Build It And They Will Come

Better than doubling on a scooter, but not exactly like riding in the back of a private limo, these makeshift 'taxis' look like they are constructed out of a giant tin can, discarded plywood, and scotch tape.

The Prime Minister's Mansion

We visited the historic royal residence of Chen Tingjing, the prominent Prime Minister and teacher of Emperor Kangxi during the Qing Dynasty.

More than 500 years old, the well preserved castle complex is huge, with numerous courtyards, rooms, and towers, each having grand names such as the Tower of Rivers and Mountains, the Cave of Fighters, and the Courtyard of Young Ladies (guess which one I wanted to go see)..

Usually I'm not into visiting historical sites - they bore me to death - but this one was actually pretty cool. Mostly because we didn't have to follow any tour or route - we were free to just wander around, and there was lots to explore. We also lucked out, because we arrived right before they were going to have their daily morning parade. We didn't feel like seeing that, so while everyone else was sitting outside the palace gates watching this show, we were one of the few people inside, and we didn't have to fight the crowds. It was like being able to going on Space Mountain again while everyone else is watching the Main Street Electrical Parade.

You GO Girl!

Crimped hair extensions are back!

If you want it done right..

..you have to do it yourself.  Chinese people are unbelievably ingenious when it comes to making use of whatever's available.

"Hey, I need a splash guard. I know, how about this rice sack!"
"These CDs will make great rear reflectors!"
"What to do with this scrap piece of rubber? I'm thinking... anti-slip mat."

Bonus points for trying to make this ride bad ass by adding the faux leather gas tank cover with the flame and fringe. Ride to live, live to ride..