China May 2010 - Is This Trip Right for You?

Physical demands

There will be a lot of walking on the trip.  By the time we depart from Sky Harbor, you should be able to comfortably walk a mile or two at a steady pace. There will not be hill climbing but there are a fair number of steps we will be taking at some sites. The trip is not recommended for anyone required to use a cane, crutches, walker or wheelchair. The hotels and contemporary museums generally have elevators but the ancient sites do not and do not have elevators or accommodations for anyone with mobility problems.  This is an active trip but not an exhausting trip. Inoculations are generally not required for travel in China but you should check with your doctor 4-6 weeks in advance.

Food

It is no surprise that the food will be Chinese! The breakfasts in the hotels will generally offer Western-style buffets with eggs, bacon, cereal, custom omelets, fruit, juice, etc.  The noon and evening meals will generally consist of 8-10 dishes served at a large round table seating 8-10, with a lazy Susan. The dishes will likely include fish, pork, chicken several veggies, rice, soup, fruit, etc.  The food is good and not to be confused with the Chinese food one eats in the US.  China has the world's largest KFC, and also has McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc.  Generally, however, access to Western food will not be convenient.  But you won't want it!  You will also become a whiz with chopsticks.  Bottled water is readily and constantly available but ice is not.   

Weather

The weather should be moderate and pleasant throughout most of the trip.  It may be in the high 80s on a few days, with more humidity than we feel in Arizona.  Some evenings may be on the cool side but not cold.  You can purchase a cheap rain poncho and folding umbrella in China if necessary

Clothing

Casual clothes are the norm.  Short sleeve collared shirts or tops with dress shorts or Capri's will be worn most often.  A light windbreaker, sweater or sweatshirt may be needed for some evenings.  Comfortable walking shoes/tennis/sandals are the suggested footwear.  There will be at least one formal dinner where a jacket and tie is appropriate for the men and dressy attire for the women.

Accommodations

The hotels are all very nice, very clean, light and comfortable.  The beds are hard.  They seem to consist of a mattress on a platform without the box springs.  You do not sink in.  The rooms generally contain a hotpot for tea or coffee, a little refrigerator and a TV.  There is generally access to English language CNN on TV.  China Today is an English language newspaper out of Hong Kong and generally is available in hotel lobbies & train stations.  If coffee is important to you, take some coffee bags  and packets of creamer.