Author Archives: dgourmac

Macau Market

Posted on April 24, 2011 by dgourmac

The last day of our China trip we made a brief visit to Macau on the high-speed ferry.  The combination of Portuguese colonial history, Chinese people and traditions, and a good Japanese restaurant was appropriately multicultural. Most of our visit … Continue reading →

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On the Li River

Posted on April 15, 2011 by dgourmac

One of the most spectacular landscapes in China is the section along the Li River near Guilin.  It contains mountains of limestone formations that rise dramatically from the flat ground along the river, many with unusual shapes.  The city has … Continue reading →

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Hong Kong Food Market

Posted on April 12, 2011 by dgourmac

Great food begins with great ingredients.  That’s one reason I always visit fresh food markets in the culinary capitals, which is what led us to go to the Canton Road market today in the Mong Kok area of Kowloon, Hong … Continue reading →

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Suzhou

Posted on April 10, 2011 by dgourmac

Last Tuesday was an amazing day.  After lunch in Tongli, we drove to nearby Suzhou, where we visited the Humble Administrators’s Garden, followed by the Yunyansi Pagoda tower high on a hill above the town.  The photo album is here.

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Tongli & Suzhou — 2 hours and 1,000 years from Shanghai

Posted on April 7, 2011 by dgourmac

On Tuesday we had an opportunity to visit two ancient water towns not far from Shanghai in kilometers, but a long way in history.  With marvelous guiding and translations from Jon’s colleague, Tim, we went to Tongli first, and then … Continue reading →

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Shanghai

Posted on April 7, 2011 by dgourmac

Now we are in Shanghai, a most modern city, whose population just reached 22 million people.  We walked around a bit along the river, across from the Bund, and took in the dramatic sights of the city.  Enjoyed lunch at an … Continue reading →

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Beijing – The Summer Palace

Posted on April 7, 2011 by dgourmac

“The Summer Palace, in the Haidian District, northwest of central Beijing, is said to be the best preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in modern China.  It’s hardly surprising that, during … Continue reading →

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Forbidden City

Posted on April 2, 2011 by dgourmac

Today we explored the Forbidden City.  It was a perfectly lovely, sunny and comfortable Spring day in Beijing.  Our student guide, Feng, brought us to Tiananmen Square and then into The Forbidden City.  We walked through the massive and beautiful … Continue reading →

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In Beijing…

Posted on March 31, 2011 by dgourmac

So far the visit to Beijing has been marvelous.  Warm hospitality from our hosts, excellent food (Peking Duck, abalone, Kung Pao chicken, traditional Beijing noodle dishes, etc.), and an impressive visit to The Great Wall. photo by Aaron, Great Wall … Continue reading →

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Dinner Highlights — Allusions to Venice

Posted on March 21, 2011 by dgourmac

Some days are better than others.  Today was one of the better ones, in spite of the snow that reappeared just as the last piles were melting from the grass. Of course, the topic is food, and I’m speaking particularly … Continue reading →

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