24.2.2009 von Jean Jacques.

“Harbin is also known as “Ice City” for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia” - Wikipedia

Anyway, Carole, Delphine, Phillipe, Carlos and myself flew up there last Friday evening after work. It is a 2.30 to 3 hours flight from Shanghai. We arrived at around midnight and the temperature was -22c.

Despite the cold, we found the people really friendly and welcoming (much more than in Shanghai)… All around town you come across snow or ice statues.

The river is of course frozen for months and there are plenty of activities on and around it.

There are a few attractions for which the town is well known and attracts lots of people. To start with there is the snow park which is full of gigantic sculptures…

Most impressive of all though is the ice city. To be seen at night…

how about that for a chilled bottle of beer!

Another attraction is the Tiger parc. I have not seen so many tigers in one go.

In between we had the odd meal (more importantly, warm up) in the luxurious comfort of a Sofite. Some eat like if there was no tomorrow and cannot keep up (sorry Philippe)

Some pretend it is summer (Carlos is Mexican afterall)

Noticed the Russian legacy?

Yours truly tried to make a few bobs…

All in all a great weekend, not expensive either. Next one will be more South though.

As usual more photos on Facebook (Set 1 - Set 2 - Set 3)

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1.2.2009 von Jean Jacques.

Had a good week in Phuket. Very hot and quite relaxing.

The hotel The Old Phuket was quite nice.

The new wing had a very interesting swimming pool concept…

I highly recommend the Boat House restaurant on Kata beach (a couple of kms away). Food, wine selection in particular, the atmosphere and the location on the beach. I must go back there.

I shall post more photos on Facebook very shortly.

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