![What you need to be aware of when you're in China!]()
If you end up in Asia, you've got to visit China. I realized it was the land of contradictions when I found myself in a KFC across the street from Mao's tomb. My trips to China were limited to Beijing and Shanghai, with a couple trips to the countryside. I found Beijing to be one of the most amazing places I've seen, albeit maddening. Shanghai is one of the most commercial places on the globe, yet inhabited by very friendly people. Of course, one must see the Great Wall, a short day trip from Beijing, and hurry before the Chinese destroy it and turn it into Disneyland on opium. Of course, if you're in Korea, you've got to take the slow boat to China from Inchon just so you can say you did it. Hong Kong and Macau are definite "must see's", and hurry up and see Macau before the handover, because who knows what the Chinese will do to get rid of the Portuguese influence. Remember that travel to mainland China is no picnic if you're traveling alone. Few people speak any foreign language, and watch your temper so that no one "loses face."