That would have been a super long post for a 10 day trip with my crew so here is Part 2!

Lots of pictures and the second half of our trip ….

 

Day 5 – Beijing- Wuxi

Day 5 was a long day. We had brunch in Beijing at LAD (Lily’s American Diner) and headed to the airport shortly after. We all had different flights to Shanghai, but would meet up in Wuxi. The Hamers and Tony would take a bus with the tour group to Wuxi and I took the speed train. It was a long and exhausting day and I arrived at our hotel around 11PM.

Day 6 – Wuxi-Suzhou

Once in Wuxi all we wanted to see was The Grand Buddha (TGB)

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Buddha_at_Ling_Shan)

Grand Buddha- Ling Shan – Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

 

 

This was amazing to see and quite a site! I definitely reccommend seeing this if yo are ever in China/Shanghai. Seeing TGB was great – but was also an adventure- since we left our tour group and decided to do a little adventure of our own. We were on a bit of a time crunch because we needed to meet back with the tour group as the bus was heading to the next city- Suzhou. We could get to Suzhou on our own, but who wants to do that when you’ve already paid for a bus ride … well … the bus ride wasn’t that amazing, but we didn’t want to miss our bus to Suzhou. We were minutes late – but our tour group waited for us and we were headed to Suzhou.

 

Day 7 – Suzhou – Hangzhou

Our time in Suzhou was short, but enjoyable. We went to the Suzhou Silk Factory and Lingering Garden. The Silk Factory wasn’t amazing – it was more like “Do you wanna buy some silk” – but hey we can say we’ve been to a silk factory – and the Garden was beautiful. It was a little cold that day and full of tourists. So everything that you have heard about tourists wanting to take your picture, touch you, and be close to you is true. I can do without all of that.

 

Day 8 Hangzhou/Shanghai

We left Suzhou for Hangzhou … this was about a 3 hour bus ride. This was my first time in Hangzhou so I was very excited to see this city – even though I really wanted to get my friends to Shanghai.

In Hangzhou we experienced a green tea tasting- it was wonderful and we went to West Lake. Beautiful historic area. The time was quick here too! We had tea… walked the lake … took some pictures and headed to Shanghai when the tour group went to dinner.

My crew and I took a DiDi (China’s version of Uber) to the nearest railway station – bought train tickets to Shanghai and took the train to Shanghai. We wanted a few extra hours in Shanghai so I could show them as much as possible in the city where I live!

We arrived in Shanghai, checked into our hotel and on our first night in Shanghai we ate at one of my favorite restaurants – Fellas! Fellas in on The Bund and the food is delicious. I have actually shared about this restaurant before.

Day 9/10 – Shanghai 

our time in Shanghai was quick and packed -Breakfast – Al’s Diner/Fake Market/Camera Market/Shanghai World Financial Center-Friends Cafe/Check into hotel /Starbucks Reserve Roastery/Walk around West Nanjing Road Area/Taco Bell (Because you have to go to Western restaurants when in China)-Disneyland /Cheesecake Factory (in DisneyTown)

It’s over Yall! 

Sadness- My crew left for home! I had an absolute blast and ended the trip a little emotional that they really came 1/2 way across the world for me. What Kind of love and homies do I have? The best love … the most amazing homies!

… there are days that I can’t believe my life! My friends traveled across the world for me. None of us take our lives for granted. We value friendship, we love travel, we enjoy food, and making memories together.

Check out this video from #HamerPhotography – Leroy documented our entire trip via video and film – I love this memory. Thanks Leroy

https://gopro.com/v/y8bWJKgO8pw11

https://www.hamerphotos.com/ – Hamer Photography is based in California but you never know he may be in your city/state … check him our for your digital needs!

What am I looking forward to??? Chinese New Year is on the way so I celebrate the new year twice! I am coming home to America for a visit in less than 10 days and I am ecstatic!!!

 

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I am excited about life! I am filled with Hope. I am overwhelmed with JOY! I am going to do my best to live by the ‘Glad Texts’ 

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #FaithfulIsMyGod

 

 

… only because we could have stayed at the #FreindsCafe forever and Phoebe is hilarious!!!