Knobcottage in China

Today I just wanted a day of local wandering.  I had arranged to meet Julie if she was free, but neither of us had the intention of an early start!  As usual, the day started with a big breakfast!   Then Julie sent me a text.  She suggested we go to a 'village' near the centre of Zhongshan.  We took a disk and headed off.  It was not possible to get a lift all the way, so we were dropped off nearby and walked in on foot.  When we arrived there was a fundraising event for the local kindergarten taking place in the small square.  It was just like any other fair in the UK.   We wandered around it and then headed off to the village.  It was more of an old quarter that had been selected by the yuppies to be cool.  There were designed restaurants here and there mixed in amongst some old buildings.  As usual, I looked for the unusual.  Icons an art gallery and got invited in.  It...

If all goes according to plan, today I should be visiting Guangzhou with Julie and possibly Maylin.  I was wrong about Maylin, she didn't come. Well, the day started with the usual big breakfast buffet to set me up for the day, but today I needed to go to eat earlier as I was meeting Julie at 8.40 am.  For those interested, this a video of the breakfast buffet.  Western food on the left, Chinese food on the right. (I still can't post the actual video here so it is hosted offsite) https://1drv.ms/v/s!AnTXs8bPCbfPraN-6z7b94zjxGMX3g Well the traffic was heavy and we got to the station with minutes to spare...But minutes weren't enough.  We missed the train.  It was easy enough to change the tickets and we booked on the next train.  Standing from only. There were empty seats, presumably booked later in the journey.  The Chinese , as obedient as ever, just stood by them.   I am British.  I sat down, then on my cue so d...

This should be my day off...Let's see what happens! As usual, I started with a big breakfast.  Today they had bacon!  I stayed a little longer than usual!  I then went to me room.  Suddenly a message from Mailing with a location. "Suggest you visit here.". Julie confirmed it.  So off I went on an electric bike! I got there fairly quickly and wandered in.  Zhongshan Botanical Gardens.  Fairly new by the look of it, but a lot of potential.  Basically a huge park with reservoir and lakes situated right next to a busy roundabout intersection.  Inside, the  signs were in English too!  What a nice place to visit!..and free!  I wandered around taking photos.   A small lake with the city in the background The Chinese are very fire aware.  Here is the park fire station and Forest Firefighters mascot and badge. I wandered a round for an hou...