Comments on: A Week-In-The-Life of Barbara Weibel: Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel

By: Sophie

Sophie — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:50:33 +0000

China can be challenging. It’s worthwhile learning a bit of Mandarin; English isn’t really an important language there. Hiring a guide is an option as well – and not very expensive. China is a wild and beautiful country. Hope you get a chance to visit again and have a better experience.

You know, the pollution bit actually reminded me of Los Angeles. I was there a few weeks ago and noticed a chain of tall mountains right outside the city (or so it seemed) I had never seen before. I was told they’re usually invisible due to pollution and smog.

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:10:34 +0000

I traveled through china (touring with a ballet) waaaaay back in 1993, and I found it to be quite an intimidating experience…I felt like I was on another planet! Granted, I was still very young and relatively untraveled back then…I wonder how I would fare in China now. I’ve heard so many tales of people loving China, and others of it being a tough place to be. My own hats off to Barbara for sticking through these adventures! Such is the adventure of solo travel…

By: Leigh

Leigh — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:27:16 +0000

My hat goes off to you Barbara for traveling solo in a difficult country. It doesn’t sound the least bit glamorous.

My husband traveled to Beijing about 8X over 18 months and on one occasion the air quality was way better than average and he said you could actually make out the distant hills. He also said you could taste the air there and concurs with them being very friendly.

One Nepal charity that I have the utmost respect for is Olga’s Nepal Youth Opportunity Foundation. She is out of California and would probably be a fantastic resource.

By: Ayngelina

Ayngelina — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:26:59 +0000

I consider myself an experienced traveler but I have to say China really intimidates me.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:18:00 +0000

At some point during the first two days, I think I would have lost it big time. But then again, I always get frustrated with red tape etc. Glad you got to see the great wall Barbara, that is one thing that I would like to do but the stories of strenuous hiking puts me off!