Feeling Small...

I'm feeling a little lost, somehow forgotten. I don't mind being so far away from home, it's just the lack of communication.
It started out good when a man at the airport was holding a place mat with my name on it! He spoke perfect English, and brought me to my hotel. It's been going down hill since! I spent the entire first day in China by myself. I spoke with a nice German man, he helped me get in touch with someone from CNTB. I think I was a surprise! They paid for my ticket, so I thought they knew I was coming. Well of course they did, I'm just being silly! I am experiencing a lost, far away, alone type of vibe. I depend on facebook when I travel,I like the rational thoughts of my friends back home. It got me through a bullfight in Valencia, and it saved me from being eaten alive in the pubs of Dublin.(Well,almost!)
So now, I find myself trapped in non communication land. Wuhan, China has locked me down from e-mail contact, blog, and now it appears text. All of which are not an option at the moment.
I sent an e-mail back home, and I got a text, that it had been received, but it was blank.
Then, I sent a text, and I got nothing in return, so that leads me to believe that I am in full LOCK OUT MODE!
Confusing and frustrating, yes it is!
I'm a little more concerned about tomorrow, my itinerary keeps changing with the tide of the Yangtze. I don't know where I'll be staying or even what city or town. All I know, or think I know, is that I will be someplace in The Hubei Province.
Nothing is in English! So for now, I shall sleep in the Shangri-La Hotel and see what tomorrow brings.

VIP, Me?

Apparently, I'm one of the lucky ones to receive a Visa, and to be welcomed into China! I've heard that some high up government officials were turned down for a visa, but not me! Can you imagine?!
Being a 5'10" tall blond American women in China has it's perks, let's just say I'm turning some heads. It appears, I'm not very good at blending in. People want to have their picture taken with me, I am beginning to feel like a VIP.
Everyone is very friendly, it's a pity I don't speak the language because I am experiencing a bit of a barrier. I can't wait to share my photos and blogs, but that will have to wait for now, as China has blocked any and all blogging and e-mail from Wuhan, China. They do not have this thing we call Facebook, or Twitter. It's the governments way to keep some control over what information comes in or goes out.
I had my first encounter with a scary drink mixture this afternoon, I thought it was derived from some type of plant, but then I wasn't so sure when I felt it moving in my mouth...hummm,to swallow or to spit? Unfortunately for me, I've been in this predicament before. I thought for a moment, looked around, and with nowhere to spit I committed, and so I swallowed...It reminded me of a polly wog egg sac from a pond. Little, black spotted, jello like, pods, holding tightly together in a clump. I thought for a moment,...this can't be what they serve the VIP'S! I should have known something was just not right, when next to the polly wog eggs was thinly sliced antler, just how one should prepare that is a mystery for me. My guess? tea or soup. I decided not to hang around and find out.
My visit so far is getting more interesting by the moment!I wonder what the poor people are doing right now?!VIP?... Me?... Maybe!

Wuhan, China...Rich in History

When my kids were little, one of my favorite books that I liked to read to them was titled; "The Adventures of PING". The story took place on a river boat in China along the Yangtze River. Something that far away dreams were made from. Ping was a very cute, sassy little duck.I would often day dream after reading the story of Ping, it seemed like such a far away land. He was a cute, mischievous little fellow. He would always wander off from the crowd, one day finding himself captured, and almost made into dinner. He always seemed to find his way into trouble, a bit like myself at times, but at the end of the day Ping always managed to find his way back to his boat and his master, most times being last, and having to pay the price by a swatting of the reeds. Wuhan is the Capitol of Hubei Province, it is situated at the confluence of The Yangtze River and it's greatest branch, Hangjiang. Being accessible to both water and land, it has earned it's reputation of "the thoroughfare to nine provinces" and functions as one of the few pivots of water, land and air.
Wuhan belongs to the Jianghan Plain with a clear distinction between the seasons.It is home to more than a hundred beautiful lakes that are distributed throughout the city, as well as many scenic mountains.
Wuhan designates itself the 'Cradle of Culture', with tens of thousands of years history, and it is one of China's most historical and most cultural cities.
A city of three towns and two rivers, Wuhan has a trading heritage that dates back as far as the Ming Dynasty. Today, I stay in the Shangri-la Hotel, in Wuhan, its central location in the Hankou buissness and commercial hub makes it convenient to all. Called "Three Towns of Wuhan" with Wachang, Hankou and Hanyang, which are all divided by the Yangtze River and Hanjiang. Hankou is home to the commercial center, Wachung is known for its culture center, and with most universities of Wuhan and the provincial government of Hubei; and Hanyang is the key to development of the city.
I'm told The Yangtze River Pier is only 15 minutes from my hotel, at some point I will wander my way over to explore the old river boats,you never know, I might just stumble opon "PING!"

Wuhan Hotel | Official Site Shangri-La Hotel Wuhan | Luxury Hotel

Wuhan Hotel | Official Site Shangri-La Hotel Wuhan | Luxury Hotel

The Shangri-la Hotel in Wuhan, China is a GREAT welcome spot! I am so happy to call it home for the next couple of days! After what seemed like endless hours and endless days... I have arrived in China! Still day light for all my friends back home, it's the opposite for me. So,I find my self in a fabulous Hotel room staring at the walls, it's mid-night, I'm wide awake, not sure if it's time for lunch, dinner or breakfast? I think I will skip the food for now and take a soak in the tub, that's probably my best bet!
I will be attending the opening ceremony tomorrow of the 5th Central China Travel Expo in Wuhan, China.
It all sounds exciting, I think I will be ready for what ever the world offers come morning after a bit of a slumber...

The Volcano Sleeps

I was supposed to travel to Ireland last month, however, the mighty volcano erupted and forced all flights in or out of the UK to be grounded. I considered myself lucky... at least I was stuck home and not abroad.
The time has come full circle and it looks as if the volcano is napping, hopefully long enough for me to enjoy my trip to beautiful Ireland, and long enough for me to make a safe return!
I'm looking forward to resting my head on the luxury pillows at the 5 STAR Merrion Hotel.
I can't wait to walk the gardens of the Dublin Castle, or to view the artwork at Hugh Lane Gallery.
I will try to keep you informed of all my explorations of the castles and gardens of Ireland, and, perhaps, even a few pubs along the way!
With a little "LUCK OF THE IRISH," the mighty volcano will stay deep in it's slumber for a very long time.

Time to Blog

I really need to find the time to sit down and write more Blog's. Between three kids, three dogs, two cats, and one husband, you would think I would have enough interesting stuff to write about.
It's the TIME FACTOR. I need to find my 'GROOVE' Perhaps, treat it like a job...oh no that one of those! The "J" word.
Well for now, this is it for today, because duty calls. I'm off to the Casa Villa in Kingston today to tend bar for the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. I should have plenty to write come tomorrow morning, problem is, will I have the time?

Whiteface Mountain, From The Summit

There's a lot of great skiing out there and it's within your reach,and grasp, at Whiteface Mountain.
Skiers are a restless breed, always on the lookout for 'freshies'; always awaiting the big dump. Ahh...nothing like fresh powder! I've skied Whistler and Blackcolm Mountains in Canada and I've skied several mountains out west, Vail being one of my fav's. My home turf is the Snow Making Capitol of the World, Hunter Mountain. Hunter can't be beat for great conditions even with NO natural snow. I had the good fortune to ski Whiteface Mountain not once this season, but twice. Let me tell you, I've heard the rumor..."Ice face"; well I'm here to tell you, it's just NOT TRUE! Whiteface has a family mountain feel, but with all the perks of big mountain skiing. It's terrain covers everything from green trails to double black diamond, with an added bonus of glade and slide skiing.
I had two of the best skis days this whole season at Whiteface. Bluebird skies and all!
Whiteface is located in Wilmington, New York, next to Lake Placid, in the heart of the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains,and it's not to be missed. Although I grew up in the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York, there is something about the drive through the Adirondacks that makes you question yourself. 'Am I really still in New York'? The white birch forests that line the highway and the trickling streams that seem to flow everywhere are nothing less than breathtaking.
Whiteface is a social place; a vintage house party. Many of the present visitors came as children and return every year, often with their own offspring in tow.
From the top of the 1980 Olympic down hill course,elevation-4867', one can't help but feel invigorated and full of life. I'm alive! I took a deep breath and filled my lungs with fresh Adirondack air. My friend, Dudley, announced to everyone, "Take your time boys and girls, it's even steeper than it looks." I like the steeps. I thought about the Olympians who stood here 30 years ago to the day, I'm sure my heart was beating just as fast, but for a different reason; fear. What's truly great about Whiteface Mountain is that all levels of skiers can enjoy this mountain. While I took the downhill course, I had friends that chose the long cruiser run to the right. All the trails lead to the same end point, so you can meet up again with your party. To enhance your trip, I suggest downloading "The Bridget Widget" to your computer. (I will insert a link at the bottom of this page.) Named after my friend Bridget, you can get the latest snow conditions, 5-day weather forecast, special offers, deals and up to the last minute news on what's happening at Whiteface; let my friend Bridget entertain you in the process.
No matter your mood, Lake Placid is a great spot to be. It's not just about skiing. With two prior winter Olympics held in Lake Placid,the first in 1932 and the memorable 1980 games, when the U.S. Men's Hockey team beat Russia, there is so much to do. You can take a high speed bobsled or luge or skeleton run; it's like your childhood sled on steroids. Or,take the elevator to the top of the 120 meter tower of the Olympic ski jumping area. And,skating at the Olympic speed skating oval is a blast! Whatever your mood, Whiteface and Lake Placid have the answer.
If there are non-skiers in your party, there is plenty do do in the Whiteface/Lake Placid area. The eight person high speed Gondola carries you from the main base lodge to the top of Little Whiteface in 15 minutes. There are plenty of breath taking sights to see from the top. If you're not an adrenaline junky at all, then just take a stroll through town. There's lots of shopping and little cafes to choose from. The village's centerpiece is the beautiful Mirror Lake. On the day that I strolled through town, a man was out on the frozen lake with his dog sled and children and their families were ice skating. They even have a fun Toboggan run on the east side of the lake.
As for lodging, I would recommend two different spots. The Crowne Plaza offered a mid-week ski package that's a steal. $89. per night includes a full breakfast and a lift ticket. Or, there is the fabulous and pet friendly Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge. Reasonably priced, clean,over sized spacious rooms with hot coffee, cocoa, tea and homemade muffins and donuts in the morning. For those who don't know who Art Devlin was, read my previous blog and learn about the greatest ski jumper in the world, Lake Placid native, Art Devlin.

For more information on the Olympic Sports Complex contact the ORDA Store:
518-523-1420 or: www.lakeplacidwhiteface.com

For information on Whiteface Mountain go to:www.whitefacelakeplacid.com
Whiteface Mountain
5021 Rt. 86
Wilmington, NY 12997

For Crowne Plaza Resort information go to: www.lakeplacidcp.com
101 Olympic Dr.
Lake Placid, NY 12947
For Reservations call 1-877-570-5891
to get the mid-week ski deal contact the hotel directly at 518-523-2556

Art Devlin's for sure is my #1 Spot! Still family owned and operated by Sue and Art Devlin. You will not be disappointed!
For more information on Art Devlin's go to www.artdevlins.com
Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge
2764 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
518-523-3700
Ask for Art Jr. Tell him I sent you!

For your free download of the Bridget Widget go to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com

See you on the Mountain!