Months to go before I Woodwork

[Christos]

The power of the internet is allowing me to post from China.

I left on the night flight on the 17th from Sydney. Will be two months before I return home. So far have recovered from the flight as I do not sleep on the plane. Just me as I never been able to. I do not think I am the only person that is not able to sleep on a plane.

The flight did have a little bit of turbulence at some stage but not too much.

Landing temperature in Beijing was minus 8 degrees Celsius. This is the first time that I have ever been in such a cold place. Currently 5 degrees so ok for me as I am wearing thermals.

[Christos]

I should add that I am in Langfang.

[Bob38S]

Holiday or work?

If work do you get the opportunity to do the tourist thing?

[Christos]

Pure holiday.

[Bob38S]

Go for it - take plenty of pix and give us a rundown when you get back.

[ian]

Landing temperature in Beijing was minus 8 degrees Celsius. This is the first time that I have ever been in such a cold place. Currently 5 degrees so ok for me as I am wearing thermals.Positively balmy :)

'twas -18° C (-30° with the wind chill) where I was on Jan 18.
didn't feel a temperature above -5 for something like 10 days.

[wheelinround]

Holiday my foot he means Honeymoon meet the in-laws

Have great trip Christos & Bai

Edited added

Christos just think your in a good buying position right now for pen kits, tools, shoes, watches, tools, pen kits.

[opelblues]

No Photo's - It Didnt Happen.





Just joking have a great time in China, such a big country and the history "wow"

[Christos]

I will try and update as and when I can. I purchased a sim card that I am using on my phone. So I have internet access via the phone but not the best.
Yes I am here to meet the in-laws. I have met them before so not entirely nervous.

I woke very early almost three hours ago. No internet access so I started to read a book on Epidemiology, Study design and data analysis. Second Edition. By Mark Woodward.
Started in the middle of chapter two. Interesting book, some 820 pages. Not a field that I work in or wish to. But there are others that thrive on this including the person that owns this book. A friend of Bai's.

Another aspect of being so long away from the tools is the factor of rust. Well G15 was used on everything. The garage was cleaned up, yes I know the optimal word is cleaned.

:)

[wheelinround]

I will try and update as and when I can. I purchased a sim card that I am using on my phone. So I have internet access via the phone but not the best.
Yes I am here to meet the in-laws. I have met them before so not entirely nervous.

I woke very early almost three hours ago. No internet access so I started to read a book on Epidemiology, Study design and data analysis. Second Edition. By Mark Woodward.
Started in the middle of chapter two. Interesting book, some 820 pages. Not a field that I work in or wish to. But there are others that thrive on this including the person that owns this book. A friend of Bai's.

Another aspect of being so long away from the tools is the factor of rust. Well G15 was used on everything. The garage was cleaned up, yes I know the optimal word is cleaned.

:)

:photo2::photo2: of that you could have done before departing.:q

Well to keep you in the loop you have missed a top 2 days down at Sturt school wood n tools and demos

Next weekend 3 days more wood n tools at Artisans Retreat.

Other than that all is normal Pat stuffing up, Nick making pens NZ buying his 4th lathe

[Christos]

:photo2::photo2: of that you could have done before departing.:q


You are right I could have taken photos of the cleaning but that's boring to see.

Maybe when I return and the dust settles in the garage.

[Christos]

Some photos as mention

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Confirmation that I am in China, no idea what it says. :U


These are some dumplings that were made with the family. See how the first batch are all the same and the ones that I made are not.

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For those that are familar with hotpot did that last night.

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You get an individual pot boiling in front of you and you take some items from the dish and place in your boiling pot. Let is cook for a little bit and then move the item from the hotpot to the sauce bowl. Then eat it.

Afterwards I had some fruit,

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I was told this is an orange and can be eaten skin and all. They are very sweet and I ended up eating 4 or 5.

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This is a banana which I also had eaten but only one as I was full. :roflmao:

[wheelinround]

Wow Bai must be excellent cook or her mum.

either you now the size of a Sumo or its a tiny orange and Banana.

[Christos]

I say her dad's a better cook, as I am learning from him.

It is a tiny orange and banana no bigger then my thumb. That's why you see my mits in the photo.

[Christos]

Normally when I go on holidays I loose weight. :roll:

[Christos]

This next photo is of a hand craved tea pot from a stone. This is used for serving tea and because it is hand carved it takes about a week to make.

There are two aspects to this meaning art and useable.

Because it is classified as art the price on this is about 10,000 yuan. After convert to Australian dollars comes in about $1400.00.


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Not very cheap.

[Majed]

Sounds like your enjoying your time....do a lot of sight seeing

[Majed]

It looks like you will be putting on some weight..your in-laws will keep feeding you lots of food...lol

[Christos]

Yesterday I went out for Karaoke and saw this parked in the street. So I took a photo, but not of the licence number. It is baciscally a bike in a shell.

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Today I went for a walk around the block at around 4pm in the afternoon. It did not get above 4 degrees celicius all day and by 4pm is was 2 degrees. We walked along a frozen river and this is the first time that I ever saw a frozen river.

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Also took a photo of the plants from the foot path next to the river.

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[Majed]

Thank god for the warmer weather....

[acmegridley]

Steam boat seems to be a family tradition my next door neighbour (aussie) puts one on occassionaly and invites adjacent neighbours,great for dicussions etc all sit around dipping the different foods in the steamboat,meat must be very thinly cut if you are using it.
We bought one at the local chinese supermarket,great idea I thought, encourages the grandkids to try something new ,they are all good eaters,eat everything, middle boy was at Freo markets and went past a stall selling chillies Mum can I try one please?
Lady gave him the hottest chilli she had he just ate it like it was a lolly,stallholder was amazed that a kid so young could eat that strength chilli.Something about cast iron gut was said.
Hope you enjoy your stay Christos:2tsup:

[wheelinround]

Cold there Christos you must be rugged up well.

[Bob38S]

It is only cold if you are poorly dressed. :B

[Christos]

Yesterday I learnt to make very thin pancakes.

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Now all I did was watch but hope to get some creation done when I return to Sydney.

These were the dishes that were made to use as fillings for the pancakes.

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[Christos]

With all this cooking and eating I thought that it best to take a walk.

I found a place called Century Garden and this took my eye.

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This is what is said underneath for those of you that can read Chinese.

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Even thou it was cold there was some people flying kites and other tourist. :2tsup:

[Christos]

I visited Langfang Museum and asked if I could take photos. They confirmed as long as no flash was used.

Currently the Museum is on the history of Langfang.

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As I can not read Chinese I relied on the persons that were with me to translate and was told that this is a sharpening stone.

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The next is a picture of a pillow. I have seen these before but only in pictures and photos. What the photo does not show how small the pillow is.

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This next photo is something that most on this website could relate to. I will allow the photo to speak for itself.

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[wheelinround]

Christos the table n chair could do with some TLC maybe you should offer to restore it :U or promise to get Wongo to make a replica FOC of course.

You seem to be enjoying yourself but where are photos of you and Bai ..................no scratch that you need breaks some time.:;

[tea lady]

This next photo is of a hand craved tea pot from a stone. This is used for serving tea and because it is hand carved it takes about a week to make.

There are two aspects to this meaning art and useable.

Because it is classified as art the price on this is about 10,000 yuan. After convert to Australian dollars comes in about $1400.00.


198899

Not very cheap.Glad to see not everything is made for $2 shops.:cool:

[Claw Hama]

Great photos Christos, keep em coming.

[Christos]

Can not supply photos so it did not happen. The father in-law wanted to add more support to the bottom of one of the draws.

I helped.

Took apart a very small flat pallet and cut the piece to size, using a very thick pull saw of about 1 to 2 millimeter thick.

Just nailed the support piece to the bottom of the draw.

I am feeling better now. :U.

Another 7 days before I get the itch.

[wheelinround]

Can not supply photos so it did not happen. The father in-law wanted to add more support to the bottom of one of the draws.

I helped.

Took apart a very small flat pallet and cut the piece to size, using a very thick pull saw of about 1 to 2 millimeter thick.

Just nailed the support piece to the bottom of the draw.

I am feeling better now. :U.

Another 7 days before I get the itch.

You now have to ask where he got the saw from has to be a tool shop close buy.

Now thats getting in good with the FiL and MiL maybe Bai as well.

:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[Claw Hama]

Yes must be some good quality hand made tools around somewhere surely. Chisels, saws, hamers, get onto it Christos you may be able to start importing some for us. So (from Japan Tool) has some of his friends and father pick things up and pack them off for him. Keep it in the family mate.

[Christos]

I thought that I would share this


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More little oranges. :hapy:



They did not last too long.

[wheelinround]

Being in China would these not be Manderin :p

[Christos]

Being in China would these not be Manderin :p

There is park that I have been going to with the father in-law to exercise.. . This is just a short bike ride then I am going for a walkaround the park. It takes about 20 minutes to walk round so it is about 1km walk. Then the bike ride back, needed to as mainly just eating a lot more food.

There has been times the park is full with people and then there are times that you only get a few people. Will also say that kite flying has taken place in this park every time I have been there.

Taking a photo of a kite about 100 - 200meters in the air shows a spec in the sky. Will see if I can get a better photo.

And as mention there has been a person playing the Mandarin, where this can be heard from most if the park.

[wheelinround]

There is park that I have been going to with the father in-law to exercise.. . This is just a short bike ride then I am going for a walkaround the park. It takes about 20 minutes to walk round so it is about 1km walk. Then the bike ride back, needed to as mainly just eating a lot more food.

There has been times the park is full with people and then there are times that you only get a few people. Will also say that kite flying has taken place in this park every time I have been there.

Taking a photo of a kite about 100 - 200meters in the air shows a spec in the sky. Will see if I can get a better photo.

And as mention there has been a person playing the Mandarin, where this can be heard from most if the park.


How do you play a Madarin or is that Maderlin.

The kites are spy cameras Christos, they could be weather kites you know if they fly its windy, if not its still, if they get a shock its lightning.:U

[Christos]

How do you play a Madarin or is that Maderlin.



Special talent. :U

[Samerad]

Hi C, Sounds like you're enjoying your stay in China and with the in laws too. How's Bai? BTW, Linda G is trying to get hold of you urgently. She's overseas now (left today). Try to reach her via yahoo? RS was in the hospital for 2 days due to abdominal pains, but ok now. JS is having a bad case of ezcema. Other than that, we're all fine. More photos please but of you and Bai (if possible). Send my regards to your lovely wife ok! I think RS misses you:B. Please don't tell him I told you, ok. Take care. We all miss you! D

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum Samerad.

More photos will be posted when I get access to a computer that I can attach the camera to. At present I just using smart phone and iPad to browse web.

[wheelinround]

Welcome to the forum Samerad.

More photos will be posted when I get access to a computer that I can attach the camera to. At present I just using smart phone and iPad to browse web.


Never heard of a phone camera that won't take people photos :q just fruits

[Christos]

The camera on the phone is not as good as the one used with an actual digital camera.

There are more settings that I try on the digital to get a nice photo, that is at least clear.

[Christos]

I mention earlier in the thread that there is a park that I have been going to for some exercise and that there are persons kite flying.

The kite is about 1 meter wide and the length of the tail no idea. :U

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It is about 150 meters in the air.

[wheelinround]

Tools lad tools show us the tools

[Christos]

It has been a while since I last posted here and I know that some are waiting for the tools to be posted. So far not gone to any hardware stores but soon is what I have been told.

I was in Beijing for two days to meet up with one of Bai friends on one day and the next to meet up with another one of her friends. We checked in to a hotel in Beijing and I was asked if I wanted to tag along to do some shoe shopping. I gave this thought the appropriate time to think before saying no.

I was left to my own devices to do what ever I wanted until they returned.

Just before lunch so what else am I going to do then have junkie type food. Not being able to converse in Chinese was going to be interesting but as you would expect I found a shop that does makes buns / bread. Easy as, because they had the display in Chinese and English. :U

So selected a couple for myself and two extra for the ladies return.

Now having at least 4 hours to fill I thought that I would take a walk around the block. I was warned by Bai not to take any public transport as it would be so easy to become lost. The hotel that we stayed in were actually part of a chain and that meant more then one in Beijing so no taxi either.

I went for a walk around the block to at least get my bearings. I wanted to actually walk to the Olympic site which was about five blocks away. But as instructed by Bai, do not go there it is further then what I thought.

So I started by going around one block which took over 30 minutes before I returned to the hotel. She was right. :B

So the major part of the hours were taken up by walking down one street and back then another direction and back.

[Christos]

I split this up a little to not loose everyones interest.

I returned to the hotel and just became couch potato as most men do when watching TV. :o

The problem for me is that there were no English stations or subtitles or sport channel :doh:. Did not matter I was lost to the world around me and time flew by.

Bai and her friend had returned to the hotel at around 4pm and we headed for dinner.

This particular restaurant was part of the back yard of one of the Chinese Dynasties. I am sorry not sure which one at the moment. We got there early and so I was allowed to take a few photos.

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This is our table
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[Christos]

Just a few more photos of the events of the night during dinner.

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One thing that I almost forgot. I was told that this carriage is what the bride would arrive in for the wedding.

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[wheelinround]

Christos no worries we know where you been hiding :; but you must rest sometime and eat.

See she has you under the thumb all ready kept you away from tool shops :U

is that a glimps of Bia in one of the photos or her friend??

[Christos]

I have been to one hardware store. The store front was about 3 to 4 meters wide and the length I would guess at being 6 meters.

You might have read somewhere that China is blooming. Well this particular store was mainly to do with construction, plumbing and the like. They did have some hand tools such as pliers, your pipe cutters, hammers, stone chisels etc.

I did look at some saws and found that the teeth are not set for either cross or rip cut and seems to be filed similar to a Japanese pull saw but they were angled to cut on the push stroke. I am not critical just not sure how effective it would be to used.

[wheelinround]

maybe handle was on wrong way round

[Christos]

I thought that these fellows were interesting and so I took a few photos to share.

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[BobL]

Nice pics - keep posting. :2tsup:

[Christos]

I have been told that this time of year in Langfang the weather starts to become a little warmer. Now from the time that we landed at a temperture has been increasing.

During the night I found that I was very cold and so put the portable heater on at around 4:30am. When I finally got up and after the three S's I opened the blinds to the room and found that it had been snowing.

These photos are from in-laws place and I think they do speak for them selves.

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In the first photo you will notice that there is a little blue building, this is where you place you garbage for the building.

Also on this particular day some of Bai's cousin had come over to visit. When it was time to go for lunch we all headed outside and the result was a snowball fight. The rules of looking after your spouce seems to disappear, not being aware of this I got one in the side of head from the beloved. Sorry no photos and as the guide lines here no photos it did not happen. :happyb:

[Claw Hama]

So Stud are you doing your bit to repopulate China:D. Oh nice pics too, no tool pawn, thats pretty bad:U Someone must have some good tools to make those great looking sculptures, get back on your mission:buttkick::;

[wheelinround]

Christos first photo thats not where you put the garbage.........it the Dr's TARDIS so where's the Dr??

As Claw has stated and the add says "don't come home without them".............oh bummer thats "Don't leave home without them":doh:

[Christos]

The snow was about three days ago. Only got a chance today to upload the photos.

This morning met up with one of the better half aunty. We went to a market that has a fair amount of wooden items, like your sculpture, tables, chairs etc. Also had a fair amount of aquarium stuff, quite a lot of plants with your traditional Chinese pots.

The item that I found interesting was a slab table about 4000mm x 1500mm x 100mm. They were selling this for about 3400 yuan and after converting to Australian dollars it would be $475.00.

Sorry no photos as I did not want them to think I was a tourist. So that also means it did not happen.
:U

Just to further update those that are interested in tools. We walked pass a couple of hardware stores that once again are mainly to do with construction. One store had items for metal, one for brick work and marble, one for plumbing.

[Claw Hama]

Ha, knew I was charging too much:doh:

[wheelinround]

Ha, knew I was charging too much:doh:

Saved this post now a nice Jarrah slab table smaller than the one Christos mentions maybe only 3m x 1.2m x 50mm so that would equate to :rolleyes: Oh what the heck I'll sling you $200 and a slab.:U

Christos I see your meetin all the family 1/2 of China by the sounds of it, next you'll be organising some boat trips. Does this now mean your related to Wongo :p

[Christos]

Ha, knew I was charging too much:doh:

The bottom half of the table is made up of different wood and looking almost like two boxes, like footings.

[Christos]

.....Christos I see your meetin all the family 1/2 of China by the sounds of it, next you'll be organising some boat trips. Does this now mean your related to Wongo :p

That's a question that you have to ask uncle Wongo. :innocent:

[Christos]

Yesterday was very windy in Langfang China.org.cn - China news, weather, business, travel & language courses (http://www.china.org.cn/) as also stated in the news for Beijing.

Now armed with this information and looking out the window at the trees bending so violently I went for a walk. :o

:pointlaugh:

[wheelinround]

I wouldn't be to proud of that wind Christos the family may not have you back again.

We however had a beautiful day down at Kiama, sunshine, light sea breeze, nice articles on show, great wood on show/sale and good freinds to meet up with.

Maybe next year you and Bia can come too.

edited due to spelling errors.

[Christos]

My time in Langfang is coming to a close. I will be flying out of China to Sweden on the 29th of March. During the time in Langfang I have been taking a walk to the park and doing some laps to try and counter the effect of all the food. I don't know three meals a day can be a bit much. :D

The park that I have been walking around is located close to Langfang stadium. Here are some photos.

Please excuse the one with me in the middle but what can I say.
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Inside the Stadium

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Just one more photo as that I thought would be interesting again part of the Olympics in 2008.

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[Christos]

I thought that this is intersting so I thought that I might share it with people.

About two weeks ago we had snow in Langfang and yesterday when I woke up I passed the same window and saw flowers starting to appear on the same tree that was covered in snow.


This was about two weeks ago

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This photo was taken this morning

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[wheelinround]

Christos your all rugged up why is it cold or something or trying to sweat off the extra pounds while running round the park.

Some good photos not many people there but they could all be hiding .........nope you took a photo to prove not behind the seats.

Now Sweden thats a good choice why ........TOOLS

Lathe maker in Sweden and lots of turners
Lignotec EN (http://www.lignolathe.com/en/contact/index.htm)

Lignotec a real nice lathe and accessories......I know someone whos just had bits delivered here.

Berg Chisels made in Sweden

[Christos]

Christos your all rugged up why is it cold or something or trying to sweat off the extra pounds while running round the park.


Well the day that I got the photo taken was a little cold. You might be able to see some snow in the actual stadium.


...

Some good photos not many people there but they could all be hiding .........nope you took a photo to prove not behind the seats....

Some times the park is full of people and sometimes the park only has a few people.



Berg Chisels made in Sweden

I think you might have missed this thread. :U

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/no-bergs-sweden-147185/

[Claw Hama]

Trust you to have a photo of naked women at the stadium Stud. Sounds like it's been an interesting time Christos, you must have a real "feel" for the Chinese way of life now:sleez::D Now Sweeden, THAT should be fun, sauners, etc etc:U

[wheelinround]

:rofl: Mark if he goes into a sauna he's going to come out looking like an steamed Pork Bun, lilly white on the outside Asian surprise on the inside.

[wheelinround]

Well the day that I got the photo taken was a little cold. You might be able to see some snow in the actual stadium.



Some times the park is full of people and sometimes the park only has a few people.



I think you might have missed this thread. :U

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/no-bergs-sweden-147185/

Saw the thread just never read

Hows this one then H. Karlsson Klensmide AB Tillverkning av bildhuggarjärn(gouges and chisels), fiolbyggarjärn(tools for violin making, yxor(axes), knivar(knives), konstsmide mm. (http://www.klensmide.se/)

[Christos]

There has been a very interesting time in Langfang. I am familiar with the area since the last time that I have been here. The more time you spend in an area the more you learn.

I have learnt some of the language but not enough to be on my own if I wanted to go shopping. The translater on the smart phone does help but is not the best as sometimes it is a little slow to translate. Then again it does not actually pick up all the words and tones. I have been listening for words that I know and amazing as it is I am hearing one or two in a conversation.

I have picked up some items that I know are good price but not tools. Well actually Bai has picked up items that are a good price. I was the person to carry the items. :U

[3RU]

Great threat Christos and I have been following your adventures with great interest.

Enjoy the experience as your story unfolds and I look forward to your further updates and findings. Especially in the tool department.

[Haochen]

Hey, Christos. It's me, haha! :U

I read all of the things u posted and it is very interesting for me to see the different Langfang from you eyes, for example I didn't pay attention on kite flying for a really long time, and actually I never been to the stadium....lol. It's also very helpful for my English, as there are so many words I didn't know and most of them r tools. There was one of them I even couldn't find the meaning from dictionary. Wongo, then I realized it's a person's name! ........:doh:

The dynasty u mentioned is Qing dynasty which is the last one of China. The table n chairs with yellow cover cloth was for emperor only in the that time, u can see dragons on them.

Plz keep posting! Btw,I can see why u so addicted to this forum, it's such a nice place n u r so popular! :oo:

[wheelinround]

Hey, Christos. It's me, haha! :U

I read all of the things u posted and it is very interesting for me to see the different Langfang from you eyes, for example I didn't pay attention on kite flying for a really long time, and actually I never been to the stadium....lol. It's also very helpful for my English, as there are so many words I didn't know and most of them r tools. There was one of them I even couldn't find the meaning from dictionary. Wongo, then I realized it's a person's name! ........:doh:

The dynasty u mentioned is Qing dynasty which is the last one of China. The table n chairs with yellow cover cloth was for emperor only in the that time, u can see dragons on them.

Plz keep posting! Btw,I can see why u so addicted to this forum, it's such a nice place n u r so popular! :oo:


Welcome Haochen :2tsup: good to see your keeping an eye on Christos from this side of the pond.

Popular??? Christos :rolleyes:................well we have to butter him him so he works the Woodworkforum stand at the woodshow..........if he's allowed this year now he's married.:;

I gather from your words Haochen you know him...........poor fellow:U


:viking:
So Chrstos are you off doing battle yet with the Vikings, bargaining for tools maybe even bought a decent camera. Chasing buxom Swedish wenches ........:no: sorry you can't do that anymore either:roll:

[Christos]

From this current perspective I have a few things to say and if I say it in one post could be very hard to read.

I arrived in Sweden on the 29th of March. Met up with the sister in law and her husband. Chatted about a few things and got on a subject as to what I wanted to do.

I mentioned the Vasa. We went to this museum on the 30th of March. It was raining but very light.

The Vasa is about a ship that sank in the year 1628 on her maiden voyage. The ship is very well preserved considering it was submerged for 333 before it was salvaged.

I have heaps of photos but not able to upload from the device that I am using. So this part has to wait. For those interested should be able to find out more from internet search.

[Christos]

The next day was raining and snowing so we did not do anything before getting on a plane to fly to Berlin, Germany.

Yes that's right we went to Germany but at present not able to upload photos from the device that I am using.

We spent 3 days in Germany and I got to say it was not entirely enough before heading back to Sweden.

For those interested I would suggest taking a few more days to look around. There are something like 170 museums in Berlin. I am not going to cast any preferences but do have one that I will upload for those interested in motorcycles from the former East Germany.

[Christos]

Hey, Christos. It's me, haha! :U

I read all of the things u posted and it is very interesting for me to see the different Langfang from you eyes, for example I didn't pay attention on kite flying for a really long time, and actually I never been to the stadium....lol. It's also very helpful for my English, as there are so many words I didn't know and most of them r tools. There was one of them I even couldn't find the meaning from dictionary. Wongo, then I realized it's a person's name! ........:doh:

The dynasty u mentioned is Qing dynasty which is the last one of China. The table n chairs with yellow cover cloth was for emperor only in the that time, u can see dragons on them.

Plz keep posting! Btw,I can see why u so addicted to this forum, it's such a nice place n u r so popular! :oo:

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for the update to the dynasty.

The forum is very much a fun place as shared knowledge is good. Prevents it from being lost to the next generation.

[Christos]

................well we have to butter him him so he works the Woodworkforum stand at the woodshow..........if he's allowed this year now he's married.:;

I gather from your words Haochen you know him...........poor fellow:U





Yes I will be allowed to go.


Confirmed Haochen does know me. Poor fellow. :U

[wheelinround]

Christos I am starting to doubt your knowledge of computers and how to get photos off memory chips.........

You did of course beat me to the No pics line.

So when you get back its a seperate Blog, photo site with ALL the photos of the honeymoon travels.

Ok so 3 days in countries which do make tools and not one report of what you bought no wonder CH is down in the mouth.

Pity you missed Munruben he's back in the UK and will be heading home sme time me thinks 11th.

[Christos]

I am using a smart phone to update the thread. I have taken photos from the phone to see if I could upload but does not allow access.

This is true about being in a country (Germany) that makes tools but not being there for too long and with only hand luggage meant we were just tourist. It would also be very hard to bring through customs.

Now back in Sweden we have become shoppers as well as tourists.

[Christos]

Right now the other half and I have checked in to a hotel in Paris, France.

Only going to be here for a few days before heading back to Sweden. Once again nit able to upload photos from the device I am using but at least able to get internet.

As this is a public holiday in France the streets are crowded with people.

The moment from the better half was more people on the street here in Paris then in Beijing. :U

[wheelinround]

Ah now I understand why your out buying shoes Ch's comment in other post had me thinking you'd be buyig clogs n snow boots in Sweden ........your actualy buying high heels in France you'll have a hard time wearing them in the shed.

[Christos]

........your actualy buying high heels in France you'll have a hard time wearing them in the shed.


Very true. There has been some research done that anything higher then one inch is not good for the person. Makes the butt look bigger and puts the spine out. Sorry not able to confirm the article not able to find.

[Claw Hama]

Huh, I've never heard so many excuses, imagine what Christos was like as a kid, "sorrry Miss the canarie ate my homework", "It wasn't me it was the old ladie around the corner that raced off with your bubble gum" No tools,no photos of tools, just some flat pumps so his butt doesn't look too big in the workshop.
Realy Christos hope you are having a great time. Ah Paris in the Spring, the smell of hot dog shytt, cigaret smoke and people who don't know what deodorant is :D

[wheelinround]

:lolabove:

No wonder he had to buy new high heels

[3 toed sloth]

Wow, Christos, now that's a holiday!

Maybe when you get back, you could do a nice WIP with an oriental flavour?

[Christos]

For this next update, I think I might quote part of a song.

Back in the heart of Sweden.

Well not quite a song, and hoping that some might recognize the difference in places as we then be able to sing together.

We flew out of Paris this morning and arrived back in Stockholm. The plane flight was only two hours. We arrived back at the hotel set our luggage down before heading off for lunch at the local Thai restaurant. :U

[wheelinround]

With all this food you have consumed Christos it won't be overweight baggage you'll be worried about.

[Christos]

I am writing this update from Sydney. I am back at work today with a fair bit of reading to catch up with the latest at work.

I know that I did jump a little bit towards the end of the holiday and hope that people are not going to be too upset for me back tracking a little.

After China(Langfang) we went to Sweden to visit more relatives. This was going to be a two week stay with short visits to Germany(Berlin) and France(Paris).

I am going to separate these post a little to not have this in one long post. Firstly posting the Sweden photos that I hope people find interesting.

This chairs are a pair and by guessing could be over 80 years old. The patina on these chairs give them quite some character.

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One of the chairs has a tear at the end of the arm rest. Comfortable to sit in. :2tsup:

On an earlier post I mention that we went to see the VASA Museum. I took a lot of photos of this ship and it you are interested in wood working or wooden ships it is well worth the trip to Sweden. I will not post all the photos but hope this gives some indication of what this is about.

You will also notice that some parts of the vessel have a different type of wood meaning that these were replaced to give an indication of what was missing.

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What would it be like if I do not post something used to build or maintain this vessel at the time of construction.

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[Christos]

Remaining with Sweden for the moment, in order to present a few more photos.

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For those that are not aware I stand at 8 foot 11 inches which should give some indication of the size of the barrels. :o

[Christos]

The last few days in Sweden allows us to venture around a little and we ended up in a coffee shop called Sturekatten.

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I had coffee and a piece of cake. :q

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Considering most of it was cream it was not extremely sweet. Now that being said I have been told that my taste buds seem to be on the complete opposites to what would be considered normal. :roll:

[wheelinround]

I'll work backwards.

You had better be walking running riding to work to loose all the pounds put on or you'll not reach the lathe :q

Not into boats except when its historical cool pics

Was this your seat??

Good to have you back not that it was like you were ever gone.:;:U

[RETIRED]

For those that are not aware I stand at 8 foot 11 inches which should give some indication of the size of the barrels. :oRemind me not to meet you in a dark alley.:D

[wheelinround]

more like 5'11"

[Christos]

more like 5'11"

When I am sitting down.

[Christos]

The next place that we visited was Berlin.

We arrived in the afternoon and walked around a little. We found out that there was going to be a half marathon on the next day and that most of the streets were going to be closed.

Since the streets were closed we discovered that before the actual foot race, they were bicycles, roller blades and wheelchairs completing.

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Those of you that are old enough to recall Berlin was a divided city, East and West of a wall. That wall has since been taken down with a small part remaining as a tourist attraction. Another part of Berlin has about 140 meters of the wall where artist were invited to paint murals.

It is hard to distinguish between one or the other so just one that I am posting here that I liked.

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I guess for copyright reason I should mention that this is part of the East Side Gallery.

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As part of the tour bus that we were on they mention a store Ka De Ve.

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I purchased some cheese, as they mention they had 1400 varieties.

Sorry no photos I was very fast in eating it. :U


And no not all 1400, I wanted to try something different. :o

[wheelinround]

All these lovely photos not one of you and anybody else:rolleyes:


Not many with other people about have they all deserted the places visited considering China's over population..........I know tey are all heading downunder by boat.:;

[Christos]

I tried to avoid posting photos of people. It only becomes interesting when you have a whole group of people waiting just on the side, out of camera shot. :rolleyes:

If you take too long they start to get on edge and once you are done it is like a mad rush of people. :D

[wheelinround]

Sounds like the gates at Sydney Woodshow:U

[Christos]

This next instalment is of Paris.

I would expect that most of us would have heard about one particular museum called the Louvre.

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There are some exceptional pieces of art in this museum. We allowed ourselves just over half a day to wonder around this museum. This is not really enough time to see everything but I wanted to see a few things and not necessary the most famous of art.

For those wanting to really see this museum I think that it would be better to spend at least two days.

I have taken lots of photos and all with out a flash and some halls did not allow any photos at all.

One of the first things that you notice when you enter one of the galleries is the size of the halls so I have taken a photo of the ceiling.

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All along this hall way were sculptures carved from marble. :o

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Since I have taken a photo of the ceiling I thought that I should also take a photo of one of the floors. :U

The next photo is me in front of the Eiffel Tower. We were at one stage thinking of going up but the queues are very long and you really have to get there early. So we rested for a little while taking photos. My beloved took a couple of photos of me but I find this one particular nice.

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These have only been a very short description of the trip and I hope that this has given you guys some entertainment and insight.

[wheelinround]

Christos Sue says " I hope the door wasn't open at the time"


Well I can say this Christos your a well travelled pair and may your lives together be a road of sharing many more amazing trips.:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:........just watch out for road blocks, detours, dead ends and remember they can be got around.

Thanks for sharing this journey:2tsup::2tsup: