Travel

The exchange rate for the US dollar in China is pretty good considering how bad it trades in Europe. Currently 6.8 Yuan equals 1 US dollar. I have been warned about counterfeit bills in China, but haven’t experienced that yet. It does appear as if the back of the 20 Yuan note was looslely influenced…

The Pearl at night makes a great skyline!

This is where Shanghai gathers at night. All of them! I was offered fake Rolex, Prada, etc. It reminded me a lot of NY!

First day in Shanghai. I ride the incredible MagLev train from Pudong Airport into the city at 431 kilometers per hour. Really fast! I checked in to my hotel and went walking. Nanjing walking road was my first visit. Basically it is Shanghai’s version of Times Square. Lots of neon and tons of people. Not…

It’s hot! And crowded! And awesome! Haven’t slept in 48 hrs, but I figured I would just stay up and get my clock on China time…13 hours ahead. Thank God they have Starbucks!

Over the long commute I managed to write most of the speech I am to give later this week at the International Watercolor Masters Invitational. I also did a little painting on the plane, but got no sleep. Oh well! I’ll sleep when I get home. Now to find the MagLev. cheers, Paul (traveling in…

What a long flight! 22 hours and still going. We’re over the North Pole now. It appears a bit watery.

This trip began last week in Bellevue Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha. I was teaching a “found still-life” watercolor workshop with some great people from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Colorado. I’ll miss the company, but not the 103 degree heat! Just two more stops and I’ll be in Shanghai. Omaha, population 432,000, will seem like…

This is the Solio universal “hybrid” charger. It absorbs solar energy, or can be charged from a USB port. Hopefully it will keep my iPhone going strong for the next two weeks.