... like a Local! Cultural Adventure; virtual Q&A [cross posted]
Putting out feelers for curious, cooperative 'comrades' to explore quiet corners of Old Cathay! Trip date TBD, basically waiting for airfares to come down.
This will happen on Google Meet.
CHECK THE COMMENTS FOR MEETING LINK!
Comment if you are able to log onto the link but don't see me - in the past Google has let two meetings with the same link open, each person thinking the other didn't show up. So comment here and we'll see if we can fix it. :-)
I've been traveling to China for 27 years. Join me for a unique, off the beaten track culture immersion adventure!
Comfort NOT guaranteed! LOTS of walking! This trip is NOT for everyone but everyone who has come with me so far has LOVED it!
Itinerary NOT guaranteed so as to maximize experience! Spontaneous private zheng concert in a riverside pavilion? Let's stop and enjoy! Weather is forecast to be rain in the mountains? Let's go to the ancient village instead.
Costs currently unknown but should be under $100/day for ALL in-country necessities: food, lodging, entrance fees, ground transport. Whatever price I end up quoting will NOT include transport to/from China, alcohol, upgrades to lodging*, upgrades to in-country transport*.
You can do it cheaper with a big box tour. If strict time schedules, overpriced shopping, industrial restaurant food, and being kept away from locals is good enough for you than that's your best bet. If unique, real China, great food, insider knowledge with eye for western comforts**, and turn on a dime*** [a mao?] escapades are for you than come with me!
Only seven people! Small and 'nimble'***!
Have you already been to China? Already have seen the Forbidden City and Great Wall? No worries! Big box tours do NOT go where I go!
Have you never been to China and NEED to see the big sights? No problem! I can create an optional 3 day add-on for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and other Beijing highlights. AND I can take you to hidden gems few big tours touch.
Let's dialog! Looking for like minded people so everyone's on the same page. Don't want to put hard-core shoppers with shop-hating history buffs, or long distance hikers with casual strollers. Just a more practical way to go. If enough interest I can lead TWO trips, each with its own emphasis. I reserve the right to group/accept/deny as I see fit. [I only want happiness! Sometimes that means saying 'maybe next time'.]
Go to Jan Tu Tours on FB and browse the photo albums to get a hint of what one might see. No guarantees of ANYTHING! China changes very quickly.
*Where available - LOTS of things NOT available off the beaten track. I said 'adventure'!
**Sometimes western comforts are just not there. Deep in the countryside villages rarely have western toilets.
***Quick change of plans is relative in China; western expectations are best set aside and an embrace the new/unknown/surprise attitude is highly recommended. But that's what a cultural adventure is all about!
