Yangtze River

Time to relax with a cruise on the Yangtze River.


Our cruise started at the sight of the 3 Gorges project.

we got a traditional welcome on board.


At the 3 Gorge Dam wall.

Juice showing the Yangtze before and after the dam wall. 3.5 million people had to be relocated due to the raised level of the Yangtze - 175 meters.

Unfortunately it was rather over cast for the this part of the gorges. It was very beautiful going through the gorges.



The bridge in the back ground was re-built as the original is 100m below the water level.
In fact the are areas were the entire city is underwater. They simply rebuilt many cities higher up the mountain sides or re-located the people.


Juice and I went for a walk through one of the river cities.


Notice how clean everything is. We found it amazing how everywhere we went the was no rubbish laying around. China recycle everything.

In case you're feeling a little tired or simply with to look important.

Our river boat, it was so much more than we were expecting.
Every evening there was a show and food was great too.



The cruise ended in a city called Chongqing.

Chongqing is the most populated city in the world at 32.5 million people.

They have built 2 Golden Empire State building replicas

Shanghai

Whooohoo Juice and I have started our long awaited trip to China.


We arrived in Shanghai the Paris of the East. Population 23.5 million.

One of Shanghai's signiture buildings - The China telecomms building

All the skysrappers have been built over the last 15 years. The gold building on the left is a TV screen.

We went down to the old city.


Typical chinese garden

Shanghai is home to the chinese stock exchange. They have a copy of the Wall Street bull.

This was the first HSBC building. It was beautifully decorated in art deco inside. (Sorry we coundn't take any photos)

The next 3 views are from the Jinmao Tower



All this built in 15 years.

Some porcelain works of the Xing Dynasty



Shanghai at night

We went of an evening river boat to see the city at night. It was simply spectacular.

It's been a while, what have we Done?

After a spell of "Bloggers Block" I've managed to get some photos up from last the few months. So what have we been up to?

We attended the Lynn King Foundation fundraiser dinner. This was a dress to the 9's function. As usual we went all out.

Juice looking radiant as ever.

The Lynn King foundation is in honour of Lisa's mother (with her husband Mark) who passed away from cancer. They raise money to support families who are struggling to pay for their cancer treatment.
GREAT CAUSE!


Many of the triathlon club members were there to support. Here are some of the better looking athletes.

Next up was the annual Vivid Sydney festival.


Every year I promise to get a better camera.




I wish I could put all the photos up.


Most the buildings around Circular Quay got a lighting make over.

Splat attack on the Customs House building.

Time for triathletes to relax - end of year prize giving.
Theme: Hollywood


Yeah Baby - Audrey H. and Austin hit the streets.


Great thing about Balance Tri Club? Everyone makes an effort.



Fun on the dance floor. This is one of our favourite parties.

During the off season I've joined a group of morning swimmers down at Manly Beach.

Great way to start the day...


well most days are great.

Some mornings are simply breathtaking.


Northern Beaches = Healthly lifestyle.

We needed to get out of the city. So we headed to the wine country with a few stops along the way.

First stop. Jenolan Caves.

We did the Lucas Cave loop. This is a 90min walk through the caves.

They have around 5 different cave structures.



You can stay at the Jenolan Caves Hotel (built in the late 1800s).









 

 


 

 

 

Some of the cave routes have a number of stairs to climb so go prepared.

  

Mudgee is a typical NSW country town with an added bonus of great wine



Nothing like great food and wine in the afternoon.

Juice at a work function? Laser clay shooting hmmm interesting.

Somehow Greenpeace have taken ethical hunting too far.

Aunty Juice with lttle Leo (age 8 mo).





Guess who's got a new mode of transport?

My boy's garage is coming along just fine thanks.