China is a nation of contrasts. The 5,000 years of civilization are reflected in centuries old villages, temples and monuments. Then, there is cosmopolitan city of Shanghai which is flanked by new skyscrapers and thousands of neon lights.

In city of Beijing, take along your walking shoes as you visit historic sights such as Tiananmen Squar , world’s largest public square covering 110 acres. You will probably see hundreds of people waiting in a long line at square to visit Monument to People’s Heroes, which was built in 1958, where Chairman Mao Zedong lies in state. Chairman Mao, communist leader ruled country from 1949 until his death in 1976 and his influence can be seen throughout China. 1a Tiananmen Square photo

The Forbidden City entrance.

Just across street is Forbidden City, home to emperor and his royal family. Entry to Forbidden City was forbidden for common people until 1911, when last emperor, Puyi, was overthrown. The City which occupies 775,000 square feet and nearly 10,000 rooms is an architectural masterpiece that is surrounded by a moat and a 33-foot high wall designed to keep intruders out. Most of original treasures of Forbidden City have been removed, but you can stroll among vast buildings and admire the

Save The Great Wall of China for another walking day. It is one of world’s seven great man-made wonders. Originally built as a defense against enemies from north, Great Wall was constructed over a period of 2,000 years, following different routes according to need. The wall stretches 3,700 miles and has 10,000 beacon towers. Climbing to top of wall is an adventure for only most fit. But taking a few steps is all you need to view majesty of Great Wall and you can choose how far you want to climb. At base of Great Wall there are many stores to purchase inexpensive souvenirs and a coffee shop to rest your feet after extensive climb on uneven steps.

Inside The Forbidden City.

A visit to China, wouldn’t be complete with tasting national dish, “Peking Duck.” Beijing was originally called Peking and later name was changed to Beijing. There are many Peking Duck restaurants, but Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant has been in business for last 130 years and is highly recommended. The duck is carved tableside and surroundings are clean and beautiful.

The bustling city of Shanghai is China ’s most cosmopolitan city. Here, you can visit Yu Garden, a Ming Dynasty-era, A.D. 1368-1644, garden, Nanjing Road and famed waterfront Bund, with its tall buildings and bright lights. And you can visit Old City for numerous low cost souveniers to take home! Plan to spend a few hours at modern Shanghai Art Museum with its four floors of treasures of Chinese civilization. The Chinese Acrobat Show in Shanghai is also a must-see for tourists to China .

The Bund in Shanghai.

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Eight days, two notebooks, three camcorder batteries. Would they be enough?

"Bienvenidos a Mexico!" sign at Loreto Airport announced.

Balmy air wafted into open-air room under lovely "palapa" roof made from fan palms fronds. I wondered why there was a ceiling fan turning at exactly 12 r.p.m. above my head. At that point I was in "vacation mode," measuring time by number of trips my duffel bag made around nearby carousel as I waited for a new stamp in my passport.

I had arrived for a weeklong "Islands Expedition" in Sea of Cortez, offered by Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc.

Owners Terry Prichard and Nancy Mertz have been running trips here since 1993, and their experience shows in organized schedule and thorough pre-departure information provided to guests. They offer three other paddling trips here as well: an exploration of sheltered lagoons along Pacific coast of Baja Peninsula, a strenuous twelve-day circumnavigation of Isla Carmen (the largest of three islands east of Loreto), and, upon demand, a custom paddling trip from Loreto to La Paz. SKA also arranges a special one-day whale-watching tour, which seven of nine people in our group would be taking tomorrow. Whale activity is at its peak in late winter as Gray Whales calve, breed, and prepare to migrate north.

"You can't get lost in Loreto," said Judy, tour guide who fetched our group at airport and delivered us to Hacienda Suites Hotel. A good starting point for sightseeing,she said, is famous mission - first in all Californias. Another guest and I strolled down Avenida Salvatierra, named for Jesuit padre who founded mission in 1697, until we saw bell tower rising above rooftops in late afternoon sun. The old clock on tower, not original equipment, is correct twice each day at about 10:30. Oh well - rest of place is still very much in use. Mass is held in chapel, and storehouse building next door is now Museum of Missions.