WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBFR Il. 1U81 PAGE 17 A trip across China- a country of contrasts GRETTA SHUTKA Wesley's World 0f Travel Land of antiquity and contrasts - this was how I feit during a recent trip to mainland China. From the teeming millions in Shanghai to the pastoral tranquility of the lush green coun- tryside and the cosmo- politan rush of the an- cient city of Peking (now known as Bejling) - every minute of every hour was an ever changing scenario. Arriving via C.A.A.C. (airline of China) at Shanghai Airport was like arriving ina differ- ent world. 0ur flight took approximately 15 hours and it was dark wÎhen we arrived, but this did not keep us from seeing (however dim the lighting) the thousands 0f people walking the roads and riding on bicycles. 0ur Chinese hosts were anxious to show us as much as possible of this grety city (largest in China) and for the next couple of days we did as much exploring as our time would allow us - the Bund (water- front) with the harbour completely filled with ships from around the world - the old Raffles Hotel (like a page out of Pearl Buck's books) the sections of the city which were occupied by French, English, Gem- man, etc. etc. Diplo- mats and business people (when this was one of the most cosmo- politan cities of China) each with a distinctive style of architecture not at ail Chinese. one sec- tion (the Fmench) had streets and boulevards SO reminicent of Paris that if one did not see 50 many Chinese people one could almost ima- gine himself or herself in Paris, France. Highlights 0f our visit to Shanghai were the ar- ts and crafts resource centre (housed in an old French mansion) where people were being trained by skilled in- structors (somne 90 years old) in the ancient art skills of the country - neediepoint (in silk), embroidery, ,pottery, tapestry, paper sculp- ture, painting, etc. The Temple of the Jade Budda, the Garden of Tranquility and the Summer Palace. You could spend weeks in this city and not see it "Gentleman farmer" era re-visited at Gibson House The honie and lifestyle of the mid-l9th centuzy "Gen- tleman fariner" is expertly depicted inside the Gibson House, Willowdale, Onta- tion of paintings frorn a group in Richmond Hill, and then learn more about l9th century architecture in North York. You'll be glad you did. The Gibson House, loca- ted on Yonge Street bet- ween Sheppard and Finch, is one Dominion Fun Trek '81 experience that's gua- more "infarnous" people in history, visit Tussaud's re- nowned Chamber of Hor- rors. Be an eye witness to some of the most dastardly deeds the world has known. To get to Tussaud's, take the Q.E.W. to the Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge cut off. Follo<v the right hand exit to the first ight. Turn ranteea w obridge the gap right again, lool neeoeofln between then and now. Tussaud's sign. surveyor David Gibson, this Y U swear 'ussaond'sfWar grand old house stands as a IhYou el "ll iejuttrons mc symbol of Toronto's glo- Il yrera. thtae attracionSt rious past. The museum, Tussaud's Trek Domini o S has been restored and fur Make sure you stop Trek '81 pass h nished as it would have visit the Prince and Princess G in s been in 1851 and features a of Wales the next time you're Museum 1 working kitchen - complete in Niagara Falls. TheVre just everythiný with brick oven. Visitors two of the many famous per- TeGins can sample oid-style baking sonalities vivicly recreated at ofWoGudnRers as it cornes fresh froin the Tussaud's Wax Museum asoffrl erdsm oven or stay for the after- Clifton Hill, Niagara Fails.' al fesam noon tea sitting. See Joan of Arc, Cleopa- unusuaI facts, ailïi While you take a step tra and new addition Anne about everything. into the past, stop and sea -Murray. Richard Nixon, The greatest, the two special exhibits at Walt Disney and Elvis Pres- lest, the largest a Gibson House this summer. ley are there too<! are all brought Browse through a collec- If Vour interests lie in the -under one roof. Me, thc CKCtiÎHjJ /f(W Chevrolet S-wTruck atdthie 1982 Chevette, Citation & Omega at NURSE Thicksofl Rd. & Hwy. 2 à for the x Museuin ny adven- offered in tores Fun )ok. has ;in Niagara iltitude of llustrated, the smal- and tailest together I would like to say here that a great tribute to the people of China is the way in which the beautiful pagodas and temples which are the roots of the country have been s0 beautifully preserved, much to the joy 0f visitors and the population alike. We left Shanghai by air (a distance of sorne 2,500 miles) for chongoving (chunking) right in the heartland of China and there we boarded the Yangtse River ship, the Kun Lun, for a very memorable journey down this mighty river - the Three Gorges - some of the Most spectacular scenery in the world -, the swirling rapids and fast currents of the river and the gentle terraced emerald green slopes. Combined to make every turn in the river a postcar view. Chinese junks (the unique one- masted one-sail craft of this river) were visible in many areas of the river. Another flight this time to 'Peking (or Bei jing as it is now known) the city which has been the capital for over 700 years. This was a very vital, fast moving city, concerned with industrial expan- sion, apartmnent build- ing, the hub 0f the political and cultural planning of the-Peoples Republic of China and yet one with the history and grandeur of Im- perial dynasties past. .Wide boulevards, a modemn subway system, shopping areas flot unlike our own, parks. zoos, universities all combined to give the visitor the reason why this city was indeed the heart as it were of modern day China. These few words on China would not be com- plete without mention of the faces of the people of China. Young, middle aged, old. And the eyes. Young, anxious, quest- ing for knowledge, old with the wisdom 0f the ages in them and the children's eyes in happy smiling, faces, looking with curiosity at these visitors to their shores. Did we enjoy the trip? Without a doubt, it was one of the most interest- ing and delightful trips which we had taken 50 far. N EXTOHBNOMNR DONALDTRAVe EST. 19 - IT COSNOMOE ALLYURTAVELEEq il. .. .2 A handy new bock by Sidney Ledson, author cf the best-selling bock, 'Teach Vour Child te Read in 60 Days'. Here's a book rio stenographer should be without; virtually a university course in gramniar but presented in a IiveIy way no university can match. $3.95 ýcLso»I PRINTING & OFFICE SUPPLY 218 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax 638-1968 ONTARIO TRAVEL JOIN OUR GROUP FOR THE QUEBEC WINTER CARNIVAL DEPARTS FRIDAY, FEB. 12 .AROUND 6 P.M.' RETURNS SUNDAY, FEB. 14 $1 5900 PER PERSON ESCORTED 185 BROCK ST. N. esWI 'sWHITBY p Ol Corner of Brock à Mary orld of 668-7955 Travel Ic Stay Young. . Have Fun ... Travel!