I just returned after a wonderful 9 days in China and couldn’t help sharing this beautiful photo I managed to capture during a warm, sunny day on the Bund.

China was an incredible surprise that made my eyes grow bigger and bigger with every moment. First off, the International airport at Beijing was a marvel. Its sheer size made me gasp and the efficiency with which things worked there puts every developed country to shame.

Despite the fact that hardly anyone speaks English and even the knowledge of those who did was limited, we managed our way around. Visiting the standard tourist destinations we climbed the Great Wall, visited the Temple of Heaven and walked around Tia’Anamen Square and abandoned the Forbidden City half way, so tired were we with all that walking!

In Beijing we stayed at the old fashioned and modest Jianguo Hotel which is renowned for its rock pools with koi fish and fountains running through the entire hotel. The Staff was attentive and the hotel had a great homey feel to it. Best of all it is conveniently located right next to the Subway station and that Mecca of Indian Tourists: the Silk Market.