World Travels

RODWELL: from Salisbury Wiltshire England

warrenr — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 14:34:00 GMT

Welcome to this research project for the descendants of SAMUEL RODWELL, his son THOMAS RODWELL, & Thomas's son DAVID RODWELL all from the cathedral city of Salisbury, Wiltshire, southwest England. Please click link below for pictures:
http://warrenrodwell.shutterfly.com/ancestry

Journal by Warren Rodwell

WARREN RODWELL is a direct descendant of DAVID RODWELL (B:1819) son of THOMAS RODWELL (B:1778); a shoemaker; St Edmunds Parish,Salisbury Wiltshire England. THOMAS RODWELL's parents were SAMUEL RODWELL and Mary Ward. THOMAS RODWELL married Martha Elton.Their son DAVID RODWELL (B:1819) was transported to Hobart Tasmania Australia VDL at age 18 aboard the ship Lord William Bentinck (2) in 1838. He later married Rosina Hammond (B:Chelmsford Essex England). She was transported VDL 1844. DAVID and Rosina RODWELL had three sons. The Rodwells seem to have followed the goldrush when they moved to Victoria on mainland Australia in 1851. Rosina died young. DAVID RODWELL settled at Percydale near Avoca Victoria. His oldest son, DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL, sired twelve (12) children.

http://www.familytreecircles.com/rodwell-from-salisbury-wiltshire-england-australia-17766.html

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Husband:  SAMUEL RODWELL (from St Martin Parish, Salisbury Wiltshire England)
Married:  Mary WARD (from St Edmunds)on 21 May 1771 (St Edmund Parish,Salisbury)

Source:

Salisbury (St Edmund) Marriages - Wiltshire Parish Registers (Philimore & Co. Ltd) Vol. XIV Page 34 - Married by Banns in St Edmunds

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SAMUEL RODWELL (Married: 1771) Siblings:
1769 John Rodwell - Marriage 21 Nov 1769 Heytesbury, Wiltshire, England

Source: International Genealogical Index / British Isles - 37
Please Note: Entries in italics are yet to be confirmed as Rodwell relatives

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SAMUEL RODWELL and Mary (nee WARD - Married: 1771) Children:

1775 John Rodwell - Christened 10 Dec 1775 Saint Edmunds, Salisbury, Wiltshire
1778 THOMAS RODWELL - Christened 25 Dec 1778 Saint Edmunds, Salisbury

1781    Eliz. Rodwell Christened - 10 Jun 1781 St Martin, Salisbury, Wiltshire
1782    Josiah Rodwell - Christened 20 Dec 1782 Heytesbury, Wiltshire, England
1783    Samuel Rodwell - Christened 05 Oct 1783 St Martin, Salisbury, Wiltshire
1785    Rose Mary Rodwell - Christened 28 Aug 1785 St Martin, Salisbury, Wiltshire

1788    Samuel Rodwell - B: 11 Jan 1778 C: 08 June 1788 Saint Edmunds, Salisbury
1790    William Rodwell - B: 17 Nov 1789 C: 16 May 1790 Saint Edmunds, Salisbury

Source:         International Genealogical Index / British Isles - 37
Please Note:    Entries in italics are yet to be confirmed as Rodwell relatives

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Admissions to Salisbury Infirmary (Hospital):

-         Samuel Rodwell admitted 1 July 1775;
-         Samuel discharged cured 29th July 1775 - J8.100.5
-         Mary Rodwell admitted 24th October 1807 - J8.100.10
-         Samuel Rodwell admitted 28th October 1810 - J8.100.11
-         Caroline Rodwell admitted 26th May 1827 - J8.100.14

Cross Ref: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,384715.0.html

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Husband:          THOMAS RODWELL Christened 1778 St Edmunds Parish
                        Salisbury Wiltshire England (Son of Samuel and Mary Rodwell)

Source: International Genealogical Index / British Isles - 37

Husband:          THOMAS RODWELL B: 1778 Salisbury Wiltshire (Shoemaker)
Married:            Martha ELTON (also recorded as Martha ALTON B: 1786)
                        (Her parents were Thomas and Sarah Elton) Martha Elton was
                         Baptized 12th March 1786 Newton Toney Wiltshire England

                      *Shown as Martha Rodwell - widowed almswoman 1861 in
                         England Census (Hussey’s Almshouse, Castle Street Salisbury)

Martha Elton:     Possible siblings of Martha Rodwell (nee Elton) are as follows:
                        - Henry Elton 12th December 1780 Newton Toney Wiltshire
                        - Thomas Elton 25th August 1782 Allington By Amesbury Wiltshire
                        - Elisabeth Elton 4th May 1784 Allington By Amesbury Wiltshire
                        - John Elton 9th January 1791 Newton Toney Wiltshire England
                        - Sarah Elton 18th September 1796 Newton Toney Wiltshire
                        - Mary Elton 1799 Newton Toney Wiltshire England

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THOMAS RODWELL and Martha (nee ELTON / ALTON B: 1778) Children:

1. 1816 George Rodwell (B: 11 Apr 1816) George christened about 25 Dec 1819 Saint Edmunds Church Street, Wesleyan (Church), Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. George Rodwell married 1837 at St Edmunds Salisbury to Eliza Wheatland (Born:1810 Basingstoke Hampshire)[George Rodwell: smith / journeyman / shoemaker]

2. 1819 DAVID RODWELL (B: 03 Dec 1819) Transported to Van Diemen’s Land Tasmania 1838 (Australia) David christened 26 Dec 1819 Saint Edmunds Church Street, Wesleyan (Church), Salisbury, Wiltshire, England [David Rodwell: tailor / boatman / miner]

3. 1821 Caroline Rodwell Died: March 1842 Salisbury Wiltshire England

4. 1823 Richard Rodwell 1848 M: Eliza Perren (recorded as a minor) from Upper Clatford Hampshire. Married in Hampshire. [Richard Rodwell: cordwainer / iron moulder]

5. 1826 Edward Rodwell 1847 M: Mary Barnes ; St Edmunds [Edward Rodwell: cordwainer] In 1851 Census, Edward Rodwell lodging in Hampshire - no wife present.

6. 1827 James Rodwell 2 July 1844 Wiltshire County Prison (listing as accused: Wiltshire Quarter Sessions, aged 18)

7. 1830 Martha Rodwell 1861 Census in Salisbury; Martha now married and is in the house (with mother Martha), but no husband present.

Source: International Genealogical Index / British Isles - 37

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DAVID RODWELL (B: 03 Dec 1819) David Rodwell was christened on 26th December 1819 Saint Edmunds Church Street, Wesleyan (Church), Salisbury, Wiltshire, England (Son of Thomas and Martha Rodwell)

David Rodwell married Rosina HAMMOND 1 Dec 1846 St Georges Church of England Hobart Tasmania Australia

DAVID RODWELL B: 1819 son of shoemaker Thomas Rodwell. David Rodwell arrived Hobart Van Diemen’s Land - Tasmania Australia Aug 1838 per convict ship Lord William Bentinck (2). David Rodwell, aged 18, was transported for seven years for stealing five silk handkerchiefs. Physical description of David Rodwell below:

*Dark complexion
*Oval visage *Medium nose
*Round head *High forehead
*Tattoo on right arm of woman
*Height (no shoes) 5' 3.5" 161.3 cms
*Brown hair & eyebrows *Green eyes
*Scars on ball of left thumb and on right cheek

1819 David Rodwell born Salisbury Wiltshire England
1838 David Rodwell arrived Van Diemen’s Land Australia (D:1888)
1845 David Rodwell’s Free Certificate Gained; Hobart TAS No.150
1846 M: Rosina Hammond (B:1824 Chelmsford Essex D:1853)

ROSINA RODWELL (HAMMOND) wife of David Rodwell (B:1819)

*Transported for stealing a loaf of bread & a petticoat
*Trade recorded on convict papers ; housemaid & cooking
*Departed London 8 Sep 1844 on ship Tasmania (1) age 19
*Arrived Hobart VDL Australia 20 Dec 1844 Sentence 7 years
*M: David Rodwell 1 Dec 1846 St Georges Church of England Hobart
* Rosina Rodwell recommended for conditional pardon on 23 Jan 1849 - approved 5 Feb 1850

Personal Description of Rosina Hammond: Light hair and eyebrows, medium wide mouth, scar under left eye, fair complexion, oval visage & head, round chin, medium high forehead, small nose, height 5'1", religion Protestant, can read or write: some. Brothers and sisters of Rosina Hammond (B: 1824): Cornelius, Alex, Esther, Martha, Diana Hammond; Chelmsford Essex England

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DAVID RODWELL (B: 1819) & Rosina (nee HAMMOND B: 1824) Children:

1848 DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL B: Clarence Plains Hobart Tasmania
1850 George Edward Rodwell Born: Clarence Plains Tasmania D: 1866 Victoria
1852 Walter Thomas Rodwell B: Melbourne Victoria D: 1875 Percydale Victoria
Avoca & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~adhs/Inquests.html

DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL (B: 1848) (Son of David and Rosina Rodwell nee Hammond) (grandson of Thomas & Martha Rodwell nee Elton). David Cornelius Rodwell could be of particular interest to Australian researchers and descendants.

1848 David Cornelius Rodwell born 11 Aug Clarence Plains Hobart Tasmania
1851 The Rodwell family moved to Victoria Australia (Castlemaine goldfields)
1870 David Cornelius Rodwell married Mary Anne Curnick (B: 1853 Melksham Wiltshire). They married at Avoca Methodist Church & lived at nearby Percydale
1871 First child of twelve (12) born to David and Mary Anne Rodwell (see below)
1913 David Cornelius Rodwell died Percydale Victoria Australia
1929 Mary Anne Rodwell (nee Curnick) died Avoca Victoria

Cemetery Index http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ausvsac/Index.htm

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DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL (B: 1848 Hobart Australia) and Mary Anne (nee CURNICK B: 1853 Melksham Wiltshire England) Children and Spouses:

- 1871 David James Rodwell - Married: Mary Rayner
- 1873 George Rodwell - Married: Elizabeth Wyhoon
- 1875 Ernest Albert Rodwell - Maried: Elizabeth Allan
- 1878 Edward Thomas Rodwell - Married: Emma Allan
- 1880 Rosina Annie Rodwell - Married: Charles Wyles
- 1883 SAMUEL RICHARD RODWELL - M: Elizabeth Meredith
- 1885 Charles Walter Rodwell - Son: Percy Rodwell
- 1887 Lilian Marion Rodwell - Married: Hugh Cheyne
- 1890 William Frederick Rodwell - Married: Eileen (NZ)
- 1892 Henry Owen Rodwell - Married: Mabel Pitcher
- 1895 Violet Elizabeth Rodwell - M: Victor Lee / Ellis
- 1898 Elizabeth Daisy Rodwell - M: Tom Anderson

Avoca & District Historical Society http://home.vicnet.net.au/~adhs/ADHSMain.htm

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DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL (B: 1848 Australia) and Mary Anne (nee CURNICK B: 1853 England) Children and Grandchildren:

1) David James Rodwell (B: 1871) and Mary Rayner [Son: Herbert Rodwell]
2) George Rodwell (B: 1873) and Elizabeth Wyhoon [Children: Stanley Rodwell, Kathleen, Percy Rodwell, Harold Rodwell, William Rodwell, Frederick Rodwell]
3) Ernest Rodwell (B: 1875) and Elizabeth Allan [Children: Elizabeth Rodwell, Edward Rodwell, Jack Rodwell, Nellie Rodwell, Dorothy Rodwell]
4) Edward Rodwell (B: 1878) and Emma Allan [Children: Ernest Rodwell, Victor Rodwell, Kenneth Rodwell]
5) Rosina Rodwell (B: 1880) & Charles Wyles [Children: Charles & Ivan Wyles]
6) SAMUEL RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1883) and Elizabeth Meredith [Children: Dorothy Rodwell, Stephen David Cornelius Rodwell (1908), Violet Rodwell
7) Charles Walter Rodwell (B: 1885) [Son: Percy Rodwell]
8) Lilian Marion Rodwell (B: 1887) and Hugh Cheyne [Children: Leslie Cheyne and Bruce Cheyne]
9) William Frederick Rodwell (B: 1890) (Died 11 Dec 1915 Frankton New Zealand)
10) Henry Owen Rodwell (B: 1892) and Mabel Pitcher [Children: Henry Rodwell, Roy Rodwell, William Rodwell, Lilian Rodwell, Albert Rodwell]
11) Violet Elizabeth Rodwell (B: 1895) and Victor Lee / Ellis [Children: Frank, Isobel, Jim, Clarice, Rose, Ray, Victor, Alf, Len (Surnames: Lee & Ellis)
12) Elizabeth Daisy Rodwell (B: 1898) and Tom Anderson [Children: Alice, David Anderson, Jean, Joyce, Thomas Anderson, Dorothy, Esme, Alma]

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SAMUEL RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1883) (Son of David Cornelius and Mary Anne Rodwell nee Curnick) (Grandson of David & Rosina Rodwell nee Hammond)

Samuel Richard Rodwell Born 30th April 1883 Percydale near Avoca Victoria
Australia; son of David Cornelius Rodwell.

*Reported in The Argus (Melbourne Newspaper Thurs 3 Dec 1903)...

SERIOUS CASUALTIES ...
A MAN'S EYE INJURED : KORUMBURRA - A young man named Samuel Rodwell, employed clearing on Mr. J. Colegate's property about two miles from here, was chopping wood on Tuesday, when a splinter about 2in. flew up and pierced his left eye. The splinter, which had penetrated about ... grazing the ball of the eye, was extracted by Mr. C. Marsden, M.B., who fears that Rodwell's sight will be affected permanently.

*Samuel Rodwell married Elizabeth Meredith in 1905 in Sydney NSW Australia. It would appear that they moved back to Victoria, as their first two children, Dorothy Rodwell (B:1905) and Stephen David Cornelius Rodwell (B:1908), were born in Jumbunna Victoria.

*Reported in The Argus (Melbourne Newspaper Mon 6 Apr 1908)...

NEW INSOLVENTS ...
Samuel Richard Rodwell, of Jumbunna, Causes of insolvency - Want of constant employment, and sickness in family. Liabilities, - £30/6/7, Assets, £6/5/, Deficiency £24/1/7 Mi James Connor Warragul, assignee Filed at Korumburra.

*Between 1908 - 1911: Samuel & family moved back to New South Wales Australia. Note that Samuel & Elizabeth married in 1905 Sydney NSW.[5884/1905 RODWELL SAMUEL R MEREDITH ELIZABETH SYDNEY - NSW Reg BDM]

*Samuel & Elizabeth Rodwell : Their daughter Violet Isabel Rodwell (later DEAN),
born 1911 in Rylstone, NSW Australia.

*Samuel Richard Rodwell - Coalminer (D:1937)
*Buried Rylstone General Cemetery NSW Australia
*Married Elizabeth Meredith (B:1 May 1889 Burwood NSW) D:1964

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SAMUEL RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1883 Percydale Victoria Australia) and Elizabeth (nee MEREDITH B: 1889 Burwood NSW Australia) Children:

1905 Dorothy Ann Rodwell ; B: Jumbunna Victoria; D:1991 ; Married Stanley Carter
1908 STEPHEN DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL B: Jumbunna; D:1985 Lithgow General Cemetery NSW (Labourer /miner) M: Violet Florence Bennett
1911 Violet Isabel Rodwell ; B: Rylstone NSW; D: 1979; M: Ernest Dean (Occupation: coalminer)

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STEPHEN DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL (B: 1908 Jumbunna Victoria) and Violet Florence (nee BENNETT B: 1911 Hargraves NSW) Children:

1) 1929 DAVID RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1 Apr 1929 Charbon NSW)(D: 20 Dec 1990 Taree NSW). David Richard Rodwell (Bricklayer) married Ellen Agnes Scott (Born: 23 Mar 1926 Werris Creek NSW)(D: 23 May 1981 Griffith NSW Australia)
2) 1930 Harold K Rodwell (infant death) (Rylstone NSW District)
3) 1931 Valda Rodwell (M: George Lester ; parents of Brian Lester, Patricia Lester (later: Wells), Christine Lester (later: Howard)
4) 1933 Stephen Samuel Rodwell (B: 21 Oct 1933 Kandos NSW)(D: 14 Mar 2011 Lalor Park NSW) (Bricklayer); father of Stephen and Mark Rodwell (Bricklayers)
5) 1937 Arthur John Rodwell (infant death) (Rylstone NSW District)

http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/familyHistory/searchHistoricalRecords.htm

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DAVID RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1929 Charbon NSW Australia) (Son of Stephen David Cornelius and Violet Florence Rodwell nee Bennett) (Grandson of Samuel Richard and Elizabeth Rodwell nee Meredith)

DAVID RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1929) & Ellen Agnes (nee SCOTT) Children:

1) Denise Ann Rodwell (B: 10 Sep 1952 Sydney NSW) (married Jeffrey Cappello)
2) Wayne Richard Rodwell (B: 13 June 1954 Sydney)(married Maureen Batts)
3) WARREN RICHARD RODWELL (B: 16 June 1958 Homebush, Sydney NSW Australia)(married: Catherine Mary Migro B: 23 Nov 1961 Melbourne Victoria)

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WARREN RICHARD RODWELL (B: 1958) and Catherine Mary (nee MIGRO B: 1961) Children:

1) SAMUEL CORNELIUS RICHARD RODWELL
B: 10 May 1985 Coopers Plains, Brisbane Queensland Australia)
2) Isaac Augustus Richard Rodwell
B: 21 August 1986 Coopers Plains, Brisbane Queensland Australia)
3) Elizabeth Ann-Louise Rodwell
B: 3 May 1988 Subiaco, Western Australia)

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SAMUEL CORNELIUS RICHARD RODWELL & Katrina (nee BUNN) issue:

1) Thomas Oliver Richard Rodwell (Born: 12 June 2010 Subiaco, Western Australia)

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RODWELL 1886 PICTURE :
By kind courtesy Avoca District Historical Society
http://journals.worldnomads.com/warrenr/post/31018.aspx

http://www.familytreecircles.com/rodwell-from-salisbury-wiltshire-england-australia-17766.html

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Photos: Warren Pix

warrenr — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:26:00 GMT

Various

Rodwell Research : Salisbury Wiltshire England

warrenr — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:02:00 GMT

Do any of the following RODWELL names mean anything to YOU and YOUR branch of the RODWELL tree? All born in Salisbury Wiltshire England between 1816 & 1831.

*Eliza Rodwell (NEE Wheatland) *George Rodwell *David Rodwell *Caroline Rodwell *Richard Rodwell *Edward Rodwell *James Rodwell *Martha Rodwell

RODWELLs Around The World Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2455530185

Warren Rodwell 16th June 2009

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In 1838, my great grandfather's grandfather, DAVID RODWELL (tailor by trade born 1819 Salisbury Wiltshire England) was convicted & transported to Hobart Tasmania (VDL: Van Diemen's Land) Australia for seven years for stealing five (5) silk handkerchiefs.

David's father's name was THOMAS RODWELL. Church records indicate that Thomas was born 1778 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England and married MARTHA ELTON (born 1786). Children of Thomas and Martha Rodwell (below). Click this link for research updates and discussion ...

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,384715.0.html

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North Wiltshire Online Census Project -1841
http://www.pope-genealogy.me.uk/41190.html#bk2

TRANSCRIPT OF PIECE HO107/1190
Transcription/Checking Team was Jane Brown (CAN), and John Pope (UK)
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ENUMERATION DISTRICT 8
Civil Parish of Salisbury St Edmund

BOOK 1 FOLIO 53 PAGE 11
Church St, 1,
• THOMAS Rodwell, 62, Shoemaker,WIL, (born Dec 1778)
• MARTHA Rodwell, 51, WIL, (born March 1786)

BOOK 5 FOLIO 21 PAGE 2

Love Lane, 1,
• ELIZA Rodwell, 30, Dress Maker, Not in county, (born 1810 or 1811)

• GEORGE Rodwell, 23, Shoe Maker r, WIL, (born 1817 or 1818)

[NOTE: Eliza Wheatland married George Rodwell 26 Feb 1837 Saint Edmund’s Salisbury Wiltshire]
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NOT INCLUDED ...
• DAVID Rodwell, (would have been 21/22 in 1841), Tailor by trade LATER boatman (born Dec 1819). Transported 1838 to Australia.
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BOOK 7 FOLIO 41 PAGE 4
• CAROLINE Rodwell, 20, WIL (born 1820 or 1821)

BOOK 1 FOLIO 53 PAGE 11
Church St, 1,
• RICHARD Rodwell, 18, Porter, WIL, (born 1822 or 1823)
• EDWARD Rodwell, 15, Cordwainer, WIL, (born 1825 or 1826)
• JAMES Rodwell, 14, Porter, WIL, (born 1826 or 1827)
• MARTHA Rodwell, 10, WIL, (born 1830 or 1831)

http://www.familytreecircles.com/journal_17766.html

Ancestral Moves

warrenr — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:42:00 GMT

David Rodwell & Family Circa 1880
Percydale, Victoria, Australia

Pictures kindly obtained/supplied by Tom Roberts,
a direct descendant of David Cornelius Rodwell.

David Cornelius Rodwell was the son of emancipated English convicts David Rodwell & Rosina Hammond. The older David Rodwell arrived in Australia at Old Hobart Town, Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) in 1838. The grave of his son, David Cornelius Rodwell, along with various others belonging to OUR ancestors, can be found at Avoca Cemetery in Avoca, central Victoria, Australia. The township of Percydale is very near Avoca.

Avoca & District Historical Society Inc. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~adhs/ADHSMain.htm

Avoca is located 71kms northwest of Ballarat in the heart of the Pyrenees Shire of central west Victoria, Australia. The town's rich gold mining history places it in the centre of the Golden Triangle. Daily buses provide access between Avoca & Ballarat.

Gold was first found in Victoria in 1849 in the Pyrenees Ranges near Avoca. In 1851, the first discovery of importance took place at Clunes, 40kms away from present-day Avoca, setting off a gold rush to the region. By the beginning of December 1853, the population had increased from 100 to 2,000. By June the following year, Avoca with a population of 16,000 was regarded as one of Victoria's more important gold rush districts.

Footnote:

DAVID CORNELIUS RODWELL was born 11 August 1848 at Clarence Plains in Tasmania, Australia:

* He was the son of David Rodwell (from Salisbury Wiltshire England - born 1819)

* David Cornelius Rodwell moved from Tasmania to Victoria on the main land of Australia, presumably in search of gold

* David Cornelius Rodwell married Mary Ann Curnick (aka Curniell) at Avoca Victoria on 23 May 1870 (Mary born 1854 Bradford Wiltshire England)

* David Cornelius Rodwell & wife Mary Ann had twelve (12) children

* DCR is the father of Samuel Richard Rodwell (1883-1937)(Born at Percydale Victoria)

* Grandfather of Stephen David Cornelius Rodwell (1908-1985) (Born Jumbunna Victoria)

* Great grandfather of David Richard Rodwell (1929-1990)(Born Charbon via Lithgow NSW)

* Great great grandfather of Warren Richard Rodwell (Born Sydney NSW Australia)
.

Thames Town

warrenr — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 22:29:00 GMT

Thames Town is the English name for a new town in Songjiang, about 30 km from central Shanghai, China and situated on the Yangtze River. It is named after the River Thames in England. The architecture both imitates and is influenced by classic English market town styles. There are cobbled streets, Victorian terraces, corner shops - empty as in an abandoned film set. Some of the architecture has been directly copied from buildings found in England, including the church (copied from one in Clifton, Bristol) and a pub and fish and chip shop (copied from buildings in Lyme Regis, Dorset). The picturesque church and main square makes an idyllic backdrop for many Chinese Wedding photos. Songjiang City is one of nine new towns being built outside of Shanghai as part of the 1 city-9 towns initiative passed by the Shanghai Planning Commission in 2001. All 9 new towns are themed: Swedish, English, Italian, Spanish, American, Dutch, German, traditional Chinese, and an ecological town called Lingang. The Town was designed to house approximately 10,000 people and cost 5 billion yuan to construct.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Town

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019360&id=1047907554&l=4c71099324

Flight Itinerary

warrenr — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 21:22:00 GMT

South African Airways is the national airline of the Republic of South Africa. It serves more than seven hundred (700) destinations throughout the world with thirty four (34) cities in twenty six (26)countries on six continents,carrying more than six and a half million passengers each year.

TUESDAY 23RD JUNE 2009 SA287

2350 Hong Kong - 0700 +1 day Johannesburg

Duration 13 hours 10 minutes

6641 miles / 10688 kms

WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 09 SA226

0950 Johannesburg - 1630 Buenos Aires

(Republic South Africa - Argentina)

Duration 11 hours 40 minutes

5069 miles / 8158 kms

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Total Duration 24 hours 50 minutes
(27 hours 40 mins with connections)
11710 miles / 18845 kms
______________________________________

.

Travel This Century

warrenr — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:32:00 GMT

These pages summarize world travels of Warren Rodwell during the first decade of this century. Approximately 30 countries including Australia, Austria, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic , Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, The Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

CHINA ·Sep 08 - Jun 09
As a Foreign Resident, Warren taught at Jiangnan University

[School of Business] about 1 hour by fast train from Shanghai.

AUSTRALIA · Jan - Feb 09
Brisbane, Perth, Rottnest Island

CHINA · Sept 08

JAPAN · August 08
Osaka (side trip)

CHINA · August 08

PHILIPPINES · July - Aug 08
Manila, Boracay, Iloilo, Cebu,
Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor

THAILAND · July 2008
Koh Chang & Bangkok

CAMBODIA · July 2008
Phnom Penh, Kep, Sihanoukville
Checking out the south coast ...

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CHINA · Sept 05 - July 08
CHENGDU, SICHUAN PROVINCE:

* Hometown of the giant panda.

Warren taught postgraduates at the University of Electronic Science & Technology of China (UESTC) in Chengdu for 3 years. Mr Rodwell co-produced the book "Chengdu Sichuan China". He also contributed to & asssisted in a language advisory capacity to "GO WEST", a pioneering magazine for culture & nature, distributed through 5 star hotels.

LOCAL JAUNTS INCLUDE:

Mt Emei & Leshan Giant Buddha
Dead Sea of China, Daying County
Qingyanggong Taoist Temple, Chengdu
Sanxingdui(SHI)Ancient Cultural Ruins
Giant Panda Bear Breeding Research Centre
Linquanshi and Guangdeshi Temples, Suining

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LAOS · July 07 - August 07
Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse, Vientiane, & Four Thousand Islands

MYANMAR (BURMA) · July 07
Assist Buddhist University

CHINA · June 07
KUNMING - Arrange visa

CHINA · May 07
SHANGHAI - Golden Week

CHINA · February 07
PANZHIHUA - Spring Festival

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EUROPE · June 06 - July 06
Germany,Switzerland,Austria,
Czech Republic and Poland

CHINA · Oct 05
CHONG QING:
Golden Week on the banks of the Yangtze River

CHINA · AUG 05
HONG KONG, YANGSHUO & XI'AN:

Flew back to Hong Kong in August 2005 & then holidayed domestically in mainland China (Yangshuo & Xi'an).

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AUSTRALIA · Jul 05 - Aug 05
Warren returned to Australia after three years living in Asia. His family & friends are on both sides of the country.

HONG KONG · Jul 05 - Jul 05
Two month summer vacation and Warren flew in/out of mainland China to Hong Kong a couple of times. A chance to have a look around, taste some local cuisine, and so on.

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CHINA · May 04 - Jun 05
KUNMING & XISHUANGBANNA:

.
Taught in the Foreign Languages Department, International Finance Department, and the International Business School of Yunnan University of Finance & Economics, a government university in Kunming. Also holidayed for a week in Xishuangbanna, close to the Laos / Myanmar borders.

PHILIPPINES · Jan 05 - Feb 05
MANILA:
Several days in Manila before beaching out for a couple of weeks at Puerto Galera (White Beach & Sabang). Back to Thailand for more quality beach time & the return flight to China.

THAILAND · Jan 05 - Feb 05
BANGKOK, KANCHANBURI & KOH CHANG:

Two months winter holidays. In Bangkok catching up with local friends, and organising flights to The Phils. On return to Thailand ... taking it easy at Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) inland, then over on beautiful Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. Afterwards, I flew back to continue working & living in south west China

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CHINA · Oct 04 - Oct 04
DALI, LIJIANG & SHANGRI-LA;
The first day of October each year is National Day in China. A week-long holiday called "Golden Week" is observed. With a group of nine friends, I went on a domestic Chinese package tour of the north of Yunnan Province.

Sleeper train from Kunming to Dali. Erhai Lake by boat. Butterfly Well Park. Old Dali Town & Foreign Street. Bus from Dali to Lijiang Old Town and Square Market. Then on by minibus, past the first bend of the Yangtze River, to "Shangri-La" in the Tibetan Prefecture of Yunnan.The actual town is Zhongdian. Close by is Songzanlin Lamasery as well as Napa & Shudu Lakes. Yak rides are available.

Upon returning to Lijiang, there was Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow and White Water River.All meals and hotels were included in the tour cost. We returned to Dali by bus then back to Kunming by overnight sleeper train. Sleeping berths can only be booked through travel agents.

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THAILAND · Jun 04 - Jun 04
CHIANG MAI & PAI;
A visa run to northern Thailand for a week. A quick visit to the Chinese consulate in Chiang Mai, then up in the hills to peaceful Pai. A great place to hire a motorcycle and ride around the mountains.

MYANMAR · Apr 04 - Apr 04
MANDALAY & BAGAN:
A 28 day tourist visa for Myanmar (Burma) was arranged through the Myanmar consulate in the Camellia Hotel, Kunming in Yunnan Province, southern China. It only took 1.5 hours to fly from Kunming to Mandalay, Myanmar. There's nothing exciting at all about Mandalay, unless you relish the thought of watching a wooden marionette (puppet) show.

After arranging a re-entry visa to China through the Chinese consulate in Mandalay, I took the express boat (11 hours) down the Ayeryarwaddy River to the world heritage site of Bagan (aka Pagan). When Marco Polo travelled through this part of the world, he was amazed by all the golden Buddhist stupa's. You can hire a bicycle to ride around the different parts of this town.There were quite a few retired European tourists in Myanmar.From Bagan, I flew back to Mandalay before returning to China.

___________________________

CHINA · Mar 04 - Mar 04
TIBET:
An overland four wheel drive tour from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet.

NEPAL · Feb 04 - Feb 04
LUMBINI:
A five hour local bus trip from Pokhara to the town of Bhairahawa, close to the Indian border. From Bhairahawa, another 45 minute local bus trip to the village of Lumbini; the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha in 623BC. A dusty village however the nearby Ashok and temples constructed by the various Buddhist countries, are really quite beautiful.

My Buddha Air flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu was diverted via Pokhara. This flight was above the clouds that hung below the peaks of Annapurna Ranges and the Himalayan Mountains.Mount Everest could also be seen.

___________________________

NEPAL · Feb 04 - Feb 04
POKHARA:
Kathmandu seems nice and funky enough until you get away from it. Then you can appreciate, the clean mountain air in the countryside, especially at Pokhara in the Himalayan Mountains. Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside town. The bus up from Kathmandu takes about eight hours to cover the 210km journey. There are plenty of guest -houses to choose from in Pokhara.The highlights of Pokhara include the Mountain Museum, and tandem paragliding from 1,000 metres. Well worth the effort if floating in the clouds appeals to you.

___________________________

NEPAL · Jan 04 - Feb 04
KATHMANDU:
Nepal is heaven compared to India. Every thing is quite simple,friendly & relatively laid-back.You can purchase a 60 day tourist visa ($US30) on arrival at Kathmandu airport. There's usually a courtesy bus from one of the many guesthouses, waiting to meet planes. No need to organise anything in advance.It's possible to also purchase 5 month tourist visa's if you want stay much longer. I think they cost about $US80. Something worth noting is that foreigners cannot stay in Nepal more than 5 months in any one calendar year.

I stayed at the old, established Kathmandu Guesthouse in the heart of the Thamel tourist district. The rooms were a bit more expensive than other guesthouses however they were very comfortable. The Kathmandu Guesthouse is more like a hotel than a guesthouse. A big advantage is they accept major credit cards. There's not actually much to see in Kathmandu itself, but it is a good base to plan tours & just chill out on the rooftop restaurants.

___________________________

INDIA · Oct 03 - Feb 04
KOTTAYAM, BANGALORE, MYSORE & GOA:
At Kottayam (Kerala) & Bangalore (Karnataka) in the south of India, I taught (IELTS) English to post-graduate nurses. Most were Catholic and preparing to work in the USA & the UK.Whilst in India, I also visited Mysore, the "City of Palaces" near Bangalore. Mysore is really quite charming.

The beach at Goa on the west coast of India, facing the Arabian Sea, was my favourite place. The first time, I stayed at Calangute Beach for 5 days. The next was for 10 days. I really did not want to leave Goa. It was fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested.Multiple-entry six (6) month tourist visa's are available for India, irrespective of how long you want to stay. The cost of the visa varies according to your nationality.

___________________________

THAILAND · Sep 03 - Oct 03
BANGKOK:

In order to improve my foreign language teaching skills and options, I did six (6) weeks' private TEFL (Teach English Foreign Language) training in the Thai capital of Bangkok. During this period, I rented a small apartment in suburban Bangkok and made some lovely Thai friends. I even took weekly lessons in learning the Thai language. Thai's think it is polite to be late or not turn up at all for appointments or dates.

It was a nice change not to be involved in any tourist activities, as this was my fourth time in Thailand. Tourism is very well established in Thailand. Anyone new to Bangkok can just head straight to the Khao San Road backpacker area, and organise whatever flights or tours they like.

___________________________

CHINA · Dec 02 - Sep 03
NORTHERN CHINA:
I travelled by soft-sleeper train ($US100) from Hanoi, Vietnam to Beijing in December 2002. Winter is bitterly cold in northern China. The wind cuts like a knife. No matter how much wrapping you have on, it still gets through. The sights in & around Beijing included Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Great Wall & the Beijing Acrobatics.

I left Beijing & went by bus (8 hours) to windy, dusty, non-descript, Dongying in Shandong Province near the BoHai Sea. This city's claim-to-fame is its oilfield. I taught English as a foreign language to over one thousand Chinese high school students from December 2002 to September 2003. I was the only foreigner there.The immediate area (Bafenchang) was established by chain gang prisoners in the 1930's. Being in a fairly isolated provincial area, local folk thought at first that I must be Russian.

I also visited Lai Zhou, Linzi, Zibo & Qingdao in Shandong. Qingdao is a beautiful seaside place during summer.Winter is bitterly cold.

___________________________

CAMBODIA · Nov 02 - Dec 02
POIPET, BATTAMBANG, SIEM REAP, PNOM PENH, SIHANOUKVILLE:

VIETNAM · Nov 02 - Dec 02
SAIGON, HUE, HANOI, HALONG BAY & SAPA:

LAOS · Oct 02 - Nov 02
VIENTIANE, VENG VIENG & LUANG PRABANG:

THAILAND · Sep 02 - Oct 02
ISLANDS & BEACHES:

SINGAPORE · Aug 02 - Oct 02
SINGAPORE:

MALAYSIA · Aug 02 - Sep 02
MAINLAND EAST & WEST COASTS, AND SARAWAK :

INDONESIA · Jan 02 - May 02
LOMBOK, BALI, JAVA & SUMATRA:

Program Information

warrenr — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:47:00 GMT

English Opens Doors Volunteer Program along with The Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Programme-Chile assigns volunteers to public schools in regions throughout Chile, who in turn live with host families in their community, and receive a monthly stipend. During the Annual, 8, 6 and 4 month placements, volunteers serve as English-language teaching assistants to Chilean English teachers for 25 hours per week, and spend an additional 10 hours a week planning classes and leading extracurricular activities for the school community. In public schools, English language instruction begins in the 5th grade and volunteers may be assigned to work with one or more grade levels anywhere from 5th to 12th grade. Volunteers split classes with a Chilean English teacher and teach one-half of the group (approximately 25 students) focusing on listening and speaking skills in their own classroom, while the Chilean teacher works with the second half of the group in a separate classroom setting. After 45 minutes, the volunteer and the Chilean teacher switch groups. The presence of a native English speaker provides an excellent opportunity for students and teachers to further develop their listening and speaking skills.

English Opens Doors Volunteer Program along with The Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Programme-Chile offer:

A monthly stipend of CLP 85.000 (@ Feb 09)
Accommodation and meals with a host family
Health Insurance, Pre-Departure Information and Support
All-expense paid orientation in Santiago, which includes TEFL workshops, information about the Chilean educational system, a cultural orientation, Spanish lessons, and cultural activities
Airport transfer fees to designated accommodations for Santiago orientation for volunteers who arrive on official program start dates
All-expense paid regional orientation
Assistance obtaining Temporary Residence Visa and Chilean I.D. card
Round-trip transportation from Santiago to regional placement site
E-blended Spanish Course (online Link Chile e-learning)
Classroom Materials
Ongoing teaching support
Program certification by the Chilean Ministry of Education

The Great North (Norte Grande):Arica Region, Tarapacá Region (Iquique), Antofagasta Region (Calama and Maria Elena)

The Small North )Norte Chico): Coquimbo Region
The Central Valley (Valle Central):Metropolitan Region, Valparaiso Region
The South (Sur):Araucania Region, Los Rios Region (Valdivia, Paillaco, La Union, Rio Bueno)
Easter Island or Robinson Crusoe Island:Intermediate Spanish required
.

http://www.centrodevoluntarios.cl/seccion.php?subcat_id=33&cat_id=6&p=1

________________________

Slipping Into Laos

warrenr — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:11:00 GMT

The most south-western mountainous province in the modern-day People’s Republic of China was named “south of the clouds” by a Tang emperor during the 8th Century AD. Chinese imperial dynasties from that time onwards thought of Yunnan as being the edge of their world, beyond the clouds and south of Schezwan (Sichuan). With over twenty different ethnicities represented (including Naxi, Yi, Tibetan, Mosuo and Bai), much of Yunnan’s cultural diversity comes from its history as a major trade route between Tibet and South East Asia. The Mekong River ("mother Kong") rises in Yunnan Province and flows approximately 4,800 kilometers through or along the borders of neighboring countries Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The mighty Mekong is the only river in Asia to have two capital cities on its banks - Vientiane in Laos and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. With the assistance of the Asian Development Bank in 1992, the six countries listed above (including Yunnan Province, China) entered into a program of sub-regional economic cooperation, designed to enhance economic relations among the independent nations. The program has contributed to the advancement of infrastructure to enable the development and sharing of the resource base, and promote the freer flow of goods and people in the sub-region. It has also led to the international recognition of the sub-region as a growth area. A phenomenal tourism boom over the past decade is attracting visitors from all corners of the Earth.

Map of Laos PDR

Kunming (commonly referred to as “the City of Eternal Spring”) as Yunnan’s provincial capital has an efficient, international airport, which busily serves as a gateway hub for south-west China and other parts of the Asian continent. Civil aviation in Yunnan has witnessed recent, rapid development. At least one hundred air routes operate including international routes to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Dhakka, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Macao, Mandalay, Seoul, Singapore, Vientiane, and Yangon. These days, Kunming Wujiaba International Airport can now accommodate ten million passengers per year. Yunnan also has local airports equipped with advanced telecommunication and navigation facilities in Xishuangbanna, Mangshi, Simao, Zhaotong, Baoshan, Dali, Lijiang, Diqing and Lincang.

Daily flights from Kunming to Vientiane in the Lao People's Democratic Republic take around two hours, with one way tickets costing 1100 RMB ($US150). Tourist visas are available upon arrival for $US30 or they can be arranged in advance through the Laos Consulate in Kunming. Alternatively, a sleeper bus to Luang Prabang (Louhangphrabang) leaves Kunming south bus station every evening for only 280 RMB ($US40). Allow up to thirty hours this way. Independent excursions, particularly in the north-east, are definitely not recommended because, although officially a neutral country, Laos was host to a secret war between the USA and Vietnam thirty to forty years ago. As a result, Laos earned the distinction of being the most bombed country in the history of modern warfare.

Tour Boat

Palm Reflections

Island Life

Pak Ou Cave

Buddha Statues

Suspension Bridge
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Lao PDR is now enjoying peace and stabilizing its political and economic structures after two decades of isolation from the outside world. It is characterized by a high degree of geographic, cultural and linguistic diversity. The country's rich traditions survive, including respect for cultural / religious beliefs and practices, and utilization of consensus in decision-making. The first constitution since 1975 was promulgated in August 1991. It reaffirmed the monopoly of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) on political power as well as the goal of a market-oriented economy. Restated in the Sixth Congress (1996), the Party has sole responsibility to lead the country and government under the Constitution.

Steps to Bungalow
Don Det Jetty
In July 1997, Laos became a member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, in which it is regarded as a land-locked least developed country. ASEAN aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors to promote a prosperous and peaceful community of South-East Asian nations. It also seeks to promote regional peace and stability through the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. ASEAN was established in 1967. Its founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The Association now comprises ten countries - Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
ASEAN has ten Dialogue Partners - Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States of America. The United Nations Development Program also has dialogue status. ASEAN holds an annual ministerial meeting for its foreign ministers, which is followed by the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC), which is attended by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN's dialogue partners. Annual summits at ASEAN Head of Government level are also held. Additionally, ASEAN leaders meet with leaders of the “plus three” countries (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) as a group as well as individually. Since 2002, ASEAN leaders have also held an annual summit with India.
Dialogue Partners Australia and New Zealand participated in a leaders’ summit for the first time in November 2004 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia and ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relationships in 2004 and 2005 respectively in Laos. Insofar as other visitors are concerned and on a separate note, an online ASEAN Tourism Forum has been established and dedicated to the further development of tourism in ASEAN Countries by providing a platform to discuss news and views. All tourism stakeholders in ASEAN countries are invited to participate for better understanding and transparency among members. Laos is one of the least visited countries on our planet, but isolation so far has meant that Lao PDR retains a remarkable serenity and timeless charm.
With a population of only six million, the country is relatively sparse. The upper regions claim eighty per cent of the inhabitants. The small capital city of Vientiane sits on the banks of the Mekong River, home to one hundred and forty thousand people. Vientiane is usually considered to be charming & picturesque, boasting an ever-increasing number of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stores catering for the continuous flow of adventure seekers, quite often on a budget. The following list of foreign embassies indicates the nationalities present; Australia, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam.

The British Embassy was closed in 1985, and responsibility for UK representation to Laos passed to the British Ambassador in Bangkok. This has not deterred a steady stream of Brits from bringing their strong, hard currency pounds sterling into adjoining Laos. Although the official language is Lao, English is widely spoken, especially as a medium for business. Being previously a protectorate (outpost) of France, it is not unusual to see official tourism literature and other advertising produced in English, French and Lao. The most popular destinations tend to be in northern Laos. Much of the serene former capital, Luang Prabang, and its Buddhist temples are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are about thirty two historic pagodas within easy walk of each other.

In the southern section of the country towards Cambodia is the province of Champassak. The capital, Pakse (Pakxe), is situated at the confluence of the Se River and the Mekong River. Pakse means “mouth of the Se” and is a busy trading town. The province also houses much of the Bolaven Plateau, an area that is home to a number of ethnic minorities. Further south is Si Pan Don (“Four Thousand Islands”), where the Mekong reaches up to fourteen kilometers wide during the rainy season and the Khone Phapeng Falls. May to October is the wet season. It does not rain constantly, but a raincoat or umbrella could prove to be a useful fashion item. November to May is the dry season, so take a hat & sun cream. From December to February, temperatures can drop considerably.
http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Laos/West/Vientiane/blog-194456.html

Luang Prabang 25km

Northern Waterfall

Young Merchants

Forest Bridge

Night Markets

Tubing Laos

Warning Sign

Swinging Vang Vieng

Sandwich Stall

Bamboo Spoons

Internet Monks
Laos Batik

Kids Swim

Snake Whisky

Buddha Park, Vientiane

Misty Mountains

Mount Emei China

warrenr — Mon, 1 Jan 2007 00:08:00 GMT

WORLD HERITAGE LIST - China

MOUNT EMEI :

Mount Emei is located in the mid-south part of Sichuan Province, the transitional belt from the Sichuan Basin to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The highest peak of Mount Emei is Wanfo Peak (meaning tens of thousands of Buddhas), at an altitude of 3,099 meters. The whole reserve occupies an area of 154 square kilometers.

With its beautiful natural landscape and the holy mountain of Buddhism , Mount Emei enjoys fame as "the most elegant place under heaven". The ancestors living in the area created splendid history and culture. In the 1st century A.D., one of the first Buddhist temples in China was built here, and the addition of other temples in the surrounding areas in the following years turned the site into one of Buddhism's main sacred places. Situated in a junction area of various natural elements, Mount Emei possesses typical geological and topographical features, well preserved eco-environment; and thanks to its essential position as the junction and transition belt of world biology divisions, the area boasts rich plant and animal resources, has distinct regional characteristics, and is the home to many rare and threatened species.

LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA:

The Giant Buddha of Leshan, located east to Leshan city, Sichuan Province and carved out of the west hillside of Xiluan Peak on Mount Lingyun, looks down on the confluence of three rivers, namely, Dongmin River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River. The Giant Buddha is an ancient petroglyph portraying a sitting Laughing Buddha, and the Buddha is also known as the Giant Buddha of Jiazhou or the Giant Buddha of Lingyun due to its geographical location.

The carving of the Giant Buddha began in the first year of Kaiyuan during the reign of Tang Xuanzong Emperor (713 A.D.) and completed in the nineteenth year of Zhenyuan in the reign of Tang Dezong Emperor (803 A.D.), lasting for 90 years. This Giant Buddha of Leshan is the largest statue of stone carving in China, and also the largest sitting Buddha in the world.

Central Europe 06

warrenr — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 23:48:00 GMT

FLIGHT DETAILS - WARREN R RODWELL

Sunday 25 June Chengdu 0900 CTU931HW / CA4101

Sunday 25 June Beijing 1055 (GMT + 6)

INWARD FLIGHT: China to Germany

Sunday 25 June Beijing 1415 CA931 Depart China

Sunday 25 June Frankfurt 1820 (GMT + 2)

Sunday 23 July Frankfurt 1440 China Eastern
Monday 24 July Shanghai 0730 (GMT + 6)
Monday 24 July Shanghai 1310 Air China
Monday 24 July Chengdu 1600 (China Time)
________________________________________

RETURN FLIGHT: Germany to China

TRAVEL ITINERARY (June 25 - July 24, 2006)

Sun 25th - ARRIVE FRANKFURT MAIN AIRPORT Germany

Sun 25th - Thurs 29th June STUTTGART Germany

Thurs 29th June - Sat 1st July HEIDELBERG - Hotel Sudpfanne

The Main Street, 300m from the Castle or the Universitysqaure, in the centre of the old town, close to the Untere Strasse (the street where all the Bars are)
Hauptstrasse 223, Heidelberg

Sat 1st - Tues 4th July BLACK FOREST (Freiburg Germany & Switzerland)

Tues 4th - Sat 8th July SALZBURG Austria

Sat 8th - Sun 9th July PRAGUE Czech Republic

Sun 9th - Wed 19th July KRAKOW / WROCLAW Poland

Wed 19th - Thurs 20th July LEIPZIG Germany

Thurs 20th - Sun 23rd July WURZBURG / NUREMBERG

Sun 23rd July : Return Flight FRANKFURT - CHINA via Shanghai

http://wocca.21publish.com/nextEntries/1vhujt955rfrw

Krakow in Summer

warrenr — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 01:43:00 GMT

Krakow in southern Poland is possibly best known internationally due to the movie "Schindler's List" which highlighted the plight of European Jews during World War II. The international airport is named John Paul II. Work that one out for yourself ;-}

During Summer 2006, I stayed about two weeks in Poland, travelling by train in from Prague and out to Berlin. Most of the time was in and around Krakow. In fact, I watched the World Cup Final (Italy versus France) on TV in an underground bar in Krakow. Of course, I also checked out the nowadays trendy Kazimierz Jewish district, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wawel Castle, & Wieliczka Salt Mine underground.

Heading back towards Germany, I also enjoyed a few days in Wroclaw : the botanical gardens, the museum with panoramic ceiling (Raclawicka), & Tumskia Bridge. Time permitting, I will try separately to upload pictures of some of these delightful sights.

If I were to live in Europe, Poland would rate high as one of my choices because of its location, people, character & culture. The unpronounceable beer was rather delicious in moderation.I certainly have no complaints about the food either, though I tended to indulge mainly in kebabs and pizza.

Warren Rodwell
http://wocca.21publish.com

Copy & paste or click for more pictures:
www.panoramio.com/user/775695/tags/Poland%20Krakow

Childhood to Chengdu

warrenr — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:56:00 GMT

A Texas lawman leaves his gun at home ...

In everyday life in downstate Texas, Dennis West has to carry a gun, even when this soon to be retired law enforcement officer is off duty. On the seldom occasions that he has been without a weapon for whatever reason, he has felt excessively ill at ease. Thirty years’ active police experience has proven just how highly dangerous the American cities and suburbs are. Mr West knows what can happen in certain situations, so he is always less anxious with a firearm close at hand.

Here in Sichuan of course, the scenario is altogether different. Law-abiding citizens exhibit esteem for authority. There have been some apparent minor matters, but they can hardly be regarded as altercations. Whilst on vacation, it was interesting to observe Chinese counterparts and the assistant traffic wardens in yellow jackets, pulling bicycles over. Members of the public consistently responded with admirable courtesy and respect. Foreigners can feel 100% safe and relaxed walking the city streets unarmed day or night.

A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, evoked praise that it is a wonderful facility, so attractively and thoughtfully planned. When Dennis was only a pint-sized toddler, his parents gave his older brother a typical brown teddy bear. Be it coincidental or a strikingly unconventional twist of fate, the younger son was given a cute black and white panda bear. This instilled a passionate yearning to come full circle and meet up with the indigenous species in its true home.

The cuddly wildlife was not the only treasured native noticed in the Brocade City. It is well known throughout China how extremely beautiful the girls are, especially with their smooth white skin. When asked how they compare with those in the United States, the gentlemanly guest explained, “Well! We have some beautiful women back home, but they can’t hold a candle to Chengdu women.” It was truly pleasant to stroll down the sidewalk or casually sit, and see so many glamorous ladies pass by.

Rarely do great beauty and great virtue dwell together. However, our lone star state buddy described the mainland Chinese for the most part as being absolutely traditional, genuine and unpretentious, a refreshing change and a far cry from others elsewhere with a preference for indulging in a lifestyle of ostentatious consumption and self-indulgent partying. The local expatriate routines are certainly compelling and the cost of living is very low by western standards. It makes the mind think, “Yes! I could live like this.”

In the good old days, Texans went to Mexican restaurants and ate Mexican food. The food community began referring to Americanized Mexican food as "Tex-Mex," a term previously used to describe anything that was half-Texan and half-Mexican. Texas-Mexican restaurant owners considered it an insult. It was somewhat ironical that the insult launched a success. For the rest of the world, Tex-Mex subsequently gained an international reputation as America's most popular regional cuisine.

In a convivial sense, a similar atmosphere has been ascribed to friendly Chengdu expat hangouts. They evoke images of cantinas where people come in to meet, greet, eat and drink harmoniously. It is delightful and natural to have tables full of local Sichuanese folk with no clear connection with the resident foreigners, sitting playing cards and joining in with everyone else around them; such ambience being richly embellished with a disposition to kindness and camaraderie.

The suburban districts of Chengdu would still be referred to as part of the inner city areas in the USA. The first thing that strikes newcomers to China is all of the pedestrian traffic. In the central business district and suburbs of Dallas, nobody appears to walk on the footpaths. Private cars are used a lot more.. Due to lesser population density per square kilometre, the American suburbs are strictly comprised of single family, free standing non-attached houses, as well as one floor specialty buildings for medical and other professional services.

From the sky, the pretty Sichuan capital looks very green, with a lot of rice paddies all set in surrounding rows. The airport is spacious, modern and clean. The taxi ride along the highway into town, was an enjoyable introduction to the province. Mr West conceded that many of his compatriots, who are fairly uneducated about world travel, were rather concerned about him coming to communist China. However, the message he will take back is that Chengdu and the rest of the nation that he has seen, is much safer than anywhere in the United States.

Already accustomed to eating hot chili peppers, the spicy local cuisine was palatable and easy to digest. The best two meals were home cooked at a friend’s apartment. While the women fussed and chatted merrily in the kitchen, the men were able to put their feet up and savour some cold bottled beer. In a nearby small, family-run street side restaurant, the French fries cooked with garlic and chili, were the best ever tasted. Because the cooking method is so unique, it is probably more correct to refer to this variation of potatoes as Chengdu Fries.

Dennis West had been studying up on China for a number of years. The diverse cultures, geography and rapid economic growth captured his imagination, and also reaffirmed his childhood attachment to his own stuffed black and white panda bear. Planning well in advance, he applied for and was issued a double entry visa, which means a return trip this August or September is definitely on the cards. Chengdu is the first place on the Texan’s priority list.

Next time, retirement should permit an extended visit of anywhere between thirty and sixty days to further appreciate the relaxed pace. It is within the realms of possibility that Dennis might later come and stay on a more permanent basis. He can realistically see himself in the fairly immediate future, residing part of the year in Chengdu and the other back in the States. Right now, he is weighing up options and absorbing as much knowledge that he can.

Nepal-Tibet Overland

warrenr — Sat, 14 Feb 2004 00:20:00 GMT

Tibet remains one of the most interesting, remote and undeveloped parts of the world. A trip to Tibet is not for the fainthearted. Travelling can be hard, adventurous and often unpredictable.

Due to Tibet's high altitude, travellers with a history of heart, lung or blood problems should consult a doctor before considering a visit. Others are still likely to suffer from some form of acute mountain sickness (AMS) anyway.

Travelling overland between Kathmandu and Tibet is an incredible journey in which you can see the world's highest plateau. This is a wonderful and amazing trip. Visitors should also understand that Tibet was only opened to tourism in the mid-eighties.

However, if you are not up for a bit of adventure, or for accommodation and amenities that may be far from perfect, then this escapade is most probably NOT for you.

The author stayed at the Kathmandu Guesthouse in the Thamel district in Nepal. No contact information is available for the overalnd tour operators, but anyone interested in finding out more about going overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa could try this link ...

http://www.ktmgh.com/

Travel Last Century

warrenr — Tue, 2 Jan 2001 23:03:00 GMT

MALAYSIA · Oct 99 - Oct 99
PENANG:
Beach resort area. Great breakfasts, parasailing & night street market.

Very conservative, soft-core Asia. Wonderful for families.

THAILAND · Jun 97 - Jun 97
BANGKOK, CHIANG RAI & CHIANG MAI

___________________________

NEW ZEALAND · Sep 91 - Sep 91
ENROUTE NEW ZEALAND - AUSTRALIA

USA · Sep 91 - Sep 91
ENROUTE LONDON - LOS ANGELES - AUCKLAND

ENGLAND · Dec 90 - Sep 91
EAST SUSSEX / KENT:

FRANCE · Aug 91 - Aug 91
ENROUTE ENGLAND TO SPAIN:

SPAIN · Aug 91 - Aug 91
BARCELONA & COSTA DEL SOL:

___________________________

NETHERLANDS · Feb 91 - Feb 91
DELFT, HOLLAND:

WALES · Jan 91 - Jan 91
NORTHERN WALES:

ITALY · Dec 90 - Dec 90
ROME:

ISRAEL · Oct 90 - Dec 90
TEL AVIV:

EGYPT · Nov 90 - Nov 90
CAIRO & THE SINAI:

___________________________

ENGLAND · Sep 90 - Oct 90
LONDON:

MALAYSIA · Sep 90 - Sep 90
ENROUTE AUSTRALIA - ENGLAND

TURKEY · Sep 90 - Sep 90
ENROUTE AUSTRALIA - ENGLAND:

SCOTLAND · Sep 90 - Sep 90
GLASGOW:

AUSTRALIA · Jun 89 - Sep 90
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

INDONESIA · Jun 89 - Jun 89
BALI:

AUSTRALIA ·
NEW SOUTH WALES / QUEENSLAND

___________________________

.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Born in Sydney and grew up on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. I developed a love of the beach at a very young age. Have travelled around most parts of mainland Australia. The cities that I know best are Brisbane, Perth & Sydney.