fighting with that on and with an equally heavy sword!!

A highlight of our trip so far was to experience a Japanese baseball game, of which the locals are very passionate about.  At the Mazda Zoom-Zoom stadium (capacity 31 000), we were soon joining in with the chanting and cheering for their local heroes, the Hiroshima Toya Carps.  Unfortunately, the Hanshin Tigers were too strong and beat them 6-1.

Land of the Rising Sun - Tokyo

First stop on Steve’s overseas adventures Tokyo, Japan.  After a smooth flight with AirNZ, the first thing to navigate was the masses of people.  Here we were, 3 hardy souls from the bottom of the South Island, competing with over 37 million people, the largest populated city in the world.  Onto the train system we went, and after a bit of toil and trouble, and a lot of patience (manawanui at its peak) we managed to get ourselves into Shinjuku where our hotel was situated.  Thank goodness all the signs are also in English!  We do need to be proud of ourselves for navigating around one of the busiest stations in the world with 3.5 million people travelling through it every day!

To get our bearings, the Hop On, Hop Off bus was a must.  This was a great way to see the main sights of Tokyo but also to get some interesting insights into the history and customs via entertaining commentary.  We only hopped off at one place, the Tokyo Tower, once the tallest building in Tokyo at 333m high.  Emulating the Eiffel Tower, we were able to get a great view of this mammoth city and help get those bearings under control.

Did we though?  Not really, still managed to get lost a bit walking around the streets of Shinjuku looking for some traditional Japanese food to try out, along with some liquids to hydrate with!  We were not disappointed with our choices of cuisine.

The next day was spent with a wee tour group, guided by a very knowledgeable guide, Aya, who also thought that I, Steve, was a carrot, to Mt Fuji and Hakone.  The weather was mainly on our side for this time of year as we got to see Mt Fuji in its entirety from the flat (where we had lunch with some Ninjas)

but when we bused halfway up to 5^th Station, the clouds were too low to get a view of any kind.  FYI Mt Fuji last erupted 300 years ago and is now considered dormant but is revered as a sacred mountain and a symbol of Japan.  According to one Japanese myth, a farmer named Visu witnessed the mountain’s sudden eruption, transforming barren land into fertile ground.  The Goddess Konohanasakuya-hime is associated with Mt Fuji and all volcanoes, symbolizing delicate earthly life and the power of nature.  If you are after a spiritual journey, climbing Mt Fuji is traditionally a pilgrimage, a path of spiritual purification and reverence for the mountain’s deities.  We didn’t have time for that but visited the shrine to say a wee prayer, remembering 2-2-1 (bow twice, clap twice, pray).

We then ventured to Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway where another volcano was simmering away, and last erupted 10 years ago.  It reminded us of the sulphuric smells of Rotorua. 

The last bit of the tour was a leisurely cruise on a pirate ship along Lake Ashinoko where you could see the Hakone Shrine on the shores of the lake.

To get back to Tokyo was our first experience of a bullet train.  Amazing how smooth and relaxing they are considering how fast they are going – 300km/hour.  A long but entertaining tour to one of the major natural landmarks of this very interesting country.

Sunday, currently back on the bullet train on our way south to Hiroshima nervously watching the Tribe app’s scoring of the Steel vs Mystics game.  All three of us were wanting Southern Steel to have a bigger score than the Mystics but alas, it was not to be the Steel’s day!  Bad luck team!  Even just watching the score was exciting, we will look forward to watching the highlights for yet, another exhilarating game, in between our continuing adventures of this fascinating Asian country.