China March 2008 Author : Toni and Julia   Tanks My good friend Low Hee Teck invited me to celebrate the opening of their new oil tank plant in Jingjiang near Shanghai in China Ceremony It was not all just business as he had invited enough people to uses 2 busses to take his guests for a sightseeing tour lasting for 2 days. First we visited Yangzhou which had lovely river walks Yangzouh Plum Blossoms The next day we visited the ZhongShanLin near Nanjing. A bit of serious Monuments and 10 acre site of plum blossoms ZhongShanLin Most beautiful and interesting. I never expected to experience that and was pleasantly surprised Day 3. We visit the modern Shanghai as well as the old across the River. Its unbelievable what they have achieved in this short period and I was just goggling in astonishment. Modern China Well, I would have liked to stay longer, but the plane is waiting. The final thrill I had when I took the bullet train to the International Airport (Shanghai) It was traveling at 431 km/hr Uuhhaa! Bullet train Thank you Teck and Venus for looking after me so generously. I shall come back with Little Swan and see some more. Philippines March 2008 It is only a 31/2 hours flight to Manila and I stayed overnight in the convenient Hotel Swagman with transfers to Batangas and the Ferry to Puerto Galera. I am familiar with all the Philippine ways and patiently accept it. Soon I was in Balatero and meeting up with my friends.I basically returned there the nth time to look after some investments, straighten out some problems and enjoy the lush surroundings. Ferry Bancas Talipanen Beach is my favorite with Clearwater and white sand.. Talipanen The Banana’s are just the best flavor in the world. There is a block of land waiting for me to built a little house Toni’s future place All too soon times up and Little Swan is waiting for me to finish the many jobs. Now I am back in Sydney again and enjoying beautiful autumn weather. Toni www.adventure-yachting.net svlittleswan@yahoo.com.au